Hello everyone! I’m officially 23 and I have got to say, Blink 182, what were you talking about? Plenty of people like you when you’re 23! I’m so thankful for all my wonderful friends and family who messaged, emailed, texted, or called me. Makes you really appreciate all the wonderful people in your life even more! 
Since it was a work day, I was spent most of the day answering emails but took a short lunch break to go to Cody’s La Jolla, a delicious brunch place in Downtown La Jolla with my roommate. They had the best hand cut onion rings to start with. 
For the main dish, I got their chopped salad. It’s one of the first times I’ve ever gotten a salad for brunch but I knew that I would be indulging a lot the rest of the day and weekend to celebrate. If you are ever in San Diego and need a good brunch place, let me know! I am your girl. 
After lunch, I worked until 4:30 and started getting ready for my first track practice back after my injury. I was really nervous because I know that I get really competitive, especially at group practices but had no idea where my fitness levels were in terms of track workout paces. Happy to report that I am not completely out of shape and was able to keep up with the majority of the team throughout the workout. 
It was a beautiful day to run. Anthony and Elle came as well because Anthony wanted to do a mile trial time. Don’t tell him I’m telling you all, but for someone who does not run very often, he had an incredible time for his mile- 5:54 min/mi! Now we are slowly but surely trying to convert him to the dark side, I mean light side, of running and triathlon ;) 
My coach is awesome at taking action shots. Do not let this picture fool you though. I was dying on the inside and struggling to keep my 6:30 min/mile pace. Surgery and injury really takes a lot out of you! You just have to remind yourself that you have time to get back into it and you are doing this for fun. There is no rush and you’ll be back in no time. 
We were nervous to take Elle to our workout because we didn’t know how she would do tied up. She cried a couple of times but there were enough people on the team like coaches and friends, who gave her attention and eventually, she was just having fun chewing sticks on the sidelines. We can’t wait til our little sidekick can run too. As a reward, we let her dig a huge hole near the track after… Don’t tell the school! 
After track, I figured the best way to refuel was with Sprinkles Cupcakes… I definitely used my birthday as an excuse;) Somehow forgot to take a picture of my cupcakes but remembered to take one of Elle with hers. Love that Sprinkles makes cupcakes for dogs as well. 
Ended my birth date night with a cup of Yogi tea. I love the little quotes that come with their tea packets. I definitely needed that. 
Oh and on the topic of celebration, my sister one uped my birthday yesterday with a middle school celebration! She is graduating and going to high school in a couple months and one of 14 who got straight A’s all throughout middle school! She got a special trophy and everything. So excited for her and love watching her grow up, even if it’s from afar as she is in Florida right now.
Spending the rest of the weekend celebrating with Anthony, friends, and family. What do you have planned?
Let’s rewind to the rest of our Wednesday. Elle has become quite the couch hog. Nothing better than catching a sleepy pup about to wake up. 
During my lunch break yesterday, I took Elle to the dog park again. I’m trying to teach her how to play fetch but so far it’s been a game of “I got the ball and now I’m going to run away with it.” Turned out to be more of a workout for me!
Anthony went to do a couple of errands for his sister yesterday and came back with an acai bowl for me. I am really liking this whole celebrate your birthday for a week thing ;) 
I’ve been working from home the past couple of weeks since my injury since I don’t feel comfortable driving with one arm yet. However, Anthony has been taking me into the office to get caught up every now and then since and I walked into my cubicle to see my desk all decorated for my birthday. Seriously, the sweetest of coworkers. Can’t wait to spend the rest of the day celebrating!
RunMileswithSmiles 