Il Giornale di RaDragon

Calling all and any angels!

Monday, 30 January 2012 | 01:05 pm

I’m raising funds again for the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.

Like last year, my sisters and I will be running the LA Marathon in memory of our dear friend Herman. If you weren’t keeping up with my posts in 2011 (no worries ;) ), Herman didn’t live to see me or my sisters complete the Los Angeles Marathon during one of the craziest storms that hit LA. :( He didn’t live long enough to know (though I trust he knew) that we reached our fundraising goal of $2,011! Herman passed 20 days short of the event. Pancreatic Cancer sucks. :(

This year, on top of the LA Marathon, we have another event where Team Herman will make an appearance: the American River 50 mile Endurance Run. No, I’m not turning into an ultra-marathoner (yet); that honor belongs to my sister Minel, as the American River race will be her first ultra distance. She’s running crazy miles (i.e., almost a marathon every other week!) and raising funds for this good cause, as well.

I know times are tough, but Pancreatic Cancer (or any form of cancer) doesn’t take a break during any economic recessions. I would really appreciate it if you can help with just $12 towards my fundraising efforts.

Find out more info, and/or make a secure online donation via our team page:
http://www.crowdrise.com/TeamHerman2012

Thank you in advance and your prayers are also more than welcomed!

About Pancreatic Cancer
The pancreas is an organ located in the upper part of the abdomen. It is in close contact to the stomach, small intestine, liver and spleen. Pancreatic cancer occurs when there is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the pancreas, which often begins in the pancreatic ducts. The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is still largely unknown, but certain factors are known to increase the risk. They include increasing age, male gender, cigarette smoking, high fat diet, diabetes, and a family history of the disease in close relatives.

Although pancreatic cancer is responsible for over 44,000 deaths a year in the United States, research to study its causes and treatment remains underfunded in this country and abroad.

About Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research
Founded in 1997, the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing pancreatic cancer research, and providing information, resources and support to pancreatic cancer patients and their families.

 

Nutrition vs. Nom nom nom

Sunday, 22 January 2012 | 09:39 pm

I’ve got a cold for the second time this year, albeit not as bad as it was last year after Thanksgiving (or a few weeks ago). It couldn’t have arrived or rather, occurred at the most opportune moment, either. Imagine being in a head fog as you’re snowboarding. Ugh. Annoying. The NyQuil I took last night helped, then the DayQuil this morning somewhat staved the runny nose, but as mentioned, I still felt somewhat groggy on the slopes (despite having a 9hr beauty rest, too). It was only after lunch that I felt like my head has cleared, and right now– after 3 bottles of Vitamin Water ‘essential’ throughout the day– I feel waaaay better than I did last night.

Anyway, this brought me to decide that 2012 will be the year where I have to watch what I eat — watch in terms of nutritional value, anyway and eventually, change my eating habits for the better.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I have a cheeseburger & fries everyday. It’s more like, there are some days where I don’t exactly get the nutrients (read: vitamins) that my body needs. It may sound basic, or even mundane, but it’s not easy to have a balanced meal everyday!

So, short of hiring a personal cook (no, I’m not tasking my Mum who’s on-holiday with us with that mission) or summat similar, I plan to do this the old-fashioned way: have someone remind me to eat my veggies. LOL j/k! I plan to stick to MyFitnessPal (consistently!) and log the food I eat, and in the process, make sure I really eat a balanced meal– that is, have my prescribed 20g of protein & complex carbs which will include veggies & fruits & all that healthy stuff.

I still will have someone remind me to eat my veggies LOL. But really it’s for accountability. My sis would be the perfect candidate along with her Health & Wellness Coach, Susan, who’s actually my Health Coach, too (I signed up on January 7th).

So there. I, Raciel, am pledging to eat better, nay, healthier, in 2012, so help me God (& friends)…

…starting tomorroz. LOL

Happy (Gregorian Calendar) New Year

Tuesday, 10 January 2012 | 10:42 am

Belated Happy New Year anyway. I generally write down my New Year Resolutions around February, but since Chinese New Year is somewhat earlier this year (January 23) and the (Roman Catholic) Church “new year” was at Advent 2011, I might as well fit some “resolutions” down somewhere in the middle  :D

So where do I begin? Perhaps a recap of 2011 would be good, and then go from there…

January: Did a couple of Mammoth trips, and more notably, created some shirts for “Team Herman” for our 5k & half marathon run in February at the Kaiser San Francisco Half Marathon (we raised funds for that event, too — to benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.)

February:  Attended the Annual GGPH Board meeting, sort of celebrated Chinese New Year and our household finally replaced our energy-hogging fridge with a brand-spanking new Samsung one that’s got a freezer drawer and French doors. LOL Oh, I raised funds for “Team Herman” (LA Marathon-edition) to benefit the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.

March: Herman passes. :( I meet my fundraising goals (raised over $2,011) and PR’d my LA Marathon during a storm. PR’d my 5k. Basta ikaw, Herman!

April: Renewed my Mammoth pass, attended a friend’s wedding.

May: had a Body Fat test in a Hydrostatic tank, Went to Disneyland with my fellow Chelsea Chicks, saw my littlest brother graduate from university! Attended a fun Bachelorette party in San Diego.

June: (finally) Ran the Camp Pendleton Mud Run with GGPH! Drove back to LA the same afternoon then the next day, did a super-sprint Triathlon. LOL. Visited and ran a half in Seattle, WA for the first time.

July: attended second wedding of the year. Registered for LA Marathon 2012!

August:  attended my first LMU Alumni Mixer and caught up with old Lacrosse teammates, went to Sheryl’s Bridal Shower! PR’d my 10k.

September: first time I’m recognized as a “Corporate Sponsor” as I attended my first benefit play, attended Sheryl’s  (awesome) Bachelorette festivities.

October: PR’d my second sprint triathlon (Hermosa Beach), ran the Nike Women’s (half) Marathon for the first time, celebrated my 35th at an arcade, participated in Sheryl & Peter’s awesome wedding, walk/ran a 5k with the newly-married couple the next day, then ran LA half marathon the next week in full costume at around 76° F.

November: ran a 5k in honour of a departed fellow-runner, did the Torrance Turkey Trot again, celebrated Thanksgiving with family, fell ill a week. LOL

December:  took my first running clinic, nearly PR’d my half marathon in Miami Beach (Florida), first Christmas (in 2 years) that we celebrated complete as a family. Shot some clowns ;)

2011′s theme clearly was fundraising, charity, and friendship. Also, a year of firsts — both good and bad. :( Anyway, so much for a recap as it was rather long… I’ll keep the resolutions short… and in another post. LOL  ^_^

Happy New Year!

 

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