I will run the rACE

March is a long month with no spring break. Just throwing that out there.

Luckily for me, I had a perfect get-away: the annual ACE marathon. In and of itself, anything ACE-related usually proves a pretty good time. Couple that with the backdrop of Oakland, CA (and the fact that a handful of friends live there/nearby), and I was golden.

I don't think my heart could have been any happier. (You can ask my sister - I was literally jumping up and down at some points with joy.)

I have been so fortunate in regards to my health (especially in being able to run with plantar fasciitis) and with the support and prayers of my family, friends, and coworkers. I was extremely sad to leave Oakland and the people there, it's true; yet, I am now filled with what I believe I need to get me to spring break. And for that I am extremely grateful. We all need to take time to refresh and hit the pause button...sometimes we don't realize just how much we need it until that time is upon us.

For good measure, here are some pictures from the weekend - fair warning: there are a lot, so I'll leave you to it. :)

Even though our flight was initially cancelled, we adapted and made it to Oakland!

Ended up bunking at the ACErs' house/convent one night - they weren't messing around. They were ready for the crowd!

We stayed right near Old Oakland...and they had a farmers' market and umbrellas.

Made it to daily Mass at Cathedral of Christ the Light - beautiful church!

This is not a hologram - it's made from the natural light. So cool!

We carbed up...while making sure we were meat-free on Friday :)

We wandered around Lake Merritt and found lots of neat little places to visit, such as the Bonzai Garden.

You bet we run this town!

Per a recommendation on Atlas Obscura...

One of my classmates came to visit on Friday night!

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

The weather was unreal - even though it was a little on the warmer side by the time the marathon rolled around, we couldn't have asked for better weather!

ACE housemates and classroom neighbors, carpool buddies, etc. (Basically this guy is the brother I never had and it was SO good to see him!)

Twins with matching shoes...that happened.

Go ACE, go!

26.2 miles later - woo hoo!

Made the choice to walk around San Francisco post-marathon - we were able to stretch the legs, but holy cow were there some steep inclines we walked up and down.

More RLP love!

The answer is ice cream. Always ice cream.

Bay Bridge from afar

Golden Gate Bridge (up close) - it was such a perfect sunset!

Scored some serious leg room on the way home (after our plane made a stop in Seattle).

These ACE people made my heart very happy - together the team raised over $10,000 for the ACE school this year. What troopers! And so much joy!!

A Week in Review...in Pictures

The school parent association kept the sweet treats (and puns) coming this week...

The treats culminated in a lovely luncheon on Friday - complete with a treat take-home box...only mine didn't make it home. 😏

Some lovely notes/post-its from parents and students were a welcome surprise and very affirming.

And the students designed doorstops for all of the faculty using the 3D printer - each doorstop was unique, so, clearly, as the religion teacher I got a cross. I LOVE it!

The best part of the week (and best Mass of the year, hands down) was Confirmation. It was a beautiful Mass. I had never met Bishop Rojas before, as this was his first visit to our parish. And the students all looked dapper and beautiful all dressed up. I can't believe this crew is in 8th grade - it sounds cliche, but it seems like only yesterday I was coaching these girls in volleyball in 4th grade, back when they couldn't even make a good pass or serve the ball over the net. Time flies!

After Confirmation I decided to go to the grocery store. As I was getting in my car, I spotted the license plate below. Now, I understand he was probably a Minnesota fan (and no doubt thought I was creepy for taking a photo of his license plate), but I think he might also support twin siblings too.

This morning's alarm came way too early, but it was worth it - we kicked off our marathon training today by running (nearly) 14 miles. We ended our run at Jeni's, where they were celebrating National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. (Yes, it's a national holiday - I can't make this stuff up.) To warm up we got coffee next door at Starbucks directly afterwards so we wouldn't freeze on our respective walks home. Brr...

There's a bit of work to be done for my Church docs class before I head to trivia tonight for my sister's school. It's always a ton of fun, so I can't wait! It's good to have a few excuses to relax this weekend. I hope you have a few good things planned too...