Wind and Rain cant stop me!

What a race I had in Santa Cruz Half marathon. The race began at 8am and as I stood at the start I feared I would be too cold, it would be too wet and windy. I also feared I didn't dress for this weather correctly. By mile one I took off my lovely garbage bag which warmed me so and ran at a good rhythm. I had on Capri's and a long sleeve with my TNT purple tank which had my sister Alex's name on it to remind me and others around me why I run.

The people were great who I passed and ran along side of. I had high hopes to beat my personal record of 2 hours and 7 minutes but wasn't so. As I ran thought the dirt trails I got stuck behind many people who I had to struggle to pass because of the small trail we shared. When I saw Coach Tim I knew I was far off my goal. As I said hello to Tim and ran past him he replied " what do you need ?" I said " to run faster" I laughed as I continued running knowing full well my goal was out of sight.

Two miles away from the finish I was thankful for the rain and heavy winds to have held back but then I spoke too soon. I was running along the shore and I looked to the waves and boom a wave smashes into the rocks below and sprayed my face along with others. we all laughed and said that felt great! then the winds kicked up and we all had to hold on to our hats and I nearly lost mine three times.

Once I finally saw the finish and the crowds I ran a little faster with a big smile! This was my best finish ever because no one was near me to block me. I pointed to the sky in memory of Alex and thanking God for getting me through. I then moved to the finish to hear my name "here comes Victoria Pon from San Jose" sooo excited to hear my name since I am always near too many people for them to pick my number out to read my name.

As I crossed the finish line I shouted for joy and then I heard Scott say "Victoria over here". I then gave Scott a victory kiss and we made our way to lunch with friends.

We celebrated with our TNT Alumni and had a great time and it was a great way to end our race. But wait not with out an ice bath, oy vay how I hate them but love how it helps my recovery.

next race could be Giants half in San Francisco but not sure yet. stay tuned for my next adventure!

2010 what do you have for me this year?

Wow 2009 came and went in a blaze of glory! I am still in a daze and cant wait for what 2010 will bring. Last year was super busy with wedding planning, fundraising, working and what ever else that came my way. This year I plan to enjoy my married life and get back into my running routine. I have signed up for at least 2 races one in Feb. called the Kaiser 1/2 marathon and the other in Santa Cruz on April 11th. I am excitied to train again for these races and hope not to worry to much on breaking a personal record with time but to enjoy it racing and running!

Oh and I did register Scott and I for a race similar to the Amazing race show. We will partner up with a few of our friends and race around San Francisco trying to solve 12 clues assigned to us. All that fun is in August. Best of all we arent planning a wedding this year but some of our good friends are and we are excitied to be there and celebrate with them. The Best part is I am not the bride so I just get to sit back and watch it all with out a worry on my part. Although Scott has bestman duties at Matt's Wedding so maybe a little work for him.

Well come on 2010 give us your best and save your worst for someone more deserving. Hey maybe the Sharks will win the Stanley Cup wouldnt that be great!!! lets see. Until next time :)

Merry Christmas

Happy Holidays from the Newlyweds!

What a year it has been for me and Scott. We are so happy and love this married life we have started. Since we are busy with sending out thank you cards this year we thought an email Christmas card was best to save stamps and prevent writer's cramp ;)

Please take the time to spend time with your loved ones this year and share time with one another more then a gift bought at the store. This Christmas season we feel spending time with our friends and family is more important then any money we could spend on a gift they would forget about in a few months. So take care and Enjoy what this Christmas season brings for you!

Love

Victoria and Scott Pon

P.S

To view a better picture of our holiday picture go to this website : http://ponfamily.com/scottvicwed/holiday2009.asp

To view our wedding pictures go to this site, click view proofs, and enter your email:
http://www.mardajonphotography.com/

Three Time Marathoner!!!

wow did I really finish my third marathon? wow I must say it could not have been done with out a great support like all of you. Team in Training is an unstoppable force to fighting against cancer and I am so proud to be apart of the fight. Let me take you through my hero's weekend.

We began the night before our race with a glorious crowd praising us for our efforts of fundraising and running a marathon for a worthy cause. I must say the crowds take my breath away and always tugs at my heart because I feel so humble and unworthy of such praise. after the dinner, the next morning comes race day....


we start up ready to race, me and Gabby only guessing on how well this race will be for us. I felt good and a bit nervous. we started out well but come mile 3 Gabby complained of her knee hurting. I shrugged it off and said stretch it out you'll be fine, not knowing she wouldn't be the whole race. It was hard running along side of Gabby hearing her complain about her knee and how awful this race is. I fought with every fiber in me not to be negative and run my race as best as I could. I pushed forward and thought about the cause I was running for and that this momentary uncomfort was worth it for this Cause.

At mile 20 my hopes of finishing at 4 hours and 30minutes was past me. my lower back was really hurting and pushing down into my tailbone. I pushed through the discomfort as best I could and held on to hope there is a finish I am going to cross today. Gabby and I kept chasing one another always staying near each other but it was hard to stay together because we were both fighting our own body battle.

At mile 25 I knew I could finish it strong but I needed a push and I got it when I saw my cousin Yolanda and her kids shout "Toria!!!" I screamed in astonishment I saw them, and her kids joined me in finishing the last stretch of the race. I had Coach Hao and Ryan and a few others from my team encourage me and push me forward to finish. Ryan gave me the best news and said "look a head in two more traffic lights your there!!!" I pulled with every muscle I had left and dug dip and started running with my heart. I heard my name in the crowds shouting " Go Victoria, you can do this, you got this, your going to finish" Once I saw the finish line everyone was a blur I slowed down wanting to take in the moment, I looked to the sky, blew a kiss to my sister in heaven and plowed for the finish. Just moments before I cross a hand grabs mine and I almost jerk away when I realized Gabby caught up and she says " lets finish" I took her hand and we crossed two women strong!!!! I was so emotional I cried taking my finisher necklace and prizes. I was so thankful to be done and the pain in my body would get rest.

I didn't reach my time goal and came in at 4hrs 54min but that doesn't matter, what matters is I raised a lot of money for a great cause and my Sister Alex's memory was honored that day along with your family and friends names. With your help I crossed the finish line and with your help we raise over $2,100 dollars with Team in Training and the entire nation of TNT raised $40 million this season to fight against cancer!!! Thank you so much for making this happen. And if I decide to run again next year I hope to raise more money to find a cure. Take care and Thanks again for your much appreciated support.

Before I leave the start line of my Marathon...

The Nike Women's Marathon is just a few days away and I wanted to send out a list of names I like to call my hero's list. Below you will see names you recognize and names you don't. each name is of a person who survived or was taken too early by cancer. I write each name down on my race jersey and run with them and for them. This race is not just for me its for all people who ever faced or will face cancer and I desire hope for them that they will have a fighting chance against cancer. here are the names:

In memory of:

Alexandria Gonzales ( my sister)
Katie Reich
Alyssa Geske
Ruth Miltuin
Mathew Baxley

In Honor of:

Andre Wright
Samuel Frank Marcozzi
Melodie Sandborn
Jack Aiello
Keith Newman
Leah Tedeschi
Kelly Harris
Mike Heinaman
Patti Rodriguez
Carlos Hernandez
Celeste Flores
Debra Mardesich
Dough Booth
Ellen Civigliano
Ichie Diaz
Todd Moore

I also have all of you and your prayers to carry me to the finish line this Sunday Oct. 18th in San Francisco. and my scripture I hold on to during my marathons is this:

Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”.

Thanks and I will write once more to tell you how my race went.

Smile this is your Hobby not your Job!

Today I ran in the Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon in down town San Jose. While running with my run buddy Gabby we passed a guy cheering everyone on and he says "great job running, smile remember this is your hobby not your job!" I had to smile because even though sometimes this running stuff feels like a job because of the training involved it is my hobby.

I run because I love it! and its a way to relieve stress and remember how I got started running, My sister Alex. I love this running stuff it seems to not only be my passion but a way to inspire others. I love to see people I know want to find something they are passionate about or just get off the couch and do something worth wild.

I don't take this run stuff too lightly since today as I was running I ran passed this women who was passed out face down in the street. There was people around her getting the help she needed but my heart sank realizing this run stuff is hard and can take a toll on your body if your not careful. I also heard of a another man who passed out and needed CPR and needed electric paddles to get his heart going. so scary; this was by far one of my first races where I noticed so many people being taken to the hospital and the weather was not a factor. Just goes to show this race stuff is hardcore.

Once I finished my race I was happy to have reached my time goal and be a little under it. I was aiming for 2hr 15min and came in at 2hr 11min!!!! so I think I am ready for my marathon in two weeks! please be praying for our safety and time while there. Again please send in names of friends and family members who have been effected by cancer so I can honor their names along with my sister's at my marathon!!!

Ok friends and family until the next time take care!

20 miles in Monterey

Phew what a day I had in Monterey. The weather was perfect and it was sooo beautiful who wouldn't love to be there in all its glory?

It has come to that time in my training for my marathon to run my 20 mile training run and then taper (slow down the miles). Scott came along for this training run and volunteered to help at a water stop. Scott didn't get a good ocean view at his water stop location but I was happy to see him when I came by for water. I started out my run nice and easy and worked my way up to a good running pace and held it to the finish. Just before I ran in my last few steps I thought back as to why I put myself through this and I said her name "Alex this is for you". each time I finish a run I remember her and its so rewarding. The best part was seeing Scott at the end to cheer me in with the rest of my Team! I love training with a great group of people. I am soo happy with this years training and I am very grateful to all you supporters for you prayers and support.

Since my marathon is fast approaching I do ask one final thing from all you supporters. If you know of anyone who has been affected directly by cancer or is currently fighting cancer let me know so I can add their name to my hero list. My hero list is a list of names I write on my race jersey. All during the marathon these names inspire us runners to keep running in honor or memory of them. Of course my Sister's name is on the top but your friend or family member is just as important.

Thank you once again for your continued support and if you haven't donated and still would like to please go to my web page at http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/nikesf09/vgonzales

I will send one more update before the marathon to keep you in the loop of my marathon which is on Oct 18th.

Take care and God Bless !