Jenna Domingo: Antigua & Marathon Update

Wow! I cannot believe that Matt and I have been married a year already! I guess this saying applies to us, "Time flies when you are having fun!"

We have had an action packed first year of marriage! We were married on June 21, 2008 at Giorgio's at Foxhill in Baiting Hollow, NY. It was such a gorgeous day and we were so grateful to have all of our close family and friends with us (many that had flew in from Arizona, California, Utah, Michigan, and the list goes on). I still cannot believe what a perfect day we had but more importantly how lucky I was to have found Matt. After the wedding, we honeymooned at Sandals in St. Lucia and had such a great experience that we booked another trip right then and there for our 1 year anniversary! They offered us such a great package that we just couldn't say no! We decided to go to Antigua because we have heard wonderful things about the the island and the beaches are supposed to be gorgeous (which they were)!

Upon arrival into Antigua we were faced with nightmarish lines to get through immigration and customs, however once we arrived at the resort we were greeted with cold towels and champagne! We were then escorted to our cottage-type room in the gardens which turned out to be adorable. The grounds there are immaculate and there are tons of little paths and cottages spread out all over the place. There are a few main buildings, and some with ocean views, but we were extremely happy with our cozy little room! We took a short walk out to the beach and were amazed as our feet touched the softest sand we've ever felt and our eyes met the views of crystal clear aquamarine colored water! We got there late so we took a quick dip in the ocean and then nestled into some chairs to watch the sunset and it was beautiful. The entire trip was just so relaxing, without a care in the world and no where to be, it was just what we needed. We did not turn on our cell phones or check email at all! We pretty much lounged every day on the beach or by the pool, went on a boat tour one day and even attended a wedding!

On our first night we were there we went to a teppanyaki/hibachi style restaurant where we sat with 3 other couples. We ended up becoming very friendly with all of them and hung out with them every night! Camille and Tim were there to get married on site and invited us to their private ceremony which was so nice (pictures to follow). We were so honored to go and so glad we met such nice people!

Every night there was some form of entertainment or a band and even some crazy contests (we participated in 2 of them)! The boat tour we went on was very intimate and showed us around some of the smaller islands, took us snorkeling, hiking and even through a cave! I only have great things to say about this resort and the island and I think my pictures will show you some of the natural beauty we encountered.

AS FOR MARATHON TRAINING...

We worked out 4 days while we were in Antigua (well if you include swimming/snorkeling and a game of tennis, we were physically active every day!) I usually take off from the gym when I go on vacation but could not afford to do that with the marathon a near 4 months away. I had to get a 7 mile run in along with a few other short runs. Not to mention the resort was all-inclusive and I was packing in some major food, I decided it was in my best interest to get to the gym. I did all my running on the treadmill which wasn't as bad as I thought! I was even late for breakfast on our actually anniversary due to my run taking so long - sorry Matt! He understands and like I said he is very supportive of all my running and training.

We got back from Antigua on Friday and the very next day I had to get up and do a 9 mile run with my friends and running team in Hoboken. I thought I was totally ready for this but I was not. It was in the high 70's or maybe even 80's and I tend to overheat when it's that hot. I think I was tired and the heat just got the best of me and I had to stop and walk at least 4 times. But hey I made it through and logged the miles and that is all that matters.

Since then I have done a 10 mile run and some short runs and 2 speed workouts on the treadmill. I have been feeling good during my runs but have been exhausted at night. I have can hardly keep my eyes open to watch our TV shows and find myself ready for be at 11pm (whereas I usually go to bed at 12am). I think I am going to alter our bed time but it is hard because by the time I get home from work, run or go to the gym, make dinner, shower, etc, it is 10:00! I have worked out twice in the morning and may try and do that a few times a week so I have time to do things at night and hang out with Matt.

Ok enough blabbering here, I will leave you with one last comment - I HAVE RAISED $2,181.20 SO FAR! WOOHOO! I had a couple of really generous coworkers/friends donate money and get me more than 2/3 way through with my fundraising! My goal is $3,000 but I may even aim for $5,000! Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far!

Our beach