Rolling in the Deep - Adele
Thursday, April 3, 2025
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Monday, March 31, 2025
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Back to LA Marathon
Quick Recap: I am happy to have completed the marathon, but somewhat disappointed with my performance. I last ran the LA Marathon in 2020.
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Longer version: Happiness and disappointment are not mutually exclusive, in my opinion, they can be felt at the same time. Everything from the season of training to getting to the start line at Dodgers Stadium went very smoothly. The race started at 7am and I felt very comfortable for the first 10-12 miles, holding back to avoid going too fast and risk early bonking. The weather condition was great. I was on goal pace for 18-19 miles. Then severe cramps hit me hard between mile 19-21, so I could not run the way I wanted to for the last 5-6 miles. Both quads, my calves, and left foot started cramping during the last hour. They final stretch was ugly. I could only managed to jog/walk and I estimate over 1000 people passed me during the last 5 miles. It was a humbling final hour, but I had a smile on me the whole time despite the physical discomfort and mental disappointment. (And I am aware that the "discomfort" and "disappointment" are in very insignificant ways.) I'm grateful to see a few friends (Betty, Hardi, Sunny, and TaoTao) near the end who jogged with me (for short stretches) as I hobbled. Below is a picture my friend Sunny took of me at around mile 24. I never considered not finishing. After all, I parked by the finish line area anyways. =) Strangers cheered me on, gave me Gatorade, and offered snacks throughout the course. If the exact result would happen again next year, I would still go through the training and sign up to run.
And that's life: Results are not guaranteed. Enjoy the process and keep trying.
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Positive takeaways and lessons learned:
I had a very smooth training cycle starting around New Years. The full year of weekend long runs gave me a solid base. Cardio felt pretty good at the marathon pace throughout the first 18-20 miles. Strength training helped me avoid injuries. Consistent healthier diet choices and weekly training routine worked for my lifestyle. I stayed injury-free and illness-free, building up to 50-55 miles per week for over a month. Logistics worked well overall on race weekend. Fueling every 30 minutes worked overall for the race.
I had a very smooth training cycle starting around New Years. The full year of weekend long runs gave me a solid base. Cardio felt pretty good at the marathon pace throughout the first 18-20 miles. Strength training helped me avoid injuries. Consistent healthier diet choices and weekly training routine worked for my lifestyle. I stayed injury-free and illness-free, building up to 50-55 miles per week for over a month. Logistics worked well overall on race weekend. Fueling every 30 minutes worked overall for the race.
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Potential changes:
Running with others more frequently/regularly. Being more social within the running circle. Do more long runs with workout/marathon paces using race shoes. Add SaltStick supplements in training/racing days.
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Friday, March 28, 2025
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Monday, March 24, 2025
Sunday, March 23, 2025
Back to Racing Chinatown Firecracker 10K
This medal completes the set of 12 animals, dating back to 2014's medal from Year of the Horse. Hoping for another 12 years of healthy running with friends. From 3/9/2025
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Friday, March 21, 2025
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Monday, March 17, 2025
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Back to Road Racing
I ran a very satisfying race in near ideal conditions this morning. It's my first Brea 8K since 2008 and I'm so grateful to have run faster in 2025 than in 2008. This run gave me a lot of confidence about my physical level since I ran 16.5 miles on the day before the race and my body is recovering and adapting relatively well. (From 2/23/2025)
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Congratulations to our Classified Nominees
Classified Employee of the Year nominees!
1. Linda Gonzalez
Linda is a helpful addition to the counseling office. Providing much needed organization and even translating for our Spanish speaking community.
She manages the students that flow through the office in a professional manner. She never loses her patience with students, staff or parents.
Linda is an even tempered personality that works well with all staff members and administration. She is in charge of a large group of office aides and helps to keep the students on track with their detentions.
Linda is pleasant and professional. She handles her job with kindness and grace. We need more people who work this way.
She manages the students that flow through the office in a professional manner. She never loses her patience with students, staff or parents.
Linda is an even tempered personality that works well with all staff members and administration. She is in charge of a large group of office aides and helps to keep the students on track with their detentions.
Linda is pleasant and professional. She handles her job with kindness and grace. We need more people who work this way.
2. Brandy Sullivan
Brandy plays an important role at BHS. She keeps track of ALL the absences and locates subs for any position in the need of coverage.
She does this while also making sure coaches and their assistants are approved to work and making sure they receive their pay. She also makes sure fields trips and sports have transportation provided. This isn't easy with our transportation department and their lack of organization.
She does all of this on top of her duties to her superior and the athletic director. Brandy starts earlier than most classified. Her personal cell is always a buzz with the needs of the faculty and staff.
She is a friendly face to the students and families that come through the office. Always positive and organized.
She does this while also making sure coaches and their assistants are approved to work and making sure they receive their pay. She also makes sure fields trips and sports have transportation provided. This isn't easy with our transportation department and their lack of organization.
She does all of this on top of her duties to her superior and the athletic director. Brandy starts earlier than most classified. Her personal cell is always a buzz with the needs of the faculty and staff.
She is a friendly face to the students and families that come through the office. Always positive and organized.
3. Ashlie Venegas
Ashlie is a positive greeting to all who come through the front office of Bonita. She manages the visitors and all the calls that come into the school, while keeping the reception desk organized and flowing.
Ashlie is a welcoming personality for all the students at Bonita. She directs them to where they need help, be it a counselor or an administrator. She is organized astute in working several desks and has covered secretarial duties and even attendance many times.
Friday, March 14, 2025
Congratulations to the Nominees
2025 Employees of the Year
Teacher of the year nominees!
1. Darren Baumunk
I am writing to highly recommend Darren Baumunk for the Certificated Employee of the Year award at Bonita High School. As someone who has had the privilege of working alongside Darren, I can say with absolute confidence that he embodies the qualities of an outstanding educator and leader.
Darren wears many hats at Bonita High School-he is not only an exceptional teacher but also serves as the Athletics Director and a coach. His dedication to the students and the school community is unmatched. Darren consistently puts students first, working tirelessly to ensure their academic, athletic, and personal growth. He is a true advocate for their well-being, always seeking opportunities to create positive, enriching experiences for all involved. As a teacher, Darren creates an engaging and supportive learning environment, fostering academic excellence and inspiring students to reach their full potential. His commitment to their success extends beyond the classroom, where he leads by example, whether it's on the field as a coach or in the gym as an athletics director. Darren goes above and beyond to make sure that the students have the support and resources they need to succeed in every aspect of their school experience.
Furthermore, Darren's ability to balance his many roles with grace, professionalism, and enthusiasm is remarkable. He consistently exceeds expectations and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the Bonita High community. His work ethic, compassion, and selflessness make him an irreplaceable member of our team. Darren wears many hats at Bonita High School-he is not only an exceptional teacher but also serves as the Athletics Director and a coach. His dedication to the students and the school community is unmatched. Darren consistently puts students first, working tirelessly to ensure their academic, athletic, and personal growth. He is a true advocate for their well-being, always seeking opportunities to create positive, enriching experiences for all involved. As a teacher, Darren creates an engaging and supportive learning environment, fostering academic excellence and inspiring students to reach their full potential. His commitment to their success extends beyond the classroom, where he leads by example, whether it's on the field as a coach or in the gym as an athletics director. Darren goes above and beyond to make sure that the students have the support and resources they need to succeed in every aspect of their school experience.
It is with great pride that I nominate Darren Baumunk for Certificated Employee of the Year. His dedication to the students, staff, and overall school community makes him the ideal candidate for this honor.
Coach Baumunk IS MR. BONITA
Darren is an incredibly positive role model. He is always rooting for our students, school and the community. He is the voice that cheers on the students who are succeeding at sports and activities daily.
He can be found at sporting events, and school activities. AWW YEAH!!
His office is open to any student who needs to ask questions for sports, physicals event times or just to store their sports bags.
Not only can he be found on campus, but did you know that he is part of the team that drives Santa around La Verne on Christmas morning? The entire Baumunk family_participates helping to make sure Mr. Claus is driven safely through the streets of La Verne.
Darren doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk. Showing our students how to be a strong leader in the community. He is always rolling up his sleeves and working too. During the winds he could be found pushing a broom and cleaning campus.
Is this the job of a teacher?
is this the job of an athletic director?
NO but it is the character of Darren Baumunk.
Darren is not an administrator nor a classified employee, but he will step-up and do what needs to be done. Showing up for work daily and providing coverage for his peers that have trouble working an entire 5 days straight.
Thank you Darren Baumunk for setting a fine example to your children and the children of Bonita High School. AWW YEAH!!!!
Darren is an incredibly positive role model. He is always rooting for our students, school and the community. He is the voice that cheers on the students who are succeeding at sports and activities daily.
He can be found at sporting events, and school activities. AWW YEAH!!
His office is open to any student who needs to ask questions for sports, physicals event times or just to store their sports bags.
Not only can he be found on campus, but did you know that he is part of the team that drives Santa around La Verne on Christmas morning? The entire Baumunk family_participates helping to make sure Mr. Claus is driven safely through the streets of La Verne.
Darren doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk. Showing our students how to be a strong leader in the community. He is always rolling up his sleeves and working too. During the winds he could be found pushing a broom and cleaning campus.
Is this the job of a teacher?
is this the job of an athletic director?
NO but it is the character of Darren Baumunk.
Darren is not an administrator nor a classified employee, but he will step-up and do what needs to be done. Showing up for work daily and providing coverage for his peers that have trouble working an entire 5 days straight.
Thank you Darren Baumunk for setting a fine example to your children and the children of Bonita High School. AWW YEAH!!!!
Darren Baumunk is a shining example of school spirit and commitment to the Bonita High School community. As the athletic director, he plays a pivotal role in promoting a culture of teamwork and enthusiasm among students and staff. His infectious energy inspires pride and unity, making school events vibrant and memorable. Beyond his administrative duties, Darren takes on the responsibility of maintaining the facilities that serve as the heart of the school's athletic programs. He actively participates in cleaning the stadiums and campus, ensuring that they are welcoming and well-kept for all events. Whether he's lining a field for a game or organizing the setup for a school function, Darren's hands-on approach demonstrates his dedication to creating an excellent environment for students and fans alike. Darren's willingness to assist wherever needed highlights his selflessness and dedication. Whether he's stepping in to cover a class, organizing sports events, or supporting extracurricular activities, he consistently prioritizes the needs of others. His involvement goes beyond just athletics; he fosters an environment where every student feels valued and supported. As a coach for both softball and volleyball, Darren understands the importance of extracurricular activities in shaping well-rounded individuals. He dedicates countless hours to mentoring and guiding his athletes, helping them grow not only in their sports but also as individuals. His proactive spirit and unwavering support make him an invaluable asset to the Bonita High School community, truly embodying the essence of what it means to be a dedicated educator.
2. Taylor Grzechowiak
A cornerstone of Bonita High School, Taylor Grzechowiak exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional educator, a passionate mentor, and a tireless advocate for every student.
Mr. G is more than just a teacher he is a promoter for student success and well-being. In the classroom, he goes above and beyond to ensure every student feels valued, supported, and capable of reaching their fullest potential. He tailors lessons to meet diverse needs, often spending countless hours outside of school preparing innovative activities that make learning engaging and accessible for all. Mr. G ensures that no student ever feels left behind, celebrating their individuality and fostering a sense of belonging that transforms the classroom into a true community.
Beyond the classroom, Taylor is involved in a lot of extracurricular programs. He serves as the driving force behind the thriving E-sports program, which not only provides students with opportunities to pursue their passions but also builds teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership skills. Additionally, Mr. G dedicates time to leading clubs and mentoring students, always creating safe spaces where every voice is heard and valued.
For all these reasons and more, Taylor is an irreplaceable part of Bonita High School. His impact is felt by students, colleagues, and families alike, making our school a better place each and every day. It is teachers like Taylor who remind us of the profound influence educators have on students!
Mr. G is more than just a teacher he is a promoter for student success and well-being. In the classroom, he goes above and beyond to ensure every student feels valued, supported, and capable of reaching their fullest potential. He tailors lessons to meet diverse needs, often spending countless hours outside of school preparing innovative activities that make learning engaging and accessible for all. Mr. G ensures that no student ever feels left behind, celebrating their individuality and fostering a sense of belonging that transforms the classroom into a true community.
Beyond the classroom, Taylor is involved in a lot of extracurricular programs. He serves as the driving force behind the thriving E-sports program, which not only provides students with opportunities to pursue their passions but also builds teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership skills. Additionally, Mr. G dedicates time to leading clubs and mentoring students, always creating safe spaces where every voice is heard and valued.
For all these reasons and more, Taylor is an irreplaceable part of Bonita High School. His impact is felt by students, colleagues, and families alike, making our school a better place each and every day. It is teachers like Taylor who remind us of the profound influence educators have on students!
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Bonita Festival Concert
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
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