After more than a month of being sick and feeling discomfort when exercising, I think I’m finally starting to get back in full swing of training. I am very fortunate to be part of Team In Training this season as a mentor where I can train along with the team while helping some of our members come up with fundraising ideas. Eager to get back on track and be able to run with the team, I’ve been making up for lost time in the gym and on the pavement.
For the last couple weeks I’ve been running consistently logging anywhere between 3 and 6 miles per run. Not much right now but we’re only in our 6th week of training, two times a week with the team and the rest on my own. As my runs get longer, I am experiencing new courses throughout my city and learning which points are safe and which to steer clear from. Since I do a majority of my running after work when it is dark, I stay away from areas that aren’t well lit for obvious reasons. A, you never know who or what is lurking in a bush and B, I’m very clumsy and if I can’t see ahead, I’m bound to trip and fall…done that too many times. It’s always a good idea to run with a small flashlight for the dark areas but if you can, best to just avoid completely.
One of the biggest dangers of nighttime running that I’ve experienced more and more is the people on the road. I cannot believe how much drivers don’t pay attention pedestrians! Within the last two days alone, I can recall about four incidents where the driver has not seen me and will do what us out here call the “California rolling stop”—not stopping at a red light and rolling into the right hand turn. MAKE SURE YOU MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH THE DRIVER BEFORE YOU CROSS THE STREET EVEN IF YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY! DON’T ASSUME THAT THEY SEE YOU!
One woman last night did the infamous rolling stop even though she did not have the right of way and did not bother to look in both directions before proceeding. As I looked at her, I realized she was on her cell phone. This got me so incredibly angry I actually flailed my arms in the air and yelled “HELLO!!!!!!” For one, it is annoying to see that people are so careless and clueless when they drive but more importantly it is dangerous and DEADLY! To all my runners out there, please be careful even when you’re the one behind the wheel. Because of these experiences, I am currently on the hunt for reflective or LED gear for my nighttime runs. Stay tuned to see what I find this weekend!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
I Will Not Be Defeated!
One of my running mates sent me a text yesterday asking if I was up for a run that evening. I immediately responded that I was still sick and didn't think it was a good idea. On this same day, we got an e-mail from our Team In Training campaign manager updating us on the condition of our honored teammate Alyssa. An honored teammate isn't someone who necessarily runs or trains but someone we run for, someone to give us motivation, and remind us as to why we raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Alyssa, a 6 year-old-little girl who was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2007 had recently undergone surgery to help correct seizures she was experiencing as a result of her medication. Thanks be to God, the e-mail said Alyssa was doing just fine. This e-mail also made me think, "Wow, a 6-year-old little girl just went through all of this and here I am worried about a run."
I text my running mate back and agreed to run. There I was 30 minutes later at her front door ready to hit the pavement for the first time in 23 days! I decided to treat myself and download the Nike+ GPS app to my I Phone for a little motivation. If you own an I Phone, this is an app I highly recommend!
Our run was great, chatted a bit and even though we had to stop a few times, it was still nice to be out there again. My body felt a bit heavy (I refuse to step on the scale but definitely feel it in my clothes...something I expected from not working out all this time.) Regardless, I have to admit, I still felt on top of the world...this feeling didn't last very long.
Day 2...R-U-S-T-Y! I did this run alone, inspired once again to use my cool new app only this time minus the cheers. I was at a good pace the first three-quarters of a mile but started to notice myself getting progressively slower and told myself to push through it...and then there it was...the walk break at about a mile and a half. All I kept thinking was, "I've done two half marathons before, I can push through 3 miles!"
I picked up the pace and kept going but hit another slump. Somewhere after mile 2 I fell hard but luckily I've retained my volleyball skills from high school. I did the old, tuck and roll and bounced right back up and kept going. Then, it started to sprinkle...really? It was just not my day was it?
I made it home a slow 3.4 miles later. I felt a bit defeated. How was I going to be marathon ready if a short 3.4 miles had me this down? To make matters worse, when I walked in the door, I noticed a small scuff on my hand. Within a matter of seconds, I remembered Alyssa and my cousin Sam who I just so happened to see today for a brief moment. These young ladies did not let cancer defeat them! I remembered Alyssa's big smile that was shared with us in a photo after surgery with God knows how many stitches across her head. I also remembered Sam and how her hair is slowly growing back. And that's the lesson we all need to carry with us in life. We cannot let something defeat us! We are stronger than we know. If all the Alyssa's and Sam's of this planet could give us just an ounce of their strength and courage, we'd push ourselves beyond unimaginable limits and conquer the world. Thanks for the inspiration ladies! LA Marathon...I will not be defeated!
I text my running mate back and agreed to run. There I was 30 minutes later at her front door ready to hit the pavement for the first time in 23 days! I decided to treat myself and download the Nike+ GPS app to my I Phone for a little motivation. If you own an I Phone, this is an app I highly recommend!
Our run was great, chatted a bit and even though we had to stop a few times, it was still nice to be out there again. My body felt a bit heavy (I refuse to step on the scale but definitely feel it in my clothes...something I expected from not working out all this time.) Regardless, I have to admit, I still felt on top of the world...this feeling didn't last very long.
Day 2...R-U-S-T-Y! I did this run alone, inspired once again to use my cool new app only this time minus the cheers. I was at a good pace the first three-quarters of a mile but started to notice myself getting progressively slower and told myself to push through it...and then there it was...the walk break at about a mile and a half. All I kept thinking was, "I've done two half marathons before, I can push through 3 miles!"
I picked up the pace and kept going but hit another slump. Somewhere after mile 2 I fell hard but luckily I've retained my volleyball skills from high school. I did the old, tuck and roll and bounced right back up and kept going. Then, it started to sprinkle...really? It was just not my day was it?
I made it home a slow 3.4 miles later. I felt a bit defeated. How was I going to be marathon ready if a short 3.4 miles had me this down? To make matters worse, when I walked in the door, I noticed a small scuff on my hand. Within a matter of seconds, I remembered Alyssa and my cousin Sam who I just so happened to see today for a brief moment. These young ladies did not let cancer defeat them! I remembered Alyssa's big smile that was shared with us in a photo after surgery with God knows how many stitches across her head. I also remembered Sam and how her hair is slowly growing back. And that's the lesson we all need to carry with us in life. We cannot let something defeat us! We are stronger than we know. If all the Alyssa's and Sam's of this planet could give us just an ounce of their strength and courage, we'd push ourselves beyond unimaginable limits and conquer the world. Thanks for the inspiration ladies! LA Marathon...I will not be defeated!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
No Run, No Fun...
You know that old saying, “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone”? Usually we use it to refer to something we either let go or something that somehow has escaped us. It can stir up memories of an old love, perhaps a car, or simply a time in our life that we recall and remember how good it felt to be there. For me, it’s running.
Friday afternoon, almost two weeks ago, I started to feel myself coming down with a cold. Sure enough, on the day of our very first Team in Training practice of the spring season, I woke up with an itchy throat and a burning sensation in my eyes. A couple days later, the itchy throat and burning eyes turned into a horrible cough that I just cannot seem to shake! For most people this would mean, “Woo hoo, I guess its chicken soup and lots of rest for me!” In my case it’s, “Ohmigosh we just started training!” (For first time readers, I am a mentor with Team in Training. This season, we are training for the Surf City Half in April and the LA Marathon in March. I am hoping to register for LA which will be my first full.) I didn’t think much of my cold at first since I figured I’d be over it no time; but as the days passed I really began to crave a run. I would even see others running and think to myself, “Wow, I wish I could be doing that right now!” Again, someone might ask, “How can you miss running?!”
Here it goes: I miss the strides on the pavement, the rush of the wind in my face, and the sense of accomplishment I get from having reached the end of my run. I miss exploring new places and the change of scenery in running outdoors. I miss running with other people and the encouragement along the way. I miss the fresh air, the challenge…I miss it all. I’m especially bummed because Shaun and I had just started running together and now we’re both sick.
The worst part of all is that I’m not burning the calories that I normally would, so needless to say, things are starting to feel a bit snug. And let me just interject by saying I am NOT one of those people who experiences a loss of appetite when they get sick. Since I can’t run after work, I find myself indulging in my other favorite hobby…baking which of course, I have to taste test. :)
All kidding aside, running is a great form of exercise; each mile burns a little more than 100 calories. I don’t just say this because it has become my preferred method of exercise. I say it because it really is our body working in its purest state without machines or weights. All you need is a good pair of shoes and the right attitude.
Seeing as though I felt I needed some form of exercise, I decided to join the team at a park in Signal Hill for our weekly, Tuesday evening core exercises. We focus on strengthening the core because when running, it is essentially your core and the motion of your legs pulling you through. So many muscles are being used, especially in the longer distance runs; you tend to really feel parts of your body you never felt before, unless you do strength training on a regular basis.
As I walked back to my car after the session, I figured I would engage in a light jog. Wow did I really miss this feeling…too bad being out in the cold made my cough worse and has caused my throat to feel sore again. I know I’ve mentioned this before, but don’t take your legs for granted. When I say this, I mean your health too. Those who have read my previous posts, you know that my dad has never walked. He doesn’t, nor will he ever know what it means to run. I can’t imagine someone taking that away from me or not knowing the experience of running at all. And now that I can’t run due to a cold, I realize how much I miss the simple act of running...but my baking skills are improving ;)
Butter Pecan Cupcakes
Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes
Friday afternoon, almost two weeks ago, I started to feel myself coming down with a cold. Sure enough, on the day of our very first Team in Training practice of the spring season, I woke up with an itchy throat and a burning sensation in my eyes. A couple days later, the itchy throat and burning eyes turned into a horrible cough that I just cannot seem to shake! For most people this would mean, “Woo hoo, I guess its chicken soup and lots of rest for me!” In my case it’s, “Ohmigosh we just started training!” (For first time readers, I am a mentor with Team in Training. This season, we are training for the Surf City Half in April and the LA Marathon in March. I am hoping to register for LA which will be my first full.) I didn’t think much of my cold at first since I figured I’d be over it no time; but as the days passed I really began to crave a run. I would even see others running and think to myself, “Wow, I wish I could be doing that right now!” Again, someone might ask, “How can you miss running?!”
Here it goes: I miss the strides on the pavement, the rush of the wind in my face, and the sense of accomplishment I get from having reached the end of my run. I miss exploring new places and the change of scenery in running outdoors. I miss running with other people and the encouragement along the way. I miss the fresh air, the challenge…I miss it all. I’m especially bummed because Shaun and I had just started running together and now we’re both sick.
The worst part of all is that I’m not burning the calories that I normally would, so needless to say, things are starting to feel a bit snug. And let me just interject by saying I am NOT one of those people who experiences a loss of appetite when they get sick. Since I can’t run after work, I find myself indulging in my other favorite hobby…baking which of course, I have to taste test. :)
All kidding aside, running is a great form of exercise; each mile burns a little more than 100 calories. I don’t just say this because it has become my preferred method of exercise. I say it because it really is our body working in its purest state without machines or weights. All you need is a good pair of shoes and the right attitude.
Seeing as though I felt I needed some form of exercise, I decided to join the team at a park in Signal Hill for our weekly, Tuesday evening core exercises. We focus on strengthening the core because when running, it is essentially your core and the motion of your legs pulling you through. So many muscles are being used, especially in the longer distance runs; you tend to really feel parts of your body you never felt before, unless you do strength training on a regular basis.
As I walked back to my car after the session, I figured I would engage in a light jog. Wow did I really miss this feeling…too bad being out in the cold made my cough worse and has caused my throat to feel sore again. I know I’ve mentioned this before, but don’t take your legs for granted. When I say this, I mean your health too. Those who have read my previous posts, you know that my dad has never walked. He doesn’t, nor will he ever know what it means to run. I can’t imagine someone taking that away from me or not knowing the experience of running at all. And now that I can’t run due to a cold, I realize how much I miss the simple act of running...but my baking skills are improving ;)
Butter Pecan Cupcakes
Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Long Beach Half Marathon...A Humbling Experience!
The moment I crossed the finish line at the Disneyland Half Marathon, I knew it! I was hooked! I wanted to feel this moment again! I wanted to put myself through another arduous 13.1 miles just to feel that rush at the end. It’s an indescribable feeling that can only be summed up as moment of pure joy in an “OMG did I really just run 13 miles?!” type of way.
The next local event was the Long Beach International City Bank Marathon and Half. I knew I wasn’t in any way ready for a full so I decided to register for the half. With just seven weeks till this event, I figured I’d done all the training and all I really needed was to continue a short 3 to 5 miles during the week and I’d be good…WRONG!
Well they say everyone has a bad run and this was certainly mine. But let’s stray away from the negative here and talk about how great this event was. Having once called Long Beach my second home, I was super excited to be part of this #runLB as it was referred to on Twitter. I met so many great people from all the conversations surrounding this marathon. I found out about cute sparkly skirts from @teamsparkle—a must have for my next run! I also met a fellow Latina runner from South Pasadena, (where I work), @mami2audrey and had just found all-around great support from my running Tweeps. BTW you are all awesome! @Run2SaveLives, @TidbitsofTara, @RunnerLuis, @goingforgoofy, @EndurancePro...and the list go on! Thank you for your tips, encouragement, and advice along the way!
Saturday morning, I made my way to the expo for packet pick up via the metro which was a bit ummm…interesting to say the least. We got to the LB Convention Center where I made a beeline to the packet pick up, grabbed some Clifshots, an awesome Run Long Beach shirt, looked around a bit and left. On our way back to the train stop, we happened to meet the sweetest couple Marianne and Randy from Arizona. Randy had done numerous marathons over the years and his wife started joining him and running halfs. They were the most down to earth people who also happened to be foodies just like Shaun and I. “You have to try this place Gaffey’s in San Pedro,” they said. Shaun and I both looked at each other, “Gaffeys! We love that place!” What a small world! It also turned that Marianne was born in Downey, where Shaun and I are both from. We chatted till it was time for us to get off and left thinking what a pleasant pair those two were.
Race day was here and I felt more ready than ever. I wasn’t at all nervous this time which kind of worried me. My mom and stepdad refused to let me take the train as I’d done the day before at such an early hour. My stepdad dropped me off at 6:30 and said, “Please walk with other people so you’re not walking alone.” Yes, my parents still worry about me. You have to be grateful for that.
As I got closer to the start line, I thought I’d better get to a Port-o-potty just in case. On my way there, I ran into the friends we’d made the day before, Marianne and Randy! With so many people there and I had happened to spot them! We gave each other a big hug and wished each other luck. It was so good to see them…such positive energy!
I quickly proceeded to the start line and got stuck in corral 6. Oh well. I figured I’d make my way up while running; in my mind I was going to break my last PR. I was determined. Shaun had even given me a great incentive, 2:14:30 or under and he’d pay for my next marathon (almost four minutes under my last time). I was ready!
I happened to chat with a few people while we waited. The running community is just so great, full of really good vibes! I loved it. What seemed like hours had passed, and we were off! Mile one went by pretty fast or so I thought. The mile markers for the 5k were still out on the course which had caused a bit of confusion. Mile one was not as close as I thought. When I made my way to the real mile 1, I still felt good. As I got to the end of mile 3, I started to feel really weird. I felt like I had eaten or drank too much. I felt heavy and full. I knew this was not going to be a good run. Mile 4, 5, and 6 seemed like a blur. But every mile after that, I felt in my body and not in a good way. By mile 7 I was spent! If I could drop an EF bomb here, I would! I still have more than 6 miles to go!!!!!!!!!!!! Why is my body doing this? Did I eat wrong? Did I get overconfident in my running? Should I have done more long runs? What was happening!?!? I kept having to tell myself to suck it up! I felt my body just give out completely and there I was at mile 7, WALKING! I felt so disappointed. I wanted to just go home and not finish. Breaking my PR was definitely NOT going to happen.
This race was so different, nothing like my first time at all. The big difference this time, Team In Training. I felt so alone this time on the course. Sure there were people there cheering you on which was great but it just did not feel the same like having hundreds of people on the course sporting the same shirt, fighting for the same thing…to end cancer. I will never forget my first race with Team In Training-a truly memorable experience. Thank you...and GO TEAM!
I promised myself I would start running again by mile 8 and I did but I was still bothered by my run. It was horrible but I had to keep going. By mile 9 I was walking again but not for too long. I felt a pat on my back and someone asking, “Hey how are you doing?” It was a woman I had met at the start line. I was honest and told her that I was exhausted and that I’d done horrible. She said, “Don’t worry, at least you’re doing it and that’s all that matters.” Her words gave me a gust of energy and I was running again. Then I got to mile 10 and again still feeling drained. As I passes mile 10, I recall seeing an old woman in a wheelchair handing out water but she was not doing it alone. She was so worn down by her age, she could not hold her hand out. An old man stood beside her helping guide her arm (I assume her husband), extending it out to give to the runners. This moment was so picture-perfect and touching...there I was having my breakdown moment thinking how beautiful love is and all that it endures over time. For those of you who have run a marathon before, they say it is a really emotional experience. For some reason, this moment right here was where I felt it. I passed the couple and smiled as I ran.
The last half mile was the hardest. By the time I saw the finish line, I looked down at my watch in horrible disappointment. I was reaching the 2:30 mark…final time 2:30:58. I didn’t break my PR, nor did I make the time I promised myself I would. But, I learned a great lesson…here it is…IF YOU THINK RUNNING IS EASY, IT’S NOT SO NEVER TAKE YOUR LEGS FOR GRANTED, HIT THE PAVEMENT AND TRY HARDER NEXT TIME!!! When I run, I think of my dad and how he can't walk (struck by polio at age 2). It gives me the strength and motivation to know that I run just because I can, whereas there are others who can't. I love you dad!
After crossing the finish line, I walked over to get my medal. As lovely as it was, I was still disappointed. I beat myself up the next few days after but I’m done crying! Arizona Rock and Roll, you’re mine! Till then, I’m putting down those miles and chalking this up to a great humbling experience! In life and in running, we live, we learn, and move forward…one step at a time.
Oh and that couple I mentioned earlier, Marianne and Randy, hopefully we will get to see them again on our trip to Arizona. We've kept in touch since Long Beach. :)
The next local event was the Long Beach International City Bank Marathon and Half. I knew I wasn’t in any way ready for a full so I decided to register for the half. With just seven weeks till this event, I figured I’d done all the training and all I really needed was to continue a short 3 to 5 miles during the week and I’d be good…WRONG!
Well they say everyone has a bad run and this was certainly mine. But let’s stray away from the negative here and talk about how great this event was. Having once called Long Beach my second home, I was super excited to be part of this #runLB as it was referred to on Twitter. I met so many great people from all the conversations surrounding this marathon. I found out about cute sparkly skirts from @teamsparkle—a must have for my next run! I also met a fellow Latina runner from South Pasadena, (where I work), @mami2audrey and had just found all-around great support from my running Tweeps. BTW you are all awesome! @Run2SaveLives, @TidbitsofTara, @RunnerLuis, @goingforgoofy, @EndurancePro...and the list go on! Thank you for your tips, encouragement, and advice along the way!
Saturday morning, I made my way to the expo for packet pick up via the metro which was a bit ummm…interesting to say the least. We got to the LB Convention Center where I made a beeline to the packet pick up, grabbed some Clifshots, an awesome Run Long Beach shirt, looked around a bit and left. On our way back to the train stop, we happened to meet the sweetest couple Marianne and Randy from Arizona. Randy had done numerous marathons over the years and his wife started joining him and running halfs. They were the most down to earth people who also happened to be foodies just like Shaun and I. “You have to try this place Gaffey’s in San Pedro,” they said. Shaun and I both looked at each other, “Gaffeys! We love that place!” What a small world! It also turned that Marianne was born in Downey, where Shaun and I are both from. We chatted till it was time for us to get off and left thinking what a pleasant pair those two were.
Race day was here and I felt more ready than ever. I wasn’t at all nervous this time which kind of worried me. My mom and stepdad refused to let me take the train as I’d done the day before at such an early hour. My stepdad dropped me off at 6:30 and said, “Please walk with other people so you’re not walking alone.” Yes, my parents still worry about me. You have to be grateful for that.
As I got closer to the start line, I thought I’d better get to a Port-o-potty just in case. On my way there, I ran into the friends we’d made the day before, Marianne and Randy! With so many people there and I had happened to spot them! We gave each other a big hug and wished each other luck. It was so good to see them…such positive energy!
I quickly proceeded to the start line and got stuck in corral 6. Oh well. I figured I’d make my way up while running; in my mind I was going to break my last PR. I was determined. Shaun had even given me a great incentive, 2:14:30 or under and he’d pay for my next marathon (almost four minutes under my last time). I was ready!
I happened to chat with a few people while we waited. The running community is just so great, full of really good vibes! I loved it. What seemed like hours had passed, and we were off! Mile one went by pretty fast or so I thought. The mile markers for the 5k were still out on the course which had caused a bit of confusion. Mile one was not as close as I thought. When I made my way to the real mile 1, I still felt good. As I got to the end of mile 3, I started to feel really weird. I felt like I had eaten or drank too much. I felt heavy and full. I knew this was not going to be a good run. Mile 4, 5, and 6 seemed like a blur. But every mile after that, I felt in my body and not in a good way. By mile 7 I was spent! If I could drop an EF bomb here, I would! I still have more than 6 miles to go!!!!!!!!!!!! Why is my body doing this? Did I eat wrong? Did I get overconfident in my running? Should I have done more long runs? What was happening!?!? I kept having to tell myself to suck it up! I felt my body just give out completely and there I was at mile 7, WALKING! I felt so disappointed. I wanted to just go home and not finish. Breaking my PR was definitely NOT going to happen.
This race was so different, nothing like my first time at all. The big difference this time, Team In Training. I felt so alone this time on the course. Sure there were people there cheering you on which was great but it just did not feel the same like having hundreds of people on the course sporting the same shirt, fighting for the same thing…to end cancer. I will never forget my first race with Team In Training-a truly memorable experience. Thank you...and GO TEAM!
I promised myself I would start running again by mile 8 and I did but I was still bothered by my run. It was horrible but I had to keep going. By mile 9 I was walking again but not for too long. I felt a pat on my back and someone asking, “Hey how are you doing?” It was a woman I had met at the start line. I was honest and told her that I was exhausted and that I’d done horrible. She said, “Don’t worry, at least you’re doing it and that’s all that matters.” Her words gave me a gust of energy and I was running again. Then I got to mile 10 and again still feeling drained. As I passes mile 10, I recall seeing an old woman in a wheelchair handing out water but she was not doing it alone. She was so worn down by her age, she could not hold her hand out. An old man stood beside her helping guide her arm (I assume her husband), extending it out to give to the runners. This moment was so picture-perfect and touching...there I was having my breakdown moment thinking how beautiful love is and all that it endures over time. For those of you who have run a marathon before, they say it is a really emotional experience. For some reason, this moment right here was where I felt it. I passed the couple and smiled as I ran.
The last half mile was the hardest. By the time I saw the finish line, I looked down at my watch in horrible disappointment. I was reaching the 2:30 mark…final time 2:30:58. I didn’t break my PR, nor did I make the time I promised myself I would. But, I learned a great lesson…here it is…IF YOU THINK RUNNING IS EASY, IT’S NOT SO NEVER TAKE YOUR LEGS FOR GRANTED, HIT THE PAVEMENT AND TRY HARDER NEXT TIME!!! When I run, I think of my dad and how he can't walk (struck by polio at age 2). It gives me the strength and motivation to know that I run just because I can, whereas there are others who can't. I love you dad!
After crossing the finish line, I walked over to get my medal. As lovely as it was, I was still disappointed. I beat myself up the next few days after but I’m done crying! Arizona Rock and Roll, you’re mine! Till then, I’m putting down those miles and chalking this up to a great humbling experience! In life and in running, we live, we learn, and move forward…one step at a time.
Oh and that couple I mentioned earlier, Marianne and Randy, hopefully we will get to see them again on our trip to Arizona. We've kept in touch since Long Beach. :)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
I'm A Mentor!
As of today, I am a mentor for the Long Beach chapter of Team In Training! We had our information meeting tonight where we were given the official MENTOR t-shirts and learned all about what this commitment would entail. Wow! What a thrill! I am so grateful, yet again, to all those who kept me in my race last season which has led me to this point.
As I sat there tonight, I remembered what the last three and a half months with TNT have meant to me. Not just the training, or the fundraising but more so what we as Team In Training people do. Well here it goes: Team In Training is one of the largest endurance training programs in the country having raised more than 1 billion dollars to help cure blood cancers through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Sounds great right? We were asked to memorize our elevator speech since, as mentors, we would be asked by others what TNT is. How can I summarize what TNT is in such a short amount of time? It's more than just an endurance training program, more than just a series of fundraising efforts for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Team In Training is a life-changing experience. It is a mission not just to prove to yourself that can run 13.1 miles, 26.2 miles, or complete a triathlon, it a mission to save lives and know that what you are doing is helping someone live again, in the same way that completing an endurance sport will make you feel more alive than you ever have! In one word...amazing!
I am so excited to be part of this...I have decided that as a mentor, I too have certain responsibilities to uphold. I must learn to be that motivation for others. Thanks to all of you who told me what your motivation is...mine will be knowing that it is my duty to be the one my mentees can count on when they feel like they can't possibly run one more mile. GO TEAM!
As I sat there tonight, I remembered what the last three and a half months with TNT have meant to me. Not just the training, or the fundraising but more so what we as Team In Training people do. Well here it goes: Team In Training is one of the largest endurance training programs in the country having raised more than 1 billion dollars to help cure blood cancers through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Sounds great right? We were asked to memorize our elevator speech since, as mentors, we would be asked by others what TNT is. How can I summarize what TNT is in such a short amount of time? It's more than just an endurance training program, more than just a series of fundraising efforts for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Team In Training is a life-changing experience. It is a mission not just to prove to yourself that can run 13.1 miles, 26.2 miles, or complete a triathlon, it a mission to save lives and know that what you are doing is helping someone live again, in the same way that completing an endurance sport will make you feel more alive than you ever have! In one word...amazing!
I am so excited to be part of this...I have decided that as a mentor, I too have certain responsibilities to uphold. I must learn to be that motivation for others. Thanks to all of you who told me what your motivation is...mine will be knowing that it is my duty to be the one my mentees can count on when they feel like they can't possibly run one more mile. GO TEAM!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Bragging Rights or the Medal?
Just days after my first half marathon, I decided I would sign up for another one. This time I would be on my own, no Team In Training, no familiar faces along the course, just me, myself. and I. Why had I decided to do another one? I could barely walk after the race, my lower back was sore, and yes, ask Shaun, I was full of complaints that evening and had fallen asleep by 8 p.m. Guess I just wanted some sympathy or I was a glutton for punishment. Truth be told, I loved it! I loved the feeling of having done something I'd never imagined myself ever doing and because I hope to one day complete a full 26.2 miles.
So I chose to register for the Long Beach International City Bank Half Marathon taking place in just a few weeks. Why that one? The medal looks awesome!!! It has an image of a light house and the Queen Mary, both trademark elements of a city I once considered my home as a CSULB alumna! GO BEACH!
I had to ask myself, why did I want to do this? Was it to add another medal to the collection or to simply say, "Yeah I've done a half marathon." Well in my case, I must admit, it was the medal. No one goes around saying, "I'm a marathoner, well technically only a half but still, it's 13.1 miles." Just doesn't sound as interesting as a full. So until I make it to the full 26.2, I'm doing this for the medal!
So I chose to register for the Long Beach International City Bank Half Marathon taking place in just a few weeks. Why that one? The medal looks awesome!!! It has an image of a light house and the Queen Mary, both trademark elements of a city I once considered my home as a CSULB alumna! GO BEACH!
I had to ask myself, why did I want to do this? Was it to add another medal to the collection or to simply say, "Yeah I've done a half marathon." Well in my case, I must admit, it was the medal. No one goes around saying, "I'm a marathoner, well technically only a half but still, it's 13.1 miles." Just doesn't sound as interesting as a full. So until I make it to the full 26.2, I'm doing this for the medal!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
I DID IT!!!!
I can't even begin to describe the high that I'm still on from having completed my first half marathon this past weekend. I never imagined myself doing this but I can now look back and say that I DID IT!!! I ran the entire way except for stopping to give my coaches a huge, sweaty, much deserved hug along the course. "So how was it?" is the question that everyone has been asking. In one word...AMAZING! There are so many factors that contributed to making this such a positive experience.
I remember waking up Saturday morning thinking this is it...by this time tomorrow, I will have (hopefully) crossed the finish line. I woke up so nervous having had nightmares about my legs giving out on me, about people holding me back on the course, and all I remember saying in my dream was, "Please, I want to finish in under 2.5 hours, please, let me go!" I shook the bad dream and packed everything from sunscreen, various hats, energy drink powders, scented spray (for after), and even my favorite post-run snack some pretzels. I was ready to do this!!! We made our way to Downtown Disney where we had lunch at ESPN Zone and watched a little college football before it was time to get my official race packet. I met up with my fellow TNT'er Katie and off we went. WOW so much going on at one time. We were sent all over the Disneyland hotel in search of our packet and race T-shirt. Indeed we found them, checked out the expo, and picked up a few free goodies. Clif Bar's Shot Bloks...awesome! I also splurged and bought myself a hydration waist pack or as my boyfriend Shaun likes to tease and call it my 1980's fanny pack. I must say this Nathan Trail Mix Waist Pack was incredible. I only wished I had bought one with more than two slots for water.
That night we had our Team In Training Inspiration dinner where all the chapters got together to get a better idea of what to expect the next day. I don't remember much about what they said with regard to the course. It's not because I had not paid attention, it was because the story we heard about one woman's participation with TNT was so touching. She shared with us what motivated her to join TNT. It turned out her daughter had been diagnosed with Leukemia a few years ago. She told us the struggle that she, her family and her daughter had been through. Holding back the tears, I listened to this woman speak. Her attitude in all of this really made me think about my own life and how our attitude toward things makes all the difference in the world. At the end, she told us the story called The Attitude of the Three Hairs (I encourage you all to look it up). I left there thinking of why I had joined Team In Training and told myself, tomorrow, whenever I feel I just can't push anymore I am going to remember the WHY... for all those who battled through cancer, those who didn't make it, and of course for my cousin Sam! GO TEAM!
It was tough to fall asleep that night. I was nervous but also excited! I tossed and turned and by the time I knew it, it was 2:58 a.m. Just 17 more minutes till it was time to get ready. UGH! Really?!?! Katie's alarm went off shortly after that…time to get up. Hydration pack, check, watch, check, phone and camera, check, bib number, check, timing chip, check, okay let's head to the lobby to meet the other TNT'ers. So many of us who had embarked on this mission were all here in the lobby fighting being tired to go and run the race we had been waiting for all these months. We all walked to the start line only to see so many other people in purple Team In Training shirts. Not knowing many of them, the purple shirt united us all as one! What a feeling! GO TEAM!
I remember having to separate from the group I had come to know and love all these months through training. We hugged good bye and wished each other luck as we were in different corrals. I managed to find other TNT'ers from the LA chapter. I talked to them for a bit and then made my way to find Lauren AKA @Liloruns as we had planned to run together to make our goal of under 2.5. We waited as they dismissed each corral. I was still so tired! I had no idea how I was going to run when I kept yawning so much. Corral C was dismissed, ours was next….and then it was time! Corral D GO! And we were off!
They set a mile pacer in front of our corral. We were instructed that this person would be going for a 2:30 race time. I knew I HAD to get in front of this person if I wanted to make that time. Within the first mile, I caught up and before I knew it, I looked back and could no longer see the mile pacer. I was doing this!!!!
Miles one through six were a breeze. We went through the back lots of Disney’s California Adventure and right before we were about to enter the park I saw a familiar face, TNT Coach Joel! I was so excited!!! I ran and gave him a double high five and kept going! As we entered California Adventure, there were several characters along the way which people stopped to take photos with, but not me. I was on a mission, 2.5 or less!!!!!!
The next few miles came fast and fairly easy. I must give it to the Disneyland staff who constantly cheered us on as we went through the park. To all those who were on the course giving us words of encouragement, Disneyland staff, volunteers, high school cheerleaders and band members, everyone…thank you!
I remember starting to feel a bit tired right around the end of mile 7. I felt my energy starting to dwindle and my legs beginning to buckle but it was as if God had sent an angel around that exact moment to carry me through the remaining 5 plus miles that were left. At this point on the course I saw a woman carrying a sign (regret not having gotten a picture of this) that read, “THANK YOU TNT, LEUKEMIA SURVIVOR” I felt so overwhelmed with emotion. I was too tired to cry but I felt my breathing change like the feeling of when you want to cry but tears aren’t falling just yet. I asked myself if I was having a mini asthma attack or just so touched by this woman’s sign so much so that it caused a reaction out of me. I was literally worried that I needed to stop. I then realized I wasn’t tired; it was pure emotion that was caused by this woman’s sign that made me react this way. All I kept thinking, “I am so glad I did this through Team In Training.” I felt a rush of energy after this.
I regained strength at mile 8 and made my way through Angels Stadium (GO DODGERS)! I got to see myself on the jumbotron which was neat. Miles 8 through 10 were a bit of a blur but once I reached that 10 mile mark, I remember texting my family and Shaun, 3 miles to go! The text back from Shaun said, “Come on baby! You can do it! Kick baby kick…I’m at the finish line!” His text made me run even faster! I couldn’t wait to get to the end to hug him and my family who had sacrificed their sleep to be there for me so early in the morning and meet me at the end.
Mile 10 to 11 was so hard! I felt my back start to tighten up and I really had to dig deep inside myself to make it the next few miles to the finish. I felt every step on the pavement until I reached mile 12…OMG one more to go!!!!!! I’m almost there!!!!!!!!!! Slowly but surely I started to see the sign for the Disneyland Hotel which I knew was close to the finish line. “Come on Julie! You got this!!! You can do it!!!” I could tell everyone around me started to increase their speed indicating how close we were. And there it was, the mile marker for mile 13. It was covered by all the spectators but I knew there was a 13 behind it which meant only one tenth of a mile to go and that’s when I pushed myself! The look on my face would have said it all, “I’m hurting, but I want this so bad!!! FINISH LINE I’M COMING!!!!!!!!!!!” And just like that, I had completed my first half marathon!
First things first, water!!! Next, medal!!! And finally, hugs!!! I found my mom, my aunt, my brother and his friend and finally Shaun. I was so happy to see them!!! They looked at my medal and all I could think was, “I earned that!” I was so modest but deep down, I was so freakin’ proud of myself! I not only did it, but I did it in under 2 and a half hours!
I set my first PR of 2:18:16 which from what I am told from other runners is not bad for my first time. I never want this feeling to go away and with that, I am officially signed up for my next one, the Long Beach International City Bank Marathon (I’m doing the half). Need to do a few more before I am ready for the full.
There are so many people to thank for this….to my wonderful co-workers who purchased pretzels from me. To the partners for allowing me to sell my pretzels at the office and their support. To those who were brave enough to buy pies from me…hope they were yummy! :) To my friends for encouraging me along the way. To everyone who donated items for my yard sale. To my family who believed in me. To my wonderful mother who didn’t lose faith me and sacrificed her own time to help me on my fund raising events. To my dad who relentlessly asked his co-workers for donations. To my friends who gave up an entire Sunday to sit through a TV taping. To those of you who took a chance on the raffles I posted or those of you who donated the items for me to raffle. To my boyfriend Shaun who understood times when I had to devote myself to training and fund raising instead of being there as a girlfriend. To each and every one of you who opened not only your wallets, but your hearts to this mission. And last but not least, the amazing people at Team In Training. Our campaign manager and mentors who suffered through my millions of questions, especially Miss Julie Allen who did not let me throw in the towel when I feared I couldn’t do it. To the most amazing Coach ever, Miss Sunshine who was there for me every step of the way. Coaches Robert and Joel who made it out every Saturday to help us on the miles. To Coach Chuck especially for sharing your story with me and inviting me to come on board as a mentor for next season...hope I am chosen. It would be an honor to be part of your team. And simply to anyone who was part of this whether it was an encouraging FB comment, a few dollars in support of the cause, or anything…THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! This was one of the most remarkable chapters in my life and I would not have had the glorious opportunity to have experienced it without the support. I am truly blessed. THANK YOU!
My cheerleaders after the race! Thank you to my family and Shaun for the support! <3 you guys!
I remember waking up Saturday morning thinking this is it...by this time tomorrow, I will have (hopefully) crossed the finish line. I woke up so nervous having had nightmares about my legs giving out on me, about people holding me back on the course, and all I remember saying in my dream was, "Please, I want to finish in under 2.5 hours, please, let me go!" I shook the bad dream and packed everything from sunscreen, various hats, energy drink powders, scented spray (for after), and even my favorite post-run snack some pretzels. I was ready to do this!!! We made our way to Downtown Disney where we had lunch at ESPN Zone and watched a little college football before it was time to get my official race packet. I met up with my fellow TNT'er Katie and off we went. WOW so much going on at one time. We were sent all over the Disneyland hotel in search of our packet and race T-shirt. Indeed we found them, checked out the expo, and picked up a few free goodies. Clif Bar's Shot Bloks...awesome! I also splurged and bought myself a hydration waist pack or as my boyfriend Shaun likes to tease and call it my 1980's fanny pack. I must say this Nathan Trail Mix Waist Pack was incredible. I only wished I had bought one with more than two slots for water.
That night we had our Team In Training Inspiration dinner where all the chapters got together to get a better idea of what to expect the next day. I don't remember much about what they said with regard to the course. It's not because I had not paid attention, it was because the story we heard about one woman's participation with TNT was so touching. She shared with us what motivated her to join TNT. It turned out her daughter had been diagnosed with Leukemia a few years ago. She told us the struggle that she, her family and her daughter had been through. Holding back the tears, I listened to this woman speak. Her attitude in all of this really made me think about my own life and how our attitude toward things makes all the difference in the world. At the end, she told us the story called The Attitude of the Three Hairs (I encourage you all to look it up). I left there thinking of why I had joined Team In Training and told myself, tomorrow, whenever I feel I just can't push anymore I am going to remember the WHY... for all those who battled through cancer, those who didn't make it, and of course for my cousin Sam! GO TEAM!
It was tough to fall asleep that night. I was nervous but also excited! I tossed and turned and by the time I knew it, it was 2:58 a.m. Just 17 more minutes till it was time to get ready. UGH! Really?!?! Katie's alarm went off shortly after that…time to get up. Hydration pack, check, watch, check, phone and camera, check, bib number, check, timing chip, check, okay let's head to the lobby to meet the other TNT'ers. So many of us who had embarked on this mission were all here in the lobby fighting being tired to go and run the race we had been waiting for all these months. We all walked to the start line only to see so many other people in purple Team In Training shirts. Not knowing many of them, the purple shirt united us all as one! What a feeling! GO TEAM!
I remember having to separate from the group I had come to know and love all these months through training. We hugged good bye and wished each other luck as we were in different corrals. I managed to find other TNT'ers from the LA chapter. I talked to them for a bit and then made my way to find Lauren AKA @Liloruns as we had planned to run together to make our goal of under 2.5. We waited as they dismissed each corral. I was still so tired! I had no idea how I was going to run when I kept yawning so much. Corral C was dismissed, ours was next….and then it was time! Corral D GO! And we were off!
They set a mile pacer in front of our corral. We were instructed that this person would be going for a 2:30 race time. I knew I HAD to get in front of this person if I wanted to make that time. Within the first mile, I caught up and before I knew it, I looked back and could no longer see the mile pacer. I was doing this!!!!
Miles one through six were a breeze. We went through the back lots of Disney’s California Adventure and right before we were about to enter the park I saw a familiar face, TNT Coach Joel! I was so excited!!! I ran and gave him a double high five and kept going! As we entered California Adventure, there were several characters along the way which people stopped to take photos with, but not me. I was on a mission, 2.5 or less!!!!!!
The next few miles came fast and fairly easy. I must give it to the Disneyland staff who constantly cheered us on as we went through the park. To all those who were on the course giving us words of encouragement, Disneyland staff, volunteers, high school cheerleaders and band members, everyone…thank you!
I remember starting to feel a bit tired right around the end of mile 7. I felt my energy starting to dwindle and my legs beginning to buckle but it was as if God had sent an angel around that exact moment to carry me through the remaining 5 plus miles that were left. At this point on the course I saw a woman carrying a sign (regret not having gotten a picture of this) that read, “THANK YOU TNT, LEUKEMIA SURVIVOR” I felt so overwhelmed with emotion. I was too tired to cry but I felt my breathing change like the feeling of when you want to cry but tears aren’t falling just yet. I asked myself if I was having a mini asthma attack or just so touched by this woman’s sign so much so that it caused a reaction out of me. I was literally worried that I needed to stop. I then realized I wasn’t tired; it was pure emotion that was caused by this woman’s sign that made me react this way. All I kept thinking, “I am so glad I did this through Team In Training.” I felt a rush of energy after this.
I regained strength at mile 8 and made my way through Angels Stadium (GO DODGERS)! I got to see myself on the jumbotron which was neat. Miles 8 through 10 were a bit of a blur but once I reached that 10 mile mark, I remember texting my family and Shaun, 3 miles to go! The text back from Shaun said, “Come on baby! You can do it! Kick baby kick…I’m at the finish line!” His text made me run even faster! I couldn’t wait to get to the end to hug him and my family who had sacrificed their sleep to be there for me so early in the morning and meet me at the end.
Mile 10 to 11 was so hard! I felt my back start to tighten up and I really had to dig deep inside myself to make it the next few miles to the finish. I felt every step on the pavement until I reached mile 12…OMG one more to go!!!!!! I’m almost there!!!!!!!!!! Slowly but surely I started to see the sign for the Disneyland Hotel which I knew was close to the finish line. “Come on Julie! You got this!!! You can do it!!!” I could tell everyone around me started to increase their speed indicating how close we were. And there it was, the mile marker for mile 13. It was covered by all the spectators but I knew there was a 13 behind it which meant only one tenth of a mile to go and that’s when I pushed myself! The look on my face would have said it all, “I’m hurting, but I want this so bad!!! FINISH LINE I’M COMING!!!!!!!!!!!” And just like that, I had completed my first half marathon!
First things first, water!!! Next, medal!!! And finally, hugs!!! I found my mom, my aunt, my brother and his friend and finally Shaun. I was so happy to see them!!! They looked at my medal and all I could think was, “I earned that!” I was so modest but deep down, I was so freakin’ proud of myself! I not only did it, but I did it in under 2 and a half hours!
I set my first PR of 2:18:16 which from what I am told from other runners is not bad for my first time. I never want this feeling to go away and with that, I am officially signed up for my next one, the Long Beach International City Bank Marathon (I’m doing the half). Need to do a few more before I am ready for the full.
There are so many people to thank for this….to my wonderful co-workers who purchased pretzels from me. To the partners for allowing me to sell my pretzels at the office and their support. To those who were brave enough to buy pies from me…hope they were yummy! :) To my friends for encouraging me along the way. To everyone who donated items for my yard sale. To my family who believed in me. To my wonderful mother who didn’t lose faith me and sacrificed her own time to help me on my fund raising events. To my dad who relentlessly asked his co-workers for donations. To my friends who gave up an entire Sunday to sit through a TV taping. To those of you who took a chance on the raffles I posted or those of you who donated the items for me to raffle. To my boyfriend Shaun who understood times when I had to devote myself to training and fund raising instead of being there as a girlfriend. To each and every one of you who opened not only your wallets, but your hearts to this mission. And last but not least, the amazing people at Team In Training. Our campaign manager and mentors who suffered through my millions of questions, especially Miss Julie Allen who did not let me throw in the towel when I feared I couldn’t do it. To the most amazing Coach ever, Miss Sunshine who was there for me every step of the way. Coaches Robert and Joel who made it out every Saturday to help us on the miles. To Coach Chuck especially for sharing your story with me and inviting me to come on board as a mentor for next season...hope I am chosen. It would be an honor to be part of your team. And simply to anyone who was part of this whether it was an encouraging FB comment, a few dollars in support of the cause, or anything…THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! This was one of the most remarkable chapters in my life and I would not have had the glorious opportunity to have experienced it without the support. I am truly blessed. THANK YOU!
My cheerleaders after the race! Thank you to my family and Shaun for the support! <3 you guys!
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