Checked off my bucket list!!!! All done!!!

I woke up this morning at 330am and left my house at 4am. We took the trolley down to the start line and walked a mile to where the actual start line was. 

My husband is amazing! He carried our backpack full of goodies and water so that I could stay hydrated and healthy till we started. He was tired, I could tell, but was also very excited for me. He walked me all the way to my corral and waited for me at the start line.

I have never seen so many people in my life in one place for one purpose!!!

WOW... SO MANY PEOPLE!!! 

I was kind of nervous in the beginning, I didn't know what to expect!

I knew the time I was aiming for and I knew the course, but I didnt know how I would feel or how I would actually perform. The whole time, there was music and people cheering, water was being passed out and there gu, and salt and fruit, etc, we were always encouraged.

I loved how so many people would come out from their homes and just cheer us on. Beautiful!

At the beginning I paced myself slow to make sure I didnt burn out, and it was fine. I hit some hills and slowed down but not drastically, it wasnt until the 10 mile mark that I hit a wall and had a tough time pushing through to the 11th mile, where I realized I was almost done and I started to pick up the pace a lot more.
The last mile was thankfully all down hill and I pushed it, I felt my legs turn like they should, no pain, just perfect motion. My arms were going, moving as they should and my form was perfect! I felt strong, I felt amazing, like I was flying at that last mile. 

Sadly, I did not make my time goal, but I wasnt that much off. And I realized, it wasnt about the time, it was about the experience. I felt strong the whole way through, with every so often fighting through the crowd, zig zagging so I could get ahead. Powered through the last hill and the last two miles, felt myself getting stronger and stronger, and at the end, I was so happy. I thought I was going to cry, but I think I was too tired!!!! 

Over all, I would never trade this experience for the world!

I loved running the course, it was tough, but it was good. And today, my dream came true! 

Thank you Magic 92.5fm, Jagger & Kristi, Coach Barbosa, Judy and Lorena for helping me attain my dream.
Forever grateful! 

The day is near! Thankful!

I am definitely excited to run this weekend.
I have not been able to blog because life has just been so very busy; between school, the internship, work, running, the wedding planning, the other weddings.... boy oh boy!!!!

But yes, I am excited and can't wait to cross off the 1/2 marathon from my bucket list. I want to enjoy every single mile, I want to feel the excitement, the adrenaline, and have the mental strength to push myself to do finish this in less than 2 hours! I think I can do it, the course is mainly flat and has several downhills, all to my favor! ^_^

I no longer feel pain on my knee or have shin splints. I have been taking it super easy these last couple of days, just resting and icing my legs. Getting prepared to run!!!

I am over all very humbled by the whole experience, first of all, that someone would care to even read my story. That someone would care to offer to help me see that I cross off something off my bucket list! WOW, then to bless me with extra goodies! Magic 92.5 Rocks!!! Jagger and Kristi and Sammie are amazing!!! Huge hearts!!!!

I am even more humbled and forever grateful to the man who sacrificed his Tuesday Mornings for about four months to see me succeed. This man did not receive a single penny from me while he has been  coaching me, this man has helped me become strong both physically and mentally. He has prepped me for this race and I am humbled. In a way, I think he has saved my life because he has given me back a spark I once had regarding running, he helped me put that back in my life. He helped lose weight that had been "weighing me down" (pun intended! ;) ) and potentially change the course of how I will live my life forever.
He has sacrificed so much, I just wish I could pay it forward someday and be able to bless him back!

During this experience I am also greatly humbled by all the time and effort and counsel I have received from my high school teammate, Judy J. She has pushed me to wake up early, to train hard, to not make excuses and strengthen my mind when it gets tough. Running is mostly mental! I am thankful for the many mornings she would wake up with me and run, wherever it was, however many miles, whenever!!!! Humbled and grateful! Thank you!

Finally I am in awe of just how amazing my husband is. With the life I have chosen to live, a busy one, I rarely have time to do anything else or for anything else, including cooking, cleaning, and keeping food in the house!!!! My husband has taken all that over! He also, more importantly has helped me and encouraged me... and at times has had to force me to take a break and just have fun.... before I break and burnout!!!! He knows me, and he loves me even though he knows me very well. I am humbled by the man who is by my side day in and day out, encouraging me to reach every goal I have set, caring for me, helping me and leading me. Forever grateful.

I could also not finish this post without saying how humbled, grateful and in awe I am of my GOD! I mean, seriously.... He is my Jehova Jireh.... My provider.
God knew my heart and how important this event is to me. It may be another race or event for other people, but this means so much more than that to me. When you dream of being IN the race rather than just a spectator or volunteer for so many years, and you try to save up to run it.... but just can never make it because life gets in the way.... yeah... it's a pretty big deal!!!
I am thankful God has seen my heart and provided the way to give me the desires of my heart and blessed me and surrounded me with people who could help me achieve my goal.
Amazing God.

With all that said, my husband and I wen to get my bib and shirt, and misc little tid bits.... and here is the swag!

Kickin it old school!

I remember my running buddies in high school. I remember those who kept me company for hours! Who would help me focus on the run, encourage me to keep my pace and push me to finish strong.

I could probably name them all!!!!
But one who has been key in my life and always brings a smile to my face is Jade!!!
What a great person to have in your life! Seriously, someone who is always so positive!

Well, Judy and I were gonna do a long run and decided, why not call Jade, old school teammate and friend... =) She showed up and rocked it for 8 miles! or maybe it was 9.... somewhere in there.

Either way, Judy and Jade paced me and reminded me that I was strong and able to do the workout.
It was helpful to have old teammates remind me of what I could do and to tell me how much I've improved.
Sometimes I feel like time hasn't passed when I see them.

Thanks ladies for the constant encouragement and support!

Running buddy... to the rescue!

"Get your butt out of bed!" - Is a text I got this morning.... at 6am!
My bed was so comfortable, my pillow was calling me back.
I didn't want to get up. I had every excuse in the book ready for NOT getting up!
- I was tired
- I needed my sleep
- My knee hurt
- I had shin splints
- I felt like I was getting sick yesterday... so I should take it easy today.
Every excuse!
But alas.... the text encouraged me to get up, get dressed, and get going.

I picked up my old high school teammate (who happens to live fairly close to me) and we went to Lake Murray to do the workout coach had scheduled for me: Farleks!
I think the last time I ran farleks with her was about ten years ago!!!! Time flies.... but we run! ;)

*        *        *        *
So last saturday I had to do a 10 mile run, which I reeeeeeaaaalllly really really didnt want to do on my own... so I put a fb post about going running and to see if anyone wanted to join.
Sure enough I get a response from my former teammate who happened to come back in to town from Colorado. I did not know she was here! But any way, out of anyone that could have responded, I was glad she did.... she is a strong runner, who knows her stuff. So I knew she would be able and willing to run the whole 10 miles with me, non-stop and she would push me even more than I could do on my own.

We finished the 10 miles and I felt great. The next day I had to rest. Then on Monday I had to do a 6 mile run, which I did not do 6, it was more like 5miles. But my knee started to bug me.... the all too familiar feeling of "overuse" ( like I mentioned on previous posts).... then my shin too was in pain.... shin splints!!! grrr. I guess I need to be icing, massaging and working out those little muscles.

So on Tuesday, was my track workout, and I had been feeling ok, so I started the workout with my buddy and coach, but by the 5th interval, I was hurting.... and I didn't want to admit that I was hurting.
I wanted to finish my workout strong... or at least finish! But Coach saw me hurting, even as I tried to mask it... and he pulled me from the work out. =(
I guess I am grateful though, that he cares enough to pull me out of the workout for my own good. I still am in shock and amazement at how good this guy is. Waking up early just to help me and get nothing in return!


During the Tuesday workout, Judy, my former teammate had come with me, and she finished the workout. She works so hard and is so good. I was glad she got to have a good hard workout. And glad that she was willing to wake up early to run with me.

So, here's a pic of the two of us at the lake.
Sweaty, tired, but feeling accomplished and happy! =)

Thanks Judy for waking up early with me to run and thanks for encouraging me and pushing me into gear!

Taking a Chill Pill

So, last week I posted a picture of my HUGE blister!
And also wrote about how I had developed shin splints on BOTH my legs.

I decided to find out what was causing my blister, sure enough I inspected my shoes and found that the insole that comes with my shoes was the reason for the blister, the arch on the insole does not match the arch on my foot... so it was rubbing me the wrong way... literally! lol

On Monday I went to a sports store to either buy new insoles or buy new shoes (now that I can afford it! sort of)
I ended up getting new insoles which seem to help. However, because the blister was still healing I did not run on Monday like I should have.
With my new insoles in place and new running clothes I got, I was ready to try to do 8 miles yesterday. But I wanted to check with coach first and see if the 8 miles or 6 miles was better to stay on track (depends on the program).
Sure thing coach called me and told me take a chill pill.... well not those exact words, but pretty much stay off my feet, ice the shin splints and give the blister time to heal.

I felt relieved but at the same time like a loser!!! Blaaaah.... I wanna run!!!!!!!!!!!!
But I guess, he did put it in perspective... if I dont rest now, I might not be able to fulfill my goal later. Rest up and take it slow for a week and hit it hard next week, healed blister and without shin splints!

Rest is not my idea of fun or of moving forward, but I know God knows what's best for me, and I trust also that coach knows what he's taking about.

So I am now on a one week mandatory rest.
Thankfully I have also a lot homework to catch up on, so, great timing for it I guess.

But alas, I will keep up my core workouts.

Rest doesn't mean you've failed, it merely means that you are caring for your body
- I have to remember that....

Servant Leader- Coach Barbosa

Sounds like an oxymoron, but being a servant leader is all about meeting the needs of those you lead first, then accomplishing what you're supposed to accomplish. People before tasks!

Today was a track workout day with Coach.

Can I just say OUCH! I'm seriously sore, tired, have shin splints, and blisters on both feet!

I have drained this one over and over and run and run and still comes back. Sounds like I need new shoes. I have another blister but it's not nearly as painful or big.

Servant leadership came to mind because I was working out with coach this morning at 6am. When it dawned on me.... WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD ANYONE BE UP AT 6am  WITH ME AT THE TRACK!!!!?????

This guy seriously just wants to see me succeed! I am not paying him, no one is. He is truly just volunteering his time to train me and get me in shape to fullfill MY goal!

Mind Blown!

 

I think a lot of times we go throught life doing stuff for us, not thinking much about who we can help or lead or anything. But I am glad coach decided to think outside his obligations and is investing his coaching experience in me.  I am blessed.

 

I was struggling today because of shin splints and blisters, but coach still pushed me to finish strong... and I did! Best lap was the last one! ^_^ It's great to have someone encouraging you.

Also during my workout I noticed I can do more, easier, better. My squats dont hurt so much, the pushups are no big deal anymore, etc. I am getting stronger, and I feel it.

I even lost weight working out with him! I've lost a total of about 12 pounds since I started working out with coach.

There is so many things I am thankful for, and this is one of the many .

For never giving up on me, for waking up early on days you don't have to, for customizing my workouts around my life, for showing up and pushing me to finish strong, for believing in me, and for being a servant leader, a great example of Jesus Christ!

 

Thank you Coach!

 

 

It's gross and I love it!

Yes... it's gross.... and I love it!!!
Sounds like I have a problem, but yes, the running world can be pretty gross!

Just the other day I was running at the lake, I could feel the blisters on my feet and the bugs hit my face. But that's not unusual for a runner.... the blisters or the bugs.

The running world includes several gross things such as:

1. Blisters.... we pop them and drain them and run again! ;)
2. Bugs..... we run through them, inhale them, swallow them, get them in our eyes, our hair, etc.
3. Snot Rocket.... you can't stop running to blow your nose sometimes (most of the time), so you must learn the snot rocket trick, where you just blow it to the side while you run! Either that or use your shirt!
4. Black toenail.... sometimes when you run your shoe will hit your toenail, usually from a smaller fitting shoe causing your toenail to turn black/purple... and it hurts... and most of the time, we run throught the pain (unless it's unbearable, then by all means we see a doctor! )

I'm sure I can find others, but these are few that came to mind the other day.

Though these things are gross and may perhaps discourage people from running, I truly would not do anything else! I love it... gross or not! ^_^

It keeps me sane

I was reading this little article about a runner, in it she mentioned that running keeps her sane.

- I couldn't agree more!-

Running has becoming like breathing again. It's something that without it, I become tense and irritated It's like a drug, it keeps me sane, clears my mind and refocuses my thoughts.
Part of it, I think, is because I take it as a time of quiet meditation on God, His creation, His hand in my life, and His greatness. As I feel my breath go in and out and feeling my lungs and getting my blood pumping, or I feel my muscles breaking down, getting sore, or a cramp on my side... it reminds me....  I'm alive! I am so humbled and glad that God has given me this ability to run, this freedom, this amazing feeling of freedom that only comes through running; There is nothing like it.

I love running.

Last Saturday when I was up in school, the day started off nice and relaxing at 5am, however, by noon, it was crazy! New professor, the students all tried to put in their opinions, thoughts, etc. The teacher nearly lost control of the class, and everyone was irritated, me included. I was stressed by lunch time, so much so that I decided, I am NOT going to lunch.... I NEED TO RUN!
(Granted, I had to run 5 miles that day anyway!)
We had class in a hotel conference room that day, during lunch I went, changed and used the hotel's gym to work out. I must have looked like I was nuts! Running 5 miles instead of taking my lunch, but it was something I needed, to destress, to just get away and refocus myself.
- Also, it helped that a friend got me lunch and I ate it during class-

During my work out with coach yesterday morning I was doing a 200m rep, I was hurting and I think he could tell, I was tired, sore, sweaty and just ready to throw in the towel, when he started encouraging me. Along with a lot other encouraging things, Coach said "Let your mind run, it wants to run!"
- Got me thinking, does it really, what does that even mean?

But I found out it's true.... My mind is the toughest thing to fight when running, and it seriously just wants to relax, and run!
My mind enjoys running! The only limits I have or had during my work out were put on by ME! If I decided to take them off and just let my mind do what it does, I could run, I could just let it go, I could stop holding myself back!

I let my mind run during my last couple reps and at my very last rep I PR'd (Beat my own time!)

This all to say, that I love to run!
And I want to thank Jagger and Kristi for giving me back the hope I needed to get myself back to where I am now, running and loving it! Without their support and without winning this bucketlist wish I think I would have today been just hoping to be where I am. And I have to thank Coach who encourages and pushes me, and is constantly helping me shape my mind back to a runner's mind.
Last but not least I thank my husband for always supporting me, specially in this dream of mine, for encouraging me and rubbing my sore feet! ;)

Thank you again to Magic 92.5, Jagger, Kristi, Samantha, Coach Barbosa, and my husband.

" I won't give up on you"

Sometimes, I feel so tired, overwhelmed, and stressed out that I think it would be easier to stop, just stop everything.... All the commitments I have, school, side jobs, running, etc.

This morning I felt so tired. Yesterday was my "day off".... I did so much homework, ran around doing errands and such, it did not feel like a day off!
I had to do an 8 mile run yesterday as well on top of everything and boy was I dreading. I mean, I was dreading it so much so that I was home, finishing some errands and I literally had to tell myself: JUST GET OUT AND RUN! JUST GO!!! I didn't think twice, had my running clothes on and left the house, drove up to Lake Murray and ran.

At first, I was going to sell myself short and just do 6 miles because according to me, I didnt have time to do 8.... but then after my 1st mile, I knew I had to do the whole work out... the only person I'd be hurting would be myself by doing less. I almost sold myself short, I almost gave up... but I finished the whole 8 miles and got home to finish homework...... but I had left in such a hurry.... I locked myself out! =/  

Thankfully my manager lives right there and let me in! ^_^

After a long day I finally made it to bed around 2am, and knew I had to wake up early to run with coach at 6am. I was exhausted!

I woke up, tired, not excited, dreading the upcoming workout, just knowing I had to get to Patrick Henry track and just do it!
We did "gynastics" and several 200meter reps

Doing some of the excersices coach set up for me make me so incredibly tired and sore, so much that sometimes when I have to do 20 reps of something, I stop .... but coach says "let's finish it up" and pushes me to finish.

During the 200meters I was reminiscing on my track and cross country experience in high school. We had such a talented group back in the day. So much so, that I believe I was one of the least talented.
I had a great coach back then who spent most his life with us and encouraged us.
However, sometimes I felt that because I wasn't as good, I was just given up on, not pushed harder, overlooked.
- I know that's not the case, but feelings sometimes aren't based on facts, they're just feelings-

Today, as I was reminiscing, I felt myself getting so tired, my body was tired and hurting and I could tell I was giving up. I finished the first rep of my second set and it was not a good time... and I knew it! I had given up.

At that moment, coach told me exactly what I needed to hear: "I won't give up on you"
He continued to encourage me verbally as I continued the work out, and I was amazed at how much those words lifted my spirits and pushed me to finish my workout better than I thought I could.

Having a quality coach and person rooting you on is crucial, specially for what I'm trying to accomplish. I am very thankful and I know am blessed to have him spend time training me free of charge. I know this arrangement was godsent!

If you ever want to run anything 5k, 10k, 1/2 marathon or a full marathon, or if you just want to lose weight or anything, this man is the guy to contact! Coach Barbosa is someone who will truly INVEST in you and your dreams!

I left my work out today, exhausted, sweaty, sore, but hopeful- knowing someone had faith in me and would not give up on me, even if I felt I didnt deserve that.

I looked for a picture to put up, but rather, I found a quick wikipedia page on him with a picture:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Lu%C3%ADz_Barbosa  <----- That's my coach!  =)

On the radio

So, I have been getting messages from people asking me if it was me they heard on the radio.
I'm so surprised people are still hearing it! But so very glad!

I had been trying to find a sound bite of that moment when they called me.
Finally I found it!!! So If you haven't already heard it here it is:

http://www.magic925.com/pages/jaggerkristi_bucketlist

And here's the picture we took with them!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/magic925/8507787841/

Also, I got to meet Jagger, Kristi, Samantha and Bogie when we stopped by to pick up some stuff!!
I got to meet the people who helped make my dream come true!!!
I remember Bogie liked us, he was gnawing on our pants by our knees, he is so cute!

Well, take a listen, write your own bucket list and never give up!

I am blessed and these people are amazing!!!

Gotta go run now- Farlek time!!!!! =)

Wild Week!

My schedule was wild this past week.

Here's a bit of how it went:

Monday- Ran 6miles 7am-8am, Work @ Kurt's 9am-5pm, Work @ Coffee Shop 6pm-10pm

Tues- Work @ Kurt's 9am-5pm, Farlek workout on my way to Coffee Shop(50min) Work @ Coffee Shop 6pm- 10pm

Wed- Work @ Kurt's 9am-5pm, Workout  5-6pm(Drills, Plyometrics, Strength Training)

Thursday- Work @ Kurt's 9am-4pm, Ran 4 miles 5-545pm, Work @Coffee Shop 6pm-11pm

Friday- Work @ Kurt's 9am-5pm,  Run Errands 5pm-6pm, Work @ Coffee Shop 630pm- 1130pm

Saturday- Ride to School 6am-8am, School 8am- 12p,12pm-1pm Workout/Run,School 1pm-4pm, Work @ Coffee Shop 6pm-11pm



To be quite honest, this week kicked my butt BIG TIME!!!!

I realized that if you are committed to do something, you'll figure out a time to do it regardless of how busy you are.

I was unable to meet with coach this week, so I had to move things around to fit in my work outs.
The late nights were the worst, though I WANTED to wake up early and work out, it was just so difficult when you dont have a whole lot of sleep!
Sunday I was so exhausted I actually took a nap! I havent taken a nap in FOREVER!!!- or so it feels

But anyway, last week was tough, I did what had to be done. This week, I am focusing on my schoolwork and my running. No more Coffee Shop for me this week..... until Thursday!

My schedule for this week... running wise:

Mon: 6 miles
Tues: Farlek Workout
Wed: 5 miles
Thurs: Farlek Workout
Fri: 6 miles
Saturday: 7 miles
Sunday: Rest

Somewhere in between is work, coffee shop, homework, and I guess I may try to pick up the house too!
Life is sometimes busy, but when you have a goal, no matter what comes at you, you go at it full force!
Coach once told me:    " The will to win is nothing without the will to prepare"

So, I'm preparing- Only 11 weeks to go!!!!

Exhausted

Have you ever thought about how much time you spend on your feet?

I haven't either, until recently.

Every morning I have been waking up exhausted. My legs are like heavy logs, I can barely move them. This morning for example, I was supposed to wake up and work out with coach at 6am. That didn't happen. I couldn't wake up in time.

I realized, I need to get to bed earlier.
I woke up early yesterday, ran 6 miles, got home, took a shower, got ready for work, worked 9am-5pm, ran errands and went to the cafe, ran the cafe from 630-1030pm and got home around 11pm and got to bed by midnight.

The only time I really sat down was when I was driving and when I got home at 11pm while I ate something before going to bed. No wonder my legs are so tired! I really need to rest and go to bed early.

Though I did not do my work out this morning, I will do it after work on my way to the coffee shop (I'm running there!), where I will work at until 9pm.

Thankfully I can multitask at the cafe and work on homework while I'm there.

And maybe I'll get to sit down tonight.... maybe!

Still at it!

We are on week #4 of training.
Very intense!

Here's my schedule for this week:

Monday - 03/04: 6 miles run

Tuesday - 03/05 : 6:15am at track (Warm up + stretch + drilss + Gymnastics)

Wednesday - 03/06: 5 miles run

Thursday - 03/07 : Warm up + stretch + Fark-lek - 10x 2'minutes hard - 1'minute easy

Friday - 03/08 : 6:15am at track (Warm up + stretch + drills + Gymnastics)

Satuday - 03/09: 6 miles run

Sunday- Rest

I am looking forward to meeting up with coach on the track. I have not stepped foot on a track to train in way too many years. I am excited!

I can remember one of my track workouts was so intense when I was in high school! We were doing interval training (which is what coach will have me do on Thursday I think) when I started feeling sick. I kept on with the work out and then, I felt it, it started to come up.... we had a dirt track then, so I went to the side of the track, by the ice plant and let it out! I threw up!!! I cant remember what I threw up, just that I did, and once I did I felt so much better, I finished throwing up and got back on the track. What was holding me back was gone, literally and I ended up having a great work out over all. Lesson learned: Throw up on the track.... Just kidding! 

I will update on track traning tomorrow or so !

In Training

I can't honestly remember the last time I was so sore!

Actually... I remember in High School we had gone to running camp up in Sequoia and we would run A LOT! I was so sore, I'm sure a lot of us were. We would go to these pools that were formed in some rocks, the water came from melted ice up higher in the mountain.... so the water was SUPER COLD! But it felt soooo gooood on my sore legs!

I wish I had a pool of freezing water to go into. -_-

Training for the 1/2 marathon has gone well so far. Coach emails me what I'm supposed to do weekly. It may look like: Monday 5miles, Tuesday 6 miles, Wed Farlek 12 1' x 30", Thursday 5 miles, Friday Gynastics, Saturday 6 miles, Sunday Rest.

This may be overwhelming to some who have never done anything like this, and though I've done this before, I have to admit, sometimes I fight with myself to get myself out and about to run! Like the other day.... I think it was Wednesday.... I was supposed to wake up by 6am to do the Farlek, but my bed won! So I had to figure out how to run later on in the day, which is difficult because of the schedule I keep. But I got it done, it was just more difficult! I learned my lesson, but I can't say the bed won't win again!

I have learned to one way or another get the workouts done. One way I have been able to do get them done is by seeing running as a form of transportation- No joke! I get my husband to drop me off at work, then after work I run home or wherever else I need to go. I have been able to manipulate my route home to run less or more or what not depending on what's on the schedule, but they ALL have hills, which I guess is good, right?! ( I dont like hills!)  

----->  Here's a picture of my way home one day, the view was amazing but my phone has a pretty bad camera... but you get the idea. This is by Del Cerrro.

I have been able to run every single day I was scheduled to run! I have to say, I am thankful my husband has been exteremly supportive. Dropping me off, taking me here and there and everywhere!Waiting for me to get home when I run home, making dinner and just over all being there and cheering me on. I am blessed!


Aside from all the running I get to meet with coach at least once a week, well, now twice a week for what he calls "Gynastics", which is more like Plyometrics and Callisthenics.

Yesterday (Friday), I was so tired from work, running, homework, etc....  but I woke up around 530am to get ready and meet coach at 6am to do Gynastics. He pushes me and pushes me and has me do these weird excercises, some which I'm familiar with, like the Super Mario jump and some that are very new to me. I have to admit, they work out muscles that I forgot I had! LOL.


 I do all the excercises and end up so tired, but refreshed by the time we're done, and then go to work. Last night after I drove home I was unpacking so much (yes, i've been there a month and still living out of boxes!) that by the time I finished with the third box, I sat down on my bed, looked at the clock and realized just how tired I was, I had not sat down for almost the whole day!I think last night I had the best night sleep I have had in a very very long time!

 I'm looking forward to running 6miles today. Race day is much closer and my goal of running the 1/2 in under 2hours requires a lot of determination and hard work, but thankfully I have been blessed with all the tools I need to make it happen, registration, new shoes, an amazing mentor/coach, and support from loved ones. ^_^

Dreams do come true

As a teen, the Rock n' Roll Marathon passed by my old church building and we would volunteer to pass out drinks, power gel, etc. We were there to set up, break down and clean up! Loved it!!! I wanted to be one of those runners someday. They were inspiring!
I started to run again and started to save my money so I could run this year (2013).
However, sure enough, financial struggles arose and little by little my savings for the race dwindled.

Around January I realized my dream to run the Rock N' Roll 1/2 Marathon might not come true! There was no way I was going to have the money to pay for the race, to buy shoes AND pay my bills, it was one or the other.

My husband and I moved in with my sister in law to save money. She took us in and helped us out. We saved enough to put down a deposit, we then moved in with my mom and stepdad to try and save a bit more, we saved enough for the first month's rent for an apartment.
Thankfully we found one and were able to move in Feb. 1st! Loved the location, size, everything!

But still had no money to run the race! At least I was close to Lake Murray, one of my favorite places to run at. I was not motivated as much anymore, I had no hope.

As my hopes of ever running the 1/2 marathon faded, I received an email from Magic 92.5, they were doing a contest they call "Bucket List", where you write down what is in your bucket list and they try to help you fulfill your goal. "I never do these"... I thought... but hey, why not, what have I got to lose, right!?
RIGHT! So I spent a bit of time trying to convey as best I could my deep desire to run this 1/2 marathon, how I've always wanted to be a part of it, and how I love to run, but my finances, well, they just were not there! I pressed SUBMIT and then prayed.

I know the Bible says "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4, So I knew God knew my heart's desire was to run this 1/2 marathon.



Sure enough, a few weeks later Samantha contacted me from the radio station and asked me a few questions just in case I did win. I answered and again hoped and prayed for favor.

At that time we had just moved in with my mom. I had started to run again a few months before, but all the moving kinda forced me to a pause with running. Thankfully my mom lived by the bay in Chula vista and I was able to wake up early before work and go running.
One of those morning as I was running at the bay I got a call ( I always run with my phone! Just in case... you never know!) from a restricted number, around 710am, I answered, they didn't. I thought, ok, weird and hung up. Soon after a few mins more into my run I got another call, this time, someone answered!

Jagger & Kristi were on the other end..... They were making my dream come true! Bob Babbit part of the Rock n' Roll marathon series was also on the line. Bob gave me an admission to either the rock n' roll marathon or the 1/2 marathon!!! (THANK YOU BOB!!!!)
They read my entry on the air, and asked me further questions and we talked. They also gave me new running shoes, courtesy of Brooks Running Shoes, a one night stay at the Hotel Del Coronado, Breakfast at Hotel Del and $100.00 to spend at the hotel!!!!

Needless to say I was excited and in tears, overhwhelmed by their generosity and kindness.
I remember saying on air "I just wanted to run" - in reply to what I thought of everything they had given me. I really did just want to run, but they gave me more than what I had imagined.
I knew then God knew every single desire of my heart and my needs. I really really really needed shoes! (which came in today and look awesome by the way!) And I know the hotel and $100 were just a bonus to show me His love through their generosity.

A few weeks after that call my husband and I moved into our new place, close to the Lake. Where I decided I would work out every morning/afternoon, now that I was running the half marathon, I needed to train, focus and be dedicated! I would run and work out, but to be honest, I knew I needed help! I downloaded a plan on how to prepare for a 1/2 marathon and started to follow it. But I had no accountability and I knew I couldn't do it alone. I needed help. But I didnt know who to ask, and I kenw my schedule was so full and busy, it was not very flexible. My workouts HAD to happen when i could get them in, between work and school work, before work, on my way to the coffee shop, etc.

I got an email from Samantha from the radio station, saying a coach had called the day they had aired my bucketlist experience and he had offered to coach me for free!!!! A few days later I met him, Coach Barbosa, originally from Brazil and a world class runner.
He told me that it was just by chance that he was listening at the moment they aired my call. And that he had felt compelled to call and help me for free. He called the station but was not hopefully in that he would get through to them. Well, he did! I am thankful for Coach Barbosa, who spends time setting up workouts for me and meets with me weekly. I have ran more than I would have on my own, have gotten in better shape, and have been losing about 2lbs a week since I started training with him. I am blessed to have such a quality person take their time to help me.

Over all I am greatful and humbled at this experience. Blessed beyond what I can express in words and excited to fulfill my goal and cross it off my bucket list!
Now off to run, gotta meet with coach tomorrow!

Wake up calls

I used to donate blood as often as possible because I believe it helps save lives. I do this still as often as I can. Part of the reason I do it too is because they tell you if you're doing ok with your cholesterol, which I'm sure I can check at the doctors, but I never go to the doctors so, blah!

Anyway, one time after I had donated blood, my cholesterol level was pretty high... near 200!!!
I saw the history of my cholestorol as I followed it through the years of donating blood... it had gone from 126 (good) up to 187 (bad!) in several years.... That scared me! It was a wake up call for me.

Another wake up call was my friends were wanting to lose weight and they had weighed themselves to know their staring weight. I decided to step on her scale just out of curiousity.... I had not stepped on a scale for about a year. Sure enough, I had NEVER seen those numbers on the scale before! I was technically OBESE!

Finally another wake up call was the fact that I was so tired when I walked the dogs, went up stairs, etc. I was very tired, short of breath and just plain worn out. This was a very ugly feeling. I hated feeling heavy and sick.

This was not who I wanted to be so I decided to make a change. I sat down and made goals. I dreamt big and made small goals to get there, some of them included losing weight, running the Rock n' Roll half marathon, finishing my BA, and joining the US Navy.

I started off by losing weight, took some time, determination and honestly, it was HARD!  But it was written and I was determined to do it! My mentor and former 7th grade teacher was cruicial in giving me the tools to help me lose weight. I lost 15 lbs in a few months and started working toward joining the US Navy, they said I had to lose more weight still. So I moved on to another goal while I lost more weight.
I enrolled in school to get my BA. While in school I lost the rest of the weight needed to join the military, but I figured I'm in school, might as a well finish my BA and join as an officer, so I'm waiting.
Moving on the another goal... the Rock n' Roll 1/2 Marathon!

Run no more

I married in 2007 and things were great for the first two years, actually, things are still great in my marriage; finances... not so much.
In 2008 we moved in to live in the church as caretakers. That in itself was a dream come true, I had wanted to live there since I was 16!!!!
After a year of living there the building was up for sale and we knew we had to move, but had some time to find a place, save money, pack and the like...... or so we thought..........

During one of the inspections the building had to go through, the inspectors found mold behind one of the walls in the room we were staying in (BAD! ). We were asked to move within 24 hours once the mold was detected!!! We had pretty much no where to go, no money to move, and nothing was packed! Thankfully a good friend and her husband opened up their home in hours notice and allowed us to move in with them! Thank God for great friends.

To make matters worse, I was working at the church building which was now going to be sold, thus, I was going to be unemployed. I knew that was coming, so I started to look for a job in other places. I had no car of my own to be able to drive myself anywhere, would have to rely on public transportation, which I did regularly, but not knowing the area was a bit intimidating.

While at my friend's, my husband left to a conference in Atlanta sometime in August and my friend was going to fly out to Phoenix or something like that, so I was going to be alone. Which I was ok with! No big deal, right!? Wrong! .... apprently, the day my friend was going to leave I woke up dizzy, very dizzy, the room was spinning, I had no balance. As soon as it was over I had to throw up. It happened over and over and over to the point where I was dehydrated and throwing up bile. Thankfully my friend was there and she took me to the ER where they couldn't figure out what was going on and to this day I have no reason why it happened, except maybe my iron was a bit low.... but according ot the doctors, not low enough to cause the Vertigo episode I had. I was told to rest and eat a lot of iron. Running was out of the question, I was told to take it easy. I was very weak and tired all the time.

Thankfully, I still had a job, but knew it would end soon. In one of those days, at work, I saw a post on Facebook or some social media, where my sister posted about my father's death. I had not seen my dad in years... roughly about 15 years! I had not heard from him or about him for a while. The last time I heard from him I had sent him money that he needed for something or other. Finding out about his loss like that broken my heart, and I think was the last straw that threw me into depression.

I didnt realize it was depression then, only now that I'm out of it do I think back on it and realize, yep, I was depressed! I could not run to release my stress, I looked at the situation of not having a job and was hopeless, I was grieving my father's death and wanted to do nothing.

In 2009 I ran no more- Depression won.... for a few months....

In the Beginning

Due to some recent events I have been inspired to write about my running experience:

Back when I was in middle school I was into every single club and extra curricular activity I could get into. I did Si Se Puede, Math Club ( I was a mathlete :-B), zoo club, YMCA 6 to 6 program, and I'm sure I'm missing a few. I honestly don't know why, but I just liked being busy and trying new things. One of the things I tried, was the running club we had at my middle school, the "Mile Club". Once a week we would meet and run, there were only about.... 3 of us in the beginning back in 1998.

  I enjoyed it enough to run several times a week, so much so that I was the first person to complete 100 miles in the "Mile Club". I did my first 5k and 10k at the age of 13 while I was part of the Mile Club- a great experience. I think my cousin Carlos was the one who inspired me, he was a Cross Country runner for Clairemont High. So I figured I'd start early and join the Mile Club to prepare me for Cross Country, which I started as soon as I got into High School.

During High School, I did Cross Country and Track for 4 yrs. I had great teammates and a great coach. I was not the best, by far I needed a lot of help, but the support was there and I improved as the years went by. I loved running, it became a part of how I defined myself. Sadly, in my Sophomore year in High School I ran with improper shoes and longer than I should have and injured my knee. I had no health insurance above what is required to do sports in high school, so I went in with Coach Stevenson to a sports clinic and they told me it was "over-use".... to this day I still dont know a 100% what that means, except it hurt! I was told to not run and just rest... but I loved to run. So again, sadly, I disobeyed and ran through my highschool years. Now looking back on it, I think that staying off it and running later would have been the best bet for me, I would have healed and been able to work harder than I was able to with the injury. Oh well. Lesson learned!

  Once I graduated Highschool I went to Mesa College where I did Cross Country for 1 year. I enjoyed the team and the workouts, the only thing is, the injury was still there! Unfortunately, after a few races and several trips to physcial therapy, I threw in the towel. I couldn't finish races, it just hurt too much. FINALLY, once Cross Country season was over I decided to stop. I realized I was only hurting myself more by running. So I threw myself fully into other things like school, church, youth group and work (flowers). Through that "rest" time (about 3 yrs), I couldn't help but run every so often, but I jogged, slowly and very short distances. I loved running and just couldn't stop cold turkey!

  More to come....