We all want it to some degree … some MORE than others. Some just dream about it, while others are out there working hard to get it. Some try and take shortcuts believing that this gadget, or this new diet fad is gonna work for them this time. Let me tell you though, that it’s NOT. The only thing that’s gonna get you that body that you desire is pure HARD WORK. Eighty percent is eating “right,” and the other twenty percent is working out hard. I don’t just mean a leisurely stroll, nor do I mean working out until you puke your guts out. I just mean, getting a good sweat on. Cardio and resistance training. Find something that you love, that you enjoy, that makes YOU happy! Hate running? What about riding a bike or dancing? Don’t like lifting weights? Try resistance bands or TRX! Just move!
I’m tired of watching people around me slack. They talk about “wanting to lose weight and getting into shape.” They talk A LOT. But talk is cheap. Talking only works your jaw and tongue muscles. All I can do is encourage, and try to guide in the right direction … but they have to want it more than to just talk about it. They have to put forth the effort or else I’m just wasting my breath. They have to want it for themselves.
I’m not “perfect,” but I work hard at maintaining and improving what I have. I’m in that gym or hittin’ that pavement 5-6 days of the week. Some call me OCD, but I know that if I didn’t … I’d be “soft” and my heart and entire body would suffer. I’m over 40 and I function and look so much BETTER than some, okay, most who are younger than I am.
There is no magic get skinny pill. There is no magic diet. There is no magic exercise gadget. Sorry, but there’s not. There is only YOU. You and your decision to make your life better. It’s not going to be easy. There will be days of frustration. You will hurt in places you didn’t think you had muscles. But think of that end result … A better, healthier, stronger, fitter YOU.
I know and understand that I am supposed to be encouraging and motivating. Do it, or don’t. That decision is all YOURS. I’m not going to force you. I’ll ask you to come run with me. I’ll invite you to come to the gym with me. But if I keep hearing your excuses, trust me … I won’t ask or invite anymore. I’ll just wait until you’re my patient … no, I’m kidding, I won’t. I’ll keep encouraging (I may roll my eyes a little), I’ll just know to not waste too much of my breath and to save it for someone who actually cares. I know, I’m hardcore. I know, I can be “mean” and sound somewhat “demeaning,” but trust me … I don’t mean to sound like that, it’s said with love and respect. It just comes out sounding more like a Drill Sargent, than all “lovey dovey.” That’s just how I roll.
So … What’s it gonna be? You in? Or do you keep doing what you’re doing which isn’t exactly working for you? The choice is YOURS and yours alone. But whatever you decide, be happy with what you choose. If you keep doing what you’ve always been doing, you will ALWAYS get what you’ve always gotten. In order for changes to happen, you have to step out of your comfort zone and be willing to do the work. It WON’T be easy, but trust me … it WILL be worth it. The only thing standing in your way is YOU.
With that … I’m done and I’ll get off my soapbox now. I’ll leave you with one of my FAVORITE videos inspiring motivation … Enjoy. Make good choices, and have a great day!!!
Update: I realize that this blog may seem a little harsh. I should be kinder to those individuals that want to do better, but yet do nothing, right? My husband says that I’m somewhat demeaning. Well, all I can say is that I know that I’m not exactly the nicest person. I know that I can be brash, harsh, hard … BUT … I am also hardest on myself when it comes to stuff like this. I am the best person at kickin’ my own ass and beating myself up. Being nice only gets you so far. I’m an ER Nurse, for gosh sake. I am one of the FIRST persons that sees first hand what all this nonsense does to people who make excuses. Obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, strokes … I’ve seen my share of “stuff,” and believe me, it is NOT pretty and I will admit that I don’t like to touch fat!!! Our society is a society of wanting quick fixes and easy way outs. There aren’t any! NONE! So … what you do with your body is your choice. I’m just saying that it’s easier to put in the 30 mins to an hour 5 times a week, than it is to have a hospital stay that may render you bed bound for a LONG period of time. Okay … I’ll get off my soap box again.
If you look at me, you wouldn’t necessarily believe me to be one of “those” people who are prone to sunburns. I’m Filipino, and I’m brown as heck naturally. Yeah, well, don’t ever believe a Filipino who tells you that “Filipinos don’t sunburn.” That is a bold faced lie. Most Filipinos don’t sunburn because they avoid the sun like the plague – covering every part of their bodies, then using a large hat and then staying under a sunshade. I know that’s not true of all Filipinos, just some, but most do avoid the sun, preferring the coolness of the shade instead.
I am one of “those” Filipinos. I don’t care to be out in the sun as the heat makes me cranky, and I tan WAY too easily without even trying. Seriously – I can go from stark white to dark brown in the span of less than 10 minutes of being exposed to the sun. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I am an athlete. I am a runner. I am a runner who does not always care to do her running on a hamster whizzle. That means, I take my runs outside … in the sun …
In the past, burning was not an issue … just a nice, deep, dark tan. However, add to the mix that I am a “little” older, and my training runs are “slightly” longer, therefore exposing me to the harmful effects of the sun for longer periods of time, and have, on occasion, “forgotten” that much needed sunblock (because I never used it until a few years ago) … well, yeah … I’ve gotten a few nasty burns. I try to remember to lather on that thick, sticky goop, but most times I believe that I’ll only be out for a few minutes so I don’t need it. Oh the lies that I tell myself …
Enter my Twitter and FaceBook friend, Kassy, aka @runaholickassy … Mind you, Kassy knows nothing of my “issues” with the sun, she just happened to contact me one morning and said that she had something for me and would I please DM her my address. Hmmm … skeptical at first, but I didn’t believe that she would stalk me all the way from the Philippines, I gave it to her. She told me to look for “the gift” in a few weeks. Okay.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I continue to do my own thing, my everyday living, etc., which one day included me going to my boys baseball game. I did bring my sunblock – I put it in my bag, and my husband brought a large sun umbrella. No need for me to slather on the sunblock or bust out the sunbrella, I thought, there was a large sunshade covering the bleachers that we sat on. I believed that I was “protected” enough from that sunshade. Not smart on my part. 2+ hours later … I was quite sunburnt, not bad, just enough … Yeah, no bueno! I know better!!!
UnBurn by Water Jel Technologies
To my surprise, my package, my surprise gift was found in my mailbox that very day! UnBurn by Water Jel Technologies … arrived just in the time of Nick! What did I have to lose by trying it, right? Instead, I learned that I had much to gain … like INSTANT, IMMEDIATE cooling relief! With vitamin E, aloe, and 2.5% Lidocaine in a water based formula … yeah, killed that sunburn pain right there! A couple more applications here and there throughout the remainder of the day and that sunburn was gone.
I am thankful that my little surprise came when it did. Like I said, perfect timing – “emergency” sunburn care literally as noted on it’s packaging! I found it to be easy to use, and very soothing upon contact. No goopy mess. It’s non-staining so staining of clothes would not be an issue. As an RN, I am aware of medications and the treatment of various issues requiring basic first aid. I found nothing that would steer me away from this product. At about $10.00 for a 4 ounce bottle, the price paid would be well worth the relief that it provides. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone especially now that summer is in full force! I would, though, first recommend that EVERYONE, Filipinos included, use sunblock!!! The devastating effects of skin cancer from wreckless sunbathing are so NOT worth it!
Many thanks again to Kassy and to KPR-NYC for providing me with the hook up!!!
Have a wonderful summer, everyone. Stay safe, keep cool, and wear sunscreen!!!
I’m not going to lie. I’m spoiled. Very spoiled. Some say so spoiled that I stink.
I wasn’t always this way, seriously. I was and still am a very independent woman. I work hard. I am smart. I do a lot of things for myself. I just happen to be fortunate enough to have a husband who loves and cherishes me . . . A LOT.
Let’s define spolied. Checking www.dictionary.com it says that spoiled is a verb. In one definition, it says that to spoil is “to become bad, or unfit for use, as food or other perishable substances; become tainted or putrid: Milk spoils if not refrigerated.” Um … yeah … that’s not the right kind of spoiled. In another definition, to spoil is “to damage severely or to harm (something), especially with reference to its excellence, value, usefulness, etc.: The water stain spoiled the painiting. Drought spoiled the corn crop.” Or better yet … definition number three … “to impair, damage, or harm the character or nature of (someone) by unwise treatment, excessive indulgence, etc.: to spoil a child by pampering him.” Hmmmm … definition number three would be the most likely be the one to define the type of spoiled that I am, except, really, “to impair, damage, or harm the character or nature of someone?” Hahaha! I’m by far NOT impaired, damaged, nor is my character or nature harmed because of the treatment that I receive. Or am I?
I don’t believe that I’m so spoiled that my functioning is hampered. I do believe and will admit that I am spoiled to an extent. But … BUT … I blame my husband for that. Seriously, if you ask him, he will tell you that he does it out of love. All I have to do is ask or mention it and I will find it done or given to me. I’m serious when I say that on the days that I have to work, all I have to do is wake up. My kids are cared for, dinner is made, whatever I need is done. He knows what I need, can complete my thoughts and sentences. Some say that he’s whipped … whatever. If I had to do something, I could. My husband will tell you that he enjoys doing things for me, and I believe him.
Many people ask me how I am able to do the things that I do … workout excessively, work the hours that I do, run different races, etc., etc. Well, for one, my husband is my biggest supporter. You can find him at all of my events and doing whatever it takes to help me succeed. Secondly, my kids are not “little,” they may be young, but not little. Even if they were, even when they were, it really made no difference they came to the events or we found someone to watch them while we were away. Let it be known that my husband was the one who tricked talked me into running my very first full marathon. He is not only my biggest supporter, he is my biggest fan, loudest cheerleader, the best S.A.G. person. He will ride his bike beside me as I run for miles and miles. All this WITHOUT whining complaints. Oh … and if you’re sarcastic enough, you will find a car in your driveway for your birthday, complete with a BIG red bow! Well, maybe you won’t, but I did … =)
He never gets enough credit. He deserves much more props than he gets. So … to my husband, Chris, THANK YOU! Thank you for allowing me to do what I need to do. Thank you for letting me go to the gym – for knowing that I need to get there or I’d go nuts. Thank you for taking such great care of all of us, especially the kiddos. You are a great father and husband. Thank you for driving the “Party Bus” in which you graciously pick up my friends and take us to our various runs. Thank you for running when I sign you up for crazy races. Thank you for always looking out for us – finding events, taking the kids to their various practices and games. Thank you for being our biggest fan, our greatest source of support. Thank you for taking time off of work. I could never thank you enough for all that you do for us. For your unselfishness, your undying devotion, your true love for us … There are not enough words, not enough thank yous, to express how grateful I am to have you in my life. You all have to know how much this man does not just for me, but for all of us – Me, Sam, Nate, Noah, Grace, his mom, and even his friends (the ones that he cares about anyway).
Call me spoiled. I really don’t care. It’s something that I am proud to be. I am very blessed to be in the position that I am. My life is better because of Chris.
Chris ... The Culprit. Ultimate Husband & Father. Spoiler.
I heard her talking about me. She was telling Jeanne, one of the owners of AMAA/Stockton Karate, “I didn’t know who she was, but she was right next to me and she was so encouraging.” She was a new student at AMAA and Jeanne told her that my name was Row. Hearing that made my spirits soar high. She was working out right beside me, and I saw the look of, “Are you freakin’ kidding me?!” written all over her face more than once during our 45 minute workout. All I told her was that she was doing a great job, to just keep moving, and that she could do it. Easy. Nothing to it, just a few words of encouragement. She had heard me, so my words were not of wasted breath. Whew!
You CAN, and You WILL ...
I’m one of “those” people … you know one of those obnoxious people who yell in a group exercise class. It’s even worse if I know your name because I will call you out! Why? Because I know how it feels to need encouragement. I know how it feels to be dead tired, but then to hear someone tell you that you can do it, it allows you to put forth that much more effort to get the work done. So, yes … If I see you “struggling” in class, I will let you know that you CAN do it, that you only have so many more minutes left. If I see you in a race, regardless if I know you or not, I will tell you that you’re doing a great job, because you ARE.
Seriously … just by you being in class or running in a race, you ARE doing a fabulous job because you could very well be doing absolutely nothing. You have won half the battle by choosing to get out and move, and I will commend you for it and help you any way that I can.
Honestly though, I encourage others because it helps me. I hear myself tell others that they can do it … If I’m telling you
Hear me?
that you can, and I don’t, then it makes me look like an ass a hypocrite, right? I can’t look like that. I refuse to look like that. When I hear myself give others encouragement and motivation, then I believe it myself and it allows my mind to cancel out what my body is telling it to do which most times is, “Shut the eff up and stop already!” You see, I believe that your body will do whatever your mind tells it to do even if it’s tired. I know because I have tricked my body countless times. I have learned that I can do so much more than what I believe that I can. It seriously is all in your head …
Others have done it for me … given me encouragement and motivation when I have needed it most. Some have never met me, others have been spectators with great signs on a marathon course, and some have been my friends training with me … it has helped me every time, and gotten me through to the end. Because of this, I pay it forward by encouraging others. Yes, true motivation has to come from your heart, you have to want it, but it never hurts to have a little help from your friends. So I don’t care if I am the loudest, or the most obnoxious in class … I get heard, people hear me, and they get’er done! Helping others helps me. Helping you helps me. Watching you succeed helps me, it motivates me, it encourages ME … We have to help each others get thru and push thru … Let’s do it!
Seriously? Is this post for real, you’re wondering. THREE races in one week? Um, yeah, I’m totally serious, and I totally did it. A 10K, and two half-marathons back to back … I know, who does that? Not “normal” people … I’m not a “normal” person, so, I did it.
Let’s start from the beginning, or the first race …
Monday, May 30, 2011 … The Inaugural Stockton Rotary Run. I picked up the pamphlet on this run while at Fleet Feet Stockton, picking up something. I’m always at Fleet Feet, so it’s not a surprise that I can’t remember what I was there for. I think it was for Chris’ packet pickup for The Avenue Of The Vines Half. I remember perusing the pamphlet, and thinking that I worked the Sunday before the race on Monday Morning so I wasn’t initially going to run it. I ended up signing up probably while half asleep because I still wasn’t thinking that I would run a race after working all night. It wouldn’t be the first time though. With that I tried to recruit as many people as possible to run with me … It was for a good cause – Run to Eradicate Polio. I know … Polio? Yes. Polio. Not all third world countries have eradicated this disease, and it still afflicts many children rendering them with paralysis. Read about polio here.
The race was to be held Memorial Day Monday morning. This normally would not be an issue, except for the fact that I will have worked all weekend long … and this included the Sunday night before the race. 12 hours, on my feet. Hmmmm. I’ve done it before, just not to where I’m cutting it so close. Start time was 0800, and I get off work at 0730 and I work about 20 minutes away … Yeah. Lucky for me, although the night was busy, I was able to leave work a few minutes early and hightail it over to the race start. The running/race Gods were with me … because there was no traffic, and parking was not an issue!
Linda and I ... =)Panda Girl Erika, Linda, and I ... Pre race.
I met my running buddy, Linda V., at Starbucks by the movie theater. She had a last minute race cancellation on Saturday, so she decided to run with me that morning. My friend, Erica decided at the last minute to run also, so she met us close to the start because she needed to finish registering.
This was an inaugural race. Usually, that word “inaugural” is synonymous with “lots of issues.” That day, I found none. It was cool, but not freezing cold. We were greeted warmly by Fleet Feet owner, Tony Vice, and by the director of On Your Mark Events. The opening speech by Kerry Kreuger was inspiring, as was the countdown to the start by a woman stricken with polio as a child. It was nice to know that the race was put on to raise funds for a good cause. This race had a 5 and a 10K … I had signed up to run the 10K. Eek!
The race for me, was actually not a bad race. The course is FLAT as can be, and it’s part of other courses of races that I had run in downtown Stockton before, so it was slightly familiar. It started at DeCarli Square, right in front of the movie theater between El Dorado and Center Streets. Surprisingly, I was “awake” and ready to run. Running a 10K is different from running a 5K or a half marathon. It’s not quite all out balls to the walls, and it still must be run somewhat conservatively. Per Squatch’s advice, I was to warm-up with the first mile, then progressively get faster. I was not to look at mileage, but at time. (i.e., I can run this in an hour. Only 1o minutes left. Etc.)
It was a double loop run … but I didn’t feel too bad. Erika and I ran together for the first three miles. She’s faster than I am so I was pacing with her, trying to keep up with her, but something happened after we laughed and waved at the Good Day Sacramento Camera man … She started to fall behind. Not far behind, but she was no longer beside me, and I was still running thinking the whole time that she would eventually blow by me. At mile 3.5 my goal was to start targeting people and catch up to them and/or eventually pass them. I waved to Erika to get her to get her back up beside me. She was close, but I was alone in my game of cat and mouse. I felt good, and I felt strong, so I just kept going. At mile 5 I knew that I had to gun it … so with each person that I caught up to, I encouraged them to come with me. Only one did, and he raced me to the finish where I encouraged him to GO! Literally as soon as crossed the finish line, I had an overwhelming sensation of needing to hurl! That’s my indicator that I know I pushed hard. My friend Linda caught my finish on video … super cool. I need to figure out how to upload it …
Best part of the entire race … placing third in my age group. I got BLING, baby! In this race, bling only goes to the top 3 finishers in each age group. It was a nice surprise! 10K, 55 minutes!
Race number 2. Half marathon. Saturday 04 June, 2011. Brazen Racing’s Nitro Trail Half Marathon. Mac and I registered for this race in February after the New Year’s Half marathon that we ran. We enjoyed that one so we thought we’d run another. Little did we know that June’s weather would be similar to that of our New Year’s Half. Wow.
Too bad this wasn't on the registration ...Running BFFs!
Pinole, California is located close to Richmond, in the Bay Area. It’s a beautiful area. I was thankful that my friend, Erika Rae offered to drive as I felt bad asking Chris to take the day off for me. So off we went in Erika’s van – Erika, her friends that she was able to convince to run, Cindy, and Christina, and my friend Judy. We made it to Pinole with about 30 minutes to spare … enough time to use the portapotties and to grab our race bibs. Whew! I caught up with my running BFF, Mac, and our friend Mel just in time. Thank God! It was cold, and drizzly at the start, but it was all good.
We all started together. It was funny how we all laughed at the lady who suggested that we take a course map along with “a plastic baggie to keep it warm.” Huh? The map? What about us?! Really? The course was literally loops – one little, two med, or two of each … Ah, I can’t remember! We lost Judy and Mel, then Erika by mile 3. It was
"Look! Camera! Let's start running!"
Mac and I together for the remainder of the run which was fine by us. We were just running to run and to be together. Plus, that course wasn’t easy with the weather conditions, multiple loops causing dizziness, and some hills. Seriously … mile 3 was uphill into a headwind. Mile 5 was severe wind blowing from the left side. There were multiple muddy parts that we were lucky not to slide into or slip. The best part? Having to do it again …
Mac and I spend a lot of time catching up. I love my Mac, she’s an awesome running BFF. I don’t get to see her nearly enough, but I hear from her at least once a day!
The trail run was nice. It started POURING buckets by mile 11 until the finish! We walked a little here and there, enjoyed the scenery, and the company. We love Brazen Racing. They have the best aid stations – always smiling volunteers, lots of water, Gu, gummy bears, cookies, chips … seriously, at every aid station. Mac and I finished at about the 2:30 mark. This was an improvement from our New Year’s half which was almost 3 hours! Lol!
And lastly … Race #3 … See Jane Run, Alameda, CA. Sunday 05 June 2011.
This race was a crazy idea that I had while on the spin bike next to Erika Rae. What was I thinking? I don’t believe that I was thinking. I believe that I was oxygen deprived. She was telling me how she was not going to be able to run for the next 3 months and how she was gonna miss running, etc. So I blurted out, “Well, let’s finish it off with a BANG and run a back to back!” I was kidding, but again, I wasn’t. Usually my mouth thinks faster than my mind does and it usually speak the truth. So I’m sure that this was not an error on the part of my brain that controls the part of my tongue that gets bitten when it wants to say something stupid! I already decided I was “IN” and registered that day after talking it over with my hubby who thought it was a good idea. What? Erika was not in … she had another obligation that she had already comitted to do. However at the last minute … something happened and she was able to go. So she registered at the last minute, and we headed off to packet pick up Saturday after our trail half.
Since Pinole, CA and Alameda, CA are close together, I thought for sure we’d have more of the same weather that we had on Saturday … I was prepared with a rain jacket, hat, etc. Thankfully though, it was gorgeous, beautiful weather. In fact, it was even a little hot in the mid 60s! We both took separate cars since our hubbys and youngest children came along, and we were both LATE for different reasons. (Note: Erika and I both run on the same schedule, and we are chronically late individuals. Together we make a great team, but, geez, we have to get our Filipino and Mexican timing down in the future!)
We arrived at the venue with a few minutes to spare. I had enough time to run to the bathroom, then find Erika. Once we found each other, we had enough time to sprint to the start. Starting at the back of the pack is not normally our deal, because we despise weaving in and out of walkers, etc., but at this point we really had no choice. We were both slightly tired from our run the previous day, so we were happy to mill along at a somewhat slower pace. (Her “slow” is my gasping, just so you know.)
For the entire run we were basically side by side which was nice. We did minimal talking because, well, for me, I was trying to “conserve” my energy. The course was basically flat, and the scenery wasn’t dismal, but it wasn’t all that exciting except when we got out by the water. A lot of people complained about running thru the industrial part of town, but it was such a small part of the course. I grew up in Alameda. I love that town, and I wish that I could spend some time there just getting reacquainted and visiting old stomping grounds. Getting back to the run itself though, I felt as if I was holding Erika back. I felt as if she could have gone much faster, and she should have. She should not have “waited” for me, but for some reason, I don’t believe that she was. Her goal is never to “just finish.” Erika Rae is super uber competitive … she kicks ass all the time. But she stuck by me for the entire time. We finished within seconds of each other which was awesome. She had a mean kick, and my strides are so much shorter … lol!
Haulin' a$$ to the finish ...
I have to say that the weather was perfect. Had we not been so tired, I am sure that we both could’ve PR’d with this race! We had fun though. We spent some time milling around the post-race expo collecting freebies and our champange glasses filled with chocolate.
One complaint that I have was that there was no accessible water at the finish … we had to stand in line. Seriously? Water should have been handed out at the finish along with our medals!!! The line for water and food post-race was LONG and moving slowly! Geez! Also, some of the medals that people received were not the correct medals for the race that they had run. Meaning that some individuals who ran the half got a 5K medal, and vice versa!
I have to give Erika Rae props! She ran the exact three races that I ran and did a rockin’ kick ass job
RowCoon and The Panda Girl
gettin’ it done. She is one of the very few individuals who will help me execute some crazy ideas!!! Let me tell you, I have some really off the wall ideas and she never (well, hardly ever) tells me that I’m insane, she usually eggs me on to get me to think of more. Oh, but don’t let think that I’m alone in this, she has some crazy ideas herself, and she is just as OCD about working out as I am! She’s an awesome workout partner … so THANK YOU, E-Rae! (I’m throwin’ gangsta signs at this point.)
Running back to back half marathons seems like cake now that I have done it, but in the past I never would have even imagined that running 13.1 miles would be a piece of cake, let alone on two days in a row. What I have learned is that my body is pretty amazing. I’ve learned that I am stronger than I believe that I am. Running 13.1 miles …. pssssh! I can do that in my sleep! I know that it seems ridiculous to some, and unfathomable to others, but seriously, if I can do it, anyone can. It’s a mind game. You body, and those that you tell that you’re going to do it, will tell you that you’re insane … but if you believe that you can, then you WILL. My mind told my body that it really didn’t have a choice, that it was going to do this, and then it told my body that it could, that it was an amazing machine … and my body followed the instructions of my mind, believed it, then performed! Your mind is a powerful thing … and where your mind goes, where your thoughts go, your body will follow. Don’t ever believe that you can’t because you CAN … you just don’t want to!
One of these days I will learn to not be so long winded when I write. One of these days I will be able to just get to the point without all this going around in circles. I should learn to conserve my energy, as I try to do while running. Instead I think “too much,” and have so much to say for someone who really doesn’t have much to say …
One of these days I may surprise you, but I highly doubt it …
Teaching myself how to ride a bicycle. Many thanks to my neighbor, Paige, who let me borrow her bike.
My yellow, banana seat bicycle. “The Rascal.”
Spending summers with my beloved Grandma in San Francisco.
Japanese paper wallets – and stashing as much cash as I could “save” in them.
Pee Chee folders, and newsprint tablet paper.
Reading anything and everything.
Grape Bubble Yum, Pixie Stix, and Jolly Rancher Cherry Sticks!
Mrs. Corpus and her encouragement. Best & still my favorite teacher EVER!
Cherry Kool Aid and Grape Tang!
Saturday morning cartoons.
Summer vacation from June to September!
Being the fastest girl runner in my classes.
Junior Olympics, running track.
Wondering if I would ever grow tall enough to reach the pedals of a car so I can drive.
No worries. No cares. Just being a kid trying to grow up. My “problems” were so different that what kids have now. Enjoy your childhood. Be a kid. Don’t be in such a rush to grow up so fast!
thought about it, I asked my husband if it would be okay, then I registered. I didn’t put that much thought into it which I should have. I know!
My travel buddy!
Everyone always asks me, “Why Indianapolis?” Well, the answer is easy … my brother, Joe, lives in Indy, so I made it a run with a dual purpose – visit my brother and run a half while I’m there! I hadn’t been to Indy since 2006, and since then my brother has bought a new house and has a new girlfriend, etc. The decision to go was easy, just the logistics was not, but I made it work. I was fortunate enough that my husband had some frequent flier mileage that he got on his new SouthWest Visa Card, and that my daughter’s ticket was fairly inexpensive. So we were off on a girl’s adventure!
We left on a Monday so we had plenty of time before the race on Saturday. We didn’t do much while in Indy, just hung around my brother’s house because he had to work and it would’ve been crazy to ask him to take vacation days off to spend time with us. Besides, I didn’t want to do much other than chill out, and neither did Grace (she just didn’t know it then). We loaded up of groceries and necessities and just holed up for a few days! It was nice to just do nothing!
Course map ... where's my GPS?
My brother and his girlfriend, Lucy, did take the day off on Friday so we could explore the expo. The expo was held at the Indianapolis Convention Center as it was a large event with many (try 30,000 runners). Packet pickup was well organized. They sent out postcards with our bib numbers already on them, so all one had to do was head to the correct line with your bib #. Fast and easy. I always love perusing the vendors at the marathon expos. They almost always have great deals and there are always good race discounts. The last time I went to one, I entered all of the drawings because my running BFF did, and I ended up winning a bunch of stuff so I did it again, and once again won a bunch of stuff – Free pizza, a boat trip down the Ohio River, a stay at a resort,
Checkered flag! =)
water bottle, etc. Not bad. It was while I was at the expo that I learned that one of my Twitter buds, @alamarcavada, was running this event. Unfortunately, I was literally walking out as she was walking in, so we didn’t get to meet. We were able to exchange numbers and were going to meet at the start or at the finish for sure! I wanted to meet @halftrain while I was there also, but that didn’t happen either!
Carb loading happened at one of my favorite places … Buca di Beppo! Love that place … tons of carbs, and more carbs. The food is awesome, and you know that carbs and I are BFFs … well, except my hips don’t think so! Lol! Oh well … I love their food! The rest of the day was pretty uneventful. My brother and Lucy took out Grace and I just chillaxed some more after I laid out my race gear.
Race day, game face on! Heehee! It started at about 0500 I had my ususal reheated Starbucks Mocha (Triple, tall, NF, no whip), and my toasted bagel with peanut butter. Start time was 0700 and we weren’t sure about parking downtown, so we left at 0600. Parking was not an issue. Downtown Indy had lots of parking! There were TONS of runners and spectators. I expected chaos, but surprisingly there was NONE! I thought I’d get lost trying to find the start, but I didn’t. Everything
Hundreds and hundreds of porta potties!
was well marked, no one was panicking. I met a really nice lady while waiting to use the porta potty who told me that this was her 10th Indy Mini race. That was another thing … there were tons of porta-potties! When I had to go right before my corral reached the start, there was no issue, no long ass line like there usually is at races!
Beach ball warm up! So cool. I tossed my daughter one when I took off!
I was in Corral M … so you can imagine how many people there are. The corrals are arranged in the order that you registered, NOT by how fast you are. I registered “late” in November for this race. I loved how there was time to warm up and get acclimated to the weather, and how my family could find me easily. I love how we played beach ball while we waited at the start! It was fun!
Mac imposter, but she made me feel as if I was running with her!
I was worried about running “alone,” however, I was able to spot a girl that had a “Mac-do” – the crazy ponytails that my running buddy Mac sports at our races! Too much fun. It took about 15 to 20 minutes to get to the start once the gun went off!
While “racing” I’m not really racing. To me it’s just running as I am only competing with myself. I only strive to improve my own times as I know that that is where the real competition is … inside my head! Running thru the streets of Indy was amazing! The weather was perfect – cool in the high 50’s to 60’s with some drizzle. I had no issue with crowding in the beginning … just running.
Super cool to be running on the track!I'm not a good runner & photographer, but I tried.
I hit the midpoint on schedule as discussed with my awesome Coach @SpeedySasquatch. My times were spot on, and I felt really good. Mile 7 is where we were actually
On the Speedway!
running on the Indianapolis 500 Speedway! It was such an awesome,awesome experience! I even took a few self portraits of myself while running … !
Miles 9 – 11 is where it got a little “weird” for me. I know, what am I talking about? Well, I’m not exactly sure what happened. It was almost as if I blacked out for those 2 miles or so because I don’t remember them at all. Seriously. I just remember that I was thinking that my playlist was kinda weird at the mile 9 marker, then the next thing I knew, I was at mile 11 with a huge gash on my leg bleeding. I don’t remember falling, but I don’t remember how I got to mile 11 either. It was as if I just blacked out, but kept moving. So … not to worry, I’ve been working with my doctor on trying to figure out WTHeck happened. I’m thinking that it’s either my thyroid that’s off, or my electrolytes were really off. I really believe that it was my electrolytes. I dunno. Just know that I’m okay, and I’ll figure it out.
So … since I lost two miles, my times were slightly off. Even though I somehow managed to keep moving, I guess I was
I love this pic!
moving slowly. Oh well, at least I was upright, and not vertical or on an ambulance gurney, right? And the gash wasn’t bad, but it did scar. I wasn’t going to try to even make up the time difference. At this point I just wanted to finish. My finish time looks weird, but remember that I started like 15-20 min after the gun time, and I lost time when I passed out or something. I looked good at the finish though … smiling for the camera …
Post Race Cheezin'!
The end was fun! Lots of people! Lots of crowd support – from random people on the street, to cheerleaders from every school, volunteers, bands on street corners. There was more than enough water, and porta potties throughout the course. While running to the finish, the announcer made
Team Sasquatch reppin' in Indy!
it seem as if you were racing each other to the finish! You know, like you were a race car. Fun! It took awhile, but finally caught up with my Twitter friend, Alamar … OMG, she’s awesome and beautiful. She finished that race like it was nothing, and she looked fab!
Would I run it again? Heck yeah! That race was fun! I’m thankful that my brother let us stay and chill out at his house. I’m thankful that the weather was nice. And I’m thankful that whatever happened from miles 9-11 were not that serious. I loved that race! Just don’t tell Chris that I already signed up for 2012 and am hoping that things workout so that I can make it back there again. =) Thanks for a great race, Indy!!!
It’s been a busy month for me, this month of May. I opened my eyes and it’s just about over now as we are in its last full week! Wow! So much to write, so little time.
Last weekend was my second half for the month for me. (Since I’m a very S L O W blogger, it’s now 3 weekends ago!) I’d never really done that before. I take that back, I have, just not “formally” as in signing up for a race. I’ve logged as many as 150 miles/month, so running 2 13.1 mile races is a piece of cake! I haven’t done it in the past because it can wreck havoc on a family schedule and also a schedule in which one works every other weekend. However, one race was a “must run,” while the other one was one in which I had the opportunity to see my college boy, and spend the weekend meeting new Twitter friends, and seeing an “old” one. Win/Win!!
Fresno … Ah, what’s good to say about Fresno? Probably not much as I live in it’s cousin city, Stockton. That’s another blog in itself, so we’ll save that for another day. Fresno is located in the middle of California’s Central Valley, and I didn’t realize that it was so HUGE! I mean HUGE! It has a population of about half a million people for gosh sakes! Yeah, that’s huge! From what I know and have experienced of Fresno, it’s like any other California city … it has its good and bad points and parts. I’m not a good one to comment as I have not really spent any real quality time there. I know that it’s the home of the Fresno State Bulldogs (Go Dogs!), and that it’s HOT there.
I’m not sure how I even found this race. Probably from my time spent trolling websites looking for races to run. Wait, I remember … I was looking for biking events for my hubby to participate in as he’s new to biking and was looking for organized rides. This particular race was made into an entire weekend … The Eye Q California Classic Weekend. I thought it would be fun if my husband could ride on Saturday, and I could run the half on Sunday. It ended up that I would be the only one participating as for some reason he didn’t sign up. Oh well … that was okay with me. I sent out the link to my friend, Linda, who spends a lot of time in Fresno and asked if she would consider running with me. That link was consequently viewed by Penny (@southbaygirl) who convinced Kristy (@kristylpants) and a weekend was planned!
We left for Fresno on Saturday morning. Uneventful drive, one short stop to get gas and some In and Out Burger for some much needed fuel of a different source. (Yeah, I know it’s not exactly the right source of nutrition, but the burgers are awesome and the french fries are to die for so bite me!) One and half hours later we’re in Fresno looking for our hotel and getting lost in the not so finest part of town! Good times for Chris and I as he wants to throttle me more times than he let’s on as I am so NOT a good navigator! In my defense, I have never claimed to be a good navigator, nor do I ever want to be. The majority of the time on our road trips, I can be found sleeping in a reclined passenger seat, reading, or messin’ around with my iPhone. If it’s truly a navigator that he wanted, then it’s what he got the Garmin for, right? That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it.
45 minutes later, we find the Holiday Inn that we’ve booked for the weekend, but it’s too early to check in. We park in front of the Casino next door, and we head out to packet pick up at Chuckchansi Stadium … Home of the Fresno Grizzlies! Really? Yep, true story.
Chuckchansi Stadium - Home of the Fresno GrizzliesChillin' like a villian as I wait for Penny and Kristy.
Packet pick up was no expo …. just a very small event with a couple high school girls handing out bib numbers, and a few volunteers handing out the goodie bags and tech shirts. I walk up to pick up mine, only to be informed that the only size shirt in womens that they have is a large! What? Are you kidding me? When I registered, I requested a small shirt and you’re telling me that you only have a large? Minor SNAFU … let it go. It’s not like I wear my tech shirts anyway! Penny and Kristy were close to arriving to Fresno, so I told them that I would wait. No big deal. I rummage through the goodie bag to find absolutely nothing exciting! Lucky for me, Penny and Kristy arrived a few minutes later. To me, it’s always such a nice feeling to meet people that I have been communicating with via Twitter and/or Facebook. It reminds me so much of the pen pals that I had when I was a child, however, I have yet to meet them IRL (in real life). After introductions, we head off to our Hotel – the Holiday Inn – which is within walking distance from the race start.
At the Holiday Inn Hotel Lobby - Impersonating Lonette the Clown from the Big Comfy Couch.
After we get settled, I call my son, Sam, who is a Junior at Fresno State University. Penny, Kristy, and I had plans to meet up with our friend, Linda, later, so I suggested to Chris that we take Sam out to eat as I knew that he would be hungry. He was. We ended up walking around close to where we were staying and asked a Police Officer his suggestion for a good lunch spot … He suggested a sports bar up the way called . Good choice in terms of food, just the service was somewhat slow and, no, it was not busy at all. We got caught up with Sam, and headed back to the hotel where I got ready to go to dinner (I know, I just ate), and Chris and Sam were to spend some time together doing what Sam enjoys … playing poker at a local casino.
Dinner with Linda was at a restaurant called Five. Italian fare, perfect for pre-race carb loading. Linda was there, along with her “Harley Guy,” Bill. Conversation was great, and the company was even better! I ended up ordering a seafood pasta with red sauce which was absolutely delicious! Alas, race day the next day was a bright and early 0700 so as much as we were having fun, it was time to head on back and get some rest.
No issues with me. I got back, laid out my race outfit, and called it a night.
Race day. Game face on! Gah! I had no “real” pre-race nutrition! I did have a banana, and a coffee, but I was hoping for my usual bagel and peanut butter. I had to make do with some of my left over pasta, and my banana and coffee, which seemed to satisfy me enough. I get a text from Penny that they were ready to head out at 0615. Perfect timing! I’m ready to go! The excitement between the three of us is evident. We have our complimentary Punk Rock Racing gear on from our friend Ron (@PunkRockRunner). We are happy to be representing our friend! I’m even happier that Ron was able to make it white with purple! Awesome! We head to the start to be amongst the others who anxiously await the start.
The race began on time. It started early because they feared that the weather – which is normally HOT at this time of year for Fresno, would once again creep up to some high temps. Thankfully, it did not. It was around the low to mid 60s the entire time which was perfect for me. By looking at the course map, I thought for sure I’d get lost running thru the streets of Fresno, but I knew that I’d be okay because I’d be with other runners – some ahead of me, some behind me, but I knew that unlike small trail races, I’d never really be “alone.” I “lost” Penny and Kristy at the start. They were going to run together. The run was surprisingly nice for me, but it got even better at around the half mark because this is where we entered the Fresno Zoo! Wow! It was perfect for me that the first animals that I saw were kangaroos, zebras, and giraffes. If you’re wondering why, it’s because my father always loved Australia and always brought me back something from there that was animal themed. I still have a koala coin purse that he brought me when I was around 8 or 9. Running among those animals reminded me of my dad, and how he loved to watch me run! I needed that at this point. Not that I was struggling or anything, just sometimes I think I’m forgetting my dad when it’s only been 3 years. It was kind of a nice to remember that his memory surrounds me.
The rest of the run was fairly “easy” for me. I was pretty much on track hitting about 10 -1030 min/miles which I was happy with. I still have a lot of plantar fascitis issues, and I could feel my left foot and ankle a little, but not enough to bother me. I knew that I was a little off in my gait, but I still ran fairly well. My friend, Linda, told me later that she was at the mile 12 marker, however I didn’t see her. I think she got there late and I had already finished. I would’ve loved to have seen her, she is the BEST race cheerleader!!!
I loved that race. Not only was it a good run for me, but I so enjoyed meeting my Twitter friends! I have met some really nice people on there and meeting them in real life is a bonus! The *blng* (medal) was nice, as was the post race fueling! Com’mon … Stone Cold! Heck yeah! There was also beer, and the usual fare of bagels, and bananas, but Stone Cold was definately my fav! The only complaint that I have was that I did not see one porta-potty out on the course. Seriously, not one! Lucky for me, I was smart enough to use the one at the zoo, but really, not one out on the course. The water stations were pretty scarce, too, but I can’t remember. I have been trying to teach myself to run without a water belt, so I have only been carrying a very mini one from iFitness which I LOVE. However, did you know that Nuun, the flavored water tabs, will explode under pressure? OMG! I didn’t, or I wasn’t paying any attention that they were effervescent so I put one in my water bottle when I refilled it at one of the stations. At mile 10 when I wanted a sip … I got a face full!!!! Holy cow! Thank God I am able to laugh at myself because I’m sure it was amusing to all those around me who heard me yell out then bust out laughing!
Would I run it again? Yes! It was a very nice run. I enjoyed myself! So … Fresno … see you in 2012!
My New Friends - Penny & KristyIt's all about the *bling*!
Running Code 3 