What's my favorite restaurant in the world? SPIGA. It's in Miami. Make sure you check it out. Julia Roberts loves it, too.
So when Ajyra said I should join her at SPOGA - all I could think about was some amazing homemade Italian pasta. It was not the same.
Though I did eat some ravioli later....
Ajyra convinced me that it was okay to take a break from the 5ks (can you tell I wasn't so invested in prioritizing them the past 2 days?) and try out a class that she has been doing for a while now and LOVES. I figured it was okay because it would be twice the time of doing a 5k, so I wasn't just skipping out on exercise.
I should have done the 5k.
I felt like a water fountain. This spinning/yoga/weights class had me swimming in a pool of sweat. I could barely walk home. It was awesome and made me ready to move on to my next goal for next month! Lesson learned? Cross training is good! Like when I did the Austin half marathon - it was my best not because I trained hard core for it, but because I had been working out and going to the gym much more than I had for the other races. Running is good, but I need to hit the weights!
Day.22.total.5k.time: None today! Don't worry, I'm re-inspired after this little workout mix-up!
Monday, May 28, 2012
day.21.homesweethome
Did I learn my lesson from yesterday? Not so much. I had a day packed with traveling to Atlanta and work, and I did not allow myself enough time to get in a full run. I did 1.3 miles in the middle of the day and just about passed out from the heat. I was shocked that I even got in the 1.3, and I know what my new mindset kicked in - even if it's not much at all, it's better than nothing! Mom talked me through a good game plan to address this lack of milage, and I made a point to pile on some extra walking at the airport and between my flights. Lesson learned? Even if you know you've already failed at completely reaching your goal, don't just drop it completely - get in what you can. Don't just give up if you can't do it completely.
Mom picked me up and we headed straight to Brickstore where I was greeted by literally my graduating high school class. SO happy to be home - and for such a fun and great reason: Rachel and Nate's WEDDING!
Day.21.total.5k.time: 1.3 miles in 15:33 minutes at a 12:00 min/mile pace + some milage in the airport and parking the car far away from Brickstore (Mom's idea!).
Mom picked me up and we headed straight to Brickstore where I was greeted by literally my graduating high school class. SO happy to be home - and for such a fun and great reason: Rachel and Nate's WEDDING!
Day.21.total.5k.time: 1.3 miles in 15:33 minutes at a 12:00 min/mile pace + some milage in the airport and parking the car far away from Brickstore (Mom's idea!).
Sunday, May 27, 2012
day.20.teamintraining
Lesson learned: If you know you are going to be busy all day, get your butt up early and run before work.
After school meeting, hour long TFA conference call, a running club event, and our last potluck/going away party = no free time until 10pm...and working out after a party wasn't going to happen. I was tempted to walk and put the phone on mute during the conference call, but I had no time to shower if I did that. I felt pretty bad.
But the good thing is the running club event was a Team in Training event - and I signed up to going the running team and train with them for the Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Francisco (where you get a Tiffany's necklace at the end!)! I've been thinking of joining a running group for a couple years now, and this new goal oriented gal finally got to it!
I have run about 8 half marathons, but have hardly trained for any of them. I'm ready to actually train, connect with different people in the valley, and try fundraising for a good cause (all fundraising goes toward the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). It's a grand idea - get runners (who are already crazy and extremely motivated) to run and connect with folks in their own network to raise money for a great cause! I had a great time meeting new folks at this event, and am already motivated by their personal goals and stories of loved ones who were affected by cancer. I've had various loved ones in my life have had various types of cancers, and I think this would be a great way to accomplish many of my goals personal as well as doing some good. Look out for my fundraising page - I'd love and truly appreciate all your support!!!!
Hopefully this new running team won't let me miss out on a run again!
Day.20.total.5k.time: 0 minutes. :( Guild level - VERY HIGH.
After school meeting, hour long TFA conference call, a running club event, and our last potluck/going away party = no free time until 10pm...and working out after a party wasn't going to happen. I was tempted to walk and put the phone on mute during the conference call, but I had no time to shower if I did that. I felt pretty bad.
But the good thing is the running club event was a Team in Training event - and I signed up to going the running team and train with them for the Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Francisco (where you get a Tiffany's necklace at the end!)! I've been thinking of joining a running group for a couple years now, and this new goal oriented gal finally got to it!
I have run about 8 half marathons, but have hardly trained for any of them. I'm ready to actually train, connect with different people in the valley, and try fundraising for a good cause (all fundraising goes toward the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). It's a grand idea - get runners (who are already crazy and extremely motivated) to run and connect with folks in their own network to raise money for a great cause! I had a great time meeting new folks at this event, and am already motivated by their personal goals and stories of loved ones who were affected by cancer. I've had various loved ones in my life have had various types of cancers, and I think this would be a great way to accomplish many of my goals personal as well as doing some good. Look out for my fundraising page - I'd love and truly appreciate all your support!!!!
Hopefully this new running team won't let me miss out on a run again!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
day.19.puppylove
In an effort to have more fun and less stressing about time, we brought these guys along to the track:
Jack and Maple in Kieley's car. They were pumped. So were we.
Maple and I were running partners this evening. It was so nice to run with someone who, like my other running buds, expresses pure joy out of exploring new turf - but who is also constantly smiling! Kinda reminded me of Mr. Martinez. I'm still working on developing that skill.
Water break! Out of a pickle jar!
All I do is win.
Day.19.5k.total.time: Yep I don't know.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
day.18.arunwithMr.Mustang
Meet Mr. Martinez. Probably the coolest math teacher.
When I first entered my school three years ago, I saw a picture of him hanging up. "Oh that's Mr. Martinez. The kids all know him as this great runner who is always winning. Just wait 'til you meet him, " the person said who was showing me around campus.
On that note, I felt so privileged when Mr. Martinez finally agreed to run with me! He is one fast runner - his 5k takes like just 18 minutes. It's crazy. So needless to say I was a little nervous and I over pushed it the first mile so I wasn't able to meet my goal today.
Martinez is so fast he started running in zig zags up the little canal hill.
You'd think running with people who are faster than you would make you want to run faster...not the case for me, though!
We had a good talk though about my running strategies - something my
father also shared. Both said that they would run and just run. No
iphone. No tracking. No music. Just running. I've decided I want to do
that, too. Just focus on moving forward and enjoying my company and all that's around me. I think I'm only going to track
3 of my runs a week so I'm not obsessing about time, but more so about
fun!
The new "lake" on Business 83 and 2nd Ave.... it was being well used!
Lesson learned? I should be noticing all this around me and not always checking my IMapMyRun tracker. Mr. Martinez LOVES running. I'm starting to really like it and not complain about doing it. But I want to LOVE it, crave it, explore places to do it, and be great at it. I think a separation from my iphone might help me appreciate the actual act of running a little more.
Sunset over the "lake."
Day.18.total.5k.time: We ran a 5k, but broke the 3 miles up due to burning out in mile one. Time wasn't so great....but alas I have this blog to hold me accountable and I must share even when I'm not so proud. I don't have a total but mile 1 took 11:30 (averaged 9 but then had to walk the last 1/4 mile), then 9:33, then 9:55. I walked a mile at the end to just enjoy the fine artificial nature.
Monday, May 21, 2012
day.17.timeislove
"How do you have time for this?" one of my favorite subs asked. "I mean, you teach all day!"
If this was last year, or the year before last, I would agree. There would be no time or energy for this.
Something I've learned in the past couple of months is that it's okay to stop and think about yourself and your happiness. It's okay to relax and not be productive all the time. One of the teachers on my team once said to me last year "Do you have a life?" when I was laminating at 6pm in the afternoon. And that was early to still be at school for me at that point.
While I've done more relaxing (a beautiful backyard and two pups make it hard not to), I found that running is relaxing too. I am actually enjoying the RUNNING part of my runs! And surprisingly I don't try to make excuses to get me out of doing my runs because I look forward to it. Being outside, mostly at sunset, every single day is very soothing. Tonight was no different.
Chapa and I revisited the 5k course I did on my birthday. My goal was to have a strong last mile, and I did. We walked twice and did the last mile stronger than the others. It was beautiful outside, and I was glad to be on my feet running at that time, and not fighting the copier at work. In the end, I believe my personal health and happiness will allow me to help my students more than anything else.
Day.17.total.5k.time: 34:17 with 11:04 min/mile pace. Walked twice for 1.5 minutes and did the last mile much faster than the other two.
If this was last year, or the year before last, I would agree. There would be no time or energy for this.
Something I've learned in the past couple of months is that it's okay to stop and think about yourself and your happiness. It's okay to relax and not be productive all the time. One of the teachers on my team once said to me last year "Do you have a life?" when I was laminating at 6pm in the afternoon. And that was early to still be at school for me at that point.
While I've done more relaxing (a beautiful backyard and two pups make it hard not to), I found that running is relaxing too. I am actually enjoying the RUNNING part of my runs! And surprisingly I don't try to make excuses to get me out of doing my runs because I look forward to it. Being outside, mostly at sunset, every single day is very soothing. Tonight was no different.
Edinburg Municipal Park at Sunset.
Chapa and I revisited the 5k course I did on my birthday. My goal was to have a strong last mile, and I did. We walked twice and did the last mile stronger than the others. It was beautiful outside, and I was glad to be on my feet running at that time, and not fighting the copier at work. In the end, I believe my personal health and happiness will allow me to help my students more than anything else.
Day.17.total.5k.time: 34:17 with 11:04 min/mile pace. Walked twice for 1.5 minutes and did the last mile much faster than the other two.
day.16.twoweeks
"If you can make it two weeks, then I know you can reach your goal," Mr. Martinez said.
Well, sir, I did it. 16 days minus the two I missed = 14 days = 2 weeks of 5ks. While there were those two days I missed, whatever - I feel like I made it so therefore I did. I have about 2 weeks left until I need to prove I can do this!
To celebrate, Kate and I went for a long walk. It was probably more than a 5k as we were out in the heat for a while roaming alleys and searching for shade. My legs needed a break, and our tradition of Sunday walks needed to be renewed! We even hit up Sunday brunch that included a Red Velvet waffle.... I didn't say I was on a diet.
I went a 5k, so I'm happy. I'm also super excited by how many people want to do a 5k with me! Don't worry, you'll all get your chance. Just let me know when and you're in. :)
Day.16.5k.total.time: ?
Well, sir, I did it. 16 days minus the two I missed = 14 days = 2 weeks of 5ks. While there were those two days I missed, whatever - I feel like I made it so therefore I did. I have about 2 weeks left until I need to prove I can do this!
To celebrate, Kate and I went for a long walk. It was probably more than a 5k as we were out in the heat for a while roaming alleys and searching for shade. My legs needed a break, and our tradition of Sunday walks needed to be renewed! We even hit up Sunday brunch that included a Red Velvet waffle.... I didn't say I was on a diet.
I went a 5k, so I'm happy. I'm also super excited by how many people want to do a 5k with me! Don't worry, you'll all get your chance. Just let me know when and you're in. :)
Day.16.5k.total.time: ?
Saturday, May 19, 2012
day.15.allidoiswinwinwin
Okay, I won't hold back. I know you are dying to know why I have this here picture of a medal...Well believe it or not - I won second place in a 5k race! With 8 people in my age group (still not many - where are all the young lady runners??)! That was part of the additional goal I added: to place in a race with more than 3 people in my age group. Done.
The female who got 1st in the 20-29 group finished in 31:00 minutes. In 2 weeks, I can beat that. I hope.
I ran the whole way except the last 0.2 when I usually sprint. I stopped to help this 12 year old girl who started falling down and looked like she was about to pass out. Knowing I had a goal, but also knowing I'd be a terrible person if I didn't help her, I stopped running for a couple seconds and convinced her to walk to the finish with me. She said she had never run more than a mile and was having an asthma attack. This set me back a little, and yes this means I didn't run the whole way. But who cares. She reminded me of one of my students, and it inspired me to get my students running more as well.
I made another friend on the course - a feisty little 10 year old. When my mother runs, she says "Howdy" to everyone, brings extra water for those struggling, and carries extra Gu or energy jelly beans for those less experienced folks who didn't realize they need energy while doing half marathons. I decided to take on that friendly attitude on today's run. While none of my friends wanted to get up and run early on a Saturday after a night out (or else they had to go to work), I was determined to make some friends on my own. This little girl, when I passed her, I said "You are doing great! Keep it up!" and she said "Thank you! You are doing pretty good too!" At the end she came up to me and was very curious about how I did. She won first place in her age group. Simply bringing your kids out, letting them win every now and then, and telling them that running is good for them and that they are good at it are all such little things, but I know this little girl will be an active healthy kid and adult because of it. Lesson learned - winning sure is fun. But so is helping others and encouraging them, no matter if it slows you down or causes you to leave you comfort zone for a moment.
That's enough of the sappy narrative. Off to celebrate!
Day.15.total.5k.time: 33:35 minutes with a second place win! I don't know my average because I have a rule about races - no music or distractions (like my addictive iphone that keeps track of my average). The crowd is your entertainment and is the motivation that will keep you going.
day.14.shadeofchapa
This is how Friday's run began: with a nap.
Jack and Chapa. Love birds.
Before each run, I think about what mini goal I want to meet. Today, I asked Chapa what he wanted to do. "Shade. I want to run in the shade. That's my goal," he said, after calling me crazy multiple times. We had to run at 5:30 instead of 7:30 when I usually do because of a lovely dinner party Kieley had planned to introduce her mother to our crazy and amazing friends - so yeah, shade was necessary in this South Texas heat.
Our beautiful home - looks hot down here, right? We needed shade.
The alley with some amazing flowers! And shade. Lots of it.
Needless to say, this was one of the more entertaining runs.
Check out all that SHADE! Sometimes I think I live in South Beach or California....sometimes.
Day.14.total.5k.time: 39:29 minutes with a 12:46 min/mile pace. My other goal this run was to no stop again, and to try to stay the same pace the whole time. We did just that - no sprinting like I had done the other times. It was a crazy run with legs that felt like bricks, so I'm perfectly okay with this! First time in the past 14 days that I ran a 5k straight at a consistent pace!
day.13.pursuitofhappiness
I had a great day today. I don't know why, I just did. My kids worked hard, I got a lot of work done on curriculum writing stuff, I left work feeling happy! So happy that I was even motivated to list out the other goals I have for the next twelve months! Instead of getting home and feeling drained, I walked to the coffee shop (Buttercream) behind my house and drafted out words I'd like to be described as (with a health focus) and what actions and mindsets would tell me I met my goal. Still working on it, so I'll share it when it's complete.
I went straight from the shop back home for my run. I didn't even think twice about it - in fact I was excited to do it! Before starting this, I would come home feeling drained and find excuse after excuse about why I couldn't run. And if I did work up the energy to run, it'd be more of a walk. Lesson learned? My mood is drastically better not just after the runs, but throughout the day. Working toward a goal, feeling accomplished, and overall feeling more healthy really makes an average day pretty great and gives you more energy (though I still am confused on that science - spending energy gives you more?). Nothing amazing happened today, but I sure was in a good mood. Keep running.
Day.13.total.time: 33:47 minutes with a 10:52 min/mile average. I ran 1.5 miles straight at a 9:42 pace (1 second off of what I need to make a 5K in 30 minutes) to see what that pace feels like, I then had to walk three times after that. I was tired. Not too proud of this one, but still beat my old 12:00 min/mile average! I am slightly worried that my runs won't be as good if I burn my knees and legs out, so I'm okay having a couple days where I take it slower.
I went straight from the shop back home for my run. I didn't even think twice about it - in fact I was excited to do it! Before starting this, I would come home feeling drained and find excuse after excuse about why I couldn't run. And if I did work up the energy to run, it'd be more of a walk. Lesson learned? My mood is drastically better not just after the runs, but throughout the day. Working toward a goal, feeling accomplished, and overall feeling more healthy really makes an average day pretty great and gives you more energy (though I still am confused on that science - spending energy gives you more?). Nothing amazing happened today, but I sure was in a good mood. Keep running.
Day.13.total.time: 33:47 minutes with a 10:52 min/mile average. I ran 1.5 miles straight at a 9:42 pace (1 second off of what I need to make a 5K in 30 minutes) to see what that pace feels like, I then had to walk three times after that. I was tired. Not too proud of this one, but still beat my old 12:00 min/mile average! I am slightly worried that my runs won't be as good if I burn my knees and legs out, so I'm okay having a couple days where I take it slower.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
day.12.lafamilia
My father refuses to call me. Not because he is a bad dad, but I'm a terrible daughter who is always some how busy when he calls, so he waits for us to call him.
But this doesn't mean he never contacts me. What feels like almost once a week, I receive an email either about the space station flying over, shakira, or some type of logistical question. And sprinkled among these fine letters will be the occasional personal novel when pops will tell some life lesson story.
Today was one of those days.
My blog had motivated my father to tell me about his running past and how he used to run in army boots because that's what he was used to doing. He told me stories about running on Emory's track, doing the Peachtree Road Race (and the day when Diane, one of his own daughters, passed him even though she started a whole time group behind him), and the days when 5k races only cost $5. Oh the good ol' days. :)
Needless to say, I love these emails. More motivation to keep up the running. It's amazing how many family memories we have from running races (and we are still making them!), and I feel SO lucky to have grown up in a family that promotes exercise and running. Lesson learned - exercising and running are ways to bond with family and will continue to be in my family as almost all family vacations are planned around races. I also got a text from my mom tonight saying she was fitting in 40 minutes of exercise even though it was 10:30pm! She decided when she won the 5k to run for 40 minutes every day to match my goal. Nothing like the support and encouragement from mom and dad. Love you, both!
Day.12.5k.total.time: 30:17 with a 9:47 min/mile average! Plus - the first mile was completed in 8:50! Oh and I forgot to talk about in this post the fact that Erica and I set a PR at the track today! I have never done this well!!!!!! I did the math, finally, and I need to average a 9:41 pace at least to make 3.1 miles in 30 minutes. My goal next time is to set a more steady pace. Erica and I had to sprint a few times to get this average!
But this doesn't mean he never contacts me. What feels like almost once a week, I receive an email either about the space station flying over, shakira, or some type of logistical question. And sprinkled among these fine letters will be the occasional personal novel when pops will tell some life lesson story.
Today was one of those days.
My blog had motivated my father to tell me about his running past and how he used to run in army boots because that's what he was used to doing. He told me stories about running on Emory's track, doing the Peachtree Road Race (and the day when Diane, one of his own daughters, passed him even though she started a whole time group behind him), and the days when 5k races only cost $5. Oh the good ol' days. :)
Needless to say, I love these emails. More motivation to keep up the running. It's amazing how many family memories we have from running races (and we are still making them!), and I feel SO lucky to have grown up in a family that promotes exercise and running. Lesson learned - exercising and running are ways to bond with family and will continue to be in my family as almost all family vacations are planned around races. I also got a text from my mom tonight saying she was fitting in 40 minutes of exercise even though it was 10:30pm! She decided when she won the 5k to run for 40 minutes every day to match my goal. Nothing like the support and encouragement from mom and dad. Love you, both!
Miami Half Marathon 2010 with la familia! Nothing like taking Gu shots on South Beach, right Diane?
Day.12.5k.total.time: 30:17 with a 9:47 min/mile average! Plus - the first mile was completed in 8:50! Oh and I forgot to talk about in this post the fact that Erica and I set a PR at the track today! I have never done this well!!!!!! I did the math, finally, and I need to average a 9:41 pace at least to make 3.1 miles in 30 minutes. My goal next time is to set a more steady pace. Erica and I had to sprint a few times to get this average!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
day.11.fastandfurious
Finally, the day has come when Mr. Martinez now respects my running. For the 3 years we have worked together, we have bonded over our love of running races, but he can't help but shake his head every time I tell him my finish time.
"Why don't you coach cross country or track? You are just so awesome at running!" I asked him one day (while trying to get him to cover my track meet shift for me - a little flattery never hurts). He simply replied something along these lines:
"....because of people like you. People who don't push themselves and want to win. That's why I don't coach."
Ouch, right? But I'm used to it. Mr. Martinez and Ms. Martinez often show me tough love. I'm surprised that it actually works every now and then. Did this time.
Today, I told him about yesterday's victory. He was very impressed and when I returned at the end of the day (for my usual stealing of quality worksheets), he had printed out the following items:
Yeah apparently people in the 25-29 age group run faster than the 20-24 age group. Why didn't I do this last year?!
So I still have my 30 minute no stopping goal, but I want to add something to it. This year, I would like to place in the top 3 in a race that has MORE than 3 people in it! And no, I will not be inviting all you young ladies. Got to keep my competition low. I also want to beat the 27:39 time. So there you go - lesson learned? Having small goals can build you up to having even bigger ones later. Just set the goal and build off of it! Also - keep people like Martinez around. People like him make you a better person. Even if it takes 3 years to realize it.
Day.11.5k.total.time: 35:12 with a 11:14 min/mile pace. My legs were super tired and Martinez gave me permission to not have to always have a better time than the day before. So today Kieley, Jack and I hit up the track to do strength interval training!
"Why don't you coach cross country or track? You are just so awesome at running!" I asked him one day (while trying to get him to cover my track meet shift for me - a little flattery never hurts). He simply replied something along these lines:
"....because of people like you. People who don't push themselves and want to win. That's why I don't coach."
Ouch, right? But I'm used to it. Mr. Martinez and Ms. Martinez often show me tough love. I'm surprised that it actually works every now and then. Did this time.
Today, I told him about yesterday's victory. He was very impressed and when I returned at the end of the day (for my usual stealing of quality worksheets), he had printed out the following items:
Mr. Martinez agreed with me that I could do a better time than 30 minutes. I just wasn't sure what better times looked like for women my
age in the valley. So he did the research - without me asking! What a man. Based on yesterday's run, I
could have totally beat the two women in the first list! But that was a
small race that both of us actually did last summer, so he showed me these results from a larger one:
So I still have my 30 minute no stopping goal, but I want to add something to it. This year, I would like to place in the top 3 in a race that has MORE than 3 people in it! And no, I will not be inviting all you young ladies. Got to keep my competition low. I also want to beat the 27:39 time. So there you go - lesson learned? Having small goals can build you up to having even bigger ones later. Just set the goal and build off of it! Also - keep people like Martinez around. People like him make you a better person. Even if it takes 3 years to realize it.
Day.11.5k.total.time: 35:12 with a 11:14 min/mile pace. My legs were super tired and Martinez gave me permission to not have to always have a better time than the day before. So today Kieley, Jack and I hit up the track to do strength interval training!
day.10.can'tstopwon'tstop
I JUST RAN A 5K WITHOUT STOPPING! 1/2 of my goal met!!!!! I can't remember the last time I EVER ran any race without stopping! I believe it was in high school!
This run began with me telling Lia that I feel like crap. My head hurt, my stomach hurt, and I was not in a social mood. Lia knows my general rule: only talk on the walks. We got to running, and I turned to her within 5 minutes and said "let's not stop this time." She probably thought I didn't want to talk at all! But Lia is such a sport, she would talk and I responded with one or two words (or groans) each time. And we did it. I felt so accomplished, and realized this feeling from setting goals and meeting them is addictive. Signs I'm turning into that goal-oriented individual I want to be!
"So do you like the actual running part, or how you feel when you are done?" Lia asked as we high-fived and collapsed on the patio furniture. I'm not sure. Right now it's the feeling after. But I'm starting to actually enjoy the runs as well. Lesson learned? I would have never felt like this after a run or pushed myself to do it if I didn't have a goal and a way to hold myself accountable.
Day.10.5k.total.time: 31:09 with a 10:05 min/mile pace! NO walking!
This run began with me telling Lia that I feel like crap. My head hurt, my stomach hurt, and I was not in a social mood. Lia knows my general rule: only talk on the walks. We got to running, and I turned to her within 5 minutes and said "let's not stop this time." She probably thought I didn't want to talk at all! But Lia is such a sport, she would talk and I responded with one or two words (or groans) each time. And we did it. I felt so accomplished, and realized this feeling from setting goals and meeting them is addictive. Signs I'm turning into that goal-oriented individual I want to be!
"So do you like the actual running part, or how you feel when you are done?" Lia asked as we high-fived and collapsed on the patio furniture. I'm not sure. Right now it's the feeling after. But I'm starting to actually enjoy the runs as well. Lesson learned? I would have never felt like this after a run or pushed myself to do it if I didn't have a goal and a way to hold myself accountable.
Day.10.5k.total.time: 31:09 with a 10:05 min/mile pace! NO walking!
day.9.runningincircles
In 8th grade, a friend convinced me to sign up for track. It was the first time I even considered doing a sport, and I am often game to try new things if someone suggests it. For example, I was on the basketball team because my dear friend Lindsey wanted me to join with her (once again, my height gave off the perception that I'm good at basketball...though that I'm not so sure of it), I joined the newspaper because Joanna nudged me and said I would be good at it, and I did the Bike Ride Across Georgia (not just once, but 6 times) because my mom said it'd be fun....and she has to re-convince me of that every year.
So when I joined track, I got my first sports physical. This is when the doctor discovered I had PVCs (premature ventrical contractions), which is basically a murmur/hick up/skipped heart beat that happens every few seconds. I don't remember exactly what happened (could be I hate running in circles), but I ended up not doing track. Ever. Even though PVCs are not really dangerous, it scared me at the time. I opted for Cross Country in 9th grade - but refused to compete. Another girl and I were always the last to finish at practice, but I just did it to be healthy, active and of course social. Not to compete. My competitive gene I once had (I was quite the winner in Memory in my youth and wouldn't have it any other way), was gone.
Well it's back.
Whether it was the PVCs or the fact that I always felt I would never be able to be good at any sport (it's the latter one, let's be honest), all my life I have made excuses for my lack of physical strength and ability:
Oh and sorry, Denice, for accidentally stealing your phone and keys that night. :) Nothing like breaking into your own house, eh?
Day.9.5k.total.time: 32:42 with a 10:30 min/mile pace. Walked twice for 1 minute each time at mile 1 and mile 2.
So when I joined track, I got my first sports physical. This is when the doctor discovered I had PVCs (premature ventrical contractions), which is basically a murmur/hick up/skipped heart beat that happens every few seconds. I don't remember exactly what happened (could be I hate running in circles), but I ended up not doing track. Ever. Even though PVCs are not really dangerous, it scared me at the time. I opted for Cross Country in 9th grade - but refused to compete. Another girl and I were always the last to finish at practice, but I just did it to be healthy, active and of course social. Not to compete. My competitive gene I once had (I was quite the winner in Memory in my youth and wouldn't have it any other way), was gone.
Well it's back.
Whether it was the PVCs or the fact that I always felt I would never be able to be good at any sport (it's the latter one, let's be honest), all my life I have made excuses for my lack of physical strength and ability:
- I'll never be able to run as fast as my skinny sisters, so just speed walk with mom. She probably wants company anyway.
- I'll never be able to be good at tennis like my friends (who so kindly gave me a tennis ball with my address on it because it was guaranteed to be lost over the fence after the first hit), so just play second doubles and be proud if you can get the ball over.
- I'll never be good at volleyball (Conferences games!!) so just laugh and joke about it so I can just say I suck at it because I'm simply not trying (that's what a lot of my low students do, too).
- I'll never be able to do more than like 2 push-ups correctly in a row. I just won't.
The track! My favorite thing about Texas besides the breakfast tacos? The sunsets!
Day.9.5k.total.time: 32:42 with a 10:30 min/mile pace. Walked twice for 1 minute each time at mile 1 and mile 2.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
day.8.chocolatevictory
I hate the treadmill.
I hate going to the gym if it's not for a class.
But you know what I hate more? Not being able to breathe and feeling like I'm going to faint in this South Texas heat.
I had no desire to run in the morning, and I had plans for an Iron Chef cook off that night. All coolish times of the day were not available. So I did it - I hit up Gold's gym at 3pm on a Saturday. I would have NEVER done that without this goal. Who goes to the gym at such a random time on a day you should be lying on the beach or going on fun adventures? Apparently not many people. But I hopped right into the cinema workout room, almost fell off the treadmill, had my music blasting (apparently my head phones weren't in all the way so took me a minute to realize the rest of the room was also jamming out to Taylor Swift), and ran my daily dose of a 5k.
As soon as I finished the run, Chapa and I hit the store and the kitchen for what turned out to be the same intensity as the TV show. He and I were yelling and screaming at each other, which turned into laughing as soon as my face became covered in chocolate - the competition's secret ingredient.
Our's on the left, and the 3rd place winners on the right....
Some how our chocolate chicken satay and chocolate donut egg sandwiches that we made in one hour (and spent about 5 minutes planning) won second place! We even beat out rabbit mole with an avocado chocolate mousse! Must have been the creativity and display points. Lesson learned? While I did not take this competition too seriously, winning felt really good. Maybe I am competitive. I mean I was trying to out run the guy on the treadmill next to me. Come on, you know you do it, too.
Day.8.total.5k.time: 33:20 with a 11:07 minute per mile average pace. I stopped twice for a walking break.
I hate going to the gym if it's not for a class.
But you know what I hate more? Not being able to breathe and feeling like I'm going to faint in this South Texas heat.
I had no desire to run in the morning, and I had plans for an Iron Chef cook off that night. All coolish times of the day were not available. So I did it - I hit up Gold's gym at 3pm on a Saturday. I would have NEVER done that without this goal. Who goes to the gym at such a random time on a day you should be lying on the beach or going on fun adventures? Apparently not many people. But I hopped right into the cinema workout room, almost fell off the treadmill, had my music blasting (apparently my head phones weren't in all the way so took me a minute to realize the rest of the room was also jamming out to Taylor Swift), and ran my daily dose of a 5k.
We won 2nd place!
Our's on the left, and the 3rd place winners on the right....
Some how our chocolate chicken satay and chocolate donut egg sandwiches that we made in one hour (and spent about 5 minutes planning) won second place! We even beat out rabbit mole with an avocado chocolate mousse! Must have been the creativity and display points. Lesson learned? While I did not take this competition too seriously, winning felt really good. Maybe I am competitive. I mean I was trying to out run the guy on the treadmill next to me. Come on, you know you do it, too.
Day.8.total.5k.time: 33:20 with a 11:07 minute per mile average pace. I stopped twice for a walking break.
day.7.happy5khour
My Friday's consist of home bound tutoring with a student. I agreed to do this to keep me from wasting money and calories from Happy Hour (and to help the student, of course). However, that plan has back fired. I now leave the student's house at 7pm and bolt to the nearest social gathering. My spending and calorie intake has in fact increased because of how long Friday's have become.
So on this particular Friday, it took everything I had to not respond with "YESSSS!!!!" when my friend texted to see if I wanted to meet up with our friends at a happy hour. I had missed my run not once but TWICE this week. I had to run. I told her no, drove my tired and grumpy self home.
But it was Friday, and I needed some fun. I called up Chapa, my goal setting (and not meeting - we make goals almost once a week that eventually we forget exist) buddy - who I've attempted to convince to join me in this endeavor. He came over and we ran the day's 5k through the downtown McAllen scene. It was fun. Chapa had just run for 30 minutes before that so he was a little more tired than I was. This run I took a little longer, but I didn't mind. I didn't have to meet my goal today - some times it's more important to be a good friend than to obsess about a goal. Chapa and I had our fair share of long walk breaks, and I was okay with that because I know having him there helped push me to get out and just do it. Probably would have walked the whole thing if he didn't join! :)
Day.7.total.time: 37:23 with an average pace of 12:02 with a few unplanned long walk breaks.
So on this particular Friday, it took everything I had to not respond with "YESSSS!!!!" when my friend texted to see if I wanted to meet up with our friends at a happy hour. I had missed my run not once but TWICE this week. I had to run. I told her no, drove my tired and grumpy self home.
But it was Friday, and I needed some fun. I called up Chapa, my goal setting (and not meeting - we make goals almost once a week that eventually we forget exist) buddy - who I've attempted to convince to join me in this endeavor. He came over and we ran the day's 5k through the downtown McAllen scene. It was fun. Chapa had just run for 30 minutes before that so he was a little more tired than I was. This run I took a little longer, but I didn't mind. I didn't have to meet my goal today - some times it's more important to be a good friend than to obsess about a goal. Chapa and I had our fair share of long walk breaks, and I was okay with that because I know having him there helped push me to get out and just do it. Probably would have walked the whole thing if he didn't join! :)
Day.7.total.time: 37:23 with an average pace of 12:02 with a few unplanned long walk breaks.
day.6.notagain!
Soooooo whoops I did it again. No run today. I had unplanned home visits pop up at work and for some reason I thought I could get my nails done and fit in a run before my evening plans....yep no that didn't work. This time I said I'd make up for it by doing a 10k one of these days....look out for that day. It'll happen. The difference between this time and Day 2 is that I felt EXTREMELY guilty and actually missed getting exercise in that I fit in a small walk later that evening. This running stuff is starting to get addictive. Lesson learned? Get that run done FIRST or in the morning if it's going to be a busy day! And if all else fails, at least try to get in some type of movement every day.
Day.6.total.5k.time: 0 minutes. Not again. :(
Day.6.total.5k.time: 0 minutes. Not again. :(
day.5.singingintherain
In high school, my friends and I met up every Tuesday for "Coffee Time." It was brilliant. A standing friend date. Of course we had weekends to go out and have fun, but knowing every Tuesday we could just chill and catch up was very comforting. I miss them.
After a visit home for Christmas, I told my lovely valley friends here this concept, and in moments Kieley was spearheading a similar event here in the RGV. Names were being tossed around for this idea, and in our TFA ways there was of course some long term planning going on. What's Up Wednesdays (WUW) was then created, and thanks to Kieley's persistent organization and Ashley's perfect attendance, we've kept it up. Therefore, I can't miss it to go for a run.
And then the rain came, with only an hour before our WUW crew were coming over. I thought I'd have to have a repeat of day 2. But then all of a sudden, Kieley had on her new kicks with Jack (her pup) in tow. We were going to run, rain or shine. I debated going to the gym so that way I could track my speed as I couldn't carry my phone in the rain, but the thought of playing with Jack in the rain was too irresistible.
We ran, walked some, took Jack to the dog park, and got SOAKING WET. I think we got in 3.1 miles. While I could not track this workout, it was by far once of the most fun runs I've done in a while. Lesson learned? There are no obstacles, just those you create for yourself. Rain could have stopped us, and normally it would, but not this goal-oriented gal! Not this time!
Day.5.total.5k.time: unknown. And I don't care. Fun level: HIGH
After a visit home for Christmas, I told my lovely valley friends here this concept, and in moments Kieley was spearheading a similar event here in the RGV. Names were being tossed around for this idea, and in our TFA ways there was of course some long term planning going on. What's Up Wednesdays (WUW) was then created, and thanks to Kieley's persistent organization and Ashley's perfect attendance, we've kept it up. Therefore, I can't miss it to go for a run.
And then the rain came, with only an hour before our WUW crew were coming over. I thought I'd have to have a repeat of day 2. But then all of a sudden, Kieley had on her new kicks with Jack (her pup) in tow. We were going to run, rain or shine. I debated going to the gym so that way I could track my speed as I couldn't carry my phone in the rain, but the thought of playing with Jack in the rain was too irresistible.
How do you say no to that face?
We ran, walked some, took Jack to the dog park, and got SOAKING WET. I think we got in 3.1 miles. While I could not track this workout, it was by far once of the most fun runs I've done in a while. Lesson learned? There are no obstacles, just those you create for yourself. Rain could have stopped us, and normally it would, but not this goal-oriented gal! Not this time!
Day.5.total.5k.time: unknown. And I don't care. Fun level: HIGH
day.4.hailno
For those of you not in South Texas - we've had crazy intense hail and thunder storms. People have had their cars ruined from it, and my car almost got stuck in a flood during one of them! So whenever we have these warnings, my usual action is to rush home, hide my car in the garage, curl up on the couch, and relax without guilt because I blame the storm on my lack of exercising for the day. Well that wouldn't fly today. Despite Kieley and Caitlin's insistent warnings to not run during a tornado warning (or was it a watch? Ni modo), I did it anyways. Even brought my phone so I could track my speed and listen to my new jams. My agreement was to run very close to home so in case it rains or whatever, I can quickly get home and not end up in Kansas. Therefore, this run was defined by running in fast circles around my neighborhood until I got in 3.1 miles. And it was my best time yet! What did I learn? If you want to run faster, put your life in danger. Also, it's best to ignore the looks you get from strangers who think you are crazy and just keep going.
Day.4.total.5k.time: 33:51 with a 10:55 average and a couple of unplanned walks.
Day.4.total.5k.time: 33:51 with a 10:55 average and a couple of unplanned walks.
day.3.backinaction
After spending the day after my birthday recovering (a 25th birthday party the night before doesn't set you up for success on a morning run) and having fun with my mom, I felt extremely guilty about missing my run on DAY 2! Good. That's what should happen. I'm going to mess up, I know it. My usual trend with goal setting in my personal health is to just give up on the whole thing the minute I mess up. I can't even tell you how many times I've said "I'm going to stop [insert unhealthy habit]" then mess up the next day and give up on it. Not this time.
Lia joined me on an evening run and helped me come up with some strategies to meet my goal. We decided if I can knock of 5 seconds from my average mile pace, then in 20 days I'll meet my goal of doing it in 30 minutes. Then I'll need to focus on making sure I'm not taking any walking breaks. Overall, a good run, and 20 seconds faster than Saturday on my average mile!
Day.3.total.5k.time: 35:59, 11:40 average, with a few unplanned walk breaks.
Mom and I did do quite a few laps around Target yesterday,
though and left with this new patio table!
Winning 1st and 3rd really tired us out.
Lia joined me on an evening run and helped me come up with some strategies to meet my goal. We decided if I can knock of 5 seconds from my average mile pace, then in 20 days I'll meet my goal of doing it in 30 minutes. Then I'll need to focus on making sure I'm not taking any walking breaks. Overall, a good run, and 20 seconds faster than Saturday on my average mile!
Day.3.total.5k.time: 35:59, 11:40 average, with a few unplanned walk breaks.
day.2.recovery
Already failed on the second day. Off to a good start? This should be interesting.
Day.2.total.5k.time: 0 minutes.
Day.2.total.5k.time: 0 minutes.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
day.1.cincodejaneto
"It's yo birfday!"
Yes, Diane, it is. Thanks for that lovely message just moments after the clock struck midnight. That phrase was repeated in that same tone the whole weekend. :)
But mostly it played on repeat while I was running a 5k race on my actual 25th birthday (made me realize why Lindsey always refuses to do the Peachtree Road Race 10k on her birthday). "It's yo birfday," and not only that, it's my 25th birthday! Am I really at a point in my life I thought I'd be when I had to write a Where Do You See Yourself In 10 Years essay in ELA class when I was 15. Well no, I'm not an actress or a maid (both tied for potential life careers at that point), and that's cool. But I was fit(ish) and running and way more healthy when I was 15 than I am now. Not cool. So after reflecting on my life and my running, all while hoping I don't pass out from dehydration from too much celebrating the night before combined with South Texas heat, I set my 5k-a-day goal and my year long goal (no catchy name for that one yet....working on it).
I won 1st Place!!!!!!!!.........
Then I won 3rd place in my age group, and Mom won 1st! Mom's the whole reason we did the run: "It's strange to travel somewhere and not have to run a race." We found this one in moments. Only 150ish people were there. Of these people, Mom was the only one in her age group, and I was one of three people in mine. We won because we showed up. Just show up. We were winners for wanting to wake up on a fine Saturday morning and go running. I wanted that feeling to happen again. Every day, in fact. Just do it, right?
........actually, Mom won 1st place. :)
Day.1.total.5k.time: 37 minutes with many unplanned burn out walks.
Yes, Diane, it is. Thanks for that lovely message just moments after the clock struck midnight. That phrase was repeated in that same tone the whole weekend. :)
But mostly it played on repeat while I was running a 5k race on my actual 25th birthday (made me realize why Lindsey always refuses to do the Peachtree Road Race 10k on her birthday). "It's yo birfday," and not only that, it's my 25th birthday! Am I really at a point in my life I thought I'd be when I had to write a Where Do You See Yourself In 10 Years essay in ELA class when I was 15. Well no, I'm not an actress or a maid (both tied for potential life careers at that point), and that's cool. But I was fit(ish) and running and way more healthy when I was 15 than I am now. Not cool. So after reflecting on my life and my running, all while hoping I don't pass out from dehydration from too much celebrating the night before combined with South Texas heat, I set my 5k-a-day goal and my year long goal (no catchy name for that one yet....working on it).
Then I won 3rd place in my age group, and Mom won 1st! Mom's the whole reason we did the run: "It's strange to travel somewhere and not have to run a race." We found this one in moments. Only 150ish people were there. Of these people, Mom was the only one in her age group, and I was one of three people in mine. We won because we showed up. Just show up. We were winners for wanting to wake up on a fine Saturday morning and go running. I wanted that feeling to happen again. Every day, in fact. Just do it, right?
Day.1.total.5k.time: 37 minutes with many unplanned burn out walks.
call me crazy.
Or was it call me maybe? My 25th birthday began at midnight with an impromptu dance party in a parking lot with Call Me Maybe (yes, one of the best hits of all time) blasting out of my roommate Caitlin's car. However, I feel I identify more with "crazy."
For those of you fine people who know me well, you know you've called me that before. And now, I've come up with another innovative, imaginative, and extremely brilliant idea (I swear I'm humble...), which also hits two birds with one stone (who in the world hits birds with stones? and two of them??) - a blog has always been a bucket list item for me.
So first let me apologize, because I will not be over thinking and editing this blog. My thoughts and ideas just might not flow as well as my college papers (if they ever did...), and the wit that just shines when you see me in person might just some off as a sorry attempt here, but I honestly don't care. This blog is being created for extremely selfish purposes. Please join me in this adventure, though. I'd love your company.
This 5k-a-day was inspired by a combination of The Happiness Project and the big goals I set in my classroom (I model big goals with my students by talking about my running....a majority of the time it's a lie. "Aim to always be better than you've ever been before!" I'll say....but I never follow through in my exercising and health, so how am I actually modeling this for my students?) I have decided that every month I will have a verb or adjective or noun or....yikes I don't know which is which....basically a word that I'd like myself to be identified as in my exercise realm.
While I have not set every month's goal, I have decided the first month: Goal-oriented. I cannot meet a year's worth of goals if I am not a goal-oriented person. I've run 10 half marathons (holla!) but see here is the thing - my goal is to survive and do slightly better than before. Not much of a goal. And you Teach for America folks who are shaking their heads right now, you know that's a crappy big goal to have and one that I'm definitely not tracking. What's my goal? To run a 5k. Everyday. For a month. By the end of it, I want to run a 5k in 30 minutes without stopping. I haven't done that since 9th grade, and I've be dreaming of doing it again one day. Can't wait until I'm down to 23 minute 5ks and I'm laughing at what will hopefully one day seem like an easy goal. Wish me luck, my friends, and hold me accountable! That's the whole reason for this here blog thingy. You only succeed in your goals if you make them known - and if you get people to yell at you when you are slipping (that's my full time job, anyways). That's where you come in. Get mad if you don't see a post from me within reasonable intervals and if I'm not always talking about my goal, okay? Good. Thanks.
Cheers, to running a 5k a day...and to my quarter life crisis (in case any of you picked up on that). :)
For those of you fine people who know me well, you know you've called me that before. And now, I've come up with another innovative, imaginative, and extremely brilliant idea (I swear I'm humble...), which also hits two birds with one stone (who in the world hits birds with stones? and two of them??) - a blog has always been a bucket list item for me.
So first let me apologize, because I will not be over thinking and editing this blog. My thoughts and ideas just might not flow as well as my college papers (if they ever did...), and the wit that just shines when you see me in person might just some off as a sorry attempt here, but I honestly don't care. This blog is being created for extremely selfish purposes. Please join me in this adventure, though. I'd love your company.
This 5k-a-day was inspired by a combination of The Happiness Project and the big goals I set in my classroom (I model big goals with my students by talking about my running....a majority of the time it's a lie. "Aim to always be better than you've ever been before!" I'll say....but I never follow through in my exercising and health, so how am I actually modeling this for my students?) I have decided that every month I will have a verb or adjective or noun or....yikes I don't know which is which....basically a word that I'd like myself to be identified as in my exercise realm.
While I have not set every month's goal, I have decided the first month: Goal-oriented. I cannot meet a year's worth of goals if I am not a goal-oriented person. I've run 10 half marathons (holla!) but see here is the thing - my goal is to survive and do slightly better than before. Not much of a goal. And you Teach for America folks who are shaking their heads right now, you know that's a crappy big goal to have and one that I'm definitely not tracking. What's my goal? To run a 5k. Everyday. For a month. By the end of it, I want to run a 5k in 30 minutes without stopping. I haven't done that since 9th grade, and I've be dreaming of doing it again one day. Can't wait until I'm down to 23 minute 5ks and I'm laughing at what will hopefully one day seem like an easy goal. Wish me luck, my friends, and hold me accountable! That's the whole reason for this here blog thingy. You only succeed in your goals if you make them known - and if you get people to yell at you when you are slipping (that's my full time job, anyways). That's where you come in. Get mad if you don't see a post from me within reasonable intervals and if I'm not always talking about my goal, okay? Good. Thanks.
Cheers, to running a 5k a day...and to my quarter life crisis (in case any of you picked up on that). :)
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