The last year has really been different for me. I now work in the office full time (by choice), my husband has been unemployed for the past year and has taken on the stay-at-home dad role, and my workouts have suffered a bit. It's been a good year though, just a change in focus and energy. I still run, but have bypassed several races, only because I really haven't been ready for them. I run up to 5 miles from time to time, but just never take it much past that, and just not consistent with weekly workouts. Mentally I have believed that I was still in that space, but reality showed, I lost a little momentum. But that's ok, it's a new day and I am trying to start over. I forgot how hard it was to start a new program, especially as you get older. But never impossible!
Today marks my second week of training! Training for what you might wonder? I have ambitiously signed up for a 125 cycling event to raise money for MS. I recently bought a rode bike and am truly enjoying every minute on the pavement. The event, Waves to Wine Ride, is a 150 mile ride to the wine country and back with my salesforce.com cyclying team in the end of September. I have signed up to ride 75 miles the first day, and 50 the second. I am truly excited and committed to training, and believe I can do it.
For the fourth year, I will be running Nike woman's half-marathon. God willing, I got into the VIP club for this race and automatically get in every year. How can I not run it! Training for me now consists of running and cycling every other day and resting Friday's. I have never trained for two events at once. I hope to rock both!
Longest ride was last Saturday, clocking 24 miles in 1 hour 29 minutes, and longest run was today at lunch totaling 5 miles. I feel good about where I am at. I have 9 weeks for the ride and 12 weeks for the run. I think I can do it! Matter of fact, I do not have a choice, I have to do it, for I only have myself to blame if I don't.
Question of the hour? Why can't I remember to update my blog. Well, life has its ways. I work a 40+ hour week, get home and tend to the kids, have dinner and then go to bed to do it all over again the next day. I am not complaining, for I love my life and my job, but I sure would love to blog more often. Maybe I set a reminder in my calendar? Wonder if that would really work. I guess we'll see.
So far, I have run 15.5 miles and cycled 48.8 miles since July 17th. I look forward to adding to those miles next week. Until then..night! Continue to strive for all you can and remember you get to start over every day. Aren't we blessed?!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
Every Day is a New Opportunity
It's true, I am not consistent in updating my blog, even though I have so much to share each and every day. Why I don't take the time to log my thoughts, I am not sure. It's simple, I do not prioritize it.. I am working on it.
Since my last three half-marathons in November, 2009, I went on a hiatus, if you will. I was burned out from training and just wasn't "into it". Which is odd considering how much joy I get from running. Could very well have a lot to do with my informal promotion at work, which happily consumed most my time. Seasons change and so do priorities, but more importantly I am back, along with that now official promotion.
Over the past six months, I had been running three to four miles happily, but devoting most my energy to work and family. But just recently in the last month, I have stepped it up. Pushed myself beyond that comfort zone and can finally say, I am back! Maybe back is the wrong word. I am a new me with a new perspective. Again, humbled and optimistic.
I am running five to six miles, and running those miles well. It took some time, but I now remember why I love to run. I got over the pain of "getting back" and just now starting to appreciate the distance again. That feeling you get when you are in mile four and you feel like you can run forever. Ahhh, love that feeling. It's amazing how easily forgotten the energy and endurance it takes to run just three miles. The mental game we play with our minds and taking for granted the once simple runs, is amazing and appreciated.
As for the coming months, I am signed up for See Jan Run half-marathon in five short weeks. I haven't run more than 5.6 miles, but plan to step it up in the coming weeks. Of course my goal is to run my best time, but is that really realistic for where I am at? Probably not. I will be happy to just complete it with a decent time. Race day energy is always a boost.
I have also been accepted in Nike Woman's half-marathon again, which is so very exciting. This I plan to be ready for, and possibly run my best PR. But, as I have experienced, this isn't always the case. I can strive for the best, but life does say otherwise sometimes.
In closing, regardless of where I am today I am inspired by tomorrow, and what is to come. I am grateful that each day is a new opportunity to start new, with a renewed attitude and perspective. We make it what we want it to be and we cannot let yesterdays faults be tomorrows. Till next time (hopefully not three months from now)..
Since my last three half-marathons in November, 2009, I went on a hiatus, if you will. I was burned out from training and just wasn't "into it". Which is odd considering how much joy I get from running. Could very well have a lot to do with my informal promotion at work, which happily consumed most my time. Seasons change and so do priorities, but more importantly I am back, along with that now official promotion.
Over the past six months, I had been running three to four miles happily, but devoting most my energy to work and family. But just recently in the last month, I have stepped it up. Pushed myself beyond that comfort zone and can finally say, I am back! Maybe back is the wrong word. I am a new me with a new perspective. Again, humbled and optimistic.
I am running five to six miles, and running those miles well. It took some time, but I now remember why I love to run. I got over the pain of "getting back" and just now starting to appreciate the distance again. That feeling you get when you are in mile four and you feel like you can run forever. Ahhh, love that feeling. It's amazing how easily forgotten the energy and endurance it takes to run just three miles. The mental game we play with our minds and taking for granted the once simple runs, is amazing and appreciated.
As for the coming months, I am signed up for See Jan Run half-marathon in five short weeks. I haven't run more than 5.6 miles, but plan to step it up in the coming weeks. Of course my goal is to run my best time, but is that really realistic for where I am at? Probably not. I will be happy to just complete it with a decent time. Race day energy is always a boost.
I have also been accepted in Nike Woman's half-marathon again, which is so very exciting. This I plan to be ready for, and possibly run my best PR. But, as I have experienced, this isn't always the case. I can strive for the best, but life does say otherwise sometimes.
In closing, regardless of where I am today I am inspired by tomorrow, and what is to come. I am grateful that each day is a new opportunity to start new, with a renewed attitude and perspective. We make it what we want it to be and we cannot let yesterdays faults be tomorrows. Till next time (hopefully not three months from now)..
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
How does time always escape me?!
Time would have it that I did not update my blog through the exciting adventure of my last 3 runs, all within 6 weeks of each other. Bummed as I am that I was unable to journal the experience, it is the facts. So here I am again to catch up on the last 5 months.
I started off strong with my 3 days here and God willing, I was able to end strong. My training did not go as anticipated on all cylinders due to travel for work and winter colds, but I can testify that I was able to run two 1/2 marathons and a 10 miler in 6 weeks with my head held high.
Nike Woman's Half Marathon in SF - This is my favorite run all time. Fortunately I was able to run it for the third time this round. It's so much fun! We get a big group of running moms from our neighborhood, get a couple hotel rooms and make a weekend out of it with dinner and shopping. To my surprise I ran this far better than I expected, with a time of 2:09. There are some gruesome hills in there but race day energy is like a drug! Oh did I mention my Tiffany necklace?!
SF Half - This run was two weeks after Nike in almost the same location in SF except we hung a right towards and over the Golden Gate rather than a left through the persidio. Running over the bridge was quite exhilarating and truly an experience to be had. Overall the race was great and yet another 1/2 under my belt (oh and my first medal).
Big Sur Half - The last of the three races was Big Sur Half along the Monterey coast. The half was sold out but I was able to secure a spot for the 10 miler, and I have to say I was very grateful for that in the end. What a beautiful course this race is. All along the coast with clear skies and crashing waves. Definitely one to do again. At this point I was ready for a break and so was my body.
As of today, I am running about 4.5 miles in distance and I haven't really strived for much more. I have to say though, I am happy at that distance. It's a great workout and I still get the awesome joy out of running that I love and crave. Life throws funny curve balls sometimes and you just have to roll with it and make lemonade out of the lemons you have. Life is busy and time is cut short most days, but no matter what I will continue to run, even if it's just 3 miles, because it defines me. I will again be at the place where I am ready to train for another race and when I am, I will embrace and enjoy each moment.
Until then, I will continue to run the race of my life with a smile and make the very best of each day. I will continue to make time to get a good workout in and when I feel like I can start to push my way forward in miles again, I will. Bottom line, life takes you on many different turns, ups and downs. Embracing the facts and truth about where you are today actually gives you more opportunity and strength for growth tomorrow. The mind is a powerful thing. Be kind to yourself and know there is always tomorrow to start new.
I started off strong with my 3 days here and God willing, I was able to end strong. My training did not go as anticipated on all cylinders due to travel for work and winter colds, but I can testify that I was able to run two 1/2 marathons and a 10 miler in 6 weeks with my head held high.
Nike Woman's Half Marathon in SF - This is my favorite run all time. Fortunately I was able to run it for the third time this round. It's so much fun! We get a big group of running moms from our neighborhood, get a couple hotel rooms and make a weekend out of it with dinner and shopping. To my surprise I ran this far better than I expected, with a time of 2:09. There are some gruesome hills in there but race day energy is like a drug! Oh did I mention my Tiffany necklace?!
SF Half - This run was two weeks after Nike in almost the same location in SF except we hung a right towards and over the Golden Gate rather than a left through the persidio. Running over the bridge was quite exhilarating and truly an experience to be had. Overall the race was great and yet another 1/2 under my belt (oh and my first medal).
Big Sur Half - The last of the three races was Big Sur Half along the Monterey coast. The half was sold out but I was able to secure a spot for the 10 miler, and I have to say I was very grateful for that in the end. What a beautiful course this race is. All along the coast with clear skies and crashing waves. Definitely one to do again. At this point I was ready for a break and so was my body.
As of today, I am running about 4.5 miles in distance and I haven't really strived for much more. I have to say though, I am happy at that distance. It's a great workout and I still get the awesome joy out of running that I love and crave. Life throws funny curve balls sometimes and you just have to roll with it and make lemonade out of the lemons you have. Life is busy and time is cut short most days, but no matter what I will continue to run, even if it's just 3 miles, because it defines me. I will again be at the place where I am ready to train for another race and when I am, I will embrace and enjoy each moment.
Until then, I will continue to run the race of my life with a smile and make the very best of each day. I will continue to make time to get a good workout in and when I feel like I can start to push my way forward in miles again, I will. Bottom line, life takes you on many different turns, ups and downs. Embracing the facts and truth about where you are today actually gives you more opportunity and strength for growth tomorrow. The mind is a powerful thing. Be kind to yourself and know there is always tomorrow to start new.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
A good Day 3
Today rocked!! I woke up at 5;18am and went to the gym as planned (3 early mornings in a row, I am proud). Had a great workout. Normal 30 minutes on the elliptical and an awesome free weight session that left my arms a bit tired.
Spent my precious early AM hours before work on the phone with Dell Support because our new computer cannot receive an internet connection. Got disconnected twice, on hold with several different departments and you can imagine the rest, for a total of about 2 hours. I have put that off for months because I knew it would be that horrendous. Anyway, finally got what I needed, which was an appointment tomorrow to switch the motherboard.. Painful, but o'well. I get to cross that one off the TO DO list.
As I mentioned yesterday, I have had this mountain bike ride planned for tonight. Had no idea what to anticipate. Got to my friends house and left by 10 to 6pm. We were heading for the hills. I still didn't know what this meant, nor did I know how far it was going to be, but I was up for the adventure.
Up the hilly road we climb. It reminded me of driving up old La Honda Road. It was straight up and I thought, we must be getting close. Oh no, that was just the road that led us to the entrance of the dirt trail at Fremont Older. Oh yes, we rode straight up hill for an hour...I mean straight up hill, to the top of Maisy trail. As gruesome as it was, it was at the same time the most amazing ride of my life. Not only is it absolutely gorgeous but it challenged me past my comfort zone and make me dig down deep...and that I did! I made it to the top with no stops, which according to my friends was the first of their friends that didn't need to stop. Considering the fact that I am just getting back into hard core working out, that made me feel great! And not only great did I feel, but inspired to do it again and again.
Let me just tell you coming back down was ALL down hill. Wow, that was FUN. I cruised and laughed as I made my way down. Talk about exhilarating and gratifying after all the work to get up it. It made it all worth the climb and the few little hills seemed like nothing compared to the hike up. I must have been going 40mph coming down the road after the trails. Truly amazing and an experience to be had.
I should be dog tired considering the fact that I double worked out today and haven't had a consistent week of working out in quite some time. But no, I am energized and fired up for what's to come. I have also committed to riding this trail with my friends once a week. I loved it so much that I coined it my new 2nd love next to running. I figure this will be a great cross training for me. It's certainly an endurance climb, my heart was pounding the entire time. But I know in time, just like with running, I will build the endurance to climb it faster and better. What a challenge and I am up for it! A great end to day 3 for me!
Spent my precious early AM hours before work on the phone with Dell Support because our new computer cannot receive an internet connection. Got disconnected twice, on hold with several different departments and you can imagine the rest, for a total of about 2 hours. I have put that off for months because I knew it would be that horrendous. Anyway, finally got what I needed, which was an appointment tomorrow to switch the motherboard.. Painful, but o'well. I get to cross that one off the TO DO list.
As I mentioned yesterday, I have had this mountain bike ride planned for tonight. Had no idea what to anticipate. Got to my friends house and left by 10 to 6pm. We were heading for the hills. I still didn't know what this meant, nor did I know how far it was going to be, but I was up for the adventure.
Up the hilly road we climb. It reminded me of driving up old La Honda Road. It was straight up and I thought, we must be getting close. Oh no, that was just the road that led us to the entrance of the dirt trail at Fremont Older. Oh yes, we rode straight up hill for an hour...I mean straight up hill, to the top of Maisy trail. As gruesome as it was, it was at the same time the most amazing ride of my life. Not only is it absolutely gorgeous but it challenged me past my comfort zone and make me dig down deep...and that I did! I made it to the top with no stops, which according to my friends was the first of their friends that didn't need to stop. Considering the fact that I am just getting back into hard core working out, that made me feel great! And not only great did I feel, but inspired to do it again and again.
Let me just tell you coming back down was ALL down hill. Wow, that was FUN. I cruised and laughed as I made my way down. Talk about exhilarating and gratifying after all the work to get up it. It made it all worth the climb and the few little hills seemed like nothing compared to the hike up. I must have been going 40mph coming down the road after the trails. Truly amazing and an experience to be had.
I should be dog tired considering the fact that I double worked out today and haven't had a consistent week of working out in quite some time. But no, I am energized and fired up for what's to come. I have also committed to riding this trail with my friends once a week. I loved it so much that I coined it my new 2nd love next to running. I figure this will be a great cross training for me. It's certainly an endurance climb, my heart was pounding the entire time. But I know in time, just like with running, I will build the endurance to climb it faster and better. What a challenge and I am up for it! A great end to day 3 for me!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Day 2
I am tired so I will keep this short and sweet. Great day overall, I got up and ran 4 miles this morning. I ran slower than I normally do, about a 10 minute mile. Getting back in the drift of things can be challenging, but bottom line, I got up and did it.
I have enjoyed the last two mornings. Being up early allows for a work out and some time to tend to things around the house that need tending before hitting it hard at work.
I am planning on hitting the gym tomorrow followed by a grueling mountain bike ride at 5:30. We'll see how I feel Thursday morning.
Overall, so far so good. But hey, it's been 2 days, I have no excuses.
I have enjoyed the last two mornings. Being up early allows for a work out and some time to tend to things around the house that need tending before hitting it hard at work.
I am planning on hitting the gym tomorrow followed by a grueling mountain bike ride at 5:30. We'll see how I feel Thursday morning.
Overall, so far so good. But hey, it's been 2 days, I have no excuses.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Day 1 of my 11 week training for Nike 1/2 marathon
Amazing what time brings for all of us. For me, the last 14 months have been a mixed bag of goodies. The last time I posted was I think the last time I ran a 1/2 marathon, sad to say. I was on top of the world because I ran a 1/2 without much training, but as I look back and remember, I was in good enough shape due to consistently running to be able to pull it off. My job got more demanding, I was injured and out of commission for 3 months and ever since then I have been trying to find my way back.
Who would have thought it could be so hard with all the demands of life, let alone an injury that made me start almost from scratch. I work 10 hour days and value my sleep, so the thought of getting up at 5:00am is not desirable. I have been able to master 5 miles for most of my runs but they are so spotty that it's hard to maintain the endurance, which is what brings me to today.
Today is a new chapter and a new opportunity for me to be consistent. Today is day 1 of a my new challenge. Time to get serious and to push myself outside of my comfort zone so that I can be fully prepared of what Nike brings me, which are lots of hills.
I started my day today at the gym doing 3 miles on the elliptical, free weights and sit ups. Mind you it was 5:30am, which as I stated is a challenge in itself. Usually the first day you wake up early isn't so hard, it's all the others that follow that are tough. I had a great workout, I felt tip top and I am pumped for day 2.
I thought what better way than to blog about my 11 week journey to the finish line of a race I have run twice and couldn't be more proud to have the opportunity to run again. I will either do it or I won't, right? I haven't tended to my blog in the last 14 months due to all the distractions called life but what better reason than to start today. I can replay in mind what I did right and what I did wrong by keeping a consistent account of my activity and hopefully I will learn something new about myself in the process. I am putting myself to the test. Can I do it? I know I can, but will I follow through. Let this be my accountability.
Follow me in my 11 week journey. Encourage, cry and laugh with me as I dig gown deep to find the balance needed to be successful to run this 1/2 with amazing grace. From being full time mom, full time employee and an awesome 1/2 marathoner. My plan is to come back better and stronger!
Who would have thought it could be so hard with all the demands of life, let alone an injury that made me start almost from scratch. I work 10 hour days and value my sleep, so the thought of getting up at 5:00am is not desirable. I have been able to master 5 miles for most of my runs but they are so spotty that it's hard to maintain the endurance, which is what brings me to today.
Today is a new chapter and a new opportunity for me to be consistent. Today is day 1 of a my new challenge. Time to get serious and to push myself outside of my comfort zone so that I can be fully prepared of what Nike brings me, which are lots of hills.
I started my day today at the gym doing 3 miles on the elliptical, free weights and sit ups. Mind you it was 5:30am, which as I stated is a challenge in itself. Usually the first day you wake up early isn't so hard, it's all the others that follow that are tough. I had a great workout, I felt tip top and I am pumped for day 2.
I thought what better way than to blog about my 11 week journey to the finish line of a race I have run twice and couldn't be more proud to have the opportunity to run again. I will either do it or I won't, right? I haven't tended to my blog in the last 14 months due to all the distractions called life but what better reason than to start today. I can replay in mind what I did right and what I did wrong by keeping a consistent account of my activity and hopefully I will learn something new about myself in the process. I am putting myself to the test. Can I do it? I know I can, but will I follow through. Let this be my accountability.
Follow me in my 11 week journey. Encourage, cry and laugh with me as I dig gown deep to find the balance needed to be successful to run this 1/2 with amazing grace. From being full time mom, full time employee and an awesome 1/2 marathoner. My plan is to come back better and stronger!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Our 4th half marathon victory....
It was the perfect day for a half marathon. It was chilly, but not too cold and over cast so the sun wasn't going to be beating down on me in mile 3, matter of fact I was hopeful it wouldn't pop out at all. I had lots of hope.
Last weekend four of us local mom's ran See Jane Run half marathon in Alameda. What a blast we had, and success to top it off. Success because I didn't train for this 1/2 like I have trained for others in the past. My running partner and I had run 7-8 miles regularly so I thought we would probably do fine, but we never ran more than 7 miles this time and there had been a few hit and miss runs. I can honestly say I was a bit concerned. I was okay if I had to walk some of it, although I have never walked in any race but because I was mentally doubting my ability to rally through I excused myself to walk. The good news is I never had to. We ran it in 2:06, two minutes slower than our last half marathon just two months ago. Granted the wind was gushing against us in the last 3 miles at a slight incline and I won't lie, those last 3 miles were grueling but we powered through, a bit slower than normal, but nonetheless we powered through and finished in a time we didn't expect.
Ahhh, the feeling of triumph at the end of a race. The victory you feel at the end of each race is priceless and indescribable. I was so ecstatic that we finished in the time we did given the circumstances this time around. It gave me so much hope for the next race, the next run! I love running so much and I love completing my races even more. It such an accomplishment to run any race, no matter what mileage your run, where ever you are at in your runs, it feels great! You feel on top of the world and no one can take that away from you. It's yours and only yours.
After the race we received our pendants and sipped champagne as we stretched our aching muscles. Completely exhausted but high off of yet another victory. We could put our anxieties about what we thought we couldn't do behind us. If there is one thing you get out of this, is the mind is so much stronger than the body. Often times we tell ourselves we just cannot do something, but in reality we can do anything we put our minds too. That is not a false statement, it is the amazing truth that we all need to remember daily.
Go sign up for the next 5K, 10K, 1/2 marathon or full marathon because you CAN...
Last weekend four of us local mom's ran See Jane Run half marathon in Alameda. What a blast we had, and success to top it off. Success because I didn't train for this 1/2 like I have trained for others in the past. My running partner and I had run 7-8 miles regularly so I thought we would probably do fine, but we never ran more than 7 miles this time and there had been a few hit and miss runs. I can honestly say I was a bit concerned. I was okay if I had to walk some of it, although I have never walked in any race but because I was mentally doubting my ability to rally through I excused myself to walk. The good news is I never had to. We ran it in 2:06, two minutes slower than our last half marathon just two months ago. Granted the wind was gushing against us in the last 3 miles at a slight incline and I won't lie, those last 3 miles were grueling but we powered through, a bit slower than normal, but nonetheless we powered through and finished in a time we didn't expect.
Ahhh, the feeling of triumph at the end of a race. The victory you feel at the end of each race is priceless and indescribable. I was so ecstatic that we finished in the time we did given the circumstances this time around. It gave me so much hope for the next race, the next run! I love running so much and I love completing my races even more. It such an accomplishment to run any race, no matter what mileage your run, where ever you are at in your runs, it feels great! You feel on top of the world and no one can take that away from you. It's yours and only yours.
After the race we received our pendants and sipped champagne as we stretched our aching muscles. Completely exhausted but high off of yet another victory. We could put our anxieties about what we thought we couldn't do behind us. If there is one thing you get out of this, is the mind is so much stronger than the body. Often times we tell ourselves we just cannot do something, but in reality we can do anything we put our minds too. That is not a false statement, it is the amazing truth that we all need to remember daily.
Go sign up for the next 5K, 10K, 1/2 marathon or full marathon because you CAN...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)