Run your race....boom!

Nothing beats the feeling finishing something you started. Recently and not to mention one of the most incredible events I have finished thus far happened two weeks ago. I can't let anymore time pass without saying, but finishing a half marathon was incredible. :)

The most I have ever ran up until that day was only 6.2 miles. The race (which I consider a me vs me event) was a slightly more than doublt that distance. I admit, I was nervous, not about the event, but how my body would react to running such a distance. My friend and Half Marathon Mate kept each other going with positivity fuel and engined our way through Austin. I'm impressed in how the mind was a major piston in this run. The body will always tire out, but the mind will never become defeated unless you want to stop.....and quit.

Every step after the 10k/6.2 mile mark was one step further than I have ever conquered in my life. I am blessed. Not just to finish, but to be a female in this part of the world to freely be active in this type of sports. There are women elsewhere who just want the opportunity to run, swim and just play in team sports to fully express themselves. I feel that I not only kept running for my health, but I ran for the females across the globe who secretly want to run and play like this.

We finished the race in 3hrs and 3 min...32 seconds. :) Any one person can finish this race IF they wanted to run. I'm proof of this. The hardest part of the run was not the 11 hills we faced, or the weight on the legs....but getting to the starting line. Anyone can finish, but all one needs to do is get to the start.

Boom.

Right now I'm preparing for job interviews and getting to the start of a new job and possible a new place to live. I don't know what life has for me and Tanner beyond May 14th, but I pray to remain calm and jog in the right direction. God willing I will be placed in the job where he needs me the most. I just hope they allow Tanner too. If not, I'll have to find a new place. Love that dog.

Some things to keep in mind.... be calm, be patient, be prepared and just run your race. And, get ahead too.

E.

Texas or Colorado sky

Its sunny and cool in San Marcos. I look above me and it nothing but blue blue blue skies and scattered clouds. Feels good to have that over my head than anything else. It truly does overpower the metaphoric stuff thats hovering when I look up to our Texas sky. It reminds me alot of Colorado. :) I would love to head out to Co sometime soon. good memories, maybe I'll see you soon.

E.

T minus 5 days, 19 hrs

I'm sitting here at my desk, listening to my AC and wishing it were the rain. Actually, I'm thankful for the AC, b/c last week and like many weeks b4 it was like a sauna in here. UGH! thanks to good staff, they fixed it! woo!

But I sit here, knowing that next week, this very moment, I would have, God Willing, finished my first Half Marathon. I learned, according to my PA cousin, that our bodies shouldn't be running that far, or at least 26.2 miles. I'm running half that, and I know that if my mind can run it, and my legs and lungs are willing - I'll touch ribbon. Big goal is that I'm going to finish. It doesn't matter if I have to take little breaks but in reality, I'm going to need it. Turtle pace, smiling (mostly) and I'll get there.

We'll all get there. Whatever race you're running, go at your own pace, speed it up when you are ready and and knock it out.

Keepin' it simple, (or at least doing my best)
E.

Glass and glasses

A quote from Winstin Churchill, "If you feel like you are going through hell, keep going." Learned today he lived as an optimist. Somehow, I felt that. If that glass of yours is half empty, refill it or get a new glass. Get a new glass, a new lens to look through. Eventually we see things, people, topics and ideas so differently.

No Soda November...

I agreed to No Soda November with one of my students. We finished strong and by Nov 30th, we agreed to take it a little further. I said till New Years and she said, "Boss, we can go further than that, c'mon now!" So, I couragously said, "Check out day....May 14th (or 15th)!) We had witnesses and shook on it.

So far it has been good, but I have my moments when I just want a lil' taste of some cherry coke :) It's so tempting and easy to fill up your Ice Cup with a Bubbly Sparkling drink of Cherry Coke from the Dining Hall. But I won't. Takes too long to put back all the water that soda has dehydrated me with, and I rather not drink my calories and chew on something real good :) Now, I will sniff me some soda (that sounded horrible) and get my little fix, but I just decided I don't want that in my system. Icks Nay on the syrupy carmel color stuff and just get me some water or Diet Powerade (my own mix).

Big decision to follow through on.

Reduce the type of calories you injest and that allows your body to work on improved fuel, instead of the uncessary.

Be Good,
E.

Trek it out

13 days until the run. I'm signed my life away to the Austin Half Marathon on 2.14.10. Call me crazy, but I thought that would be the hugest Valentines Day adventure of my life. thus far, 15,000 people have offered their Sunday to their legs and charity fundraising. Seems like the best fit for the soul. Multiply 15K people by entree fee - 26 different charities will benefit from at least 1.4 million dollars of donations. Yeah, this is something way bigger than any race/run/ride. I'm pumped, and hoping that my legs keep me trekking to the next water station.

Want more info, check it out at http://www.youraustinmarathon.com/

Funny thing is that my friend and I are using this run as a training tool for our Tri on April 11. It will be her first one, and my 2nd. My goal is to not doggie paddle my way to the finish line. Must trust and work with the water Gods on this one. Slicing through the water is something new. Form is everything.

Keep trekking,

E.

The E.N.D.

I had the chance to engage myself in something quite intense. What it was, is beyond my words, but what I have learned is meant for anyone that wants to read. It's about energy placement. We may not have the luxury of having some choices on occasions, or having to face the unbelievable as we are painted into a corner, but we have the choice where to place our energy. Yeah, that doesn't sound simple at all. I know I know. But what I do know, is that energy delivered, and where its and who its expended is all a matter of our choice. I'm sure everyone has read that we have a choice to be happy or not with our scenarios or situations. I don't think I can agree with that anymore. We can't force how our hearts should feel...how can one be happy when something horrible has happened? With that said, I find myself lifted to another level of that choice bracket. The choice of where to expend your energy, and how we choose to let it empower ourselves and/or others is another game. I'm positive, I know this. I'm positive that sometimes I hit the wall, and don't feel that way anymore or at all times. My choice....where will I put my energy now? And who deserves it? How do I get to a place that is so deserving of this energy? How could I have been so careless to place it somewhere where it wasn't cared for or appreciated? What corner have I allowed myself to be painted into that I'm not forcing myself to hop and make huge leaps over the nasty spill of paint that will most likely stain my new kicks? How did I move past the negative scenarios, the hurt, the unfortunate ripple affect on others? Change the direction of energy. It has to be the only way. What else is there?

The silver lining is that change does happen, whether we want it or not. Its a tug boat pulling every decision we have made or failed to make. I have no regrets but one. I have so many choices right now, and this energy is just now regrouping. Here's to putting it in the right place and hoping the energy never dies. Letting go of some of those decisions will make the lil tug boat move faster and catch up to the place it needs to be. It just needs some energy too.

Feb is tomorrow. Let's get this done right.

E.

A new decade

Someone wrote on their facebook and asked about shared memories of the decade. I didn't realize till now that tonight marks the end of a decade. For me, right now, it feels like just a regular new year. I don't have huge downtown, firework type, celebratory plans. I just have the idea, hope, fears and anticipation for the next year to come. I know what is in store for me and at the same time, I have no clue. As a P, that is not supposed to be alarming, but its somewhat worriesome. a wee bit. When I don't know the unknown and life as I know it is truly going to change - that is where it gets me.

On the other hand, this past decade has been nothing but growth for me. I finished undergrad and started a new job. Realized I needed to get my butt in gear, and get back in the classroom. It is our true ammo to prepare our mind and soul for survival in what is referred to as the Real World. Boo - If you are paying taxes, bills and report to someone - you are in the real world.

I know I am inching my way to where I need to be and I got some faith in that path. It will be good, and all I should be doing is loving and living each moment. In the end that is our sole choice. To embrace each moment, and rock the next..repeat. :)

We shall see...

Runnin...a little off track in recording, but still going

Thurs - 1.5 mile interval run on treadmill...it was a late night and had to get it the run in regardless. The treadmill was a calling my name. It was a foul name and not meant for blog. :) Sat - Tanner and went for a 4 miler. Knocked it out and smiled the whole way back! He impresses me on a daily when we run. He has a bottomless pit of energy!!

Right now, it's all mental. I move my hips and my legs follow through. I'm hoping that I can strengthen my endurance and take it the distance.

Next run is manana. It's on!

Peace.

Dec 26 - 1.5 mile interval run on treadmill...it was a late night and had to get it the run in regardless. The treadmill was a calling my name. it was a foul name and not meant for blog, but it was done.

ran and conquered.

Must make this a habit.

running day dos...xx ( I wish!)

On the eve of Christmas....I'm posted a belated one. Yesterday (technically b/c it's after midnight) I ran again. :) 3.4 miles in 46:48 mins. Felt realllll good to run. I got my dad to ride his Trek on the path. I ran on sidewalk and very little street. Homeboy rode on the grass on high gears. I loved the fact that he made it challenging for himself. I love the fact more that he came with me. Been consulting w/ my fitness guru, CQ to incorporate P90X workouts with my running. Ill advisable but w/ modifications its doable. P90 is grueling and shreds (w/ smart eating) the fat and builds strength in your core. Oh how I want that! It can happen in time, I will just have to be careful in the combo action. Careful in the sense, not to overdo the body, Anywhere (for the exception of Sun) are modified P90x days. I'm thinking if I rotate 30-40 min upper, lower, yoga and plyo, I might be able to strengthen as I go. Regardless, the running will continue. It feels good to cover some miles. :) I like to look at a road and know that as the cars go by, I'm covering the same distance, but on foot. I feel so much connection to the Earth like that. I like that a lot.

Tomorrow (or today) is Christmas Eve. Which means I'm contributing to the economy with last minute shopping, preparing Menudo, and running another 3 miler. I'm down for the crown.

10-Week Half Marathon Training Schedule
Week Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Total
1 3 Rest 3 3 Rest 4 Rest 13
2 3 Rest 4 3 Rest 5 Rest 15
3 3 Rest 4 3 Rest 6 Rest 16
4 3 Rest 5 3 Rest 8 Rest 19
5 3 Rest 5 3 Rest 10 Rest 21
6 4 Rest 5 4 Rest 11 Rest 24
7 4 Rest 6 4 Rest 12 Rest 26
8 4 Rest 5 4 Rest 9 Rest 22
9 3 Rest 4 3 Rest 8 Rest 18
10 3 Rest 3 Walk 2 Rest 13.1 21.1

Till next time -

E.

rest and home sweet home

Rested up today and headed home for the holidays. Not sure how long I will be here, but I know I will get in some good quality time with the fam during my stay. I intended to rack up some miles on foot and on wheel. I'm curious to see if my little/big bro wants to run with me. I'm more than sure he will blaze right by me as I pass out. I'm hoping so! Minus the passing out part.

tomorrow is another 3 miler, and I'm going to throw in some upper body work. today I was just sore in the hams and scapulas. odd, but understandable.

Playlist should include something upbeat.... but I'm thinking Glee vol 1 & 2. Yeah, that's how I'm rolling tomorrow. DBJ!
Peace out!

Training: dia numbero uno!

This morning....er..This AFTERNOON was the start to my first day of training. I am setting some physical activity goals for myself this spring season. Nothing short of crossing some finish lines ;] My running partner and teammate, Angela ran a good 3 miles today in some realllllllly nice look division of SM. I kept thinking thing is where all the Red Permit people dwell. Well, I'm thinking it was a nice neighborhood, and I did something thinking while I was running. (more on that later). 3 miles came and gone, and I thi....yea, I know I could have gone 1 more mile for sure. The idea is to get to 13.1 miles without passing out, collapsing or run in the wrong direction. I really want to finish this run, not just to finish, but to encourage myself to stay active and become healthier. The Austin Marathon, as Angela puts it, is to help train for the spring triathalon. Running is a way of getting there (no pun intended...btw, I love puns)! This girl needs to get into the water pretty soon and make some waves.

So I'm going to include a little summary/stats of the run/workout for the day.

Week 1, Day 1: 3 mile run (41 min). followed by protein shake and some migas :) Run consisted of encouragement and motivation and just good talk. Post stretch was real good. Hams are super tight, and need a good stretch. Where is my ma-soooos?

Its amazing what we learn about ourselves when talking to someone else. I've grown, but there is sooooooo much more to go. big thanks to the women in my life who have helped shape me.

Everything starts w/ the 1st step. got to start somewhere. Right about now is a good time.

Fall 09

What a feeling! I just turned in my last document for the fall 2009 semester and I'm DONE! Well, not completely done. I still have to shut down my building and ensure that all of my students have left the premises. But its hard to believe that 2 years ago I was sitting in a very different office a couple of streets away from this very desk, and experiencing life in a completely different perspective.

We all make changes, some small others monumentus. But all are in regarding to the gears in motion. Right now, for me, it's about staying in motion. I don't know where my road is taking me, and each day I wake up thinking about my next step and getting prepared for it. New job, new university/college, new location. I have met some of the most unique and powerful minds in my classes. From Professors, cohort, assingments, assistantship and the occassional (yeah right) stress that faces me everyday has pushed me to a different level. I am a new woman each day. I don't doubt it for a second, but I know I am blessed. I know there are people on the other end of this monitor that may never have the chance to learn and expand their exposure. Let me tell you, if you want it - go get it. It doesn't matter what it is, jut get it.

I'm running a half marathon on Feb 14, 2010. In my mind, I have done it, just need to get my body to the same place. March 2010, I flying up to Chicago for some hopeful job opportnities. Who knows what will happen. My career appetite is far and wide, so this could either help me or hurt me. April 2010, my hall and another is putting together a fundraiser 5K. It's all for charity, just hoping it all works out. And sometime in April or May 2010 I'll return to the tri world and complete number 2 with my friend, Angela. It will be her first, and I don't want to miss it. It's the swimmin I need to work on big time. If you want it -Get it! I got to eat my own words.

Come Jan 2010, is my last semester of Grad School. (pause) I can't believe it. Alum and my past co-workers were not kidding it was going to fly. I started this post by where I was 2 yrs ago. Now, I wonder where I will be next year. God willing, I hope to have a job. And God willing, I hope to stay focused for the next step in my career and education. May 14th, 2010 2pm is branded on the finish line tape. It's me vs me and that is the way I like it. But I could not have done any of this without the neverending support of my family, friends and colleagues. Like I said, I am blessed. Believing in oneself a milestone for me. I am here.

Run. Read. Eat. Cycle. Write. It's what I do. Swim TBA.

If you want something....now is the time to plan. Get yours. You are powerful. Don't deny yourself anything.

E.

Some thought on change...

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. ~Maya Angelou

The count down....

Get yours...

check this...YOU have the power to do anything. ANYTHING. You want it, you can do it. You are so powerful you can choose to victorious or live in someone/something's shadow. Today is Monday, the day of the PINK. How will you live today?

Cue the pulse to begin... just listen

Pretty much awesome!

Need a pick me up....read this! It's pretty much awesome- so check it out!

I am the captain of my fate.....Master of my soul.

A student of mine emailed me this poem weeks ago. I, unfortunately never heard it before that day, but everything has it's own personal time of arrival. Somehow, someone always knows what we need at that exact moment. I love that.

It's called Invictus by William Earnest Henley...and it's amazing.

OUT of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

Soulful....so full

Flooded with music and thoughts and ideas....its becoming more important to sort through it all in my life. They mean something and I feel as though to honor those ideas, feelings and music is to follow through with each. How rare is it to find a connection with a song and a feeling. At the very peaks of our lives, there is a song to mark for it. there is a checkpoint of the peak of your feeling to capture what you got going on in your heart. Never deny yoursself that moment. You are of worth, just as I am.

What an opportunity you have to write down what you feel and think. You owe it to you and your heart. Tell me you are not worth it, and I will counter and show you otherwise. I've been on both sides of the spectrum of that idea of value. Feels pretty decent to say you are worth it. The you in the mirror and the you, generally speaking. If anyone decides to read this....may you find value in the eyes you so couragously look into while in the mirror.

Look deep and feel your soul,
E.

I don't know specifically where that came from... But when darkness turns to light, it ends tonight.