Spirit of the Marathon

I just downloaded Netflix on our PS3 and feel like a kid in a candy store. I'll never have to go to rent movies from Blockbuster and the Redbox again! Yay. I scanned through as many categoeis as i possibly could be for I sttled on a solo movie night since the boys went out.

1st on my list was "Spirit of the Marathon" I heard so much about this movie and couldn't wait to watch it. I dont think many people understand the courage and spirit someone has to have to complete this incredibly crazy endurnace event. You start one person and finish a completely changed different person.

Watching a little bit about the history of women in the marathon was so amazing. Katherine Switzer was the first woman to run a marathon, and entered the race under K. Switzer in order to get a bib. The film showed still shots of Katherine Switzer almost being pulled out of the 1967 Boston Marathon by a race organizer were so emotional. She able to complete the race when her supporter and boyfriend and other male supporters help "safegaurd" Switzer. The fact that she didnt give up was so inspiring. Spitzer paved the way for some of the most amazing, strong long distance female atheltes like Paula Radcliffe, Deena Kastor, Kara Goucher.

I got choked up several times watching the runners thinking, Hey that happened to me. I felt like that. The internal battle Of, you can't do this/ YES, I can. I know I look like a train hit me and I am still going. Can I just crawl across the finish line. And that final surge of energy that comes from nowhere when you realize that this going to happen. I am going to cross that line and have a life altering experience.

Ladies, get out there, get running, sign up for a marathon, its because of her tenacity and perservence that it is possible for you to tackle that 26.2 miles.

"The Triump over the adversity, that is what the marathon is about"-K. Switzer

Challenges for 2011

Ok so, I have come up with 2 challenges for myself for the year in addition to my goals for 2011.

Challenge #1
Run at least 1 mile a day for 364 days.

I was inspired after scanning Twitter under the #running hash tag when I came upon a user. Geez, I feel so bad cause I can't remember her handle, but she had posted something to the effect that she was on her 1234 day of running at least 1 mi or more. And I started thinking "Damn! That is a hell of a record." I don't think it should be a largely difficult challenge to complete but I have to MAKE time no matter how busy or how ugly the weather or day is.

Challenge #2
Log 1,000 miles over the course of 1 year.

Oh Sheeeeeeet. That is a big goal, especially considering I only really started to get back into the groove of running back in April of this year. Ok, ok I confess, the reason real I want to do this one is Nike has a super cute 1,000 mile club shirt. I am a material girl. I like to sport my accomplisments. I think I might just buy the shirt and not wear it until I've killed the 1,000 miles. It averages out to 2.75 miles a day. Considering challenge 1 where I'll run at least one mile a day plus training for 2 HM and possibly 4 FM, I should SHATTER this challenge and get to be part of the 1,000 mile club. :D
(If by mid year I'm 3-400 miles away from the 1k I'll increse the challenge by a few 100's)

I'll post my daily and total weekly milage each Sunday, so you guys can watch my numbers climb!!!!!

Run the Causeway = Oh, Cra(m)p!

So my race calender says I'll be running a 10k in about 1o days... my legs say otherwise. Being off on vacation for 2 weeks has been fabulous but today was my first run in nearly 2 entire weeks. I purposely slept in until 11 this morning, forcing myself to enjoy the warmth undercovers. Until I realized how guilty I felt for not being outside enjoying the cool running weather with that nagging thought I dragged my butt out of bed and immediately began scavenging for my things.

I got to wear a couple of my new Christmas gifts, a pair of Nike running capri's which I had been oogling at the outlet mall forever and a purple nike dri -fit running tech tee (both gifts from my awesome bf). I finally charged my Garmin, strapped on my HRM grabbed my tunes, spare key and went out the door. Normally by 11:30 it would be nearly impossible to run in our Texas heat but we have been fortunate enough to have a couple of "cold" fronts blow through which made my mid morning run a possiblilty. Thank you baby Jesus.

I kept in mind the entire way that next Saturday I would be running my first 10k across Queen Isabella Causeway from Port Isabel to South Padre Island! Crap! 4 miles of that race is going to be an uphill battle. The picture below....is of the bridge....uh. yeah. Looking at it sort of terrifies me right now. : /I dont quite know how my legs are going to fare but I am gonna do it. I hope my legs dont get tight and cramp up. This morning, I pushed myself to pump out a little over a 5 mi run. 45 mins. Not bad, not good, just alright. I think I need to get in a 6 or 7 mi to reintroduce my body to running longer distances. I havent run more than 5mi since Rock N Roll SA in November. I'm hoping tomorrow will be a better running day. This picture HAS to be my motivator to do better. I've place in my age division in the short races I've run so far, I want to keep my streak going.

2011 Race Schedule...

I am a neurotic planner by nature. I have this thing about planning big, medium, and small events in advance because I just like to know what to expect. Especially when it comes to the massive work I am planning to demand from my body this year I have to have a plan.
I have totally been bit by the running bug. The Long Distance running bug that is. I have convinced my good friend Kayla to train with me, so we can both run out first 1/2 marathon. I am so excited to be doing this with a friend. It is so much fun and great motivation to train with a buddy. I decided to run 26.2 for my first long race like a mad woman, now I get to work backwards.

So I this is what my calender looks like so far. I'll spice in some shorter distances throughout the year.

2011 Half and Full Marathon Schedule

• BorderFest Half Marathon in Mcallen, Texas on March 6th, 2011. It is supposed to be similar to the Rock N Roll Series with local bands playing along the course but on a smaller scale. I love the fact that it is close to home. The entry isn't super expensive and I don't need to get a hotel or drive far to race.
• Zooma Women's Half Marathon in Austin, Texas on April 16th 2011. Dubbed a women's weekend race offering a post race expo with champagne, massages, and shopping. A little on the pricey side as the race will be held at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort. Its best that you stay at the resort or risk missing race start time. :/ On the bright side the hotel looks GORGEOUS!
• Frankenthon Monster Marathon in Cedar Park, Texas in October date not yet set. Small race, no expo but it looks like a good race to do. The course is a 3 loop 8.75 mile course, which for some maybe tedious and boring but I like the fact that breaks up the race into a more mentally managable distance. Also if you have friends and family who plan to come and cheer you on they can see you a several points during the race unlike at BIG events.
• Rock N Roll Marathon San Antonio in (duh) San Antonio, Texas on November 13, 2011. I had such a good time at this race last year. I just hope I dont hit the wall again as hard as I did before. It was a horrible mile 22-24. But the atmosphere, the people, the event and volunteers were awesome. Must register early and on a savings day!
• Fiesta Marathon in Mcallen, Texas in December. Hometown Marathon, Flat Course, Familiar Route. It should be a good race and I'll have a chance to meander my way around the expo. yay.

If my parents are still living in Virgina I would hope to run The North Face Edurance Trail Marathon in Washington D.C. I think it would be so awesome to truely get out and be one with nature in the woods. That would be bliss.

I knew when I started running when I was younger my parents would foot the bill for my escapades, shoes, clothes, race entries. Now, its all on me. I've got to be smart, register with plenty of time and take advantage of the savings, shop around for as many deals as I can find on my must have items.

Maybe after running a half, that nice bug will chomp on my friend Kayla and she'll run a want to run a marathon with me. YES. Kayla, I am calling you out. We'll see how she feels after our half, maybe I'll ask her in her post race delirium when you say yes to anything because you think its food.

What half and full marathons are on your schedule this coming year???

Just My Luck!

So this week has been a killer! With wrapping up the last week of school for the students, our annual campus christmas party, buying gifts for secret santas, a birthday party for a friend, I am so pooped!

So this week I missed my Friday TurboFire workout due to said, Christmas party and Birthday party. I crammed it in yesterday feeling much better about the fact that for the next 2 weeks, I get to workout on my own terms. No students, no super early mornings, no rushed breakfasts. Not to mention, I get to try out my gift exchange goodies. My friends and coworkers know me well. Anything fitness and I am happy.

My Secret Santa, our school coach, surprised me with a Nike running headband/earwarmer and a Under Armour loose fit/short sleeve tech tee. She did a great job! I had been complaining that needed an earwarmer in for our cold weather days (60F) Haha. Now if I can only get my boyfriend to replace my running gloves which he decided to use as gloves for when he golfs....

My students tickled me pink, buy picking up my not so subtle hints on loving snowmen for Christmas. They gifted me with some uber cute holiday treats. A snowman cake platter and knife, snowman candles. I made thier day by giving them a surprise "It's Vacation Time" party. Pizza, juice, chips and all. We watched Despicable Me to cap off the long first half of the year. It truely was a treat to us all. Some how I managed to keep my room spic n span so I could jet as soon as our christmas party was over.

I am working on my 2011 Race Schedule and Goals keep an eye for that post next!

Runner's Tip #2: High Visibility

Be Seen!!!!!!!

Oh My Goodness. I can't tell you how important it is to be a visible runner. I should start counting how many times I see runners and walkers in the early morning and after sunset out and about in black, grey and dark colors! If you do this you are just asking to get HIT!

As a force of habit. I go for high visiblity.

I currently wear:

Ankle reflectors

Our xcountry coach in high school made us wear these ungodly thing on our early morning runs and they saved us. We played around with them of course wearing them as head bands and arm bands doing everything but wearing them the way were supposed to. I invested in a cheap pair of ankle reflectors from Academy for about $5. REI has some great reflectors you can purchase for just about the same amount.

Hat/Visor with Reflective Strips.

I am now obsessed with wearing hats when I run. At first, I wore one because my hair was too short to fit snugly in my ponytail and I would look like a beast by the end of my run, so I would cover it up and pull my ponytail through the hole in the back. Now that my hair is much longer, I still wear the hat. I feel naked without it. That reflective material will signal to drivers that someone is out there. This Adidas Women's Marathon hat has the reflective strips on the bill and is made of moisture wicking material. I own this one in White and Grey about $16.95 from Running Warehouse

White workout tops.

I will scrounge around my dresser looking for anything light colored when I intend to workout outdoors. Friends, believe me when I say it's great to look cute when you workout but be smart about it. There are countless times when I have had near misses with pedestrians who were not being wise about thier apparel and accessory choices. Under Armour has some great light colored tech long sleeves about $23

I am going to buy:

A head lamp Since the fall time change, my running days are getting shorter and shorter. I have small window from about 5:15-6:45 to get my miles in before it is almost black as pitch. I hope getting a head lamp will light my way and keep me in the sight of drivers and give me more time outdoors. I like this one from Black Diamons about $19. from Running Warehouse

I hope these tips inspire you to take a look at your running gear and maybe update it, add some cute things but also things that will save your life!

Do you have any high visibilty products you love or things that keep you safe?

Leave a comment and share!

Happy Running Y'all!

Holdiay Weekend

This weekend we had our first Holiday Party at our great friend Kayla and Balde's. It was so much fun. We had a potluck dinner and everyone brought thier specialty side. I made a Creamy Chili Corn Casserole a recipe which I hijacked from my coworker Layla and some Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffin another recipe I stole last year from our school nurse Sandra. I'll add the recipe for the Chili Corn Casserole at the end.



We really had to squeeze in a for a group photo op. I am on the far right

The day before all the ladies got together to make some sweet treats below are the sugar cookies I decorated. I especially love my gingerbread bikini girl!


While searching and updating my Christmas list for my honey, I decided to catch up on one of my favorite bloggers. Danica aka the Chic Runner Danica writes a great running blog, funny, insightful and informative. She is awesome all around girl. I would meet her one day. Not to mention get goodies for review company products.

Well, I entered one of Danica's giveaways for Punk Rock Racing by responding with a holiday tradition. She had posted the winners and there was a Jennifer. I'm thinking what are the chances THAT Jennifer being me. We turns out it WAS me. The link opened up my blog! I am stoked I won the Punk Rock Racing Hat :)


I'll leave you all with one of our final crazy pictures after a couple glasses of wine or whatever we were drinking this is the result. It was a great, great night. I can't wait till next year's party.

Race Recap: Jingle Bell Jaunt 5k

This morning I decided to run my first race since RNRSA...It's been nearly 3 weeks. And I couldnt stay away.

The University (UTB) was holding thier Jingle Bell Jaunt Annual Holiday 5K. I put in about 20 miles this week and thought what the hell? If I dont do a race now then I won't get back into the groove of training. There were two 5ks scheduled one was a trail run which I planned to do but when I used the GPS on my phone the directions just seemed to confusing. I dont have the greatest internal compass so I had a feeling I'd get lost. UTB is easy to get to. I pushed myself out of bed to make the 30 min drive out to Brownsville.

When I got there it at 7, there was hardly anyone there. I was just waiting for the tumbleweeds to roll by, I thought the race might have been cancelled. I saw the cones and thought game on. If there are less people here, the more chance I have to do well in my division. :) I figured that because the University was sponsering the race there would be tons of people.....there was only 46 participants.

The race shirts were cute. While long sleeves, with a holiday theme snowflakes and what not. I would have much rather had a volunteer shirt. They were dark blue instead of white the design looked way cooler on those.

The gun went off and BOOOOOOOM! The younger kids took off like a shot gun. I tried to keep up and checked my garmin off and on I was pacing at 7:30 for the first mile. The second mile rolled up and I had dropped to 8:00 which was more comfortable. I grabbed a cup of water and ended up spilling more on my clothes and face than drinking it. At 2.5 we ran by the ROTC's PT group and it was about 100 guys oogling all the girl runners. Not nice. And THEN someone backed out of a parking spot right in front of me, forcing me really slow down. JERK! I picked it back up a little at the end and got back under 8 min mile. I pushed through and finished the race in 23:30! A PR for the 5K! YAY me!

After the race, I chat with a couple of people who ran RNRSA a half and a full finisher. It was nice to rehash our triumphs and tragedies. I'm glad that I am not the only one who hit THE nasty WALL. And we all agreed that the hill at the end of the SA race was a cruel sick joke! LOL.

In the end I finished:
2nd female overall
2nd in my division F 20-24
11th overall.
Not bad for a mornings work. Not to mention our awards were adorable chirstmas ornaments!

Look for more pictures soon. I need to steal some from UTB once they post them on the Rec Center Website.

HIIT! TurboFire®

So I just put in my order for TurboFire! Ahhh! TurboFire seems like its going to be an awesome workout. I can't wait to try it out. I hope it lives up to burning 9x the fat. I have a bet going with the honey on who can get a six pack first. I totally think I can do it. I've dropped nearly 15 lbs since February and that hint of abs is coming out. Check out this vid below to see what I'm getting myself into.

I am going to be using this and RevAb to crosstrain.





I AM STOKED!

Runner's Tip #1 What side of the road do I run on ?

Man, I have struggled with this question for the longest time!

Q: What side of the road do you run on?

A: You should go against traffic. Basically you are running on the left side of the road, so the cars are coming toward you. The idea is that you see they cars, they hopefully see you and drift toward the centerline. They usually do. This is the safer alternative to running on the right side where the traffic is coming toward your back and if your like most people you run with headphones, you may not beware of who or what is coming up behind you.Please, please run on the left side of the road and (a word from yo mama) always look before crossing the street.

During our crazy training season, my running buddy Ashley and I would constantly get honked at and nearly got clipped a couple of times during our dark as crap early morning runs. Now when I say early, I mean, there a people who just left the after party (4 am) and are making their way into their comfy cozy warm beds.

We would have long talks during our 5 am - 16, 18 20 mile runs about how the roads are so unfriendly to runners/walkers and cyclists. They (drivers) tend to give you the "What the Hell are you doing in the road?!" look and you are thinking "I'd like to see you get your butt of the car and try doing this!" But of course all you can do is move as far to the side as possible and hope they scoot thier massive vehicle the opposite way as well.

So those of you runners, walkers and fitness friends. Keep an eye out on the road, always beware of your surroundings, and dont take chances.

On a brighter note, I've convinced some friends to "drink the juice" and we'll be training to run the Zooma Women's Half Marathon Austin in April!

I think we'll call our "team" Sole Sisters! What do you think? Cheesy, Cute, Cliche?

Sound off. Give me some suggestions or ask any questions you want some answers to or things you would like my opinion on.

Happy Running!

Fitness Goals for 2011

Ok, I know most people wait until New Years to state goals/fitness goals for the year but for me its now or never. why wait!? I guess for some people New Year's Day shows the promise of a having a clean slate. Well, I look at it this way every day is a new day! Everyday you can wipe your slate clean.

If any of my friends would have told me, you will lose 15 lbs, raise $2,600 to help cure cancer, run a marathon, and make 20 new friends sometime at the start of 2010. I would've ask what planet are you from. This past year has been a blessing in disguise, I have met some amazing people in the real world and online friends who have pushed me to be a better more healthy me. And it couldn't have come at a better time in my life. I feel like this is going to be a permanent change in my life

These are my fitness goals for 2011!

• Run a 1/2 marathon in under 2:00 hrs. (my 1/2 split at RNRSA was 2:06)
• Run a marathon in less than 4:30.
• Become a TurboKick and PIYO instructor
• Get a six pack... (totally possible)
• Share my passion for health, fitness, and RUNNING with as many people as possible!

The picture on the far left is Jamie Eason, I'd love to have a body like this, and without a doubt it will be the result of hard work. The picture on the right is me! Forgive my grotty look. I just finished Insanity Core Cardio and Resistance. It was so intense even after completing an entire round earlier in the year, every workout gets me winded. Let's be honest, I'm like a baby crying by the end. Oh, and I wont have a top half like her without some "enhancements" I wasn't blessed by the bosom goddesses.

I guess, its safe to say I got bitten by the "endurnace" bug. I am already looking into doing an Ironman 70.3.... That will be one to accomplish by the end of 2012. :)

Some think I've taking crazy pills, I assure you I thought they were Smarties. I'll keep you posted on reaching my fitness goals! I know I can make them a reality.

Rock N Roll San Antonio Marathon Race Recap.

Whew. That title is a doozy and so was the race.

Friday- 2 days before race day. I was so anxious I probably packed and repacked my suitcase at least 3 or 4 times. It was an extremely long day at work prepping the kids for the fact I wouldnt be there on Monday. I left my classroom ready to go in hopes the students wouldnt be complete wild children while I tried to recoup from the massive beating my body was going to endure. I got a much needed call from Layla one of my coworkers and a cancer survivor, wishing me luck on the race. It was super sweet. I made one last check on my bag to make sure I had everything. shorts, long sleeve, jersey, gels, hat, garmin, shoes, sports bra, camera. I had a massive checklist and kept adding things last minute.

My stomach was in knots the entire night, Jesse kept telling me this is just like any other run, you arent in it to win it, just to finish. I knew we was right on the second part but the first I was fighting. It wouldnt be like ANY other run. This was a 26.2 mile mental and physical beating with 27,000 people at your sides. In other words is was going be total madness.

Saturday- We left the house about 8 AM stopped at WalMart for some last minute toiletries. And we were off! I had a TNT meeting to make a 1 Pm and we were cutting it close. Pulling in to the Grand Haytt at 1:10. We hopped out and raced to the lobby and were super lucky that everyone was still there. We walked as a group to the EXPO. I was so excited. The weather was lovely, cool but still warm. We walked into the Alamodome and it was like sensory overload. I had never seen so many runners and thier families together. I picked up my packet, got my race shirt which of course was to big to wear as anything other than a night gown. Then seeing all the booths with thier running goodies!!!! I was in heaven! I had to leave before I purchased one of everything. I did come away with an event shirt. Looks like a vintage track tee.

We walked back to the hotel to shower and change for yet ANOTHER meeting at Hemisfair Park. Where I got to see all of our TNT teamates which totaled around 325 particpants from across the nation we raised $860,000. It was truly amazing and inspirational knowing that we are making the difference in lives of people battling Leukemia and Lymphoma. We walked back to the hotel again this time for our Inspiration Dinner. We had to wait down stairs in the lobby so they could ready the ballroom for our huge party.

Jesse and I chatted about the dinner saying that if the food wasnt great we would end up finding something eat later. My coaches told the team not to do ANYTHING different the night before the race than we normally do. Well my pre-long run routine is an order of taquitos de pastor con todo, queso, cebolla, chile, or pizza and a michelada..... :/ uhhhh. some how I didnt think they were going to be serving this up at our Inspiration dinner.

The food was better than we expected and we got a seat right at the front of the ballroom, where John "The Penguin" Bingham was our keynote speaker. It was awesome. After our dinner it was time to get some much needed rest. I still needed to ready my race gear for the morning. It was about 8. I crashed around 9:30 with my alarm set to go off at 5AM.

(Me on the left and my lovely mentor Teresa on the rightmoments before the race!!!) - taken by the Staff at the Grand Hyatt)

I am smiling because I have no idea what I have gotten myself into.......

I rolled out of bed at 5:15 got dressed slowly making sure I forgot nothing and ate half a bagel and banana. And by then it time for our 6 AM meeting in the lobby. I was ready but SO nervous. We took our pictures and Jesse and I made our way to the chilly, breezy start. Now I have never participated in a race of more that 200 people and that was way back in highschool. I took one look at the corrals and my heart was racing. We found corral 10 and Jesse said with my while I warmed up. Then we had a quick parting hug and I jumped into place with my fellow teammates.

MORE COMING SOON!

New Chapter in My Life

I can't believe the Rock N Roll Marathon is only 8 days away! I dont think it will really sink in that I am going to tackle 26.2. miles until I am in my corral and waiting to cross the start line to begin the race. It will mark a new chapter in my life. The chapter where if I can accomplish this I can accomplish anything.

This experience, being a part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training, has been phenomenal. Its hard to believe that in June, I was just a regular recreational runner with no driving force and now I have this urge to be part of something bigger than me. Knowing that I raised money for thier cause and will be making a difference in the lives of other is overwhelming. I know the season will be wrapping up with the culmination of crossing that finish line and my emotions will be running rampant. I have met some amazing people and made some great and long lasting friendships.

I don't want this "high" of being part of something larger than me to end with the season, and with that I have chosen to be part of Team Beachbody's army of independent coaches with the mission to help people help themselves lead more rewarding lives. I know I can do this, I will do this.

Be on the look out for my Rock N Roll San Antonio race recap and pictures. I can't wait!!!!!!!