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!!!!!!!