Wait, WHAT! Is the title of this really true? In fact it is. There is a half in my hometown tomorrow morning and I am turning it down. But why you might ask? Honestly, the medal.
I guess I should preface this with, I do not abstain from alcohol. I don't drink often, but I do enjoy a nice stout, a glass of dry red wine, or whipped vodka in pomegranate San Pelagrino on occasion. But when the half marathon medal is an overpriced beer bottle opener, I have to reevaluate my personal ethics.
I do half marathons for fun, and the health benefit is also a perk. Doing a long distance races are not an easy feat, even if it looks like it because I have done so many in a short period of time. I feel like this is a time to respect the hours of training, the careful attention to diet, and the dedication on both the mental and physical end to make it to the finish line. Each one of my medals was earned, and I proudly display them in my home so that anyone who walks in can see my accomplishments. The last thing I want is to taint this display with a beer bottle opener.
There is no mistaking this medal to be an opener. Outside of that part, it is a beautiful medal. It highlights some iconic places that are in a beautiful major park we have here in town. I would love to be able to have such a nice medal, minus the opener. In addition, this half is associated with a 5K. All participants in the 5K and the half, regardless of age and distance will receive this medal. Even Chewy would receive this same medal. What does an 11 year old need a bottle opener for? She doesn't even drink soda! While I could just get some metal cutters and cut off this portion, now I have deface my medal that I earned through sweat, some more sweat, and no tears, but maybe a blister.
Hopping off my soap box. I know it is a trivial complaint. I am happy to wait for another race in my town that does not contain a bottle opener as the main prize. Especially with the registration price so high, I can buy 100 bottle openers at the dollar store and still cover tax.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
The Surprise 5th Half Marathon: Recap
My plans have been all over the place since the CDA Half in May. I was going to do the Windermere Half the weekend after the CDA, but with Chewy in soccer tournaments and her schedule so erratic, it didn't happen. Then I figured I would rest, do a lot of 5ks, and anything else until this fall when I plan to do more halves. That was until Chewy needed to go to Seattle for a job shadow, and everything changed.
The Seattle Rock n Roll was a race that has peaked my interest, and I considered it a goal. I needed to complete it under 4 hours as that is the race regulation time limit. I know that I complete halves around 4 hours, so it is possible, even if it is just barely. Cost was also a factor for me as the Rock n Rolls tend to be pricy. I had decided that I would save up and do this race next year, until I realized that I was already in Seattle the same weekend as this race. The universe was screaming at me, and so was my 11 year old cheerleader: DO IT!!! And so I did. This is how the surprise half marathon #5 came to be.
The Seattle Rock n Roll has many similarities to the Seattle Half. I still got to go down the I90 express ways. I still ventured through downtown. I was still racing in a city I love. This time we spent more time south than north, and I also ventured along the 99 next to the waterfront area. The amount of spectators were fewer in this race, but still many to keep one motivated. The part I loved had to do with all the bands. I lost count of how many groups were providing musical entertainment! This made the Seattle RnR one of my favorites.
A 7am start time at the Space Needle reminded me of December's half. This race began in waves. Being that I did not register until the last possible minute, I was in the group at the very back. I crossed the starting line 59 minutes after the first people started. I did not like this part, but it would be fine. I told myself that no matter what, I would finish by Noon. We followed the monorail track along 5th Avenue in downtown, ventured into the International District, and then began to move east for a bit until our long venture south. On this stretch, I was able to see a beautiful view of Mt. Rainier in the distance. Unfortunately for you, my picture taking was not as frequent during this race as it has been in the past, and the ones of the mountain did not come out well.
After our tour of the south end, we started a short trek east to the edge of Lake Washington. We ventured north along the lake and came to a steep portion which would be the worst of all the hills on this race. For me, the hill was fine, and no worse than 3 flights of stairs. At the top of this hill was the I90 express way. I really do find it nice to say I have gone down the freeway on foot, and without a car mishap. This is also where I met a fellow half marathoner who was very clearly slamming into "The Wall" with full force. This was her first race, she was walking it alone as her family had long finished. She was somewhat prepared, but not as much as she had hoped. I pushed her along for the next mile or so encouraging her to keep going. In the end, I did pass her, but she was frequently running to catch up to me, and would fall back again to her own pace. I knew we would not be doing the race together, but I am glad I could be there to help her past that hump. Everyone needs a cheerleader!
My own wall was not hit until mile 11. This was surprising to me in some ways, and not in others. I figured since I never hit it earlier on that it would never come. I do know that I came into this race ill prepared. I hadn't been eating well. I knew I was dehydrated. We won't even discuss that lack of breakfast I had that morning, and that two bananas and a goo were carrying me through the race. For what it was, I was doing great! The wall was short lived for me, and as soon as I saw the mile 12 sign, I was recharged and ready to finish strong.
Through the 99 tunnel, around the corner, down the under the bridge, back up the small hill, and across the finish line. All to the tune of: 3:48:58! YES! Under four hours. Four minutes faster than CDA, and before Noon! I did it! I was very proud of myself. And to think, I wasn't planning on doing this race until the last minute.
I do not know what my next race will be. There is one in my hometown in 11 days. I am thinking about doing it to say I have finally done something here. I am also doing two this fall: Spokane and Seattle half marathons. But until I decide anything, here is a very proud moment for me. Five half marathons in 10 months! I never would have imagined it would have turned into this!
The Seattle Rock n Roll was a race that has peaked my interest, and I considered it a goal. I needed to complete it under 4 hours as that is the race regulation time limit. I know that I complete halves around 4 hours, so it is possible, even if it is just barely. Cost was also a factor for me as the Rock n Rolls tend to be pricy. I had decided that I would save up and do this race next year, until I realized that I was already in Seattle the same weekend as this race. The universe was screaming at me, and so was my 11 year old cheerleader: DO IT!!! And so I did. This is how the surprise half marathon #5 came to be.
The Seattle Rock n Roll has many similarities to the Seattle Half. I still got to go down the I90 express ways. I still ventured through downtown. I was still racing in a city I love. This time we spent more time south than north, and I also ventured along the 99 next to the waterfront area. The amount of spectators were fewer in this race, but still many to keep one motivated. The part I loved had to do with all the bands. I lost count of how many groups were providing musical entertainment! This made the Seattle RnR one of my favorites.
A 7am start time at the Space Needle reminded me of December's half. This race began in waves. Being that I did not register until the last possible minute, I was in the group at the very back. I crossed the starting line 59 minutes after the first people started. I did not like this part, but it would be fine. I told myself that no matter what, I would finish by Noon. We followed the monorail track along 5th Avenue in downtown, ventured into the International District, and then began to move east for a bit until our long venture south. On this stretch, I was able to see a beautiful view of Mt. Rainier in the distance. Unfortunately for you, my picture taking was not as frequent during this race as it has been in the past, and the ones of the mountain did not come out well.
After our tour of the south end, we started a short trek east to the edge of Lake Washington. We ventured north along the lake and came to a steep portion which would be the worst of all the hills on this race. For me, the hill was fine, and no worse than 3 flights of stairs. At the top of this hill was the I90 express way. I really do find it nice to say I have gone down the freeway on foot, and without a car mishap. This is also where I met a fellow half marathoner who was very clearly slamming into "The Wall" with full force. This was her first race, she was walking it alone as her family had long finished. She was somewhat prepared, but not as much as she had hoped. I pushed her along for the next mile or so encouraging her to keep going. In the end, I did pass her, but she was frequently running to catch up to me, and would fall back again to her own pace. I knew we would not be doing the race together, but I am glad I could be there to help her past that hump. Everyone needs a cheerleader!
My own wall was not hit until mile 11. This was surprising to me in some ways, and not in others. I figured since I never hit it earlier on that it would never come. I do know that I came into this race ill prepared. I hadn't been eating well. I knew I was dehydrated. We won't even discuss that lack of breakfast I had that morning, and that two bananas and a goo were carrying me through the race. For what it was, I was doing great! The wall was short lived for me, and as soon as I saw the mile 12 sign, I was recharged and ready to finish strong.
Through the 99 tunnel, around the corner, down the under the bridge, back up the small hill, and across the finish line. All to the tune of: 3:48:58! YES! Under four hours. Four minutes faster than CDA, and before Noon! I did it! I was very proud of myself. And to think, I wasn't planning on doing this race until the last minute.
I do not know what my next race will be. There is one in my hometown in 11 days. I am thinking about doing it to say I have finally done something here. I am also doing two this fall: Spokane and Seattle half marathons. But until I decide anything, here is a very proud moment for me. Five half marathons in 10 months! I never would have imagined it would have turned into this!
Monday, May 26, 2014
And the Rainbow Flies Again: CDA Half Marathon Recap
I have slacked on my blogging, but not on my walking. The Coeur d'Alene Half Marathon was yesterday. I was nervous at first, but this race was proof that I have been gaining much more endurance than I ever imagined. I also came out of this race with many friends, encouragement for the future, and so much more!
This race was very different than the last two I have done. It was tiny! Such a small field of participants: full marathoners, half marathoners, and 5Kers. Just under two thousand participants total, where the other two have over 10,000. Also interesting about this race, and discouraging was that the course was an out and back. This means you go so far out on the course, and then turn around and come back the same way you came. As a half, this wasn't so bad. But the full marathoners had to do the same loop twice. Let me just say now, when the time comes for me to do a full, this will NOT be the race I will do unless the course is changed. The nice part was that my partner was joining me again for a half marathon. You will recall that we did the first one together.
We arrived to the race a little later than I had liked thanks to my lead foot and some radar gun that was unfortunately positioned in my way. I was a bit excited to head to this race. Oops! We found parking right at the starting/finish line, and got lined up ready to head out. Once again I was wearing the rainbow flag. As Idaho recently issued a stay on the verdict on the ban of same sex marriage being unconstitutional, and the case will go to court in September, I felt it was appropriate to show visibility again. Many high 5's, and words of encouragement were shared at the starting line and along the course.
As I complain a lot about this course I must admit, it really is beautiful! Most of the race is along the east edge of Lake Coeur d'Alene. Thankfully it was not so hot yet that the humidity was kept at bay. I am a total water lover, so as I was going I kept imagining myself in a kayak enjoying the water. I have done that through this area of the lake with much enjoyment. Sadly, I do not own a kayak now, and race registrations take away from the chance of owning one soon. While I do not like out and backs, this one was filled with nature that kept me engaged.
We met a lot of people along the course. The purple people were marathoners, and requested that they take a picture with us. The interesting thing is that one of the purple people knew a friend of ours who met us along the course! Small world.
I also met another woman named Linda. She has been through her own extensive journey to get to this point. Her husband, friend, and her were always neck and neck with us. Sometimes we would be ahead, and sometimes, they would pass us. Every time Linda would go to pass us, I would speed up with her. She would walk faster, as would I. She would jog, as would I. Kendra would stay and talk to her husband. This was her first half marathon, and I am so happy she is able to do them :)
As for my race, it was great! I had a pre-race meal of a banana and peanut butter which seemed to be working very well for me. I ate a banana around mile 8 as I figured I should do so as I never did eat it at mile 5 like normal. I never tortured myself with goo. I learned that HEED is a decent electrolyte drink, so long as it is not the strawberry flavor. I learned that I like going uphill compared to downhill. I learned that I could run, and run much longer than just 10 seconds at a time. I also learned that I really like a little competition. The ladies with the black pants and skirts were never going to pass me again. The other ladies that we met and were also neck and neck with were not going to pass me at the end. And when you bond with someone and see them dropping in mile 12, you don't care about your own time, you make sure they are okay because if they aren't, you are going to be carrying them across that finish line no matter what! I also learned that I get in a zone.
A friend of ours met us in mile 12. I realized how unfriendly I am when in a race. Not intentional, but I was not my normal self. I was on a mission to finish. I was focused and driven. Once I crossed the finish line, received my medal, and had a moment to relish in the moment of knowing I had completed another race, I looked at my friend and explain, "Okay, now I can be me!" Lucky for me, she understood. I never realized how much of a difference from race me and normal me there really is until now.
And for my time...I dropped more time: 3:52:33
I got under 4! I was thrilled with myself! Kendra was thrilled to have done her second race. I was thankful for everyone who was there to cheer us on. But now it was time to cheer on Linda and her crew.
I talked to the people handing out medals. They allowed me to hand Linda her's, and Kendra handed Linda's husband his. She made it! She is a half marathoner! She helped push me, and I learned that I helped push her. Some pictures of us all taken, a sharing of contact information, and a desire to do this together again was all had.
We also took pictures with the two people that were also neck and neck with us that I wasn't going to let pass at the end. They, too, wish to do this again with us. It was like we were making half marathon family as we went. As small as this race was, the energy was so high, and the support was even more grand than could ever be expected.
Stay tuned for Wednesday when I will announce my next race. If things go as I hope, and I throw caution to the wind, it might be much sooner than anyone expects.
This race was very different than the last two I have done. It was tiny! Such a small field of participants: full marathoners, half marathoners, and 5Kers. Just under two thousand participants total, where the other two have over 10,000. Also interesting about this race, and discouraging was that the course was an out and back. This means you go so far out on the course, and then turn around and come back the same way you came. As a half, this wasn't so bad. But the full marathoners had to do the same loop twice. Let me just say now, when the time comes for me to do a full, this will NOT be the race I will do unless the course is changed. The nice part was that my partner was joining me again for a half marathon. You will recall that we did the first one together.
We arrived to the race a little later than I had liked thanks to my lead foot and some radar gun that was unfortunately positioned in my way. I was a bit excited to head to this race. Oops! We found parking right at the starting/finish line, and got lined up ready to head out. Once again I was wearing the rainbow flag. As Idaho recently issued a stay on the verdict on the ban of same sex marriage being unconstitutional, and the case will go to court in September, I felt it was appropriate to show visibility again. Many high 5's, and words of encouragement were shared at the starting line and along the course.
As I complain a lot about this course I must admit, it really is beautiful! Most of the race is along the east edge of Lake Coeur d'Alene. Thankfully it was not so hot yet that the humidity was kept at bay. I am a total water lover, so as I was going I kept imagining myself in a kayak enjoying the water. I have done that through this area of the lake with much enjoyment. Sadly, I do not own a kayak now, and race registrations take away from the chance of owning one soon. While I do not like out and backs, this one was filled with nature that kept me engaged.
We met a lot of people along the course. The purple people were marathoners, and requested that they take a picture with us. The interesting thing is that one of the purple people knew a friend of ours who met us along the course! Small world.
I also met another woman named Linda. She has been through her own extensive journey to get to this point. Her husband, friend, and her were always neck and neck with us. Sometimes we would be ahead, and sometimes, they would pass us. Every time Linda would go to pass us, I would speed up with her. She would walk faster, as would I. She would jog, as would I. Kendra would stay and talk to her husband. This was her first half marathon, and I am so happy she is able to do them :)
As for my race, it was great! I had a pre-race meal of a banana and peanut butter which seemed to be working very well for me. I ate a banana around mile 8 as I figured I should do so as I never did eat it at mile 5 like normal. I never tortured myself with goo. I learned that HEED is a decent electrolyte drink, so long as it is not the strawberry flavor. I learned that I like going uphill compared to downhill. I learned that I could run, and run much longer than just 10 seconds at a time. I also learned that I really like a little competition. The ladies with the black pants and skirts were never going to pass me again. The other ladies that we met and were also neck and neck with were not going to pass me at the end. And when you bond with someone and see them dropping in mile 12, you don't care about your own time, you make sure they are okay because if they aren't, you are going to be carrying them across that finish line no matter what! I also learned that I get in a zone.
A friend of ours met us in mile 12. I realized how unfriendly I am when in a race. Not intentional, but I was not my normal self. I was on a mission to finish. I was focused and driven. Once I crossed the finish line, received my medal, and had a moment to relish in the moment of knowing I had completed another race, I looked at my friend and explain, "Okay, now I can be me!" Lucky for me, she understood. I never realized how much of a difference from race me and normal me there really is until now.
And for my time...I dropped more time: 3:52:33
I got under 4! I was thrilled with myself! Kendra was thrilled to have done her second race. I was thankful for everyone who was there to cheer us on. But now it was time to cheer on Linda and her crew.
I talked to the people handing out medals. They allowed me to hand Linda her's, and Kendra handed Linda's husband his. She made it! She is a half marathoner! She helped push me, and I learned that I helped push her. Some pictures of us all taken, a sharing of contact information, and a desire to do this together again was all had.
We also took pictures with the two people that were also neck and neck with us that I wasn't going to let pass at the end. They, too, wish to do this again with us. It was like we were making half marathon family as we went. As small as this race was, the energy was so high, and the support was even more grand than could ever be expected.
Stay tuned for Wednesday when I will announce my next race. If things go as I hope, and I throw caution to the wind, it might be much sooner than anyone expects.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Bloomsday Recap
On Sunday was a 12K in my city, and I was blessed to have my partner and Chewy join me for it. Great time had by the three of us. This was technically Chewy's second 12K, but her first done on her own two feet, and her longest race to date. She did great, and as you will read, is already making plans. As for me, this was my 8th time doing this race. It was much better this time around compared to my last Bloomsday experience with the broken stroller.
The time was 745am, and it is well known in my town that Bloomsday means 50,000+ runners take over the streets of downtown, and then wind their way around the west side of the city. This also means that roads are closed, parking is horrible, and if you can take mass transit, you should! We opted to take the city bus which was running a special from a mall near us to the race starting point. This started to feel a lot like Phoenix since I took a bus there, but this time it was sunny and warm, and I wasn't being dropped off at the edge of a desert.
Bloomsday has a staggered start. The wheelchairs leave before 9am. Elite runners leave at 9am. Everyone else just starts in 10 minute intervals for about an hour or so after the elite. By the time we started, the elite runners were crossing the finish line. I will not be running a 12K in 34 minutes, and I am just fine with that. But they really are amazing to watch. We did get to see the awards ceremony, and it was so interesting to hear the accomplishments of these runners.
This is the race that reminded me of how much more training I need to do with hills. I have gotten a little lazy with hill work. Spokane is a tough place to race because of all the hills, and Bloomsday has its fair share of them including one hill lovingly called Doomsday. It is a 3/4 mile climb! Guess where I will be spending more time. But one of the best parts of this race was at the bottom of this hill. A woman filled a wagon with bananas of every color (some green, some yellow, some browning), and was selling them for $1 each. The top of the hill is the 5 mile mark, and if you have kept up with me, you know I eat a banana at 5 miles. $3 later, we each were munching on this quick energy source, and Chewy was expressing how grand it was to have this. Perfect bit of energy before tackling this hill. On this hill, we found Waldo...
This is somewhere along Mile 6. Clearly Chewy is similar to her mother, always smiling in race photos.
Aside from the hills, this race was easy for me. Short distance which didn't leave me feeling worn out at the end, or even through the rest of the day. Good reminder of what I need to work on. Excellent way for me to evaluate what I need to do for my next race. And most of all, it reminded me about my need for people. Bloomsday has such a large community following here. People throw parties at their homes just to cheer on runners. Chewy also commented on how she enjoyed the community support. She found it energizing and encouraging. As tired as she was (double header soccer games the day before, plus everything else soccer and running related during the week), she was able to keep going thanks to the crowds.
The time: 2:21:09. 18:55 mile.
Perfect! Not so slow that it was dreadful. Not so fast that I was exhausted. No soreness. Great pace as we just followed Chewy's lead and she was worn out before the race ever started. If I was to keep that same pace, a half would be completed in my normal 4 hours and a couple minutes time. I consider Bloomsday a success. Chewy is already asking that we make this a family tradition every spring. I suspect that we will jog some of it in future years. Medals are not given after this race, but we do get lovely shirts.
So what is the future plan of racing? Chewy and I have a couple 5Ks this summer. But the next race for me is in...
18 Days for the CDA Half.
The time was 745am, and it is well known in my town that Bloomsday means 50,000+ runners take over the streets of downtown, and then wind their way around the west side of the city. This also means that roads are closed, parking is horrible, and if you can take mass transit, you should! We opted to take the city bus which was running a special from a mall near us to the race starting point. This started to feel a lot like Phoenix since I took a bus there, but this time it was sunny and warm, and I wasn't being dropped off at the edge of a desert.
Bloomsday has a staggered start. The wheelchairs leave before 9am. Elite runners leave at 9am. Everyone else just starts in 10 minute intervals for about an hour or so after the elite. By the time we started, the elite runners were crossing the finish line. I will not be running a 12K in 34 minutes, and I am just fine with that. But they really are amazing to watch. We did get to see the awards ceremony, and it was so interesting to hear the accomplishments of these runners.This is the race that reminded me of how much more training I need to do with hills. I have gotten a little lazy with hill work. Spokane is a tough place to race because of all the hills, and Bloomsday has its fair share of them including one hill lovingly called Doomsday. It is a 3/4 mile climb! Guess where I will be spending more time. But one of the best parts of this race was at the bottom of this hill. A woman filled a wagon with bananas of every color (some green, some yellow, some browning), and was selling them for $1 each. The top of the hill is the 5 mile mark, and if you have kept up with me, you know I eat a banana at 5 miles. $3 later, we each were munching on this quick energy source, and Chewy was expressing how grand it was to have this. Perfect bit of energy before tackling this hill. On this hill, we found Waldo...
This is somewhere along Mile 6. Clearly Chewy is similar to her mother, always smiling in race photos.
Aside from the hills, this race was easy for me. Short distance which didn't leave me feeling worn out at the end, or even through the rest of the day. Good reminder of what I need to work on. Excellent way for me to evaluate what I need to do for my next race. And most of all, it reminded me about my need for people. Bloomsday has such a large community following here. People throw parties at their homes just to cheer on runners. Chewy also commented on how she enjoyed the community support. She found it energizing and encouraging. As tired as she was (double header soccer games the day before, plus everything else soccer and running related during the week), she was able to keep going thanks to the crowds.
The time: 2:21:09. 18:55 mile.
Perfect! Not so slow that it was dreadful. Not so fast that I was exhausted. No soreness. Great pace as we just followed Chewy's lead and she was worn out before the race ever started. If I was to keep that same pace, a half would be completed in my normal 4 hours and a couple minutes time. I consider Bloomsday a success. Chewy is already asking that we make this a family tradition every spring. I suspect that we will jog some of it in future years. Medals are not given after this race, but we do get lovely shirts.So what is the future plan of racing? Chewy and I have a couple 5Ks this summer. But the next race for me is in...
18 Days for the CDA Half.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Donations Requested for Special Olympics
You see, the Special Olympics has always been very near and dear to Kendra's heart. She has spent a lot of time working with people who live with special needs of all sorts. Even during her youth, she was often volunteering her time to assist others that are often overlooked by society. During my recovery from knee surgery, she was the main person who helped make sure my needs were met. When Kendra first heard about this fundraiser a few years ago, she was not in a position to attempt the rappel. Today is a different story. She is ready and willing. And with a $25 donation from me to secure her spot, she now has a chance to really make this happen.
What I am asking is that you look into your hearts, and your wallets, and consider donating to her cause. $650 is what it takes for one athlete to have training, equipment, and competition through the Special Olympics for one year. $650 is what Kendra must raise to be able to rappel off the 20 story building. I hate heights! I will take pictures from the safety of the ground below. But for Kendra, this is exciting, and for a wonderful cause. Every little bit adds up, and will go to support an athlete and their dreams.
Click here to support Kendra and the Special Olympics of Washington.
Kendra's rappel date is Friday June 27th.
Thank you!
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Tai Chi and Race Weekend
It has been an interesting month. Lots of walking, but not much mileage counting. I know I have done very well: walking with friends, during soccer practices, along a beach during a weekend getaway. I cannot complain. It has also been nice to see that spring is in full force, which also means allergies are rearing their ugly head. So far, I have been okay.
I have been taken under the wing of a professor at a local community college. I actually took his class many years ago as an online course, and didn't get much out of it. He lets me sit in on his lecture class now, has talked to me about guest lecturing later this term, and really, is a generally nice person with so much knowledge! Today I was invited to his tai chi workshop. Well, as you should already know, I never say no to trying something new, except I will say no to jumping out of an airplane.
Tai chi has been something I have been interested in but never tried. Yoga was not a positive experience. To me, I felt like I was just supposed to hold poses, breathe, and clear my mind. I think of everything else that I could be doing, even if all I could be doing is napping. Tai chi was just as relaxing and breathing focused, but I was continually moving. I liked it! A lot! I actually found myself very centered, and could easily ignore all that was going on around me. Considering I was in a loud student union building of an area college during a busy time, and my mind is usually always going, this says quite a bit. I need to look into doing this more often. I see this as a healthy self relaxation exercise that I can do anywhere. And how it seemed to center me throughout the rest of my day was fantastic. I didn't know what I was doing, but it felt good. The next workshop is in a little over a week, and you can be sure that I will be there. One thing I can say is that I am a little sore now. I think part of that might have to do with the fact I had a massage today. The other part I feel is that I used muscles I am always using, but in a different manner. This is good sore though, and I suspect that by morning, I will be wanting to do some sort of exercise, but I need to rest.
This Sunday is a race for me. Chewy is doing her longest race on her own two feet and joining me on a 12K. She does 5Ks with ease, but wanted to try this race. We did it back when she was 3, and I pushed her in a stroller. Yeah, not such a grand experience. It was fun, even if the stroller was broken and I was horribly out of shape. Now I am in a much better place. I am also curious how Chewy will do. I plan to just walk her pace, and really do not care how long it takes us. We will also have several friends joining us. This race is known to attract 50,000 or so participants from all over the world. I know that Chewy has been doing the training that her school offers, plus is in the world of soccer, so she will do great. This is also a good race for me since I have my next half at the end of the month. Or really, it will just remind me that I need to practice walking in heat more often.
12K with Chewy and friends: 3 Days
CDA Half Marathon: 24 Days
I have been taken under the wing of a professor at a local community college. I actually took his class many years ago as an online course, and didn't get much out of it. He lets me sit in on his lecture class now, has talked to me about guest lecturing later this term, and really, is a generally nice person with so much knowledge! Today I was invited to his tai chi workshop. Well, as you should already know, I never say no to trying something new, except I will say no to jumping out of an airplane.
Tai chi has been something I have been interested in but never tried. Yoga was not a positive experience. To me, I felt like I was just supposed to hold poses, breathe, and clear my mind. I think of everything else that I could be doing, even if all I could be doing is napping. Tai chi was just as relaxing and breathing focused, but I was continually moving. I liked it! A lot! I actually found myself very centered, and could easily ignore all that was going on around me. Considering I was in a loud student union building of an area college during a busy time, and my mind is usually always going, this says quite a bit. I need to look into doing this more often. I see this as a healthy self relaxation exercise that I can do anywhere. And how it seemed to center me throughout the rest of my day was fantastic. I didn't know what I was doing, but it felt good. The next workshop is in a little over a week, and you can be sure that I will be there. One thing I can say is that I am a little sore now. I think part of that might have to do with the fact I had a massage today. The other part I feel is that I used muscles I am always using, but in a different manner. This is good sore though, and I suspect that by morning, I will be wanting to do some sort of exercise, but I need to rest.
This Sunday is a race for me. Chewy is doing her longest race on her own two feet and joining me on a 12K. She does 5Ks with ease, but wanted to try this race. We did it back when she was 3, and I pushed her in a stroller. Yeah, not such a grand experience. It was fun, even if the stroller was broken and I was horribly out of shape. Now I am in a much better place. I am also curious how Chewy will do. I plan to just walk her pace, and really do not care how long it takes us. We will also have several friends joining us. This race is known to attract 50,000 or so participants from all over the world. I know that Chewy has been doing the training that her school offers, plus is in the world of soccer, so she will do great. This is also a good race for me since I have my next half at the end of the month. Or really, it will just remind me that I need to practice walking in heat more often.
12K with Chewy and friends: 3 Days
CDA Half Marathon: 24 Days
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
A Different View of Me
I typically only write about my halves or training, but it is not everyday that an organization writes a blog about your personal journey on a different level. This has happened to me. I have been blessed in my educational process to receive scholarships to help offset the cost of my schooling. I cannot thank the organizations and donors enough for their generosity, nor can I thank the people who have written my letters of recommendation, and believed in me during the times I didn't believe in myself. For me, I cannot wait to be on the donor side of the process and help others with their educational dreams.
One organization that has helped me in my schooling is the Greater Seattle Business Association. We have established that I do not live in Seattle, but this organization helps students from all over Washington State. As an older, non-traditional student I was discouraged in the scholarship process as I found that so many were for students freshly out of high school or in their 20's. Being 30 when I began my college experience, I rejoiced when I received notice from this organization that I was selected as a person of interest and needed to be willing to interview. Stumbling on my words, wondering why me compared to so many other worthy candidates, and beyond nervous, I presented to my first interview with this organization and was awarded a scholarship that year. I remember the call when I was told I would be awarded a scholarship, and that there was an awards ceremony to attend later in the month. I hung up the phone, screamed a happy scream, bounced around my living room, and maybe broke a speeding law or two on my way to class that day. I couldn't believe it! I work hard. I can always work harder. But I felt like I was old, and had nothing on the other 40+ students who were awarded that same year. I wasn't doing the huge things that many of the youth surrounding me were doing. How was I, just some single mom who spends time in the non-profit sector of her town, just as worthy? After several years, connections I have made within the organization, and growth of myself, I realize something. The GSBA sees my dream as something I truly can achieve. I have had a rough go when it has come to school. Illness, surgeries, unstable housing, and that is not counting the difficulties of being a single parent, have all plagued me. The GSBA was there to support me and believe in me, even when I was not able to do so for myself. I have seen this organization as one who supports the whole student, not just those who have the perfect 4.0. I have gotten the emails and phone calls checking up on me during times of struggle. I have made friends with other scholars. I have received encouragement in all areas of life, not just academics. I have been inducted into another family. For this, I thank them immensely and will forever feel a sense of gratitude for seeing me as a worthy investment over the years.
If you are interested in the blog by GSBA, please click here.
If you are curious about who GSBA is and how you can help support students and their dreams, please click here.
33 Days until Bloomsday
54 Days until CDA Half Marathon
One organization that has helped me in my schooling is the Greater Seattle Business Association. We have established that I do not live in Seattle, but this organization helps students from all over Washington State. As an older, non-traditional student I was discouraged in the scholarship process as I found that so many were for students freshly out of high school or in their 20's. Being 30 when I began my college experience, I rejoiced when I received notice from this organization that I was selected as a person of interest and needed to be willing to interview. Stumbling on my words, wondering why me compared to so many other worthy candidates, and beyond nervous, I presented to my first interview with this organization and was awarded a scholarship that year. I remember the call when I was told I would be awarded a scholarship, and that there was an awards ceremony to attend later in the month. I hung up the phone, screamed a happy scream, bounced around my living room, and maybe broke a speeding law or two on my way to class that day. I couldn't believe it! I work hard. I can always work harder. But I felt like I was old, and had nothing on the other 40+ students who were awarded that same year. I wasn't doing the huge things that many of the youth surrounding me were doing. How was I, just some single mom who spends time in the non-profit sector of her town, just as worthy? After several years, connections I have made within the organization, and growth of myself, I realize something. The GSBA sees my dream as something I truly can achieve. I have had a rough go when it has come to school. Illness, surgeries, unstable housing, and that is not counting the difficulties of being a single parent, have all plagued me. The GSBA was there to support me and believe in me, even when I was not able to do so for myself. I have seen this organization as one who supports the whole student, not just those who have the perfect 4.0. I have gotten the emails and phone calls checking up on me during times of struggle. I have made friends with other scholars. I have received encouragement in all areas of life, not just academics. I have been inducted into another family. For this, I thank them immensely and will forever feel a sense of gratitude for seeing me as a worthy investment over the years.
If you are interested in the blog by GSBA, please click here.
If you are curious about who GSBA is and how you can help support students and their dreams, please click here.
33 Days until Bloomsday
54 Days until CDA Half Marathon
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