Weekend that Ended with Pain

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Pardon this blog as it’s all over the place. This past weekend started with a bang and ended in pain.

Saturday morning I woke up bright and early to attend and help set up for the Team in Training Fall 2013 Kick Off. When I joined TNT for the last spring season I didn’t attend that Kick Off so this was my first time. Even having been a participant for almost half a year I couldn’t help but be inspired by the stories, the excitement and the opportunity to save a life.

After the long and busy week I had all I wanted was to relax and enjoy some frozen yogurt in the hot weather. I started my no sweets/treats during the weekdays last week and to say it was tough is an understatement.  I swear everywhere I turned there was some delicious treat that was starring at me. I refrained and it made my Saturday afternoon treat even sweeter. I plan on continuing to do this. Sweets will only be eaten on the weekends and special occasions.

Sunday I started the day with some coffee in bed and then went on a planned 8 mile run. 8 miles didn’t happen because it was so darn hot outside. I ran out of water 5 miles in and it made the last two pretty painful. I got home stretched like it was my job and then decided it was time to take a shower. someecards.com - Sorry about your injury and that you haven't thought of a more badass backstory for it.

The shower is where the pain came in. Every year or two I have lower back pain. It usually pops up from some simple action and then proceeds to bother me for a week. Well shaving my legs seemed to be the trigger this time. Last time it was putting a toilet seat cover down.

So as I type this I’m sitting on the couch, working from home because I tried to go the office and my desk chair was killing me. Fun times are going to be had this week I’m sure.

Redefine Beauty

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*Disclaimer: I was contracted through FitFluential LLC about this opprotunity. All opinions are my own and I have not received any compensation*

I think it’s pretty safe to say that no one is immune to the pressures of beauty and how the media has defined it. For many, if not all of us, it has shaped how we view others and ourselves. Every magazine you pick up and every ad you see glorifies a certain type of beauty.

someecards.com - Spending two hours getting ready every morning really brings out your natural beautyWhat happens if you don’t fit that mold? What happens if you don’t adhere to society’s definition of beauty? What if you like to dye your hair crazy colors or you have wider hips than all your friends?  What if you can walk ten miles but can run a block? Are you not beautiful?

Few people actually fit the mold of what society has deemed as beautiful, especially me. If you saw me walking down the street you’d never guess that I run 10+ miles a week, that I just completed my first half marathon, that I like making good food with a healthy twist and you surely wouldn’t consider me a female athlete. But guess what, I’ve done and am all of those things and more.

I’m the girl that won’t sugar coat things. I’m the girl that sweats like its going out of style. I’m the girl that may not be a perfect size two but works out 5 times a week. I’m the girl that enjoys living every moment of life and making the best of it. But most importantly I’m the girl that is beautiful no matter what society says.

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I know I’m tired of being told what’s beautiful and what’s acceptable. Are you tired too? Are you ready to redefine what it means to be beautiful? What it means to be a female athlete? Are you read to support one another to redefine what has long been considered beautiful? I know I am! That’s why I’m so excited to be a part of Under Armour’s third What’s Beautiful campaign.

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It’s simple – we can all make a change in redefining the female athlete and what is considered beautiful. All you have to do is sign up, create a goal, and update with your progress towards that goal.  Your goal can be anything – running a mile, doing 100 crunches, trying yoga for the first time, etc. Whatever it is you want to accomplish lets all encourage each other to conquer their fears, push themselves, and complete our goals.

270974_530137450377147_1431323072_nI’m taking part in this campaign for the next 8 weeks and I’ve set a goal for myself. Many of you know I wasn’t thrilled with my time for my half marathon. My goal is to push myself and PR in my next half marathon (June 8th).  Additionally, I want to PR in other distances as well. I pretty much want to rock some PRs this summer. If you are interested in a PR (in any distance) you can join my group as well so we can inspire and push each other to reach our goals.

This campaign and goal isn’t about comparing our times and selves to others its about reaching our own goals, achieving things we aren’t sure are possible and most importantly, redefining what people consider beautiful. Because at the end of the day we all are beautiful in our own, unique and fantastic ways and it’s time the world knows that.

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I Caught the Racing Bug

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I think the bug has bitten me, the race bug. I’m already signed up for my next half marathon. I was looking at registering for the See Jane Run Alameda half marathon and took the plunge once I found out I was chosen as a See Jane Run ambassador. I’m stoked to be an ambassador because I ran the 5k on this same course last year and it was a motivating, well ran and fun race. I mean any race you get chocolate and champagne at the end can’t be bad, right?

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The race will fall 2 months after my first half marathon and only a month from now. You’re probably thinking 1.) I’m nuts or 2.) How are you training with so little time? Don’t worry because I’ve thought both of these things more than once. But there are a few things I know:

  1. I know physically my body can do this. It has done one before and it can do one again.
  2. I know I will have to push myself to get in runs and prep my body to do the 13.1 again.
  3. I know this course will be much flatter. Thank you running gods for small favors.
  4. I know I’m not out to crush my ½ marathon time by 20 minutes but simply to finish faster than the last time.

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But knowing all that stuff doesn’t mean I’m going to be in tip-top shape unless I really, truly push myself to be ready. I will admit I haven’t been on top of my running for the past month and I need to step it into high gear this month. Here is what I’m doing to train for this race:

  1. Practicing the same hydration and fueling that worked for me in my last race. There is no need to fix it if it isn’t broken.
  2. Doing at least 3 training runs a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. These runs will increase each week. Varying from 2-5 on the weekdays to 6-10 on the weekends.
  3. Cross training. The last time around I neglected cross training almost entirely. I know now I NEED to do some cross training to keep me strong and avoid boredom.
  4. Ensure I do at least one long run of 10-12 miles before race day.

I’m no expert and I am not an experienced runner but this is my plan that I hope carries me across the finish line. I’m not sure if it will work but I hope it will. I’m hoping to knock some time off my half time since this is a flat course. Those SF hills killed me for the Rock & Roll half. So here goes nothing. June 8th bright and early I’ll be running my 2nd half marathon with hopes of a faster time.