Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon RECAP

Yesterday was my first Half Marathon. If you recall, I decided one day to train for my first 5K before my 40th birthday. Running was NOT something I ever did. EVER. At the time, I had a 3 and 6 year old. I worked full time. I was just getting into the swing of things juggling those boys and my life. I never, ever thought that one day I would be running a 1/2 marathon.

Well, this year, I started running with Black Girls Run, my running group. These women were so much fun. They were encouraging. They pushed me to keep going further. I went from 1 mile to 3 miles. From 3 miles to 5 miles. One day, I ran 7. Then, they signed me up for my first ten mile race. I conquered the Broad Street Run. I started training with a crew of ladies who were training for their first half marathons. Team 13.1 is what we started calling ourselves after the number of miles in the race.

Every morning at 5am, we trained hard. Some mornings, we ran hills. Some mornings we did boot camp. Some mornings, we did speed intervals. Once a week, we ran a long run. We did this for about 12 weeks. Finally, two weeks ago, one of the ladies asked me if I was running the 1/2 marathon with them. To tell the truth, I was scared that I couldn’t do it. It just sounded so crazy. In my head….I DON’T RUN HALF MARATHONS.

Finally, I realized the deadline had passed for me to register without paying a gazillion dollars. One of the teammates, pulled out of the event due to injury and I ended up with her race bib. Suddenly, I felt like the universe was conspiring to propel me to run this race. I drank the Kool Aid and got ready.

Saturday night, my stomach was killing me. I was so anxious. I think I got four hours of sleep.

I woke up on Sunday morning and started getting ready. When I got there, I found my training crew. We were all anxious but we had run the distance once before. We hugged each other and encouraged each other.

PRE-RACE laughs with my training crew….

During the race, we talked and felt good. We passed miles and enjoyed the race waving to friends and family all the way. We saw an elderly gentleman running in a POW-MIA shirt while holding an American flag on a long flagpole. It brought tears to my eyes. Around mile 7, one of my co-workers who had been reclaiming his health ran up and hugged me. He was running his first race too. We high fived and joked that we would see each other on the finish line.

Our running team had cheerleaders at every mile marker. They were awesome. They had signs and cheered for us by name. They were so uplifting. I cruised into mile ten feeling good.

THE BEST PEP SQUAD EVER!

Right around mile 10-all smiles

At mile 11 1/2, my body started to hit the wall. My breathing was not labored thanks to all of my swimming and endurance training. For an asthmatic, I used to worry about gasping for air but I have great breath control now. However, my legs were starting to feel it. My body started talking to me.

My knees said “Look here. Didn’t we have a talk not too long ago? Didn’t I tell you to sit your old azz down and rest? Why do you have me out here doing this?”

All of a sudden, I looked over and saw one of our coaches. This woman. WHEW. She was not running today but she knew that on training runs, we had all started to struggle at the end. She positioned herself right at that mile 11.5 marker and what did she yell out to us? “There you guys are. I have been waiting specifically for you.” Then she ran into the street and started yelling (with love) MOVE IT LADIES, THIS IS THE HOMESTRETCH. YOU ARE 2 MILES AWAY. LET”S GO! She then started to run next to us and push us. I told her I had to go slow at this point cause my legs were shot. She told me to “stop making excuses and keep moving.” LOL…gotta love it.

She ran the remaining two miles in with us before turning back to go run in with more of our team. BGR had almost 60 runners in the race. Amazing. She helped run in most of us. What an angel.

CROSSING THE FINISH LINE WITH OUR COACH NEXT TO US (she is on the right with no race bib on)

What was great was that we stayed next to each other for the entire race. We all finished within seconds of each other. Here we are right after we all received our post race medals. Minutes after finishing.

POST RACE PHOTO

I really did it. It is now starting to sink in.

It was a great experience. On a personal note, I also got to compete and train for all these weeks with my sorority sisters. We love each other and pushed, coached and held each other up. We all purchased special shirts to commemorate our 13.1 miles. To find them in pink and green was perfect. We showed up to our post race brunch rocking our AKA pearls and our shirts.

TEAM AKA/TEAM 13.1

Yup, Thirteen point freaking one…your girl is a RUNNER.

Thirteen Point Freaking One Plus!

I have been running with Black Girls Run for a full year now. When I started, I could comfortably run 3 miles. I never had a desire to push myself to do more. Hell, I was training for a triathlon and my distance in the race portion was 3 miles. Why run any further than that? Who actually LIKES running?

Well, since running with BGR, something has happened to me. I have allowed myself to make friends with actual runners. Cool right? Well, not really. See what happens is they start to push you. They encourage you to go further. You start to drink the Kool-Aid and lo and behold…I found myself going from running 3 miles to completing ten miles this past May in the Broad Street Run here in Philadelphia.

Today, one of our team members decided to host a 1/2 marathon in honor of her daughter who is leaving to attend college. Yes, both mother and daughter run. How fab is that? Well, I have had it in my mind that I want to run in the Rock and Roll 1/2 marathon coming up in Philly. I have been following a training schedule but have kept it quiet. See, I hate failure and I am uber competitive. I have been so scared of the distance. 13.1 miles. *sigh*

Well, I had a 10 mile run scheduled for today but got dragged into doing  decided to join in on the 1/2 marathon. Last night, I couldn’t sleep. I was up at 4am just laying there. I was sweaty and anxious. Even though it wasn’t a real race, I was concerned because my pace partners are REAL RUNNERS. I kept hoping I could keep up without falling behind. I laced up my sneakers, ate a peanut butter on wheat and headed out the door.

When I got there, everyone was so excited. The ladies warmed up with some stretches and calisthenics. As we broke off into groups, my stomach was doing flip flops. Everyone was geeked. Me? Not so much. I laced up. Took a few deep breaths and said a silent prayer. “I Can Do ALL THINGS through Christ, Who Strengthens Me.” It was time to go.

Not only did I manage to keep up, at certain points, I was the rabbit and helped set the pace for the group. At one point, they told me to slow down. LOL

Today, I did something I NEVER thought I could do. I completed my first half marathon distance. Not only did I run 13.1 miles…I finished at 13.47 miles.

I called one of my fellow tridivas and she made me smile. She reminded me that I couldn’t swim and I conquered that. I was not a runner and now, I can do a half marathon.

When I look back on how far I have come in such a short time, I am amazed at myself. However, I know I have succeeded because I worked hard, I stayed focused, I believed in myself and I had the support of my family and my fellow athletes. Who knows what new challenges lie in wait for me? I am excited to tackle them all.

I don’t do these things for any other reason than the fact that I wanted to reclaim my health and set an example for my children. There is no quick fix, it starts with baby steps. From drowning to swimming. From walking to running. Believe that you can because it’s true.

13.47 miles later and look at me…..I am ready for that next race because I too, am a REAL RUNNER.

This Triathlon Training IS REAL

I have been MIA but it’s strictly because I am adjusting to Mr. 1969 working long hours, re-learning how to manage my household and fitting in the intense training schedule for this triathlon. How intense? See for yourself…. TRI SCHEDULE

Yep….this is the insane weekly schedule I am on. Currently, it’s Week 4 and it has indeed been a shock to my body. Last year, I did not train hard enough and it showed in my last place crawl across the finish line. I also ate like I normally do. I eat pretty healthy meals, but I would indulge in sweets. Anything with frosting has always been my weakness. Despite all of the training last year, I really only lost about 5 pounds and gained it right back when the race was over.

This year, I decided that if I was going to train, I was going to find a schedule and stick to it. I am taking this race seriously. The workouts are tough but I constantly prove to myself that I am stronger than I ever thought.  My swimming is getting better, and my biking and running are improving.

The biggest change I have made over the last two months has been my eating. I am proud to tell you all that I weighed in at my GOAL WEIGHT this morning. I am so excited. What have I done? I downloaded an app on my phone. If you are interested in seeing how many calories you are consuming a day (and trust me, it was an eye opening experience for me) try it out. The app I use is called “my fitness pal”. The cost? NADA

For the last two and a half months, I have been using it and I have officially lost my weight. I started by entering my goal weight and my current weight. Based on my height, etc…it spit out a daily number of calories I should eat to get to my goal weight. When I saw that number, I almost passed out. Who can live on that tiny number of calories? Guess what….I can. Once I started putting in the calories of stuff I was eating, it all clicked for me.

Here is what I go through daily “Hmmm….a donut is about 300 calories. If I eat it, I will waste those calories and still be hungry. For 300 calories, I could have a chobani yogurt and a bowl of oatmeal and be full. DONE.”

It has become a game to see how I can make it to my daily calorie goal without going over. Plus, everytime I work out, I log it and I get those calories back to eat that day. Swimming for 40 minutes gives me about 300 calories to play with. That way, if I want a treat…I can have it but only on a day I worked out. I have to earn that treat. Now I firmly believe that you have to find something that works for YOU but I can say, this is all working for me.

It finally clicked.  I am at the weight I was before I got married and had those children that ruined my body the Tali boys. I am feeling strong. I am balancing work, mom, wife and athlete. Like I said, it’s all clicking for me right now. This is a GOOD WEEK.

In other news, today is a special day. It is Mama 1969′s birthday. Everything I am….I owe to my mom. She raised me to believe in myself and was the epitome of a strong female role model. This tenacity comes from her. Wishing her nothing but love on her special day. I love you Mommy!

note: How fitting…this is my 1,000th post. God is good and I am so thankful for all of my blessings. Thank you all for reading!

Kryptonite

Mr. 1969 has started a rigorous new job. He is in hardcore training for a year, at the end of which, he will own his own business.  I fully support him in this endeavor and know that the long term outlook for our family could be huge. I never blogged about it but the last year has been a challenging one for our family. My hubby was laid off from his job last year. While we weren’t affected too hard financially due to a good package and unemployment, it was a hard adjustment for him personally. I didn’t share it on the blog because some family stuff is simply private and I didn’t need my hubby’s business out on Front Street as he dealt with that transition.

I can’t lie, I was so spoiled having him home for that time. Our house was immaculate, he dropped and picked up the boys every day so I could work, train, etc. All I did was cook dinner. With him undertaking this new endeavor, my life of leisure has come to a screeching halt. SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH.

Mr. 1969 has to now leave the house by 7:30am. The boys have to be at school at 8am. I have also started the Triathlon training schedule. Most mornings, I am up at 4:45 and at the gym by 5-5:30am. I swim laps or run or bike for a good hour then roll back in at 6:30am. I have to come back, get the boys dressed and make breakfast and then drop them to school. After which, I come home and get ready to work.

While I do work from home, I usually have appointments and sales calls daily. I now have to be back by 4pm to pick up the boys, do home work, make dinner, etc. Mr. 1969 works till 6pm most evenings and till 8pm two days a week.

Right now, I am doing EVERYTHING. While I am not complaining because I am so excited for my husband to have this opportunity and I will support him 100% in this endeavor so he can focus on what he needs to do to be successful…..can I just share that Superwoman is TIRED?

Yesterday was the 2nd day of my training calendar. The first day I swam 1,o00 yards and biked for 30 minutes. Yesterday, I swam 1,250 yds and then got out of the pool and ran 3 miles. I worked all day. I came home and whipped up a Valentine’s dinner for the men. I also baked red velvet cupcakes. When I finally stopped moving, I laid in my bed and stared at the ceiling and realized I was completely and utterly exhausted.

I know that two weeks from now, I will be used to the flow. You know me, I will just make it work. I have been spoiled for months by a great hubby who did everything for our family. Getting back into Superwoman mode is taking longer than I thought.

As I type this, I am about to get ready to head into the city for a lunch appointment and a meeting with my boss. *sigh*

I take on too much. Usually it’s because I want to. This time, I have to.  This is what sacrifice is all about. I am focused on the long term goals for my family and when my hubby comes home late and still has homework, I know that it’s worth it to have his back and keep our house running smoothly.

I just needed to tell someone….I really am tired.

There, I said it. Off to work. Somebody get my cape!

Invasion of the Goal Snatchers

With all this working out, I have made lots of new friends. Especially the ladies of Black Girls Run. I love meeting up with these ladies because they range in age, shapes and sizes. Some RUN, some jog, some wog (walk/jog) and some walk. No matter what, everyone is out of the house and off the couch.

While working out with them one brisk Saturday morning, one of the ladies shared that she recently asked her husband for new workout clothes. He told her she should wait for a few months to see if she was really going to stick with it and then he would get her some new stuff. I took a deep breath. Why? Because I don’t know that woman from Adam. I also don’t know anything about their financial situation. I also don’t know her husband. If she were one of my “girls” I would have driven her to the store and bought her an entire shopping bag full of workout gear. Instead, the ladies that were jogging offered up loads of positive advice about how once he saw how good she started looking after working out, he would rush to the store and buy her stuff. Blah, blah, blah.

In my 42 years on earth, I have learned how to spot a Goal Snatcher when I see one. Maybe the thought of his wife working out made him feel insecure about his lazy behind? Goal Snatchers throw salt on your dreams because people changing their lives make their own lives seem stagnant or insignificant.  To quote the sage philosopher, Kanye “I know you rather see me die than to see me fly.”

When I encounter someone like this, I usually do my best to accept that they are insecure about something and keep it moving. I can’t change everyone, I can only do me. However, If you have someone in your life that always has something negative to say when you throw out a goal…I hope you don’t allow them to stop you from moving your dream forward. Change comes from you. It’s nice to have support from your friends and family but sometimes, they aren’t in that place and you can’t force them to be there.

When you are passionate about something, that fire builds in your heart. Protect it and encourage it. From working out to starting your own business… Success will not come to you if you are always waiting for approval or acceptance. Don’t let the naysayers stop you from moving your dreams forward. Instead, find joy in proving them wrong.

Gone Fishing!

I am officially on vacation until 2012. Somehow, I am still waking up at the crack of dawn, still working out early, still running errands like a crazy woman. There is no leisure time in the 1969 household.

In the last three days, I have baked mini cheesecakes for the Tali’s Holiday events at school. I have been doing my VERY LAST MINUTE holiday shopping. I finally got my cards in the mail. I did the Holiday meal shopping (Prime Rib Roast, Grilled Salmon, Roasted Asparagus and Potatoes). Whew, vacation is wearing a sister out!

I have managed to swim twice this week and both times, I completed 41 laps of a 25 meter pool.That’s 1,025 meters. I need to be able to swim 860 meters for my race. Of course I stop and take some breaks but I am at least now able to swim that distance pretty consistently. I am the dolphin!

I also finally got a chance to run with Black Girls Run, the Philadelphia Chapter. What a great group of ladies! We ran at the track near my house and did 3.45 miles yesterday. The women were just like me, moms, working women and they all were trying to get their fitness together. If anyone lives in Philly and wants to start running, I highly recommend you join the Facebook page and get started. The ladies range from walkers to runners and no runner is left behind.

I am about to run back out to look for stocking stuffers to complete my Santa’s TO DO LIST. I plan on spending tomorrow ice skating with my boys and taking in some of the holiday sites downtown.

Have a safe and Happy Holiday everyone….from our home to yours!

 

The Triathalon Chronicles

I realized after my terrible performance in the Schuylkill River last year that I needed two things to be competitive in my next tri…a road bike and major correction to my swimming technique. Well, I recently acquired the road bike (thanks Mr. 1969!) but I needed to find the right swim method. You may remember that a few months ago, I took the total immersion swim class. It was a great day and I left there feeling like I picked up some great new techniques that would help me move forward and be a better swimmer.

Well, I have still been working out and hitting the gym but I have to admit that I slowed down majorly on the swimming. Well a few weeks ago, I hit the pool and lo and behold….I couldn’t remember half the stuff I learned in the class. I felt like I had forgotten everything and I left the pool feeling extremely frustrated.

This morning, I was determined to get back in the pool and try it again. That alarm clock going off at 4:30am was not fun and I did curse the Universe but I got dressed and left the house. This time, I studied the swim drills online right before I left. When I got to the pool, I did so much better and it all started coming back to me. This was a much improved swim practice. I was gliding and skating through the water instead of beating the water up. I am going to stay focused and try to swim every other day or at least three days a week up until we really start the training schedule in March.

I think I am getting some water confidence. I WILL BE THE DOLPHIN!