tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86814864432869128762024-03-13T06:36:35.583-07:00stRUNg out.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-52251247514212431362015-09-11T13:38:00.001-07:002015-09-11T13:39:14.779-07:00This Body<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lot of people have posted a lot of opinions about the recent "Dear Fat People" YouTube video. I wasn't going to say anything because I feel like it is unnecessarily mean and it gives the mean person power. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it made me think. Think about the stereotypes of people who are overweight and what they can or cannot do and will or will not do. And it made me think about how mean I can be, especially to myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So rather than write an angry email to the video-maker or a scathing Facebook post I wrote myself a little list. A list of all the things my body does and has...some are good, some not-so-good, but they're all of the wonderful things that make me who am I and break some of the stereotypes about overweight people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And this list makes me love myself a little bit more and that's the most important part...</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Body:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Used to need a seat belt extender on airplanes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Used to be too big to ride rollercoasters<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sits all day at work<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Needs glasses<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Has big feet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Has tan arms<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Has a not-so-tan stomach<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Has an “inny”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Has stretchmarks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Has a sweet ass</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X4875Exy4N8/VfMfKX2v3kI/AAAAAAAACx8/CABXvoQ4Hok/s1600/sad%2Bface.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X4875Exy4N8/VfMfKX2v3kI/AAAAAAAACx8/CABXvoQ4Hok/s200/sad%2Bface.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Has a sense of humor</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wears dresses<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wears sweats<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wears spandex<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wears glide<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rocks skinny jeans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rocks big earrings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rocks high heels<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rocks running shoes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Needs a pedicure</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-seDl2W_bz3Y/VfMfHW7_tWI/AAAAAAAACx0/W_lgf8c7bKs/s1600/carries%2Bbabies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-seDl2W_bz3Y/VfMfHW7_tWI/AAAAAAAACx0/W_lgf8c7bKs/s200/carries%2Bbabies.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carries my nieces and nephews</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carries a purse<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carries groceries<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carries the weight of the world<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lifts weights<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Swims with the kids<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Swims laps</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zc0Kovf8wVo/VfMfwM7g7hI/AAAAAAAACyE/wOTmxry8538/s1600/frisbee_cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zc0Kovf8wVo/VfMfwM7g7hI/AAAAAAAACyE/wOTmxry8538/s200/frisbee_cropped.jpg" width="188" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plays Ultimate Frisbee<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plays Dodgeball<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plays<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sweats profusely<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sweats off make-up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rides bikes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does pilates</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z3KqxU7DLYU/VfMgl5gCKyI/AAAAAAAACyQ/C1QA3yXPpRg/s1600/Me%2Band%2BMom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z3KqxU7DLYU/VfMgl5gCKyI/AAAAAAAACyQ/C1QA3yXPpRg/s200/Me%2Band%2BMom.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hugs my mom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">High-fives my dad</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxbWllSASqc/VfMgvX2Fn_I/AAAAAAAACyY/s65RMrwnXJY/s1600/me%2Band%2BMarcy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxbWllSASqc/VfMgvX2Fn_I/AAAAAAAACyY/s65RMrwnXJY/s200/me%2Band%2BMarcy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dances with my friends<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kisses boys<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Makes toasts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Makes toast</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Loves pizza<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Loves veggies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Loves milkshakes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Runs up stairs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Runs errands<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Runs every weekend<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Runs</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2FDV9K-8nj4/VfM6iVN3-sI/AAAAAAAACyo/IXvev8EdKgI/s1600/SFM3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2FDV9K-8nj4/VfM6iVN3-sI/AAAAAAAACyo/IXvev8EdKgI/s200/SFM3.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crosses finish lines</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finishes triathlons<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finishes marathons<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is obese<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is beautiful</span></div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-31704452880325966612015-08-12T14:39:00.000-07:002015-08-12T14:39:33.134-07:00Gratitude<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“I wanna get back to
my city by the bay...” ~Journey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a difference a year makes. It can change a body, a mind, an
attitude. From one year to the next you
could have a baby, get a new job, move, fall in love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last year was rough. I was injured for the majority of
it. I was told I shouldn’t run by
several medical professionals. One told
me that if they had met me prior to my running obsession they would have told
me to pick a different sport. Another
told me I shouldn’t run marathons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Uh, PEOPLE? Those
ships have sailed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I spent 2014 toughing it out. Trying to fix what was broken ( a partial
tear in the tendon that attaches my hammie to my glute) and trying to get
stronger. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was lucky enough to be an Ambassador for The San Francisco
Marathon last year and didn’t want to miss on the experience. So even though I had to suffer through my
very first DNS, I still went to San Francisco and volunteered for the weekend.
I was so glad to meet my fellow ambassadors and the other members of the SF
Marathon team and to be of service. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I won’t lie, not running SUCKED!! Like, big time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I needed sweet redemption. I needed to finish what I
started. I needed to run the 2<sup>nd</sup>
half of the SF Marathon like a boss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn’t have the best time of my running career (that is
STILL the 1<sup>st</sup> Half of the SF Marathon in 2013), but I had THE. BEST.
TIME.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am just so grateful to be running. I’m so happy to be able to pin on a bib,
charge up my Garmin and jump around to keep warm in a corral. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel 10 times stronger than I did a year ago. Even though I am slow and still and doing
intervals. I’m getting better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a statistic I read somewhere that said if you take
more than 3 months off from running, it’s like starting over. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I took 7 months off, but I didn’t have to start from
scratch. I’m still thinner than I was
when I started. Although I gained some
weight while injured, I’m nowhere near as big as I was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am slower, but stronger. I spent 7 months in physical
therapy working with multiple people to strengthen my legs and to run properly
so I wouldn’t injure myself again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I run smarter. It is AWESOME to finish a race and have tired
legs, but NOT be in pain. And feel
awesome the next day. I ran a half
marathon on Sunday, did weight training (including legs) on Tuesday and
speed work on Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have learned to be a better runner and that doesn’t mean
going fast, it means running stronger. The rest will come. I’m taking off weight and building speed
every day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But for now slow, steady, joyful runs are what I have….what
I’ve really always wanted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am filled with such gratitude for the team at TSFM for
allowing me to represent them again in 2015.
The people I met are so filled with a passion for running, mentoring and
helping. My life is enriched because of
these people and these experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The dictionary defines gratitude in the following way: “The quality of being thankful; readiness to
show appreciation for and to return kindness”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am thankful and I readily show my appreciation, but I don’t
think I’ll ever be able to return the kindness that was shown to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, believe me, I’ll do my best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bqmexO_J-wA/Vcu6TFk4r5I/AAAAAAAACuo/nyO1xEmNp8A/s1600/Me%2Band%2BNeil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bqmexO_J-wA/Vcu6TFk4r5I/AAAAAAAACuo/nyO1xEmNp8A/s320/Me%2Band%2BNeil.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother from another mother and me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oGOYAa-WwUI/Vcu6UUG6eoI/AAAAAAAACu0/38KVVW8KeIg/s1600/Run%2BHere%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oGOYAa-WwUI/Vcu6UUG6eoI/AAAAAAAACu0/38KVVW8KeIg/s320/Run%2BHere%2521.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RUN here...well, not right here, but you know <br />what I mean</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vjVZYobdm2o/Vcu6TAK4DDI/AAAAAAAACuw/faxtA1awdf0/s1600/Me%2Band%2BCarrie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vjVZYobdm2o/Vcu6TAK4DDI/AAAAAAAACuw/faxtA1awdf0/s320/Me%2Band%2BCarrie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love seeing friends from home representing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DICbd7Sxhiw/Vcu6UK3tYII/AAAAAAAACu8/lvqJhThQpro/s1600/Post%2Brace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DICbd7Sxhiw/Vcu6UK3tYII/AAAAAAAACu8/lvqJhThQpro/s320/Post%2Brace.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free beer and earned bling...my favorite way to end a race!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Actually BREAKFAST is my favorite way to end a race</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YS0ugmSwVso/Vcu6VlP6TuI/AAAAAAAACvE/RnrmU594Fsc/s1600/me%2Band%2BNonnie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YS0ugmSwVso/Vcu6VlP6TuI/AAAAAAAACvE/RnrmU594Fsc/s320/me%2Band%2BNonnie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post race dinner and cocktail with Nonnie!!!!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNwWeWRlnSw/Vcu6pBju6zI/AAAAAAAACvk/pmllkKB0pNk/s1600/SFM2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNwWeWRlnSw/Vcu6pBju6zI/AAAAAAAACvk/pmllkKB0pNk/s320/SFM2.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vNlFCEfu5vQ/Vcu6pDwB7eI/AAAAAAAACvg/MG5rtJApjVs/s1600/SFM3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vNlFCEfu5vQ/Vcu6pDwB7eI/AAAAAAAACvg/MG5rtJApjVs/s320/SFM3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G-3KMh6kEE8/Vcu796rVSmI/AAAAAAAACwI/gDh1tulW45g/s1600/SFM%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G-3KMh6kEE8/Vcu796rVSmI/AAAAAAAACwI/gDh1tulW45g/s320/SFM%2B6.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team OHANA!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for making me an Ambassador and for the FREE race pics :)</td></tr>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-89099602685020363552015-05-05T08:11:00.005-07:002015-05-05T08:11:53.642-07:00The Journey with Mental Preparedness: When a Finish is a Win<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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From the SF Marathon Blog...</h2>
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<span style="color: #747474; font-family: 'PT Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">If anyone had asked me 5 years ago if I ever wanted to run a marathon, I would have laughed in their face. I would have made some joke about “only running if someone was chasing me” and we would have chuckled and that would have been the end of it….for a while.</span></h2>
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Later, I would have felt sad because I believed I COULDN’T run a marathon. I believed my weight, my speed and my lack of athleticism would hold me back from ever doing something that huge. I am built more like a linebacker than a runner. My legs are thick, my shoulders broad, my stomach is more like a pony keg than a six-pack.</div>
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By 2011, when I became a runner, the answer was the same. Sure, I could bust out a 35 minute 5K. I could struggle through a half marathon and not feel like I was dying the next day, but I was no marathon runner. Leave that to the lean and the fast. Even though I had lost a significant amount of weight, I was still too big, too slow.</div>
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The first two years of my running life consisted of losing weight, training and signing up for races. As I would get fitter, I would get faster. My 5K time went from 40+ minutes to a solid 32. Between June of 2011 and August of 2012 I shaved almost 10 minutes from my 10K time. My first half marathon was barely under 3 hours. Four months later I ran a half marathon almost 20 minutes faster. I wanted this to continue. I wanted every race to be a personal record. And as I ran more races, the idea of a marathon didn’t feel that impossible. In fact, it started to feel doable.</div>
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So I registered for one.</div>
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As I trained for my first marathon in 2013, I realized that more than anything else, marathoners have to train their bodies AND their minds. I recognized that strength, determination and motivation were important ingredients for a marathon, along with great shoes, training and support.</div>
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<a href="http://www.thesfmarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/kissing-pops_blog.jpg" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="kissing pops_blog" class=" size-medium wp-image-13735 aligncenter" height="300" src="http://www.thesfmarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/kissing-pops_blog-261x300.jpg" style="border-style: none; clear: both; display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: top;" width="261" /></a></div>
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And somewhere along the way, I recognized that finishing was the most important part of the journey. Not breaking records, simply crossing the finish line.</div>
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And on March 17, 2013, after 6 hours, I crossed my first marathon finish line. To date, it remains the greatest day of my life.</div>
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But, true to form, I wasn’t satisfied…I wanted to do better. I wanted to go faster, be stronger, get lighter. So I started training for my next big race.</div>
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And then I got injured. It was a fluke injury that came from overuse, not enough stretching and a faulty gait, not to mention the fact that, although I’ve lost weight, I’m still more linebacker than lean.</div>
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Being injured changed everything. I missed 7 long months of running, endured my first “Did Not Start” and was told that maybe I wasn’t built for marathon distances.</div>
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But I worked on it. I went to two different Physical Therapists – one to strengthen and one to train my body to run so I would be injury-free. I swam, walked and worked out with weights. I did whatever my PT told me to do. I wore my race shirts and running shoes to therapy sessions just in case they told me I could start running. The day they cleared me for 5 minute intervals, I went straight to the gym and did 30 glorious minutes of said intervals on the treadmill.</div>
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And I signed up for my 3rd marathon.</div>
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I started training as soon as I was completely cleared and thought, “I can rock this marathon. I will be better than ever. I will come back strong and PR.”</div>
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And my body said, “Uh, Stewart?” (my body calls me by my last name like an athlete), “Yeah, we have 30 extra pounds and you haven’t been running, let’s think realistically.”</div>
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And my heart said, “Heath?” (my heart shortens my name, just like my mom does), “ You can do whatever you set your mind to…you’re magnificent.”</div>
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And my brain said, “Ms. Stewart?” (my brain behaves as if it’s my first grade teacher), “ Think, be smart, train well.”</div>
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And my soul said, “RUN!!!!!”</div>
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Beginning again after 7 months is like starting over.</div>
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To run another marathon I had to listen to my PTs, listen to my own body and put in the miles. There would be some walking. There would be some stopping to stretch. But, I would finish.</div>
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It wouldn’t be easy, but I would do it.</div>
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As my training went on and mileage got longer, I would have these long internal conversations with myself about my abilities and my expectations. I would try to be kind as I explained to myself that we are doing the best we can with what we are working with.</div>
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A finish is a win.</div>
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I believe we often become a slave to our own expectations and not meeting them. We expect so much of ourselves and don’t learn to manage those expectations, so much so that we fail to see our incredible accomplishments.</div>
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These expectations cripple us to what our potential is. They keep us from reaching for goals and dreams because we don’t want to fail.</div>
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The beauty of a road race for the average runner is that finishing, regardless of time, is a win. The simple act of deciding to do something, committing to it and following through is entirely possible when it comes to running.</div>
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So, that became my goal. I wasn’t smashing any of my previous records. I wasn’t suddenly going from injured to my previous fitness. I was simply running and finishing.</div>
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Thank goodness this was my plan leading up to the 2015 LA Marathon because as race day approached, it became apparent that my own struggles would not be all I was dealing with. March 15<sup>th </sup>2015 was on pace to be the hottest LA Marathon in its 30 years.</div>
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I was ahead of the game because every runner, not just me, was going to have to manage their own expectations. Race Directors encouraged people to slow down and to stop frequently.</div>
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“No problem”, I thought, “I’m doing this already.”</div>
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Race day came and I was as ready as I could be. I had prepared, not just my body, but my mind. I knew the reality of what I was facing and crossed the starting line with my best friend with two goals.</div>
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The first was to enjoy the race as much as I could. I wanted to stop when I had to, drink when I needed it, run through water when I could and hug anyone I knew on the sidelines. I did not want to have my memories of this day be filled with feelings of heat, pain and misery. I wanted joy and fun.</div>
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Secondly, I wanted to finish. I wanted to finish next to my best friend who was coming back after having her first child. I wanted to finish with a smile on my face and with a sense of accomplishment, and that word again, joy.</div>
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I knew my body could get through 26.2 miles, but our minds are more difficult to train. It is hard when things don’t end up the way you wanted to or look the way you imagined.</div>
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But I finished the race and it was exactly as I wanted it to look.</div>
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It was almost 90 degrees and I was way off my PR, but I didn’t mind. I had committed and put in the work and it paid off in the best possible way.</div>
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In every single picture caught on the course I am smiling and 7 hours and 27 minutes after I started my 3<sup>rd</sup> marathon I ran through the finish line and yelled, “WE DID IT!” to my best friend.</div>
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<a href="http://www.thesfmarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Finish-Line.jpg" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Crossing the finish line!" class="size-medium wp-image-13733" height="300" src="http://www.thesfmarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Finish-Line-199x300.jpg" style="border-style: none; height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
Crossing the finish line!</div>
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And deep inside, I heard my body, heart, mind and soul yell, “WE DID IT!” in unison.</div>
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I made a commitment and stuck with it. Even though it was hard, even though it didn’t always look pretty, I followed through and finished.</div>
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And that, my friends, is a win.</div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-26043857980846544372015-01-20T08:55:00.003-08:002015-01-20T08:55:17.327-08:00The Space Between<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I love Dave Matthews…one of my favorite songs is called “The Space Between” </div>
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One of my favorite lines from the song goes like this, “The Space Between our wicked lies, is where we hope to keep safe from pain.”</div>
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I know this is a love song, but seeing as I’m not currently in love, I find other meaning. I’ve been thinking a lot about the “space between”.</div>
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The space that is a canyon between what I <em style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">am </em>doing and what I <em style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">should be </em>doing…</div>
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I am struggling. This is nothing new. However, it occurred to me that I needed to really say what I should be doing. Say it out loud and make it real.</div>
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Maybe, just maybe, if I put it in the universe (aka this blog) rather than leave it hanging around in my head, where it jangles around like loose coin reminding me that it’s there but if I don’t spend it it is not really worth much, I will move closer to what I should be doing and further from what is actually happening now.</div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.6000003814697px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1. I work out</strong>- Maybe an hour a day, with one or two rest days depending on the week. One day of Pilates, a few days running, maybe a spin class. I’m not targeting anything. I’m not working until utter exhaustion. I’m simply burning calories.</div>
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<strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I should WORK OUT!</strong> – I need to change it up, find what will burn the fat and build the muscle. I need to learn to get up early to get in a work out. To really feel the burn!</div>
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<strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 2. I take vitamins</strong>- a multi-vitamin and a fiber gummy. That’s all</div>
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<strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I should take supplements</strong>- I start taking fish oils, glucosomine and other recommended supplements to go with my vitamin “regiment” and always stop. (Start strong, slowly decrease until you’ve quit is gonna be a theme here.)</div>
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<strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3. I am a bad sleeper</strong>- I get sick with worry and anxiety while in bed. My bed is a place to be horizontal and to watch Netflix and play solitaire, not a place to rest.</div>
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<strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I should sleep</strong>- I should make my room a place for rest and relaxation. I should make a bedtime and stick to it, then make a wake up time and stick to it. I should get 8 hours a night.</div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.6000003814697px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 4. I am unorganized</strong>- Work? Organized. School work? Organized. Volunteer work? Organized. Running plan? Organized. </div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.6000003814697px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Bedroom, closet, car, laundry, shelves, etc. etc. A FREAKIN’ MESS!</div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.6000003814697px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I should make it a goal to clean up the places I spend the most time.</strong></div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.6000003814697px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 5. I eat what I want, when I want</strong>- I spend too much money eating out. I often put unhealthy food into my body. I do not spend time fueling my machine for what I want it to do (be lighter, go faster)</div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.6000003814697px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I should</strong>….shop for healthy foods, prep meals, eat clean. Treat food as fuel rather than something I have to do because I’m hungry or get to do because I’m happy, sad, lonely, etc.</div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.6000003814697px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
I need to bridge the gap.</div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.6000003814697px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
I need to think about the words to Dave’s song as a long song to myself.</div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.6000003814697px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
"The Space Between what’s wrong and right is where you’ll find me hiding, waiting for you."</div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.6000003814697px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
I’m waiting here, for me to make changes. If I’m going to do it, it has to be me.</div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.6000003814697px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
That’s all,</div>
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H</div>
</div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-23340232728538744352014-07-30T14:35:00.000-07:002014-07-30T15:01:48.316-07:00The Case Against the "F" Word<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /></div>
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The worse thing a person can call me is “fat”. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even though I constantly call myself that when I look in the
mirror or can’t fit into my pants or am running too slowly on the treadmill, I
would be heartbroken if I overheard this word being directed towards me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even though it’s true, I feel like this word is so
offensive. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is why I can’t bring myself to understand the torrent
of Facebook pages, blogs and books where a woman applauds herself for being a “Fat
Runner”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>*Note- I’m about to do
something I rarely do and that’s hop on a soap box.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why do we continuously put ourselves down in the name of
empowerment? Please, tell me the
reaction you would have if your daughter or sister or friend, someone that you
love unconditionally, was described to you as your “fat daughter” or “fat
sister” or “fat friend”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I recognize that “fat” is in the eye of the beholder and we
all have our own body dysmorphic issues, but many of the women who write these
blogs and books are not even fat. They
feel uncomfortable in their own bodies.
Many of us do. But here we are,
perpetuating the myth that if your body isn’t perfect then you’re fat. And what is perfect anyway?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I think about the positive adjectives that describe me
or the titles I’m proud to wear, I choose NOT to negate them by adding another
descriptive. Sure, I’m fat. According to
any BMI scale you will find, I’m obese. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But if someone asked me to describe myself I would say, “I’m
a daughter, a sister and an honorary auntie.
I’m a coordinator, a volunteer and a caring community member.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I AM A RUNNER.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I don’t need to call myself derogatory names to get my
ass on the road. I just go do it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is a matter of believing in yourself because you can, not
because you can in spite of how much you weigh.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Please understand, I have read the books and the blogs and I feel
a fierce connection with many of these women, I just don’t agree with the
label. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My dad is not the most eloquent guy. He wasn’t coming up with gems throughout my
childhood to teach me lessons or make me think.
He is a straight-forward dude and he once said something to me that I
have never forgotten:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Heather, don’t call yourself bad names. Enough people in the world will put you
down. You don’t need to do it to
yourself.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let someone else try to hurt my feelings and call me
fat. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I, on the other hand, am going to try my best to be a kind person to everyone, including me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N-Ho2SFL51M/U9lkpLlw5tI/AAAAAAAAAv0/MAqYmZ2bfxI/s1600/be+kind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N-Ho2SFL51M/U9lkpLlw5tI/AAAAAAAAAv0/MAqYmZ2bfxI/s1600/be+kind.jpg" height="141" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-2507807010458646322014-07-14T16:04:00.000-07:002014-07-14T16:04:00.882-07:00Be Your Own Advocate!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been preaching the theme, “Be your own Advocate” to
my Summer Intern. I use this for
business so he will network and feel like he has gotten the most out of this
summer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve also said it
when discussing my very frustrating running injury.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The universe has decided that today is the day it is going
to drill this lesson in my head.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>School</b><o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am in Grad School and I really like my program. However, I chose this program both for what
it offered and its convenience. The
local community college in my area offers a University Center where accredited
colleges from all over can offer degrees to those who live here so they don’t
have to commute. I am in one of those programs. However, the last two terms
they have not offered any courses I have not taken. Luckily, last term I was able to find an
online equivalent for my classes. I was
not so lucky for Fall 2014. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not only did
they not offer anything at the local campus or online, but they also didn’t have anything
new at the next closest campus 20 miles away. (I live in Southern California,
these are “LA Traffic” miles so we're talking a 45 minute drive). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The only
place I could go was 34 miles into downtown LA. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once I resolved myself to the course I would have to take, got ready to
go to my boss with some difficult decisions about in and out times and stopped
breathing like a dragon, I emailed my advisor.
I let her know that I knew this was not her doing, but I was very
frustrated and would like to know who I could send those frustrations to. I told her I understood that these changes
would not come immediately, but I hoped my feedback would make the “powers that
be” a bit more cognizant in the future as I highly doubt I am the only one with
these issues. The courses are not
rotating properly and anyone who started around the same time as me, has to be
having the same problem.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Within 30 minutes she replied that she had spoken to her
boss and they had chosen to change out one of the courses with a different
one. One I actually needed…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Running</b><o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve had to be my own health advocate the last few
months. You may or may not know about my
hamstring struggles. We all know our
health care system is a maze of messes and my insurance is no exception. These are the steps I took to get a
diagnosis:<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Make appointment with doctor 3 months out</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Have work call a meeting the same time, try to
re-book doctor, get pushed another month, choose to go to Nurse Practitioner</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Tell her about hamstring injury, get referred to
PT</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">2 weeks later finally get PT appointment, have
to leave work early because PTs hours are exactly the same as work hours, have
Therapist tell you that you have the absolute wrong body for running and that
this first appointment –the consultation- counts as one of your 6 visits</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Go to your next 5 visits, put in the work, have
nothing change, get recommended for 6 more</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Go to the next 6, have nothing change, email
doctor in a panic, get doctor appointment</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Doctor refers to Ortho, takes two more weeks to
get Ortho appointment, no more PT for now because you’re out of visits.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">FRIDAY 6/27: Finally get into Ortho, they
request MRI</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">WEDNESDAY 7/9: Never get MRI referral, email
(and in the email write that you will email every day until you get your MRI)
get MRI appointment that day</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">LAST FRIDAY 7/11: Two days later have Physician’s
Assistant read MRI and tell you that you’ll need Cortisone Shots and you could
probably run as little as 10 days post shot</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">TODAY 7/14: Get a call two days later to come in
for a consultation about the glorious shot</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Orthopedic Specialist Doc tells you that the
shot is a bad idea. It’s too controversial and if it gets messed up even a
little, you may need surgery. Recommends 8 more weeks of specific physical
therapy. </span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">13.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Wait for PT referral…</span></li>
</ol>
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I’m so terrified they’re going to send me to the same PT as
before that I started googling all of the PTs on the list outside of my network
and sent the Orthopedist an email with this fear and my video from the LA
Marathon so she wouldn’t forget me. I told
her that I was going to find the absolute best person on this list and
hopefully she could back me up and get me in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Runner’s World</b><o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That brings me to the last thing. I may not run for a long time, but my dream
is to get back at it. I want to run…far
and fast. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Runner’s World Magazine is doing a contest to be on their cover and I want that
dream too!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Won’t you take a moment, click this link and vote for me
each day until August 15<sup>th</sup>. I
would love to be in the Top 20 and right now I’m about 100 votes from there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can visit <a href="http://covercontest.runnersworld.com/entry/438/4hvtuhep73e4om2e26k0j10qk0">http://covercontest.runnersworld.com/entry/438/4hvtuhep73e4om2e26k0j10qk0</a>
to help me make this dream come true!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>If I learned anything at all today it is how important it is to advocate for yourself. Rules are in place for a reason, but when dealing with your education or your body, use every power at your disposal to get what you need for a better future.</b></i></div>
</div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-89084465599581217402014-07-01T13:39:00.002-07:002014-07-01T13:39:44.833-07:00It's Not Easy Being Green<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZzKRp_WK74/U7Mbgqh4suI/AAAAAAAAAu4/HAvLR6cR2sA/s1600/kermit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZzKRp_WK74/U7Mbgqh4suI/AAAAAAAAAu4/HAvLR6cR2sA/s1600/kermit.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE Kermie!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, it hurt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not my leg, it actually feels okay, but my heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since being sidelined with something nutso happening in my
hamstring, I’ve struggled to articulate how I feel because all of my emotions
were defeated, sad and negative. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But this morning, I was driving to work and I was watching
strangers run in this perfect weather.
June gloom is in full effect, even though it’s now July. It will burn off later and be scorching. But it is perfect weather for a 7am run. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66AYUWTDYx0/U7Mbh6hX2sI/AAAAAAAAAvA/YtSo42BvTf0/s1600/gloomy+morning.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66AYUWTDYx0/U7Mbh6hX2sI/AAAAAAAAAvA/YtSo42BvTf0/s1600/gloomy+morning.png" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And today’s emotion was easy to pin point.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m jealous.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m jealous of people who get to run. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Jealous that they’re logging miles, wrecking shoes and
burning calories.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m jealous of their sweat, of their aches and pains, of
their loads of laundry.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: lime;">I'M GREEN WITH RUNNER ENVY!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></div>
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In my mind, I know I have to take it easy and heal. I am having a hard time convincing my heart
that this is necessary.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I haven’t run in 64 days and I’m not sure when I’ll be back.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But today, with a leg that doesn’t hurt too badly, an MRI in
my future and a swim planned for after work, I feel hopeful for the first time
in a long time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This has been a really rough couple of months. Not being able to run has taken a toll on my
emotions as well as my body. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But I’ve
learned a few things as well.</div>
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I learned that I like to swim, I just get bored easily. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I learned that I have to advocate for myself. I’ve told at least 3 doctors and half a dozen
physical therapists my story. “I’m a
runner”, I say, “I know we’re the worst and we don’t stop when we should, but I
want to be better. I want to be healthy.
I <u>need</u> to run again.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This has helped me stop comparing myself to others because
no one I know has this injury.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And although it was a long time coming it has reminded me to
take it easy on myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I was actually glad to be jealous this morning. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Jealousy is the first emotion I’ve had in the last few weeks
that fired me up rather than defeated me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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So, although it’s not easy, I intend to stay green with envy
until I can make someone else jealous of my miles logged, my shoes wrecked and
my laundry pile growing.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-36037709690380569512014-04-09T14:46:00.000-07:002014-04-09T14:46:31.065-07:00Life Lessons From My First Ragnar Relay<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I decided to run a Ragnar Relay on a whim. With a click of the mouse and a signature on a check I
became Runner #8 in Van #2 for Team 514: The Dread Pirate Runners</div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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And thank God I did, because I had the time of my life at my
first Ragnar Relay.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It takes a lot of organization to do a Ragnar. This appeals to my Type A, OCD, list-making
side. I loved researching what to pack, being
the navigator, figuring out where we were going next and how we could fit a
food/real bathroom stop in there. More
importantly, I was immediately comfortable with this ragtag group of strangers
I spent 36 hours with. I really believe
that good people attract good people and our Team Captain, Cassie, is one of
the best. She recruited a really
diverse, fun and easy going group of people who didn’t need to have a history to
enjoy their present. I have a pretty
good feeling I’ll be running with the other Dread Pirate Runners in the future.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I was going to write a play by play of how the weekend went,
but I think it is more important to talk about the lessons I learned or needed
to be reminded of. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1. Strangers
are just friends I haven’t met yet</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- I had never met anyone from Van #2
prior to this race and Van #1 left way before us.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It didn’t take long for the 6 of us to become
friends and have a great time. In fact, I’m pretty sure many of us are coming
back for the next one.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">2. </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You are capable of way more than you think
you are-</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> Running in the middle of the night? Spending the night in a
car?</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Hitting that sweet pace so you
don’t make everyone else fall behind?</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You can do it.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">3. </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You are
NOT too old for this sh!t</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- One of my favorite episodes of </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">How I Met Your Mother</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> is</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“Murtaugh ”.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">In it, Ted has a list of things he’s too old for saying , “I’m too old
for this sh!t” ala Danny Glover’s character, </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Roger Murtaugh, in the Lethal Weapon flicks.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The average age on my Ragnar Team was
probably somewhere in the late 30’s and we all ran, slept in a Suburban,
laughed and had a great time. Although I
am at an age where I prefer the nicer things in life, there are some things I’m
glad I’m not too old for, Ragnar is one of them</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-style: normal;">4. </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal;"> </span></i><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Everyone is rooting for you</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- No,
really.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Everyone.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It could be 10am or 3am and people were
cheering as I ran into the exchanges.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The cool thing about running people in general is that we all want one
another to succeed.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Winning is finishing
and everyone wants everyone else to be winners too.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-style: normal;">5. </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal;"> </span></i><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Communication is key</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">-</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">That one time my team mates moved the car and
forgot to tell me?</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Oh yeah…that was
scary.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Making sure you let your team
know that you’re a mile out so they’re ready.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Communicating with the other van so they know your ETA.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Just like communication is key in life, it is
also key at Ragnar.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">6. Appreciate your surroundings- </i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Many times when I run a race, I miss the
beauty around me because I’m concentrating on finishing.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Ragnar takes you through cities and areas you
wouldn’t normally see and gives you the opportunity to enjoy it while you and
your teammates are running.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">7. </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Pizza and beer are the perfect end to a race-</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
No, really. PERFECT!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<br /></div>
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I also learned a couple of new things:</div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1. </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It is
possible to take a “Baby Wipe Bath” in a porta-pottie and not touch anything
gross</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>2. </i></span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Headlamps,
reflective vests and tail lights can be sexy</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> or not.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">3. </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">A nice, hot shower and sleeping horizontally
are things I take for granted</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">4. Running can be a team sport</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">5. </i><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I
would TOTALLY do this again</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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All in all, I really LOVED my Ragnar Relay experience. I’m certain I’ll do it again, sooner rather
than later.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4NXffX6prNM/U0W8QITyG_I/AAAAAAAAAqU/okAROD5B2Q8/s1600/RR+VAn+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4NXffX6prNM/U0W8QITyG_I/AAAAAAAAAqU/okAROD5B2Q8/s1600/RR+VAn+1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team 514: Dread Pirate Runners Van #1 Bryan, Arian, Brian, Sami, Cassie (missing-Randee)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DuiyxoJN8t8/U0W8TNy9v9I/AAAAAAAAArQ/b3jkTZG3K84/s1600/RR+Van+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DuiyxoJN8t8/U0W8TNy9v9I/AAAAAAAAArQ/b3jkTZG3K84/s1600/RR+Van+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team 514: Dread Pirate Runners Van #2 Kim, Susan, Shallu, Heather, Tasha (missing-John)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bs7ehwIMdRU/U0W8Q7PufgI/AAAAAAAAAqk/lia96BmH_CY/s1600/RR+Van.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bs7ehwIMdRU/U0W8Q7PufgI/AAAAAAAAAqk/lia96BmH_CY/s1600/RR+Van.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Our Ship-The Interceptor aka Van #2 aka Kim's Suburban</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a_MHcUlhBXc/U0W8R8b0rLI/AAAAAAAAAq4/RLGsXUb7xBA/s1600/RR+leg+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a_MHcUlhBXc/U0W8R8b0rLI/AAAAAAAAAq4/RLGsXUb7xBA/s1600/RR+leg+1.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Runner #8 Leg #8 4.1 Miles- 12:22 minutes per mile<br />
HIGHLIGHTS-John running to me to bring me my water bottle...rockin' the downhills</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oODj9DcEycM/U0W8R1ygrcI/AAAAAAAAAqw/t3lOdXmPn-0/s1600/RR+leg+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oODj9DcEycM/U0W8R1ygrcI/AAAAAAAAAqw/t3lOdXmPn-0/s1600/RR+leg+2.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Runner #8 Leg #20 3.8 Miles- 13:20 minutes per mile<br />
HIGHLIGHTS-It was sprinkling, it was cold, it was uphill, then it was downhill!!! :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a_MHcUlhBXc/U0W8R8b0rLI/AAAAAAAAAq4/RLGsXUb7xBA/s1600/RR+leg+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LxCMn7YH5-8/U0W-u_gdMcI/AAAAAAAAArg/KvaQU_2-ia8/s1600/RR+your+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LxCMn7YH5-8/U0W-u_gdMcI/AAAAAAAAArg/KvaQU_2-ia8/s1600/RR+your+mom.jpg" height="320" width="193" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This motivational sign comes with me everywhere!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zvRxQtzcLPo/U0W8SgxjRJI/AAAAAAAAArA/wDHZo3wDiqY/s1600/RR+torrey+pines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zvRxQtzcLPo/U0W8SgxjRJI/AAAAAAAAArA/wDHZo3wDiqY/s1600/RR+torrey+pines.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torreypines Glideport-where we slept</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWKeDG27nrQ/U0W8Sx8ekCI/AAAAAAAAArI/doI_WEpvo34/s1600/RR+with+SF+Ambies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWKeDG27nrQ/U0W8Sx8ekCI/AAAAAAAAArI/doI_WEpvo34/s1600/RR+with+SF+Ambies.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting other AWESOME SF Ambassadors at Exchange 30 before my last leg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LchB2PvkNMw/U0W8RIphJJI/AAAAAAAAAqg/l1xGe_7jq44/s1600/RR+last+leg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LchB2PvkNMw/U0W8RIphJJI/AAAAAAAAAqg/l1xGe_7jq44/s1600/RR+last+leg.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Runner #8 Leg #32 2.8 Miles- 13:00 minutes per mile<br />
HIGHLIGHTS- Running a mile to get to the exchange to run 2. 8 miles, the guy behind me yelling my name (it was on the back on my shirt) to motivate me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xbBBmaDxx8Q/U0W8QNhxzVI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/m53HnU1gl1c/s1600/RR+DPR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xbBBmaDxx8Q/U0W8QNhxzVI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/m53HnU1gl1c/s1600/RR+DPR.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dread Pirate Runners!!!! 3<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.940000534057617px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">4hrs 45 min 12 secs. 582/724 overall. in our mixed regular group we were 415/510.
Not too shabby since 10 of the 12 of us were Rookie Ragnarians!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zvRxQtzcLPo/U0W8SgxjRJI/AAAAAAAAArA/wDHZo3wDiqY/s1600/RR+torrey+pines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x88nCf6ny7Q/U0W8P0FN_oI/AAAAAAAAAqM/y0G_Qeoq3D0/s1600/RR+ME.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x88nCf6ny7Q/U0W8P0FN_oI/AAAAAAAAAqM/y0G_Qeoq3D0/s1600/RR+ME.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish Line!THIS IS HOW I DO!!! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Napa anyone?</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-41257799117207929872014-03-18T09:01:00.001-07:002014-03-18T09:04:05.623-07:00LA Marathon March 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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People keep asking me how the LA Marathon went. All I can think to say is, “It was hard.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I know this sounds a little bit obvious but it is the only
way I can describe it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I guess I should change my answer to, “I had a hard day”,
but alas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some days you just don’t have a great run and unfortunately
there was the perfect storm of situations that made this true for me last
Sunday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s a mixed bag of emotions. I didn’t think it was possible to be so happy
and feel so accomplished at the same time as feeling so disappointed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I REALLY wanted to do well this year. I didn’t expect miracles. I wasn’t trying to do anything spectacular,
but my body and the weather had other plans.<o:p></o:p></div>
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BUT -and there is a BIG BUT here- I still feel excellent.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For all the sweat, tears, chaffing and disappointment, there
is this sense of invinsibility.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It never occurred to me that I wasn’t going to finish.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not when the temperature hit almost 90 degrees.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not when my weak hamstring started giving me a hard time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not when I started crying for the umpteenth time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And here is why:<o:p></o:p></div>
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A month before the marathon, I started a list. This list was of 26.2 people who have
inspired me in some way. Each person has
touched my life in some way and I thoughtfully assigned each person a mile.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then I sent them a card that told them what mile they were
assigned and why I chose them for a mile.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It actually worked. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When I was running, and then walking (the wheels fell off
the wagon about Mile 17ish), and I started to think I was defeated, I switched
my thoughts to my Mile Inspiration. I
looked at their name on the index card that was in my pocket and I remembered
the things they do that make me proud to be their friend and blessed to have
them in my life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Because of this, I could not quit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Because of them, I accomplished a goal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Many people came and saw me along the route or encouraged me via text and I would be remiss if I didn't mention:</div>
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Sara and Vicki with their "coffee" at Mile 6</div>
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The Criner's and the Mangione's in front of the Pantages - this is when I lost it the first time, but they offered water and fruit and hugs....just what I needed</div>
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Laura and Vayden's awesome signs at Hollywood and Highland</div>
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Ditto and Litto in front of the El Capitan</div>
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Brandi and her pretzels and words of encouragement at Mile 18</div>
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Deb, Staci and Mel's texts as I ran!</div>
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Although I was saw many people and received a ton a texts, a marathon can be a lonely day and I spent the better part of 7 hours and 4 minutes alone.<br />
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<br /></div>
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But I was never really alone, my 26.2 were with me. They
were moving my legs forward. They were the voices in my head telling me I could
do it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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They were in my heart bringing me peace and for that I will forever be grateful, not just for how
they got me through the day, but for how they get me through EVERY day.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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My cup runneth over and I will spend each day trying not to
forget this.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Because no matter how difficult March 9, 2014 was, I still felt like this after and it was ALL because of THEM!</div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-26285830389837621362014-03-18T08:48:00.001-07:002014-03-18T08:48:34.008-07:0010 Reasons Why I Love To Run- SF Marathon Blog #2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Everyone runs for a different reason. What started for me as a way to lose weight
has become a way of life. There are many
different reasons why I love to run, here are my Top Ten:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Black toenails are a badge of honor <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I’m a girl.
I’m a vain girl. I keep my toenails pedicured and painted….but my
favorite moment at the salon is when I get that shot of pain as the poor person
working on my feet takes of my nail polish.
I look down and see the gorgeous victim of my hard work and training…a
black toenail and I post a picture on Facebook or send it to my RBF (Running
Best Friend). <o:p></o:p></div>
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In fact, after our first half marathon, she
texted me pictures of her black toenails while we were lying on different beds
in the same hotel room because we were both too tired to move.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SlvdlHRmHOw/UyhqFav0OKI/AAAAAAAAAkk/93Jom84Vs1E/s1600/me+and+ditto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SlvdlHRmHOw/UyhqFav0OKI/AAAAAAAAAkk/93Jom84Vs1E/s1600/me+and+ditto.jpg" height="281" width="320" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>MY RBF<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Speaking of my RBF, running gave me Ditto
(aka the other Heather). I’d like to
believe we would have become friends regardless, but we bonded over training for
our first 5K together, decided to run our first 10K together and rocked our
first half and full marathons with one another.
We run together at least twice a week, even now while she’s building a
person in her belly! I’m so blessed to
have found a friend like her and I have running to thank!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AcFAQZAfI8A/UyhqGvEdigI/AAAAAAAAAk8/iJzDeir6uQQ/s1600/village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AcFAQZAfI8A/UyhqGvEdigI/AAAAAAAAAk8/iJzDeir6uQQ/s1600/village.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>It takes a village<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I am so lucky to have a large group of
friends who run and/or support my addiction to running. This year while training for the LA Marathon,
my friends who didn’t need to run the kind of mileage I was doing took turns
during my longer runs to support and help me.
A typical long run looked like this:<o:p></o:p></div>
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5 miles from my house to meet <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ditto who is pregnant and ran 5 miles with
me to <o:p></o:p></div>
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Marcy who ran another 5-7 miles with me
while pushing her two year-old twins in the running stroller<o:p></o:p></div>
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It truly takes a village!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bQ_tIllPHQ8/UyhqFdT-0NI/AAAAAAAAAkg/7uzOztG38jk/s1600/me+running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bQ_tIllPHQ8/UyhqFdT-0NI/AAAAAAAAAkg/7uzOztG38jk/s1600/me+running.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Have you seen my sweet buns?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I am
not “Model Hot”, I’m not even regular “Hot”.
I’m overweight and a little lumpy.
However, my gluteus maximus is F.I.N.E.
I mean like high and tight and sweet.
As I said before, I can be a bit vain.
If you ask me my favorite body part…it’s my butt. See above for proof of it’s sweetness!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tNEj0lbOipU/UyhqIiCi8RI/AAAAAAAAAlo/QDGo60ZKmyM/s1600/kesha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tNEj0lbOipU/UyhqIiCi8RI/AAAAAAAAAlo/QDGo60ZKmyM/s1600/kesha.jpg" /></a></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Yeah, I downloaded Ke$ha. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Wanna make somethin’ of it? I am forty years old. I love music, but generally like stuff like
Dave Matthews and James Taylor. I’m an
easy listening gal….except when I run.
My running mix runs the gamut from Incubus to the Foo Fighters to the
Beastie Boys to Jay Z. If it pumps me
up, I want it on my mix! Running gives me the excuse to download music that might
be considered a guilty pleasure for someone of my age.<o:p></o:p></div>
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…uh, no…I’m not listening to Miley Cyrus, I
just downloaded it for my running mix.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmJPhR1duA4/UyhqHQw26wI/AAAAAAAAAlc/hY31Gq-Zkqo/s1600/eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmJPhR1duA4/UyhqHQw26wI/AAAAAAAAAlc/hY31Gq-Zkqo/s1600/eggs.jpg" /></a></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Eggs and Oatmeal and Pizza and Beer<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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As someone who is constantly at war with my
weight, I make a conscious effort to watch what I eat on a normal day…but after
a long run? I crave eggs and bacon and
oatmeal immediately after. I’m sure this
is due to the fact that Ditto and I started doing breakfast after our Saturday
morning runs back in the day. But after
really long runs (half marathon or longer) I want the breakfast after the run
(regardless of what time I finish) and pizza and beer for dinner. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And I don’t feel bad giving in to those
cravings when I’ve spent the better part of a day burning calories!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXhHWAarc0s/UyhqF6m6D4I/AAAAAAAAAkw/oIZ74z7diBE/s1600/outfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXhHWAarc0s/UyhqF6m6D4I/AAAAAAAAAkw/oIZ74z7diBE/s1600/outfit.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Your outfit is soooo cute!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Ohhh, where’d you get your running clothes? So what if I’m getting all sweaty and gross I
still want to look cute, especially since running pants make my butt look so
good. I love finding the perfect pants
(pockets for nutrition and Chap Stick and a drawstring), the perfect shirt
(long enough to cover my gut, cut for a girl!) or cute accessories! AND I wanna match! The perfect running outfit not only makes you
adorable, but it makes you faster…its science.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1c-eJfaFeTY/UyhqISQkDII/AAAAAAAAAlg/OHIEq4TqpAs/s1600/GG+to+Marin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1c-eJfaFeTY/UyhqISQkDII/AAAAAAAAAlg/OHIEq4TqpAs/s1600/GG+to+Marin.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Oh the places we will go…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Want an excuse to go on a cool
vacation? Sign up for a race some place
you’ve never been! I have run in San
Diego, California, Dallas, Texas and Dublin, Ireland. Running a race in a dream vacation spot makes
you feel a teensy bit less vacation guilt!
How about a run through San Francisco this July?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>The RUNGASM<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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It may sound weird, but it happens. You hit a certain speed or mileage and you
suddenly get the chills. Goosebumps
creep up your arms, butterflies rock your stomach and a huge smile creeps up
your face. It might not be like the real
thing, but it’s the closest you’re gonna get with your clothes on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>10.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>It makes me look and feel like this…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1jN00L9gxA/UyhqHzLssSI/AAAAAAAAAlY/cP7EdlDdEaQ/s1600/happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1jN00L9gxA/UyhqHzLssSI/AAAAAAAAAlY/cP7EdlDdEaQ/s1600/happy.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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Experience your own <i>rungasm </i>on July 27<sup>th</sup> and sign up for one of the fabulous
races at the SF Marathon!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-79139821372334836182014-03-18T08:44:00.000-07:002014-03-18T08:44:01.505-07:00Because I Can- SF Marathon Blog #1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"The good Lord gave
you a body that can stand most anything. It's your mind you have to
convince."<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">— Vince Lombardi</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I spent a lot of time writing and re-writing this blog.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I tried to be funny, creative, smart and inspirational all
at the same time, but it just sounded so phony.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If there is one thing I pride myself on, it is my authentic
nature. So, I hit delete and started
over.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s the deal. When
I weighed over 300 pounds, I was constantly telling myself two “truths”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Truth #1<o:p></o:p></div>
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Heather, you can’t do things because you’re fat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Truth #2<o:p></o:p></div>
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Heather, you can’t do things until you lose weight.<o:p></o:p></div>
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These two sentences guided who I was. They made the decisions for me. If I was a business, these “truths” were my
mission statement.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And then I found running.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I used to tell whoever would listen that “I only run if
someone is chasing me. And even then I might not.” But I was inspired by a friend to try. She told me that I could run a 5K and as a
member of the Board of a non-profit that produces a 5K each year, I thought it
would be a good plan to train for that one.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I started my journey in late 2010 I had 3 goals. I was going to work out 3 days a week, run a
5K and lose 150 pounds. The first two
came very easily.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Goal #1<o:p></o:p></div>
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I now work out at least 5 times each week. I run, swim, bike, lift weights, and play
Dodgeball or Ultimate Frisbee. Every
Wednesday I have a calendar alert to remind me to plan my workouts for the next
week. Once they’re in my calendar,
barring any emergencies, these are meetings with me that take precedence over
anything else.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Goal #2<o:p></o:p></div>
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I fell in love with running so much that I ended up running
my first 5K two full months earlier than the original one I signed up for. Since my first 5K in March of 2011, I have
run about 30 organized races including 2 Sprint Triathlons, 20 Half Marathons
and a Full Marathon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Goal #3<o:p></o:p></div>
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The weight. That’s a
bit more difficult. I continuously lose
a little, gain a little, lose more, gain a little. As of today, I have lost about 60
pounds. At my peak, I was down 80. But I’m not giving up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The point of this is that my mission statement has changed. The
word “can’t” has taken a significantly smaller role in my life and I couldn’t
be happier. I don’t dwell on what I can’t do, but I’m inspired by the things I
can and although I’m still technically obese, I don’t let anything stop me from
fulfilling my goals and dreams. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For me, running was what changed everything. I may not be fast. I’m not BQ-ing or breaking
any tape, but with determination and perseverance, I AM finishing. And I have a new mission statement…..<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Because I Can.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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I once caught myself saying, “I used to think I couldn’t do
things because of my weight, but now that I know I can, I kind of want to do
everything.” I truly feel like there is
nothing I can’t do with a little determination and perseverance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As of today, I can’t fly an airplane or speak Italian or
play the guitar. But you know what? With enough dedication, motivation and
practice I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I could do all of those
things.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The best decision I ever made in my life was to decide that
I CAN and go out and do it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I want people to know that size doesn’t have to stop you
from fulfilling your dreams. I think the
average non-runner has a skewed idea of what runners look like. Sure the top athletes and the ones placing in
their age groups and even some of my fellow TSFM Ambassadors “look” like
runners. But many of us don’t. Many of us have thick thighs, big bellies and
chubby arms. It doesn’t mean we can’t do
it, it simply means we used more Glide.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My point is this, don’t NOT TRY because you think you can’t
or you have to wait “until”<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you have a dream, whether it is to run a 5K or the San
Francisco Marathon, there is no time like the present. All you have to do it take some time to
believe in yourself and train properly and you can finish anything you strive
to accomplish.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Because YOU Can.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-73338589029914013382014-01-17T09:57:00.000-08:002014-01-17T09:57:01.511-08:00Back in the Saddle Again...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So I ran a race under-prepared for the first time EVER. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I knew I needed to start putting up higher mileage. I am
committed and determined to run the LA Marathon on March 9<sup>th</sup>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Coming off an injury has been harder than I expected. I don’t know why I thought I would get right
back at it where I was. Even my training runs were proving slower and more
difficult, but somehow I thought I could go back to my normal pace for a half
marathon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I picked an inexpensive, locally run, flat course and it was
awesome. Awesome AND windy!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Camarillo Marathon taught me a lot of important
lessons. Some that I needed to learn and
some I needed to re-learn. Here they are
in no particular order:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Train for the race you want to run.</b></div>
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I kept telling myself, and anyone who would
listen, that this was just a training race and time wasn’t important. Saying something doesn’t always make it true.
I ALWAYS want to go faster and feel
better. I really wanted to be sub 3
hours. Alas…<o:p></o:p></div>
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I didn’t run further than 6.5 miles prior
to this race. Mile 8 mile training run
turned into a really long walk. And my
race day showed this.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">A half marathon IS a big deal.</b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve started taking 13 miles for
granted. I’ve done a lot of half
marathons, so it’s become less of a big deal. BUT it is. When you are “pace challenged” like me and
coming off of an injury there is a likely chance you will be running for 3
hours. That is 3 hours of continuous
exertion. This is not easy no matter how
many times you’ve done it. This IS a big deal<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b> </b></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Nutrition is important.</b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I haven’t been eating right. It was the holidays, blah blah blah. Insert Lame Excuses here.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I need to make better choices. My recent choices have made me feel heavy and
yucky. I need choices to make me feel lighter and stronger. I will say, I took some advice and tried
peanut M&Ms instead of GU or Shot Blocks during the race and it worked! I
bought the Fun Packs and ate one every 5 miles.
The sugar and protein was just what I needed and I stomached it much better.
I’m gonna try the pretzel ones too…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b> </b></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Finding the positive can be easy.</b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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When the “wheels fell off my wagon” at
about mile 9, I felt really defeated. As
I watched the 3 hour pacer get further and further in front of me, I gave up
for a minute. Then I thought, “This is
the furthest I have run in almost 3 months! This is a win.” I ran/walked the rest of the race, enjoying
the scenery but not the head wind. I did
my best and felt very confident for my 9-miler the next week. <o:p></o:p></div>
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PS- The 9-miler went AWESOME!</div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b> </b></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It’s not giving up if you finish the race.</b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I did. Even though I didn’t hit my super
secret time goal or run the whole time.
I made it through the finish line.
I was in pain, but I was happy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It was a good day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m still not 100%. I
am slowly doing more mileage and making every effort to eat better.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m focusing on being healthy so I can finish the LA
Marathon and feel great. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This is all I can do now that I’m back in the saddle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0MG5i5eXqrw/UtluS4kC1gI/AAAAAAAAAiI/eqqKUABH47w/s1600/1521832_10153710700750305_2104768534_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0MG5i5eXqrw/UtluS4kC1gI/AAAAAAAAAiI/eqqKUABH47w/s1600/1521832_10153710700750305_2104768534_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Cody, Me, Neil</div>
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Camarillo Marathon and Half Marathon</div>
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January 5, 2014</div>
</div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-68599017364184038112013-12-30T12:31:00.001-08:002013-12-30T12:31:22.070-08:00The #YearOfRunning13 Post<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://pavementrunner.com/">Pavement Runner</a> is becoming my favorite running person to follow on twitter, instagram and his blog. </div>
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<br /></div>
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He is funny, insightful and runs A TON! </div>
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<br /></div>
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I saw his post inspired by <a href="http://misszippy1.com/2013/12/year-of-running.html">Miss Zippy</a> and I KNEW I had to join in the fun!</div>
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<br /></div>
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So here is my 2013 in running!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Best race experience? </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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This one is easy. This year I did
my first marathon. Yeah, I said first….of many, I hope. The sense of accomplishment and pride I feel
from that one experience still flows through me. Before I ran this race, a friend told me that
a marathon is a “life-changer”. So true!
Because of the marathon I got a renewed sense of “I can”! I was even chosen as a Spotlight Runner for the
local news station. But more
importantly, the support I received from my family and friends was BEYOND my
expectation. You know what is a
life-changer? Someone you love and
respect telling you that you’re magnificent
or someone telling you that you look beautiful after you just ran 16.5
miles. Those moments are
life-changers. Read about the best day of my life<a href="http://www.strungoutrunner.blogspot.com/2013/03/finding-my-joy-part-2-la-marathon.html"> here.</a> OR see my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJuWRr6KB5o">Spotlight from KTLA</a>!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Best run?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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The first time I ran 20
miles. Training for the marathon was
really difficult. It’s like having a
second job. I trained with two other girls,
but they had similar paces and I was much slower so I spent a lot of time alone
and towards the end of those training runs often felt exhausted and
defeated. The day we did 16, I broke
down and said, “I don’t think I’m going to be able to finish.” Because I had
just spent the last 3 miserable miles trying to do the math in my head of how
fast I would need to go in order to make it.
AHHH, but the day we ran 20 miles.
I was exhausted, but not defeated! I was sore, but not broken. I almost wanted to keep going, just to prove
I could. That day, was the day I KNEW I
could run a marathon. You can read about
that day <a href="http://www.strungoutrunner.blogspot.com/2013/02/finding-my-joy.html">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Best new piece of gear?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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I love all my gear, but haven’t
gotten much new EXCEPT a fabulous Flip Belt.
I saw these at the Surf City and thought they would be perfect for the
marathon. I bought one and then forgot to pack it (along with my hat and sports
bra). Luckily they had a booth at the
expo and now I have two! They perfect for running and biking when you need to
bring your phone and some cash (even tampons-sorry guys!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Learn about them at <a href="http://www.flipbelt.com/">www.flipbelt.com</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Best piece of running advice I
received?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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To stop calling myself slow. Yes, I am slower than my friends. Yes, I’m not breaking any tape or qualifying
for Boston, but I AM doing it. I’m not
slow, I’m pace challenged. Just kidding.
I am allowed to discuss my pace when necessary, however, I no longer
call myself slow in a derogatory way.
Plus, I’m getting faster!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Most inspirational runner?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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How do I chose, I spent the early
part of the year reading about runners like Matt Long, Scott Jurek and Ben
Davis. I run with incredibly strong,
kind and wonderful people. I have found people like Pavement Runner and Distant
Runners inspirational as well. Of all of
those, I think I will have to go with Devon Johnson from the Facebook page
Distant Runners (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DistantRunners">https://www.facebook.com/DistantRunners</a>) and of her own blog <a href="http://www.devonintraining.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.devonintraining.blogspot.com</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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She is funny, kind and
approachable and her commitment to health and faith is something to
admire. Her recount of her Boston
experience is not to be missed.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b> If you could sum up your year in a couple of
words, what would it be? </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
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This was the year I threw “can’t”
out the window and lived a life full of “can”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This was the year I stopped telling myself I couldn't do things. I ran a marathon, I got an awesome new job and I got chosen to be an Ambassador for the San Francisco Marathon.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I'm living proof that you don't need to wait "until".</div>
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<br /></div>
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Your life is now, it's time to go out and live it AND don't say you can't. There are very few things we "can't" do. We can accept the things we won't do or can't do YET.</div>
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<br /></div>
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2014 will be another year of "I Can"!</div>
</div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-79866125494634330522013-12-16T17:08:00.002-08:002013-12-16T17:08:42.691-08:00Guess Who's Back?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Who knew running would be my greatest teacher? (NOBODY!!!!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Who knew I would be too stubborn to learn? (EVERYBODY!!!! )<o:p></o:p></div>
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Look if you know me at all (and most of you do…but if you
don’t read my other blogs then you will), then you will know that patience is
not a virtue I possess when it comes to myself.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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Find a parking space, don’t worry I’ll drive around.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wait in line, I can do it patiently.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Get over an injury – HELL TO THE NO!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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I put off physical therapy because I wanted to do my races
and I knew it would do far worse damage to my spirit and my mind to not run
than the damage that would rock my body.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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And I was right. (See even I know me!)<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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Physical therapy has not been easy. It’s physically difficult and mentally
trying. I tried to keep my same patterns.
I went to Treadmill Class and walked on the treadmill. I met the gang on Saturday mornings and
walked.<br />
I waited patiently to get the
okay to run.<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Until I couldn’t. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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I wanted to be fixed, so finally I said to my physical therapist,
“You HAVE to let me run.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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I didn’t yell. I didn’t cry.
I said it matter-of-factly. <o:p></o:p></div>
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YOU.HAVE.TO.LET.ME.RUN.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And he did. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m approved for short, slow, flat runs.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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I’m starting at 0 (aka 4.5 on the treadmill), I’ve lost all
that speed I trained for in the spring, but I feel like it will come back more
quickly.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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I’m still not running pain free, BUT I’m not in pain after a
run, which is a HUGE deal!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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And I did my first race back and it was awesome! <br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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On Sunday December 8<sup>th</sup>
, I did half of a half. OR a Half-Marathon Relay with Ditto.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A bunch of our other friends
joined us for either the relay or the half marathon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was freezing. I know some of you are reading this in places
where the temperature often dips low. That is not the case for us Cali kids.<o:p></o:p></div>
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20’s and 30’s is FREAKING COLD
and we are all ill-equipped for such conditions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We bundled up, wore long sleeves
(the HORROR!), head warmers, gloves,
etc. and went to Ventura to run the awesome Santa to the Sea!<o:p></o:p><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K4k04K00H0o/Uq-i3tdVLYI/AAAAAAAAAg8/c97L7UWgg0c/s1600/Starting+line_s2s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K4k04K00H0o/Uq-i3tdVLYI/AAAAAAAAAg8/c97L7UWgg0c/s320/Starting+line_s2s.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
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If you’re looking for a fun race
in the LA area in December, look no further. This race is well-organized, easy
to navigate, family-friendly and everyone gets a medal!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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One of my favorite things about
this race (I ran the half last year…) is that they have a contest for the
neighborhoods you run through for the best neighborhood spirit.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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It is just really fun.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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And it was awesome to do it with
my friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Neil and Erika did the half
marathon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The relay teams were:<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dA7uRjGW2b4/Uq-jYlJFctI/AAAAAAAAAhU/DBCopfSAtQY/s1600/S2S+Team+Ditto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dA7uRjGW2b4/Uq-jYlJFctI/AAAAAAAAAhU/DBCopfSAtQY/s320/S2S+Team+Ditto.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Team Ditto<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pfmZ5_Bd9OE/Uq-jTHK7xhI/AAAAAAAAAhM/L-QyqCKagzk/s1600/cody+deb+s2s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pfmZ5_Bd9OE/Uq-jTHK7xhI/AAAAAAAAAhM/L-QyqCKagzk/s320/cody+deb+s2s.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Deb and Cody<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Q0F6Iw6pxA/Uq-jZvioQ9I/AAAAAAAAAhc/o_xBfc4Auoc/s1600/marcy+ang+s2s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Q0F6Iw6pxA/Uq-jZvioQ9I/AAAAAAAAAhc/o_xBfc4Auoc/s320/marcy+ang+s2s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Marcy and Angela.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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Cody, Ditto and Angela waited in a
warm coffee shop until it was time to get us….It was really cold, but we sucked
it up and jumped around before the race. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The corrals got warmer due to body
heat and when it was time, we were off and running.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This race also has a costume
contest so I was running with Frosty, Santa, elves and even two girls carrying
a surfboard with Santa chillin’ on it in a lawn chair.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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My goal was to not be in pain and
to run the whole time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I won’t lie, it didn’t tickle to
run. My left leg is super tight,
regardless of how much I stretch. It
just is. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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I feel like my legs belong to two
different people. One relaxed and one
uptight. (Maybe this is indicative of my
personalities?) <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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Anyway, I just ran. I ran as fast as I could without feeling sore
or winded. I’m rebuilding my breathing too.
It’s crazy how much you lose.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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I kept moving forward. I walked at
water stations and didn’t stop to pee once (which for me is a miracle, but the
lines were so long and I knew Ditto was waiting for me!)<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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I ran a little under a 13 minute
mile. It felt good. I actually
piggy-backed on some ladies doing 30/30 intervals but instead of run/walk I did
jog/sprint. Now, my sprint wasn’t all
that fast, but it worked for me and I may work this in to my marathon training….which
starts next week!!!!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I got to the relay area in 1 hour
and 22 minutes, gave Ditto our ankle bracelet and she was off.<o:p></o:p><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gsn9T-APAk0/Uq-i0_FdHnI/AAAAAAAAAg0/UCg3nnhRQOc/s1600/relay+timing+chip_s2s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gsn9T-APAk0/Uq-i0_FdHnI/AAAAAAAAAg0/UCg3nnhRQOc/s320/relay+timing+chip_s2s.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
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Deb and Marcy were waiting for me.
They had been in for about 5 minutes, so I felt like I did a great job.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We hopped on the shuttle bus and
headed to the finish line. (The two disasters of the day were the shuttle
between the relay point and finish line and the line for bag check!)<br />
<br />
After meeting our peeps, we took
pictures and celebrated our victories…</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Both Angela and I were running our
first race back after injuries<o:p></o:p></div>
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Deb hadn’t run a race since June!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Marcy had never done anything
further than a 5K!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ditto running with Litto in her
belly! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Cody getting back in the swing of
things!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Neil and Erika both got PRs!!!!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-id0zdvNEE1U/Uq-i8fMDG8I/AAAAAAAAAhE/ghvnFVawrJ4/s1600/S2S+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-id0zdvNEE1U/Uq-i8fMDG8I/AAAAAAAAAhE/ghvnFVawrJ4/s320/S2S+2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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All in all it was a great race and
I am thrilled to be back. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m not 100% yet, but I’m getting
there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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It’s taking longer than I
anticipated and my patience is waning, but as long as I’m allowed to run a
little bit….I’ll be happy!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-54968545424131341262013-11-05T09:07:00.000-08:002013-11-05T09:07:30.236-08:00It's Not You, It's Me. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SI4JjYFc3XI/UnklDYwPGaI/AAAAAAAAAfg/uOUQSvFy5iY/s1600/mine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gr-DEY_URIc/Unkk7G4IuOI/AAAAAAAAAfY/B865s0t1U4k/s1600/we+run+sf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gr-DEY_URIc/Unkk7G4IuOI/AAAAAAAAAfY/B865s0t1U4k/s320/we+run+sf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dear Running,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We need to take a break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe me this is not what I want, but I
have to look at a couple of very important lessons that you taught me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 87.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be
a little bit selfish<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 87.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take
care of yourself<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, that’s what I’m going to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want to thank you for our last
Hurrah!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Nike Women’s Marathon was
AWESOME!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You really hit our last date out
of the park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t our best time
(3:07 and change) but is was a great time!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 87.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let’s recap, shall we?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday night we drove up to
Redwood City with Sara.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took the long
way, cruised the coast, stuffed our faces in Solvang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had some laughs! Remember when
I almost wet my pants on our way to Gilroy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What a hoot!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had deviled eggs and quality
time with Nonnie and took her out to dinner!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday we all got up early…here
are the highlights:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: 87.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Getting
our bibs was painless<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: 87.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Buying
Nike gear was painful to the wallet, but I look good!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: 87.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SI4JjYFc3XI/UnklDYwPGaI/AAAAAAAAAfg/uOUQSvFy5iY/s1600/mine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SI4JjYFc3XI/UnklDYwPGaI/AAAAAAAAAfg/uOUQSvFy5iY/s320/mine.jpg" width="180" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: 87.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lunch
at Pompeii’s Grotto<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: 87.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
beautiful view of the bay<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uo9L30awHvI/Unkj2L-at1I/AAAAAAAAAew/Y-Dvjn2V_DU/s1600/Me+in+the+City.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uo9L30awHvI/Unkj2L-at1I/AAAAAAAAAew/Y-Dvjn2V_DU/s320/Me+in+the+City.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: 87.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That
Ghiradelli sundae.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember when I was
half way through it and I said I was going to puke….then I finished the
sundae…good times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: 87.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A
cable car ride<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: 87.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seeing
our names on the Nike Wall<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: 87.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seeing
Kara Goucher and Joan Benoit Samuelson speak with our hero Craig Moss<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: 87.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Finally
finding our peeps!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: 87.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dinner
at Cheesecake Factory<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: 87.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">11.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
HUGE group of friends we found!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: 87.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aLT2f8NmeHc/Unkj29Q8XAI/AAAAAAAAAfE/cTIMS6Wmrgc/s1600/The+gang's+all+here.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aLT2f8NmeHc/Unkj29Q8XAI/AAAAAAAAAfE/cTIMS6Wmrgc/s320/The+gang's+all+here.jpg" width="320" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: 87.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">12.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our
Anime Hotel!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 87.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All of these are memorable times!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 87.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then came Sunday morning! We were
freezing but happy! A little giddy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 87.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We ran with Sara most of the way
and Ditto the whole way! What a treat! We’ve never run a half with someone
before….we may be spoiled now! Is it weird that I like threesomes?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 87.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We ran slow but steady, stopping
to use the restroom, walking the hills, walking when it hurt.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 87.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 87.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 87.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KVMEKcSoGsQ/Unkj3WHtoBI/AAAAAAAAAfA/tXWMjFEPDqA/s1600/Team+Ditto+and+the+little+blue+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KVMEKcSoGsQ/Unkj3WHtoBI/AAAAAAAAAfA/tXWMjFEPDqA/s320/Team+Ditto+and+the+little+blue+box.jpg" width="320" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 87.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And we finished.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HSaI-6ud2g8/Unkj1O8E00I/AAAAAAAAAeo/El2W3ccOl9o/s1600/Fireman+and+the+little+blue+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HSaI-6ud2g8/Unkj1O8E00I/AAAAAAAAAeo/El2W3ccOl9o/s320/Fireman+and+the+little+blue+box.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HiqHrtmhYnQ/Unkj3NoDRGI/AAAAAAAAAe8/UQmT1DWdPp0/s1600/fireman+and+tiffany_hs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HiqHrtmhYnQ/Unkj3NoDRGI/AAAAAAAAAe8/UQmT1DWdPp0/s320/fireman+and+tiffany_hs.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 87.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We got the coveted Tiffany
necklace from the fireman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 87.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We found our friends, had adventures
in traffic and made it home safe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 87.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But now, Running, we need to take
a break.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 87.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have to take care of myself and
that includes (finally) rehabilitating that angry hamstring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 87.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please believe me when I say that
this is harder for me than it is for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For the last 3 years, we haven’t gone a week without spending some time
together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 87.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But now I have to take a break. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 87.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m terrified of what life will be
like without you, but think this time apart will make us stronger and
(hopefully) faster.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 87.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ll miss you,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 87.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 87.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Heather</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 87.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ5c8TwqnqU/Unkj005Y_4I/AAAAAAAAAek/VW_u5OgYglA/s1600/My+new+motto+run+happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ5c8TwqnqU/Unkj005Y_4I/AAAAAAAAAek/VW_u5OgYglA/s320/My+new+motto+run+happy.jpg" width="180" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-79105462678908677342013-09-03T16:11:00.001-07:002013-09-03T22:15:43.554-07:00Suck It Up, Buttercup!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Disneyland
Half Marathon Weekend 2013<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m a little
worried I’m going to upset some folks with this blog, but just a little.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although I
had a wonderful weekend with my friends, I didn’t L-O-V-E my Disney Half
Marathon experience and it’s all my fault.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I went in to
this weekend unprepared physically, emotionally and attitudinally. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s simple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t love
Disney races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know, you’re all
gasping in horror! WHAT?! How can you not love the Disney race?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Running
through the park!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Awesome
T-shirts!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Multitudes
of BLING!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is all
I can say; it’s not really my thing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will
attempt to explain <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>MY</u></b>
feelings about this knowing that how I feel is not indicative of the race or
experience I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">could</b> have and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">should </b>have had.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>What I
should have done is sucked it up, instead I simply sucked.<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are a
few key reasons why this race was not a favorite of mine and my sincere hope,
dear readers, is that someone, anyone learns from my mistakes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’t sign up if you can’t afford it.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Disney races are expensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a Grad Student in between jobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t know I’d be in between jobs when I
registered for the race, but I still have no business throwing $300 at entry
fees not to mention the costs of staying near the park and eating out in a
tourist area for almost 4 days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I need to be smarter about the races I choose. They
need to fit in my budget in totality, not just the entry fees. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Disney does give bang for the buck, but let’s be honest;
once you’ve done one Disney race you’ve done them all. The shirts change, but
the medals don’t. The speakers at the Expo are not varied and the finish line
expo is the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the course
through the parks is pretty much the same in all the races (sometimes you go in
a different direction </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve done the 2011 Disney 5K,
Tinkerbell in 2012 and 2013 and now Dumbo’s Double Dare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not much has changed except for my resentment
at the money I’m spending to do the same thing again and again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you expect a certain OUTPUT your INPUT needs to
match.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the words of Fiona Apple, I’ve been a bad, bad
girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been lessening my workouts
(see next lesson) but not what and how much food I put in my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been neglecting the most important part
of my desire to be a better athlete; nutrition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve simply ignored the fact that I have to fuel my body properly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been tired and nauseous at workouts
because I think it’s smart to eat a bunch of candy right before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t been drinking enough water or
eating enough vegetables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been
ignoring my pants getting tighter and my face getting rounder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been neglecting ME!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know first-hand how great workouts feel when I’m
eating healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember with fondness
how great my body felt and wonder if I’ll ever feel that way again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As if I don’t have any control over this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have all the control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goal is 2 marathons and an Olympic Tri
next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is doable, but I will be
miserable if I don’t fuel my body properly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">INPUT=OUTPUT<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes you need to rest if it hurts.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have a strained upper hamstring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It comes and goes in waves, hurts most when I’m
sitting and has been troubling. The Physical Therapist says he can rehab it in
2-4 weeks, as long as I don’t run for that long.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I haven’t NOT run at least once in a week since
late 2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have races coming up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am still going to have to run, but I need to
listen to my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to take it
easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want to be an old woman runner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although I will continue to run to train for my
last two events this year, I’m going to cross-train as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Walking and swimming and upper body/core workouts
will become more prevalent as runs will become less.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Going into something with a bad attitude will
equal a bad performance.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the corral on Sunday I said to my friends, “I’m
going to get my worse time today” and I did. I let all the things I didn’t like
get to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was tired. I had to get up
early. My leg hurt a bit. It was fixin’ to be a scorcher that day. I don’t like
Disney races. Lo and behold…. I sucked!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nearly 15 minutes slower than my worst half marathon time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I literally gave myself permission to SUCK. Who
does that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take it from me; it didn’t make anything any
better. My attitude didn’t give me more sleep, it didn’t make the day cooler, and
it didn’t make my leg hurt less. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In fact, my bad attitude made all of these little
things seem enormous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stuff’s not always going to be awesome, but really
why make it worse?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Find the races that motivate <u>you</u>.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The truth for me is that Disney races aren’t a
motivator FOR ME. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think it’s so wonderful that these races give
people an opportunity to step out of their fitness comfort zone and doing something
amazing because running and walking 13.1 miles <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">is</b> amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a slow runner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goal is to get faster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My injury is kind of making me start back at
the beginning. I gained a lot early in the summer and pushed too hard, now I’m
paying for it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At most races, I’m a “back of the pack” runner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because Disney is rookie-friendly and many
people do it for the Disney experience instead of the race experience, at
Disney races, I’m a “middle of the pack” runner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This somehow made me believe yesterday that
I had no pressure to perform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
need to get better; I’ll be in front of people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know, I just got the middle finger from a bunch of you
and I deserve it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But think about why
you run and what you run for. Maybe it's not the same for you and me.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I run to better myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Running has made ME a stronger, more patient,
kinder, happier person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Competition has
done that for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not competing against
anyone else, but striving to be better and to catch people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know I could have done that yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plenty of people were in front of me, shoot,
plenty of people passed me! But I need to strive to be with the middle of the
pack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will probably never win a race
and I’m cool with that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I just believe that other races are better for
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can change my attitude about it
and I will try, but until then I want to pick the races that challenge ME.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s not to say I will NEVER do another Disney race, I
think I just need to go about them differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I need to get a bunch of friends, sign up as a group, ensure we all want
to stick together, find silly costumes and stop everywhere within the park to
take pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could cross the finish
line together, holding hands and laughing our butts off….that is how I think I
need to do future Disney races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THAT
sounds fun!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I also got
to experience a few things I already knew, but are worth mentioning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Great friends can make any experience worthwhile<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ebHD6YVQI0U/UiZaR_YdHcI/AAAAAAAAAbs/LpWIKFQrbrg/s1600/Disney_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ebHD6YVQI0U/UiZaR_YdHcI/AAAAAAAAAbs/LpWIKFQrbrg/s320/Disney_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am LUCKY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I must have done something right in a past life to deserve people like
Heather and Cody and Neil and Ryan and Sue in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I KNOW I made the right decision joining
#Run3rd because Sean is so motivating and it helped me reconnect with Stephanie
and I feel like I truly have new friends in #Run3rd Captains Tracy and Dawnley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9PiyhoUpA7E/UiZpMmE3TQI/AAAAAAAAAcg/GtZnWYoVVxQ/s1600/Me+and+Tracy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9PiyhoUpA7E/UiZpMmE3TQI/AAAAAAAAAcg/GtZnWYoVVxQ/s320/Me+and+Tracy.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; height: 329px; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; width: 232px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p59zjh-nS0s/UiZaXuDg3dI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/GDlbX--iZ38/s1600/Me+and+Steph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p59zjh-nS0s/UiZaXuDg3dI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/GDlbX--iZ38/s320/Me+and+Steph.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was so fun to pass Jason on the course and smack
him in the buns and get the same treatment when he passed me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was so fun/funny getting horrible service everywhere
(do we have a sign on our heads?) and reveling in the great service we finally
received at Bubba Gump’s (Thanks Abe!!!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I loved spending Monday at the parks with Vayden
and Laura and celebrating Neil’s birthday! (See I don’t hate ALL things Disney,
I’m a season pass holder!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Despite my bad race ‘tude, I had a wonderful time
and my great friends loved me despite my grumpy butt face! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blessed indeed</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Being proud is a really great feeling<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Listening to Sean speak about inspiration was, well
for lack of a better word, inspiring. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
can articulate how I feel about lacing up my shoes and hitting the
pavement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Becoming a runner is truly a
life-changing experience. I know not everyone has a runner inside of them, but
I encourage everyone to find their passion and raison d’etre and to be the best
they can be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my darkest time I once wrote, “I want to be
inspired so I, in turn, can be an inspiration.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Running inspires me and I feel confident and proud
saying that I have inspired others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Watching the #Run3rd video and seeing my face up
there after a multitude of races warmed my heart and puffed out my chest a
bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TPWsN1LJE3U/UiZaVJUOLyI/AAAAAAAAAb4/vPLiXX_IbjY/s1600/sean+at+expo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TPWsN1LJE3U/UiZaVJUOLyI/AAAAAAAAAb4/vPLiXX_IbjY/s320/sean+at+expo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nothing wrong with that.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">AND…I got the opportunity to be SUPER proud of a
friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kanika got a bib the day before
the race and bravely weathered the heat and 13.1 miles to finish her very first
half marathon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Her guts and determination made me realize that the
day wasn’t too shabby!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A positive attitude at the right moment CAN
change a day.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The very best part of the Disney Half starts around
mile 8.5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You run by a lumber yard and their
sign out front read, “The time to quit is never.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This made me smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For me, this was the point of no return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even at my strongest I would not have been
able to get a decent (for me) time, let alone PR.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My self-fulfilling prophecy was coming to
pass, but the sign made me smile and remember to not give up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finishing 13.1 miles is pretty cool, so I went
a little faster. Then we got to the classic cars. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kudos to Disney for “dressing up” what could’ve
been the most BORING part of the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The cool cars, the lovely people offering high 5’s, these things
made.my.day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And then you’re running THROUGH Angel Stadium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will admit, I came out of that tunnel and
stifled a sob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt so small and so
HUGE at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so busy
smacking people’s hands and getting their good energy that I missed myself on
the Jumbotron.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This all led to a mid-race revelation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ioUL0s4XM0A/UiZaVDWN1MI/AAAAAAAAAb8/9cy9pbXNP7A/s1600/Run+3rd+disney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Heather, you may have started this race with a bad
attitude, but you don’t have to finish that way. You’re performing poorly, but
that doesn’t mean you have to behave poorly.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I finished the race smiling and happy and
accomplished. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZFKOzG7Kow/UiZaRyW1-EI/AAAAAAAAAbo/2BipLU9afPM/s1600/Disney+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ebHD6YVQI0U/UiZaR_YdHcI/AAAAAAAAAbs/LpWIKFQrbrg/s1600/Disney_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sq0u1ojJN_8/UiZaVWK5lpI/AAAAAAAAAcI/8k-UIUdeApg/s1600/Post+Half+Marathon_Disney+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sq0u1ojJN_8/UiZaVWK5lpI/AAAAAAAAAcI/8k-UIUdeApg/s320/Post+Half+Marathon_Disney+2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ioUL0s4XM0A/UiZaVDWN1MI/AAAAAAAAAb8/9cy9pbXNP7A/s1600/Run+3rd+disney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p59zjh-nS0s/UiZaXuDg3dI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/GDlbX--iZ38/s1600/Me+and+Steph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I ran a 10K on Saturday (finishing moments ahead of
Joey Fatone of NSync, I hope I can find a pic!) <u>and</u> a half marathon on Sunday.
That’s a pretty big deal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Go ME!<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All in all,
I wouldn’t trade my Disney experience (well, maybe my half marathon time alas….).
I love my friends and I learned lots of great things about myself and that’s
really the most important part, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-75992235659299440772013-07-25T09:03:00.003-07:002013-07-25T09:04:07.244-07:00Don't Provoke the Injured Runner<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m annoyed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh, and I’m in pain.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yesterday I couldn’t run. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seriously, it hurt. It hurts to walk. It hurts to sit. BLAH
BLAH BLAH. It HURTS.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now I’ve had some crappy, miserable runs before. I’ve even
had crappy miserable races (Surf City 2013, I’m lookin’ at you!) but I’ve NEVER
gone to Treadmill Class and not been able to at least ATTEMPT what the
instructor asked us to do.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yesterday, I walked. 3.6 for 45 minutes on a steadily
increasing incline.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hated every second of it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been exhausted to my core in this class. The
instructor has had me run at paces I will probably NEVER see on a sidewalk and
yesterday I almost quit on a 3.6.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I got off, she said, “Look, you’re here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every minute go up .5 incline until you get
to 10.” So I did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I hated it. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ditto on my left ROCKIN’ her workout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see it was difficult and she looked
awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Erica on my right, that chick
is superwoman. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Me. Walking.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5 years ago, if you had told me that not being able to run
would put me in a funk, I would have guffawed in your stupid face.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m not running the Summer Series 5K tonight and I’m really
worried about my weekend 7 miler.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I feel like I will DIE if I can’t run. But I’m in pain.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The back of my leg is constantly on fire. To the point where
I brought a pillow to work because it feels more comfortable to kneel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yesterday, someone saw me kneeling and jokingly asked me if
I was praying and in my head I screamed, “YES!!!! For my A$$ to stop hurting!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(It’s not really my butt, but from the bottom
of the left cheek to the middle of my hamstring.)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Running has become such a HUGE part of my identity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am miserable. It’s like someone took away
my favorite toy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The other day when I was at Treadmill Class, the instructor
was making me do a quarter mile at an 8:34 pace then rest 30 seconds and repeat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, this is fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My average comfortable pace is a 12:00 minute
mile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was miserable and told someone
that it was my idea of hell. Take something I love and make it impossible.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">NO, THIS is my idea of HELL.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take something I love
away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have a race in 6 weeks (actually 2 races, Thanks Disney!)
and I really want to do well. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t want to be injured or tired or in pain. I just want
to run.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will rest. I will stretch. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will foam roll. I will ice and I will
Biofreeze.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will continue to work out in other ways so as not to lose
all of my hard work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I gotta run.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I just gotta run.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ku3Ph1NYmkc/UfFMEbi-SYI/AAAAAAAAAaA/dBwnG-T2fpI/s1600/don't+provoke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ku3Ph1NYmkc/UfFMEbi-SYI/AAAAAAAAAaA/dBwnG-T2fpI/s320/don't+provoke.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
</div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-22390673899539279262013-07-15T16:53:00.000-07:002013-07-15T16:53:22.313-07:00Running for the Hills!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I was training for the marathon, I didn’t want to sign
up for a race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was worried that I
would be too exhausted. Then I won an entry to the Hollywood Half and then
someone talked me into San Francisco.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">San Francisco was a race I really wanted to do for a variety
of reasons.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was born there.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can run the full marathon, the first half of
the marathon or the second half of the marathon.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you run the first half you get to run over
the Golden Gate Bridge.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I signed up for the first half of the marathon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I signed up and made a plan to go visit my
Nonnie and run with some lovely folks from my gym!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While I was training, I found out something pretty
cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My beloved Nonno, who passed away
a few years ago, actually WALKED across the Golden Gate Bridge the day it
opened on <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May 27,1937.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I found out you could actually
customize your bib.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I did….<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfyON2mjqbw/UeSIwqoM0hI/AAAAAAAAAZI/vgq0ZTxOv-U/s1600/SF+Bib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfyON2mjqbw/UeSIwqoM0hI/AAAAAAAAAZI/vgq0ZTxOv-U/s320/SF+Bib.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was like he was running with me that day!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But first things first…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I drove from Southern California, stopping in Santa Cruz to
visit my friend Nichole and headed to Nonnie’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She and I had a fun-filled Friday! I took her to the doctor and our time
together consisted of deciding where, what and when we were going to eat next!
Love it! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On Saturday, I picked up my friends Jodi, Christy and Jodi’s
daughter Maddie at SFO and we went directly to the expo to grab our bibs and
race goodies. We did this so quickly. It’s funny how the more races you do, the
less time you spend at the expos and the fewer pictures you take!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We checked in to the hotel and made our way to Union Square
so we could visit Lululemon and the Niketown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You never know what you may need!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My dear friend is the General Manager of the Cheesecake
Factory in Union Square so I made arrangements for us to have dinner there….it
was delicious and perfect. Then we went back to the hotel to get much needed
rest for the next day.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Team #Run3rd was meeting at 4:15 the next morning….my wave
wasn’t until 6:30am and I didn’t want to get there so early…BUT I also didn’t
want to miss a meet up. Since our hotel was so close to the start line, I
decided to go down in my pajamas, say hello to my fellow Team Captains, take
pictures, then head back up to get race ready!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My plan worked! I met up with Lupe and new friend Amanda and
we talked for a bit while we waited for our fearless leader to arrive. Lupe is
a fantastically organized leader, even at four in the morning! She had her
#run3rd stickers, her signs and her positive attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not sure I was even fully awake and I
had left ALL my #run3rd stuff at home in So Cal –Thank goodness she was so
prepared! Thanks Lupe!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She also took WAY better pictures with her camera then my
camera took and was sweet enough to send them….I was thrilled to receive these
and see her around mile 1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s always
a fabulous cheerleader!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RkzJhcoxlvk/UeSIs8z5P4I/AAAAAAAAAZA/s3LjtCEJDqQ/s1600/Run3rdSFteam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RkzJhcoxlvk/UeSIs8z5P4I/AAAAAAAAAZA/s3LjtCEJDqQ/s320/Run3rdSFteam.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XMSIQ5LWvUM/UeSIqvfFMKI/AAAAAAAAAYw/yLNsZzssxCw/s1600/MeandSARun3rd+SF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XMSIQ5LWvUM/UeSIqvfFMKI/AAAAAAAAAYw/yLNsZzssxCw/s320/MeandSARun3rd+SF.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
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id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_i1027" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:197.25pt;
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o:title="Run3rdSFteam"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3"
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o:title="MeandSARun3rd SF"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am also in TOTAL AWE of how adorable Lupe is at 4am! Me? Not so much!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a little while, I had to go and get ready for my own
run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maddie and Jodi are speedier, so
they got ready first for their early wave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Christy and I took our time and snuck into Wave 6 instead of our real
wave 8!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Maddie and I were doing the first half, while Jodi and
Christy were rockin’ the FULL marathon!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I stood in the corral, I turned to look at the Bay Bridge
and managed to capture this:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:468.75pt;
height:263.25pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Heather\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image007.jpg"
o:title="SF Bay Bridge"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPwvlwUSphg/UeSIsbnVFaI/AAAAAAAAAY4/Raaci0aM6Jg/s1600/SF+Bay+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPwvlwUSphg/UeSIsbnVFaI/AAAAAAAAAY4/Raaci0aM6Jg/s320/SF+Bay+Bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not too shabby! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And we were off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
felt great for almost this entire race!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are some fun facts:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I used to work for Applebee’s restaurants as a
Corporate Trainer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Applebee’s just so
happened to be opening a new restaurant in Fisherman’s Wharf<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at this time and one of my best friends was
working there. As I ran by, I saw she had put a sign in the window that read “
<3 SB” SB is our nickname for one another, it means “Sexy B*!ch”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to take a picture but the sun and the
tinted windows made it come out poorly!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The morning was GORGEOUS! I took this picture
from Chrissy Field</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QC_5TP3R3As/UeSIyJup5xI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/OttpuqE1jY4/s1600/SF+Golden+Gate+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QC_5TP3R3As/UeSIyJup5xI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/OttpuqE1jY4/s320/SF+Golden+Gate+Bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t usually run with my phone, but I did
this time since I was finishing at a different place then some of my
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(My finish line was at the half
way mark of the marathon) So I decided to have fun and post to Facebook and
take some pictures.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My first facebook post was a poem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t escape the urge to pee….<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not even to mile 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Already stopping to pee<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then I got to the bridge. This was magical. It
was so cool running over and back that I didn’t even realize how far or how
fast I was going, I just enjoyed the moment, the music and the fact that I was
retracing my Nonno’s steps!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jzOSx2hnQJY/UeSI8SjRl2I/AAAAAAAAAZg/hZAynWWPfqM/s1600/GG+to+Marin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jzOSx2hnQJY/UeSI8SjRl2I/AAAAAAAAAZg/hZAynWWPfqM/s320/GG+to+Marin.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZgFGykQpVE/UeSIlk6xHWI/AAAAAAAAAYo/e-ccZVCxYA0/s1600/Marin+to+SF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZgFGykQpVE/UeSIlk6xHWI/AAAAAAAAAYo/e-ccZVCxYA0/s320/Marin+to+SF.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This was heading towards Marin; This was heading back into SF </span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then the hills came. I walked a bit on them, but
I kept a good pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This part of the
course is up up up with teeny downs in between.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You go up up up, then you go down just a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to quit so badly about mile 12 but I
kept moving….<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">AND THEN VICTORY! 12:03 pace, sub 2:40 finish… A
PR for me! Plus double medals since I did this one AND LA!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">8. When I got the email from the company that took the pictures I had to laugh because I was smiling in every.single.one! Even the ones where I didn't know there was a photog there! </span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This was such a wonderful race and I’m so glad my friends
talked me into it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may even sign up
for the back end next year (another special medal) and maybe the full the year
after (medal whore!!!!)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love to run, I loved this challenge and I can’t wait to
get back out there again! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlAyT513QKA/UeSI2vT5SHI/AAAAAAAAAZY/01_KKWuAz9M/s1600/Finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlAyT513QKA/UeSI2vT5SHI/AAAAAAAAAZY/01_KKWuAz9M/s320/Finished.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">NO EXCUSES, JUST MILES!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-3532381589242897942013-05-31T11:24:00.001-07:002013-05-31T11:26:00.355-07:00Marathons ARE a Spectator Sport!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I’ve decided that I’m going to stop calling myself slow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although my pace is not with the masses, I do my best and I finish. That being said, I’m usually at the back half of the pack. This means two things:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>I <u>always</u> have someone at the finish line.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>I don’t always get a moment to cheer on the people behind me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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When I finish, generally, we leave because everyone else has been hanging around.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve hung out at a couple of finish lines in my time, but mostly for 10k’s and 5k’s but standing there watching people run in after sacrificing their bodies for 26.2 miles was an incredible experience.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Let's start at the beginning:</div>
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Last weekend I went to the Mountains to Beach Marathon and Half Marathon to support my friends Cody and Neil who were running their first full and half respectively.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ditto and I left at 6:30am to head to Ventura. The race started at 6am and we had mapped a place that would put us at mile 21ish for the marathon (mile 8ish for the half) and it was walking distance to the finish (the last 5 miles were a “fish hook” shape).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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We had spent the evening before making posters and crew shirts!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Team Ditto was in FULL EFFECT!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cody, Neil, Ditto and I all love the TV show “How I Met Your Mother” so we used their NY Marathon episode as inspiration for signs and also re-used the signs Angela made for us for our marathon!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>We also cut up oranges into wedges and bought pretzels and water for runners.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>So, we go there and held up our signs and held out our snacks! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Watching the runners go by was so inspiring and I got so jealous!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to run. Ditto and I both wore running clothes in the hopes that the boys would need us to pace them to the end…but they stayed strong!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I LOVE to run. Some may even say I’m obsessed with it. But let me tell you something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is SOMETHING to watching. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Having people laugh out loud at our signs and stop and take pictures. (One guy told me my sign was so funny it was what would get him through the last 5 miles of the race!)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Seeing the passion in the eyes of the guy in the front…the guy who won this marathon did it in 2:35!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hearing a small child yell, “Go Mommy!” when they see their mom run on by.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Seeing the determination of someone who is struggling and just wants to finish.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Heading to the finish line and watching people make their dreams come true. I felt so privileged to be there to witness it.</div>
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Watching this FIRED ME UP! I cannot wait to stay strong, get stronger and meet more goals.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But I’m also excited to watch other people stay strong and meet their goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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AND I’m super proud of my friends!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cody and Neil- You guys are superstars! I totally have medal envy =D</div>
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Kathryn Switzer was right when she wrote<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ePP3NuyFepE/Uajn1Dzz8uI/AAAAAAAAAXg/NoGRSrdtnSg/s1600/Watch+a+marathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ePP3NuyFepE/Uajn1Dzz8uI/AAAAAAAAAXg/NoGRSrdtnSg/s1600/Watch+a+marathon.jpg" yya="true" /></a></span></div>
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And I believe her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But you know what else I believe? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<strong>If you lose faith in yourself, run. <o:p></o:p></strong></div>
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<strong>Any distance will do.<o:p></o:p></strong></div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-42072256929634423702013-05-09T08:36:00.000-07:002013-05-09T08:36:30.022-07:00The End of An Era (well, kind of...)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I feel a little bit ridiculous being this sad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I mean, it’s just a watch; a really big, fancy watch, but a watch nonetheless.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The thing is it was a gift to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was my award for losing 75 pounds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been quoted with saying “This watch changed my life.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My big, clunky, Garmin Forerunner 305. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It didn’t always work. I didn’t always remember to turn it on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I often forgot to download my runs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But me and my watch, we had a relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I didn’t always love my watch. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In fact, sometimes it would say a pace and I would be pissed off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why would my watch say I was running that slow? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Other times it would give me confidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like, “WHAT? I’m going fast!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They’re sending me a new one, and it will do the same thing. It will help me keep pace. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It will remind me to go faster or to slow down. It will tell me how much further I have to go or how much further I GET to go depending on the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But it won’t be my first watch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyone who goes out for a run is a runner, but there are certain milestones that people will tell you signified when they FELT like a real runner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes it’s crossing that first finish line.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes it’s the first time you realize there are photographers on the course and you make yourself presentable to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes it’s pinning that first bib or hitting that specific pace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For me, it was the first time I got a finish line photo back from a race and I wasn’t celebrating my victory, but pausing my Garmin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Because that’s what real runners do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-77886081747972490182013-04-18T14:51:00.004-07:002013-04-18T14:51:40.959-07:00Last Minute Races: A stRUNg out Confession<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Okay, I’ll admit it. After the marathon I was jubilant. I was proud. I was, let’s face it, a bit of a braggart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I ran an EFFING MARATHON people!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But, like every addict, there comes a point where you come down from the high. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I needed to know where my next fix was coming from.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I gave in and signed up for a half marathon this June, but that didn’t seem soon enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then through the magic of Social Media, the answer came to me in the form of a post.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was this picture:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></v:path><o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></o:lock></v:shapetype><img border="0" dua="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c-LErZyyVzA/UXBqOOGA7RI/AAAAAAAAAWU/qV1TNgbbT6E/s320/HHM_2013.jpg" width="320" /></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And this caption:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Waiting for Costco to open so I can get more cups”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last year I ran the inaugural Hollywood Half Marathon and when I was at Mile 7ish, they ran out of cups. On the whole course. The volunteers were awesome! They did their best. But, as the organizer of a race (albeit a VERY small one) I found this not awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had a couple of other kinks to work out as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This was all on top of the fact that this race was scheduled a mere 3 weeks after my first marathon. I didn’t know if I’d be broken or if I’d ever want to run again. (Turns out I was running 3 days after, who knew I was so resilient?)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I never signed up for the 2013 Hollywood Half.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I so LOVED this pic and the sense of humor at their own expense so I posted their pic on my Facebook page saying that their fun attitude made me want to sign up again if only money wasn’t so tight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then I got a sweet email and a discount from the race directors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A sweet enough discount that I could afford it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the meantime, I had signed up for a free entry in a contest…and I won that too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My friend Sue said she’d run with me and we registered on Tuesday…for the race on Saturday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yep, you read that right. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Four days before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Both Sue and I had done a full marathon less than 20 days prior and neither of us had run more than 5 miles at a time since.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Crazy?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Addicted?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Both?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ll let you be the judge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qrtYiefNKu8/UXBqMCehXAI/AAAAAAAAAWM/2-X3GAZwWDw/s1600/HHM+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qrtYiefNKu8/UXBqMCehXAI/AAAAAAAAAWM/2-X3GAZwWDw/s320/HHM+before.jpg" width="180" /></a>But as much as this blog is about my experiences with running and weight loss, it has also become about the friendships and community that comes with becoming a runner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In light of the events in Boston this past Monday, I want to focus on a couple of key points in this story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Runners have a sense of humor about themselves and their sport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before becoming a runner, I thought it was so serious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spending all that time alone has to make someone seriously introspective and can’t be any fun, but go to any race and you’ll see people in funny t-shirts (usually poking fun at themselves!), hilarious signs and a general sense of a good time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Runners are all inclusive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We come in all shapes, sizes, genders, colors, religions, sexual orientations, etc. etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we have an idea of what a runner “looks like”. I certainly don’t look like that, but it doesn’t matter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For runners the size of your heart is FAR more important than the size of your ass.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Runners are generous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Look at Ken from Superhero Events. His CAREER is to put on races and raise money for OTHER people. He has a young family and has to provide for them, but he had no problem giving away registrations to his race for deserving people and helping someone who couldn’t afford to pay the registration out!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That generosity of spirit is rampant in the running community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Runners are tenacious<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We’ll do anything to get a good run in. Including register for a race 4 days before. AND finish regardless of how crappy we feel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Runners are a little bit cuckoo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We do things that most people find odd. Like run. ALL.THE.TIME.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The simple truth is I did not have a great race at the Hollywood Half. I stopped to pee THREE TIMES! (Twice before MILE 5!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My time was 2:55:55 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I ran well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had negative splits (ran the second half of the race faster than the first!).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I ran 5 minutes faster than the 2012 Hollywood Half.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">AND I got to see some Team Captains before the race!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I missed the main meet up by about 15 minutes-stupid LA Freeway Road Construction!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xIQ3WR3rJtY/UXBqHkFqSrI/AAAAAAAAAWE/24KzvAcr04E/s1600/HHM+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xIQ3WR3rJtY/UXBqHkFqSrI/AAAAAAAAAWE/24KzvAcr04E/s320/HHM+after.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Running this race may not have been my brightest idea, but I NEVER EVER regret a run.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Running is an addiction and although I’m sure part of that is chemical. A lot of it is emotional. After the events on Monday, we felt our community band together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through the fear and the anger we found one another. I respect all runners because I know first-hand the dedication and commitment it takes to be one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ache for the bystanders who were hurt and killed because my mom and my friends are often at finish lines waiting for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I literally thought to myself, “OH NO, YOU DID NOT JUST MESS WITH MY PEOPLE”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Because runners are MY people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And if I’m addicted to something, I’m glad it’s the feeling of being healthy, the joy of accomplishment and the camaraderie of a race.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s the kind of addiction, I’m okay having.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-71107155091528650842013-04-16T10:26:00.001-07:002013-04-16T10:26:05.398-07:00The Voice In My Head<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have a voice inside my head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No, I’m not crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hear it when I run.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It says:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Relax your shoulders, Heather”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You got this, Heather<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is the voice in my head that makes me a better runner. The advice and training that have helped me PR more than once.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This voice makes me believe I can do things I never thought I could do, like get faster and run a marathon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s the voice of my hero.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the voice of my running guru. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s the voice of my friend:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My friend who ran and finished the Boston Marathon yesterday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What happened in Boston yesterday was a tragedy in so many ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">People were murdered and injured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some people were denied their dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And some people got to fulfill their dreams but have that overshadowed by an act of terrorism.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My friend has been running for a long time, but this was her first trip to Boston, the Super Bowl of foot races.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This weekend she sent me text messages from Boston with pictures of her with Olympian Meb Keflezighi and telling me much she loved the city of Boston.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She posted pictures of herself at the expo and we all tracked her during her run on Marathon Monday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She ran so strong!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finishing in just 3:35!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She is AWESOME…and she is safe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And for that I know we are all grateful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I went for a run on the treadmill last night. It’s the class she normally teaches where we do speedwork. We’ve been working on getting me to a faster base pace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She wasn’t there, but she kind of was. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She was in my head as I ran intervals at 6.0.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Relax Your Shoulders, Heather”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She was in my head as I watched the Boston coverage on CNN on the treadmill TV.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You got this, Heather”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And when someone told me they got a picture of her enjoying a glass of celebration champagne as she was sequestered in her hotel in Boston I cried.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I cried for those who died and were injured.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I cried for the runners who didn’t get to finish their race.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I cried for those who, like Jodi, did finish but their celebrations were short-lived.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I cried for my friend who found a way to celebrate this amazing accomplishment even in these horrible circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But even though I felt sad, if there is one thing I've gained since becoming a runner, it’s the ability to hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hope</i></b> that they find the people who perpetrated this heinous crime.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hope</i></b> that the people of Boston can heal swiftly.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hope</i></b> for those who were affected by this because the net was widely cast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hope</i></b> someday I can run Heartbreak Hill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But most of all I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hope</i></b> my friend realizes what an inspiration she is to so many of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hope she knows how proud we all are to know her and to have followed her journey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And I <strong><em>HOPE </em></strong>she is <strong><em>PROUD </em></strong>and still feels the <strong><em>JOY</em></strong> that only going for a really great run can bring.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>I hope.</em></strong></span></div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-78145063877041495612013-03-26T15:54:00.000-07:002013-03-26T15:54:20.592-07:00Crashing From the High...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I decided to run a marathon, I sought out lots of advice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I talked about it ALL.THE.TIME.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I mean Team Ditto (it wasn't just me) could clear a room with their talk of Shot Blocks, pace, compression socks,etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I learned a lot about discipline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About what fuels my body needs to be the most efficient.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I learned which socks ensured I had toenails at the end of a race and how NOT to tape up my toes to avoid blisters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I learned that my willingness to try and can do attitude can be infectious and even inspiring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I kind of fell in love with myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a good way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">People told me that this would be a life-changing experience. And it is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My life is changed. I’m one of .5% of Americans who have run a marathon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And I have been HIGH on that fact.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But now I’m coming back down to earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t have a race scheduled until the end of August. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And I’m all like, “What’s next! What’s next?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m REALLY enjoying my shorter, easier runs but I want to go EVERY DAY now rather than 3-4 times a week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">AND I’m totally unmotivated to do anything else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Work, meh?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">School, meh?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Other obligations, meh?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I just want to run so I can keep feeling the high.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The reason my blog is called “stRUNg out” is because I am an addict.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s all I think about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It gives me so much, but this is the first time I’ve come off a race and crashed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It may have taken a few days, but now what do I do?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If I’m not the crazy girl signed up for a gabillion races, who am I?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Is it time to start thinking about new goals, new races, new distances?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Maybe it is…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So for now I’m going to stick to trying to get faster. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’d like to break 2:30 in a half marathon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s 11:27 per mile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s more than one minute per mile LESS than I’m doing now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So where will I do it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m thinking I left my heart in San Francisco….may as well run through and look for it.</span></div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-72870170642972062492013-03-21T15:06:00.000-07:002013-03-21T15:06:57.902-07:00Finding My Joy Part 2: LA MARATHON<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Begin at the beginning..."</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1WbLueoNCE/UUtCR53KkhI/AAAAAAAAATY/afzl2XDH7V0/s1600/lamarathon2013_1348334241_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1WbLueoNCE/UUtCR53KkhI/AAAAAAAAATY/afzl2XDH7V0/s1600/lamarathon2013_1348334241_600.jpg" ssa="true" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m having a really rough time writing this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just have SO many emotions regarding finishing my first full marathon that I’m not sure where to start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, I apologize for the length of this post, but I feel like I have to listen to the King from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Alice in Wonderland </i>and “Begin at the beginning…and go on until I come to the end: then stop”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Funnily enough, that’s just what we do when we run…we go until we come to the end…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Decisions<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m not sure when I decided I was truly going to do a marathon. Apparently, I’m the catalyst for my friends signing up. (I remember this as a group decision, but I’m sure that’s not the case.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wrote a blog somewhere in the first year of my journey to lose weight and one of the goals was:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I want to run a marathon (in theory)”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When that turned in to a reality, I’m not entirely sure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But it did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ditto and I decided we would sign up for the LA Marathon. It’s one of the premier marathons in the US and it showcases Los Angeles and the cities beautifully with its “Stadium to the Sea” course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The race begins at Dodger Stadium runs through famous cities and landmarks like Hollywood Blvd., The Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive and ends at the Beach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, when registration opened in October of last year we signed up and committed to a training plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very soon the third member of Team Ditto, Sue, joined us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Training<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had some rough runs that I documented in some pretty frank blog posts, but overall I loved training. There were a couple of days where I was 100% positive I was going to be picked up by the sweepers for going too slow. But my team raised me up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met, we ran, we talked about nutrition and how we were feeling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You spend a lot of time with your training partners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t run at the same pace as Ditto and Sue, but they always waited for me at the end. They would have snacks after the long runs and be stretching. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We trained for about 3 months. We sacrificed going out on Saturday nights. We woke up early on weekends. We spent time on mapmyrun.com like it was our job. We researched the right supplements and sought advice from friends! (Thanks JOEL!!!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You build a bond with people that only those with a like experience can understand. It’s pretty powerful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>Team Ditto: Heather S., Heather K. and Sue</o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Almost Famous<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Around this time I also answered an email I received from the folks at the LA Marathon (LAM).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wanted to know my marathon story. This email goes out to every runner, but I decided to answer it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrote my weight loss story. I wrote about the sense of accomplishment, confidence and pride that running has given me. I wrote about friendships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And they picked me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My story was made into a one-page sheet complete with pictures and sent out in the press packets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few weeks before the story was picked up by the local TV channel that was also airing the marathon (and any other channels that aired it) and the Daily News.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I feel honored to have a living record of this moment in my life…and super proud too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">(Here's the link to the online news article: <a href="http://www.dailybulletin.com/breakingnews/ci_22811634/they-ran-2013-l-marathon-heather-stewart-santa?source=email">http://www.dailybulletin.com/breakingnews/ci_22811634/they-ran-2013-l-marathon-heather-stewart-santa?source=email</a></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pre-Marathon Days<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And then suddenly it was here:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marathon week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which also happened to coincide Grad School Finals week, yeah…I wasn’t busy or anything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I couldn’t concentrate on work or pretty much anything else. I compared it to falling in love. It was ALL I could think about. I was writing “LAM” surrounded by a heart in my Trapper Keeper. ;)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The LAM’s title sponsor is Asics, so when they chose me to be interviewed on camera they offered me shoes and asked me to wear them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did so, happily, but they weren’t the right shoes for my feet. (To be clear, Asics are awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just don’t wear a new pair of shoes that you have not been fitted for a mere two weeks before your first full marathon.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I got broken. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had some form a small tear or strain in the tendons on my right foot, plus I was having severe pain in my left bun (aka pirformis?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During this time, I sought a lot of advice, though none from a physician.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">(I DO NOT CONDONE THIS!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was terrified that a doctor would tell me not to run. I trained too hard and too long and decided (for myself) that I would go to the doctor on March 18<sup>th</sup> if I needed to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was lucky. I found a couple of great chiropractors, one who helped my body be relaxed and more prepared for the race and another who focused on getting my foot back in working order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I made it through the crazy week and got my foot taped up on Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had NO pain in my foot since I did this. There is power in taking care of your body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I made it through my Saturday morning class and Ditto and Sue picked me up and we were on our way…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bib Pick Up and Expo<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For those of you who know me, you know how organized I can be. I have lists for my lists.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course I made a list for this race. I had to pack everything on Friday night and get it to Sue since they were picking me up straight from school.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I was so sure of my obsession with having little everything I forgot a couple key items.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My sports bra<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My dry wick hat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My running belt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Runners know you train in what you’re going to wear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I probably ran about 40 miles in full marathon outfit and now I was missing some KEY components.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I didn’t even realize they were all gone at the same time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The bra was first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a sick, sinking feeling during school, so the first thing I did in the hotel room was look for it….it’s not there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decide I’ll find something at the Expo and then vaguely remember there is a Target close to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s where I get all my sports bras…CRISIS AVERTED!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-47w6fp2zLDc/UUtGNKQ7AbI/AAAAAAAAATo/y2zf8ow01IA/s320/expo.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We arrive at the expo, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">pick up our bibs and start shopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all want something to commemorate so we pick up some cute tee-shirts and at the register they tell us, “Everything having to do with the marathon is 30% off.” SCORE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then as we’re leaving we overhear, “Okay guys, we’re going to 50% off.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">UHHHH, WHAT?! We decided to go back through at the end and buy more (maybe it would get to 70% off?)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Moral of that story…go to the expo LATE!<o:p></o:p></span> <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7atwGc0UWwg/UUtGj6ho7YI/AAAAAAAAATw/JwsC27I21Uc/s1600/Sue's+Bib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7atwGc0UWwg/UUtGj6ho7YI/AAAAAAAAATw/JwsC27I21Uc/s200/Sue's+Bib.jpg" ssa="true" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we’re walking through the expo, I see the stand for Flip Belts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are great items, if you run they’re great for men and women and I love mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that’s when it occurs to me that I don’t have mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, I’ll just buy one. I decide to get a different color than the one I have at home, at least now I have a variety!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We go back through the Asics area, spend more money and make our way back to the hotel via Target to get my new bra!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we walked back into the hotel room I realized I didn’t have my hat either. I wear a Nike brand ball cap when I run to keep the sun off my face and the sweat out of my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily, I saw a Ladies Foot Locker in the mall attached to our hotel. I went straight down and lo and behold, the last white hat (a color I don’t have yet) was available.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, I spent more money than anticipated, but I got what I needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was as ready as I’ll ever be!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Race Day: Before the Race<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our mantra all weekend was, “It’s just another race.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We’ve all run so much in the past year, if we could just get past the distance and look at it as just another race, we felt comfortable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But telling yourself that and believing it isn’t the same thing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think we all knew something bigger was happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a big deal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we got onto the crowded Shuttle Bus I said to my friends, “I can’t believe I let you b_ _ _ _es talk me into this!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That broke the morning nervous tension.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both laughed at me OUT LOUD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ditto said, “Excuse me, but I think it’s the other way around!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It probably was, but it was fun to say.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We arrived at Dodger Stadium, found bag check, situated ourselves and got in the long bathroom line.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then we headed to our corral!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was so cool to stand there with 24, 000 runners, listening to the National Anthem and then Randy Newman’s “I Love LA” over and over again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we moved forward in the corrals, we made jokes, took a little video and gave one another hugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew once we went over the start line, I wouldn’t see them for another 6 hours or so. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And we were off….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">THE RACE<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The LAM is a wonderful tribute to the diversity and beauty of Los Angeles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I ran out of Dodger Stadium and into Chinatown, I really felt proud to be an Angeleno.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though I live about 35 miles north of the city, I can honestly say that LA is my hometown and I was thrilled to be running in it with my fellow runners.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is the first time I ran a race with a phone, but I wanted to be able to keep in contact with Ditto and Sue if needed and be able to figure out where my peeps on the course were.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I ran through Chinatown and Downtown LA, past the diverse architecture like the Disney Music Hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was running at a great pace and feeling awesome. I made sure I took water at every table and I yelled, “Thanks Volunteers” every time I ran by them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I loved seeing the sites of LA but also the people who came out to cheer, watch or help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People stood on their front lawns handing out pretzels and orange slices. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Strangers read your bib and encouraged runners personally! It was awesome!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Around Echo Park, I tried to find my sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it was difficult because I wasn’t sure when I’d be there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We texted back and forth but it just didn’t work out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, she told me how proud she was of me and called my mom and said, “This is all so exciting!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m glad she caught a little bit of the spirit!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At Mile 7, I couldn’t ignore nature any longer. This is ALWAYS where I have to pee. So I found a bathroom line and got in it…for 10 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Around this time I got a text from my friend Christine, she was only about a mile away!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I turned the corner and saw the sign for the Autozone in the SilverLake neighborhood I began looking for my friends Christine and Niko and there they were! I started smiling and waving my arms and I ran to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so happy to have cheerleaders on the course. It was so wonderful to see them and feel their support!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hung out for about 90 seconds taking a picture and letting Christine take some as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Me, Christine and Niko around Mile 7.5</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And I was off again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was still feeling good. Walking through water tables and some of the hills (they weren’t enormous, but it helps me keep pace) and flying down the hills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to Hollywood (Miles 10-12) and tried to find Sue’s hubby but alas, I missed them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No biggie… I just kept right on running.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meanwhile, I was getting texts from people who saw my segment on TV and other well wishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so fantastic!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">About mile 15, I started to slow down and then I got a text from my friend, Adam. Adam and I worked together for about 5 months back in 2010, but we clicked. We have hung out a couple of times, but kept in touch through Social Media…encouraging one another along the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He is now a manager at the L’Emeritage Hotel in Beverly Hills (swanky!) and the LAM runs right by it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me where he’d be and it gave me something to be excited about!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I could see Adam in the distance and start waving my arms to get his attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran up to him and gave him a sweaty hug and he says the 3 most perfect words: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You.Look.Beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seriously, is there anything better than hearing that at Mile 16.5 of a marathon?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And even cooler?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked with me for about .2 miles, in a suit and tie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People ran by and said, “Dude, are you running in that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I loved seeing him and it was exactly the boost I needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What was awesome was where my friends were along the course.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They chose later miles because they knew that’s where we would need the support the most and it worked!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I texted my mom and asked where she was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She said, “Mile 18 arch, left side.” So I was off again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What was great about these miles was running down Rodeo Drive and seeing the messages of support that people had texted me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Asics had a way for people to leave you a message and it was connected to the timing chip in your bib so when you went over a pad on the street your messages came up!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was here that I heard the first “Go Team Ditto” cheer from a stranger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A teeny part of me wishes my name was on my bib and not the back of my shirt BUT…I loved that they had probably cheered for Sue and Ditto as they ran by too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made me feel like I was running with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I approached the arch, I started looking to the left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom had come down with my friends Angela, Joel and their little one, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Izzy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joel had been our “Marathon God” during training, offering us tips and tricks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All of a sudden I heard my name and there was Joel and Izzy, I stopped to hug them and he said, “Keep going! Up there!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At this point, I could see my mom, but she couldn’t see me…again I started waving my arms…she saw me, yelled to Angela and was beaming! It was so cool! As I got closer I realized she was holding a sign…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. My Mom is Fantastic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2. This Sign is Fantastic</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3. I look FANTASTIC for Mile 18!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She apparently insisted on holding this one! I love what a good sport she is!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said my “Hellos” and gave my hugs and took some pictures and then my mom walked about a hundred yards with me before I gave her another kiss and hit the road.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Only two more miles and I would meet Team Ditto’s Support Crew. As you know, I call my RBF (Running Best Friend), Heather, Ditto since we have the same name. We decided to put Team Ditto on our bibs and when Sue signed up so did she! So we became Team Ditto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ditto’s hubby and our friend Neil came out to cheer us on at Mile 20 complete with oranges, pretzels and BEER!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I got to them, had some snacks and Cody, Ditto’s husband, asked how I felt and I said, “Tired, like I’ve just run 20 miles, but good.”</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Team Ditto Support Crew: Cody and Neil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then I got on my way again…they told me that our friends Ryan (the girl) and Vinson and the kids were in the next couple of miles and my friend Jan was volunteering at a water table at Mile 22, so I had more to look forward to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I tried to look for Ryan and Vinson along the way but didn’t see them. I went up the last big hill in the Veteran’s Administration and ran out into Brentwood hoping to see them sooner rather than later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I passed Mile 21 and the water table there….nothing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I passed Mile 22 and the water table there…No Jan, No Ryan, No Vinson, No kids.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I started to think I had missed them and then out of the corner of my eye I see my name on a sign… I do a double take and there they are… I was so happy I almost started to cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p>Ryan caught all three of us by surprise and made us all so happy! PLUS, she took awesome pictures!</o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I also had some momentum…So I simply hugged and kissed all of them as I went passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just couldn’t stop because there was Mile 23 and that meant only 3.2 miles left. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At this point, I had never run this far. In training we only got to 20 miles. I thought I would get emotional, but it seemed really normal. The last few miles I was eerily calm, albeit slow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My body was feeling the strain of the distance I had gone and the length of time I had been out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But suddenly I was at Mile 24. I decided to take out one ear bud at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to hear the finish line and feel the crowd even more than I already had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to check my phone one more time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was a text from my Mom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“How are you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I sent back, “Good, Mile 24”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And she sent back, “I’m at the finish line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ocean and Washington on your left.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think I started to go a little faster at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t know she would be there too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The LAM ends in Santa Monica and the last ¾ of a mile are on Ocean Avenue. You can see the finish line in the distance. It’s so cool because people are out cheering and offering high fives. They read your bib and yell for you personally. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m so glad I took one earbud out so I could enjoy the energy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right as I was coming up on Washington, “We Come Running” by Youngblood Hawke came onto my iPod.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so fitting I turned it up and as I did I saw my Mom, Angela and Izzy again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were screaming and cheering and I yelled, “I love you guys!” as I picked up the pace a little bit more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I could taste the finish line and suddenly there it was; that fire I get at every finish line that says SPRINT and I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I flew through the finish line like I was on a mission.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I did it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">6 hours, 9<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>minutes, 25 seconds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I kept thinking I was going to lose it and become emotional, but I was okay. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I got my medal, my mylar and some snacks and water. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I made my way to gear check and had a message from Ditto, “We’re at the end of Gear Check.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I picked up my bag and turned around. I could see the end of Gear Check. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was Ditto, back to me, sitting on the ground changing her shoes. Sue was standing up facing me. We made eye contact and I lost it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next thing you know we’re all crying and hugging and smiling and laughing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was awesome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Everyone I talked to said this would be a “Life Changing Experience” and I knew it. But it wasn’t when I crossed the finish line that it changed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My life has slowly been changing since October when I hit the “submit” button on my online registration form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every day, every mile a little bit of me became stronger, more confident and more joyful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My life <u>is</u> changed. I’m part of the .5% of Americans who have completed a marathon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And I will do it again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why wouldn’t I, when this is how I feel when I run?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> (For those of you who don't know, I posted the picture of the little girl on roller skates in my blog, "Finding My Joy". After the marathon I made her my profile picture on Facebook, because that's how I felt. The next day, my friend Christine sent me this split screen. She took this picture at Mile 7...I was feeling the joy then and I still feel it now!!!)</span></o:p></div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had #Run3rd on my back and your dedications in my pocket when I rocked the LA Marathon on St. Patrick's Day 2013!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It’s just another race!” Sue, 5:18:51<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Uh, excuse me? Who talked <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">who</b> into this?” Ditto, 5:33:54<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I found my joy!” Heather, 6:09:25<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681486443286912876.post-70387389901848015012013-03-07T13:02:00.001-08:002013-03-08T10:38:42.817-08:00Chasing Sunsets<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of my favorite movies is Cameron Crowe’s “Elizabethtown”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In it, Orlando Bloom’s character, Drew, is a shoe designer and his highly anticipated shoe flops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like losing the company billions of dollars worth of a flop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After his failure, Drew decides to commit suicide, but just as he’s about to do it he gets a phone call that his dad has passed away while visiting family in Kentucky.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He goes to Kentucky to sort everything out and begins to realize that even though he has been at the center of a fiasco in his professional life, that doesn’t make him a failure.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HLpCYJEHgE4/UTj8vw5NBQI/AAAAAAAAATA/Kd54YTMjHxQ/s1600/elizabethtown_poster1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" jsa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HLpCYJEHgE4/UTj8vw5NBQI/AAAAAAAAATA/Kd54YTMjHxQ/s200/elizabethtown_poster1.jpg" width="145" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first time I saw this movie, I thought, “This is about how you measure your success in life.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then I spent a lot of time thinking about how I measured my success and even though I was successful in many important ways, family, friends, happiness, I still felt unsuccessful. So I kept waiting to be a success.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think we all spend a lot of time waiting to be successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Waiting to reach a goal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s healthy to be goal-oriented, but what I also notice is the waiting…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We’re constantly waiting to:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hit the specific weight<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fit in the certain size<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you ever said to yourself, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“When I lose the weight I’m going to <strong><insert awesome goal here that can’t possibly be attempted until you are XX amount of pounds lighter></strong>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>But not anymore.<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my life, there is no finish line. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are a million finish lines.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m a long way from my dream weight or dream size, but I’m not going to let it stop me from fulfilling my dreams.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m not going to wait <em><strong>“until”.<o:p></o:p></strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m going to do things NOW.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will do them at this weight and at this size and realize that the feeling of accomplishment and success is even sweeter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m going to measure my success not by the things I’ve failed at, but by the things I’ve accomplished.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">By the races I’ve finished, not the ones I’ve lost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">By the pounds I’ve lost not the ones that hang around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">By the clothes that are too loose, not the ones that still don’t fit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Trying to reach a goal means maintaining forward motion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re on a treadmill and you turn around to see what’s behind you, there’s a good chance you’re gonna fall off. So you have to keep looking forward. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So as you’re moving forward, what can you do NOW?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At this weight? </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At this size?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ANYTHING!</span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can do just about anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Don’t wait <em>“until”</em> or you may never get there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You have measure your success by your ability to hit dozens of milestones and goals all the time rather than not getting to the ONE big one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You have to celebrate every victory in your journey. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You have to have the courage to do the things you want to do, the things you dream of doing, now rather than later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s kind of like chasing sunsets. You may never get it, but every beautiful orange and purple sky is a gift. It’s that WIN that tells you that you made it through another day on your way to being the best you possible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I'm going to measure my success not by my ability to catch a sunset, but my ability to enjoy it.</span></div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06969664051534782198noreply@blogger.com0