Xavierism

Like a Damn Cat in the Rain...

Temecula Valley Half Marathon - Jan. 21st, 2012

Back-to-Back-to-Back Races

For those of you that read my blog know that I ran Back to Back to Back races these past three weekends:

*January 7th: The Southern California Half Marathon

*January 15th: PF Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon

*January 21st: The Temecula Valley Half Marathon

3 Half Marathons in 3 weeks. Crazy, eh? Probably. Crazy because I didn't share with many friends and acquaintances about the 3rd race.  I wasn't planning on running the Rock 'n' Roll race. The plan was to rest up and train for the Temecula race but plans changed. I met my expectations and goals with the first two races. The race that meant the most to me was the Temecula race...the race that I simply gave up at Mile 5. I didn't dress accordingly and allowed the wet and cold weather to get the best of me. I am happy I did run that last race. It was such a beautiful course. I've been to Temecula before but never spent time around the wineries. Next year I plan to stick with the sentimental Irvine race and the Temecula race.

Running has helped all aspects of my Life. The self therapy during long runs is by far the most satisfying. I have learned to be my own best friend and therapist during the quiet miles. I no longer run in circles. Will I ever run Back to Back to Back Races again? Hell to the NO -- Praise!

Temecula Valley Half Marathon

 

***Random Play

*Will Young: The Hits

*Taylor Dayne: Naked Without You

*The Script: Science & Faith

*Amanda Marshall: Everybody's Got A Story

*Matchbox Twenty: Exile On Mainstream

*Jennifer Knapp: The Way I Am

So happy to be home writing this update from the comfort of my desk and a steaming cup of hot coffee. The few days away on this business trip was a bit rough. I took part in the inaugural Temecula Valley Half Marathon while I was there. I was so excited about this race when I first read about it. The excitement left me moments before the race. It was a rainy, windy & cold race. I loved the course just dreaded the cold. Even though I had the proper clothes for the race, I went against my better judgement and went with shorts and shirt along with a rain poncho. I sat in the car minutes before the race dreading the cold. I did wear the sweatshirt I had on while I drove to this race...so that did keep me warm.

Once I started the race I actually felt good. By Mile 5 I was wet, cold & bitchy...I was over it. I just wanted to head for the nearest Starbucks. I probably would have done just that but this course was in the middle of beautiful wineries in Temecula. I decided to run easy and enjoy the view. I walked most of Miles 9-12. Course was amazing. It was sad to see the grapes were ruined due to the recent harsh cold temps/weather. I orginally set a goal to PR at this race - instead this was my slowest time: 2:50:11.3. Oy vey! I do have a beautiful medal & an awesome tech t-shirt, bag & cap. 

Overall, I loved this course. Congratulations to Karen Barnett & Richard Iddings for a great job with this race. Volunteers & fans were incredible.  I fell in love with Monte de Oro Winery, one of the sponsors. This race actually started and ended at thier winery. Great wines! I will definitely be back in 2013 for this race. Congrats to all the runners that took part in this race as well. Last time I will ever do 3 races within three consecutive weekends but thankful that my health allows me to consider doing such a task. I'm blessed...truly blessed!

Current Music: Matchbox Twenty's Push

Current Mood: Relaxed

***Added Notes: Now that it's days after the half marathon, I feel so guilty for letting myself down and giving up during this race. It's too late now...and there is nothing I can do now. I'm actually looking forward to the next race next month to prove to myself that I can PR! Let's do it!!!

2012 PF Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon

 

Official Time: 2:32:40

It's after Midnight and I'm enjoying a quiet night here at home. Birdies are all asleep. I enjoyed every moment of Sunday. Last year was my first full year of running and I dived into many awesome races. I avoided last year's RnR Arizona race because I didn't feel quite ready to run among friends. Insecurities does a funny thing to one's confidence. So I trained with my running group and at the last moment I informed them that I would be running the 2011 Southern California Half Marathon in Irvine, California. Because it was my first race, it's my sentimental favorite. I enjoyed every moment of the 2012 SCHM last weekend.

 I finally felt I was ready to take part in RnR Arizona this year. I'm so happy that I did. I didn't do quite as well as last weekend but the cloudy was perfect, loved the course and enjoyed sharing this race with good friends and members of my running group.

My official time today was 2:32:40. I was almost 3 minutes behind last week's time. I really wanted to finish before 2:30 but I'm proud of today's results. I know I can improve now that I have the confidence of two good races. I'm so looking forward to the rest of 2012!

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Santana featuring Michelle Branch - 'The Game of Love'

Current Mood: Wide awake, Well rested, Blessed & Thirsty

Someone Give Me An Amen!

I'm ready to rawk this weekend! #RnRAZ #RunXavierRun #PFChangHalfMarathon

2012 Southern California Half Marathon

***Random Play

*Will Young: Echoes

*Tina Arena: Greatest Hits 1994-2004

*Keane: Under The Iron Sea

*Natalie Merchant: Retrospective 1995-2005

*Alana Davis: Fortune Cookies

*Texas: The Greatest Hits

I'm actually excited to write an update about my run at the Southern California Half Marathon in Irvine, California this past Saturday. I am not a fast runner. I run these events to help me stay fit and focused. When I keep up with my training, the running seems to come easy. Easy running means that I can mentally wonder during runs and spend moments with God. Love when I start out a run and before I know it, I am close to the end of my route.

Prior to this Half Marathon, my performances haven't been worth sharing. I ran my best times at last year's Southern California Half Marathon and at IMS Arizona Half Marathon last February. Going into this race, I didn't set any goals whatsoever. It seemed that when I did set goals, I always came up short and far slower than I could have imagined. I felt prepared for the Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay and had my slowest time ever (2:43). I waited far too long to break in a new pair of shoes so I wasn't shure which pair use. I didn't decide till the Friday morning before we headed out for the trip. My legs and calves had been bothering me so I didn't run as much last week. I made shure to use the foam roller every free moment I had. My best friend was Mineral Ice during the last two weeks of training. So you get the mental picture...I wasn't expecting or hoping for much. My goal deep down was to finish within 2:30. If not that then I wanted to finish before 2:36.

I actually slept well the night before this race. I woke up ready to run. My legs and calves didn't feel sore. I did make shure to stretch a bit and massage my thighs/calves. At the Start Line, I told myself to Run & Enjoy. Once the race started, I made shure not to look at my Nike+ watch till about Mile 2. First three miles are always the hardest for me. If I can hold on for my second wind, then I knew I'd be OK. By Mile 5 I knew my time was slower than expected so I had to keep the pace a little quicker if possible. I set my eyes for a pace maker and made shure to stick close to him. By Mile 10 I realized I had made up quite a bit of time and had 35 minutes left to run the last 3.1 miles. Just like in the movies, this was it. This was my moment to finish and prove to myself that I can do this. For once in a race, I was eager to pick up the pace and finish strong. I passed my pacer took off. By Mile 12, I stopped for a few seconds to take in the moment and accept the challenge to cross the Finish Line within 13 minutes. I ran hard. I turned the corner and noticed the Finish Line was about 50 yards away. I ran as fast as I could. Whew! I am proud to share that I finished in 2:29:24. This was the first time ever in a race that I didn't stop and walk other than at water stations. My legs and calves never hurt throughout this race. I was so proud of myself for actually reaching a goal during a time I didn't believe in myself. I learned a huge lesson: I gotta believe & just do it!

I feel this was a perfect way to start off 2012. I know I can improve as a runner but know that outside of running, I can accomplish my goals by believing in myself. Bring on 2012!

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Alana Davis' I Want You

Current Mood: Thrilled & Blessed

Welcome 2012!

Enjoyed the first day of 2012.

 

*Enjoyed a lazy late morning in bed.

*Spent the day with Rodan

*We met up with a friend at Lux Central

*Attended Mass

*Enjoyed a late afternoon run

*Chilled on the couch with our cockatoos

A Perfect way to start off the New Year!

****CHEERS!****

Happy New Year!

 

May your World be filled with Love, Joy, Health & Wealth,  a touch of added empathy towards others and an abundance of Happiness. Wishin' you a wonderful 2012. Happy New Year!

*****CHEERS!*****