Xavierism

Downtown Phoenix Run

Along 1st Avenue of Downtown Phoenix at 5:30am

***Random Play

*John Mayer: Continuum

*Rosie Gaines: Closer Than Close

*Nadine Zahr: Underneath The Everyday

*Sade: Soldier of Love

*Jennifer Knapp: Lay It Down

*Edwin McCain: Scream & Whisper

It's so good to finally be home. It's been a long day. I woke up earlier than expected so I enjoyed a great session of meditation & coffee at 4am. I was ready to head out for my run at 4:45am.

My running has improved but I believe my left heel is getting worse. I am doing everything I am supposed to do and still having problems. I even changed shoes. The left foot feels good in new shoe but the right ankle aches a bit while I run. Frustrating because I've really kicked up a notch and I'm having issues. I spoke to a friend that I trust so I hope to have answers and suggestions soon.

When I first started running, I would drive over to a location to begin my walk. I would drive a quarter mile up the road so I could start my run along the canal. Now I just run past that corner of the canal often. I'm only about 4 miles from Downtown Phoenix and have never ran down the early morning streets of the local Metropolis. That all changed this morning. I decided to just run down and enjoy a great run. To avoid crossing a major intersection of IH-10, I decided to cross at 5th Avenue by the Tunnel. I had my music on low and I could hear the joyful sounds from the birds and the busy traffic from the freeway. I was actually running through downtown. I ran past the downtown YMCA. I could see those on the treadmills and steppers and reminded myself that I used those same machines just two years ago.

I am getting bolder and more comfortable with my running. Running has given me confidence. Confidence that has helped in all aspects of my Life. I'm am thankful I took up running again after 14 years.

*****CHEERS!****

Current Music: Nadine Zahr's Wait

Current Mood: Chill Chill!

Kylie & Ella: A True Love Story

Our Babies Kylie (a Male Umbrella Cockatoo) & Baby Ella Sharing a Tender Moment. Kylie Moves in for Some Love...

National Day of Prayer

I am proud to be a Catholic.

Sunrise Run

Early Sunrise Run: 3.41 Miles @ 10:41 Pace

A Little Xavierism

Running the Temecula Valley Half Marathon - January 21st, 2012

On April 18th, 2012, I wrote a blog update about Rose 'Sporty Diva' Coates and her amazing story how she lost 110 pounds. I'm blessed to have Rosie as a friend and Mentor. Rose has a long term goal - "to compile the profiles and stories of various people to be turned into a book to be sold on Kindle with proceeds going to a charity that centers around health and wellness (to be determined at a future date)." I'm honored that Rose reached out to me so that I can share my story. I'm so thankful for all the wonderful people that have entered my life while on this journey to better health and a healthier Life.

I'm honored that Rose has featured My Weight Loss Story on her blog: Sporty Diva's 98445 Blog. Feel free to head to Rosie's blog, comment, share. Thank you so much Rose for allowing me to be a part of your long term goal. Thank you, thank you!

Along San Juan Road at South Mountain

Along San Juan Road at South Mountain

This past week and weekend were incredible. I enjoyed special moments with many old and new friends. Played tennis and ran with incredible people/friends that push me to be a better athlete. I decided not to run the Whiskey Row Half Marathon this year. I plan to concentrate on 57th Annual Fontana Days Run (Half Marathon). I really want to PR at this race.

One of the hardest courses for me to run is along San Juan Road at South Mountain. First two miles is an incline and my legs just feel worn out by Mile 3. Once I find my groove, I'm okay. This only means one thing: Gotta improve and do more Hill Training. Ugh. I look forward to becoming frirends with this course. The view along South Mountain is definitely one of Mother Nature's best.  Yesterday I ran this course and made the mistake of leaving my Sony MP3 player at home. ACK! I planned to run 8 miles but I'm happy with 7.5 miles. I plan to run this route at least once a week. 

I can hear the Neighbor Mockingbird proudly singing his song. House is quiet. Music is playing low. My Soul & Spirit are singing just as loud as the Mockingbird. Ready to make this week a great one.

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

Stop & Listen!

Along Neighborhood Canal

Early Friday Morning Run: Distance - 5.16 Miles / Pace: 10'52"

Love when my body and legs feel good from the get go. Did my best to keep the pace and just go along with the flow. I snapped this pic along the Canal in our neighborhood. There were a few runners along the Canal as well - good to know that I'm not the only one getting up at 5am for a run.

Have a full weekend of fun planned. Thanks for allowing me to share with you. Enjoy the weekend!

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

Pic on The Run!

There are nights when sleep is simply not an option. My mind just wants to wander about and not shut itself off. Usually about that time, a Mockingbird starts to sing his song. This little bird will sing and sing from about 10am till about 3am in the morning. I often feel as though he's a Guardian Angel. I hear his song and I fall asleep immediately. The simply joys in Life are indeed free --- and so very simple!

I woke up this morning at 5am ready for a morning run. I've noticed other runs will take their cam and snap pics while on a run. I thought I'd do the sam this morning. I took this pic while heading South on Central Avenue across from St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. I like that I was able to snap a pic with the light rail heading in my direction. Cool morning run - the city was still half alseep. I felt as though my world was at easy and I could cleary hear and feel my thoughts. This was a perfect way to start my day.

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

Current Music: Chris McClarney's Your Love Never Fails

Current Mood: Well Rested

Rose 'Sporty Diva' Coates

Rosie 'Rose~Sporty Diva' Coates on The Today Show - April 2008

***Random Play

*Kerrie Roberts: Self Titled CD

*The Script: Science & Faith

*Sophie Ellis-Bextor: Make a Scene

*Will Young: Echoes

*Andrea Marchant: Counting Down

*Goyte: Making Mirrors

The Internet can be a beautiful thing. It has a way of weaving and bringing people together. I remember reading various articles on the Runner's World site, I came across an article about a remarkable woman that lost 110 pounds. Anyone that puts their mind to making such a change to better their lives is on my Inspirational List. This woman was/is Rosie 'Rose-Sporty Diva' Coates. I immediately remembered she was featured on The Today Show years ago and was thrilled to see that she continued to live her dream and inspire others. I immediately reached out to her and we have continued a friendship ever since.

Rose has a long term goal - "to compile the profiles and stories of various people to be turned into a book to be sold on Kindle with proceeds going to a charity that centers around health and wellness (to be determined at a future date)." I'm honored that Rose reached out to me so that I can share my story. I'm so thankful for all the wonderful people that have entered my life while on this journey to better health and a healthier Life.

Rosie's Site: SportyDiva.com

Rose has made 'commitment to blog about various health and fitness related topics once a week and to include stories about people who have overcome their weight and exercise challenges OR who are in the process of transitioning into a healthier lifestyle.'

Sporty Diva's 98445 Blog

So please visit Rosie's Site & Blog. Let's work and help one another reach our fitness goals.

*****CHEERS!***** 

Current Music: Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Not Giving Up On Love

Current Mood: Healthy, Thankful & Happy!

There goes 1655!

Hollywood Half Marathon / April 7th, 2012

Truly felt blessed sharing Orthodox Good Friday during The Procession with The Epitaphios at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. After Mass, I attended Happy Hour with a few friends and enjoyed great conversations. I left such great company early because I had to return home and do a bit of house cleaning. I'm the Hazel of this house!

I haven't ran all that much this week. My legs have slowly come around and seem to be ready for tomorrow's Sabino Canyon Sunset Run. This was a rough run for me last year. My goal is to have fun and cross the finish line with a better time.

House and bird cages are clean. Tortilla Soup is ready to be placed into containers and stored in the freezer. I am ready to celebrate Orthodox Easter.

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