Xavierism

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!*****

2012 Hollywood Half Marathon

This will be a quick update. I so wanted to set a PR for this race. I was on track to do just that until I hit the 2 mile uphill incline at Mile 11. I crashed and burned. I was so disappointed in myself. I will have to make friends with hills and just improve my endurance. My official time was 2:30:35.4. For the most part, I executed this race just as I hoped through the first 11 miles. Like Life and everything else, my running continues to be a 'work in progress'.

A huge Congratulations to the organizers of the Inaugural Hollywood Half Marathon, their staff, the Sponsors, the volunteers, and all those that came out to make this event so special. I loved this course - even the 2 mile hill at the end. I look forward to running this race next year. I will so be ready for that mega hill next time.

It was such a joy to meet up with friends in LA/Hollywood. I never thought that I would be running half marathon after half marathon. I began to be satitsfied with just crossing the Finish Line -- Now I want to improve my times. I'm ready to do just that!

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

Current Music: Edens Edge's Amen

Current Mood: Content

A Collection of Thoughts

***Random Play

*Idina Menzel: I Stand

*Jamie Drake: When I Was Yours

*Jonny Diaz: More Beautiful You

*Tara MacLean: Passenger

*Lamb: Between Darkness & Wonder

*Amanda Marshall: Tuesday's Child

We're already into April of 2012. When I was in my 20's and enjoying Life's thrills and surprises, I never once thought about how Life would be while in my 40's. Now I find myself asking God to slow down the Wheel of Time. Older I get the more I realize how valuable moments really are & embrace the joy for each breath that I'm allowed and given.

This coming Saturday, I will be running the Hollywood Half Marathon. This will be my 5th Half Marathon this year and 11th overall since I took up running last year. I look forward to running through the streets of Hollywood.

I took up running again for the sole purpose of losing weight. So many times I've lost weight over and over again through proper nutrition and running...only to stop completely and continue the Yo Yo Dieting Syndrome. This time I have stuck to the program and can finally state that this has become a lifestyle. I've worked so hard to turn back. I've ran so many miles only to gain all the weight back and lose self confidence. I have a great support group of friends and fellow runners. Mornings when I don't want to run, I remind myself how lonely I felt when I was overweight. The weight gain always affects my social life. I feel heavy and overweight, I avoid social outings with friends. I'm blessed and thankful that I haven't felt this way in over two years.

One of the joys of running, in my opinion, is facing your demons through self meditation and therapy during runs. It's just me and the open road. Music is usually playing very low but when the voices in my head start to overwhelm my thoughts, I have no choice but to deal with situations head on. I find that I'm not as stressed as before. There's nothing like running or playing tennis and working up a good sweat.

I'm not a great runner so I can't give tips on running but I feel I am qualified to share the simple joys of running. I will never win a race. I will never be at the top of my age division. I will however be listed as someone that completed a race. I will take joy that the weight continues to stay off. At 47, I'm more determined to take care of this body than ever before.

I so wanted to run this morning but decided to lay off and save the fresh legs for Saturday's race. I want to run a good race. I know I have it in me.

Holy week is always so special. Easter brings back so many wonderful memories from my childhood. I can remember the beautiful Easter baskets filled with chocolate goodies that would be waiting for us after Sunday Mass. I will have a few chocolates on Easter as a reward.

The older I get the more I relish in the simple joys of Life. Countless Blessings are all around me.

Current Music: Jamie Drake's Beautiful

Current Mood: Thankfully thankful for This Very Moment!

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 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

Just Let Go...

Monterey Bay / November 21st, 2011

In the still of the moment...just let go and feel. Let go and listen to the music of silence. We often forget about the gift of this moment. Let go, feel & count your blessings...

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

Current Music: Texas' Say What You Want

Current Mood: Simply Blessed

San Francisco 1st Half Marathon

***Random Play

*Andrea Lynn Marchant: Counting Down

*Marc Broussard: Self Titled CD

*Alison Krauss & Union Station: Paper Airplane

*Matt York: Mine

*Sarah McLachlan: Laws of Illusion

*The Script: Science & Faith

It's been a few days since the The San Francisco Half Marathon. I've been taking in all of the joy. I was completely nervous about this race. This was my worst showing for a Half Marathon (2:36:00) but it's also one that means the most to me. I wasn't expected to run or be prepared to stand at the Start Line and cross the Finish Line. I'm blessed to share that Cancer wasn't present and that I recovered in time to race and earn a Finisher's Medal. To me, that's all that matters.

The little joys of Life. Breathe in. Breathe out. Thankful & blessed. Would I want to race this again next year? I've been telling myself no...but now it's a maybe. For now I'll simply enjoy the Blessings.

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

Current Music: The Script's For The First Time

Current Mood: Thankful, Blessed, & Loved

Pre-Race Update ~~ San Francisco Half Marathon

Another Pool Moment with Clare!

***Random Play

*Allison Krauss & Union Station: Paper Airplane

*Marc Broussard: Self Titled CD

*Terra Naomi: To Know I'm OK

*Jon McLaughlin: OK Now

*Melissa Polinar: As Of Now

*Alex Band: We've All Been There

Two days before the San Francisco Half Marathon! I'm so excited about this race. The main reason I decided to enter this race was so that I could run on the Golden Gate bridge. I have done all I could to run an OK race. I plan to enjoy this weekend and be thankful that my health and body are both on the mends. Pics with my Finisher's Medal will be included in my next post. Until then, may each of you have a fabulous weekend!

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

Current Music: Marc Broussard's Lucky

Current Mood: Hungry, Thankful & Blessed!

Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Half Marathon

***Random Play

*Ben Rector: Into The Morning

*Cyndi Lauper: Memphis Blues

*Nathan Angelo: Follow Your Heart

*Beth Hart: My California

*Matt Wertz: Weights & Wings

*Andrea Lynn Marchant: Counting Down

I'm finally getting back to my normal self after a much needed break from my reality. This getaway brought me a great deal of joy. Amazing how driving a few hundred miles to a place one loves can add a new perspective on Life. The purpose of this trip was to be in San Diego on Sunday to run that city's Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. We decided to head to Los Angeles/Hollywood and stay a night at one of our fave places, The Hollywood Historic Hotel. This is a cozy hotel located on Melrose Avenue. On Saturday morning, I actually enjoyed a run through Hollywood and Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Weather was perfect - a bit chilly and cloudy. A nice change of pace from Phoenix. I love that I was able to use my Nike+ Sport Watch GPS to track this run. I now have a record of running through a famous cemetery! Cool, eh?

We then headed down to San Diego late Saturday morning. I picked up my Bib and gift bag at the Expo and then headed to our fave San Diego Bed and Breakfast location in the Little Italy area, The Little Italy Inn. I love this cozy European style Inn.

This was my first run at Rock 'n' Roll event. Loved it! I wasn't shure what to expect because I have been quite down about my running lately. I felt a surge last week so I believed I had a chance to do well. For the training of this half marathon,  I concentrated on pace rather than miles. I didn't run that many miles so I knew I'd probably be in trouble after 7 or 8 miles. Prior to this race, the only time I ran more than 10 miles was at the Havasu Half on April 9th... so I knew I'd run into trouble. During these races, I usually have to make a few stops and walk a bit. I actually ran the whole 13.1 miles. I was on target for my goal up until the last 4 miles. Those last miles felt as though I were running in slow motion. I didn't have anything else to give. Last four miles were all in the 12 minute mile pace. I was down. I really wanted to finish within 2 hours and 30 minutes - instead my official time was 2:35:47.

I know what I must do to train for the next biggie: The San Francisco Half Marathon! I plan to make this one count. I am ready to prove to myself that I can do this. I need to cut down on calories and lose a few pounds. I'm certain that it will help with my speed. Prior to this last half mary, I really enjoyed running during the early morning hours. Sometime tranquil about being on a run slightly before 5am. As huge as Phoenix is, this city does sleep at night. I am looking forward to many more quiet morning runs through Central Phoenix.

Another added joy of this trip took place after the race. I met up with a dear friend, Julie. We lost touch about 25 years ago. It was so wonderful to introduce my partner, Rodan and share time with her & her beautiful family. Julie has the same laugh as I remember. I know we'll be connected and close for the rest of our lives. The true joys of Life are free. This past weekend proved that.

Here we go...it's back to training for another Half Marathon!

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

Current Music: Nathan Angelo's Born To Love You

Current Mood: Blessed, Happy, & Hungry! :P