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!

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!

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!

Sunday, Sunday!

Tina, Patrici, Bere, Myself, Elma & Mary - South Mountain Classic 20k/5K at South Mountain

***Random Play

*Kerri Roberts: Self Titled CD

*NeedToBreathe: The Reckoning

*Melissa Polinar: As of Now EP

*Alison Krauss and Union Station: Paper Airplane

*Matt Dusk: Good News

*Angie Stevens: Queen of This Mess

Sunday mornings are such blessings. I love my spirit knows it's Sunday and differ from the other days of the week. Woke up early feeling energetic so I went for a short run. Elma from our running group also has a Nike+ SportWatch GPS and showed me a trick & setting on the watch. I didn't realize you could set the top part of watch to a Stat Loop so that it constantly changes and updates the Elapsed Time, Distance, Average Pace & Current Pace.  I was excited to take my watch for a short test run. Love it! *Thanks, Elma!

Yesterday morning I ran the South Mountain Classic 5K at South Mountain. Running on San Juan Road is always a challenge for me. I've participated in a few races there and this was the first time I didn't get flustered or frustrated. There was a moment where I just wanted to forget about my time and just walk and breeze through the course. My race spirit wouldn't allow me to do that. I was thrilled and thankful that five of my Beautiful & Chinga fast Chicas were there to run the 20K race. I see and feel progress with my running. I owe a great deal to Bere for the inspiration and butt kicking. Thank you, Bere!

Time to get ready for Sunday Mass. I have a great deal to be thankful for...and I'm ready to have a Conversation with God. Enjoy Sunday!

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

Current Music: Needtobreathe's Devil's Been Talkin'

Cuttent Mood: Thankful for a Heart full of Blessings

Grand Canyon University's Run to Fight Children's Cancer 5K- Spring Edition

***Random Play

*Harry Connick, Jr.: Only You

*Joni Mitchell: Both Sides Now

*Natalie Merchant: Retrospective 1995-2005

*Julia Fordham: That's Life

*Jamie Drake: When I Was Yours

*Gavin Rossdale: Wanderlust

It's 77 degrees at 5pm on this beautiful Sunday afternoon. I'm currently writing this post beside our pool in the backyard. I see God's Love shining all around me. It's a beautiful thing to see & feel!

This will be a quick update. I really wanted to share the news of yesterday's 5K race. I've never ran very well in 5 and 10K races. My person PR for a 5K is 29:24. My 5K Race PR was 33:31 but that changed as of yesterday. I completed the Grand Canyon University's Run to Fight Children's Cancer 5K - Spring Edition Race with a time of 32:59. This meant a great deal to me since the last 5K race I ran in December was a miserable 36:07. I was telling friends that I often feel like the Sasha Cohen/Johnny Weir of running. I do well while training but always screw up during races. So this latest race gives me Hope. I feel as though I'm heading in the direction with this running thing. I look forward to my next Half Marathon race on Saturday. My body, legs and feet are feeling great. My right ankle injury is no longer a problem. I'm ready to train my best so that I can avenge my last half marathon time of 2:44:42.

Sunday evening will include a homemade pizza and movie night...another quiet night at home with my Umbrella Cockatoos. Life is a blessing!

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

Current Music: Gavin Rossdale's Forever May You Run

Current Mood: Fresh & Easy

Recollections

 

***Random Play

*Francesca Battistelli: My Paper Heart - Deluxe Edition

*Whitney Houston: I Look To You

*Matt Dusk: Two Shots

*Judith Owen: Here

*Sophie Ellis-Bextor: Read My Lips

*Will Young: The Hits

Great weekend. I kept to myself for the most part. I did enjoy a Saturday morning run and breakfast with friend, Lark. I attended early Mass on Sunday and returned home and meditated, prayed & spent time recollecting precious moments from my past. I sorted out boxes and boxes of old photographs, letters & cards.

I thoroughly enjoyed the 84th Academy Awards. I am happy that Meryl Streep took home the Oscar for the Best Actress for her role as the Iconic Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. I wasn't too fond with how the movie show cased the former leader as senile but Meryl was superb during Thatcher's peak years. I was quite happy to see that recognition was given to a woman that portrayed the Life of an amazing woman of the 20th Century. The Academy got it right this time!

I'm ready to start training for my next half marathon: Six Tunnels to the Hoover Dam Half Marathon. My right foot feels good. I'm so ready to prove to myself that I can run a better race after that last half marathon.

A close friend of the family passed away last weekend. This woman was part of my childhood memories. She had 3 children but I was close to the oldest daughter that was a year younger than myself. She was diagnosed with Cancer and after her long battle of illness, she was never quite the same. I had various conversations with her during the last of her years and she was simply tired. When I last visited with her, I didn't see the 73 year old woman but rather the young woman she was that I remembered during my grade school years. She was a strong and fierce woman. This served as a reminder that we are all apart of one another's lives.

This week I reconnected with former best friends during two very rough periods of my life. I'm so blessed to have these 4 people back in my life. Ann was a dear friend of mine just before I came out. We parted ways because she was engaged to her then boyfriend and didn't like our relationship. The three male friends became my best friends during the years I came out. They were there for and with me through the beginning of my 'gay' life. I don't know how I would have made it this far without them. Kim, Rodney & Harry were true gifts of friendships. Love or hate Facebook, it has the power to reconnect with the ones you've truly missed in your life.

I treasure the friendships I currently have and those I lost for one reason or another. Last Summer I was constantly praising three people for their friendship. Turns out I'm no longer friends with those three individuals. Sad but Life goes on. The blessings that resulted from those friendships were two people that are still in my Life - Patty & Arriana. I am thankful that my inner circle consists of the same friends as always. 2012 started off rocky but I feel the tide turning. I'm ready to get back on track and follow the detour so that I can get back on my path to this journey called Life.

Ben Rector recored an outstanding cover of Whitney Houston's ' I Wanna Dance with Somebody' on January 15th, 2012. This cover is special because he recorded this before the Woman with 'The Voice' passed away. He played all the instruments & sang the back up vocals. Love how musicans turn an amazing song and mold it into a song of their own. Hope you enjoy this cover as performed by Ben.

Simple Joys are all around us - they're like little treasures. Take a moment and search - you'll be surprised at what you'll find.

****CHEERS!****

Current Music: Judith Owen's Here

Current Mood: Wide Awake & Thankful for this Moment!

The IMS Arizona Half Marathon

 

Melissa & I with Smiles & Our Finisher's Medals!

***Random Play

*Jennifer Knapp: Letting Go

*Will Young: Echoes

*Diana Winter: Escapizm

*The Script: Science & Faith

*Adele: 21

*Julia Fordham: The Julia Fordham Collection

Slowly but surely, I'm adjusting to so many Life changes. I'm back on track with better eating habits and choices to help me lose the 8 pounds I've gained. I'm not happy to share this but if I put it out there, I know I can't hide from my own words.

This past Sunday, I ran the IMS Arizona Half Marathon. I wasn't expecting much from myself since I haven't been running that well due to pain in my lower right foot. Prior to this race, I have never ran a half marathon race with pain. This time around was the first time I fought the nagging pain and earned my Finisher's Medal. Official time: 2:44:42. I'm not happy with time but proud I finished. Best part of this race was seeing the smiling faces of good friends from our running group. Gotta love the comradery.

My running mentor came over last night and taught me how to properly use a foam roller. Initially I thought he was out to KILL me! After stretches, I felt a great deal better. I'm not walking injured like an overworked Vegas hooker so that's a good thing.

A huge thank you to our running group and good friend, Melissa, for keeping me calm at the Start of this race. I had to wave Melissa goodbye at Mile 3 due to pain --- that Melissa is a fast little rockin' roll diva!

Time to put this race behind me and gear up for the Six Tunnels to Hoover Dam Half Marathon next month. I'm excited about this destination run/getaway trip. I have somethin' to prove to myself.

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

Current Music: Jennifer Knapp's Dive In

Current Mood: A Bit Disappointed & Content all at the same time...

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

2011 Big Sur Half Marathon

2011 Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay

***Random Play

*Texas: White on Blonde

*Will Young: Echoes

*Leann Rimes: Twisted Angel

*Amanda Marshall: Everybody's Got A Story

*The Script: Science & Faith

*Carole King: Love Makes The World

I know I'm so far behind with my blog updates. I hope to post a few updates before the end of the day during my free moments. Christmas Holiday Season 2011 is officially under way. How did we get to this point in time so quickly?

The Big Sur Half Marathon is by far my favorite of the six Half Marathons I've ran this year. Majority of this course was along the pacific coast and on Monterey Bay. Remarkable sights and the constant sounds of the crashing waves. As for as my personal time, this was by far my worst Half Mary time: 2:43:12. Weeks prior to this race, I suffered from shin splints and sore calves. I did my best to rest up.

*Big Mistake --- Going into this race, I didn't have any expectations. My goal was to finish and receive my Finisher's Medal. That's it. Before the race, I took two Aleve caplets and an Oxycodone I had left over from my surgeries in July. By Mile 9, I was enjoying the race at a much slower pace. I felt as though I was part of a slow motion short film. Ack! I will never do that again. When I crossed the Finish Line, I felt no pain. I was completely mellow. It wasn't till the day after that I felt the pain. Ugh! I won't ever do that again.

The Finisher's Medals are clay like and ugly. They look like something that would be handed out at a Liberal/Democrat convention. Damn!!!

Rodan and I enjoyed our time in Monterey. I will definitely return to run this race in 2012!

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

Current Music: Texas' Say What You Want

Current Mood: Happy Happy!