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!
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.
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.'
*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!
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!!!
I can't believe I've been a hardcore running enthusiast for one whole year. I ran a great deal during my college years and throughout my 20's. I ran my first and only half marathon when I was 33. I had a good time. Fast forward -- I stopped running for 14 years. Thanks to good friend Laura Marie and her husband Pete for planting the seed in my head that maybe, just maybe I could run an actual marathon or half marathon.
So here I am today: This year alone I've ran 5 Half Marathons, 4 10Ks, 4 5Ks, a 7.4 Mountain run, and an 8K this year. This coming weekend I'll be running my 6th Half Marathon: The Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay. I'm quite excited even though I seem to be a tad bit slower now than when I first started running again last November. I plan to work twice as hard in 2012 to be a better runner and stay focused.
I'm grateful for making such great friends and meeting incredible folks thanks to running. I'm blessed to have good legs and good health that allows me to run. I'm truly blessed!
It seems just like an hour ago I was telling myself, "Geez, it's almost October!" Now we're almost into November. Christmas and the Holidays are within the horizon. How I wish I could freeze time for at last a week. One week off the calendar so that I could simply enjoy and not worry about the daily stress of Life.
Running has helped me deal with so much stress. Running has actually helped me deal with so much more in my Life. I've always wanted to run but felt overweight and embarrassed to do so out in the open. I could care less about what people think while I'm running. I always wanted to enter races but felt that I would cross the Finish line dead last. As slow as I am, I'm never in last place. I always felt too old to run. I see people running at races well into their 80's. I envy those folks. I always thought that I truly believed in myself. After running, I've learned that I firmly believe in myself and all that I do/can/will accomplish.
People come and go...but I'm grateful for those that remain and continue to stay and be a part of my Life. This past month has been wonderful. New people have entered my Life and it's been a blessing.
Perfect morning here in Phoenix. It's currently 57 degrees. Morning coffee while chiling here outside by our pool makes it taste even better. Thank you for allowing me to share with you.
Cave Creek Trail Run - April 23rd, 2011 - Official Time: 1:25:48
It's been two days since I ran the Cave Creek Trail Run and my body still aches. That was by far my toughest run. Trail running is a whole other class of running. It's definitely nothing like my usual runs along the Canals. The scenery for this race took place in the Sonoran Desert near Cave Creek, Arizona. Breath taking views thoughout this whole race 10K race. Early on in this race, my legs just let me down. My right arch hurt and my right hip was giving me trouble. As always, I just continued to do my best so that I could get to the Finish Line and earn my medal. I remember at Mile 4, I just decided to let go and have fun. I picked up the pace and ran better. Once I could see the Finish Line, I celebrated with joy.
I'm thrilled that I finally met Terri and her sister, Lisa, along with Johanna and her son, Kane. All three of us are connected onDailyMile.com. Terri and Johanna ran as well and both were incredible. By the time I made my way towards the Finish Line, I had my own personal cheerleading section to greet me. It was great to see so many smiles and fellow runners cheering me on at the end. So with this race, I learned more lessons, realized that I'm a tough cookie and made more memorable moments.
I completed my third race in three weeks. Before November of last year, I couldn't even run a block. Now I'm running miles, up hills and mountains, and meeting/making new friends. I want to be a better runner. I want to feel more confident heading into races. I know that I must earn that confidence. So I'm ready for the challenge. Next race? Whiskey Row Half Marathon on May 14th in Prescott, Arizona. We're looking forward to this getaway trip. Tomorrow it's all about training and preparing for this next race. Yeah, Baby!!!
*****CHEERS!*****
Current Music: Nathan Angelo's Mary Poppins' Birds
Sabino Canyon Sunset Run 7.4 miles (Tucson) - Official time: 1:28:32
***Randon Play
*Will Young: The Hits
*Corrinne May: Safe In A Crazy World
*Gary Go: Self Titled CD
*Diana Winter: Escapizm
*Nathan Angelo: Through Playing Me
*Crystal Bowersox: Farmer's Daughter
I am so far behind with my blog updates. It's been a busy two weeks. In this economy, I'm grateful that I have been kept busy thanks to wonderful clients and added contracts. Last weekend, I ran the Sabino Canyon Sunset Run. I was looking forward to this run. Friends often ask how do I decided on which races I intend to run. It's actually quite easy. I'm not the greatest of runners so I have to be strategic in my planning. When I started running again, I promised myself that I would run at least one race each month. The that would allow me ample time for recovery. I've sticked with the game plan for 2011 so far. April has actually been a busy running month. Back to race planning, when considering a race, I ask my partner, Rodan, which cities he'd like to visit on weekend getaway trips. So I go online and search running events depending on his answers. He used to live in California so it's the main reason why my first race of the year was in Irvine, California: Kaiser Permanente Southern California Half Marathon.
So for last week's race in Tucson, I knew that Rodan had never been down to Sabino Canyon. So this race was now a done deal. You'd think that at my age, I know the basics about running events. I'm a beginner that lives within the ruunning world in my mind. What I think of certain events based upon their web sites and pictures, I quickly take bits and stick them in the back of my brain. So of course, the actual events are never like what I picture them to be. After the last two races, I will be shure not to make that mistake ever again. From now on, I will know exactly what I am getting myself into. The Sabino Canyon Sunset Race was a difficult race for me. Since I started running again, which was the week after Halloween of 2010, I usually ran along the Grand and Arizona Canals. The only practice of any inclines are the underpass. So this Tucson race was nothing like that. NOTHING. The web site for this race has pretty pictures of people casually running along pretty trails and over scenic bridges with water flowing in creeks. Okay, stop right there. Yes, those bits were pretty and lovely but what I failed to pick up on was that this race was an incline for the first 3.7 miles. The elevation at the start of the race was at 2741 ft and 3340 ft at the halfway point. At Mile 2 I was hurting. I so wanted to quit and head back down but knew in my heart and legs that I couldn't do that. I just had to suck it up and make peace with this mountain. I am proud to share that my Official Time was 1:28:32. Far from I was expecting but this was all part of another lesson to learn. From now on, I will read between the lines and check the maps of race courses so I know exactly how I should train for that race. I've run long enough now that I need to impliment a plan for each race.
Overall, I'm thrilled to be running again. I'm actually doing what I've been ignoring for almost 14 years. I'm far from the fastest runner but I still cross the same Finish Line like the winners and elite runners. That alone gives me confidence to keep at it. So that's what I do, I keep at it. Thanks to good friends, friends I've met along the way through group runs, and online support from fellow runners on DailyMile.com and Facebook, I know that I can do this. So I keep running and running. I've kept the 57 pounds off. Yeah, I guess that makes me a runner, eh?
