Xavierism

Summer State of Mind

David Homyk's Summer State of Mind

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!

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!

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...

My Personal Review of 2011

Alana Davis - 32 Flavors

I learned so much about myself throughout this year. I've always wanted to be a Runner.  If running around the block or two every now and then qualifies me as a runner then that was me. Although I wanted to be a runner that actually entered running events and actually stuck to goals and program. I'm not a great runner but I get out there and run. Early in the year, I felt a great ease while running. It wasn't till I ran a trail 10K run in April that slowed me down. For most of the Summer I felt a bit sluggish. I also realized that with anything in life, one must have a plan. I allowed myself to veer off that path and take the easy road. That was definitely a wrong turn. I'm now doing my best to get back on track and get ready for a New Year of great running. I want to see results and improve my Personal Records.

Without one's health, you're nothing! Thanks to running I'm in better shape than I've ever been in my life. If only I didn't wait till I turned 46 to understand all of this. Now that I am 47, I want to feel at my best. Two major surgeries and another Cancer scare during the Summer didn't stop me. Moral of this chapter? If you're not feeling well or something doesn't feel quite right, have it checked out by your Doctors. Don't wait! Better to correct the problem than to face the consequences head on.

Like any other year, I learned a great deal about friends and acquaintances. Funny how one can feel so connected to certain people and minor events happen that allow their true colors to show. Miki Howard wrote a very powerful quote: "Everyone who says they're a friend doesn't mean they're your friend." Thanks to running I have gained so many wonderful and supportive friends. Running connects us so again I am thankful that I am able to get out there and put one foor in front of the other. Overall I am thankful for the true friends in my life.

Rodan and I have added another year. We will soon celebrate 12 years together. It hasn't always been easy but it's definitely been worth it. 

Omar, Kylie & Baby Ella continue to be the Feathered Angels of our house. Each bird has a personality of their own...just like children. I will have to post most clips of our babies throughout 2012.

Praise God, my Patron Saints and Angels for allowing my Faith & Sense of Humor to get me through the rough patches. My good friends are like tiny treasure...priceless. So I thank those that have been there for Rodan and myself.

To those that read my blog or stumble upon this blog post, I do Wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to sharing in 2012!

*****CHEERS & LOVE!*****

Current Music: Alana Davis' 32 Flavors

Current Mood: Simply Blessed

Shoop Shoops!

Official video for Sade's Love Is Found

***Random Play

*Sade: The Ultimate Collection - CD1

*Terra Naomi: To Know I'm OK

*Missy Higgins: On A Clear Night

*Jaymay: Autumn Fallin'

*Gary Go: Self Titled CD

*Beth Hart: My California

Bon dia! I just realized that I haven't posted since last month. Life is going well. I've been somewhat anti-social lately. It's been far too hot to be out and about. Other than work, why would I want to leave our cozy home with a pool? Summer months are winding down and soon the pool won't be available to use. Summer of 2011 has been one of the best Summers that I can remember. It's been such a joy to connect with new and old friends.

Last weeked, Rodan and I went to see Sade. As always, she was a complete joy. Her voice was stronger and better than ever. John Legend opened for her and he gave a great performance as well. Perfect opener for Lady Sade. This was by far the concert of the Summer. I can't wait for the DVD release from this tour. The set changes were amazing.

I've deciced to train for the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon in January. I believe this will be my best chance to finally put this adventure on my Bucket List. Goal is to run one full marathon and return to my true love, the Half Mary. This is my first week of training and it's going rather well. Of course, I haven't had to do long runs yet but I hope to do everything so that I am on track for the big day.

I've been playing more tennis as well. I'm looking forward to the Fall League Play. Since I have been more active with running and tennis, I have drastically cut down on watching tv. I really don't keep up with my fave shows other than The Closer and Judge Judy! Yes, I need my Judge Judy episodes!

Since the San Francisco Half Marathon, I've gained a few pounds. Working on getting rid of the jugglin' pounds. Amazing how I can feel the pain of added pounds while I run. It's not a good feeling so I know it's time to get on the ball and do somethin' about it. Busy at Work and at Play. Life is definitely good!

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

Current Music: Sade's Love Is Found

Current Mood: Happy. Simply Happy!

My Summerfest!

Enjoying Happy Hour with Lynn.

This Summer has been amazing. For the first time in many years, I haven't been down about my weight during Summer months. I've kept the weight off thanks to running and playing tennis. Feels good to know that all of my clothes fit me just as they did when I bought them. Many items actually fit better now than then. If anything, I'm ready to improve my running, tennis, endurance & body strength. I never thought that I would ever be on this path but thankful that I am.

Since running The San Francisco 1st Half Marathon I've been taking it easy with my running. The heat is just too much. I have a few weeks to really tackle running and train for my next half marathon during the latter part of November. I do have various 5K and 10Ks during September and October as well as a few local tennis tournaments.

Plan, train and sweat leads to good results. I have a great deal of work to do before I'll be happy with my races results but I'm getting there. One running step at a time.

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

Faith Carries Me

Enjoying Pool Fun with Clare!

***Random Play

*Gary Go: Self Titled CD

*Allison Krauss & Union Station: Paper Airplane

*Natalie Merchant: Leave Your Sleep - Part II

*Terra Naomi: To Know I'm OK

*Sade: The Ultimate Collection - CD 2

*Alex Band: We've All Been There

I can appreciate this very moment. My Lungs are filled with fresh air and the glorious smell of just brewed coffee. Perfect combo! If you're reading this, you and I are alive. That fact alone is worthy of great joy.

This has been an emotional month. I've undergone two surgeries. The second surgery was to remove precancerous cells. The fear of the unknown can be overwhelming without Faith. I'm so thankful that Faith carried me through the dark moments. I'm also grateful for my wonderful friends within my inner circle that supported me throughout this personal hell. Thank you.

I had to take a few breaks from running this month so I'm behind in my training schedule for the 2011 San Francisco Half Marathon. I really had to push myself to find my groove and gain confidence heading into Sunday's race. I doubt I'll set a PR but that's OK. For this race, I simply want a decent time, cross the Finish Line with the 3 hour limit, and collect my Finisher's Medal. The weather will be almost 50 degrees cooler in SF than here in Phoenix so the heat won't be a factor. I hope to benefit from that factor alone. I owe a great deal to Running: I've lost weight and continue to keep the weight off, feel worthy of a glance in the mirror every now and then and not feel ashamed, and have become closer to God, Angels, & my Patron Saints. My Conversations with God during runs are meaningful and so very personal. It's true what my Buelita would always say, "Always carry a few strands of Faith in your pocket because without them, Life can be a lonely place." Faith carries me when I can't seem to carry myself. Thank you for allowing me to share.

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

Current Music: Terra Naomi's To know I'm OK

Current Mood: Thankful

55 Pounds Ago

 
55 pounds ago. --- *with dear friend Patty. PS...Don't ever let me get this big again!!!!