Do it because you can

Happy Monday friends. I hope you had an amazing weekend.  I had a nice weekend but there was an ounce of sadness and envy but only just an ounce, as my happiness far outweighes such emotions.

Fitness Goals
Last November, I went shopping for warm workout gear because I was determined to complete a half-marathon in 2016. I got very close in 2016 by running 12 miles, but I hurt my knee at the pre-Urban Cow run.  Unfortunately, I got pneumonia and then a few months later, the cancer diagnosis.  You may not understand this, but the most challenging part of  battle is not being able to have fitness goals. I know that sounds stupid. But, I love hiking, biking and my workouts.  Nothing makes me happier than hearing the leaves crunch under my feet while walking in the fall.  I've had to adjust my thinking and that's okay because I'm still able to enjoy so much of my wonderful life. No pitty party here.... That's not my intention with this post. I'm extremely grateful for each day. Fitness goals or no fitness goals. 

I was excited to cheer on my daughter Jessica as she completed her Urban Cow Marathon. She got her 13.1 sticker and I'm super proud of her.  I'm very happy that my daughter Sabrina and my son Daniel joined me at the finish line to cheer her on. I'm incredibly blessed.  My knows me well. He whispered. I know mother you would have loved to be out there with Jessica.  I replied that I squandered my youth and that they (my kids) should seize their youth and just go for it.  White water rafting, Spartan race, bike 100 miles whatever it is... JUST DO IT...  Good health is everything and it shouldn't be squandered.  Do it because you can.

I couldn't help but admiring the runners of all ages. From children to seniors. All running their race.... I snapped this picture of this gentlemen. How funny.

My friend Marsa who is 64 years young, ran the marathon as well. I so wanted to be her.  She just biked 100 miles by herself.  Talk about fitness goals.  She wants to train for Ironman.  You can see why I was a tad jealous, but surprisingly, I wasn't sad enough to cry.  Nope. Too much to be happy about.

While my son-in-law and I waited for my daughter at mile 6, I noted the Tower Bridge that separates downtown Sacramento and West Sacramento was closed off for the race.  I just had to take advantage of the fact that the bridge was closed. I've driven across this bridge many times as a kid and an adult.  Nope. I photo had to be taken.

I had to get a selfie.

Man! that shot made my day.

After we cheered my daughter at the finish line, my kids and I went to Dantorell's for crepes.

It began to rain as we were eating and it was just a beautiful way to end the morning.  I'm so glad that I was able to cheer others on in their fitness goals despite not having many myself.  It's true that some people want a new car, a new home and others just want good health.... I'm extremely grateful for each day. It felt amazing to be out of the house at 6 a.m.  Surrounded by people of all ages who love to run. I was happy for them because I know what it means to have goals and to achieve them..... While I may not be able to run, bike and or hike for long distances. I can still find satisfaction in being outdoors with like minded individuals. 

I hope my children continue to have health and fitness goals.  I truly believe that if you want to be like my friend Marsa running a half-marathon at age 64, you must start now...  When I first met her, she had never ran before. She and I did TRI training together and I recall her first run and I was happy to be right there with her.  I love that I was part of an amazing group of woman who inspired one another.

While that chapter is semi-closed, and leaves me with some sadness that I must acknowledge and move on... No sense is wallowing in it.  Having cancer does not feel good, I can choose to feel good about the good things around me.  Sunday, it was sitting in the sun and taking a selfie in the middle of a bridge. It's all about moments and perspective.

Later gators
Paula

Persevere

Happy Monday all. Hope you had a great weekend.  Mine was busy. I spent Friday with my grandson volunteering at an Immigration Fair.  Many current and former law students joined attorneys to share the process and procedures of being a U.S. citizen and to assist people with the DACA (The dream Act). I know immigration is a controversial and complicated subject, and one that hits close to home.  I mean, I was born in Texas which is just a hop-skip-and-a-jump from the border, so there is that…. Okay, I’ll change the subject because it’s a heated topic around these parts.

I am entering week 8 of my Urban Cow Half Marathon training. On Sunday, we did a pre-race run of the course. You could either do 11 or 13 miles. I chose the 11 miles and it was longest run ever. It was incredible to see young and old doing this race. 

I got behind a 3.15 hour pacer. She was power walking the entire time.  I was reminded again to embrace the power walk. Especially when your power walk is faster than you running.

This was a test run so I started my morning with oats and pumpkin.  I grabbed a water, and I had two GUs in my running belt.  My running partner did not have breakfast and no food so I gave her my running GUs. It was the right thing to do. After mile 9, I was losing steam. I had no more water. I was careful to take small sips.  Luckily, there was a 2nd water station set up with Gatorade. I filled my bottle as I knew I needed the sugar and calories.  After mile 10, it really got HARD.  Two power walkers had passed me. My friend was was ahead of me the first 8 miles was now walking. Her ankle was hurting. I felt bad about leaving her behind but this was pre-race. I knew the Urban Cow volunteer riding his bike up and down the course would continue checking on her. He had passed me like 5. Does this make me a bad friend?  I struggled with going ahead. She said she would just walk so I powered through...

The last 20 minutes I the run was difficult.  I did a combo of jog/walk. Another woman came behind me as asked me if I had eaten? When I said no, she handed me a protein bar. I was so grateful. I started to eat straight away.  By the time I got to the Finish to check- out, my GPS had said I completed 11.78 miles with an average pace of 14.5 minutes.  2:53 minutes I had completed nearly 12 hours.  I was so happy to be done.  I wondered if I could have done another 2 miles.  That course is longer… Do I have the inner and physical strength to complete the half?  Well, if I could do 12, I better do the 13.1 because if I don’t do it, I’ll never forgive myself.  

I wailed for my friend.  A couple of the other walkers were worried about her too.  I started to walk back to look for her and then I saw her.  I was so relieved. As she wen to check-in, I walked to get my car and pick her up.  I figured with walking to look for my friend, and getting there car, I probably did the 13.1 miles and guess what? I DID IT!

It’s interesting what goes through your mind when you’re running and walking for nearly 3 hours.  I played no music… it was just me and my thoughts.  There are some parts of the course, I can’t even remember and others I totally remember.  The last stretch on the River Road was incredibly difficult. But I knew where I was… I recalled how 2.5 years ago, I walked that road after one of my chemo treatments. I felt so thankful to be on that road again.  It was like the good Lord reminding me… you are capable. You are strong… You are alive.  Thank you Diosito… 

I am always reminded that I may not be where I want to be but I am certainly not where I was… And if I find myself in a place where I don’t’ want to be again, I know I’ll be okay… I know with God’s grace, I’ll have the strength to persevere. 

TTFN

Paula