Since I Was Gone

Thinking back on what else I've been up to since my extended break from blogging, I realized I forgot to mention that I started running and training for half-marathons. Well--it actually started as training for ONE half-marathon: The San Diego Rock 'N' Roll Half-Marathon to be exact. A few months before I graduated from CLU, I decided I wanted to run that half-marathon in memory of my cousin, Vincent. The proceeds made by the SD Rock 'N' Roll marathon goes to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, so I felt it would be a perfect tribute. I went ahead and paid the entry fee, and I felt compelled then to begin training. It was right after my 27th birthday that I started lacing up my worn-out Sauconys, and started running a few nights a week.

When I first started, my first goal was to run 20 minutes without stopping. I remember the first day I ran--I could barely run 4 minutes without stopping to walk. But, I persisted, and kept run/walking until I completed a 20 minute workout. After a couple weeks, I met my first goal of being able to run 20 minutes without stopping. Once I met that goal, I started adding time. 25, 30, 35 minutes. When I got to that point, I started measuring my runs by distance. It was very helpful that around this same time, I got an iPhone and downloaded the Nike+ app. The app uses GPS to measure your distance, times you, and lets you know your pace. It also allows you to set goals by time, distance, or calories burned. Having that tangible information so close at hand, and being able to watch my running skills get better was a nice push.

It was also nice to watch my body change. Pounds began to melt off me. As I began to train by running really long distances (8, 9, 10+ miles at a time), I really began to look at the food that I was eating in a different way. I saw it more as fuel for my running rather than just something that tasted good. As a result, my habits changed. I sought more balance between carbs, fats, and protein. I went for smaller portions more frequently throughout the day versus big meals 2 or 3 times a day. This caused me to lose even more weight. With a lighter body, I felt more energized. In addition to running, I also started hiking and walking more. It really was a little, personal revolution.

By the time the San Diego Rock 'N' Roll Half-Marathon came around in June 2011, I was pretty well prepared. I was lucky enough to have my sorority Big Sis, Evelyn, run with me during my first half-marathon. My parents and Fernando also came down to San Diego that weekend to cheer me on at the finish line. Crossing the finish line was super emotional--I managed to not cry, but it was really a very heart-warming feeling to manage this big physical feat and also do it in memory of my cousin. The medal I received at the finish line was never mine--I had always planned to give it to my aunt, Yolanda, to show her that I ran in Vincent's memory.

Evelyn and I at the SD Rock 'N' Roll Half-Marathon finish line

Since that day, I've run two other half-marathons (The Santa Clarita Half-Marathon in November of 2011 and the San Luis Obispo Half-Marathon in April 2012), and am less than a month away from running my 4th (the SCV Half-Marathon again). I've also run in a couple smaller events, including a 6-mile mud run and a St. Patrick's Day 5K. I never thought that I would love running, but I really do. It allows me to feel like I have complete control and mastery over my body. The last time I went to the doctor, my doctor listened to my heart and lungs and asked, "Are you a runner?" When I said yes, he said he could tell based on my low heart rate and high lung capacity. He also said all my blood work showed that I was a healthy individual for my age. All told, from my starting weight to my lowest weight over the last year and a half, I'd lost 30+ pounds. I've gained a little of that back due to less intense training over the summer months due to the extreme heat and less strict diet, but overall, I'm much better than I was when I first started.

As long as my body can handle it, I hope to continue training for half-marathons. Each time I pay the entrance fee for a race, I again feel compelled to train and do my best.

~LOVE~