Day 18
10 hours ago
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Girls Night Out, Baby!
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
New goals
Ok, so who wants to hear about my new goals? Yeah, I know it's a bit early for goal setting, but I figure it will get me in the right mindset :) So this year I have been doing a lot of running! I finally figured out how to run faster and won 1st place in two 5 Ks. I have an amazing running partner who runs with me three times a week at 6:30 AM and I go to the gym provided by our apartment complex to do interval runs on the treadmill and lift weights on the days I do not run. All in all, I feel really good and it permeates my overall mood, as I am a much happier wife and parent.
So, now that I have run plenty 5Ks and 10Ks, a couple half-marathons, and a few full-length marathons, I feel like I need to crank it up a notch. I mean, it's time to find a challenge to push myself even further. So...I am going to start training for triathlons. My ultimate goal would be to become an Ironman...but I have a ways to go :)
In the meantime, I feel that I am passionate enough about fitness and nutrition that I would like to educate others on how they can improve their lifestyle through better fitness and nutrition...hence, my second goal: to become a certified personal trainer. In order to do that, I first need to be CPR certified, which I can do through the Red Cross or the American Heart Association for $90 on a Saturday (6h course). Then, I need to apply for a legitimate online course for personal trainers (I chose the ACSM or American College of Sport Medicine) which cost approximately $500, including study materials and cost of exam. Once I have my certification, I think I would like to apply for a job at 24 hour fitness (I LOVE their gyms and I've had really positive experiences with their trainers!). Maybe I will eventually build up my own clientele and start my own business, focusing on runners and triathletes.
The year 2012 sounds promising already.
So, now that I have run plenty 5Ks and 10Ks, a couple half-marathons, and a few full-length marathons, I feel like I need to crank it up a notch. I mean, it's time to find a challenge to push myself even further. So...I am going to start training for triathlons. My ultimate goal would be to become an Ironman...but I have a ways to go :)
In the meantime, I feel that I am passionate enough about fitness and nutrition that I would like to educate others on how they can improve their lifestyle through better fitness and nutrition...hence, my second goal: to become a certified personal trainer. In order to do that, I first need to be CPR certified, which I can do through the Red Cross or the American Heart Association for $90 on a Saturday (6h course). Then, I need to apply for a legitimate online course for personal trainers (I chose the ACSM or American College of Sport Medicine) which cost approximately $500, including study materials and cost of exam. Once I have my certification, I think I would like to apply for a job at 24 hour fitness (I LOVE their gyms and I've had really positive experiences with their trainers!). Maybe I will eventually build up my own clientele and start my own business, focusing on runners and triathletes.
The year 2012 sounds promising already.
Friday, 21 October 2011
28 years in the making
Birthdays are a great way of reminding us that there's more to life than just living. My birthday is sparking some existential questions, such as: what have I accomplished with the time I have been given? whose lives have I touched? Whose lives have touched mine and influenced who I am today? Where am I going professionally?
Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to set goals for myself...the loftier the goal, the more determined I am. I gauge my success in life with my reaching goals: running marathons, getting to a certain weight, finishing a project, having read certain books, traveling to certain areas of the world, being debt-free by a goal dated. These are all worthy goals, but they are more than a checklist: each goal we set for ourselves has within itself the potential to form and refine our character. To reach a goal, you need to develop qualities such as discipline, patience, determination, thrift, and knowledge.
As someone who struggles to recognize my self-worth, the danger is to be so consumed with the desire to reach a certain goal, that I lose sight of the bigger picture...I fail to recognize the progress, to enjoy the experience; hence, I have to rely on the help of my Heavenly Father in order to remind me that my life as a divine purpose that is not dependent on "major accomplishments", rather, it is reinforced by the little actions and thoughts that fill my every day life.
I know a handful of people who have lived quiet lives that do not seem significant in the eyes of society, because they have not held positions or received awards for their contribution; however, they are the few who touch lives for good and have a profound influence on the shaping of others' choices and character. One of my heroes was Mother Teresa. Although she did receive quite a bit of news coverage towards the end of her life, she had already spent a lifetime in service, caring for the outcast, the untouchables. She was not serving for the world to see how saintly she was, otherwise she would have given up while still a youth. She truly desired to be Christ's hands and to dedicate her life to serving those that stand in need of service.
If I could have just one wish for my birthday, it would be that I could follow her example and find satisfaction in knowing that I was able to serve in the stead of my Savior, to avoid making hasty judgments and just lose myself in the service of my family and friends, making room for more as strangers cross my path. I do not need to go to India or Africa to relieve the poor and the needy...they are all around us, they could be my next door neighbor. While I serve, I still have to be careful with where my heart is, because human nature is really good at making us believe that it's all about us, even when we are serving others...thank goodness for prayer and for the Spirit!
Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to set goals for myself...the loftier the goal, the more determined I am. I gauge my success in life with my reaching goals: running marathons, getting to a certain weight, finishing a project, having read certain books, traveling to certain areas of the world, being debt-free by a goal dated. These are all worthy goals, but they are more than a checklist: each goal we set for ourselves has within itself the potential to form and refine our character. To reach a goal, you need to develop qualities such as discipline, patience, determination, thrift, and knowledge.
As someone who struggles to recognize my self-worth, the danger is to be so consumed with the desire to reach a certain goal, that I lose sight of the bigger picture...I fail to recognize the progress, to enjoy the experience; hence, I have to rely on the help of my Heavenly Father in order to remind me that my life as a divine purpose that is not dependent on "major accomplishments", rather, it is reinforced by the little actions and thoughts that fill my every day life.
I know a handful of people who have lived quiet lives that do not seem significant in the eyes of society, because they have not held positions or received awards for their contribution; however, they are the few who touch lives for good and have a profound influence on the shaping of others' choices and character. One of my heroes was Mother Teresa. Although she did receive quite a bit of news coverage towards the end of her life, she had already spent a lifetime in service, caring for the outcast, the untouchables. She was not serving for the world to see how saintly she was, otherwise she would have given up while still a youth. She truly desired to be Christ's hands and to dedicate her life to serving those that stand in need of service.
Saturday, 25 June 2011
American Fork Canyon Half-Marathon
Today, I woke up at 3:30 AM, got my running gear on, and headed out the door. I drove under the stars on deserted roads to the American Fork High School where all runners were to meet. There, we boarded on school buses that took us up the canyon. There is something depressing about driving on the race course and realizing that 13.1 miles is a long ways.
I was sitting at the front of the very first bus which left at 4:15 AM. I met a really nice mom of 2, whose kids have the same ages as mine and it was great to talk to someone before the race. This is the first time I ran on my own; in the past, I used to run with my sister or her in-laws, and Levi ran a marathon with me once. So, I enjoyed this woman's conversation, so much so that I wish I had taken her phone number and asked her to become running partners.
The starting line finally appeared, with its line of port-a-potties and a DJ to entertain us before the start. It was located at the Tibble Fork Reservoir and even though it was still dark, the snow-covered surrounding mountains were lighting up the place, giving us an idea of the breath-taking views we would see while running.
It was quite cold, being so early in the morning and in the canyon. I was patting myself in the back for wearing my sweat pants and hoodie over my running shorts and t-shirt. I proceeded to warm up and stretch, especially my left leg as I had been experiencing pain in my hamstring for the past few weeks.
While I was doing so, the DJ kept interrupting the music to make announcements and recommendations, especially concerning potty breaks. After the fourth time, I was thinking: "Ok, we got it. You don't want us to go in the bushes or use the camping ground potties. We're not children...just let us focus on the ordeal ahead and put on some good music!" Seriously, he kept on reminding us about it.
It was getting close to the start of the race (6 AM) and I had to take my outer layer off and put it in the bag labeled with my name and race number, in order to give it to the volunteers who would take it to the finish line for me. I then proceeded to find a pacer for my goal time (1:45 or 8 min/mile), who runs the race on pace to help other runners pace themselves to finish by their goal time.
The horn blew right at 6 and I shuffled our way through the starting line until the crowd of runners spread enough for me to run. As it thinned out, I was able to pick up more and more speed. The beauty of this race (aside from the scenic route) is that it's all downhill until mile 9, so I could really let gravity work in my favor. Plus the wind was in our back, pushing us forward.
By mile 2 I was in the groove. I was running under 8 min per mile and feeling comfortable; however, I started feeling a bit sick. Yesterday, I was experiencing some sharp abdominal pains and I was afraid I would have to forgo the race, but when I woke up this morning, I was feeling fine. So, the pain was coming back and I started praying because that's what I do when I find myself in a desperate situation.
I asked Heavenly Father to alleviate the pain and allow me to finish this race that I had worked so hard for. I know, it was a selfish and proud request, but at that point, I couldn't give up and I couldn't go on without His help. I kept thinking of the scripture: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me", and slowly but surely, the pain diminish enough for me to focus on my pace again. At times, it would creep back, but I would push through it by repeating my moto: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me", over and over again. It was so bad, that I was afraid of ingesting anything offered at the aid stations, along the race.
I just cruised through the first 9 miles, until we got out of the canyon, and then the course flattened. I kept glancing at my wristwatch to keep track of my time and kept my pace on the 8 min mark until mile 11. My thighs were getting really sore and I couldn't make them go faster. I had to stop to get some gatorade and a gu pack to have some extra energy for the finish, and started running off again. We could see the Mount Timpanogos Temple (where Levi and I got sealed), which was an indication that we were getting close to the finish line, the American Fork High School. I swear the miles get longer as we go! The last one seemed to never end, but finally, I could see the balloons and the organizers' tents.
I crossed the finish line after 1:47:51 of running. A personal best. It was two minutes over my goal time, but I had never run that fast for that long before, so I was extremely pleased. They handed out a Finisher's Medal and I proceeded to get in line for my free breakfast (French toast, yogurt, and fruit, with chocolate milk) and a free massage (yay!).
I was looking around for the woman who sat next to me on the bus, and also for my friend Joanna who had signed up for the race. Just as I was leaving, I heard someone call out my name. It was Joanna! Joanna and I used to run together right after I had Eve and it was so good to see her today.
I got in the car and called Levi to tell him the news and drove home barefoot as my feet were aching (I might lose a couple of toenails). The funny thing is that as soon as I got home, the abdominal pain started again and I have been lying in the fetal position ever since! The Lord really answers prayers...I should have asked for permanent healing :)
The race was in support of those fighting cancer and I had the honor of wearing the name of a neighbor and friend battling prostate cancer. It made this race so much more meaningful and I wish him a full recovery!
Next goal: Run the Layton Marathon in under 3:40 in order to qualify for Boston!
I was sitting at the front of the very first bus which left at 4:15 AM. I met a really nice mom of 2, whose kids have the same ages as mine and it was great to talk to someone before the race. This is the first time I ran on my own; in the past, I used to run with my sister or her in-laws, and Levi ran a marathon with me once. So, I enjoyed this woman's conversation, so much so that I wish I had taken her phone number and asked her to become running partners.
The starting line finally appeared, with its line of port-a-potties and a DJ to entertain us before the start. It was located at the Tibble Fork Reservoir and even though it was still dark, the snow-covered surrounding mountains were lighting up the place, giving us an idea of the breath-taking views we would see while running.
It was quite cold, being so early in the morning and in the canyon. I was patting myself in the back for wearing my sweat pants and hoodie over my running shorts and t-shirt. I proceeded to warm up and stretch, especially my left leg as I had been experiencing pain in my hamstring for the past few weeks.
While I was doing so, the DJ kept interrupting the music to make announcements and recommendations, especially concerning potty breaks. After the fourth time, I was thinking: "Ok, we got it. You don't want us to go in the bushes or use the camping ground potties. We're not children...just let us focus on the ordeal ahead and put on some good music!" Seriously, he kept on reminding us about it.
It was getting close to the start of the race (6 AM) and I had to take my outer layer off and put it in the bag labeled with my name and race number, in order to give it to the volunteers who would take it to the finish line for me. I then proceeded to find a pacer for my goal time (1:45 or 8 min/mile), who runs the race on pace to help other runners pace themselves to finish by their goal time.
The horn blew right at 6 and I shuffled our way through the starting line until the crowd of runners spread enough for me to run. As it thinned out, I was able to pick up more and more speed. The beauty of this race (aside from the scenic route) is that it's all downhill until mile 9, so I could really let gravity work in my favor. Plus the wind was in our back, pushing us forward.
By mile 2 I was in the groove. I was running under 8 min per mile and feeling comfortable; however, I started feeling a bit sick. Yesterday, I was experiencing some sharp abdominal pains and I was afraid I would have to forgo the race, but when I woke up this morning, I was feeling fine. So, the pain was coming back and I started praying because that's what I do when I find myself in a desperate situation.
I asked Heavenly Father to alleviate the pain and allow me to finish this race that I had worked so hard for. I know, it was a selfish and proud request, but at that point, I couldn't give up and I couldn't go on without His help. I kept thinking of the scripture: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me", and slowly but surely, the pain diminish enough for me to focus on my pace again. At times, it would creep back, but I would push through it by repeating my moto: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me", over and over again. It was so bad, that I was afraid of ingesting anything offered at the aid stations, along the race.
I just cruised through the first 9 miles, until we got out of the canyon, and then the course flattened. I kept glancing at my wristwatch to keep track of my time and kept my pace on the 8 min mark until mile 11. My thighs were getting really sore and I couldn't make them go faster. I had to stop to get some gatorade and a gu pack to have some extra energy for the finish, and started running off again. We could see the Mount Timpanogos Temple (where Levi and I got sealed), which was an indication that we were getting close to the finish line, the American Fork High School. I swear the miles get longer as we go! The last one seemed to never end, but finally, I could see the balloons and the organizers' tents.
I crossed the finish line after 1:47:51 of running. A personal best. It was two minutes over my goal time, but I had never run that fast for that long before, so I was extremely pleased. They handed out a Finisher's Medal and I proceeded to get in line for my free breakfast (French toast, yogurt, and fruit, with chocolate milk) and a free massage (yay!).
I was looking around for the woman who sat next to me on the bus, and also for my friend Joanna who had signed up for the race. Just as I was leaving, I heard someone call out my name. It was Joanna! Joanna and I used to run together right after I had Eve and it was so good to see her today.
I got in the car and called Levi to tell him the news and drove home barefoot as my feet were aching (I might lose a couple of toenails). The funny thing is that as soon as I got home, the abdominal pain started again and I have been lying in the fetal position ever since! The Lord really answers prayers...I should have asked for permanent healing :)
The race was in support of those fighting cancer and I had the honor of wearing the name of a neighbor and friend battling prostate cancer. It made this race so much more meaningful and I wish him a full recovery!
Next goal: Run the Layton Marathon in under 3:40 in order to qualify for Boston!
Saturday, 7 May 2011
OK, here's what you missed...
Sunday, 3 April 2011
Can you believe that it is April already? We had a couple warm days and today I woke up to snow...again! This weekend, it's General Conference and I am getting a spiritual overdose: I am so glad I have six months to familiarize myself with the talks given in such a short period of time. How wonderful that we have three new temples built! It's like building lighthouses throughout the world that will bless people everywhere, whether they be members of our church or not.
We've been very busy these past couple of weeks and I will post on that later on...right now, I'm busy: talk to you after Conference :) Would you like to join me? Here's the link: www.lds.org. I promise you that you will feel edified and strengthened by words of truth and wisdom.
We've been very busy these past couple of weeks and I will post on that later on...right now, I'm busy: talk to you after Conference :) Would you like to join me? Here's the link: www.lds.org. I promise you that you will feel edified and strengthened by words of truth and wisdom.
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