Journey of 1,000 miles

"The journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu

Ain't that the truth?!

I hit a milestone of running 1,000 miles this year. The number 1,000 is large and pretty overwhelming, but 1,000 miles are not run overnight. This is the result of commitment to get up and run on a regular basis; be it a 3 mile or an 11 mile run. Consistency is key. If you ever want to be successful in anything you must be consistent. 

Now I know I write about running, but this is not an agenda to get people to start running. My hope is that everyone finds their passion, something that makes them happy and is also benefiting them at the same time. To dedicate all of this time for something that doesn't benefit me would be a waste and I would be a fool. But I love this. I love running. I love the perks that come with it and how it makes me realize my own strength.

Imagining travelling with someone for 1,000 miles... you will get to know that person pretty well. I have grown into my own skin and I have learned so much about myself from the time I have spent running and being alone with my thoughts. I have realized how strong the body is and how powerful the mind can be. Believe me, it is a battle of the mind and body sometimes. There are days when my body is tired but I tell myself, "You know you will feel better afterwards, go out and run." My mind can convince me to push my body and it's almost always right. Then there are the days when my body is feeling just fine, but my mind is telling me, "Not today.. don't do it." That's when I ignore my head and just start running. I've never regretted a run. EVER. 

***Disclaimer: When I say my body is tired, it is just that... tired. I am not talking about physical pain of the knees or an injury where I can cause myself harm. It is important to listen to your body and not to push yourself if there is risk or harm involved!

As humans we are capable of so much but we don't tap into half of what we are able to do. Some people ask why I feel the need to run marathons saying that I don't need to put my body through all of that. It is important to note that it is just as much mind as it is body if not more.There is something beautiful about pushing yourself to the extreme and realizing that it is possible... IT IS POSSIBLE. Just that statement alone is worth gold. Realizing that all things are possible opens your mind and many doors in your life. Once you have gone through something very challenging and come out on the other side you can face other challenges and realize this is something else you can get through. 

Dedication and commitment are key. If you have a goal then you have to work towards that goal regardless of how you are feeling. If we only did the things we felt like doing we wouldn't be doing much or we would be doing a lot of the wrong things. Make a goal for yourself and realize the steps you need to take to accomplish that goal. Some days you might feel good and some days you might not feel so good, but it is key to remember why you are doing what you are doing.

I could go on and on,  but there's a huge difference between hearing something and experiencing something. I pray that people (including myself first and foremost) find something they love that brings them closer to their Creator and makes them realize all of the possibilities and wonders that life holds. I also pray that we come to know our own selves a little better because in this journey of life people come and go, but you will always have to live with yourself and that's just the truth of the matter. 

Thank you for reading. 

Detroit Triathlon... You've gotta Tri one!

There are so many thoughts I wanted to share about the triathlon. First, I must admit that swimming is a weak point for me. I have not trained too hard for the swim, but I've always been able to swim and I did go for a few practice swims before the triathlon. It should come as no surprise then that the swim portion was the hardest part for me. I was worried about the water being cold. Seriously. That was my biggest concern. Little did I know we had bigger fish to fry (<-- get it?!? eww, don't ever eat Detroit River fish.) 

So now you know... we swam in the Detroit River. The swim portion was half a mile. Now half a mile in running, biking, or walking is a breeze. Half a mile swim is the equivalent of changing human years to dog years... you multiply it by 7. Swimming half a mile is no joke. 

The race started at 9:45 a.m. and surprisingly the water was a really nice temperature. The start of the water was shallow so I was able to run in the water for a couple of minutes before diving in to swim. Very soon into the swim I realized that the current was working against us. The weather was beautiful, but with a slight breeze we were getting some fairly decent sized waves and trying to swim against those. I literally felt like I was treading water for the most part. With the waves splashing against me I kept getting water in my mouth and getting pushed back. I didn't panic but I thought of the long swim ahead and knew I needed to mentally prepare for this challenge. Someone told me that when it gets rough just flip on your back and swim like that for a while. That's what I did when it got to be too rough.

I mentioned already that the weather was beautiful, but when you are surrounded by shaky waters and you are pushing through you don't pay much attention to anything else. I decided to swim on my back to catch my breath and take it easy. The sky was so beautiful...really, really beautiful. It was a clear blue sky with a few white clouds and you could still see the moon hanging above. I took in the beauty and drew strength from it. I was literally in awe that I was floating somewhere in the Detroit River and surrounded by this natural beauty. Shortly after a wave splashed me in the face and reminded me that I was in the middle of a competitive event. Back again I went to pushing against the waves and finally made it around the first buoy (it was a triangle shaped course with three buoys we had to swim around.) 

From the first buoy to the second buoy the current was actually working WITH us. It was great! I was so happy and relieved it felt like the swim was super easy. I was quickly reminded of the verse, "Verily, with hardship there will be ease." (94:6) I was grateful and knew that I had to take advantage of this time of ease because after the second buoy I'd be working against the current once more. It's really a lot like life. When times are hard you just have to keep pushing through and moving forward believing that it will get easier. When the time of ease comes you use it to show gratitude and regain strength to be prepared for whatever trials lay ahead.

Needless to say, that last stretch of the swim was a killer. Going against the current once more I couldn't help but call out to the lifeguards on their paddle boats. I kept asking, "Am I moving forward!?!" They obviously said yes, but I didn't feel like I was going anywhere. Inch by inch I was trying to fight to the finish line. Once my feet could touch sand I took off for the transition into the bike ride.

I was so happy to be out of my wet suit! I quickly put my shoes on and jumped on the bike for the 12.4 miles to come. Nothing super eventful happened during the bike ride. The bike ride wasn't very difficult and I really wanted to make up time from the swim. The bike ride was three loops around the same course which can get repetitive so my mind was definitely wandering. I remembered that I had a subway sandwich in my car and got this burst of energy because I couldn't wait to finish and eat it. 

*Side Note: It is absolutely true when they say a woman's dream isn't to find the perfect man. Their dream is to eat without getting fat. And it's possible to do that... as long as you workout really hard and very often:)

So the bike ride was over and I had to transition into the run. I knew running would be my strong point, but I wasn't sure how running would go after everything else I just did. My legs felt like jello when I first got off the bike, but shortly after I started running I was in my comfort zone.

I think I smiled the most when I was running. I also took note of all the volunteers who showed up just to cheer us on. I made it a point to tell them "thank you" every time I biked or ran past (even though it was the same people because we were looping around the same route.) I thought about what a kind and unselfish thing these people were doing. Seriously... they took time from their day to cheer on strangers and found happiness from our happiness. It's really a beautiful thing.

The triathlon had to come to an end and for me that end was after 1 hour and 47 minutes. I am proud of myself for finishing the event. I was not in competition with anyone but myself. Bikers kept passing me, but I knew it was about my own journey and my own destination to the finish line. I do this because it brings me joy and reminds me of the strength we all possess if we just know how to tap into it. 

Thank you for reading this far if you made it here. 

Another finish line...

I just crossed another finish line, but this time it was not the finish line after a run. All praises due to God, I just completed nursing school. Had I chosen this path many years ago it would have been much easier considering the obstacles that I was faced with while going to school. I am a single mother of two children, I work, and I am devoted to working out as well as making time for family and friends. All things are possible if you work hard, stay focused, and pray (pray, pray, pray!)
I am a firm believer that people should have goals because without a goal you are just living aimlessly. Your goal can be to live a life where you are making your family happy. The question is HOW will you make your family happy? What will you DO that will ensure you reach your goal that you are making your family happy? That is just one example.
For me, I had the specific goal that I want to complete nursing school. I faced many challenges along the way, but I always had my goal in sight and I knew I had to cross that finish line. It's just like running a marathon... you know that you are going to need to cover the next 26.2 miles to finish and that's exactly what you do. You may stumble, feel like giving up, become exhausted, have an adrenaline rush, move at a faster pace then maybe slow down but you are always moving forward.
The thing is that a lot of my energy has come from the people around me, the people who have encouraged me and helped me along the way. I am forever grateful for those who show support for me as a person, no matter what it is that I am doing or going through.
I have my children who have always been my motivation and reason for pushing myself. I have my family who has shown me endless support. Then I have my friends who are there to pick me up if I need it.
When you cross a finish line it's those smiling faces that are waiting for you that you cherish. Those are the people you want around you because you know your happiness is their happiness (and vice-versa.)

I encourage everyone who wants to accomplish anything to make a goal. Set a goal for yourself. It is important to set reasonable goals that you know are attainable. Every time you meet a goal you will build your self confidence and you will find yourself able to achieve more than you could have imagined.
I write these posts because I want to share the things that have helped me in life. I want to share the things that I am passionate about. I love, more than most things, to see others happy.

Ready... set.. (a)... goal! <--- so lame
Peace and Love

Human Hamster Wheel

Not gonna lie... this winter has really gotten to me. It's officially Spring here in Michigan, but we still have snow falling to the ground. I want to be outdoors! I want to enjoy Mother Nature and all it has to offer. 

I've been finding myself looking around at the gym... just watching people on their machines. I'm not a creeper, I promise. I just feel like we're hamsters on these human hamster wheels made to keep our bodies moving. Body movement should be natural! It should be a part of our everyday living.

Don't get me wrong, I am NOT against gyms... I just have hit the point where I'm tired of being cooped up.

All things in nature can bring comfort to the human spirit. We literally get oxygen from trees, but even figuratively being around nature is good for the soul. 

With spring here and warm weather around the corner (I hope!), we should all try to make an effort to spend more time outdoors. To go for walks, ride a bike, jog, roller blade/skate, hike, swim, etc. Not only will you be doing your body good, but you will also nourish your soul. 

I love to look at all of the creation around us and just reflect on them. We can learn a lot from our surroundings, we just have to be in tune..

The stars taught me that even when you're dead you can leave a light so bright and still be a guide for others.

The trees have taught me that nothing stays the same. Life is a                                                                             cycle; birth, death, happiness, sadness, give, take... 

Mountains taught me humility. If you ever think you're anything special or "big and bad" stand next to a mountain and see how "big" you feel. 

Writing this is making me want to go outside right now! I hope any and everyone who reads this makes it a point to get fresh air this spring/summer and make goals for being active. 

Thank you for reading:)

Because I love it

It's been one week since I ran the Phoenix Marathon! Seriously, where does the time go?
So today was the first day I tried running again (ok, well yesterday I ran on track in the gym but I don't think that really counts:)
Again, today was the first day I ran outside and although I felt some pain it was definitely tolerable and I certainly was listening to what my body was telling me. If the pain was too much, I'd slow down. If I felt good, I would push a little harder. I ran 4 miles and it was CATHARTIC!
I really like that word... Cathartic.
Feeling the sweat dripping and the fresh air against my skin made me so happy. I run because I love it! When I love, I love hard. You don't give up on something you love. If it's true love it'll be kind and gentle. For that reason, I continue running but with a little caution.
I also started doing yoga so that my muscles can be stretched/relaxed and to give my body time to recuperate. I found yoga to be a bit challenging. Holding a pose, being present in the moment, and taking things slow is not really my style. I find it difficult to focus on only the moment rather than allowing my mind to wander freely. There is definitely peace in being still and not thinking about the past or worrying about the future. I hope to learn the secret through the yoga.
I love my body... I love my body because it is a gift that is temporary, but so precious. This gift is my home and everyone wants a peaceful home. I hope to find peace and happiness in this home of mine.

-Peace and love

A Phoenix from the flames...

Well, it's been over a year and I haven't posted anything. For that, I am sorry. In the last year I have learned quite a lot and grew from my many experiences. I have been running and continue to draw parallels to life through my journey as a distance runner.
In the last year I completed two more marathons; the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes Marathon and most recently the Phoenix Marathon.
Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes was awesome! I had my PR time of 4:20. That was on October 6th, 2013. Moving away from my goal of one marathon a year I decided to push myself and finish another marathon less than 5 months later... the Phoenix Marathon on March 1st, 2014. This is the story I want to tell... the story of Phoenix.

I like to consider myself an intuitive person. I try to listen to my gut instincts and to look at the signs around me. Something told me that I needed to be in Phoenix, that I had to go there. I felt like Santiago from the Alchemist in search of his hidden treasure. (Santiago travels from Andalusia in southern Spain to the Egyptian pyramids in search of hidden treasure, learning life lessons along the way. Santiago is a dreamer and a seeker, and he stands for the dreamer and seeker in all of us.)

For over six months the words "Phoenix" and "Arizona" were everywhere I turned. I even found a shirt that read "Ypsilanti Phoenix." There is no school in Ypsilanti with the mascot Phoenix... it was just a random shirt that put the two cities together. Mind you, I live in Ypsilanti and my calling was in Phoenix. Being as busy as I am, I could only make this trip on my mid-winter break. So I booked my ticket and, lo-and-behold, the Phoenix Marathon just happened to be on March 1st! One of the days during my break. My intention was not to run a marathon, but I couldn't let the opportunity pass and I felt it was another one of those inclinations that it was meant to be.

I know this blog is about running, and I will get to the part of where running plays it's part but I need to paint the entire picture. 

Running for me has always been relatively easy. All Praises due to God, I have never had a knee injury or any serious pain/damage. I truly enjoy running and the parts that are tough are the mental blocks where I feel I want to give up but I know I can push through and come out on the other side.

So the morning of the marathon comes and I feel good. I didn't do anything extra or special to prepare for this marathon. Just the usual running my regular 5-6 days a week. Most of my running was on the treadmill due to the snow and ice in Michigan, but I was running quite regularly and at a great pace. I even bought new running shoes (Mizunos... I never wore Mizunos before. I'm usually an Asics or New Balance girl.) I rarely stretch before or after a run (never really had to, and I KNOW that's not smart... I know, I know.) So here I am the morning of the run and I feel confident. I start the run and I am doing great, I am just where I want to be. I am following the pace team of 4:00 hrs... I cross the 13.1 mile mark (halfway point) at 2:03 hrs and I feel fine up until mile 18. 

What happened at mile 18?

I, honestly, do not know. 

There was a pain on the side of my right knee. I didn't want to stop because I knew if I stopped running I would not be able to pick up the pace again. The pain became so intolerable that I had to stop. I stopped and the pain was excruciating when I tried to run on it again. I no longer could put any more pressure on my right leg. People were so kind... I had someone show me a stretch that might help. A lady gave me ibuprofen (probably the only time/place I'd accept pills from a stranger), a man brought me a bottle of water, people were clapping and cheering with encouraging words, but my body was spent. Not going to lie... the idea of getting on the medical truck was so tempting but the OCD in my personality told me that I had to finish even if I walked to the finish line. That's exactly what I did... I walked/dragged my right leg with me and even started to cry. I cried because I knew that my mind wouldn't let me gracefully step out of the run. There were points that I tried to run again but the pain was too much. And this is where I had my epiphany....

Let it go!

Let go....

Running has always been fun and enjoyable, but if it's hurting me and can possibly do harm to me then I shouldn't push it. So I let myself walk and finish the run. (I did run across the finish line because I felt I had to finish as a runner.) When I was walking I realized there's no point in pushing something further if you know it's only going to bring you pain. This wasn't a mental block, this was an actual physical pain and my body was talking to me and telling me that I needed to give it a break. I realized I am not in control of this body. I have been blessed with this gift and I have to take care of it. I am proud of myself for finishing what I started, but I have walked away with so much insight. It's not just about the run... I came to the run with lots of baggage/thoughts/memories and the lesson I've learned is that it's okay to let go. You have to give your all to whatever you set your mind to, but you also have to know when to say enough is enough. I will still continue to run, but I will also take better precautions. I will listen to my body and I will acknowledge that I am not in control and I have to submit my will to a greater force (God/Allah/the Universe... what have you.)

In the past I have likened myself to a Phoenix. I am a person who is constantly evolving and searching.... there are times where I feel like a Phoenix at the end of it's life. I com-bust into flames and rise again from those very ashes a new person. 

If you read this far... thank you. I hope there was some benefit from this or at least enjoyment in reading my story. I love running. I always will. I will continue to run. My advice is to take care of yourself first. Any race/run is not a competition with anyone... it is a personal journey to growth and development. 

What if....

What if there was a drug that could......

• Improve your mood
• Increase your sex drive
• Help you lose weight
• Help you sleep better
• Improve your self confidence
• Increase your patience
• Give you energy
• Regulate your digestion
• Help you appear younger
• Improve your skin tone
• Eliminate aches and pains
• Lengthen your life
• Allow you to eat more

There is....

               It's called EXERCISE!!!

Just some food for thought:) Mmmm... food