A Runner’s Circle Run Club (ARC)

Shortly after my disappointment in my finish time in the San Diego Rock-N-Roll Marathon, I decided to change my surroundings. So I joined the ARC Run Club.

Although they call it a "Fun Run", it's hard not to compete. But I’m happy to say that my pace has improved. There is no doubt that surrounding yourself with the best brings out the best in us.

Everyday I find a little more strength and motivation within in me to push a little harder. Every day, my pace improves and I feel great, and every improvement no matter how small contributes to a happier me.

Thank you ARC Family for always being there for me!

Celebrate Each Second

I sometimes get discouraged when I have a bad day do not meet my target. This only last for a minute though, because I remind myself to look back and compare. As long as I’ve improved my pace by even (.0001) seconds, I should drop the “self pity” act immediately.

To finish a Marathon and even a Half takes a great amount of training, patience and endurance. Every (.0001) second makes a difference and brings you closer to the finish line. So celebrate each second of improvement.

My First Marathon

Hope you do not mind hearing a little about me. In 2002, after The Ohio State Buckeyes won the Nationals, my baby then 17 years old decided that was the university of his dreams. That of course was my nightmare. My baby was going almost 3000 miles away. Why not California State "Anything". Anything but, that far away. But how could I destroy his dreams, I just suffered silently, and helped him prepare for his new journey.

But, I needed something to prepare me for the moment he left and the duration of his studies. That year I decided to train to run a "Marathon". People still ask me " Why not a dog"? They require less time to train, and surely,training them is less painful. I finally said " Okay guys, if I do this for a good cause, would you stop picking on me"? So I decided to select a good cause and my choice was Train To End Stroke an endurance training and fund-raising program, benefiting the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, in which participants train to run or walk a full or half marathon.

I became part of this program shortly before I took my "baby" to The Ohio State University in September 2003. By the way, they gave me a gym bag which says, "I swapped my kid for this bag at Ohio State". Wow, they had no sympathy, they had to rub it in. In the beginning I could not stand to look at it, but then I started to use it to carry my training gear. Well at least I got something for all the extra out of state tuition I was paying for.

I trained constantly, and I finished my first marathon which was the The Los Angeles Marathon in March of 2004. And like they state in the movie Spirit of the Marathon," When You Cross The Finish Line It Will Change Your Life Forever". This event changed my life. It will also change your life.

As for the bag I traded for my kid, it's still kicking after the countless Marathons and Half-Marathons I've completed. It's a little faded to say the least, and I keep telling my son, that he needs to come home, so I can put it away. But, he's not listening. Sometimes I think he's challenging me, or maybe he likes the person I've become after my life changing experience of completing a Marathon.

Journey to Boston Qualifier

Journey to Boston Qualifier

On August 31, 2008, I completed my last event in my division. On September 18th, I entered a new division. My goal in this division is to qualify for The Boston Marathon. In order to do this I have to work very hard to improve my pace. For the last year I’ve been working very diligently trying to make a major improvement. Day after day, I kept noticing little or no improvement. In my search for a method, the book Chi Running was recommended by one of my friends.

I began reading the book and implementing the suggestions little by little. The suggestions and information has helped me improve my pace. It has also helped me feel more energized at the end of my runs. I’m more relaxed during my runs, and I can really feel the difference. I purchased a book for my son and the audio book for my daughter. I’ve also passed on the information to my team mates.

To be a Boston Qualifier is my goal, and I know that by using the principals of Chi Running, I've improved my form, endurance, strength and stamina and ultimately my pace.

Family Exercise

I often hear mothers say that they don’t have time to exercise because they are too busy with caring for their family. I really see this as an excuse and an insult to their loved ones. First of all a family needs healthy parents which can provide for the family at all times.

Accountability is of utmost importance when it comes to the health and well being of your family. If parents to not take care of themselves, they are putting themselves at risk of not being there for their family. It also sends a conflicting message to all the family members, because they will not learn to take care of themselves and the “saga” will continue when they become parents.

How about including a “Family Exercise” activity to the agenda? Here’s to a healthier you, a healthier family, and a healthier nation!

The Spirit of Columbus Virtual Half Marathon

The actual Spirit of Columbus Half Marathon course begins at The Mall at Tuttle Crossing in Dublin, Ohio. The journey is down Riverside Drive along the Scioto River. Participants passed by Upper Arlington, Grandview and Perry Township arriving in Columbus to a view of the Columbus skyline. Athletes will enjoy a gradual downhill course certified with the United States Track and Field Association. This event took place on August 30, 2009.

As for my virtual event, it took place on August 29, 2009, in celebration of my son’s 24th Birthday. My custom made bib sported the # 82985 which is my son’s birth date. The location was in Griffith Park, located in Los Angeles CA. The course had a variation of fat, downhill, some small hills and (1) big hill, which I dubbed “the beastly one”.

Anyone familiar with the news in Cali will remember that due to various fires, the air quality was not cooperating with any runner that weekend. So, I can say that for the first (8) miles the air quality was tolerable. The remaining 5.1 miles were quite a challenge to complete. But, being a woman of my word and a stubborn one at that, I completed the distance.

This is my second Virtual event. I have to say that the savings is great. There is no Airfare, nor Lodging expenses involved in the investment. Best of all, you are very relaxed and well rested for the event.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARI!

August 6, 2009

Hi Ari:

I hope you have a beautiful day! Have fun with all your friends and don't eat too much cake, save some for me.

You are Five,
How time flies,
Enjoy this time,
For soon you'll find,
Six will be here,
And year after year,
My star gets bigger,
Smarter and Brighter!

Love,
Aunti Ca