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

The Enlightened Warrior’s 1st Race

It finally happened on July 26, 2009, San Francisco Marathon event. The journey took almost one entire year of training and endurance, but my daughter finished her first event. She even has the medal to prove it although she (almost forget to get it) after crossing the finish line.

Her Pre-Race preparation was as organized as her training. First she was not able to pick up her packet and goodie bag, due to a few unexpected auditions which came up. No matter, I figured out of way to pick it up for her, she was not dodging this one.

In checking her athletic attire, and equipment, I noticed many things missing. Her answer to all the questions about where they were was “I’m going to use yours”. It’s a good thing I brought an extra water bottle. Imagine that!

Despite all the dodging training and previous events, she did well. She only missed her target finish time by 2 minutes. But, you have to see her face in the picture of her crossing the finish line! Something is missing a “smile” maybe. After all, it was the finish the line.

I’m very proud of you “Enlightened Warrior”! You ran the San Francisco Marathon’s First Half-Marathon, the tougher of the two. And you can now say that you ran the Golden Gate Bridge. An additional token to compliment a very memorable event.

Next?

Listen to Your Body

This morning the alarm went off, and I was not too happy. “You’re tired anyway just take the day off”, the little voice in my head repeated on several occasions. I quickly pressed the snooze button, and contemplated the thought of just sleeping in. The alarm went off again, and the little voice kept torturing me. I pressed the snooze button again

.

When the alarm went off again, I jumped out of bed, before the voice kicked in. I quickly drank my (2) glasses of water, and was wide awake before the temptation of going back to bed even crossed my mind.

I finished my normal pre-run preparation, and went out on my run. But, just in case the little voice was right and I was tired, I started my run out slow. I finished (6) miles and felt great.

This I owe to my commitment and conditioning.. Be true to yourself. After all, if you decide to run and your body simply is not ready, you will know, and you will stop. And is okay also, we all have those days. But the important thing is to listen to your body. And you can listen to that little voice when it tells you, “It’s only (6) miles, come on you’ve finished several marathons".

Yoga

For me yoga and running are an excellent combination. Yoga gives me more strenght in my core muscles which allows me to maximize my runs.

I have a Yoga Cardio as well as a Yoga Flex routine. Both are (20) minutes long, and the time is well worth it. When something unexpectedly develops, and I can’t find time to do my yoga routines, I suffer the morning of my next run.

So, take the time to do at least one, if you cannot find time for both. Alternate the two if you need to, but it is important to include Yoga in your life so you can become a stronger runner.

Pieces of The Puzzle--The Color Orange Has It!

The orange color fruits and vegetables are great fat burners. Want some ice cream? Mix it with cantaloupe. How about some cottage cheese? Add some carrots to that mix. I always have plenty of baby carrots, and ready to eat cantaloupe. It’s easy to grab so I have not excuse.

For me taking the time to prepare healthy snacks is more that worth it. I lose weight, and save money, since I don’t support the fast food industry. You guessed it, another piece of the puzzle.