Eat well, Give thanks, and Love yourself

As much as I sleep, eat, and breathe health and fitness there are still times when I need an extra push to get into the gym or turn down sweet treats. To keep me focused I surround myself visually and mentally with positive and encouraging affirmations. Below is an example:

Race #6: July 2013 Bad Bass 10K Race

Race #6 of the 12 Race Challenge began early Saturday July 27, 2013 at Lake Chabot in Castro Valley, CA. This race by far, proved more challenging then any other race I have ever completed.  Originally, I approached the race slightly snooty, believing that I could easily conquer a mere 6.2 miles.

Little did I know I should have trained and prepared for a hilly terrain as a opposed the flat terrain I am used to. The hills in Lake Chabot were more extreme than the hills I've ran in Atlanta or San Francisco. Although it was only a mere 6.2 miles (shorter than 13.1 I also do) the steep, rocky unpaved hills made jogging up difficult and going down dangerous. (I nearly tripped twice)

A major highlight of this race was the beautiful scenery of Lake Chabot- the combination of the still water, the clear sky, and the towering trees brought a sense of calm, peace, and serenity to the run. There were times I was literally beaming ear-to-ear in gratitude as I marched up the tall hills of Lake Chabot.

I completed the race with one mantra echoing in my head: "you're a gladiator, you can do this". I was right I did do it and I did it well.

I finished strong and I finished proud.

Time: 1:16

Race #5: June 2013 Live Ultimate Quarter Marathon

Almost one month has passed since my last race. As apart of my 12 Race Challenge I signed up for The Live Ultimate Quarter Marathon at San Francisco’s Crissy Field. This was the shortest race I've done this year yet somehow a 6.55 miles race in Summer heat can be just as grueling as a 13.1 mile race in Fall.

 

The race had a nice turnout, which was expected being that it was promoted on Groupon for a great price. For only $28 I got some great pre/post-race snacks, a cute shirt, race bib, a mediocre medal, and a complimentary post race photo.

The race course was simple and predictable. We ran twice around a local bike/jogging trail. Which made the race crowded with Ultimate racers and locals. My goal for this race was 1 hour and 6 minutes, unfortunately I missed my goal by 7 minutes and finished at 1:13. I wasn't sad about missing my goal time because I was just glad to have made it there. I had a long work week and only 4 hours of sleep the night before. Making it there and completing the race was an accomplishment in itself.

The run was peaceful, near the water with a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge it was a great way to begin the morning and the rest of the day nicely followed suit.

 Complimentary post-race photo