13 in 2013 Challenge

With 7 Races under my belt this year The 12 Race Challenge is beginning to feel not so challenging after all. Originally, I created The 12 Race Challenge to encourage myself to run one race a month. Yet, lately, I've been hearing a lot of buzz about another challenge among fellow race addicts like myself called 13 in 2013.

This race refers to completing 13 races of any distance in the year 2013. I love the cadence of this challenge and will thus throw out The 12 Race Challenge for 13 in 2013 Challenge. 

Lets recap the races I've already done:

1. March: Oakland Half Marathon
2. April: Running of the Elk Half Marathon
3. May: Divas Half Marathon
4. May: Fit, Fab, and Lean Half Virtual Marathon
5. June: Live Ultimate Quarter Marathon
6. July: Bad Bass 10k
7. August: Summer Breeze 10k

6 more to go....

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 

30 Day Fitness Challenge

Summer is here and it's time to glisten, sparkle, and sweat. I found this great workout which I've planned to do as a 30 Day Challenge in addition to running 25-30 miles a week. I am only on day 3 of this challenge and I am so sore. 

Currently, I only complete one set which takes about 15 minutes. However, as the weeks progress I plan to increase the sets. For example:

Week 1: 1 set
Week 2: 2 sets
Week 3: 3 sets
Week 4: 4 sets 
*I add 25 lunges to each set*

Depending on your fitness level it maybe ideal to do every other day while still completing 30 days of the challenge, as opposed to doing the challenge for 30 consecutive days. 

I'll keep you updated with my progress. Let me know how this works for you too!

Coco-Banana Delight Smoothie

When you're craving something sweet... but don't want to steer away from your clean eating diet. Try my Coco-Banana Delight Smoothie. It's healthy, simple, and vegan.

Ingredients:
1 can Coconut milk
5 Dates
1 tsp. Vanilla extract
1 Ripe Banana

Directions: Combine all ingredients in blender and liquify.

Yield: 2 Servings, 175 calories per serving

Back to Basics

Since I was a little girl if ever I or one of my sisters fell ill we ran to our nana for advice. Although, we were all insured my nana's  wisdom proved far more valuable. As the oldest, I was the voice for us all, I read off our symptoms to nana and patiently we awaited a response (my mom eager to know the verdict as well). 

I carefully wrote down everything she advised.  Her timeless home remedies dated back to her years as the oldest child caring for her siblings. She explained her grandmothers mother did this and it always worked. My nanas instructions were meant to be followed to a tee and looking back at them now I realize how practical and basic they were. With a warm intensity she would advise: 

• Upset stomach: drink a cap-ful of apple cider vinegar and chase it with a cup of water
• Sore throat: gargle with salt water and spread vapor rub on your chest with a warm compress
• Menstrual cramps: lay with a hot water bottle
• Tough splinter: wrap foot in plastic with baking soda
• Dry scalp treatment: coconut/olive oil mask and apple cider rinse

Remembering my nanas’ advice reminds me of the importance of going back to basics. Studies prove that the body can heal itself; free of prescriptions, elixirs, patches, syrups, and fad diets. With some TLC and a few household staples we can be as good as new. 

On the rare occasion I become sick I remind myself of my nana's remedies. I drink water, flush my system with veggies and fruits, and I get plenty of rest. Simple, basic yet effective.