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10 Tips for Health in 2012

2012 is here and with it brings us a clean slate. Ah. I’m sure there are a number of changes we want to make in our life this year, but sometimes it’s better to make gradual changes. Here’s a list of 10 things to try this year! Happy New Year!

1. Put Yourself First! I know we always talk about putting other people first, but sometimes it’s all about you! Your boss, your kids and your significant other can wait. Put your mobile device in a place you can’t see it and give yourself some TLC. Take a yoga class, read a book, see a movie, walk through the park, go to the gym, cook a meal; whatever it is, do it for you. Sometimes we all need a little break to restart our engines. You deserve it.

2. Build and Maintain Healthy Relationships! A healthy lifestyle starts first with loving and respecting yourself and second, by loving those around you. Studies have shown that people who have close relationships and are involved in social gatherings (temple, church, book club) lead happier lives, so whether it’s a coworker, a significant other or a family member, enhance those relationships! For example, if you haven’t spoken to an older relative in a while, call them (yes, I know…the dreaded phone) – they love hearing about your life and you will mutually benefit from this experience.

3. Take in Fresh Air! Fresh air provides you with a steady supply of oxygen, which is needed by your brain and every single cell of your body. If you stay in a closed in area for a long period of time, you will end up breathing in the same air over and over again. The oxygen content of the air will go down continually as you (and whoever else happens to be in the room with you) breathe out carbon dioxide and other wastes. I know it’s cold for us east coasters, but a little fresh air will do your body good, so next time you finish work, think about walking home; if you don’t have time, just open a door or window at least once a day.

4. Create Positive Thoughts! We all have bad days, rough situations and annoyances in our lives, and of course we’ve all had “bad childhoods,” but we don’t need to bring these experiences into our social situations. You know why? It’s no fun to spend time with someone who is always complaining and brings a negative energy to the room. So, the next time you feel that urge to burst out with something negative, try channeling your energy toward something you healthy, e.g., taking a yoga class, reading a book or listening to your favorite song.

5. Try Something New! Whether it’s a class at the gym or rock climbing, with the plethora of fitness facilities, yoga studios and everything in between, it’s the perfect time to try something new! And you never know, you may even make a new friend. In December, I tried Strengthen, Lengthen and Tone (SLT), a Megaformer class where you do just that, in only 50 minutes. It’s only $20 for your first class and you’ll be hooked.

6. Find a Workout Buddy! I remember back in 2004 when I had just moved to NYC by myself and didn’t know anyone, I had to make friends the way little kids do; at the sandbox. ;-) I took coreSati™ and intenSati™ at Equinox every Tuesday night and on occasion, I would take willPower & grace© on Saturdays. I started to see a girl every week and eventually we introduced ourselves and finally, we became ‘gym’ friends; we then made plans to take these classes together and it was so motivating! And we are still friends (outside of the gym, 7 years later).

7. Make a Mitzvah! Do something nice for someone else this year. This can be as small as holding a door for a mother with a giant stroller, or as large as donating your time to an organization which helps people. Sometimes giving money is the easy way out, so use the skills you have to make a difference. For New Yorkers, NYCares offers a variety of events to help others, from planting gardens to building houses to packing backpacks for children starting school.

8. See a Personal Trainer! They’re expensive, I know, but when you just aren’t able to make changes to your body, sometimes insight from a professional will give you that extra kick in the pants. It’s always nice to have something holding you accountable for that slice of pizza you had yesterday or that cardio session that you skipped. Yes, it’s like having a second mother / therapist….and it just feels better to have someone tell you what to do, right?

9. Get some Greens! We could all use a little more green in our lives. Take a look at what you’re eating for one day and see if you have greens as part of your diet, and I hate to break it to you, but a French fry isn’t a green. Sad, I know. What I’m talking about is spinach, kale, broccoli, collard greens, chards, etc. If you’re lazy, you can grab a green juice from a number of different places in Manhattan (Organic Avenue, Whole Foods (BluePrint), Juice Generation, to name a few), and you’re all set!

10. Drink Water! Your muscles that move your body are 75 percent water; your blood that transport nutrients is 82 percent water; your lungs that provide your oxygen are 90 percent water; your brain that is the control center of your body is 76 percent water; even your bones are 25 percent water. Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired. Drink up!

For my Nourish Your Body Tumblr updates, Follow me on Twitter! 

Posted 03 January 2012 admin Core Recipe Comments (0)

Kale Chips

This is my yummy kale chip recipe – great for kale lovers and also those who say they don’t even like kale. These are better than any chip you can buy in a store…I promise! Once you eat one, you will eat the entire plate – make a lot of you plan on sharing!

Preparation: Preheat oven to 350 degrees, cook for 10-15 minutes

  • Rinse kale, remove stems and dry completely in a salad spinner or dry off with paper towels; rip into 1-2 inch pieces
  • Put kale in a bowl and massage with olive oil (about 2 tablespoons) – make sure it’s coated completely, but not drenched
  • Spread kale on a cookie sheet covered in foil (if you’re lazy like me and don’t want to wash the sheet) and make sure the pieces aren’t on top of each other
  • Top with your favorite seasonings! For me this includes sea salt, sesame seeds, garlic powder and brewers yeast, but play around with your favorites or just keep it simple with salt and pepper!
  • Pop it in the oven and cook for 10-15 minutes depending on your oven – the first time you make these may be trial and error (the kale chips do burn, so watch them!)
  • Place on a plate on top of a paper towel to absorb some of the oil and enjoy right away! (if you plan to store them, wait an hour or two for them to cool off completely, and place into storage bins)
  • YUM!
Posted 30 October 2011 admin Core Recipe Comments (0)

The Breakfast Experiment

For one of my homework assignments in IIN (more details about my enrollment in The Institute for Integrative Nutrition in my bio), I was asked to evaluate what I eat for breakfast and see how my energy is affected. Now, remember, we are all different, so what works for me, may be the exact opposite for you. :)

NOTE: I sometimes have other items for breakfast, e.g., an almond milk based smoothie, Kashi cereal with almond milk, or even a bagel with regular cream cheese (rarely), and I definitely go out for breakfast or brunch once or twice a week, but the following are my usual suspects during the “school week.”

Option 1: Heart Happy: Oatmeal with 1 T honey, ½ T cinnamon, 1 chopped banana, 1 chopped fresh kiwi (fruit depends on the season)

Option 2: A Twist on the American Breakfast: 2 pieces of Men’s Bread filled with an omelet of 3 egg whites and spinach (or 2 fried eggs), ½ avocado

Option 3: Liquid Energy: Green Juice from Organic Avenue (I choose one with at least 10 grams of protein)

Option 5: Silky Smooth: FAGE yogurt (0%), with blueberries, strawberries, 1 T agave nectar, ½ T cinnamon; or Siggi’s Icelandic yogurt (either a fruit variety or plain with agave)

As a personal trainer, I sometimes have back-to-back clients from 6:30am to 1pm. Since each of my sessions is 60 minutes, I usually have about 2 minutes in between sessions to shove a snack down my face and go to the bathroom, not necessarily in that order. I will usually bring a snack of nuts, fruit, Larabar or green juice, but the most important factor for me is getting full enough to last throughout the morning. Another piece to the puzzle is being full, but not sluggish, so I need to choose wisely.

And the winner goes to Options 2 and 3; protein is key for my long mornings. The eggs are great if I have a little extra time to make them, and juice if I’m in a rush—I’m full, yet energized and don’t need to have a snack until about 11am! When my days aren’t as packed, I can have some of the other options, and also indulge in some reading time at one of my favorite places: Snack Taverna. J

I urge you to try your own version of this breakfast experiment, See you YOU feel! And if you want to share your findings with me, I would be interested to hear how it goes.

Posted 05 October 2011 admin Core Recipe Comments (0)

When life gives you lemons, sip away!

Thanks to my friend, and successful holistic health counselor, Alexi, I have learned a lot about lemons. In the past, I’ve used them to begin my morning when doing a juice cleanse or detox, but more recently I’ve been incorporating warm lemon water into my everyday routine! From stomach problems to weight loss, these little guys are amazing for you and easy on the wallet. So, next time you reach for OTC remedies, think twice, and pick up a juicy lemon. For more nutritional tips and homeopathic remedies, contact Alexi.

  1. Good for stomach
    Lemon can help relieve many digestion problems when mixed with hot water. These include nausea, heartburn and parasites. Due to the digestive qualities of lemon juice, symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, bloating and belching are relieved. By drinking lemon juice regularly, the bowels are aided in eliminating waste more efficiently. Lemon acts as a blood purifier and as a cleansing agent. The intake of lemon juice can cure constipation. It is even known to help relieve hiccups when consumed as a juice. Lemon juice acts as a liver tonic and helps you digest your food by helping your liver produce more bile. It decreases the amount of phlegm produced by your body. It is also thought to help dissolve gallstones.
  2. Excellent for Skin Care
    Lemon, being a natural antiseptic medicine, can participate to cure problems related to skin. Lemon is a vitamin C rich citrus fruit that enhances your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within and thus bringing a glow on your face. Daily consumption of lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It acts as an anti-aging remedy and can remove wrinkles and blackheads. Lemon water if applied on the areas of burns can fade the scars. As lemon is a cooling agent, it reduces the burning sensation on the skin.
  3. Aids in Dental Care
    Lemon water is used in dental care also. If fresh lemon juice is applied on the areas of toothache, it can assist in getting rid of the pain. The massages of lemon juice on gums can stop gum bleeding. It gives relief from bad smell and other problems related to gums.
  4. Cures Throat Infections
    Lemon is an excellent fruit that aids in fighting problems related to throat infections, sore throat and tonsillitis as it has an antibacterial property. For sore throat, dilute one-half lemon juice with one-half water and gargle frequently.
  5. Good for Weight Loss
    One of the major health benefits of drinking lemon water is that it paves way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy. If a person takes lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water and honey, it can reduce the body weight as well.
  6. Controls High Blood Pressure
    Lemon water works wonders for people having heart problem, owing to its high potassium content. It controls high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea as well as provides relaxation to mind and body. It also reduces mental stress and depression.
  7. Assist in curing Respiratory Disorders
    Lemon water assists in curing respiratory problems, along with breathing problems and revives a person suffering from asthma.
  8. Good for treating Rheumatism
    Lemon is also a diuretic and hence lemon water can treat rheumatism and arthritis. It helps to flush out bacteria and toxins out of the body.
  9. Reduces Fever
    Lemon water can treat a person who is suffering from cold, flu or fever. It helps to break fever by increasing perspiration.
  10. Acts as a blood purifier
    The diseases like cholera or malaria can be treated with lemon water as it can act as a blood purifier.
Posted 21 May 2011 admin Core Recipe Comments (0)

I’m a Personal Trainer at Equinox!

My client, Paco

My fitness goals are all coming together! Professionally, that is. I moved to NYC in January (yes, I seriously have failed at keeping up this blog) and six days later, I got a job at Equinox (The old Printing House on Leroy and Hudson) as a Personal Trainer. Yay! The only company I wanted to work for hired me, which means that I didn’t have to job hunt and the best part is my commute to work is 8 minutes! I am a lucky girl.

Funny part about getting a job at this Equinox location is that, two years ago, when I was a member of Printing House, I was actually kicked out of the gym for training someone. Of course I wasn’t actually training someone, I was just working out with a friend…but, I was asked to leave the gym. Luckily, it all worked out for the best.

From day one at the gym, it has been insane; for two months at three times a week, I was taking classes at EFTI (Equinox Fitness Training Institute), doing Equifits (the two free sessions given to members upon joining the Club), working floor shifts (putting away weights and flapping my gums with the members) and managing my clients (I have 8 so far!). For many days straight, I was working over 11 hours. My sleeping patterns weren’t so good and it was hard to make time to eat…and if I don’t eat, I get extremely grumpy (many of you know this).

As a trainer, my lifestyle is a bit different from my leisurely year in San Diego. My days consist of waking up at 5:30 or 6:30am, training my clients, going to EFTI and somehow finding time to workout, which has been a challenge with the weather. I miss being able to run around Miramar Lake in San Diego and doing my six-mile hikes at Torrey Pines, but I can’t complain because I have the Westside Highway and Central Park. Somehow these options aren’t as appealing, especially when I jog past the helipad and get a free rock facial.

Today marked the end of school. I took my exam and luckily, passed with flying colors, which means that I’m a short distance away from being promoted from Tier 1 to Tier 2. I am still doing Equifits and still have my regular clients, but my focus is off of school and toward getting new clients, both inside and outside the gym. Ideally, I would like to be full time at Equinox in the next two months, which means 90 sessions per month. I can do it!

One of the major hurdles in getting clients is that the gym currently has no showers because the top two floors are being renovated. Thankfully, I have only lost two clients from this inconvenience and they will return once the upstairs opens. After Equinox purchased Printing House (in December of 2010), they did a complete remodel—the ground floor is now open and the top two floors, which include a rooftop pool and outdoor space, will reopen in September once they are up to Equinox standards.

That’s my update for now. I will do my best to post some new workouts and some new eats! And remember, it’s not fitness, it’s life. :)

Posted 27 April 2011 admin Core Recipe Comments (0)

Resolutions for Life!

On top of Haleakalā volcano in Maui!

It’s that time of year again when you’re supposed to make New Year’s resolutions and set goals that will make your life better for next year. My problem with this concept is that each day presents a possibility to make tomorrow better, so we do we always wait until January 1st to make these life changes? If we make gradual adjustments to our day-to-day life, instead of at the beginning of each year, we be toasting to a great year past! Now doesn’t that make the champagne go down easier?

Do you remember when you were growing up (not to say that I’m a grown up now) and your parents, family and friends used to ask you what do you wanted to be? Do you remember that question like it was yesterday? I do. I think I wanted to be a dancer or an interior designer or a teacher and I’m sure it changed every time I found some new interest. Why is it that now, at age 29 (almost 30!), I still feel vexed by that same question?

The New Year is a perfect example of this age-old question. With the overabundance of career paths available these days, it has become harder to know how to channel your interests into a meaningful and successful career. In addition, with the economy the way it is, people are more apt to jump into a disappointing position just to pay the bills. This is fine, but use this job as a stepping-stone while you really explore your true interests. I’m not ignoring those people who love their jobs, but many of my friends are perplexed when it comes to “what they want to be” and how to get there.

I was in the “I don’t know what to do” category. I was in the marketing and publishing industries for five years and realized that I was not happy, but for some reason, I couldn’t change my situation. So, how did I change? I put my mind to the test and set goals for myself, both proximal and long term. For starters, I made a list of my interests and activities that describe who I am, and my friends helped me fill in the blanks. I already had this blog about health and fitness and I was bored with my job—I needed to make some changes to get out of the rut.

If you feel like you’re not 100 percent satisfied with your current situation, try making a list or asking your close friends/family their thoughts on what you would be good—it sounds silly, but sometimes we need someone to tell us what to do. It was clear to me that I was destined begin a career in fitness and health and multiple people confirmed my decision. I constantly have friends and family telling me I made the correct decision and it feels good to hear!

I started taking the steps to fulfill my passion and I am a Certified Personal Trainer through NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine). I started with the proximal goal of passing the test, and the long-term goal of getting a job as a trainer. I studied my butt off, loved everything I was reading and I passed the test; the most important factor in my success was a positive attitude and motivation. Your mind is a powerful tool, my friends.

Remember, you are accountable for your tomorrow. Put your brain to the test and make each day a better day for you and only you. I wish you all a happy and prosperous end of 2010 and cheers to 2011—make each day your best day ever!

Posted 28 December 2010 admin Core Recipe Comments (0)

Slap Your Negative Thoughts with an Om

Yoga is my way to take a break from life’s stressors. For one hour, I turn off my brain and choose an affirmation for my practice—whether it’s eating healthy for the day, working out consistently or having a positive attitude toward the people around me—whatever it is, I get to make it happen. If I’m having a rough day or if I’m anxious about something, yoga is the perfect way to escape.

I was talking to my friend today, who was griping about how she had to pay a fee to change her plane ticket, and she was ANGRY. Later in the day, I was shopping at Trader Joe’s and some woman yelled at me in the parking lot for and almost drove her car into my car because I apparently cut her off. This made me ANNOYED. These situations happen almost every day; some people yell, some cry, some complain, and some even try to run you over. Believe me, I’m not one to stay calm and deal with every situation in the most mature way all the time, but when something doesn’t go your way, it’s important to find a way to channel your negative energy into something positive. If you get mad or upset, who are you helping?

How do you release tension and rid yourself of unhealthy thoughts?

With my personal training test coming up, I’ve been studying intensely over the last few weeks to get those last few chapters finished, and yoga has been my good friend. When I want to turn off my brain and relax, I head over to Sol Yoga, my favorite hot yoga studio in San Diego’s La Jolla area. I have taken a couple different classes, but I love Power1 because it’s a combination of Vinyasa flow (different poses each class) with Bikram (the same 26 poses every class). The class is 60 minutes and the room is heated to 95 degrees, whereas traditional Bikram is 90 minutes and heated to around 105.

If you love regular yoga, you will really love hot yoga…once you get accustomed to the intensity and sweat dripping out of your pores onto your towel and the floor (literally). I do a lot of weight lifting outside of yoga, so I love coming to class a day after a tough workout at the gym because I get to really stretch my body and relax the tight muscles. Also, a lot of people don’t realize that yoga is a full body, conditioning workout, so if you don’t believe me, try it and let me know!

One of the most important parts of yoga is breathing. In our respiration process, we breathe in oxygen, which goes through our systems in a form of energy to charge our different body parts; we then exhale carbon dioxide and all toxic wastes from our body. Through the practice of yoga breathing, the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide is attained, so with your breath as your guide, poses become easier and more fluid. I have always had issues with breathing (I’m a chest breather, rather than a stomach breather), and yoga has been instrumental in improving my technique and reducing anxiety. Other benefits of yoga are listed below (from Sol’s website).

Sol is great because most of the teachers will adjust your form to make sure your body is in ideal alignment. You want to make sure each posture is correct to reduce the chance of an injury, and when you leave class, you will be more aware of how you move in other situations. One of my favorite instructors is Chaise, because she makes a point to correct and help students achieve the best postures. In addition, she makes yoga approachable.

One of my favorite poses is Ardha-Kurmasana (half tortoise pose). Half tortoise is great for tense necks and shoulders, increases blood flow to the brain, which enhances memory and mental clarity, and this posture also stretches the lower part of the lungs, which is therapeutic for asthma, and counter indigestion, flatulence, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. If you type all day on a computer, you will love this pose, too! I’m sorry about the picture—it’s the best I could find.

Tortoise Pose

BENEFITS OF YOGA
Physiological
Weight control
Increase strength and flexibility
Strengthen and tone the body
Increase energy
Improve circulation and complexion
Posture and alignment improvement

Psychological
Relieve mild depression, anxiety, and fatigue
Improve sense of well being
Improved sleep
Personal growth and self awareness
Promotes peace and relaxation
Better mental function and focus

Biochemical
Detoxify and stimulate organs and glands
Improve metabolism
Stimulate central nervous system
Improved immune response

Posted 08 October 2010 admin Detox Yoga Comments (0)

Fitness Friday: Vegas, Baby

When you hear the word Vegas, it typically invokes images of all night parties, strippers, bachelor parties, massive buffets, pool parties, and all that “fun” stuff, but when I go to Vegas, I’m usually seeing my family. Yes, I have 8 family members who reside in Sin City and they seem to lead pretty normal lives however close they are to all the action of The Strip. I even have adorable, twin baby brothers who I get to see! Don’t be jealous. ☺

I still enjoy a crazy 5am night, a good hangover and a sun burn once in a while, but there really are other things to do in this town of hedonism (trust me). For example, there is a huge National Park that you may have heard of called Red Rock. Sounding familiar? With 19 hiking trails, bighorn sheep, gila monsters, agave roasting pits, natural springs and geological wonders encompassing 197,000 acres of the Mojave Desert, Red Rock is definitely worth the 15-minute (or less) drive from The Strip.

As I said, there are 19 hikes to choose from, ranging in difficulty—I picked the White Rock – La Madra Spring trail, which is the longest (6 miles).  According to the trail map, this hike should take approximately 3.5 hours with moderate difficulty. We started out at around 4pm, so I was hoping we would finish a little sooner, as to not be hiking in the dark (the sun starts to set around 7pm).

The hike starts out relatively steep and gradually rises to an elevation of 5,440 feet. We didn’t really know what to expect, but I wanted to go fast, even though it was about 90 degrees and the sun was beating down. It was a steady incline until the 2-mile point, when the major decline started and was intermixed with some flats. When there was a downhill or small uphill, we ran, but maintained a steady pace overall—it was beautiful out and the rock formations were amazing (I’m a bit of a geology geek)!

There was one crossroad where we though the hike was complete, but after reading a map and looking around at where our car might be parked, realized that we still had 2 miles to go! Being 2 of about 6 other hikers and watching the sun begin to set, we started wishing that we brought a trail map because the signs were slightly confusing. This was about the time we envisioned mountain lions and looters attacking us and my dad was pretty sure he could take the mountain lion. I was pretty sure there was no place to hide and I was going to be dinner.

For most of the hike, the view is of rugged sandstone and tiny lizards all over the place, but near the end, the rocky ground became red, moist sand and we began going uphill again and around our last mountain before the home stretch (we hoped). Once we rounded the curve, we began to see cars and civilization (a couple of people)…and I felt extreme hunger. All I wanted to do was get in the car and go eat, (yes, the hike was awesome and I did feel a sense of accomplishment)! This is the longest hike in Red Rock, but Turtlehead Peak, which is 5 miles, is termed strenuous and I want to try that next!

I guess I’m a fool for not visiting Red Rock sooner, because it’s truly a wondrous place. It only took me about 50 visits to make it here and now I’m determined to conquer every hike (hopefully with the help and support of my family!). I suggest doing a hike during the fall, or if you must go in the summer, do it early in the morning or toward the evening, because otherwise, you will be toasted like the agave fruit.

Happy trails!

Posted 30 September 2010 admin Core Recipe Hiking Travel Fitness Comments (0)

Spaghetti with Chunky Tomato & Chickpea Sauce

With some simple ingredients and 30 minutes of your time, you’ve got yourself a whole new pasta sauce! Thank you to the April 2010 issue of the Vegetarian Times for this new recipe! You may ask yourself why this pasta sauce is new. Well, one of the key ingredients is chickpeas. Interesting, right? I typically use these suckers in salads and hummus and putting in a sauce would never have occurred to me. I guess I’m not as creative in the kitchen as I thought. Hmm.

I don’t know that a lot of people typically incorporate these beans in their recipes, but I love them! You’ll be surprised by their nutty flavor and smooth texture—these little guys are a great addition to a tomato sauce. Also, with 15 grams of protein and 12 grams of fiber (per one cup serving), they are really good for you! (This recipe serves 8.)

New Sauce
8 oz. (2 cups) sliced white or cremini mushrooms
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 large leek, white part cut into chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic or more, minced (1 Tablespoon)
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 15-oz. cans diced tomatoes (try to buy a can with no added salt)
1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 15 oz. can, rinsed and drained)
1/4 cup red wine
8 cups baby spinach leaves (you can get away with about 6 or less if you don’t love spinach)
8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti (1/2 of a 1 pound package)

Place mushrooms, bell pepper, and leek in bowl of food processor. Pulse until ingredients are coarsely chopped. You can also just chop up the ingredients on a cutting board.

Heat oil in large saucepan or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add mushroom mixture and garlic, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cook 3-5 minutes, or until vegetables are softened and most of liquid has evaporated. Stir in oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes, and cook 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add tomatoes, chickpeas, and wine, and season with sea salt and pepper, if desired. Cover, and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add spinach, and cook 3-5 minutes more, or until spinach has wilted.

Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain. Portion pasta into bowls and serve with sauce on top. You can also add about a half tablespoon of fresh parmesan to the top for flavor and presentation.

Posted 07 September 2010 admin Recipes & Eats Comments (1)

My First 5K

The wind in my hair, the soft patter of my little feet, the adrenaline moving through my bloodstream, the slow in and out of my breath—I’m running. But, friends, I’m not a runner. Not only do I have a foot injury that never healed from college, in general it’s a bit too rough on my joints. Even though I don’t think running will ever be MY thing, I signed up for a 5K to support my roomie, Jodi, who recently ran two races this year (5K and half marathon).

About a month after we signed up, Jodi injured her knee, which left her depressed and incapable of partaking in this particular event. I mean, I signed up to run with her (not next to her or anything), but as a fun moment to share together. Having an injury is devastating and especially when running is your lifeblood, which it is for her, this was bad news bears.

Now that I was running the race solo, I really didn’t have the drive to train intensely or even talk about it with her (to not aid in her depression). I did a couple runs a week and decided on the goal of finishing in 31 minutes—I thought that would be a good target since I normally run about a 10-minute mile. I figured I could speed it up here and there if I used a watch to monitor my pace.

Race day approached quickly and I was feeling a little out of running shape—I had been running about 6-12 miles a week (and only about 4 during my last week). My college buddy, Christin, came down from Newport Beach and used Jodi’s ticket, so I had a partner in crime, which left Jodi in charge of the photos (I got a really great photo of part of her leg during her half marathon, so it was her turn to be the photographer and try and do better than me, which wouldn’t be hard to accomplish). ;-)

I made two huge mistakes the day before: drinking alcohol and not getting a good night’s rest. I think I had about three or four hours of snoozing when the alarm went off on Sunday morning at 5am. I pulled myself together with some coffee and wheat toast with peanut butter, and Jodi took us to the start line of the race: Balboa Park. At least I started off the morning right with a light snack and some caffeine. YAY! I was ready to rock and roll.

I had one minor glitch: I was without an iPod. A couple months back, I left it in NYC, so I’ve gotten pretty used to the sound of my own breath and really taking the quite time to think and reflect (or focusing on not dying mid-run). I guess I could have gone out to purchase a new one, but that would be the easy route, right? I was also planning on borrowing a watch from Jodi to monitor my stride, but I forgot to do that, so it was just me, myself and I (and the annoying sound of people breathing and dragging their feet along the pavement).

During the race, I figured I was running about a 10-minute mile, but I had NO CLUE because I had no way of knowing. It was a pretty nice run with no hills and no major obstacles, but I was definitely feeling tired around mile two. I knew it was just one more mile and some change—I could do this. As I rounded the corner to the finish line, I heard Jodi cheering for me and took off sprinting. Success! I made it!

My final time was just under 28 minutes, which is my quickest pace yet (that’s under 9-minute miles). However ill prepared I was, I pulled through for Jodi, my motivation for this 5K. The feeling of coming through the finish line was amazing! I accomplished something and it felt great. I just might do another 5K after all.

Posted 20 August 2010 admin Core Recipe Races Training Comments (0)