Category: Tuesday Topics

Tuesday Topics: My first race

Hey there!  I hope everyone is doing well.  How is it that it is Tuesday again?  Don’t the days go by fast?  I am feeling better which is a good time.  No one has time to get sick, right?  Now let’s continue with our fun topic this week.

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This week’s Tuesday Topic:  What was your first race?  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

This topic brought so many fun memories.  I started running in the summer of 2005.  I remember I was downtown and saw a much older man running.  I told myself that if he could run then so could I.  I signed up with CARA for a beginner’s class but somehow did not complete it because I signed up again.  Haha!  I remember the goal was to run for 30 minutes but I “only” made it to 28 minutes.  Still I was pleased with how I did.  The next year is when I signed up for the Chicago Marathon. 

I didn’t know anything about running.  I had no idea what I was getting myself into but I did it anyway.  A friend from work was also a runner and he would tell me to run too.  I said “No” and that I wouldn’t/couldn’t even run a mile.  Ha, if only he could see me now.  🙂

Anyway, back to the topic.  My first race was the Tinley Turkey Trot 5K on November 12, 2005.  I don’t remember how or why I signed up.  Honestly, I don’t remember this race AT ALL.  When I was writing this post, I thought my first race was a different one and that one I do remember a bit more.  Now I am wondering if I was even there at all.  Athlinks says I was and finished in 39:48.

2005 Tinley Turkey Trot

Since then I’ve run many more 5Ks and many more races.  Each one has been a different experience and I have learned so much throughout the years.  

√ The right pair of shoes make a big difference.

√ Not every race will be a great race not will every run be a great run.

√ The right gear also makes a big difference.

√ It is OK to miss a few runs.  Don’t sweat about it.

√ Sleep is important.  No matter what, you need to sleep and rest.

√ It’s OK to run with no goal in mind.  Just run.

√ Don’t compare yourself to others.

√ Listen to your body.

√ Be flexible.  You can plan, plan, and plan, but sometimes something happens to mess up said plan.

√ Anyone can run a marathon.  I didn’t think I could and I did.  I’ve run 8 of them!  The most difficult thing about training for it is the time commitment

√ Everyone has their own accomplishments.  Of course be happy for others but most importantly be happy with yours.

√ Chafing sucks.  Taking a shower afterwards is just as painful or worse.

√ A cold beer after a race on a hot day tastes delicious.  Not so much on a cold day.

√ Running is a hobby.  Don’t get too serious about it.  If a run or race didn’t go as expected, life goes on.  🙂

What was your first race?  Have you run this race again?

Tuesday Topics

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Tuesday Topics: How I dealt with an injury that sidelined me

Anyone watched the game on Sunday?  Did your team win?  I had a great time with family members watching the game and commercials and eating all of the food.  And let’s not forget the halftime performance.  While I am not a fan of Shakira nor JLo, I thought they did AMAZING.

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This week’s Tuesday Topic:  Tell us about an injury that sidelined you from running and how you dealt with it.  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

It seems like running and injuries go together.  I’ve been running for over 10 years and have had my share of injuries.  Each one has been different, but I’ve been able to recover and run again.

My list of injuries include IT band, calf strain, plantar fasciitis, and runner’s knee.  I feel like there are more but cannot remember.  Oh and let’s not forget my fall last month. 

How do I deal with an injury?

√ Denial/anger
Why me?  Why did this happen to me?

√ Acceptance
An injury happens to a lot of runners.  I remind myself that I am not the only one.  But I still have the same questions “Can I still run?” or “When can I run again?”  Luckily my injuries haven’t been too serious and I’ve been able to run again.

√ Rest
I take advantage of this extra time to recover and heal.  Oh, and sleep more too!  🙂  

√ Do another activity
I catch up on TV shows or read a book.  I use my Peloton to stay active until I can run again.

√ Be patient
Yeah, this is a hard one but very important.  I mean I cannot make an injury go away or make it recover faster.  I have to wait and hope that I don’t get another injury.  🙂

Every runner is different and we all react differently.  Injuries are definitely not a fun thing to have but many times “they just happen”.  I’ve had my share of injuries and have always felt grateful that it wasn’t too serious for me to stop running forever.

How do you deal with an injury?  What is the worst injury you’ve had?

Tuesday Topics

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Tuesday Topics: My favorite book I read last year

I love to read.  I don’t always make time to sit down and read a book, but when I do, I could spend a few hours reading a book.  I also like to read books to my students.  My favorite are the ones from Dr. Seuss!!!

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This week’s Tuesday Topic:  What was your favorite book you read last year?  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

For some reason I am fascinated by John Grisham’s books.  I have a list of all of his books and check it off when I am done reading a book.  I did skip a few that were not about lawyers.  Currently I am reading “The Rooster Bar” and am liking it so far.  

I don’t know exactly how many books I read last year but here are a few that I enjoyed.  They’re listed in no specific order.

1. Becoming
It took me a long time to finish it.  Once I was done, I felt like Michelle was my BFF.  I loved learning about her and her family.  She is someone I would love to meet!

Becoming Book-1

2. I am not your perfect Mexican daughter
I think I read this in 2018 but read it again last year because a few of my cousins were talking about it and wanted to discuss it.  The book made me sad, angry, and happy.  I loved the story but loved even more that I could relate to it. 

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3. Chicken Soup for the Soul-Running For Good
Who doesn’t love these books?  I enjoyed reading the stories from runners talking about their struggles, goals, and accomplishments.  

Chicken Soup for the Soul

4. Living with a SEAL
I read this book in 2018.  Hilarious book.  I would not last one day living and training with a SEAL.

Living with a Seal-1

I love this Dr. Seuss quote.  I always say it to my students.

Dr. Seuss Quote-1

 

What book(s) are you reading?  Any John Grisham fans?

Tuesday Topics

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Tuesday Topics: My Winter bucket list

Happy Tuesday!  Was anyone off yesterday?  I was and it was definitely nice.  This past week I explained to my kids the reason for being off on Monday.  Many had heard of Martin Luther King, Jr.,  but couldn’t remember much about him.  No worries.  We watched a video and did various activities to remember and honor him.  I will ask them again today and see if they remember.  🙂

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This week’s Tuesday Topic:  What’s on your Winter bucket list?  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

As you know, so far I haven’t had much luck with running.  I got sick and then I fell.  I know it is only the 3rd week in January and I have plenty of time to achieve my goals this year.  However, I have two races this Winter that I want to do and hopefully get a PR in one of them.

• Publix Atlanta Half Marathon, March 1
I’ve been wanting to run in GA for years and I finally have a chance to cross it off my list.  This race is the day after the Olympic Marathon Trials so you know I have to go.  I know Atlanta is hilly so I was never expecting to get a PR.  At this point, my goals are to enjoy it and to finish it (similar to the Detroit race).

• Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, March 22
One of my goals this year is to get a PR in the 8k distance.  There aren’t that many 8ks in Chicago and I do this race almost every year.  My PR is 48:38 from 2014.  I was close in 2015 with a finish time of 49:49.  I remember the first time I did this race in 2006.  My goal was to finish under an hour (I did).  I also remember running the whole time and stopping only once for water.  It is one of my favorite races in Chicago.

Wish me luck.  If I don’t get my PR at the Shamrock Shuffle, then I will find another 8k race.  This year I am determined.

So maybe these are not exactly bucket list items.  Oh well.  I still want to get these done.

What’s on your Winter bucket list?

Tuesday Topics

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Tuesday Topics: My plan to achieve my 2020 goals

Thanks to everyone for their comments from my post on Sunday regarding my fall.  I am not done reading everyone’s post/comment.  The bruise is slowly going away and my face looks so much better.  🙂

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This week’s Tuesday Topic:  What’s your plan to achieve your 2020 goals?  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

I wrote about my goals in December.  Here is the post.  I didn’t count them when I wrote my post but yesterday I counted them and I have 10 goals for this year.  Maybe it is too many and maybe it isn’t.  🙂  Read along to find out how I planning on achieving my goals this year.

1. Be injury free.  Please go away plantar fasciitis.
Last year I got a taste of plantar fasciitis.  I didn’t know that’s what it was (although I did suspect it and my doctor confirmed it) and it is one of the most painful injuries I’ve ever had.  As of now, I want to say that it is gone.  I did a lot of stretching, used my massage gun, wore a sleeve at night, and wore gym shoes with inserts during the day and while out running.  I am also obsessed with my Oofos.  I wear them every single day.  Of course, I could get a different injury.  Injuries like to follow runners.  This year I plan to get stronger by taking up swimming, strength training, and/or cycling.  I already have a Peloton so now I need to look into the other two.

2. PR in the following distances: 5k, 4 miles, 8k, 10k, 10 miles, and 13.1.
This might be a tricky one.  Last year I signed up with a new coach and was determined to make it work and stick to my workouts.  I didn’t expect to get sick and to fall this year.  I am not sure when I will run again.  My PRs are so many years old and now am wondering if it is even possible.  Maybe I should stick to the shorter distances?

3. Get a sub 2 half marathon.
I’ve been wanting to do this for a number of years.  My last couple of half marathons have been done just for fun and to run in a new state.  I have a few I will be running this year but haven’t decided which one to make my sub 2 half marathon.

4. Run a marathon.  I am hoping either the MCM in October or the NYC in November.
This one depends on the lottery.  I entered the early lottery for NYC but didn’t get selected.  My entry was automatically entered into the regular lottery.  The lottery registration for the MCM is in March.  We’ll see what happens.

5. Buy a house.  
I have to figure out exactly what kind of house I want.  I’ve been looking for over 2 years.  Isn’t that long enough?  Honestly, I am tired of waiting and looking.  I saw the perfect house last year but by the time I was ready to make an offer, the owners had accepted an offer from someone else.  Again, things happen for a reason so the question now is why didn’t I get that house?

6. Travel to Mexico.  It’s been years since I’ve been there and really hope I can make it next year.
I can cross this off my list.  I bought my mother’s and my ticket on Saturday.  We will be going in March/April for Spring Break.  I told my sister and niece that I want to go to 3 places: Xochimilco, the pyramids in Teotihuacan, and to the Frida Kahlo Museum.  Cannot wait!

7. Run a couple more half marathons in new states.  I am registered for GA and KS but still need HI, NM, ID, ND, SD, SC, and WY.  
Only 9 more states to go.  I have an idea of the ones I want to run in NM, ID, ND, SD, SC, and WY, but need to check out logistics (airfare and hotel) before I sign up.  Anyone want to join me?  Also, not sure about GA since it is at the end of February and I don’t know if I will be ready for it.

8. Be more patience at work and at home.  
So far I am doing OK with this one.  I’ve been more calm at work and at home.  I’ve been paying more attention to my students because many times that is just what they want.  I need to remember that my students are little kids.  Many look forward to coming to school and will do anything for attention and to please me.  I’m also working on being more patient with my mother.  She is older and needs a lot of care and attention.  She isn’t patient either and tends to get angry because now there are many things she cannot do by herself and she does not like that.

9. Do more fun things with friends.  I realized that I always use the same excuse “I am too tired” with them and don’t do enough fun things with them.
I am at loss with this one.  Not sure how to tackle this one because honestly I am tired at the end of the day.  🙂  I guess I can make plans with them for either one day every other weekend or during the week.

10. Find joy in everything that is possible.  Life is short to not find joy in it. 
So far this is going well too.  I started off the year with a cold and stayed home for 3 days.  However, I watched TV, slept and took some much needed rest.  As for my fall, well, nothing fun about that but I am glad it wasn’t worse and that I didn’t break anything.  I know this sounds cheesy but in the morning I tell myself that it is going to be a good day.  🙂

Tuesday Topics

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