Roll...Bounce!

me with my skates

 My friend celebrated her 50th birthday this March.  As a way to celebrate, she had a month long itinerary of activities to allow her friends to join in on the birthday fun.  Last night, was skate night at The Golden Skate.  I've not roller skated in about one year, but it was something I did often as a child growing up in the hood and suburbs!  I even owned a pair of white skates with the metal wheels.

Several years ago, I purchased a pair of skates with the idea to skate along the San Leandro or Berkeley Marinas on the weekends or after work.  I did a few times, but let me tell you, it was not a smooth ride.  I got the wrist guards and knee pads, too!

Needless to say, I was excited to attend the roller skating party.  I could bring my own skates.  We all had a ball, but whoa...what a work out skating is.  We whizzed around the rink once or twice and we were all panting and beginning to sweat.  For some, the focus was more on not falling than anything else. 

The music was playing, we were skating, all were having a blast.  I was quickly reminded that skate clubs meet up often on the rink because we saw the groups 'performing' their choreographed moves around the rink.  They had on their fancy special made shoe skates, skates with lights on them, and the like.  We knew we needed to stay out of their way.  From young children to seniors, all were groovin around the rink having a blast and getting a great work out in, too!       

yup, those skates have lights on them!

If you are looking to change up your work out routine, I encourage you to find your local skating rink and go for it!  It's inexpensive fun, you can make it a family day, or an adult night (most places have adult skate times), and get ready to have some fun and sweat!  To prepare for some new skate moves, google/youtube the movie, 'Roll Bounce'.  

http://www.thegoldenskate.com/

Pilates



not an easy move

 There is a pilates studio near my work and I've been taking classes for about two weeks now.  Let me just say...pilates class kicks ass!  Using the FitFormer machine works muscles in places I had no idea muscles existed.  This is an insta-sweat workout.  I am enjoying the classes and I am enjoying the discovery of building strength in my body. 

I enjoy going to class prior to lunch-it's less crowded, maybe 2-4 other students, it gives me a new attitude for the rest of the day, and the best part is my workout is done!  I can go home after work unless I decide to hit zumba class or yoga near my house.  In fact, this past week, I was the only student in class.  I had my personal pilates instructor.  This was great because it allowed me to really work on my form and technique to ensure I'm getting the full benefit of the program.  Yes, the class moved at a slower pace, but I still got a great workout.  Thanks Zoe and yes, I still hurt!    

The classes aren't cheap, but for me, it's worth it.  I have a monthly price special and I hope it will continue.  If not, I can say I gave pilates a try.  You should, too!  http://www.pilatesproworks.com/sf-fd-classes



Such an awesome stretch!


                
  

Oakland Running Festival: 2012

The Start

Today was the day of The Oakland Running Festival.  This event is in it's 3rd year and they seem to be getting better with each year. They seem very open to feedback, too as there were some slight changes from last year's event.  Another great thing about the organizers of The Oakland Running Festival is they are proud to be 'green'.  The finisher's shirts are made of recyclable materials, you have the option to use your smart phone to provide your registration information for packet pick-up instead of printing the document, and the 'swag' coupons are all e-coupons.  This way, you only print what you want.  I know I typically throw a lot of the coupons away.   

This year, I was a 5k participant and I must say, it felt great being done with the whole thing within an hour rather than the 3+ hours I'm on the course for my half marathons.  There was a spirited vibe in the air, for sure.  I met some friends along the way.  They were proud to say they were from Oakland, as in born, raised, and educated in, but didn't appreciate the colors of the finisher's tee (orange and blue as in Broncos colors) because they were also Raider fans.  The best part of the day, NO RAIN!!

Here are some pics of today's event:

 I took this picture because I hella love hella!

 

Talk about a bundle of cheer!  Endorphin Dude has a great story and I encourage you to check it out at:

http://www.endorphindude.com/

Cruising through Uptown, I discovered one of my favorite breakfast spots, Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe is now in Oakland on Telegraph!  Yumm...

 The Fox Theater.  I hope to check out a show at this venue, soon. 

Lincoln Park- seeing people practicing Tai Chi, reminded me of when I would go to church with my great-grandmother in the Haight.  We would see many people at Golden Gate Park.

Two lovely shots of Lake Merritt 

 At this point, the 5k is wrapping up and my mom and sister should be at the end, so I will see them before they begin their half.

The woman in the middle, my mom, who inspired my sister and I to do marathons.  Truly a superstar in my book!

  Look who mom and I ran into? Claudia and Sophia.  Last year at this time, Claudia was cheering us on.  Her husband, Rocky was running the half, too.  She's off to Hawaii to complete her post-pregnancy triathlon!  You GO, Claudia!!  Aloha to you!   

It's start time for Black Girls Run!: SF Bay Area

 

Janine and another BGR at the start 

 

 Mom at the start

Sharla at the start

Now that the full marathon, 5k, and now half marathon have began/finished, it's now the kids fun run.  Oh what a site this was to see.  There were two divisions, but I don't remember the categories.  How about, cute and cuter groups?!

All of the running events are done or in progress, I'm off to check out the freebies before heading home to nap.  I had been up all night listening to the rain.  When my alarm went off at 6:20, I seriously contemplated staying in bed.  I'm really glad I got up!  I would have missed a great time.

I ran into Leslie, BGR! SF Bay Area organizer.  I asked her to show off her bling!  POW!  She's a Black Girl who ran the 1st leg of the relay.  Way to go, ladies!!

Cheers to me and all who completed today's Oakland Running Festival!     

 

What's up next?  Diva's in May and waiting to sign up for Nike.  This will make my 9th and 10th half marathon events.

What's your next event?  Feel free to leave a comment.

 

Preparing for an event

Tomorrow is the 3rd Annual Oakland Running Festival.  This will be my 2nd year participating in it.  This event offers something for every fitness level; full marathon, half marathon, 5k (which is what I'm doing), relay, and kids run.  Whew...that's a lot going on in one event in the city of Oakland.

Today is the day I picked up my bib and check out the expo.  An expo is an indoor shopping center for all things run gear.  I usually grab a pair of cool socks or a hat, but not this year.  An expo will also have vendors to promote health (i.e. chiropractors, gait analysis, try new drinks, etc.) as well as a way for vendors to promote upcoming races locally and not.  Often times, those event will be discounted if you register on the spot!  There are lots of people at these events and it's a way to get you pumped for the main event.

Once I'm home, I lay out my outfit (pants, shirt, bra, undies, socks, sneaks), etc.  I pin my bib on my shirt, I get my waist pack ready and fill it with the dry snacks I plan to carry.  I also make my post-walk snack.  I get my water bottles and gator aid (if I carry it) ready to go, too.  This way, the morning of the race, I just get up and go.  I don't have to fumble around to find anything.  Race day is an early rise as the events typically start at 7am.  Tomorrow's race starts at 7:45, so I'll get to sleep in a little bit.  I will charge my phone so I will be sure to have my gospel tunes as that is my typical way to start my Sunday's, anyway.

How do you prepare for your events?   

Congrats to all the runners, walkers, and relay teams on completing your event!  Now...let's pray for no rain.

The Embarcadero

I've said it before and I'll say it again.  San Francisco truly is a beautiful city, especially along the waterfront known as The Embarcadero.  As I walked the Embarcadero this week, below were some of my observations and probably why others enjoy The Embarcadero just as much as I do. 

On any given day, you will see people (and dogs) running, walking, biking, roller blading/skating, Fireman checking out their equipment, singing, sleeping, sitting, boating, kayaking, boot-camping, talking, laughing, playing, eating, drinking, and any other possible activity you can imagine.  All for the sake of enjoying the sites of the water, bay bridge, dive bars, and of course, AT&T Park.

If you haven't done so, check out The Embarcadero!

    

An unexpected workout partner

So, at the end of 2011, I had thoughts of cancelling my 24 Hour Fitness gym membership.  I hadn't been going to the gym as of late, the times I had been going, the front desk clerk was always such a jerk.  When I went in to cancel, the rep I spoke with did his 'pitch' on why I should stay and offered to sign me up for classes for the remainder of the year.  That was another issue I had with the gym...signing up for classes one hour prior to the class to ensure a spot or paying $1.00 for automatic entry.  I let him know that I already pay a membership fee and taking more of my money was unacceptable, in my opinion.

At the present time, I am still a member of 24 Hour and started taking classes, again.  They are still annoyingly crowded, but the time is right and convenient.  So, I'm in zumba class, doing my thing.  Working it out and getting my sweat on and I recognize someone in the mirror.  I am pleasantly surprised to see who I saw.  At the end of the song, we greeted each other and gave each other high-fives.  I saw my co-worker.  Someone I speak to throughout the day and share pleasantries with, but I never expected to see at the gym.

We had a great workout and at the end, she mentioned another class that she takes (boot camp) and suggested I join her the next time.  I agreed to join her at the class.  We go next week and I am looking forward to it.  We took another zumba class together at the end of the work week and expect to do so, again.  Who would of thought...she and I working out with my friend from work, someone I mainly say hello and goodbye to in passing.  What a treat.



The following day at work, we talked about our upcoming class      

Support

Whew...it's been a long while since I've been here!

I am trying to get back to sharing my thoughts here.  After all, that is the point of a blog, right?  Two of my followers have inquired about my absence here and when will they read an update.  My response has been the same, 'I have a lot going on, being lazy, or I just haven't been in the mood to write, etc.'.  Mainly, I've been in the doldrums and desperately trying to get out.

For me, getting back to taking care of myself, is key to getting out of the doldrums.  What that means in a simple word? EXERCISE!  I feel 1000 times better when I exercise.  I also feel better when I speak about my struggles and what is going on that has caused me to not take care of myself.  The culprit mainly has been work, but also some recent health concerns that have come about.

I've been talking to my main supporter, my mom, but I have so many others in my corner and providing me with the support I need.  I'm very appreciative to have the love and support of them who quickly recognize when I am not my 'normal' self. 

I am happy to say that I am working on both culprits and that I am getting back on track with exercising, eating right, and feeling better about myself.

I don't know the final outcome of my recent health concerns, yet, but I am sure all will be well.  The main thing is, I get back on track and take care of me.

I am back to exercising: yoga at Hotbox Yoga, I recently committed to walking with my new buddy from Black Girls Run group member on Tuesdays, and I started going back to zumba classes.  The most important thing, I'm looking into nutritional counseling to learn tips to eat better and/or have better food combinations.  I hope to update on this item, really soon. 

All in all...things are going to be okay and I thank you all for your support.

I love you!
Juvella, J, Belle, Bobo