NWM2012

October 15th, I set out to walk my first post-op half marathon (13.1 miles).  Going into the event, I was worried.  I hadn't fully trained for the event for starters, but after last weeks mini in San Jose, I felt I would be in trouble.  But, I went out and said I would do what I could do and not feel bad if I hopped in the 'sag-wag'.

As usual, the start is energy filled and the ladies are so very excited as for many, Nike Women.s Marathon (NWM) is their first event.

Mom and I at the start

I started off feeling great and enjoying the beautiful scenery of people cheering their loved ones on; cheering me on as I whisked by them.  Making the turn towards the Embarcadero is always a spectacular sight because of the view of the Bay Bridge, Angel Island, and Alacatraz.  Lots of photo op moments along this stretch of the course.  Also, along the Embarcadero, I look forward to the Oakland Interfaith Choir signing their joyous songs.  Everyone stops and hand claps, dances, and even join in song at this point.  It's so inspirational.

Oakland Interfaith Choir

                

I'm cruising along coming up on miles 4-6 and I'm not feeling to well, at all.  I had been cramping the entire time and taking deep breaths, walking slow, or sipping water wasn't giving me much relief.  I'm trying to decide if I should quit or keep going.  I encounter my former Team In Training (TNT) walk coaches and give big hugs, but also share my pain and that I'm 9 weeks post-op.  I do ask where the sag-wag is just in case.  I keep going.

At miles 7-10 was when I really wanted to give up, but again, I encounter a TNT coach and I let him know that I'm in a lot of pain and I seriously want a ride to get closer to the finish line.  He walked with me for almost a full mile giving me support and words of encouragement.  He let me know that I'd be faster getting to the finish line on my own than waiting for the sag-wag to come back for me.  He also let me know that I had plenty of time to finish the race and to ease up a bit while I tackled the hills.  I was so done and even asked the coach to carry me!  I so appreciated him getting me almost up the hill.

I am starting to feel okay as I can now see the beach; the home stretch.  This is about mile 10-11.  I'm feeling a lot of energy, excitement, and emotion at this point.  I can't believe I am almost done considering I wanted to give up. 

A much needed sign along the course and near the end

                                   
With all marathons, you chat with some people along the way to kill time and to get out of your head.  I ended up talking to and finishing up the last 3 miles with an attorney from Austin who was currently working on a case involving the school district.  I will not go into details of what she shared, but suffice it to say it made the last 3.1 miles go by very quickly!  I was so intrigued and full of questions!  She wanted to run across the finish line, so she took off after we high-fived each other.

I wanted to relish the cheers of the crowd because of all events I've completed and heard the cheers before, I truly felt these cheers were way more deserved.  They didn't even know that several miles back, I wanted to get in the sag wag. 

I was so proud of myself once I crossed the finish line.  More proud than I had ever been before.  Of course, I was looking for my mom who is always at the finish waiting for me.  When I found her in the crowd, I gave her the biggest embrace and cried. Mom had no idea what was wrong with me because I've never cried at the finish.  But I had shared with mom how I wanted to give up many times, because this marathon was so hard and I was in pain.  Mom always knows what to say and to make me feel better.  Tears are wiped away, I'm feeling good about myself and my accomplishment, now we're off to get in line for the bus to head home.

Another NWM in the books.  Next year will be the 10th NWM and my last.  I'm done with half marathons! 

I'm sticking to 5k's, 10k's, or volunteering. For now, I'll enjoy my finish and my new bling!

 

                                                   

  

 The much anticipated 'BLING' of the NWM event; The Tiffany Blue Box!

  

More and More things I am thankful for...

Attending a day Giants game with my family
Bonding with my little brother at two day-time A's game, including the clinching of the ALWC game!
Lunching with lots of friends
Having my time being my own time
Zumba gold with the senior ladies
Weekday walks at Lake Chabot 

Deer interrupted at Lake Chabot!

AT&T Park

Giants Game with Family

Sonoma Wine Tasting Trip

 

Let's Go Oakland!

                                  
 
                            

A's Win American League West Division!

                                   

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  It is at this time when you will hear about all sorts of fundraising activities and corporate sponsors in support of raising breast cancer awareness.  There are also lots of products sold with a portion of the proceeds going towards cancer research around this time of year, too.  

Ironically, October just happens to be the same time I am scheduled for my annual mammogram.  As a woman over 40, it is recommended that a woman gets a mammogram every two years unless she has a family history of breast cancer or other issues.  Because I found a lump in my breast, through self-examination in my mid-30s and my mom has had lumps in her breasts, I go annually.  Admittedly, it's not the most pleasant experience of my life.  I mean...who wants cold metal slats mashing their boobs down to give an appearance of a pancake?  Oh, but the best part, the metal ball that is taped on your nipples so the imaging will know 'that's the nipple!'.

I talk about how my breasts are too big, they get in the way, or how I wish they were like a jacket so I can take them off when I don't want to wear them and vice versa, but as my shirt says, 'I love my big ta-tas'. I don't want to be faced with the thought of deciding on chemo treatments, lumpectomy, or mastectomy.


So ladies (and men), do your monthly self-breast examinations and if you're a woman of a certain age, get your boobs mashed!

For support and other resources on Breast Cancer, visit the below sites:

http://www.faithfancher.org/index.html

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/

http://www.cancer.org/

San Jose Rock n Roll: Mini-style

Today was a HUGE day for me.  It was my first post-op event and my 2nd Rock n Roll Series event.  I had already decided to complete the SJ RnR prior to my surgery, but hadn't determined if I would complete the half or mini (5 miles).  Because I enjoyed completing the 5k in Oakland, I decided the mini would be sufficient for my first event since the Nike Half would be the following weekend.

And what an event this turned out to be!  It was just how I remembered my first RnR event; lively, lots of music; and lots of cheers along the course.  Only, this time, I was able to enjoy it more since I wasn't on the course for eight hours, which is how long it took me to complete the San Diego RnR full marathon in 2004!

It started out with the expo, which includes picking up my bib, swag, and seeing what new offerings are available from food, gps systems, and the like.

 



Once I was all done at the expo, my mom, sister and I headed out for a quick bite and rest.  We knew we would be up a little later since we were meeting some of the ladies from Black Girls Run for dinner; carb load meal at Maggiano's.





Race Day:

I don't typically get nervous, but I had a bit of anxiety sitting with me. As I had previously shared with the ladies, this would be my first post-op event and the most miles I would have walked to date.  I knew I could do it, but still.  We met in the lobby before we all walked to the start to our respective corrals.

A  few pre-race pics with my mom and sister

 

The music was blaring loudly and anyone who was still asleep were sleep no more.  All of the current pop and old rock hits were blasting through the speakers to get the runners and walkers pumped up for their start.  It was an electrifying environment.

And so we're off.....



The RnR series is known for it's live bands, djs, and cheer teams along the course.  That is an awesome motivating factor to get someone on a marathon course.  But with each event, there is the crowd of supporters.  Some are cheering on their loved ones, while many along the way are cheering for complete strangers and just appreciate what the runner/walker is doing.  One of the funniest supporters I've seen, to date were two men sitting curbside with their robes on, drinking bloody mary's, while ringing a cow bell!  Classic and I'm so mad that I didn't capture the moment on my camera.

However, I did see the best sign to date....

Before I knew it, the mini was almost over.  I was feeling good and very accomplished.  I was thinking about how amazing the mind and body is.  Eight weeks ago, I was lying in the hospital recovering from surgery with the full intention to get myself ready for this day.  The first 4-weeks the only exercise activity I could do was walk.  I am firmly convinced that if you set your mind to something, you can without a doubt do it!

And so, with full determination and huge smile upon my face, I completed the mini-Rock n Roll Marathon!






Think you want to complete a Rock n Roll event?  Check out their website as you can go to any state and find your inner-rock star!  Click 'Tour Stops'

http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/san-jose

A workout discovery

I've been getting back to my regularly scheduled workout program, which consisted of walking, zumba, afro-belly boogie, u-jam, and pretty much any fitness activity that looks or sounds interesting to me.  I'll try a fitness idea at least once.

I had been attending my friend, Sharon's zumba gold classes (zumba for seniors), but this week, I attended regular zumba.  While grooving through the routines, one of the movements consisted of a stand-up stomach crunch.  As I'm moving to the music, it hit me!

I didn't feel the hard-like bulge in my belly that I had previously felt during my workouts when I completed stomach crunches, leg lifts, or any movement in my core region.  It was weird and bizarre all at the same time.  A feeling that I had for so long was no longer there.  This was another moment of clarity that I realized that my 'decision' was indeed a great one.  All of the mini discoveries I'm experiencing have been awesome.  I look forward to many more of them.

To find Sharon's zumba classes, visit her website:

www.zumbawithsharon.com    

Chips are my 'crack'!

Hello!  My name is Juvella and I am a chip-a-holic!  For real!!

I am not in any way making light of addiction as I know there are many who suffer from addictions that are far more severe than chips.

Since I've been home with time on my hands, I discovered as mentioned in an earlier post that idle eating is not good for me.  I know that I especially enjoy snacking while watching tv.  Chips or candy are my go-to snacks, but I will eat chips over candy, any day!  Like addicts, there is a 'drug' of choice and I too, have specific preferences to the chips I like to enjoy; Lays (plain) and Kettle backyard bbq. 

Oh..just writing this entry, I am thinking I could have some chips right now!!

As I continue on my path to a healthier lifestyle and weight loss, I also recognize that I have to enjoy my chips in moderation.  And for me, in order to be successful with my weight loss, I need both; eating right and physical activity.  To help me ease up on my chip intake, I've made a better effort to not pick up the chips at the grocery store, but grab healthy crunchy snacks, instead.  For example, carrots with hummus, pita crackers with string cheese or hummus, and apples.  They aren't as good as chips, but I enjoy them just the same.  And I know they are better for me. 

At my post-op appointment, I have been officially given the green light to resume my regular activity levels and I'm so excited.  Not because I can enjoy my chips, but so I can get back to losing weight.  I do have some healing to do and experience some mild pain, so I also have to continue to be kind to my body and listen when there is discomfort. 

In all seriousness, food addiction does affect many and there are resources available to help you determine if you have a food addiction and to get the help you need.  At the very minimum, engage your doctor with the discussion if you think you have a serious problem.  Let him/her guide you for help or see the below links.




 http://www.foodaddictsanonymous.org/

http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-food-addiction