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 

Nike Women's Marathon: 2011 Mission Accomplished!

Mom and I are ready to start the Nike Women's Marathon 2011.  This is mom's hand!

  

Cruisin along the Embarcadero.  Living in the Bay Area, at times, I forget how beautiful the city really is.  Along this area, Glide Memorial Gospel Choir is singing some awesome songs and you can't help but to stop and clap and thank God for the opportunity.

Walking along Fort Mason/Chrissy Fields enjoying the view of the Golden Gate Bridge.  The Sports Basement is also along this section of the course.  This is my restroom pit stop and only opportunity to use a 'real bathroom'.  This stop, I had hoped to buy some aspirin.  I was beginning to feel sore.  This was also the part of the course where I saw my former TNT coaches, Tom and Alice.  It's always a pleasure to get a hug along the way.

  .      

Moving toward the Presidio. Rolling hills are in the very near future. UGH!  Lots of TNT support is in this area because it's such a tough spot on the course.  This is also where you will see faces of honorees or those who have lost the battle to a blood related cancer.  Lots of reflective moments happen here because my body hurts, I'm tired, and I'm ready to be done.  But than I remember...this is much more easier than chemo or being on my death bed.  I keep it moving.

Heading out of the Presidio and now entering rolling hills zone.  This was an excellent time to run into a mentor I had when I was training with TNT for my first full marathon in 2004, Nancy.  God love her!  She walked me up the hills, literally.  At this point, I was looking for the 'sag-wag'.  I was done and ready to finish, but with assistance.  Nancy let me know that I didn't need the 'sag-wag' and I was doing great.  In my head, I really wanted that ride!  She's probably in her 70s and has done 45+ marathons (fulls and halfs).  She was truly an inspiration and I'm so glad I saw her.  At the top, I gave her the biggest hug.  Thank you, Nancy!

 

At this point, I was truly in the home stretch making my way down hill towards Ocean Beach.  My mom had called me just as I was at mile 10.  I was really getting excited about what I was about to accomplish.  

 

I was so glad to turn that corner from Golden Gate Park to see The Great Highway.  The best part of The Great Highway?  The FINISH line!  Woo-hoo!!  

 

As always, mom was waiting for me at the finish.  I was happy, hungry, and sore all at the same time.  I usually stop to grab all of the freebies, but all I accepted this finish was my blue Tiffany box with my finishers medal enclosed and a bottle of water.  I wanted to grab my checked bag and make my way to the shuttle bus.  My body was aching and I knew it would shut down on me quickly.  

 

With the help of KMEL and KBLX, I was able to listen to my Sunday morning dose of gospel music.  And so, I completed my 9th Half Marathon today. Of all the events I finished, this is the one I'm most proud of.  

 

Until next year, Nike Women's Marathon!

 

 

This little item is coveted by many! 

   

              

Nike Women's Marathon: 2011

On October 16th, I would have completed my 7th Nike Women's Marathon (NWM).  There have been 8, but I sold my bib one year.

This is an event that I register for because I am a legacy (I completed the first 5 NWM), it's coveted by many thanks to the Tiffany finishers charm, and it's an event my mom is most excited to complete because we do it together.

Mom and I have our annual ritual of meeting in Union Square at the Expotique to pick up our bag-o-swag, which includes, our bib, safety pins, coupons, and sample treats from the sponsors.  We also cruise the food and drink areas to see what's new.  We don't hang too long because we leave to dine and talk more marathon stuff and other.  We typically end up at Nordstrom Bistro.  We love it there.  We can always find a light meal accompanied by a delicious drink.

This hasn't been the best trained event, so I'm hopeful my body doesn't turn on me.  Besides, I'm really hoping for muscle memory.  Afterall, this will be my 9th 1/2 marathon under my feet!


I've given mom the pick-up time, 5:30-5:45...in the morning!  I know mom will be anxiously awaiting my arrival with her sneakers on! 

Off we will ride across the bay to wait...until 7am!  For the start time of the 8th Nike Women's Marathon.  There will be lots of people, mostly women. loud music, and thunderous applauds and loud cheers of 'GO TEAM!'.  All filled with the anticipation of the race.  Women (and men) travel all over for this event, many who trained with Team in Training (TNT) and have raised funds for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). 

Here's to another great walk.  Wish me luck!

To find out more about TNT and LLS, visit:
http://www.lls.org/
http://www.teamintraining.org/
http://inside.nike.com/blogs/nikerunning_events-en_US/?tags=nike_womens_marathon_2011






 

In a slump....ugh!

The last few weeks have been pretty tough for me on a personal level and a fitness level.  I am in a slump and thankfully, I recognize it.  People in  my life recognize it, too.  I thank you, mom and Sharon. 

During this time, this is when I need to listen to my own advise of 'working out when I don't want to' or 'when you're feeling down, working out will make you feel better'.  Well, for me, cuddling up in my bed with comfy pjs has been my desired coping method.  Oh....and eating!

I knew things were pretty bad when I called my mom and asked her to meet me for Chevy's.  While I was sharing with my mom what was going on, I instantly began to cry.  Like for real, cry.  I was speaking my frustrations through my tears of what was going on with me and why I was feeling the way I had been feeling.  I felt as if I were 12.  I think I freaked my mom out because I am pretty sure she wasn't expecting me to lose it the way that I did.

In true momma form, she knew exactly what to say.  She knew how to verbally comfort her baby girl who wasn't feeling 100%.  Thank you, mom for always knowing what to say, no matter what.

My friend, Sharon shared a blog post with me, 'Relapse Happens'.  You see, I've been absent from her classes.  Not only does she notice my absence, but so does my classmates. I read Sharon's blog as if she were directly speaking to me.  Her post spoke to my feelings of being burnt out, triggers, and how to recover. 

I am on my way.  I know this happens to me all of the time.  I just have to do better at not staying in my slump for so long.

http://zumbawithsharon.com/          

Happy Birthday, to me

I recently celebrated my 41st birthday.  This birthday was celebrated with less fan fare than my family and friends are used to.  I think my melancholy spirit was due to the fact that I had taken a great summer vacation, but mostly because I was happy to be alive and well.

I was blessed to be treated with flowers and cards from co-workers at the office, a burger by my sister, a day trip with my bestie, and than a weekend treat of a mom-hosted gathering at Chateau Robinson with food, friends, and football!  

Here's to another happy and healthy year!