What's your motivation?

If you've followed my blog, you will know that my mom inspired me and got me involved in marathon training.  I selfishly began the marathon training because I thought it would help me lose weight, which it did, but it also introduced me to some great people within the Team In Training organization.  Part of my mom's motivation was the 'bling' she received upon crossing the finish line.

Yes, the medals are great and I cherish them all and I keep them in plain view so I can see my accomplishments.  When I have company, my guest can see my bling, too.  A bit narcissistic? Perhaps, but I walked all 26.2 or 13.1 miles, dang-it!  Any chance I get to talk about marathon training and the experience, I do.

So, this got me thinking.  What motivates you to complete a marathon, 5K, or 10K?  

Not sure where to find an event?  Check out the below websites or visit your local running specialty store.

some of my bling!

http://www.active.com/
http://running.competitor.com/

Guest Blog: My sister, from couch to 5k and two-time half-marathon finisher

My sister, Sharla has come along way.  Admittedly, she still has some improvements to make, but she's learning and taking baby steps towards becoming a healthier person.

Sharla decided to participate in a 'from couch to 5k program' and I must say, I was quite surprised.  My sister is not a fan of exercise or fitness, but I knew she had some health issues she needed to come to terms with.  I no longer wanted to make assumptions about why she finally decided to get off of the couch, so I asked her.  Her responses took me by surprise and if I would have tried to create this blog entry, I would not have done it justice, at all.  I am very proud of the progress she's made thus far.  She's completed multiple 5k's and two half marathons to date with more on the horizon!  Way to go Sharla and keep up the great work!!   

Blog Readers, my sister, Sharla:

Thank you for deciding to do a blog about me. I'm famous LOL.


What made me decide to get off the couch?
For years my doctors have been telling me I need to lose weight to improve my health. For years, my mirror has been telling me I need to lose weight. For years my lungs have been telling me I need to increase their strength to improve my health. When I had my knee surgery in February 2011, I was informed, again, that I needed to lose weight. I was also told that I had an irregular heartbeat. All of those signs and warnings FINALLY sunk in when using only my arms I had to haul 271 pounds up sixteen steps. That's when it hit home that by getting rid of a substantial chunk of that mass, I'd reduce/cure my high blood pressure, cure my Type 2 diabetes, sleep better, regulate my irregular heart beat, and be able to shop in the regular department/stores instead of the plus size section/stores.

What programs did I use?
Myfitnesspal.com has an app for android and iPhones. I use it to track my food intake. I am not yet ready to make major changes as far as reducing the foods I know are bad for me, but by monitoring what I eat, I know how many calories I need to burn to not gain weight/lose weight. As my exercise routine becomes more habitual, I'll begin gradually reducing the foods that are not healthy. I also use the Couch 2 5K program that is available as an app as well. This program is amazing because it allows me to gradually build up the ability to jog/run a 5K. They have programs that train you to jog/run 8K, Half Marathon, Full Marathon events.

What made me decide to do a Half Marathon?

As you know, our Mother is amazing. She seriously started running marathons at 50. She also used to be overweight. Having inspiration in your face is very encouraging. I am not a runner. I don't do it for fun. I do it for improved health benefits. For me, a Half is more than enough. I plan to do a Half every month of 2012 (except January when I was still in training, and April when I could only find flat courses. I'm doing a 10K and will walk another 10K on my own as a long training run for my May Half.

What health improvements have I noticed?
The most obvious one is the weight loss. I weigh myself once a week on either Sunday or Monday morning. My last weigh-in put me at 245.2 pounds. I can walk fast/jog for longer distances than before. My knees rarely hurt, even in the cold. I only use my asthma inhaler once or twice a week because my lungs are stronger.  These are small improvements, but imagine where I'd be if I make the dietary changes I need. I need to eat more veggies and whole grains while reducing my processed foods intake. I begin adding in weight training in June. I know that by training for and completing a Half each month, I'll get close to my current goal weight of 200 pounds by the end of the year. In 2013 I start training for the Volkslauf in Bakersfield in October. 


What else has been a source of motivation?

One of the things that helps me is knowing there are other women, especially Black women with similar health issues, who are also on the quest towards health.  I've joined Black Girls Run - San Francisco Bay Area chapter.  I participate in the regular runs as well as our group events.  My second Half marathon was the Oakland Running Festival and I believe over 20 of our BGR chapter members completed 5Ks, Half Marathons, and one even did the Full Marathon.

Even though I am a walker (with a dash of jogger thrown in), BGR is so open and encouraging of all levels that I never feel out of place.  I highly recommend that anyone who is ready to take the first step towards better health, find a group or bring a friend along with them.  It's so easy to break plans with yourself.  We say, 'I have laundry to do', 'I have to go to the grocery store',  or 'I have to watch my tv show'.  Try saying, 'the girls are waiting for me to take a walk/jog/run' or 'my friend needs me so she/he will improve their health'.  

My favorite mantra:  I'm tired of all these damn doctors fussing at me.

I'm taking the slow and steady route since I don't expect to get healthy overnight. After all, I didn't get unhealthy overnight :-)

--
Sharla Robinson    

                                                                         

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/

http://www.volkslauf.com/    

 http://www.c25k.com/  

 http://www.blackgirlsrun.com/                                         



Sharla's 1st Half Marathon-Brazen Racing, Feb.2012





   

Sharla's 2nd Half Marathon-Oakland Running Festival, October 2012

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!