Latinas Run Hot

Can this be brought to life again?

2015-01-12T08:30:00.001-05:00

We shall see?

June - NEON and Watch out for RUNNERS/CYCLIST!

2014-06-09T15:39:00.003-04:00

Yes, yes I know....bad blogger. I have come to the acceptance of that, so I will add posts as my brain says it feels like doing so. Craziness happens, which creates sporatic entries, but I use this to unload my thoughts when the craziness gets too heavy to hold on to. So, here I am.

I have been working out, and knitting like crazy. Yes, I know the two are not even closely related, but if I find a way to relate them, I will let you know. My thought is, they both calm me, so at this point, I will accept that is their relation, and why I do them....among several other things. I'm an artsy person, so the list of things is lengthy.
I'm in the market for a new set of running sneakers, and I built these:

They have good stability for my overpronation, are lightweight, and screaming yellow! A fun color, yet also serve the purpose of safety by being reflective. Which brings me to my next topic...

Finding a place to run safely, OTHER THAN parks in the evenings is really tough. Most of the little roads where I live do not have sidewalks, and only a minimal gravel shoulder. These shoulders are not even wide enough for a person's stride in most spots, and literally have you running elbow to sideview mirror on most cars. Motorists do not see the evening runner/cyclist on these little village roads, because there really isn't much lighting, on the already minimal shoulder. What to do? Yes, I know, go to a park.

Here's the problem. As lovely, and clean and pathed as these parks are, many are not easily traveled to, unless you drive. One of the things I and many runners/cyclists look for is a place to run to nearby, and leave the car at home. Walk/run/bike friendly if you will. Many towns, cities are "walk friendly" but living on the outskirts of town, in a village does not lend itself to running friendly, or easily accessible locations, so I'm stuck running in my developement, with the errant dog chase, and cars parked all over creation creating yet more safety issues. The vehicle hauling ass, that just blew through the stop sign, and can't see you because there are cars parked on both sides of the streets. Yeah...no fun.

So, if you are in the Columbus, Ohio area and would like to suggest nice places to run, that are well lit, and safe for runners/cyclist, by all means leave a comment below. I will be looking to hear those suggestions, and check out the locations. Using MapMyRun for routes, can be a bit annoying because, it seems to reply to my queries with locations at least 10 miles away from my home. That isn't helping.

I'm back up to 3 miles shuffles, and the workouts are getting back to the intensity they once were, before all my injuries, and self loathing so, here's to sticking out, the starting over.

My leg workouts, are improving, and the amount of weight I am adding each week, is rewarding. I am finding that I am able to add weight easily, and there is no pain. Abs are coming along again, and I am pretty damned jazzed about that, but I am still after the golden ring goal of running 13 miles without stopping. My chubby tush, WILL get there, or I'll stroke out trying.

Today's plan? Legs, mini abs, and....RUNNING!

I leave you with images of what I've been up to, while on hiatus. ;)

Fun Running Socks!

The Sun is finally here!

Replacing the fence...

Checking out the Mares and their newest babies...

Little Ms. Kisses was waiting to give birth...

Planting flowers.

Enjoy the return of new life, and beautiful weather folks!
"Corre Mami Corre!"
Emerald

RUNNING / WORKOUT SAFETY *WARNING ON POSSIBLE TRIGGER SCENARIO(S)**********

2014-04-04T10:18:00.001-04:00

********TRIGGER WARNING - IMAGERY FOR ASSAULT**** READ WITH CARE AND CONSIDERATION*******(SPACED TO ALLOW CONSIDERATION BEFORE READING)

Imagine running along, minding your own business, listening to your favorite distraction on your MP3 player - music, audiobook, podcast, news or sports radio....do-do-do-do-do...jogging happily, wiping away all the stresses of the day. Mentally checklisting and ...organizing what your future goals, plans are and just lost in your own mental world. Your body's senses are on neutral, you see all that pass you on your trek, some may wave as fellow runners (yes that is appreciated, so do be a smuck, and not wave back. Be kind.) some may bike past you, some are happily walking with families or alone as well.

Now imagine, you are feeling that high, that solice, and your body is suddenly violently jarred, pulled, dragged...perhaps into a tree line, by a dumpster, a shack, bus stop shelter - hidden, and whatever is worst in your mind may be about to happen....

I will leave it there - my point is, what can make us safe? What can a person seen as weak by a predator do?

I will not say what options I have made available to myself, I will only say, NEVER STOP FIGHTING. BITE, PUNCH, KICK, SCRATCH, SCREAM, HEAD BUTT, PINCH NERVE ENDINGS, PINCH ANYTHING, BUT NEVER STOP FIGHTING. Be a moving target at all times. Here is MY logic, and please understand that many people can and will FREEZE, shock is powerful, and can overcome a person, so DO NO ASK WHY SOMEONE DID NOT FIGHT, they may not have been able to, keep this in mind.

Now - what ideas, options, tools do you want, or have that you take when working out alone in public?
Ideas -
Martial Arts

CCW (comes to mind for many, but may not always be viable when time is short)
Knives
Mace
Pepper Spray
Dear Fido your loving dog - the toy Pomeranian may not be as effective...
ON LEASH AT ALL TIMES PLEASE - BE A LOVING AND RESPONSIBLE PET PARENT, AND FELLOW CITIZEN.

Cheese cutting wire - yes I said that....trust me.
Brass Knuckles
Your Keys
A workout buddy
Your sweatshirt
Your water bottle
Your ANGER*****

What say all of you?

In the end, what would you want your loved one to have to help keep them safe? Everyday in this world women AND men are assaulted in some form. Stay safe, keep your eyes open, watch other for others when you are out, and make yourself known among the regulars. Keep you earbuds at a safe audio level to assist in being able to hear if someone is approaching. Look people in the face when passing them, straighten your spine, confidence, and long haired friends....do not wear ponytails. Ponytails are easy to grab, and yanked which allows the predator the ability to take your entire body off center - no stability. Where a bun, french braid, take away the grasping point.

Take care of yourselves out there, wear reflective gear, make sure someone always knows where you are working out/running, and allow one trusted person to monitor you on a GPS program that shows where you are live.

Get fit, but stay smart. Many blessings!

Contest - GOODIES!

2014-04-02T16:41:00.003-04:00

So, I finally got the contest up! Come see me on FACEBOOK under, LatinasRunHot, or LEAVE A COMMENT HERE, SHARE THIS BLOG POST AND, A PHOTO OF YOU WORKING OUT!and join the fun! This will enter you in the drawing for the prizes you see below! Great stuff to keep yourself organized while you workout/run/bike/skate whatever!

I have neglected this poor blog, but things are fairly active on FB, so come join us too!

I will say, that I am slipping this in, just before my workout, so off to the gym I go. Interval training, and weights for the win, on this rainy, yet warm day. Hey, were in the 60s, I'll take it!!!

12lbs to go folks, till next goal accessment!!!!

GOODIES!!!!!

Emeraldtress

Fitness Toys and Gadgets- The New Year Influx

2014-01-02T14:17:00.001-05:00

Fitness Gadgets - are they worth it?

Yes, I have one. Yes, I love mine, I have this one- POLAR FT4F Heart Rate Monitor. The problem is, it isn't effective with a dead battery. I killed my Polar Watch! Now to go to the battery store, where instead of guessing, I can take it with me, and replace the battery immediately. I miss it, I did become quite dependent on it at one time, and now I feel not fully run ready without it...or my iTouch/Phone for tunes, and audiobooks.

Do you have a favorite gadget? Do you have to have music all of the time to run?

The New Years Influx is coming folks. The time when we all make those amazing New Year resolutions, and get after them, gung-ho style. Well that is our first mistake, going to hard or fast on it.

The first thing I came to realize was, making all these grand goals for my resolution was setting myself up for failure. Once I decided to keep them simple, they worked.

Now, this is not to say I haven't faltered, I have..many times, but I get back up and get going again, because I enjoy working out, more than I don't. I like the sense of accomplishment, I like the rush my body has when I have completed a workout, a real. good. workout. I know I have done it right when I am sweating, and feel the flush of healthy blood to my face, and the tops of my thighs from a good run, or elliptical circuit.

I have just past the three (3) year markof working out. There have been good days and bad days, but my good days still outweigh my bad, and I still enjoy it all. Through injuries (torn calf, pulled hamstring, turf toe) I have come out on the other side, knowing I got through it, and didn't hang up on working out. It is something I am doing for myself, and not someone else, because well, no one else is on that gerbil wheel running like a chubby girl with cake. I like cake, therefore I run, walk, shuffle to allow myself to eat it, and not get TOO out of control with fitting my jeans.

Almost forty (40) pounds ago, I had given up, been so down on myself, not because of appearance, but because I was huffing and puffing going up the damn stairs! I am to young to be huffing and puffing. I was active duty in the Military, and by gosh I should have kept up my health, period!

Fast forward five (5) babies, and having been a smoker (yes I quit almost 3 years ago), and eating anything that look pretty in the restaurants, vending machines, and in my own kitchen, (I LOVE TO COOK)and WHAM I was over 200lbs! TWO-HUNDRED!!! I am taller at 5'8, so yes I can carry more weight than many women, but TWO HUNDRED+ pounds on someone that is use to being active, (softball, swim team, volleyball, women's pro football, martial arts, and let's not forget the Army's fun runs, and obstacle courses) and you get a whole lot of WTH?!?!?! explosions in the brain.

My children are old enough now to care for their own basic needs, PB&J, milk if they get munchies, they know not to put their fingers in sockets, and no trying to bathe the turtle in shaving cream is not a good idea. I no longer have to "guard" against those little wonders on their curious minds. I can now workout, and not feel AS guilty that I am doing this for myself.

So, the gyms will be full, the resolutions will be many, the makes of those resolutions will be in full force, but for those of us that have and will be sticking around, and hunting for parking spots in the lot, do us all a favor....MOVE IT ALONG on the machines, and weights, we really do want to work out. KEEP YOUR CELL PHONE CONVERSATION TO YOURSELF - again do not linger on the leg press while your girl is telling you about the latest upgrade in false eye lashes...I have 3 sets of leg presses to do to , upgrade my damn thighs! MOVE YO ASS, or get of the machines. OH, and wipe off your sweat, makeup, hair products from the machine when you get up. I am pretty sure, your foundation is not going to improve the appearance of my ass because you smeared it from your face, onto your hand, and then wiped it on the seat. Yeah, thanks!
USE THEM PLEASE!

So, in closing, my New Year resolution is to keep doing what I've been doing, but adding and changing the way I do things yet once again. I have a full marathon coming up in October, and I am not blessed enough to be able to just get out there and knock out 26.2 miles like the god Nike, and then go back to my normal life. Working out is part of my normal life, and I have a long way to go to prep for this next goal.

If you are so inclined, come join the other 15-20 thousand+ of us that will be at the

Nationwide Children's Hospital Marathon. It is sure to be an experience again, and I look forward to all the great outfits, live music, early morning pancakes, and the children's smiles as I pass each mile marker.

BTW-yes I do I am crazy, because the half about killed me with the injuries I still had, but the people, and my little Champion Micah, made it all worth the next two days of aches, and whining muscles. I am not marathoner, but I can work at becoming one, and keep losing the fluff around my midsection as an added bonus. ;)

ADIOS!
"Corre Mami Corre!"
Emerald

Bad Blogger...Runner....Slacker.

2013-12-18T10:50:00.002-05:00

Yes, I know I have been derelict. Sorry.

For multiple reasons, I have been a bit out of sorts. I dropped out of a lot of things to get my head together, and now that Christmas is upon us, I am getting my groove back. The groove started coming back just before Thanksgiving, my thoughts and decisions were coming more clearly to me, and so did my NEED to run. My need to run, partnered with my need to workout in general, and back at a high level are back and boy does it feel good.

I have had to prioritize my thoughts and drive again, and tell myself that I cannot allow outside influences, even the ones I love to delay or stop my goals, so I am back at it, and very happy. Onward....

Monday, I re-started Squats...and today, I remember the beginners anguish of Squats. My legs are sore as hell, and my lower back is telling me how weak it really is.

The lower back being the support system for one's core, has always been a problem for me. As many women, I am "healthy" in the chest area and the back is an important part of supporting it. The tendency to walk with poor posture is heavy with me, and I find myself having to remind myself to walk with my back straight. If my back muscles, (especially lower ones) were stronger, this would be less of an issue. In any case the Squats brought that all to the forefront of my awareness, as they are also sore, but in a good way.

The way I look at it is, whatever is sore, needs work. The Squat will be my friend in many ways, but first I must finesse it's graces, and work my way up to not being abuse by them. I am looking forward to having fluidity with the "Squat."

I did these: Box Squats and really enjoyed doing them. Were they hard? Eh, I wouldn't say hard, as much as I needed to block out the rest of the gym participants, because form I super important, which calls for your tush to poke out. There were a few other gym participants that took more interest than I would have preferred, and this made me mentally distracted, because I wanted to throat punch a few. Once my partner, moved behind me to block view, I was able to really just shut my head down, and pay attention to where the bar was, keeping my back aligned, and allowing natural pivot of my hips and tush to poke out as it should. My biggest assistance in this? Pushing OFF with my HEELS, and allowing my toes to point a bit outward, naturally lining up with my knees and not torch my knees in the process.

I am looking forward to utilizing the Squat regularly, as they really do work the majority of your body, and are a grade-A exercise for your core with controls every movement we make every day.

Here is to the Squat Kings and Queens, you are awesome!

I am now training for a FULL marathon, and I am concerned, but I am determined to abuse myself fully this time, instead of the half. More to come, because there is too much to catch up on at once. ;)

"Corre Mami Corre!"
Emerald

Slacker update coming...

2013-12-11T22:57:00.001-05:00

Yes, I have a post coming. I am now ready for the flogging.

Tomorrow....

Run Blogger Remorse

2013-10-18T15:05:00.002-04:00

One of three deer seen during the circuit run.

Guilty....
I know I haven't blogged in 3 months. I can only say, I had things to get together, and there was a military commitment thrown in there, along with work. I'm back and still at it.

Pink for the boobies, and Cancer in general.

To keep things simple, there has been a lot of tweaking of the workouts. Changing up muscle groups, and slowing down on the amount of running up until now. I am now running fairly regularly again, and happy about it again. Yes, I went through the runner's doldrums, it sucked.


...down came a spider, and.... saw this little creepy beauty was hanging quaintly, and I almost ran face first into it on a run.

The current torture is circuits of run-plyo exercises-run. These consist of run for a certain distance, lay down on the concrete, lol, squat/crunch/flutter kick/boxer leg lifts/russian twists, then run again, non-stop. Each day the combo changes a bit, but the reps increase. As of today I am still moving comfortably, but I foresee the day, my tush, lats and abs start to protest my insistence to train. Tonight's training, will increase by 5 reps on everything. Let's see how I fare.

Come and visit us on Latinas Run Hot on Facebook and answer Pop Quiz questions, give input on workouts, share your experiences, and see what others do in the running/workout world.

More coming, just have to get in the groove of things again, but I look forward to sharing the crazy with everyone.

"Corre Mami Corre!"
Emerald

Post Electric Run

2013-07-11T17:11:00.002-04:00

Two of the lovely running friends I got to meet up with, Ms. A, and Ms. R, too cute!

Hola! As you can see we did the Electric Run, it was....fun.    I say it that way, because in reality, that is all it was. I was disappointed, I hoped to get a steady shuffle going, but no luck.

The turnout was great, lots of people, costumes, glow in the dark goodies, and great music. The visuals for the race path were awesome and the music was definitely running music.

Now, my issues.... :0(   it was almost impossible to run any further than 40 - 50 yards at a time. This race is not really broken down in corrals, so there are no running time groups to get into. Unless you get in the very front, there is not running for a steady amount of time, so gauging your mile....is out. Lesson learned for me, and the running buddy, but I will say, this is a PERFECT event for families, walkers, and beginners that want to have fun, and do something fun and different while getting in shape.

( I will admit to being miffed at the girl on the scooter....Chic you seriously pissed me off, and you could have hurt people out there.) I guess if the people that run this event aren't really going to enforce safety, this is definitely an event that parents should watch out for their little ones. It was a bit of a cattle drive then a run/race/challenge. After it is all said and done, it would be a fun walk, family event, finishing up to fair food, and a really GOOD, tall beer. Yes, I did share a fabulous, COLD beer with my buddy, Mr. C, it hit the spot.

Next race? Dunno. I have looked at a few races in August, and Mr. C is thinking a 5K each month. I'm thinking, YAY!!! So, 5K all around! Maybe this one:
Heroes & Heroines 5k & 1 Mile Run
Have to see if this is possible, and I am thinking no, because I am pretty sure I have a baseball game that day, but I have to find a race Mr. C, and I can run in for August!
"Mr. H" on the left, "Mr. C" in back center as the King, and, of course me! Are we bright enough???
Last thing: (shhhhh, "Mr. H" and I are training for a FULL!!!) Yes, I am excited, but intimidated too. I welcome the challenge, and hope that I make it all the way through without injury this time. 26.2....dear gosh I've lost my mind. To think, I HATED running even when on active duty. Now I do it for fun????

Miss Moomoos: Mommy how many pounds you lose today?
Me: None.
Miss M: Why???
Me: Because I have been eating too much.
Miss M: Mommy, I will eat the food, you go run...
( Damn, she is a brutal coach....)
Corre Mami Corre!
Emerald

ELECTRIC RUN 5K!!! Let it Glow, let it GLOW!

2013-06-21T11:06:00.003-04:00

TONIGHT'S OUTFIT! YAY!

It's been a while since I blogged last, sorry. As is said by many, LIFE has gotten a little crazy,(military commitments, family deaths) but all are well on this end.

Our family has it's dynamics, military, school, young children, one adult child, work, and running/working out to the tune of audiobooks, and favorite music. Things get hectic, and I am about to take on a face lift of my HOUSE. More fun on the horizon. I will try to get back to being regular with my posts, because it is fun, and I have a lot of workout friends that try to stay accountable with.

Electric Run Course!

So, onward...the ELECTRIC RUN is tonight! I am so EXCITED! I have the honor of running with 5 other friends, one is my faithful running buddy, "Mr. H" and one of my dear friends, "Mrs. D" is going to be our Fun-Photog for the event. It starts at 9:20 tonight, and goes till Midnight at least. There will be music along the entire route, neon lighting, black lights, and then at the end food, drinks, and a concert. A great time to be had by runners, family and spectators alike.

A shoutout to ZULE! Welcome! In response to your comment...
Zule - do what you LOVE. It may not be running, but whatever it is, do it because you want to. Now if you are inspired, start by just walking, I DID! I did NOT get out there, and just go, "Chariot's Fire" on the treadmill, I walked.

I started walking for 20 minutes, then one day thought I would see how it felt to run. I ran for a whopping 3 MINUTES, thought I would freaking die. I added ONE WHOLE MINUTE for a while, then added 3, then 5, and before I knew it, I ran a whole MILE without stopping. It took me almost a month to champion that ONE MILE.

I've had 5 children, and it is NOT easy to get back to being that physical, but it is doable. Start walking, and SHINE BABY SHINE!

I took a bit of a break after the half-mary to get myself healed up, change gears a bit on other hobbies, and interests, and ramp up for some family changes, but now I'm back at it, and realizing how much I missed it.

My time has suffered, my endurance has suffered, but I have my spirit back again so, I'm pretty jazzed. I was able to go for a nice mental run this week of
June 2013

4.3 miles, and it was SO nice. I ran at one of our MANY metro parks, and the weather was beautiful. The trail has wide open spots, as well as areas lined with trees, and bushes that are in full bloom. On occasion I came face to tail with a frightened chipmunk, or squirrel, and very motivated vultures. The vultures didn't get as welcoming a response as the chipmunks and squirrels, but they did understand this human would not put up with their diving, so they flew higher till I was well out of their "kill zone". Ugly little monsters, but they serve their purpose...

Anyhow, there were quite a few runners out there, but not so many that you were in constant sight of anyone. About every 10mins I would pass a runner or cyclist, and the friendly nod would occur, and both parties would continue their journey. Oh how I have missed the weekend brain dumps on my long runs, in the many beautiful areas where I live.

I had a lovely Mother's day, and of course called my Mommy, whom I miss very much, and we caught up on a few things. Mom is certainly one of the strongest women in my world. She has always been so elegant, took very good care of my brother and me, and still managed to be a "badass". I get a lot of my "ballz"

Me, and Mom - uh, a few moons ago. :D

from my Mom. My Dad, gave me a stubborn streak, and made sure I didn't take any shit. He AND my Mother, made sure I believed deep inside, that there isn't anything I can't do...even the stuff men do.

Thank you Mom. You are the reason I never hesitated to join the military, play football, softball, swimming, martial arts, run, have lots of babies, and wear heels like a girl. ;0) Hey Mom, guess who is embarking on playing BASEBALL? Yup, your crazy daughter...I love you Mom.

Next, the mileage...well, it has suffered as everything else, but it is back up again. My mile time??? SUCK:SUCKIER:SUCKIEST....yeah, I have NO average. One day it can be 13mins+ and the next in the 10s...WTH?! I suck it up, and will get back to my 9-11s, and concede that injury does have a HUGE impact on one physically and mentally. Enough of that shit though, I'm over it, and don't sit still well for long, (unless there is yarn and knitting involved; it's like my calming tonic) so back at it I am, and I am thrilled.

My phone music, and I are friends now. I got it loaded with a fantastic app that took my iTunes from the laptop on to my phone, without issue, and organized it by album, artist, type and it plays like a dream. Now I can use my iTouch at the gym, and use my phone when on runs outside where I need GPS, and not worry about have two devices for music. WOOHOO! Yeah, I know I'm late to the party, but I am a Geek in real life, and don't feel like forking with the stuff when I get home. If it isn't "plug and play" I don't play with it, till I have to. I would rather read, knit, drink wine, paint or workout as a side to spending time with my babies. I ain't got time for that....

I leave you with one of my favorite songs...TABOO! From Don Omar...

"Corre Mami Corre!"
Emerald

My (Chocolate) Milk brings....

2013-03-04T16:26:00.000-05:00

...this girl to the yard....(not the boys, but it's a good workout song. :D )
My Milkshake...

So, what is the real story about Chocolate Milk for workout recovery???

Here is what I have gotten out of all of the hubbub....

1.) It is high in water content, carbs, and sugar. All of these things are needed to recover after a workout.
Here is the crux: For after workouts that are LONGER THAN AN HOUR! (See information from University of Arkanasas Medical Services - Chocolate Milk!
Quote from UAMS Website, Dr. Jorge Rodriguez - "
UAMS' Dr. Jorge Rodriguez, who is certified in treating sports injuries, said that he would tell his athletes about the study. "I would have them give it a trial if they wish. In addition, I would recommend consultation with a sports nutritionist." He said though that generally for exercise under an hour, water is all that is needed.
Before you make the switch to chocolate milk, examine your workout routine. Chocolate milk is most helpful for athletes who need high levels of calories, carbohydrates and proteins to maintain their level of play."

Now, I am sure it works differently for different people. You may be one of those lucky folks that can chug the chocolatey goodness, and not feel weighed down, bloated, or gain a pound back after your workout. For those of you that can, YAY!!!!! I wish that were me.

I am one of the people, that would gain all the weight I have lost to this point if I downed the heavenly nectar. I will say, it was a Godsend after the marathon, it was actually quite refreshing, filling, and the sugar and carbs went a long way to helping me feel much better after 1/2 hour.

In my opinion, the jury is still out on definites, but after walking or running for more than an hour, chocolate milk is my go-to-get-up. I do feel using low fat, or skim milk is the way to go. Using the powdered form of chocolate milk mix is better than the syrup, because of the added surprises to keep that stuff fluid, and safe. That last bit, is only my opinion, I am not a doctor, but it makes sense to me, to add less artificial surprises to my body when possible.

Anyway, that is my take on Chocolate Heaven for recovery. Enjoy the YouTube music video, and go make your own Milkshake, and workout!!!

"Corre Mami Corre!"
Emerald

Reality Check!

2013-02-26T17:32:00.001-05:00

Working out, so many of us do it right? What if everyone told it how it really can be, and many times really is? Oh boy....

Everyday is a decision, do I workout today, or do I go home, snuggle on the couch? The temptation is there everyday, every moment to just go home and curl up on the couch in my favorite sweats, surrounded by, yarn (I'm an avid knitter), Oreos, milk, beer, and anything with deep fried with gravy. Yes, we have those days, yes we want that fat ass burger from, "Five Guys", and yes, I do want the fries too damn it!

The thing is, when I first started, I still had those cravings, and I still wanted to tell the treadmill, eliptical, (insert plethora of exercise equipment) to kiss my ass, but (no pun intended) I kept going. After the first week, I was just elated I made it a whole week without turning my steering wheel toward home, instead of toward the gym. I felt a small victory.

Week two came along, and I was pretty thrilled with having a rhythm going. I was going everyday after work, and looking forward to it, even though I didn't know what the hell I was doing. Was it working? Was it going to take a while to work? How the hell do I drop 40 pounds without a trainer? Hell woman, you were in the Army, then the Air Force, you know how to exercise like a fiend, just do it! So, I did. I worked out everyday, hitting walls, hitting challenges that no one told me about, and I didn't reason in, for someone doing this shit on her own! I didn't have a partner, I didn't have a mentor, and I sure as hell didn't have a trainer, or real concept of nutritional value that REALLY helps while working out, and still trying to lose weight when you are freaking HUNGRY! I. figured. it. out!

Example of TWO bras - (See Tip# 2)

What no one tells you, or they are afraid to tell you, in case you say, to hell with it, I will stay unhealthy.....

1.) Just because you buy workout clothes, does not mean they will make you feel like the bionic woman, (yes I am dating myself, hush) instead, you get this stuff on, not always having picked the best choice because, while Mr. and Mrs. America are using the elliptical, and looking like the wind is blowing through their hair, and makeup is staying in place, and they are not even breaking a sweat with their smooth transitions of the footpads whirling in circles....YOU are sweating your ass off, huffing and puffing, feeling like you are going to hork up last week's porkchops, and you have a crescent shape of sweat on your ass. How is THAT for motivation? Your work day of makeup, is on your chest, your hair is stuck to your forehead, and well, you just look like hell with a rosy glow of downright exhaustion on your face. You know what though? That is called, WORK! For me, it was out-of-shape WORK! It was, you-did-it-right-WORK! I thought to myself, I am really sweating! This is my body saying, "Hey GOOD JOB CHUBBY!!!"

2.) Workout bras....SUCK!!!! NO, not all bras are created equal. Just as not all boobies are alike! Just because it is sold in your size, does not mean it FITS properly. I bought a few, put those sweet things on, and damn it, my twins were all over the damned place! Who can run like that?! Not only was I distracted from all that movement, but so were a few other people, (insert people that like to watch boobies-not gender specific). I was distracted, they were distracted, and I was mad that they were distracted! Pay attention to your own torture method, and leave me out of your visual compass, PERV!

3.) Undies are not all made for wearing, so walk. They walk right up your tush! You are running along, feeling confident that you, or should I say I have finally passed the three minute mark of continuous running, and SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEK, those silly thing walked right up my gluteous divider, (yes folks my crack!) WTH?! So now, not only am I trying to keep a steady pace to make it to a whopping TEN minutes, but I am plucking my undies out of my tush, like a bango string! Not graceful, and sure as hell not productive, or zen like. There went my mojo, thanks!

4.) When running outside, hydration means, drink so much water, you are doing the pee-pee dance just as you are about to leave FOR the gym. Go potty, THEN go to the gym, and keep that water bottle handy, or get a water bottle belt, and chug-a-lug the whole time. Running outside in the heat, is INCREDIBLY draining, and can cause dehydration, not to mention dehydration headaches, cramps, and pure misery. Yes, I know this first hand, and it didn't take me long to remember to water up like an elephant in the Safari, till I felt my teeth floating at times. It paid off, and I could run better, and frankly....not HORK in the heat!

5.) Your ass will be in pain for a while, like maybe a week. Every muscle in your body, will be calling you names and reminding you that, it was much happier when you conceeded to being happy with the Oreos. My first week to ten days, I was so sore, I thought things were tearing AS I walked around at work. When I would get up out of bed, I would wince at the pain in just about every muscle group to include my boobies! Yes, I realize boobies are made of fat, but DAMN, the muscles that hold the "twins" up get the message that you have been doing dumb shit like working out, and they are going to tell you about yourself, and how this is a stupid idea, and you should quit. Not to mention, the bounce per ounce does some added damage.

6.) There are, and will always be people fitter than you, that will make you feel like you made a mistake of being in the "perfect body dome." I went to the gym, and hid under over sized everything for about two weeks until, I got tired of being so damned hot that, I could have been mistaken for a wrestler wearing plastic sweats, and Vicks to make weight. I did not feel like I belonged there, I felt like I was supposed to already be IN SHAPE just to hang with the cool kids, then it hit me, to HELL WITH 'EM! Yes, in truth there are people there have never known a day of being "heavy" in their lives, BUT they are there to keep that day from ever happening. There are those that have not had babies rent our their, "uterus efficiency apartment" for 9 months, but if/when they do they will be in shape to have what in many cases, not all, an easier birth experience....maybe. Then there are all the other cool kids, like ME! The ones that put on weight by eating, birthing, physical accidents/injuries, and are in there to get their groove back. The reality is, you can go to the gym to workout, out of self loathing, or you can go to get your shit together because, you want to and don't give a damn who sees your thong peeking out the top of your shorts, or your short bottoms if you were working so hard the damned things broke and peeked out the bottom of a leg hole. Do not ask me if that can really happen. :D

7.) Simple one- Vomit happens. Enough said.

So, there are a few examples of the life of someone that works out. No, it isn't always pretty, and no not everything just flows like the river of ease, but it is SO worth it. I lost those 40 damned pounds, I have defintion, not as much as I want, or what a totally physical specimen of perfection has, but I'm EFFING HAWT because, well I am doing it! I'm not a Victoria Secret model, and I'm not even a Volleyball star with my bikini "bottoms" (thong) slamming body, but I'm a Mom, Wife, Sister, Daughter, friend, and lover of Oreos who runs great on some days, like shit on others, runs for Charity (love you Micah) and works out for my health and mental well being.

I plan on running/shuffling/walking/puking for the "Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure", this Spring, and I pray that, I can cross the finish line with as much dignity as I can, in respect to the men and women that fight Breast Cancer everyday. What the hell do I have to complain about, I have a working body, that is made of hips and nips and damn it, I'm using it, and my superpowers to do something good.

BTW, if a runner shoots a snot rocket in your visual area, please understand, it is because, once you hit a certain distance, the human body does all sorts of crazy stuff, and it does not care that you do not have tissue, or toilet paper so, please try to understand, and step back, wind direction can be deceiving.

That's it for now, and yes this was a little different, and more colorful than my normal posts, but hey sometimes, ya just gotta lay it out there. ;0)

"Corre Mami Corre!"
Emerald

Jump Start with a Boot Camp!

2013-02-24T01:08:00.001-05:00

Yes, I am alive. I apologize for being MIA, but life hit in the fast lane for a while and I had to step back and reign it in.

So, on to what is in the future, a 5 week Boot Camp. The challenge has been presented and it will be our team against "theirs". It is a weight loss percentage challenge, and we have five weeks till weigh-in. April Fools Day is the official day to weigh-in, and we are going to crush it.

I tend to find that I perform better when challenged, when I have a goal, or someone tells me something is impossible. I accept the mission, bring on the treadmill, weights, plyometrics and just good old fashioned sweating my tush off.

Today my buddy and I hit the muddy trails and did just over 5 miles as a tickler. The mental goal is a consistent 10 miles long run/intervals weekly and a 20-25 mile total per week. On top of this weights, other cardio and reshaping the body to leaner, harder, healthier muscle. We have also committed to 500 miles run for 2013, which I feel is attainable as long as we put in our miles each week.

So, to all my fellow workout friends, I ask for a swift kick in the tush, if you don't see run updates from my apps daily, or some type of exercise. 15 pounds must be gone by April 1st!!!

What are your health goals? Did you commit to starting an exercise regime? Do you want more definition? Are you training for something like a marathon or a strong person event? I would live to attend some events and support my friends, so tell me what you have going on and I may be in the seats cheering you on like a fiend!

Menu:

Breakfast- egg white omelette with potatoes, onions, bell peppers, mozzarella, and sausage.

Lunch- water... Breakfast was more of a brunch so I was still full and about to go for the run.

Dinner: rice, and ribs. Yeah, it was good.

Moomoos Moments:
Miss Moomoos: Mommy you have to wear this head band so your hair doesn't get in your face while you run. ***puts her head band in my hair***
Me: well thank you.
Miss Moomoos: okay Mommy, you are weddy to go.
(The head and worked great, will keep using one thanks to the little one. )

"Corre Mami Corre!"
Emerald

Mission Accomplished!

2012-10-29T13:30:00.002-04:00

Super Micah at the Cheer Tent! Isn't he precious?!

The goal was met, because of so many of you, I/WE managed to raise OVER $2,000, and as a team, Team Super Micah raised OVER $4,000 for Children's Hospital!!! What an amazing feeling, THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE "DONOR ANGELS" for helping my team accomplish such an emotional goal.

In the photo above you can see our little Champion Micah. Micah was out there from beginning to end, High Fives in full swing, his Momma counted an approximate 500 High Fives given by Micah. He gave so many that at one point he asked..paraphrasing..."Can I take a break? My hand is tired." Yes, buddy a break is well deserved, you inspire me, and did that day. Mrs. E loves you baby boy.

So, how did it go? First the bib pickup, here it is, and boy did I feel "official" after that. I kept finding myself tearing up for no apparent reason other than this...

The last few months have been filled with thoughts of Micah, all the Champion Patients, and the Angel Babies that are not here with us anymore, my daughter Deanna included.

Yes, I too have received the love of Children's Hospital, not only for the illnesses, bumps, bruises and stitches for my children but, the loss of my first born at two weeks old. Children's Hospital did everything they could think of to save her life, and when her soul flew to heaven, one very special nurse wrapped her arms around me, and my dying daughter, and wept with me. I will never be able to repay the love and compassion they showed for my family in all those horrible days. This marathon was the one thing I felt I could do to come full circle, and to help get continued funding for children, like the precious Micah, it was an honor.

As you can see from the bib picture, there were a LOT of people running/walking in this event. Even more so, watching, supporting, volunteering and preparing for the largest turn out to date in 33 years of the Nationwide Columbus Marathon, it was overwhelming in a great way.

With my bib picked up, my family and I went and met up with my running buddy, "M" and his family to carb up...

Carbing for the marathon at Bucca! YUM!

then it was home to get some rest and wake up REALLY early, and get ready.
Got up at 4AM, and dressed in the Super Micah fun outfit! Yes, that IS a tutu!!

Yes, I know I look crazy, I was not awake yet, and it was 4:30AM! So, we finish getting ready, headed out the door at 5:30, and rolled to downtown for the start line. The crowds weren't too bad yet, and there were churches serving pancake breakfasts, and music starting, and lighting, and our beautiful United States of America flag being raised on a huge crane, it was a HUGE flag! Gorgeous!

We made our way to our corral, and then begins the stay warm fidgeting, waiting, and anxiety, of the run. I waited as friends started to filter in, and we all did the stay warm dance, in 30-40 degree weather, till the cannons went off at 7:30, yes I said cannons, it was AWESOME!!! There were fireworks, the Mayor, and lots of music, it was amazing.

So, off we go, shuffling to start and get moving. "M" and I are going fine at a very slow trot to get warmed up, and the weather is perfect, never were we cold, nor too hot, and we start weaving through the crowd, of 18,000 staying in at around a 2:45 pace. As we take each mile one at a time, we are feeling really good, and the crowd and music is jovial, and all is going well. At around mile 4 it starts getting dicey, "M" is flowing beautifully, I on the other hand am starting to feel an ache in my left knee that had never been an issue before but, we take our walk intervals, and get back to running, mile 4 is Micah's mile, and I wanted to get through it, at the pace we had hoped for at that marker. We get to see our little buddy, and my heart is recharged, it was exactly what I needed, and kiss Micah, and keep going. Soon we pass my own babies at the true mile marker cheering everyone on, and being adorable.

Crossing Micah's Mile


My babies!

"M" is doing great, and I am trying to get my gait to something comfortable, I admit that I was concerned about the knee at this point but, hoped it would work itself out.

We keep going, and get into a rhythm again, it was starting to feel pretty good again, then at mile 6 our first true hill begins, this was the beginning of the real protest from my knee but, we kept going. "M" knew I was having problems, and ramped me up a bit by telling me, "...to the next blue flag, you got this....", "think of all the babies at their miles, who can't walk or run for themselves..." (ZINGER-WAAAH!) and we made that checkpoint, and walked a bit, this checkpoint approach continued, and my love and respect for my running buddy continued to solidify that we could do this, with each of his supportive words, he was awesome.

Around mile 9, I was in a rhythm of 4/4 breaths, that came in deep, and out with a rather primal sound but, it allowed me to fully exhale, and my gait felt good, then "M" was ready for a break, which was good because, I was getting lost in my own world and not realizing we were running on rather crappy and cracked asphalt, and I was favoring my knee a lot. I had essentially gotten into a slight lopsided posture, and found that I had been tensing up, and scrunching my shoulders up. When I dropped my shoulders and allowed my arms to swing, I found I was very sore but, there was also a relief to my muscles. Now it would become a conscious effort to keep my shoulders relaxed, one that I found to be easy to get back into the bad habit of, and would drop my shoulders again.

The hill was completed but, we were now heading back into downtown, and at mile 10, with more slight hills, and more pain, which now had hit a severe level but, to stop was NOT an option so, we continued to shuffle. We were both feeling a bit of the fatigue but, a sense of accomplishment of the 10 miles we had behind us. Mile 11, continued to challenge us but, the skyline view was now all around us, the people were cheering at every mile, the comments on the tutu were many, and the photos of all of the Champion Patients were at times, overwhelming, leading to more tearing but, we kept going, (BTW I was doing the tearing, "M" was a steel machine of concentration, and the same constant and strong expression), and kept up the intervals.

Mile 12...........yes, I cried, this was the "Angel Mile." The mile dedicated to all the babie,s and children that were no longer with us, and the truth that even with the greatest fight, sometimes it was time for their little souls to rest.

Deanna was one of those babies, and there were people standing, cheering, smiling, thanking, and holding photos of their Angels, and I lost it. All I could think about was Deanna, her tiny hands, and feet, her scent, the silkiness of her raven hair, and her eyes, her beautiful hazel eyes, she was an Angel, and I was down here...on earth without her in my arms. Not seeing her grow up, not seeing her graduate from high school, not seeing her in college, not seeing her graduate from college...she would be 21 years old, and in her Junior year of college along with her little brother, who is in his Sophomore year in college, not seeing her get married, or have babies....I did not have my Deanna....pity? Yes, for a second, or many seconds, I felt self pity, sorrow, then anger, then.......resolve. I cried, I ran harder, I prayed, I said thank you, I cried for the photos of all the babies gone, and I gritted my teeth, all the while hoping my buddy was not seeing the disaster I was. Through it all, I felt a peace for the first time since losing my Deanna, I moved my ass.

My knee was screaming, the pain was like a metal rod being pushed from the inner corner of my knee cap, to the other corner over and over yet, I could not stop. I glanced over my shoulder at the Angel mile, one more time, and told my baby I loved her....keep running E...keep moving.

"M" was coaxing me to keep going, and we agreed to run through most of the final hill at 12.5 miles, and then haul ass across the finish line. As we took our last walk interval, I could see all the people at the top of the hill turning the corner to the last stretch to the finish line, I could see a bit of a bottle neck as many walkers were spread across the running path. We agreed "M" would take lead, and we kicked in, "M" moving through the walkers, through runners, making a hole with me right behind him. "M" was making moves, cutting through, and hauling ass, and I was determined to stay with him, my knee was on fire now, my tears were streaming, and the realization that we were about to "do this thing" was real. I sped up, right on "M's" heels, and we crossed the line, one second apart, and my heart felt like it would explode from pure joy.

People were everywhere, I wanted to stop time, and see my daughter, and tell her we had done it but, then it occurred to me...she had seen Momma do it, and knew why, and that she had been there with us, the entire time, I was calm now, it was done. A volunteer put the medals around our necks, and it was over. WE HAD DONE IT...Thank you dearest friend, "M".

We made our way through the crowd of finished runners/walkers into the food, and recovery area for marathoners, "M" found his family, and I found mine. My children were at the finish line screaming for me and "M", and my Husband was smiling his supportive smile, and praising our accomplishments, and his pride, and all I could do was cry because of that last mile, The feeling of having finished, not great, not at the time we were use to pacing (thanks effing knee) but, we finished respectably, and before the competitive walkers, lol!

My family met with me, and my onslaught of munchies given by the volunteers, and we found a patch of grass to stretch and relax on. "M" and his family met up with us, and we all sprawled out on the grass and enjoyed the sun that was now shining a bit of warmth on us, the color of the autumn trees surrounding us was spectacular. It is interested how you can see so much more, when you feel total humility for the perseverance of the human spirit. Every sound, color, was beautiful, and the air was crisp and clean, while the live band played, and friends came to congratulate and join us in celebration.

Angel Donors Cape.

My Sweet Friend and Me.

The Hubs!

Me...tired, lol.

My running buddy, "M"

So, now the medal, bib, and cape will get mounted, and memories cherished of my first 1/2 Marathon for a wonderful, and heart warming cause. Most of all, the Children get funding for all of their little hero hearts to keep fighting, through things most of us will never endure. A process of healing, for the first time in 21 years for me, and the ability to say, that WE DID IT!

Thank you to my Husband, my children, all of the amazing, and loving donors, and supporters who never let me think negatively, and supported my late night running posts. To TheHubs specifically for the vitamins, water nagging, sports wear, "jelly beans" sports drinks, and massages throughout training, and after the marathon. To my running buddy, "M", I love you for pushing me, being so strong, and supportive, and crazy enough to do this with me. To all of you,thank you, and I will be running more races with far better results. Here is to my second competitive run, and to many, many more runs for charity! "CORRE MAMI CORRE!"

My buddy and me, being silly, and DONE!

Emerald...

Sunday, October 21, 2012 T-Minus 17 Days

2012-10-04T12:28:00.001-04:00


My Amphipod Belt = LOVE

HOLA!!! Like the bottles? I do! TheHubs bought these for me for Christmas, and I didn't use them right away but, I gotta say, I did start using them once the heat started getting overwhelming, and boy am I glad I did. I do have to get use to them a little more, they are comfortable to wear but, I think I will be turning them sideways (that is an options, yay!) so that I stop butter fingering them and they drop to the ground from my not placing them properly. So, how is that for an opening?

Okay so, 17 days left till race day, and I admit I am getting a little nervous. I do have a goal of under 2.5 hours, yeah I know, so many would say that is A LOT of time but, I am not pushing my luck with the bum calf, and so far it is feeling normal, and hasn't given me any real problems so I would like it to stay that way. My true goal is to just finish on my feet, and not hork along the way but, finishing under 2.5 hours would awesome for me! I am looking forward to this, and to running with my teammates on Team Super Micah!

Hopefully some of you can come out and support the cause for the Nationwide Columbus Children's Hospital Marathon, and have pancakes, activities, support us ~~crazy people~~ runners, and have a great family day! This will be popped off with cannons, and will stay pumped with music and activities throughout, let's make it fun folks!

At this point, I have been running almost daily, and doing my "long runs" on the weekends, it has been working out pretty well, and in all honestly, I am trying to build up my mileage, and run/walk intervals. Last weekend I did not "feel it" as well as I did the weekend before, and although the accomplishment was a few tenths short of 7 miles, I wish I had changed my intervals to a 2/1. I did on the other hand change it as of yesterday, and found that it allowed me to open up my pace a bit after about 10mins of running. I may bump it up to 3/1 and enjoy that for a bit and see how that works, I did like the feeling of 2/1 and think that I was just getting a groove going at that point so maybe working myself to a constant 5/1 will be nice by race day...yes, I do plan on going a little harder, I feel pretty good.

Race day....getting more nervous but, in a good way, wait till you see the crazy a$$ outfit I have put together for all the babies! There are to be 26 Patient Champions, one at each mile we pass, and I just want to make them smile if only for a few minutes. I don't know, I just want to be something fun, and bright for all of the children that go to Children's Hospital, even if it is only ONE day, that to me would be, mission accomplished.

Just on LOUD SHOUT OUT TO JEFF GALLOWAY!!! Thank you for making my rehab a LOT easier, and getting me back out on the road, with confidence. After I hurt my leg, I was sure I was doomed to having a less than acceptable attempt at this marathon, now I know I can complete it, and at the very least with dignity, and honor for every person that has donated to the cause. Huge thank you and virtual hugs to all that have made their donations, with your help we are helping so many children get the medical care, and advancements that one day, were only a wish to so many.

TUTU for the race, as promised!!! YAY, and other is coming in with deeper colors and more full so, the rainbow of colors for the kids will be in full effect! Latin Rainbow Bright on the run! :0D

Running Tutu!

That is enough for now, keep the little ones in your thoughts, and help all of us that are running this thing with your prayers and vibes for good health, completion, and blessings. Adios!

"Corre Mami Corre!"
Emerald

Sunday, October 21, 2012 T-Minus 23 Days

2012-09-28T13:41:00.001-04:00

So, Team Super Micah is at T-Minus 23 Days till the Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon...what does that mean? It means I have ONLY 23 more days to train to get myself to where I can finish this thing in a respectable amount of time.

The donations have been coming in, in waves, and frankly I could not be happier or, more humbled by the fact that so many people doubt what humankind will do when left to their own resources. I have always felt that people are innately good, and those that cause problems are also good, just a bit either unappreciated, and looking for attention or misguided in a time in their lives when they were learning the meaning of love, and the confidence it builds in a person. These donations have only gone further to solidify my belief that people are good, and WANT to help, they just need a focus or reason to do so, and that is okay! Following anything blindly can be destructive so, to question or observe for a while before jumping in, is wise, and now I can also say very appreciated.

So, what have the team accomplished to date? Running, running a lot of miles! Training through those miles, training through injuries, and learning that we are all capable of so much more than we think when we just try. Now, I may be projecting but, in the end I have a suspicion that this rings true for most if not all of my teammates on Team Super Micah, and the pride I feel that I will be slogging along side these amazing and loving people is indescribable.

What I saw on the trail this past weekend-BUZZARDS!

Look who sent me a picture! yes, it made me emo...shhhhh

A few weeks ago I got to spend an entire day with Mr. Micah, and I gotta tell you when I saw him come in my front door, I was filled with warmth. This little being, has gone through 15 surgeries, and is only 3 years old but, he knows no boundaries! As an adult I am amazed at his smile, no matter the situation, he doesn't see things that he goes through as a drawback or challenge he just sees them as something else he needs to do. I look at his mother, and sweet friend of mine, and think that she is also amazing. Yes, as a Mother we all do what we have to do, and do it with the most grace we can muster at that time but, she gives it a whole new meaning in my eyes. To paraphrase an exchange we had, Me: "What will you do as Micah gets older, since he has to be carried a lot?" Mrs. S: "I will get stronger." Yes, her statement, and truth behind it is simple as that, and I can understand it because, that was my thought as well. She would have to get stronger as time went by, lifting and loving him in the way that only a parent can, one day at a time, and one hug and lift at a time. It is so beautiful to be blessed with a person like her in my life.

On to the leg, and a thank you to those that have inquired. My leg is doing very well, I believe I am back to normal but, I do keep a vigilant feel for it everyday. With every walk drill, speed drill or run I do, I pay attention to how it is feeling, and tell myself I am capable of doing what I need to do. So far so good.

My running buddies this past Saturday!

After a night run - 3.29miles in 29mins

I am using the Jeff Galloway app on my iTouch, and I love it! As a person that was not a "runner" I had to ease myself into it, and this was just the ticket. I actually figured this out backwards, I started out just straight running but, could never get past a 5K without feeling a level of difficulty, or hitting the wall, at that 3+mile mark. With Jeff Galloway's method, I can comfortably get to 6 miles now, and if I have walk, I'm okay with it, and don't beat myself up. I also do not get injured, this is huge people. My torn calf set me back 4 weeks in training, and I admit that I feared at first, that I was done. I feared I would not be able to run my first 1/2 Marathon. Now, I know that many people do not think a 1/2 Marathon is a big deal but, I also assume that those are also people that have been running for a while if not, years. I also know that there are runners that do not like the walk/run methods at all, and feel that if you don't run the entire thing, or take days off during run training that you are getting nowhere, I am a believer, and I leave the Superperson, 2:10:00 times in marathons to them, and I will continue to be in awe of them. For me, this started out about my health, is STILL about my health, and is enriched by being able to give something to a wonderful charity, and children in the process. It's about the kids, not my finish time, end of story. Maybe some day, when I am a big girl, I will run like the wind, and finish a full marathon by running only, till then, I will walk parts if I have to, and not hit fatigue in my legs, and be able to finish strong, one plod at a time.

One day at a time.

Okay so, that's all folks, for now. I will keep going and getting donations, and miles, and you keep running, and living a good life.

"Corre Mami Corre!"
Emerald

Recovery & Training…

2012-08-28T21:32:00.001-04:00

8 Weeks Till Half Mary!

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Hello friends,

No I haven’t been missing but, I have been missing out. 4 weeks ago, I hurt my leg during softball practice, it was our first practice, and of course something had to happen to make it memorable for me so, WHAM, I ended up hearing a sound that I can only describe as a large rubber band snap! I wasn’t sure what it was but, when I stepped down with my left foot, I immediately found out it was me.

Fast forward to the E.R., and I am being told I have a Medial Head Tear (Tennis Leg) and that it may be 6 weeks till I can run again. WHAT?! Talk about crushing my hopes but, I rebutted, with therapy/pampering when could I try again? Answer: 6 weeks BUT, more would be known after a follow-up with the Ortho Specialist. I went home bewildered, and on the verge of tears because, I had made a commitment to a very special little boy to run the Children’s Hospital Marathon, and that may have been in jeopardy! Well, I am not good, at hearing no, or can’t so, I went home determined to eat high protein to rebuild, extra vitamins A, B, and C, and get this leg back to health or at least healthy enough to do the half mary.

Calf Tear

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I am happy to say that, I have had two successful runs in the last 8 days, that I did not have to walk at all, and I contribute it to some rest, crutches (24 hours because, I couldn’t stand them anymore) ice, heat, massage, stretching, walking, stretching, bitching, stubbornness, and a picture of my little buddy Micah. The reality is, Micah has Spina Bifida….I don’t! I can walk, run, and whatever without hindrance so, each time I felt pissed that I had this bum leg, I told myself, I didn’t, and keep moving.

There are times it aches but, what is an ache compared to all of the surgeries Micah has withstood? 16 surgeries, and he is only a precious 3 years old! Yeah, girl get your ass moving, you have some running to do. So, I did slow down, A LOT but, I am coming around, and I have to thank my running buddy, and everyone who has donated to this point, my “Marathon Angels”. I will finish this thing, if I have to crawl across the line but, I will finish.

Short run today, 1.67 and no walking, now to get back to 4-5 miles, and I will accomplish this with the amazing Jeff Galloway app on my iTouch, they guy is a wonder in the marathon world. I love his approach, and it is totally doable, and recovery is going well. For now, I am one day at a time but, each day I have another run/walk behind me, and it IS getting much easier.

Again, thank you to everyone who has supported me, and to my Husband who bought me “The Stick” the fun tape, helped me hobble, massaged, and just kept after me to ice/heat the leg.

Keep the donations coming folks, I can’t beg enough, you are making a difference, and helping to keep little “Patient Champions”, like Micah going with medical treatments, and physical therapy through Children’s Hospital. Every little bit helps me reach my goal, and I will keep my promise to share photos of every desperate moment, embarrassing shot, and pitiful look during, and after our team completes this half mary.

So, that’s it folks, I will keep going, and we can make this happen, I just need your help to accomplish this one. Stay healthy, and God bless our Troops!

“Corre Mami Corre!”

Emerald

Fancy Feet cont...

2012-07-22T20:54:00.002-04:00

...because apparently, blogging from my iTouch does not allow me to continue on my laptop...WTH?! Anyway, I also went out and attempted to find a protein shake powder that does not make me hork....guess what? FOUND ONE!!! I found it at Smoothie King, it is called, "Lean 1" and I got the Strawberry so that I could add fruit to mine, and not have a flavor clash, although chocolate was tempting. :0D with 27 vitamins and minerals, I'll take it! Finally, after a year of searching, I found one that does not upset my stomach, and actually helps me lean out, while providing protein to my body, and helping with muscle recovery after my workouts, and runs, yay!!!

Well, that is plenty for now but, I am back at it again tomorrow, and yes my ABS are still a bit sore but, in a good way so, I think I will allow my ABS to recover and do legs tomorrow with my run! Please let it be a little cooler outside!!!

Shout out to my running group buddies on Facebook, I love you all, you make the difference! If you want to catch up with me on Facebook, find me at "Latinas Run Hot" title coined by a friend, and I thought it was fun so, I went with it, see ya there! ;0)

"Corre Mami Corre!"
Emerald

Fancy Feet!

2012-07-22T20:11:00.001-04:00

So, I took the dive and went to get professionally fitted for another set of running sneakers, at Columbus Running Co. What a difference! I went in there and immediately, the gentlemen in there helped by watching my gait, looking at my instep and picking out sneakers that would support my non-existent arch. I am flat footed like, quack quack duck flat.
Anyway, he picks out five sets of sneakers and I try them on, all brands from Brooks to Adidas and Nike well, Nike fit my foot best, and validates that they are still the best fit for my feet. The winners were the Nike Zoom Structure+ 15, in pink and grey for this chica. Now, when I hit mile 4, I hope not to blister. I plan on buying some wicking runners socks, and coupled with the new shoes, it should minimize the damage.

Abs have been getting pummeled as of late. I started adding two new exercises and it ended up straining my neck, will be modifying them to not put myself out of commission again. I was in a lot of pain at the base of my skull and neck so, changing to other options. In all I do anywhere from four to five different exercises per AB circuit, and to this point it has never given me any pain but, this time it did...in my neck! My abs did not feel mildly sore or "worked" as normal till day two of rest but, my neck was in pure pain the very next day. Needless to say, I did not workout, which was Friday, I took it to the pool, and just relaxed for my physical fitness, and let my muscles rest. By the time I got home, I was ready for bed, avoiding a monster headache, and after the massage from TheHubs, I was fast asleep, and slept eleven straight hours, yes I needed the rest. Folks listen to your bodies, or the consequences will stop you in your tracks, and hinder your ability to workout. Lesson learned.

1/2 marathon in about 12 weeks and counting. Using Jeff Galloway's app, and it's awesome!

More to come, iTouch battery is dying, lol! See ya soon!

Crazy ABS workout!


All of this WILL pay off, 20 lbs to go, and I will have my goal, and 59 lbs, gone!

Crushed Abs, Sauted in Sweat

2012-07-12T21:18:00.002-04:00

Que DOLOR!!! Monday I put in some work, did my abs workout as planned but, changed it up a bit with two new exercises:
V-Sits with a 6lbs ball
V-Sits with one leg bent against the wall, and the other straight up in the air, moving the ball to the outside edge of opposite leg.
Modified situps, with box, and weighted ball
Lat Crunches with ball
Russian Twists with Ball and Box
Scissors with bands
and finished with front, and side planks for 1 minute each...CRUSHED the abs!

Ran a total of 3.8ish miles, and felt great!

Tuesday, a simple run of 2.4 miles.

Wednesday: Mild Abs: Russians, Mod box/weight situps, V-Sits on box, and Russians and 1 mile run, 1/2 mile walk..

Today! Legs: Setups with weights, calf raises with 18lbs bar, legs presses and calf presses, feeling good!

Now, does that all mean, I was a happy camper all week? H3LL NO!!! Yesterday, I felt like someone was pulling my ab muscles like a rubber band! When I walked, it hurt, when I sat, it hurt, when I moved, IT HURT! That is the first time since I started working out almost 2 years ago, that I can say, the shite hurt! In any case, I am determined to lose another 2 inches off my tummy, and totally sport my new two piece. Many may say, what is the big deal? I haven't worn a two piece since I was probably seven years old because, I am a chicken-shit! Now that I am older, wiser, and give less of a damn, I am setting it as a goal, two piece by next month. TheHubs bought me one while he and the kiddos where in Florida, and it's all about how gutsy I feel because, it is a surfing two piece in white with adjustable strings on the sides...yeah, you guessed it, I am terrified but, if I don't do it, I will only have regret that I didn't try, after all the work I have put in so, abs, legs, and ass workouts galore, with my running training for the 1/2 marathon! The caveat is, it will only be worn for my own satisfaction, and only when I choose. Out in public, the one piece will be the pool wear of choice, lol!

For those who have asked if I will be wearing any of those cool "running bras" to do some running, my answer is, Uh, no. I am very self conscious, and unless I became a size 4, (which I have no desire to do) this chica is keeping it all in her tank tops.

Running Fur Baby!

Here is my Running Fur Baby, she and I will be getting more mileage in, now that things have cooled of a bit, and we are not in the 90s, and 100s anymore...CRAZY! Neither one of us, need to stroke out in this heat!

Tomorrow...I run!

"Corre Mami Corre!"
Emerald

I'm OFFICIAL!

2012-07-07T00:42:00.001-04:00

Got the T-shirt in today so, I can officially say I'm in training for the 1/2 marathon, lol!

Now, of course I know, I've BEEN training but, now it feels real , like I'm truly part of something important. I told myself a few months back that I would run a marathon SOME DAY but, when this came up for my little buddy Micah, I knew some day was now.

I am fully registered, and begun to take the donations to reach my goal for Micah, and Children's Hospital through the Columbus Marathon as my first marathon, and it feels amazing!

Next week, I hit it even harder at the gym, and I hope to drop the rest of this chub before the marathon to have a faster yet, comfortable pace, and just run easier. As I have walked this weight loss, health journey the last year and a half, I have found that it got easier to run as I dropped weight and improved my oxygen volume. I hope to continue, and perhaps get that 6 pack to stay once and for all in the process, lol!

Please excuse the lady under garment showing through. I came home from work, saw the package and immediately put it on for my daughter to photograph without thinking about propriety, lol! I'm so happy!

To those of you running in this, I can not wait to be part of this incredible adventure, and hope lily meet my goal of finishing. Yes, folks I am just trying to finish before they shutdown the marathon around me, lol!

Go Team Super Micah!!!

"Corre Mami Corre!"
Emerald

Workout in pictures...

2012-06-27T23:14:00.001-04:00

It is getting hot as hades here but, pictures are always cool fun.

Conditioning for the 1/2 Mary is under way!

"Corre Mami Corre!"
Emerald

Running Buddy, 1/2 Marathon, and Moving on...

2012-05-24T11:44:00.000-04:00

Hola Damas y Cabarellos!

I am happy to say that after a craptastic April, I am still moving along. As many of you know, God called three of my family members home last month, and just when I was getting a handle on that fact, God decided my running buddy Motoki had, had enough and needed to rest so, on the 30th, she crossed the Rainbow Bridge into Heaven, and is now playing with my other long lost fur babies. It hit me hard knowing I would not have her to run with when she stopped in November but, then on the afternoon of the 30th she developed "bloat" and the Veterinarian said the chances of her survival were slim so, we let her sleep. To say this was painful on top of the losses of my human loved ones is an understatement, she was my running buddy, and a part of our family that was most innocent. She is dearly missed.

With losing my Motoki, I had a huge hole in my heart, I needed to feel normal, and running does that for me but, it felt wrong, different without my fur baby to run with, I NEEDED my dog so, as crazy as it felt I began to think about getting another dog, only this time another rescue, NOT a purchased pet. After deliberation with TheHubs, we finally went to the pound and picked up our newest fur baby, meet Tori. Tori is a Dalmatian/Pitbull mix, and a totally lovey! She has been well trained by the rescue agency, Peace for Paws, and is Mommy's girl all the way. She follows me EVERYWHERE, (imagine shaving your legs as your fur baby stands watch by the tub) lol, yeah that's my baby! She loves to go running with me, and has been a real blessing to help me, and my family get through our losses. Everyone thinks of Pitbulls and Pit mixes as these horribly dangerous animals, well they are not. The breed is amazing, it is the peopel that train them, or ANY breed to be vicious, and abuse their abilities that are the dangerous ones. Off my soapbox to say, she is helping me to pick up my pace, and better my VO2 levels, at 41 years old, I am at a 41-VO2 level, lol, not bad for an old chic, and mother of 5.

Now, for the best news, I am running a 1/2 Marathon for Children's Hospital in honor of my little champion Micah. Micah's Mommy and I are friends, and Mr. Micah was born with Spina Bifida. Ah but, before you say or think, "poor baby" let me tell you he is amazing! He is smart as a whip, has a smile to melt your heart, and gets around in his little walker like a champion. Micah, walks the talk baby, and he gets around, and captures your heart. Here is the link to his story, and I hope you will read it, and consider helping me to help Children's Hospital as I run out my lungs in honor of "Micah's Mile" in the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon.
http://littlethings.nationwidechildrens.org/meet-miracle-mile-champion-4-micah-ross/

You can pledge here: Emeraldtress Children's Champion Donation Page!

s of now, I am comfortably able to push out 3-4 miles, and I am hoping to get my long run up to 6 miles by end of this month. I am pushing my body pretty hard, and as the weather gets more beautiful, and hotter I am finding that it is best to run in the many wooded parks here for the shade of the trees. I will be taking Tori on these runs and she can help me keep moving, lol!

I have until October 21st, to get to 13 miles, and raise $2,000. I have a few friends that will be running or walking this with me, and it feels good to see how people join in and reach out for such a beautiful cause. Thank you to each of you for joining the team, so far there are 8 people that will be joining the fight with me, from work.

Well, that is it for now, which is really quite a bit but, I am still moving along, and hoping to lose more weight as I take on this 1/2 Mary, your support has been amazing and I hope all of you are meeting your own goals as well. Drop me a line and let me know what YOUR goals are, and lets do this together.

"Corre Mami Corre!"
Emeraldtress

Loss, and Marathon Thoughts

2012-04-30T17:00:00.001-04:00

The last two weeks have been emotional, and mind blowing. April 13th, my Uncle passed away, and Uncle that always had a smile, and hug, and taught me how to fish for freshwater craw fish in Puerto Rico. He was always so kind to me, and treated me like a little Princess when my family got together to visit, even though it was not often with living thousands of miles away growing up in the Army, my Uncle never changed, and the memories have been cherished. The last time I saw my Uncle was two years ago, at my Aunt's passing, the family was devastated, that side of the family is very large, my Father is the eldest, and the occasion was painful. Little did I know it would be the last time I would see my Uncle as well.

Just as I was coming to the dark realization that this really had happened, my Mother called me at 3:30 in the morning on April, 15th to inform me that my Grandmother had passed away. My Mother's Mother had passed, and the sound of my Mother's voice would make me hold strong for as long as the call would last. I went up to tell my Husband who was fast asleep, and the world just spun, and I passed out. Woke in his arms, and told him of the next blow in my Grandmother's passing. My Grandmother, always treated me with so much love, cooked beans, and dumplines for me, and always had a doll I could play with. My memories of my Grandmother are just as dear as those of my Uncle but, different, I mean, she was my Grandmother.

I had gotten the privilege of seeing her last summer, and my children got to really know her while they were there for the summer with my parents. My heart told me, this would be the last time I would physically see her, and indeed, it was.

In 48 hours, I lost two cherished family members, and could not wrap my head around it all, it made no sense, and I wanted to do nothing. I did not want to smile, knit, or workout. My body was screaming to go for a run but, my heart and head, did not have the drive. With these thoughts, I reminded myself that to keep myself healthy, would honor my family losses because they had struggled with health issues, and so, I finally moved my body into motion on the 17th, telling myself to stop feeling sorry for myself because, the cycle of life, includes death, and I could not use the love I had for them, as an excuse to stop doing what I had accomplished and longed to expand so, I ran, poorly but, I ran, and it felt good...I would complete 2.5 miles, and not remember part of the run because, all I was thinking about was my Mother, and Father and how each of them had just lost a loved one, and the fear that one day, I as their child, along with my brother would lose them.

Blowing bubbles for our loved ones lost.

"C", one of my workout buddies.

It is amazing how running, working out can make you get away from everything if only for a little while but, away all the same. I pushed into working out again, treadmill, gym, friends, and the occasional tear, and kind gestures by those friends. One was a beautiful card left by one of my workout buddies, "C". I opened that card, and although I did water up, I felt that my friends cared and that made a huge difference. Next was my friend, "A" he and his family made a donation for my children to go out the following weekend, and celebrate the lives of our lost loved ones, and in doing so, made me realize that I had years of good memories and only a moment of their deaths so, the good would always out weigh the loss. Finally my buddy "H", he was my rock when I thought I would lose it at work, he would just talk to me, and comfort me with his words, and a hug when I would zone out. He put a lot of things in perspective for me, and gave his prayers to my parents and my family as we all tried to come to grips with so much so suddenly. The power of friendship, and the human touch is beyond explanation but, can do so much when needed, Thank you "H", you are always going to be an important person to me, and to my family as are "C", and "A", true friends/familia.

Fast forward two weeks, and things are much easier, I am working out again, did an "Indian Run" as we called it in the Army yesterday. I did a mile of very short choppy steps, making the mile seems like TEN! I was tempted so many times to open my stride but, resisted, reminding myself that I was taking more steps to strengthen my legs, with a concentration on my calves, it still sucked! A good part to all of this was that my eldest daughter, (seen above in the yellow chipmunk t-shirt) ran the whole thing with me...she is 10, and kicked my tail by at least 60 yards. This was her first time running with Mommy, and it didn't even make her sweat! I think, with those long legs, swan arms, and thin, TALL frame, she may just be a natural distance runner...goodness I hope so! She would be in much better shape then her Mama was growing up, I HATED running.

Why would I do an "Indian Run"? Well, I have decided to run a 1/2 Marathon for my little buddy, Micah. Micah's Mommy "S" is a dear friend, who needed people to represent Team "Super Micah" for the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon.

Micah was chosen by Children's Hospital to be represented for a mile in the race, and I have decided what better reason to bite the bullet and make a huge stride toward my first marathon, then to run for an amazing little boy, who is part of an amazing cause?! So now, I am training for my first 1/2 marathon, and although I know going from 4 miles to 13 is going to be tough, I have 6 months to train hard, and do this little Champ proud, and raise money for an amazing hospital that dedicates itself to cures, treatment, and love of children who have challenges many of us would not be strong enough to handle as adults. If you feel compelled to donate, I will be placing a link very soon to allow you to donate, and support Team "Super Micah" in the coming weeks. I would also ask that you kick me in the butt to help motivate me to keep training, and allow me to run the entire distance, this is my goal.

Well, that is the long and the short of the last two weeks, today I plan on doing as long a run as I can. Just run till I cannot run anymore, then spend time with my family. My thighs are sore from yesterday but, they remind me, there is a good reason, and I will embrace it for the sweet Micah, and for my daughter Deanna who passed away but, was lovingly cared for by Children's Hospital in Akron.

"Corre Mami Corre!"
Emerald

I love the Sun!

2012-04-13T20:55:00.000-04:00

Today was one of those days that a person who longs to be a real "runner" lives for. Today, the sun shown upon the track, and I decided to take advantage of it's blessings. The clouds were puffy, and white/grey/light blue/silver, the sun was shining very brightly all day. During work, I had to go to another building a few times, and when I went outside, the sun was so bright, all I could do was hope it would hold out till, I got out to go to the gym, and hoped to hit the track. Wish come true!

Got to the track, and did 1.5 miles walking at a good clip, then 1/2 mile run. This was an easy day to allow my legs to have a bit of rest from the last two days of running. It felt good once I got warmed up but, warming up took a bit of time today. I do not know if it was from going at the rate I did Wednesday, and I was still recovering or if it was just a common way of my body saying, keep it calm because you are not 18 anymore, lol. Either way, I enjoyed the 2 miles of movement, and finished up with crunches. I look forward to the weather that is supposed to grace us Sunday of approximately 70 degrees, let's hope it happens. Looking at Sunday as a chance to do another 3 miles, at an easy pace, and lot's of rest.

How do you get YOUR pace? Do you run with a friend? Do you use a heart monitor? Or do you run with a group? Tell me how you choose to accomplish your run, and what has been your greatest feeling accomplishment in the running journey?

I have run with friends, and my dog, she is an Alaskan Malamute but, I am sad to say that our girl "Motoki" is getting old, and has given up on the running with me. It pains me to see her curled up on the run by the door, and standing up stiffly still trying to move about like a puppy yet, limping, and slowing down. She was a worthy running partner, and I miss her terribly out there on the cold nights, when I would wonder if I could handle the cold. She would set my pace, like she KNEW the right speed to go, and would look back at me as if to say, "Are you okay?" When we would make it back home, she would lean against my legs like she was warming me, I miss my at home running partner. I have been entertaining getting another dog via adoption but, TheHubs has put the parking break on the idea so, for now I will just run alone as the days get longer and the sun sets later. Motoki was my protector in the dark of Autumn and early winter, now it is time for her to retire. Mama loves ya girl.

The Menu:
1.0 Pineapples, honeydew melon, water
1.5 Granola bar, water
2.0 Steak fries with KETCHUP BABY...and water! lol
2.5 Cashews, water
3.0 Pizza, and potato wedges, and water!

***To date, I have lost 11lbs on the Vegan challenge, and am hoping it will be 13lbs gone but, it will take strictness. So far, it really has been easy so, we shall see.***

I was doing the girly leg maintenance thing, and had my leg up high on the tub ledge when Miss Moomoos came in...

Miss M: Mommy how do you do that?!
Me: What, shave???
Miss M: Yes, with your leg up that high..
Me: Flexibility honey.
Miss M: Your legs are like Twizzlers, all bendy and with lines. (Lines=shave track through the soap)
Me: Thank you sweetie....(I think, I wasn't sure if it was a compliment or not, after she left I got paranoid and checked to see if I was getting varicose veins or something. Luckily, no varicose veins. sigh of relief.)
Me: Thanks I think.

Corre Mami Corre
Emerald