In My Hand

In my hand is my finsher shirt from my last race, which was two weeks before getting sick. It was the Nike Women's [half] Marathon in DC on April 28, 2013.  I should have listened to my body because my symptoms started while training for this race back in August of 2012, but no, I was determined to be a "runner" and tricked myself into thinking that everything was okay.  I knew the whole time I was training that something wasn't right.  Besides the mucus and blood in my stool, I was more tired than normal.  I was taking a long time to recover which isn't good when you are on a strict running schedule.  Even through the race, it just didn't feel the same as my very first half marathon in SF.  (pictured below- the 2012 Nike Women's Half in SF)  

That was when I was addicted.  13.1 miles.  I never thought I would ever be a "runner" let alone run a half marathon, but there I was, doing it!  It was so much fun.  The entire race, not once did I hate the world.  The DC run on the other hand, I wasn't feeling any part of the race.  I just wanted it to be over.  I had to wait 15 minutes in a line for a random, filthy port-o-potty or else I would have pooped my pants.  I couldn't keep a good pace.  I finished 45 minutes past my aimed finish time, but hey, what do they say- as long as you finish.

As I reflect back on these tangible acheivements that I hold in my hand post runs, I now remember why I fell in love with running.  It became a way to release stress.  It became a time I had to myself.  Even if I was running with a friend, it was a way to escape my world.  I would just plug in my ears with some Adele, Lupe Fiasco, and sometimes 2 Chainz (shh...don't tell anyone) and hit the pavement.  Something about clocking in those miles, just made me a feel a certain way inside.  I can't pinpoint the word but it was almost euphoric (most of the time).

I am now 12 weeks post-op (ileostomy reversal) and am try to ease my way back into running.  It is tough.  I am starting from scratch.  I have relearn everythin, but that's ok.  I just hope I can stay as disciplined and as in love with running as I was pre-sickness.  So here is my running goal for the next month.

Week 1: 
3-4 times of 5 min warmup walk/4 intervals of 1.5 minute run, 2 minute walk/5 minute cool down walk
Week 2: 
4-5 times of 5 min warmup walk/4 intervals of 1.5 minute run, 2 minute walk/5 minute cool down walk
Week 3: 
4-5 times of 5 min warmup walk/6 intervals of 1.5 minute run, 2 minute walk/5 minute cool down walk
Week 4: 
4-5 times of 5 min warmup walk/6 intervals of 2 minute run, 2 minute walk/5 minute cool down walk

As of to date, I have completed 2 runs of week 1.  And my second run was slightly easier than the first.  So I am optimistic that I will continue to see success.

                                             




My very first race- The Color Run SF in July 2012 with Crystal who is the thank for getting me started on my running journey.  I should note that I was about 220lbs when I did this race!

My first race with my family- Color Me Rad in Austin, December 2012.  This race was a blast because it was the first time I had run with anyone in my family.  I went to Austin just for this race because so many people committed to running it with me.
From left to right: Catherine, Lori, Rica, Mandy, Aunt Debbie, Me, and Joey.
I love all of these people and couldn't have gotten through the past year of hell without them each playing a small part in my healing.


Life Lesson of the Day: Short terms goals will help you achieve your long-term goals.  I wouldn't have gotten through any of my races without setting achievable goals.  I try to follow that theory in my day to day life as well.  Even making quick daily "to-do"lists to help me stay on task and get the job done.