Monday, May 31, 2010

9 Miles to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend!

Okay I didn't run 9 miles to celebrate Memorial Day weekend but I am proud that I managed to get out to Sawyer Camp Trail in San Mateo Saturday morning at 8:30AM when the night before I had gone out to downtown San Jose and didn't go to bed until 3AM. Its never smart to do that but I find myself not caring because life is short.



Water that will distract me for days..

This trail is so nice and I would run here all the time if it was closer to my house. It has some nice rolling hills to challenge you, bathrooms, half mile markers, lots of greenery for shade when it got hot, and the beautiful water to distract you.



Love all the greenery and the shade when it gets hot

The furthest I had run before this was 8 miles the week before and I thought it wasn't going to be a big deal to do one more mile but I was wrong. Maybe it was the fact that I did a hardcore Zumba class the day before and went out and drank and danced but it just hurt my body.



Team Challenge Group Photo after our 9 miler..

I was running slower than a lot of people but I still managed to run the entire time which was good. I never needed to stop at all so that was great.

I'm really glad I did the 9 miles and look forward to another long run to challenge my body. I had my fuel belt on filled with water so I'm going to try filling one up with Gatorade and during the run I tried Sports Beans. Not sure if they are giving me more energy but I like to think so. I'm telling you its a psychological thing.

Even though it was a long weekend and a lot of people were not there we had a pretty good turn out. The walkers started at 8:00AM and runners at 8:30AM so we could all finish at the same time. You can find the rest of the pictures here.

YAY one more day off! I love 3 day weekends!!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

My First Half Marathon 7 Weeks Away!

I am getting really excited about the idea of running a half marathon and accomplishing that goal. This year I've crossed over so many fitness obstacles and I think its great that their is always something to look forward to.



On Saturday Team Challenge practice will have us run 9 miles which will be the first time I'm doing that so its great! I'll have my fuel belt on, a Gu, and my Nike Phantom shorts!

I forgot to post this article that Bel had sent the team and I think these are such great tips!

First Marathon Survival Guide

A few things that stood out for me were:

- Don't try to run with a buddy
- Bringing toilet paper in case you have to use the yucky port-a-potties
- Don't have a time goal
- ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF IT

Its so cool that I'll be running with part of Team Challenge and knowing I was a part fighting for the cure of Crohn's and Coltiis.

Also I am hoping to meet Valerie Berinelli too! She's planning to run it this year and also Sara Rue the new spokesperson! These women have lost so much weight and I am so happy for them. Check out the article about them running in Napa to Sonoma half marathon here.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Goal of doing 25 miles for being 25!

It was my birthday yesterday and I had such an amazing time this weekend! It was another weekend that I had to miss my Saturday morning run with Team Challenge but I made sure to run my 8 miles in order to stay on track with training.



Celebrating my bday weekend with a stop at Asian Art Museum in SF with one of my best friends "Wifey" Laura. This statue is called 3 heads 6 arms

I went 3 days without doing any type of workout other than partying so I was anxious for today's run. Ran around Campbell Community Track and did a little over 5 miles. Even my mentor Deanna said isn't it crazy that my first run of the week is the same distance of what was considered a long run a month or so ago? Its fun to see the progress of your body.



Blowing out my bday candles at Asia SF

We got our second half of training schedule for our half marathon in July and I decided to challenge myself by doing the Intermediate Runner level even though I feel like a beginner. My goal is to do 3 runs a week and today I did 5 miles, the next I do 4, and this Saturday I do 9! Before you know it I'll be in double digits!

So while running around the track today my goal is to run 25 miles in one week for turning 25! I think that's an attainable goal. I mean if my body can handle a full marathon than that mileage won't matter but I want to make sure my body is okay with a half marathon first.

Can you believe that the weather is still crappy even tho its the end of May?? Well here's to productive week! Oh and looking forward to a 3 day weekend!! Countdown begin for Meorial Day weekend!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Hump Say What?? 8 Miles in the bag!

I knew this week was going to busy because of all of my birthday festivities this weekend so I had to fit my training in!

What helps me look forward to this 8 mile run today were the following:
- new music (I currently am really into Charice featuring Iyaz- Pyramid)
- challenging my body to a new distance
- being alone. I find myself so stressed from work I just need to escape in my head.
- new Nike Shorts! I think I am now able to run in shorts because they completely worked out for me today. I found Nike shorts that have a spandex lining instead of that granny panties thing inside and its GREAT. They are called Nike Dri-FIT Phantom Performance Women's Training Shorts!!



- Trying Gu for the first time (Vanilla Bean flavor) I think it worked because I took it at 5 miles and I didn't feel too tired after that. UGH but eating that stuff for the first time was weird. It took me almost an entire mile to eat the whole thing. Its a lot and its super filling. Gu will have to be a completely separate blog entry.

I did my run at Los Gatos Creek Trail and since it was overcast today it was somewhat dark at 6pm already. I don't ever suggest that women go run alone. I was pretty scared the entire time but I made it. I might run with pepper spray next time if I go in the evening.. or have someone join me!

Only 2 days until this week is over and the weekend can begin!!!

Monday, May 17, 2010

3.5 Mile Run a good cure for a Hangover?

I always pride myself for doing it all.. all the time but this time it may have been too much. lol.

I went out in SF to club Roe to celebrate my good friend Mari's bday and didn't get home to south Bay until 4AM.

I set my alarm for 7am which either went off or not but I didn't wake up until 8:15AM and the practice with Team Challenge was at 8:30AM! Needless to say I was late.

I was still able to run and made it in time to get a gift from our coach Randy! I got this tile that says "Success" on it with several other people for our efforts in either fundraising, training, or enthusiasm. Very honored!



"Success"

So I was not able to run the hole 3.5 miles since I didn't feel too well but I did run/walk it and I sweat out the toxins from the night before. I'm really glad I did it too!



Group Photo at Los Gatos Creek Trail

I am glad I made it the Recommittment Breakfast hosted by my mentor Deanna where their was a delicious breakfast spread and all these pictures from our trainings. I am officially doing this race. I have met my fundraising goal, have run half of the distance of the race, and turned in my hotel paper work for that weekend!



Recommitment Breakfast- I am all in!

We are less than 2 months away!

This week I'll get to do 8 miles! I'll let you know it goes. :)

More photos from group training here.

Friday, May 14, 2010

The Dish in Palo Alto Kicked My Butt!

I have really enjoyed all the outdoor places in Northern California and there are so many more that I have on my list to check out. The only thing down in LA that was about a 20 minute drive and where the parking was killer was Runyon Canyon. SUCH a beautiful view at the top but that was even full of dirt and not much green or shade so it got SOO hot.

So my Team Challenge Deanna told me about The Dish in Palo Alto and how it had steep hills and was very challenging and suggested going there yesterday instead of our usual run at Los Gatos Creek Trail.



I will be on top of that hill in a second..

Oh my gosh it was challenging! Their were 3 major hills and when you are running up them its like you are going in slow motion and not moving haha. I was huffing and puffing by the time I got to the top. My legs are absolutely sore today but it was amazing and I am excited to do it again next week. I really welcome challenges. I like the idea of one day being able to run the whole thing even tho it will take some time. We might have ran almost 3/4 of it.



Running is just one step in front of another.. easier said than done huh?

The loop was about 3.5 miles and it took us about 47 minutes to do that so we should be able to beat that time next time we go.



This is why they call it the Dish!

Tonight I'm going to Zumba! Then taking advantage of 24 hour Super Sport and using the sauna to massage my muscles. Aahhh. Tomorrow is 3.5 miles at Los Gatos Creek Trail and then Bay to Breakers on Saturday! Talk about a jam packed weekend! Woo!



Baby dish in my hand! lol

Happy Friday everyone!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

More Before and After Pictures!!

It amuses me so much when I go back and look at pictures of when I was a lot bigger and what I am now. I am very proud of my body transformation and understand that this can't be a fad- its a lifestyle change. I really don't want to go back to the days where I was so limited on things to do or wear because of my size.

I literally did not allow myself to wear sleeveless shirts so that meant no halters, tank tops, tube tops, BATHING SUITS etc. I would only wear dark flowy tops that hid my belly and I would have to turn my body sideways all the time in pictures.

Its so weird how I just let myself go like I gave up and then ended up being 175 lbs at my heaviest. Literally one day I woke up and was like omg I can't do this and started to lose weight. Well I def put an action plan together. Cut portion dramatically and increase gym from once or none a week to 5 times a week! I had lost about 20 lbs last year but then I moved up to the Bay area in August 2009 and gained 10 lbs. I was adjusting to the So Cal and Nor Cal change! haha no excuses tho. This was also another inspiration to join Team Challenge.

This year I got bit by the running bug and lost 20 lbs since January. So to date I've lost about 40 lbs. Today on the scale I was 133.2 lbs. What a difference.

This entry is my inspiration to never go back to that point. It takes a lot of work, sacrifice, and dedication but let me tell you - its way worth it to not look at yourself in the morning and hate your body.



Going to a Jay Z concert



Bday party at the end of 2007 - can this dress be any more shapeless?



This wasn't even that long ago but 10+ lbs make a big difference



I wore the same outfit from above and boy did it feel different. :)



Wedding in SF- Some people from college didn't even recognize me!



It may be hard to imagine but I didn't even allow myself to wear simple t shirts because I didn't want it to hug my body so its nice to wear t shirts now!

Let this blog entry be some type of inspiration to you or a good job at already doing this! ANYONE can lose weight as long as you keep at it. Don't let anyone bring you down. Life is short.

Disclaimer: People are beautiful in all shapes and sizes this entry is aimed for people that may want to lose some weight, a lot of weight, or become healthier. Its not meant for any ill will or bashing.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day!

I want to say Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful mom and to all the other mothers in this world. Words cannot express how thankful I am for everything that my mom has done and I am so lucky to have her in my life. I'm sad that I did not get to spend Mother's Day with my mom and grams but I'm glad they enjoyed the edible arrangements I sent them!



Mom, Grandma, and nephew Niilo with Edible Arrangements I sent for Mother's Day!

How did this weekend past me by so quickly?? I had a splendid weekend indeed! It was jam packed full of fun activities full of running, a race, and great food. Congrats to all of my friends and people that did the Santa Barbara Half Marathon in the lovely wine country! From the pictures the weather looked wonderful!

Had to wake up at 7AM everyday this week! For work and then for Team Challenge Group Practice and 5k Race. I don't mind waking up super early just because it makes me feel like I'm getting so much accomplished.



Team Challenge South Bay/Peninsula Team

I'm so happy that I got to run with my teammates from Team Challenge for our 7 mile run! That's half of our half marathon distance! I have missed the last two practices because of a wedding and going to Napa so I was glad to be back! We ran at Tom Sawyer Camp Trail in San Mateo and it was so beautiful! Running along the water just gets me so mesmerized. 7 miles felt good on my body BUT I will let you know that the Indian food I had the night before did not sit well during the run. :( So spicy heavy food- never again. I wanted to try Gu this weekend but since my stomach didn't feel well, didn't want to add to that.



Crystal Springs Water - running along this is amazing

We also had to fill out forms for our half marathon in July! Its really only 2 months away! To think I have been training since mid March feels so good! Especially since I've reached my fundraising goal already. We also got an idea of what the events will be like that weekend! We are going to be staying at the Double Tree! So excited.



Trees at Tom Sawyer Camp Trail

This morning I ran a 5k in Palo Alto! Did the Running With The Bulls 5k Fun Run and it was POURING when I picked up my race packet. I was supposed to run with my friend that just got into racing but she got sick :( It was great to see some Team Challenge peeps out there!



Race Packet Pickup at Gunn HS Track in Palo Alto morning of race


The run was not that fun at all because even tho the running spirits were with us and made it stop raining when the race started there were HUGE puddles and my feet got soaked!



Start line. It was so rainy! boo!

I pretty much just ran this one for fun because I had ran 7 miles the day before and it was raining. My time was decent at 35 minutes. Could have been a lot worse. I'm still glad people showed up and run for a good cause as always!



Finish Line!

4 races down! How neat is that!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Fuel Belt for Race Day and Other Long Runs

So I've been wanting a fuel belt for my half marathon because there are some things I need to carry with me such as a phone which I have a Blackberry so its pretty big and also my camera. :)

On race day I don't have much concern about hydration because I know they'll be tons of drink stops but I wanted a fuel belt that had 2 containers for water if I wanted them and a pouch for the camera and phone. 2 containers seemed sufficient for water and a sports drink to refill my electrolytes lossage. Maybe I'll graduate to 4 ONCE I get to something longer than a marathon. IF I get to that point. haha.

I've been looking on amazon.com reading reviews, went into Sports Basement and just couldn't find anything that I liked. They either were bouncy, rode up, too bulky or just didn't fit right.

I went to Team Challenge Practice on Monday and ran with Deanna- My mentor :) and I wanted to continue my research on a Fuel Belt so I Yelped a sports store and came across The Running Revolution in Campbell. It was closed by the time I got there at 7:30PM so I told myself I would go later this week and I'm glad I did! (closes at 7pm on weekdays) Its such a cute little store and its so much better to shop at these places because the staff were the owners and they are so passionate about what they are selling because it is there business. I was able to ask the different questions about fuel belts, whats popular, what do you recommend, is it common to use etc.

I mean bottom line is that when it comes to exercise accessories its all trial and error and preference. No one person is alike when it comes to using such things so I knew I had to test this out. I know some people that don't like to have a fuel belt and some that love it. It just varies.

It came down to these two:

Amphipod RunLite Snapflask 2 Hydration Belt



I like the snap enclosure when it comes to the bottles but.. I thought it could slip easily when running. Also it came in a one size fits all so of course the belt was extra big on me and even with the adjustment it didn't sit well.

My second option which is the one I went with is this.



Nathan Speed 2 Waistpack with Two 10-Ounce Nutrition Flasks

I really liked this one because I was able to get a size that closely fit me and I was able to add on a side pocket for my camera. So in the main pouch it will be my phone and sports chews or gu. Once I try the gu- I'm going to try it on this weekend's run! ahh! I liked this fuel belt because it sat very well and I like the velcro attachment versus the buckle which kinda hurts during lots of movement. In the store it was $40.00 but for certain you can get it 10 bucks cheaper on amazon.com
I have no patience and they were so nice to me I wanted to buy from them. It also comes in pink online! which woulda been cool but oh well. I'll get to test it out today on my run and this weekend on my longer 7 mile run with Team Challenge.

Another reason why I'm getting a Fuel Belt is because in the colder season I would wear my Northface jacket and it has pockets so I'd put my phone and camera tho. Well its def too hot to wear a jacket anymore! Even if it is a thin layer.

Can I tell you how much I love clothing that has built in pockets in the back of the pants or in the sports tanks I wear? Its great!

I really hope this Nathan Fuel Belt works out or else I'll have to look for other suggestions! What do you guys use to carry water, gu, etc on your runs?

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

I HAVE MET MY TEAM CHALLENGE FUNDRAISING GOAL!!!!

You guys cannot even imagine how happy I am right now!!

I joined Team Challenge on March 16, 2010 and not even 2 months later I have hit my goal of $2600.00 and then some! I am so impressed by people's generosities and I thank all of you so much that have donated towards this cause.


Here is the screen shot of me being over 100% Its just an amazing feeling knowing that this money will go towards the cure of Crohn's and Colitis. I have met many people on this journey that have been affected by the disease and I truly believe together we can fight this!

Team Challenge is not something that I ever thought of joining but I am so glad I got bit by the running bug and I am so glad I committed myself to these little goals.

Shout out to my Mother that has been campaigning like crazy for me since day 1 and has gotten over 50% of my goal met by her friends. I love you and Yai so much!!


Shout out to my boyfriend, friends, friends of friends, friends of family, friends coworker, and co workers for being so generous. Thank you for doing the company matching and thank you to your employers for matching your fundraising! I will represent you at my first half marathon happening Sunday July 18, 2010 from Napa to Sonoma.



Thank you thank you thank you to all of your generosity! Not only with the money you donated but your kind words that have encouraged me through this whole process!

- Secira Botic
- Rachel Chen
- Joy Chiou
- Sung Chung
- Brittany Cooper
- Wembi Dimanja
- Allison Dypac
- Ellen Joy Florendo
- Emmalee Garcia
- Angela Harris (and Tony!)
- Anthony Harris
- Chelsea Hopkins (and John!)
- Ali Iravani
- Kit Ko
- Su Le (and Rhodalea!)
- Jackie Li
- Northbound LLC (and Mala!)
- Kristina Loughery
- Jenna Maskell
- Laura McFarlane
- Debbie McGuire
- Edgar and Amy Mendoza
- Magnolia Muyot
- Steven Myer
- Liz Naegle
- Vy Nguyen
- Cindy Njoku
- Kelly Plossl
- Somchit Sertthin
- Danielle Stead
- Roumsin Supasakorn
- Jeorge Tagnipes
- Marasri Tilakumolkul
- Paul Togonon
- Shirley Truong
- Galina Velikanov
- Medhi and Nalida Wangpaichitri
- Niilo Wangpaichitri (P Mine and P Pat!)
- Greg Wasserman
- Rachel Watkins
- Stacy Wong

Monday, May 3, 2010

Ready for a Running Challenge

Last last weekend when I ran 7 miles at Los Gatos Creek Trail and was able to finish and didn't feel any crazy pain it felt so GOOD because it was a new distance I had never run before. I am soo ready for that. The last couple practices I've been running an average of 3 miles and its become a warm up. That's soo crazy considering that's the same amount of a 5k and I swear I could not run 1 mile to save my life in January of this year.

I was in Napa this last weekend with a bunch of my girlfriends and we were dubbed GIRLS GONE WINE TASTING! We had such a great trip and I made sure that I did not slack off on practice even though I was not able to make it with Team Challenge.


I still woke up earlier than the girls to do a run around downtown Napa and then the hardest part was coming back on Sunday all relaxed from a 3 day weekend and finishing the week by running. The cool thing about running is that you can do it anywhere. I decided to run around Almaden Lake and discovered Los Alamitos Trail! I love running on a trail instead of the street because you are stopping less and usually its some type of scenery so you're not thinking about the running as much. Its great to be auto pilot.




Beautiful Downtown Napa

This will be my 7th week of training with Team Challenge and this weekend we are doing 7 miles at Sawyer Camp Trail! New trail! yay! Finally I'll be able to make it to Group Practice since I've missed the last two.


Here is what I missed from last week in SF..

So this week I want to buy a fuel belt! I've yet to find something I really like. I'm looking into a Nathan or Fuel Belt brand. I'll have to go to Sports Basement and take advantage of the 10% off they are giving to Team Challenge people! I'll let you guys know what I end up with. I need to start training with one so I get used to having it around my waist!