I WILL have one of these on my car one day. Watch me do it chicas!!
For those of you who aren't familiar with this sticker, don't feel bad. Up until a few months ago, I had no idea what it was either. Have any of you ever seen this sticker on someone's car? Or maybe you have one of your own, which would be awesome! I started seeing them a lot more often, and never thought to ask anyone what they meant. My bestie Cat finally filled me in, and told me that the sticker actually stood for 13.1 miles, the length of a half-marathon.
13.1 miles!! Omgosh. There's actually a 26.2 sticker also, which, of course you guessed right, stands for a full marathon, or 26.2 miles. Smaller runs include a 10k and a 5k, 6.2 and 3.1 miles respectively. I've never been a runner, but omgosh those thoughts have been in my head so much lately the past few months. I think it's partially because of my lifestyle change over the past year, and trying to be healthier and more active...but a lot has to do with reaching bigger goals that I have for myself. It just pushes me even further that my best friend is a runner, and just completed another half-marathon again about a week ago. She's been training for several months now, and she is amazing!!
Now you all know my usual routine has been Zumba, and occasionally going walking. It's been great for me, and gives me so much energy. I even mentioned once that I leave Zumba feeling like I can take on the world...with an 'IDGAF' attitude! For the past few months I've been trying to switch up my routine a bit. I feel like I may be reaching a plateau soon, and I want to make sure I feel comfortable trying other types of activities. I actually started alternating my work-out days between Zumba, and walking/jogging at the track. Don't get me wrong chicas...I'm starting off on the verrryyy bottom, and at this point can only jog for about a minute each time, but I'm going to do it! You have to start somewhere right? Even if that means walking, jogging, and switching between the two as you go along.
A few weeks ago I started hearing about a 5k that was going to be held here in town. The minute the thought was put into my head, I started reading about it everywhere. I debated and debated, giving myself all sorts of reasons NOT to do it. 'I haven't trained long enough', and 'I don't have anyone to do it with me; I DON'T want to do my first 5k alone', were the main things going through my mind. I even visited the registration site online several times, but never signed up. Cat tried her best to convince me for several weeks before, but I was held back in my own insecurities, as usual.
Well guess what?
I did it!!
And omgoodness did it feel A-MAZING!!! The excitement I felt when I crossed the finish line was crazy! Not to mention how I felt the remainder of the day. If you've ever heard people use the phrase 'a runner's high', it is sooo true. You feel like you're buzzing, and everything takes on a positive spin. Maybe it's your attitude carrying over into what you're doing and who you're around, but it definitely gets you happy and moving.
Here's what happened...the night before I was at home, totally having a Blockbuster night. I had already decided I was not going to do the race the next day, since I didn't have anyone to go with me. I hadn't really mentioned it to anyone, other than my close family and best friend. A few people I had asked either had to work the morning of the race, didn't want to pay the $20.00 fee, or just didn't want to do it period. This was the second annual Running with the Bulls 5k, supporting a local food distribution center called Val Verde Loaves and Fishes. After reading up on it, I learned that if you took 5 non-perishable food items with you on the morning of the race, you would be entered to win several different cool prizes, including a brand new Ipad. Plus, you were still allowed to register late that morning, which was great for procrastinators like me.
That night, Cat decided to interrupt my movie and try to convince me again. She gave me some great advice, and told me to get to bed at a reasonable hour, just in case I decided to change my mind the next day. I showered up, layed down in bed, and set my alarm for 6:00am, with all sorts of thoughts running through my head. Was I really going to do this? Was I physically capable of doing it? What if I'm the only person walking? And the dreaded question looming in the back of my mind...What if I'm the last one to finish?!?!?
Insecurities...I knew I had to overcome them. The next morning when my alarm went off, I knew what I was going to do. I got up, got dressed in my favorite work-out gear, had a power breakfast, and was out the door and on my way. When I got to the site, I was totally not expecting what I saw. For starters, I had assumed that since this is such a small town, there would be very few people. I was completely wrong! There were so many people there already, I almost turned around and went back home. But instead, I parked my car, took a few deep breaths, and made my way to the registration line. I got my bib number, turned in my food donations, and blended into the crowd of runners stretching and getting ready for the start of the race. To my surprise, there were people of all different ages and body types there. A few people appeared to be alone as well, and that made me feel a lot better. I finished stretching, and the race started.
Chicas...I walked the entire race. Power-walked, but yes, I walked it.
And I couldn't have been any more proud of myself when I finished it!! There were actually tons of people walking along. Children with their parents, groups of girlfriends gossiping with each other, a few single mommys and daddys with strollers, and even the mayor of my lovely little city! I figured since it was my very first 5k, I didn't want to over-do it.
I see a lot more races in my future, and
I know I need to take it easy, and pace myself. I will get there one day! Baby steps chicas...'poco
a poco'. You really have to experience the feeling for yourself. I'm sure you'll be hooked just like I was. I felt soooo proud coming home, and telling everyone I saw that day about what I had accomplished just that morning. My family was super supportive, and continue to remain encouraging on a daily basis. My best friend Cat...well she deserves her own special mention as well.
If it wasn't for her consistent nagging (in a loving way of course) :)), and her words of advice, I don't think I would have decided to even give a 5k a shot. So thank you Cat! You're my best friend for those reasons especially, and I've truly been blessed with the 15+ years we've had as friends so far.
On a different note, I know I've been a little M.I.A. lately, but November is my audit month at work. Yikes! So you only imagine that it's been crazy busy.
State audit + holidays = CRAZYNESS
I've still been weighing in at my WW meetings every week. Here's a little update with my results from the past few weeks...
Officially down 133.2 lbs. yall!! I am beyond psyyycchheeedd!! Quick recap:
10/30/12 - gained 1.2 lbs.
11/6/12 - lost 1.6 lbs.
11/13/12 - gained 2.6 lbs.
11/20/12 - lost 6.6 lbs.
Talk about all over the place huh? That's what stress at work does to me. I'll be the first to admit that I am an emotional eater. But regardless of where I'm at after a weigh-in, I always pat myself on the back, and look foward. There's no point in looking behind you, especially when your past was what was making you unhappy. The way I see it...if you keep looking over your shoulder at what 'could have been', you're going to miss all sorts of opportunities passing you by...or you're going to run smack into a wall and get stuck where you were before. Either way is a no-win.
Forgive yourself, and move on.
Focus on living a happy and positive life. I know I am!!
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| The loves of my life...they make my heart smile! |
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| My beautiful sister and I...YES we were kitties at SeaWorld! |
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| Mi familia...enough said. |
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| I was a pretty cute kitty if I do say so myself! |
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| Halloween night...LMFAO!!! |
Hope everyone has a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow!!
Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!
xoxo,
❤Nica
