Finishing Last Builds Character

Today was the the Crossfit WOD (Workout of the Day) I feared. When I walked into "The Box" (it's not a gym) I felt like I was being transported back to elementary school during recess when you are asked to line up so teams could be picked. If you were not perceived as the most athletic kid in your class, chances are you were not picked first. I usually fell in the middle of the pack, so far the most part, I escaped the feelings of shame and frustration that my peers who were picked last may have experienced. However, when I saw HERO - The Sevens- as the WOD, I knew exactly how being picked last on the team must have felt.

Here is what the HERO workout entailed:

7 HSPU (Handstand Push Ups)

I am not strong enough yet to do a Hand Stand Push Up, so it was modified and it looked like this:

7 Thrusters

For this particular exercise, I have to remind my brain to tell my body to keep my elbows up.

7 Knee To Elbow

This workouts your core, and the workout let me know my core could use some strength.

7 Deadlifts

This seems easy, but form is very important. I am a sloucher, so I have to train my body to make sure my shoulders are back, chest is out, back is straight, and butt is back. When you've grown up hiding your body, this workout forces you to flaunt what you've got in order to do it correctly. I'm embracing the deadlift because it will not only help me get stronger, but will help improve my posture.

7 Burpees

I learned to do Burpees while completing the Insanity workout videos from BeachBody. I am grateful I at least knew how to perform these.

7 Kettle Ball Swings

7 Pull-Ups

I don't have enough upper body strength to do a traditional pull-up, but there are different sized bands that allow you to work the same muscles as a traditional pull-up. As I get stronger, I can use a band with less resistance that will allow me to pull more of my own weight. The challenge with this band is that if you don't have someone assisting you to put your foot in, you'll look awkward trying to do so on your own. For the record, I was in a black band, which is one of the easiest bands.






This circuit was repeated seven times, and I watched every single person complete it ahead of me. I tried to remind myself that I was doing the exact same workout as everyone else regardless of how fast or slow so as to remain focused and not allow the negative voices inside my head sabotage my effort. I did have people motivating me and encouraging me, which definitely helped. My total completion time was 47:34. Finishing last builds character. I know my time will improve as I get stronger and faster, and a positive attitude during a time of mental and physical weakness is the type of character I want to have. I'm glad I've stuck with Crossfit. It's challenged me mentally, physically, and psychologically. It's pushed me outside my comfort, safe zone and forced me to break past the mold of an insecure person who has been afraid of failing.

Have you ever finished last, or tried something that was completely out of your league that caused you to feel like the kid that got picked last for the team?

Disclaimer: I performed all of the exercises above with the assistance of a trained Crossfit coach. I am not an expert and I used pictures I found on the internet to demonstrate the workouts performed.

A Very Poplar Run 15k Race Recap

We all have a running story. Sometimes, it's easy to compare our running abilities and weaknesses to others, wondering why others are stronger or faster runners than ourselves. But like I previously stated, we all have our running stories, and just how I wouldn't appreciate for other runners to interrupt my story with theirs, then it's just as important for me to honor the running stories of others and not interrupt their accomplishments with my insecurities. This were just some of the thoughts that ran through my mind at a 15K I signed up for (A Very Poplar Run) this past Saturday October 26th.

The run was at a Poplar Tree Farm, and the race entry was only $20. Best of all, the proceeds went to an organization that helps to feed and clothe individuals in need. There were three different racing distances - 5k, 10k, and 15K. There was also a mile race for children. The race started at 10:30 am, which was perfect for those of us who lived 2 hours away from the tree farm. This also gave me the opportunity to eat breakfast early enough without worrying how it would affect my running. For the record, I usually run on an empty stomach, but I ate a granola bar, a banana, and some beef jerky. I also don't drink any fluids two hours prior to my race (or I'll end up using the restroom throughout the entire race) and enjoyed a cold glass of grape juice.

I want to write about the race, but I'll let my pictures do all of the talking.

The Start of the Race with my Swirlgear Pink Hoodie

We ran in between the trees.

One of the paved trails.

It was very serene and scenic.

Because the race had about 500 participants, I almost had the trail to myself.

I have to admit that due to some confusion in the marking of the trails, the distance was not a full 15K. It was probably only 8+ miles. There were finisher awards, but because runners before me helped themselves to more than one award, there weren't any left by the time I finished. In the end though, the race and its circumstances never changed my running story. This was the farthest distance since January of 2012 and since giving birth 13 months ago. I'm still on a goal to accomplish a half marathon in under two hours. In order to get there, I must believe in myself, I must tackle my insecurities within me that have always prevented me from taking risks for fear of failure. They say that art imitates life. I say running imitates life. Regardless of the trail, distance, aches, and challenges, there is a finish line we all have to cross.

What is your running story? Have you ran a race where the event did not go as planned and still saw the beauty of how far you've come?

First CrossFit Session

I've had gym memberships and 100% of my workouts were performed on the treadmill, the elliptical, the stairs, or in a cardio class like spinning. On a few occasions, I sat on a couple machines and worked my legs or abs. The only area I avoided like the plague was the weights area. I was always intimidated by weights. I had this crazy idea in my head that weight lifters have unwritten codes understood amongst one another so as to differentiate between the aerobic and anaerobic "athletes." I know that my non-muscular physique fitted in loose shorts and shirts with sponsored logos written across the back would have given away the fact I had no clue what to do with a dumbbell. Furthermore, it would have been obvious to the entire gym that I was in unchartered waters had I picked up a 20lb bar and started making banshee noises on the third rep. And so, I stayed away from the muscle masses and remained in my comfort cardio zone.

Today, at 5:20 pm, I ventured into a crossfit building. If you are unfamiliar with Crossfit, "CrossFit is a core strength and conditioning program...CrossFit is not a specialized fitness program but a deliberate attempt to optimize physical competence in each of ten recognized fitness domains. They are Cardiovascular and Respiratory endurance, Stamina, Strength, Flexibility, Power, Speed, Coordination, Agility, Balance, and Accuracy." I wanted to incorporate core strengthening in order to improve my running form and to help me get faster, and I decided to join the latest training frenzy of Crossfit because I could use any help to get me to my goal of running a sub-2 half marathon. I read the pros and cons online and decided that the pros outweighed the cons.

Much like my gym membership attire, I wore loose fitting running shorts, my running shoes, and a running shirt with sponsored logos that was a goody from the entry fees of a race. I was informed by the owner (whom I had met the day before when he gave me the lowdown of what to expect)to bring a towel, water, and a notebook. A crossfit member who was in tip top condition (and who I also met the day before) was going to coach me on the first day. I took a deep breath, made sure my laces were tight and double knotted, and walked in. I made an attempt to count the total amount of people there, and there must have been 15 including myself. There were more women than men and four out of the six women looked absolutely lean and toned. The other two seemed to be up to par with me (I found out later on they had started about two weeks ago). Not a single one of the men and women present smiled at me. I caught some of the women through my peripheral vision sizing me up and down. When one is in an environment in which one is completely comfortable in, and a new person walks in, I think we forget what it's like to be the new person. I immediately felt like I was entering the unchartered territories of the weight lifting section at the gym and questioned if I belonged there. I reminded myself that each of the individuals present were most likely not born with muscles and that they too had to start from scratch and that I had just a much of right to be there. Nonetheless, I tried to remain in the shadows.

I was instructed to warm up on a bike, and was to then push a sled across the room. Following the warm-up, we all formed a circle and did 30 jumping jacks. Next, we formed rows and went into the plank position with arms extended forward and we had to walk up to our arms with our legs while they remained straight. Of course, I was on the last row, by myself and was the last person to reach the end of the mat. We finished the warm-up with 30 more jumping jacks and push-ups. I was proud of myself because I was able to perform the push-ups.

Once we were done with the warm-up, I was given one-to-one sessions because I needed to learn proper form to lifting weights. The coach showed me how to do a "clean." I had to practice bringing a bar from my legs up to my shoulders. It was very challenging for me and I felt like a dancer with two left legs because my brain did not seem to be able to tell my body what to do. My lack of coordination was/is a reason why I've stuck to running. We must have spent a 1/2 hour repeating the darn "clean." We proceeded to shoulder repetitions from a bar that was on a rack about stomach height. I discovered my maximum weight for a repetition of five was 40 pounds and my maximum weight for repetition of 20 was 30 pounds! This was all logged in my notebook to help me know the correct amount of weights in order to work my muscles. It felt good to learn this as I never knew how much I should lift, how to lift, and how many repetitions to perform.

The session ended with me going back to the bike and the sled. On the bike, I sprinted for ten seconds and rested for 50 seconds for five consecutive minutes. On the sled, I did two laps with long strides and ran two laps. On that final lap, I heard people cheering me and telling me "Good Job." Even though I wanted to puke, I kept my composure and smiled. At the od of the workout, I knew I wanted to come back again and wear my full running gear with pride. I'm really hoping this will help me stay strong on miles nine and forward of my half marathon, which I've discovered is when I really start to lose my running form. For now, I'm doing Crossfit four days out of the week and running two days of the week.

Embracing my Perfect Imperfections

I hated middle school. I've always said that if my life was a movie, all of the middle school footage gathered between sixth and eighth grade would end up on the editing floor. The reason for such disdain you might ask? It was when "I" came into consciousness.

Prior to entering middle school, I was fully aware of my physical imperfections. After all, I grew up in a Latin American household, where terms of endearment are based upon your height (chaparra - short, gigantona - tall), weight (flaca - skinny, gorda - fat), and or skin color (chela - fair skin, morena - dark skin). When it was picture day at school, I was reminded to smile with my mouth closed because my teeth were too big, and my family did not want to pay for images in which big teeth were captured. I was also reminded that form fitted clothes were not necessarily the best option for my cadaver-like figure. To be honest with you, the comments made by my family did not bother me because I understood they were not meant to be hurtful. And so, I made sure my pictures came back with images where no teeth were exposed, and wore loose fitting clothes to school so my skinny silhouette did not stand out.

Then came middle school. Apparently, all the imperfections I was indifferently aware of were very obvious to my peers, and they felt the need to point them out. Within the first few days of sixth grade, a boy told another group of middle school boys that I looked like a "beaver" because my teeth were really big. Ironically, that young man had bigger teeth than me, but his family was able to afford braces, so he had a social and financial advantage over me that made him feel justified in making fun of my lower socioeconomic teeth. I remember going home multiple times after being called "beaver" throughout the school day and wrapping aluminum foil around my teeth wondering what it would look like if my family could afford to give me braces (no chance in hell as there were six of us and my mother earned minimum wage in a chicken factory where she removed bones from chickens). Now, don't get me wrong, I was no wallflower by any means, and you best believe I fought back and defended myself from anyone who tried to break my spirit. But the truth of the matter was, damage had been done, and the large teeth that my family reminded me not to show during picture day were now exposed to the entire school. There was nothing I could do but try to keep my lips closed every time I wanted to chuckle, or smile for the camera.

But it was the day in which a boy I had a major crush on informed one of my friends why he was not attracted to me, that genuinely altered the way I felt about myself for decades. He told my friend that he was not attracted to me because he thought my legs were unattractive. In his words, my legs were "too skinny." As I had previously stated, my family had already made me aware of my skinny frame, but it never dawned on me that a specific part of my body was deemed as too extreme. That day, at the age of 13, I went home and looked into a full length mirror, and I believed what he said. And I hated what I saw. I allowed for another human being to define a part of my body as being too extreme for society. I became extremely conscious of ever allowing the public to see my skinny legs. In my head, dresses never looked good on me, shorts were an apparel that made a mockery out of me, and skirts only highlighted what I dreaded seeing - skinny legs.

If I could go back in time, I would tell the adolescent me just how powerful those skinny legs are. I would tell her that those skinny legs will cross the finish line of multiple half-marathons, and marathons. I would tell her that those skinny legs will be powerful enough to trek across challenging obstacle courses to earn her the title of one of the few and the proud "Marine." But most importantly, those skinny legs will help her carry the gift of life. The life of two beautiful daughters whose existence will bring a smile to her face so wide, there will be no need to keep the lips closed anymore.

All smiles and shorts during a half marathon.

Do you recall any hurtful comments made by peers in middle school? What would you tell your adolescent self?

Medals are Forever

Last Half Marathon of 2012 - and year to date (I walked the entire 1/2)

I love running races not only for the challenge and satisfaction of accomplishing a goal, but also for the goodies. My favorite running reward is by far the running medal earned after a half or full marathon. I'll have to admit that I prefer races where medals are part of the entry fee over a t-shirt.  Maybe I like the medals because I don't have to place first in my age group to earn them, but I still cross the same finish line and run the same distance as the first place runner in my age group. I liken the medals to a high school diploma, where all who meet the standards for graduation earn their diploma regardless of their grade point average. I'm especially encouraged to enter races where the medals are unique and highly coveted, such as the Nike Women's Marathon medal (think Tiffany & Co.), and any Walt Disney Half or Full Marathon. Unfortunately, I have not been fortunate enough to get any of the aforementioned medals - yet.

I've kept all of my medals, and I always look back at them and remember each race vividly. They motivate me to run harder, and to keep crossing as many finish lines as I possibly can. Even though I have not collected a single medal this year, I am hoping that will change come 2014. What do you prefer, a medal, a t-shirt or diamonds? For me, I'll take the medal, unless the medal is a diamond, of course. Do you have a favorite medal or are in search of a race medal you've not ran yet?

Here are a few picture of some of the medals I have earned from various races I've entered.

My First Half Marathon

This was my first half marathon, where my only expectation was "to finish."

My First Marathon - Newport 2010

This was a disastrous Marathon finish. I did not train properly - on a treadmill and I crawled to the finish line with giant tears on my eyes and snot running out my nose.

Most Challenging Half Marathon (Wine served at the end)

This is a half marathon where you run through vineyards. There is no such thing as a PR on this race course, but you do get to savor all of the wines from the vintners.

PR Half Marathon

This was the Half Marathon where I came closest to my goal of a half marathon in under two hours. It was also the last half marathon I "ran" before I found out I was pregnant.

Ho

Hood to Coast Relay :) 

My First Post-Partum 10k

Last night, I was perusing my Facebook page and noticed someone posted a message about a 10K happening at a local university here in Eastern Oregon. The farthest I've ran since I started running six weeks ago was four miles. I figured that a 10K would be challenging enough and went for it.

Even though it's just the beginning of the Fall Season, the temperature this morning was a chilly 29 degrees (brrrrr). I wore my bright yellow Swirlgear long sleeve top and running tights. A black beanie to keep my noggin warm added the "I look like I'm a fast and serious runner" look. My awesome hubby dropped me off the curb of the campus building where registration was happening and I nervously approached the group. People smiled at me, but I kept to myself because I felt like the new girl at school during lunch that did not have a table to sit and pretended not to care. Since it is a small town, I wasn't expecting a massive turnout, but I was also taken aback when I saw there were only about 50 or so runners and walkers. There was a cute little Terrier at the starting line, but I don't think I counted him.

Feeling Good after my 10K

Because my goal was to finish the 10K, I opted not to keep track of time and it helped that there weren't any clocks at the start or finish line. I took off and about half a mile later, three female runners introduced themselves to me. They were much faster than me and I was worried they would think I was as fast (or faster) than they, and I immediately told them "I am going to attempt to keep up with you." Of course I didn't, but I did keep up with one of the ladies and we ran the entire 10K together. I think she was happy a non-fast runner like me happened to show up to the race so she could have a partner to run with rather than run and try to keep up with the other runners she came with.

The 10K consisted of two loops around the Campus and the city. There was a small hill towards mile 3/6, but it was tolerable. At the end of the race, delicious breakfast was served (quiche, bagels, pastries, fresh fruit, coffee, juice, and mimosas) and many other runners introduced themselves to me. In fact, I was even asked for my number so I could be invited to future runs. I felt triumphant not only because I completed my first 10k since I gave birth a year ago, but also because it's been my longest run since I found out I was pregnant back in January of 2012.  I also loved the size of the race and the camaraderie I felt during and after the race. Have you ever ran a small race in a small town? Did you find it to be any different than big races in big cities?

EOU Campus

I'm a Swirlgear Ambassador

Ready To Swirl

I was doing an online search for bright and cheerful running apparel and stumbled upon Swirlgear. I loved their bright colors and cut, and jumped in on the amazing opportunity to become and Ambassador after reading how the company came to fruition.  I was fortunate enough to be accepted and placed an order right away. As soon as my beautiful bright yellow long sleeved shirt (small) and black shorts arrived (medium), I decided to put them to a running test.

So how was the performance of my Swirlgear apparel? Impressive! The length of the shirt is longer than any running shirt I've owned (length goes below my natural waistline), and that's a plus because the fact that it did not ride up kept my non-washboard abs hidden from the wind. While I prefer thumbholes, I found the length of the shirt to be efficient enough to keep my hands hidden without getting in the way of my arm motion. The material was soft (Polyester with mix of Spandex) and I did not find any specific areas that itched, scratched or rubbed against my skin. The stitching is flat, the tag is on the bottom left so it does not get in the way, and the logo in the back of the shirt is reflective, which is very useful during night runs. Plus, the colors and "swirls" are completely unique and bright, a deviation from the run of the mill blacks, grays, and navy.

One of my biggest pet peeves are short with creepy inseams. You know, the kind of shorts where they ride up in the middle and you have to constantly pause during your run to pull them out from in between your legs. I definitely did not have that problem with my shorts. Overall, I was highly satisfied and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in venturing out of the norm brands and trying out new apparel made by a company owned and managed by running women. 

If you are interested in viewing and or purchasing new running shirts, jackets, or shorts, check out their website and use code swirlon to receive free ground shipping on your purchase.

http://www.swirlgear.com/

Disclaimer: I purchased the shirt and short with my hard earned money. The reviews are my own and are based on the performance of the apparel while used during running. While the apparel worked for me, everyone is different and therefore it may not have the same performance for you. 

Breaking into the Nine+ Minute Pace

Saturday was a great run! I had the opportunity to run on my own, so I seized the moment (I typically run with a jogging stroller). My only expectation for the run was to enjoy nature and the time I had to myself.  I hit "record" on my MapMyRun app and off I went.

The weather was temperamental - 20 mile per hour winds, cloudy, and high probability of rain - but I went with the attitude that it would make me mentally stronger and embraced mother nature's mood. I felt light despite the gusts of winds coming at me during the first mile and I accepted it was going to impact my pace. It came as a complete shock when the voice on my app said, "1 mile, split time, 9:42." Right there and then I felt a rush of excitement surge all over my body. I could not believe what I had heard and had to look at my phone to make sure I was not hearing voices. It was true!! I was running at a faster pace than I was just a month and a half ago. Fearing that it would only be the first mile, I tried not to be too excited and continued feasting on asphalt. Mile two read the same pace, as read mile 3, and finally mile 4 - which was my goal. I was so excited when I heard and saw my overall time - 4 miles in 39:03 with a 9:38 average pace per mile - that I ran inside and hugged my husband! The last time I did a timed run on my own was August 10, 2013 (Cosmo 7K) and my pace was 10:29, which I considered a success because I had not logged a single mile or trained for the race.  I am soo happy I did not allow the weather to deter me from running. The weather may have been unpleasant, but my run was anything but!!

Running View

Saludos! Hello! Bonjour!

My name is Luisa. I consider myself an "Average Superlative" which means that I try to live my ordinary life in the most extraordinary way. I want to be the best mother I can be. I want to have an active lifestyle, and I always want to remember where I came from. 

The Pacific NW is the place I call home and someday I will get used to the wet, gray, and cold Fall and Winter Seasons. I live with my extraordinary family (they are beyond ordinary) made up of my husband and two beautiful daughters. A loyal beagle/basset hound breed and a feisty black cat make-up the rest of our family.

I started running when I joined the Marine Corps in September of 1998. In fact, prior to joining the Marine Corps, I had not ran a day in my life. I've had an on-again/off-again relationship with running over the last 15 years and now I want to make running a long-term commitment. My running motto has become - Running is Democratic, Exercise your Right to Run!