My Life Aquatic

11 1/2 was my favorite age.

My life has been pretty much all water these last couple of weeks (even bought a one piece swimsuit and goggles), because of my back. Yeah...it went back out again after the Viva La Run. It's not as bad as last time, but it is not run ready. I've done everything I can to get it back in to shape, including:

1. Sports Massages (two to be exact) by the wonderful hand Goddess, Kirsten Hardmant at Total Kinetics
2. FOAM ROLLING FOAM ROLLING FOAM ROLLING on my glutes and quads
3. Epsom Salt Baths...oh yeah
4. Virtual Personal Training designed by workoutnirvana.com (on my second week and feel everything improving and getting stronger), which focuses on strengthening my back and shoulders and glutes
5. Hot tub time and swimming (see post here about all of my tips for back recovery)
6. Water Aerobics

I'm finally using a proper swimming pool at L.A. Fitness instead of my apartment pool. I'm not sure the length, because no one seems to know. I typically go 3-4 times a week. I get in the hot tub for 20-30 minutes and then immediately swim laps in the pool for 20 minutes. I have mostly done breast stroke and backwards swimming without the stroke. However, last week, I decided to try some freestyle. WHOA! That is a workout. I didn't last long, but I'm keeping at it. I'm working on building my endurance to do 30 minutes switching between breaststroke and freestyle. My goal is to get to 45 minutes within a month.

I also participated in water aerobics three times. It is not for old ladies anymore. In fact, the younger crowd outnumbers the older ladies there. I definitely burned some calories in those classes. Last Monday, I decided to go again. We had a new teacher from kickboxing. Her idea of us resting was to wade in the pool. It was a lot of work and I felt it when it ended. I highly recommend going.

Are there any helpful suggestions for not smelling like chlorine all the time?

My marathon training starts this week and I'm attempting my first run today since the Viva run. Wish me luck!

I also joined Healthy Living Blogs to get more insight for a healthy living life and connect with other bloggers like myself. If you have a healthy living blog whether it's swimming, running, or eating right, come join.

Meeting Meb Keflezighi

Wednesday, June 5, 2013, was National Running Day if you didn't get that from my last post, the blog world, or Faceworld. This was an extra special day, because I would get to run with Meb Keflezighi leading our 5k run. This event was hosted by Houston Chevron Marathon Committee. How freaking exciting?! Just one or two problems...my back hurt (read post here) and I was still sick. What to do? What to do?

I did what any stupid runner would do; I put that stuff aside and showed up anyways. Although, I had a plan to only run one mile and then just walk the rest of the 3.1 miles. Yes, that is a good plan. If my back started hurting or I couldn't breathe, I would stop running earlier. Easy Peasy.

Getting in to Memorial Park was difficult since the traffic was still bad at 6 p.m. I worried that I wouldn't be able to find a place to park, because there would be a lot of people there and it's 15 minutes until this run started, but I found a spot right by the event location. There were lots of booths, news crews, and people getting ready for the run. I tried to find the Houston Striders, but I didn't get the memo about wearing a Finisher shirt (I haven't finished a marathon yet). I wore my Striders shirt and was the only one. Anyways, I got back to the tent where Meb was signing autographs, which concidentally was next to the start line. I swear I didn't plan this. Then, they announced group picture shot and start. I literally took two steps and was the second row right behind Meb. How freaking cool was that?

Asking all of us to get in line and of course, everyone waited to see where Meb went.

That's Meb looking around to see what would happen.

He's ready to start, but doesn't really understand why we haven't.

He looks at the kids to start with him.

Finally, he leads the pack and everyone is yelling out to go slow.

Finally, we were off. Oh, it was hot and sweaty already. I moved quickly to the right side and ran slowly.  didn't really have time to get ready before we started. Meaning...I forgot to set my watch up and I was putting my headphones on during the run. Lots of people passed me, but that's okay. I just kept chugging along. I noticed immediately that my back didn't hurt like the previous day. I'm just going to have to limit my runs to gravel for awhile before I can get back on to pavement.

As you remember, my plan was to run one mile without stopping (unless I'm in pain or can't breathe). Well, I made it to the 1.5 mile marker before stopping. I really felt good and didn't feel the need to end at the 1 mile marker. I managed to run a few times more, but not much and not that long. My running was more like run 1 minute, walk 4 minutes. Since the drought and devastation to the trees last year, there was less shade. I felt the heat and sun. Yes, mother, I put on my sunblock. 

I rolled up to the end line at about 45 minutes, which isn't bad considering how much walking I did. Then, I got in line to meet Meb and get some autographs. I talked with the rep for Stretchers (Meb's shoe) and managed to purchase a book (which he also signed). I even got my picture with Meb and shook his hand.

We're like besties now...seriously...okay, maybe not.

I had to take my picture with the banner.

The book I bought, with autograph.

The other item is a picture of him and the 2012 Houston Chevron Marathon program, which is the Olympic qualifer for the 2012 London Olympics (you know that he got 4th in).

This was probably one of the more memorable runs that I have done besides my half marathon. I was super excited and it was well worth any pain or sickness backlash. I did stop by the store on the way home to get some Epsom Salt and took a nice long, hot bath. My muscles didn't ache as bad the next morning (but could also have been the massage).

On a side note, I should have read all that was involved with that run so that I would have been more prepared, such as bringing old shoes to donate, cash, and $25 for a donation. I only brought $5 cash and donated it, but will go to One Fund Boston to make up the difference.

HAPPY NATIONAL RUNNING DAY!

This post will be in three sections.

First, I want to say that my heart goes out to everyone at the Houston Fire Department Memorial held out Reliant today. It's a somber day in Houston History. We have never had this many killed or injured in one day at one fire. Houston has never had a memorial like this before. However, it's amazing how many fire departments from around the nation and Canada are here; fire departments from Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas have come out to mann the departments so that all of HFD can be at the memorial. If you would like to donate to help the families, please donate to the local 100 Club. I have.

Second, I want to say Happy National Running Day. I will get to the details about my run last night a little bit later in this post. If you have a chance, get out there and run. It doesn't have to be long distances or always running (I'm not). You can run 0.25 miles if you want to as long as you get out there and do it. This could be the start of something great for you...that thing that motivates you to exercise or to train for that 5k you never thought possible.

With that, I run to train for my first ever marathon. My run tonight will be memorable (slightly miserable run), because I will participate with the Houston Striders (first time due to all of the injuries) on a run at Memorial Park at 6:30 p.m. And this guy is leading it...you may remember him...he came in 4th at the London Olympics Marathon.

Source: Meb Keflezighi

It will be big party and all donations go to One Fund Boston. I can't wait. My plan is to run at least a mile and then walk the rest (more on that later). So, come out and join me.

Last but not least, I want to talk about my run last night with Luke's Locker called Viva La Run. It was only $15, which included a shirt, margarita, and a taco. The money went to fund new bike and running trails for Buffalo Bayou. Brooks was there with new shoes to try. Unfortunately, I didn't get over there.

I was back and forth about this run. I wanted to run it badly, but I wanted to run the National Running Day Memorial Park run more. I started feeling the throat and sniffles...oh great sickness. Then, I worried about if my body could actually handle back to back three mile runs (the run tonight is supposed to be 3-6 miles). Probably against my better judgement, I went to the run. The location was at this new craft beer bar and restaurant called Local Pour. Concidentally, my friend's husband works there. Since registration was at 6:30 p.m., I figured there would be lots more people at that time and no where to park. So, I parked at my mom's house and had her drop me off. I was wrong. Lesson learned.

In front of the Local Pour; it's a really cool place. I can't wait to go back and try everything.

But the race was not really at the Local Pour; it was actually on Allen Parkway. So, we walked over there to start the race. I never run over here, which sucks. This area is absolutely beautiful.

I met a really nice girl, Kimberly on my walk over. She got me excited about the Kenyan Way Boot Camp that I have been wishy washy about trying. She took this picture.

Finally, the race started. I was slow...very slow...again. Oh well. I took my time and hung out on the right side of the pavement. Wow! These paths are paved and full of beautiful surroundings like this gem below.

I'm not sure why the trunks are blue, but it was really cool. I wonder if they light up at night.

At one point, I ran over a bridge that I swear bounced and was soft. I'm not sure if I was just overheating or what, but it was weird and cool at the same time.

This run was hard for me. It was still hot and sunny, which meant that my energy would go quickly if I'm sick. There were ups and downs and it was all pavement. Since I cleared myself on the back injury, I have only ran on gravel type running paths. Pavement hurts, alot in fact. I felt my back pains with every step, especially after the turnaround. So, I walked more and more and definitely up hills. When I got to the last bridge at the very end, I messed with my earphones or something (can't remember). Anyways, I tripped on the uneven part of the bridge and caught myself just in time. I didn't wipe out, but I managed to inflame all of my back muscles that were already hurting. It wasn't good. So, I limped my way to the end to no one there to greet me home. I was part of the last group (but by no means last).

On the walk back to the Local Pour, I met Joan from Luke's Locker and Becca. I had fun chatting with them and made my painful walk back that much better. When I got to the bar, all I wanted was water and they were out of tacos. I didn't care to have a margarita and gave my ticket away to someone. But I was still hungry. Well, my parents were at California Pizza Kitchen waiting for me to finish. Problem solved, belly full.

Overall, it was a good run, but I paid for it. I'm still running tonight, but like I said, my plan is to only run a mile. I did get a sports massage today at my lunch break by the wonderful Kirsten Hardmant at Total Kinetics. She alleviated a great deal of the pain, but it's not 100%. It will at least help in tonight's run. I highly recommend her!

Wish me luck tonight that I not only survive the run, but maybe just maybe, I will get a picture with Meb (or at least a closer picture of him).

Best Time to Run and New Headphones

It's officially Summer in Texas, which means HEAT and HUMIDITY. There are only a few times during the day when a Houstonion or a Texan can really run without feeling like death has fallen upon you.

1. Early in the morning usually when it's dark and as long as it's not after 7:30 a.m. (and that's pushing it)
2. Late in the evening when it's dusk or sometimes around 6-6:30 p.m. if the day was not as hot 
3. Right before a rainstorm

Today, was no exception. It stormed all morning, but stopped just enough for some cooler weather and clouds before the next rain band. Normally, it gets hotter when it starts raining and certainly after it's done. However, with another rain band ready for action, cool weather occurs. And this my friends is an absolutely perfect time for running in June in Texas.

With that natural weather phenom, I headed to Hermann Park for my run. But I was most excited about using my brand new Koss Fit Series Headphones designed by Dara Torres (Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer) for women. My biggest problem with headphones is that they don't fit my teeny ears. They constantly fall out and I spend most of my run trying to fix the problem instead of just running. When I saw Skinny Runner's post about her visit to the Koss Factory, I was immediately intrigued. I was pretty much fed up with my headphones after Tuesday's run and purchased the Lime Fitclip Series the very next day. They arrived in the post yesterday to much bouncing around and hollering.

I chose the lime color so that I can pick them out in my running tub of black here.

They fit my ears relatively well.

It's hard to take a picture of your ears, while running.

Here's a shot from the other ear.

I ran 2.51 miles without stopping in 29 minutes using the new headphones. My overall thoughts on these headphones is that I love them. They are lightweight and easy to put on my ears. They came with three different sizes for the actual ear piece and of course, I had to use the smallest ones. As I have mentioned, I have teeny ears; I call them elf ears. The clips are still alittle too big for my ears, but that's expected. However, at no time, did they fall off my ear or the ear piece fall out. I did wish the clips were adjustable, but that's a wishlist item for me. They were so lightweight that I kept thinking they would fall off, but they didn't. It didn't stop me from checking every minute though.

The music was clear through the headphones and they were not at all uncomfortable to wear. Did I mention they were lightweight? I'm not sure if they are waterproof (I assume so since they are designed by Dara), but I sure tested them today. They worked the whole time during the band of light rain I ran through. I can't wait to use them again...for everything.

On a side note, I mentioned to Koss on Faceworld that I just bought the fitclips. They responded immediately and gave me suggestions for clothing to match my new lime headphones. I love that the company gave me attention.

I did a lot of running this weekend, because you know...I'm back and all. Pun intended. I ran a total of 6.5 miles. This week was 8 miles total. YAY ME!

Food Pen Pal Virgin

For a year, I watched people post about Foodie Pen Pals at The Lean Green Bean and I was intrigued. It was a cool concept; bloggers and non-bloggers are matched, emails are exchanged, and then packages of food related items are sent off by the 15th of the month. I love food. I love meeting people. I love getting packages in the mail. However, I didn't do it. I had previously tried another secret present thing via a blog, but I never received a gift. So, I started to get a nervous about this and put it off.

Finally, I  decided that I wanted to participate. On May 4, 2013, I signed up for my first Foodie Pen Pal experience. Immediately, the person (Mary at colleenshomecooking.com) that had me as a receiver contacted me for information on what I liked and disliked. I contacted my assigned person. I was excited and immediately got my package ready.


And then I got my package.

I devoured the Mini Peanut Butter and Mini Cheddar Crackers almost intantly.

Mary made me homemade mustard...yum!

And I got a little surprise added recipe. 

My package included:

• Late July Mini Peanut Butter and Cheddar Cheese Crackers from Massachusetts are YUMMY!
• Homemade Brown and Yellow Mustard is made from Vidal Blanc Wine. I absolutely love this mustard and mustard in general. As soon as she said, "I make homemade mustard," I was sold. 
• Trappist Preserves made from Trappist Monks is such a great jelly for my PB&Js. I love their beer, so why not preserves.
• Sunbutter Natural is sunflower seed butter. I haven't tried it yet, but I plan to soon. 
• Equally Exchange Organize Chocolate Espresso Bean bar was great, but compared to everything else in the box, it was not my favorite. And I love love LOVE chocolate. So, for me to pick other things over the chocolate means that those other things are THAT good. 
• I can't go wrong with a recipe for roasting Cauliflower. I loved that touch.

I want to just say THANK YOU Mary at colleenshomecooking.com. You rock for my awesome foodie package. And go check out her blog.

For my first experience, I was impressed and can't wait to do it next month. Maybe you will be on my list.

Back Injury DONE

After several weeks of being down with a back injury, I'm finally healed. I did a couple of tests during my fabulous birthday week by running across a busy New Orleans street or a Memphis street and I didn't feel any pain. However, I wasn't planning on running at that time. Jim and I did try to swim at the Peabody Hotel Memphis, but some kids overruled the pool and we ended up joining them in the fun.

So, last night in attempt to break me out of the sad funk I was in since Jim left to go back to England, I put on my  new Nike Capris that my man bought me for my birthday, my new shirt, laced up my shoes, and headed out the door.

I don't I look like a super workout mama!

I decided on a nice walk to the little track by my apartment and just do an easy run. If I need to bail, I can get home quickly. On my walk, my mother called to check on me, but I resumed my walk shortly thereafter.

My run was slow. I felt slow and looked slow, but I didn't care. I was running. My back wasn't hurting at all. I did full two laps around and a half lap...WITHOUT STOPPING. I wanted to add an extra lap, but I didn't want to push myself. Rule #1 when returning off an injury (and boy do I know this routine well), DON'T PUST YOURSELF...EASE BACK IN TO IT. I did 1.6 miles, with an average of 12:06 per mile (Ouch). I burned almost 200 calories.

When I got back, I changed in to my swimsuit for 20 minutes of swimming fun. This is by far the best thing I have added at the end of my runs. I can't wait to continue this tradition.

The shirt was really cool; however, it left alot of blue fuzz all over my sweaty body. Maybe it's the humidity and the fact that I hadn't washed it first before wearing. At least, I hope that is the problem, because it's a really great shirt.

On a side note, I had an amazing birthday week. Jim came in to town, which is enough said on how happy and bouncy I was. But my birthday alone included a foot massage, a horrible Hangover III movie, Mi Luna tapas bar with friends and family, presents, birthday twins, crossbow, turtle racing, my cowboy boots and a dress, road trip to Memphis (bucketlist town for me), Beale's Street, Western Conference Final Game, NOLA, new beer, presents, my Uncle, great music, a private cementary tour, the best gumbo ever, fried aligator tails, and crawfish. Did I mention presents? I can't thank Jim enough for the loot that he gave me on this special day. Thanks to my mom for paying for the hotel room in Memphis. Thanks to everyone that came out and wished me happy birthday. Thanks to everyone for the wonderful presents. I love you all! It was a great birthday week. And I'm sad to see it end.

So, I leave you with this tune. This is exactly how I feel right now.

35 Things I've Done By My 35th Birthday

May 23, 2013, marks my 35th birthday. I thought I would try something different this year. I was inspired to write a post about what I have done in my 35 years of life after pulling out a book an old friend gave me for my 30th birthday (Thanks Hiroko!).

It talks about all the things a girl needs to know to do everything at their best. I laughed at some of them, but then it got me thinking. I've done a lot, but I still have so much left to accomplish. With that, here are my 35 things (some are from the book):

1. Made S'mores. Every Girl Scout is required to make these. In fact, we are really known for two things:  cookies and S'mores. Yes, we earn badges for other things that we do, but these are the main ones. If you don't know what it is, I'm so sorry for you. It's graham crackers, marshmellow, and a piece of chocolate warmed up by the fire.
2. Made friendship bracelets (page 26 of the book). This was important when I was a girl. I would ask my mother to take me to a craft store and buy string or yarn or whatever to make these all day long for my friends. They were really cool. I should make another one.
3. Learned and performed one of the best dance routines (page 79) that had nothing to do with cheerleading or drill team for a Talent Show at school. Nicole and I dressed up in 50 styles outfits (jeans, of course) and rocked out to Your Mamma Don't Dance and Your Daddy Don't Rock N' Roll by Poison.
4. Learned how to ice skate (page 54), but I was never really good. I slowly skated around the rink hanging close to the walls. I think I did one twirl...slowly.
5. Went windsurfing. Okay, really, I walked up to the guy on a beach near Singapore and told him that I would like to ride on the board. He placed me at the front of the board and I dangled my feet in the Pacific Ocean, while he steered. I still count it though!
6. Learned how to scuba dive. My family was big in to this and I first learned at age 11 in the Bahamas. I was certifed a year later. I've swam with sharks, eels, and grouper the size of an adult human body. I've dove in an a part of the cave where you can actually breathe without your regulator. I've done shore dives, boat dives, ladder dives, etc. I've swam through a wall of small teeny tiny jellyfish that stung the crap out of me and been hit by a tarpon, while it was on his way for the 6 p.m. feeding in Cayman. I've been on night dives, deep dives, cave dives, grotto dives, and powerful surge dives. I've almost had my hand taken by a puffer fish. I've actually screamed in water when the dive master scared me on a night dive. Unfortunately, I haven't scuba dived since 2008.
7. Rode a horse...and a couple of times bareback.  
8. Pressed flowers in high school (page 55) for a school project. In fact, that's when I became friends with Cristal.
9. Customized a t-shirt (page 13). I first made my own tie-dyed shirts when I was younger. And then Kate and I made an awesome t-shirt for G...it was bedazzeled...it was awesome.
10. Rode an elephant with Hiroko in Singapore.
11. Went bungee jumping (albeit the reverse kind and not off of a bridge).
12. Created a scrapbook. Thank you Kate for being the best ever scrapbook partner. Many rainy days at the dropzone didn't seem so bad when we worked on one of those. In fact, we are crafty when together.
13. Went skydiving and met some awesome people. I've done some scary jumps and crazy jumps and fun jumps and big way jumps. I've jumped out of helicopter and landed on a beach and used a raft. And how could I forget the 11 way Horny Gorilla that pulled off until out of a Skyvan until Nick moved his foot.  
14. Competed and placed in U.S. Skydiving National Championship. I had the best team (thank you Shannon and Jon) ever. I learned that I love competing and I don't let the stress of the day get the better of me.
15. Went on a solo trip to another country. I think everyone should do this, especially if you are a woman. It will give you confidence you wouldn't believe.
16. Helped fulfill my grandmother's bucketlist item and managed to see the amazing Mt. Rushmore.
17. Stood on the beaches where so many men died in WWII.
18. Visited a concentration camp (Dachau)...wow...moving.
19. Been to almost every cultural show, including a Broadway show, movies, concert, opera, play, musical, and ballet. Symphony is the last remaining cultural experience left for me to see.
20. Watched loved ones pass away in a hospital. Nothing will build strength more than that right there.
21. Survived a divorce...barely. Okay, this will build strength, too.
22. Went repelling down a cliff...scary stuff until I got over the first hump. Then, it was absolutely fun.
23. Went hiking alone.
24. Ran a half marathon with Haley.
25. Went tubing down the Guadalupe. Every Texan must experience this at least once. And if you don't lose something, you aren't doing it right.
26. Got my Master's Degree. I don't often brag about this, but it was a mighty accomplishment.
27. Went on a yoga retreat.
28. Went and survived several road trips. If there is one thing you should do in life, it's a road trip with friends. Family is bound to whatever the head of the family wants, which is why friends can be so much more spontaneous.
29. Partied with a celebrity.
30. Played piano at a recital. I do not have a clue how to play anymore, but I remember those recitals and my little composer statue heads as a gift.
31. Held my nieces in my arms and felt instant love...well, besides when I got Lady Loo Loo.
32. Got left behind in Galveston during Mardi Gras at 2 a.m....this was before cell phones and I had no ride. Thankfully, I knew some friends down there to help me out.
33. Performed on a trapeze.
34. Went kayaking in some beautiful locations, which included seeing manatees, dodging boats, and surviving The Great Water Terror.
35. Sat in a Buddhist temple and watched a closed celebration. I wasn't supposed to be there, but the guard let me watch the first half. It was amazing.

Have a great day today!

So, Your Back Went Out...

My worst nightmare happened a couple of weeks, especially after considering everything I went through last year trying to run a marathon. I threw out my back three days before the official start week of my training for the October marathon.


This is my back right now crying, whining, screaming, etc.

How? Well, I will tell you it wasn't something cool like this.

It was by opening a bathroom door and the way I twisted as I walked through it. Yup....that's it. Pride completly deflated now.

On a side note, if they have installed automatic handicap doors, remember that it's just a little bit heavier than normal.

Okay, so weird. I typed Back Injury Images in Bing.com and this is an image I got. I have no idea what to say about this picture or what it has to do with back injuries. There was another picture similar to this one. Oh the wonders of Internet. I had to include it in this post.

You may be asking what I am going to do about the marathon with this injury? Lucky for me, I budgeted rest weeks (every fourth week) in my training. I will now start the first week of June, which is the actual 18 weeks start before the marathon.

In the mean time, I'm doing my best to heal my back safely with some exercises, which is why I wanted to write this post. The following are things that I have learned along the way dealing with this back since my car accident in 2000.

1. If this is your first back injury, then go see a Doctor. I didn't take care of my back after that initial car accident and it's been messed up ever since. I have had far too many of these injuries and plenty of extra meds from my 2012 year of pain to not have to call him. 
2. This may be my little secret, especially when you have a really bad, painful back day. You know the kind....your back is out, but you had to walk around all day or sit in your computer chair all day. Well, the first thing you do is sit in a jacuzzi/jacuzzi style bath tub on the jets for 30 minutes (ONLY 30 MINUTES....too much heat is not good). Then, as soon as you are done, get in a cold pool or take a cold shower for 20-30 minutes. If you don't have a jacuzzi or a gym membership, then use a heating pad and a ice pack. This will relieve your back pain immediately, but it's only a temporary fix. Use it everyday if you can as part of your healing regiment, but DO NOT USE as your only source of recovery. As you can see, I do several things.
3. Cobra and Low Cobra yoga poses are pretty much the only stretches that I can do at any time of the back injury. I typically do these in the morning as soon as I get out of bed to start my day off right. If any of it hurts, stop immediately.



I do these poses slow and controlled and always use my breath.

4. When I get home from work (and after I talk to Jim), I go for at least a mile walk. Monday night, I went for 2 miles. Walking is the best ever for your back. It's nice to get out in the fresh air (thankfully, it's not too hot) and just take in what you see, feel, breathe, and hear. I even saw a guy doing Tai Chi in a parking lot.
5. Swimming is also another great exercise to do that is easy on the back and provides one heck of a workout. It also burns a lot of calories (20 minutes of breaststroke burned 240 calories). I was lucky enough to be at a hotel last week with not only a jacuzzi, but a big pool. I would do 30 minutes in the hot tub and then immediately in the pool for 20-30 minutes of swimming. The only style of swimming that I could really do was the breaststroke, because it has minimal twisting and movements around the backside. I did try the backstroke, but I tended to twist when I got tired. I also slammed my head against the wall. I eventually changed it up to swimming backwards for a few laps using my legs and one arm out to touch the wall. But for the most part, it was all breaststroke.
6. REST! REST! REST! Do not overdo it or start to quickly. If anything, you should only do what's listed in 2-5.
7. I could not do Yoga or Pilates, but Tai Chi was really helpful for my back in previous years. It has slow and controlled movements, while building your back strength. However, do not try this on the first week of your back injury.
8. Talk to your Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) person at work (or maybe even Human Resources) to fix your chair for back injuries. Mine went out last year after getting rear ended at a stop light. They put extra padding on my chair and it has been a godsend!
9. When your back starts to feel better, DO NOT assume that it is better. Go slow. I am looking at maybe starting to run next week. By that, I mean that I will walk and occassionally jog to gauge how my back feels.
10. Exercising your mind keeps you in shape for when you do officially start your training. Right now, I'm reading Running with the Mind of Meditation, which is about a Buddhist Monk who runs marathons. I will do a full review later, but my initial feeling is that I like it. I have even applied some of his ideas to my walking.

Certainly, if you have any questions, ask me or go to your Doctor. They really do help! I did not include biking in the above list. I haven't tried it yet, but I hear it is good. I live on the second story and was not able to get my bike up and down the stairs with my back being out. So, maybe next time if there ever will be one again.

That last sentence brings me to my new goal (besides training for a marathon)...strengthen my back and core. I'm going to be a tyrant on this, because I'm tired of dealing with this crap. For starters, I've talked to Suzanne at Workout Nirvana about a virtual personal training program; she will design my program around strengthening my back and core. It's really inexpensive and it will help my running in the long run. I'm also adding swimming to my training weeks. We are supposed to have cross training anyways, but I wasn't sure what I would do for that type of exercise. I figured I would just go with whatever I felt like doing that day. I remembered how great it felt when I would stretch in the pool after a long, hot run. So, now I will use swimming as my cross training and even add it after my runs. If anything, I will burn extra calories and get so bad ass that I finally beat the Giant in our next swimming race. Oh, it's happening.

Sprint For Life 5k Recap

My second Sprint For Life 5k was on May 4, 2013, at the MD Cancer Center, Medical Center, Houston, TX, which raises money for Ovarian Cancer research. I will not go in to detail about this disease or what this run means to me, because I have done this already in last year's post. To summarize, I organize this run under Team Teapot in memory of LeiLani Allen (MaloRee, BranDee, and MegGan's mother) and my Great Aunt, Betty whom have both died battling this horrible disease. 

On a side note, I have to remark that this is my third anniversary on my running journey (see post here). In 2010, I made a decision to run after missing my first Sprint For Life 5K. 

You may have notice my blurb about my hurt back during the Green 6.5. I spent all week nursing it, but just couldn't heal it. I forgot that when my back goes out, it doesn't heal in a week. In fact, I'm still in pain and had to change my exercising completely (more on this in a later post). Consequently, I would not run this 5k (maybe a little bit) to Kate's overly dramatic happiness. I was sad, but on the bright side, it would be a first for me. Normally, I would just stay home if I was injured, but I couldn't for a charity run that I organized. 

Kate and I got there with little time to spare. They changed the route and the drive there proved to be difficult. We also took the longest route to find packet pick-up. In fact, the race started when we were still picking up our things. Thanks to Dan, we were able to make him the bag lady so he could carry our stuff. We honestly thought MegGan would have the stroller to store our stuff like last year. 

As I said before, the route changed. The run took us down Holcomb and then had a turnaround point.

See, Dan, I did put the better picture on here.

We three stuck together like the Three Musketeers. Sometimes, we ran...very slow and mine was more robotic.

Quit Facebooking. We are trying to walk...er I mean RUN!

On a side side note, when you order a tank top, remember that cold weather happens in May...in Texas...like all the time. I ordered a tank top, but the temperatures dropped the night before. I had to wear a long sleeve shirt (with the tank on top) and long pants. I look like a dork. However, when we got out of the building and into the sunlight, it got warmer. I took off the long sleeve shirt and ran with my tank.

So, we walked. Old people were passing us, but we didn't care. Kate said multiple times, "While this is Kristi's worst run, this is my best run." From behind, we heard someone say, "Team Teapot...yeah." It was another girl in our group racing passed us deflating my ego and pride with every walking step. Oh well. When you are injured, you are injured. Apparently, Dan was happy that I didn't make him run so much like he thought. I'm not that much of a tyrant when I run.

Finally, we made it to the end where we ran in with all smiles ready for the camera. We walked/ran this event in 52 minutes, which is by far better than what I thought.

I saw them and raised up my arms in glee.

We crossed the finish line thankfully.

This is my favorite picture. Look at the smile on Kate's face.

Best quote during the run came from a cop who tried to stop a lady from driving through the race. He said as she was trying to turn, "I don't know how you think you can do that." Then, she tried to run him over.

These were the runners in the race.

Kate and I with some beautiful flowers.

We took the customary Team Teapot group shot. For the first time ever, we had three different groups in three different locales running for Team Teapot. BranDee organized a run in Virginia and MaloRee organized a run in Grenada.

All three Team Teapot running groups show their support.

It was awesome. And then, for the first time, Adam (MegGan's son) ran the kid's event. It was by far the cutest thing EVER.

Adam waiting for his chance to run after some ice cream, of course.

Mommy and son getting ready to run 150 ft in the under three year age category.

Wave to the camera.

Adam checking out the crowds.

This was just too cute not to post.

I'm a ribbon holder now!

I AM A RUNNER!

But I bet you are wondering about the important stuff...how much did we raise. Team Teapot raised a total whopper of $2,735. I personally raised $1,145. I couldn't believe how much we received. I want to go out of my way to THANK EVERYONE whom donated. Some of you donated twice and I love you for it. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! We also learned that the third place group winners only raised alittle over $5,000. Team Teapot was already over halfway there. I think that's going to be our goal next year.

I'm not sure how long I will be out with this back, but I'm doing what I can to get me running again. Marathon training technically started last week, but I budgeted for rest weeks. So, I just have to get to the first week of June. Wish me luck!

Need Your Help

May 4, 2013, marks a special day in the Star Wars fan world. But it's also something else. I will run (or more like walk due to this back) again in the Sprint for Life 5K to raise money for Ovarian Cancer Research in honor of MaloRee, BranDee, and MegGan whom lost their mom to this horrible disease. I also run in honor of my Great Aunt, Betty who lost this battle, as well. Please donate here (any amount is greatly appreciated) or join us on Team Teapot. My goal is $2,000 this year. Please help us get there.

Have a fantastic day and MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU!

P.S.-If you already donated, THANK YOU! I'm sending out a big virtual hug.