It always amazes me how quickly “stuff” accumulates. I swear every piece of paper in my house experiences cytogenesis (for those who don’t remember their high school biology – cytogenesis is the process by which cells divide). E-mail does the same thing! I have spent a lot of time the last couple of days just working on cleaning out my inbox for my e-mail. I had close to 2,500 e-mails. I have also been purging the paper from my house. I have discovered that the accumulation of “stuff” stresses me out!! It makes me feel overwhelmed and tired. I hate feeling that way!
After I get though all of the paper, I think I will be moving on to clothing. I have a ton, and a lot of it does not fit anymore (too big!) or I just don’t wear it. Hopefully I can clean out the closets and make some money.
Fitness this week has been bad. It has been to hot (today the temp should reach 110) to really get out side and since I am training for endurance events it is hard to get a good workout in at the gym. This weekend is supposed to be much cooler and I have my final 8 miler on deck for Saturday. This is my last taper run before the Disneyland Half Marathon. We are leaving to DL on the 1st and the Half is on the 5th. I am so excited!! I actually have whole theme/plan for the race and will do a post on it soon.
Well, I need to get back to purging the e-mails, only 504 left!
Dare to be remarkable!
Chandra
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Facing Fears
Last night I had a training ride with the WOW group (Women on Wheels). It is a women’s cycling group that is training for the Valley Girls Ride in October. The group is awesome and I really enjoy riding with them.
So back to my story, I went to the training, checked in, got my bike ready for the road and then settled in for the presentation about core strength. Once that wrapped up we were ready to hit the road, coach then gives up the route. Go out this way, turn here, then there, etc. ....eventually coming to “Hospital Hill!” Well, needless to say I almost loaded my bike up and went home!
Hospital Hill has been my nemesis since January 31, 2009. This is a section of road on the backside of our regional park that runs along side Freeway 41 and can been seen from Valley Children’s Hospital. (Hence the name “Hospital Hill”) I have run this road many a times. It has a long gradual hill and a short steep hill that are great for training on. Cyclist use this hill for training too and that is how I got hurt. I was my first training ride with Team in Training for the Summer Season (Tahoe Century) 2009 and I had a slow-motion crash. I had completed the climb up the long hill and decent and was starting the climb up the really steep short hill going back into the park when I started having trouble shifting (very new cyclist at this time) and I decided to come to a stop to get it figured out. Well, as I was stopping my right foot either missed the curb or hit the curb and I fell, breaking my ankle in three places. I laid on the side of the road for 11 minutes waiting for an ambulance to come get me, got 20 cc of morphine in route to the hospital and ended up with a titanium plate and 5 screws holding my ankle together. Freaking Awesome!!
Well since the accident I had avoided Hospital Hill like the plague. I purposefully planned runs and especially training rides far away from here. So when I was told that we were riding there I started panicking. I decided that I would ride with the team and that I would just change my route at the end, do a different hill, and come back. But as I was riding over there I realized that I am a lot stronger now, I am a good cyclist and now was as good a time as any to face the hill again.
I rode in, descended the steep hill and climbed the really long gradual hill, turned around, came back down (getting to a top speed of 26.8 mph) and got myself psyched up to climb the steep hill. As I was approaching it, someone fell right where I did and I started to panic a little (the person was fine), but I got my breathing under control and I tackled it. I climbed up the hill, back through the little gate and stopped. I had to catch my breath and wipe away the tears of joy for finally facing my fear!
Needless to say the ride was awesome!!
Dare to be remarkable!!
Chandra
So back to my story, I went to the training, checked in, got my bike ready for the road and then settled in for the presentation about core strength. Once that wrapped up we were ready to hit the road, coach then gives up the route. Go out this way, turn here, then there, etc. ....eventually coming to “Hospital Hill!” Well, needless to say I almost loaded my bike up and went home!
Hospital Hill has been my nemesis since January 31, 2009. This is a section of road on the backside of our regional park that runs along side Freeway 41 and can been seen from Valley Children’s Hospital. (Hence the name “Hospital Hill”) I have run this road many a times. It has a long gradual hill and a short steep hill that are great for training on. Cyclist use this hill for training too and that is how I got hurt. I was my first training ride with Team in Training for the Summer Season (Tahoe Century) 2009 and I had a slow-motion crash. I had completed the climb up the long hill and decent and was starting the climb up the really steep short hill going back into the park when I started having trouble shifting (very new cyclist at this time) and I decided to come to a stop to get it figured out. Well, as I was stopping my right foot either missed the curb or hit the curb and I fell, breaking my ankle in three places. I laid on the side of the road for 11 minutes waiting for an ambulance to come get me, got 20 cc of morphine in route to the hospital and ended up with a titanium plate and 5 screws holding my ankle together. Freaking Awesome!!
 |
| The Hardware! |
Well since the accident I had avoided Hospital Hill like the plague. I purposefully planned runs and especially training rides far away from here. So when I was told that we were riding there I started panicking. I decided that I would ride with the team and that I would just change my route at the end, do a different hill, and come back. But as I was riding over there I realized that I am a lot stronger now, I am a good cyclist and now was as good a time as any to face the hill again.
I rode in, descended the steep hill and climbed the really long gradual hill, turned around, came back down (getting to a top speed of 26.8 mph) and got myself psyched up to climb the steep hill. As I was approaching it, someone fell right where I did and I started to panic a little (the person was fine), but I got my breathing under control and I tackled it. I climbed up the hill, back through the little gate and stopped. I had to catch my breath and wipe away the tears of joy for finally facing my fear!
Needless to say the ride was awesome!!
Sunset following the ride!
Dare to be remarkable!!
Chandra
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Quick Update
I am only 18 days away from my next half marathon!! The Disneyland Half Marathon!! So excited!! This last Saturday I completed my long mileage day - 10 miles in under 3 hours! This was really good for me. I am not a fast runner by any means. I was concerned with my time because there is a time cut off at mile 4 (1 hour 35 min) and mile 10 (3 hours 10 min), but I should be fine! (Also super excited for my little guy who will be doing his first race ever! 100 yards Kids Race in California Adventures.)
Here is a picture of the race course - Super excited about running through the parks and going through Angel's Stadium!
Last night, I did one of my midweek runs, 2 miles in under 25 minutes!! So stoked about my run!! My husband thought it was just ok, but I know it rocks for me! He just doesn’t see the improvements I have made in my running since 2008 (the last time he ran with me). I have shaved minutes off and my endurance has greatly improved. I have also gotten a better grasp on the mental aspect of running. Just being able to go out and consistently push myself is a huge accomplishment. I do most of my training on my own and it would be so easy to cheat myself out of miles and skip workouts because I am tired, but I have finally figured out that I can do it on my own and that I am stronger for it.
I have also begun training for the Tour de Fresno and the Valley Girls Ride. Yep, I am back on my bike. So far training is going well and the Women on Wheels group that I am riding with is awesome!!
Also, my Salad Challenge is going well. Still loving all the yummy greens!
Dare to be Remarkable!!
Chandra
Here is a picture of the race course - Super excited about running through the parks and going through Angel's Stadium!
Last night, I did one of my midweek runs, 2 miles in under 25 minutes!! So stoked about my run!! My husband thought it was just ok, but I know it rocks for me! He just doesn’t see the improvements I have made in my running since 2008 (the last time he ran with me). I have shaved minutes off and my endurance has greatly improved. I have also gotten a better grasp on the mental aspect of running. Just being able to go out and consistently push myself is a huge accomplishment. I do most of my training on my own and it would be so easy to cheat myself out of miles and skip workouts because I am tired, but I have finally figured out that I can do it on my own and that I am stronger for it.
I have also begun training for the Tour de Fresno and the Valley Girls Ride. Yep, I am back on my bike. So far training is going well and the Women on Wheels group that I am riding with is awesome!!
Also, my Salad Challenge is going well. Still loving all the yummy greens!
Dare to be Remarkable!!
Chandra
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Salad Challenge
So for the past two weeks I have been doing my own little food challenge. I have been eating at least one salad a day as a primary meal – mostly at lunch time. The purpose is to see if I feel better, have more energy, and hopefully lose some weight. The goal is to continue the challenge until the end of the month.
My definition of a “salad” consists of 3-4 cups of a leafy green (i.e. Spinach, Romaine, Baby Field Greens) with a smattering of other veggies/fruit (so far mostly grape tomatoes, red onions, shredded carrots, dried cranberries and strawberries), and just a tablespoon of cheese (feta or blue). I have then topped it off with a light balsamic vinaigrette or light raspberry vinaigrette.
So far I am really enjoying this challenge. I do feel better, not as much of a “crash” after lunch. I also think it is helping me to eat better through out the day. I am usually really good in the morning (oatmeal or egg whites) and at lunch time I was tying to cut calories/save calories for dinner and as a result I was pigging out at dinner. I was also spending the better part of the afternoon looking for snacks. BAD! Now since I am doing this little challenge, I am still able to keep the calories down during lunch but I am also experiencing more fullness through the afternoon, less snacking and I am also eating less at dinner. GOOD!
Right now my favorite salad combination is a fresh spinach with dried cranberries, blue cheese and a raspberry vinaigrette. SUPER YUMMY!!
I’ll try to keep a update going on my little challenge!
If you dream it, then do it!!
Chandra
My definition of a “salad” consists of 3-4 cups of a leafy green (i.e. Spinach, Romaine, Baby Field Greens) with a smattering of other veggies/fruit (so far mostly grape tomatoes, red onions, shredded carrots, dried cranberries and strawberries), and just a tablespoon of cheese (feta or blue). I have then topped it off with a light balsamic vinaigrette or light raspberry vinaigrette.
So far I am really enjoying this challenge. I do feel better, not as much of a “crash” after lunch. I also think it is helping me to eat better through out the day. I am usually really good in the morning (oatmeal or egg whites) and at lunch time I was tying to cut calories/save calories for dinner and as a result I was pigging out at dinner. I was also spending the better part of the afternoon looking for snacks. BAD! Now since I am doing this little challenge, I am still able to keep the calories down during lunch but I am also experiencing more fullness through the afternoon, less snacking and I am also eating less at dinner. GOOD!
Right now my favorite salad combination is a fresh spinach with dried cranberries, blue cheese and a raspberry vinaigrette. SUPER YUMMY!!
I’ll try to keep a update going on my little challenge!
If you dream it, then do it!!
Chandra
Monday, August 9, 2010
Why do I exercise?
1. To lose weight. I have been overweight for the majority of my adult life. I decided a couple of years ago that enough is enough. I don’t want to be the “fat” mom that can’t sit on the chairs in the kindergarten class or not have the energy to chase my son down a soccer field. Nor do I want to die at a young age just because I was to lazy to take care of my body. As a result of I have lost 40 lbs and counting...
2. Mental Health – I am a much calmer and nicer person if I get my workouts in. Miss a couple of days and my brain starts to go into overload mode with all the stress!! Exercise is the best drug out there!
3. Inspiration – When I have a great run or ride I feel inspired to do it again! It pushes me to keep going and to do more. I also hope that I can inspire others to take control of their health and bodies by setting an example for them. Creating a “Hey if she can do it then why can’t I” mentality. I also hope that it shows my son that eating healthy and exercising is the only way to live. I don’t want him to ever feel like he is not good enough or strong enough to follow his dreams.
4. You only live once – There are things I want to do in life other than just sit on the couch and watch life pass me by. This is why I exercise, so that I am strong enough and capable of doing all the things I dream of.
I am sure there are other reasons why, but these are the main ones. So bear with me when you see me post about a workout or complain about some soreness. I know, I do it to myself, but I also know that in the long run it will all pay off.
If you dream it, then do it!!
Chandra
2. Mental Health – I am a much calmer and nicer person if I get my workouts in. Miss a couple of days and my brain starts to go into overload mode with all the stress!! Exercise is the best drug out there!
3. Inspiration – When I have a great run or ride I feel inspired to do it again! It pushes me to keep going and to do more. I also hope that I can inspire others to take control of their health and bodies by setting an example for them. Creating a “Hey if she can do it then why can’t I” mentality. I also hope that it shows my son that eating healthy and exercising is the only way to live. I don’t want him to ever feel like he is not good enough or strong enough to follow his dreams.
4. You only live once – There are things I want to do in life other than just sit on the couch and watch life pass me by. This is why I exercise, so that I am strong enough and capable of doing all the things I dream of.
I am sure there are other reasons why, but these are the main ones. So bear with me when you see me post about a workout or complain about some soreness. I know, I do it to myself, but I also know that in the long run it will all pay off.
If you dream it, then do it!!
Chandra
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Restarting and Revamping
Updated and changing the layout. Still chugging along otherwise. More to come soon!
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