On the Horizon

Welcome back, me. It's been a while. I've missed the clickity-clack of typing while the wheels are a-whirring in my head. Not much inspiration as of late, so I thought a simple update will do for now. I hope you feel the same.

First off, in my effort to do bigger and better things I've joined the team 60 Miles for Bust, captained by the darling Ivie. Her, I and three friends will join thousands of other women and men and we will all walk 60 miles over 3 days (Nov 18 - 20). Each footstep is aimed toward funding various breast cancer research and programs with a view toward putting a stop to breast cancer forever. Each of us has committed to raising a minimum of $2300 for the Susan G. Komen foundation. I've never raised so much nor have I ever walked so far, but I know the challenge will be well worth it. Here's hoping we will soon be in a world that's not only breast cancer free, but cancer free. It has to be possible. It WILL be possible.

In this regard I'm certainly increasing my footsteps, but I'm also trying to decrease my footprint. My environmental footprint that is. I'm doing my best to take reusable bags while shopping, take my reusable cup to starbucks, and recycle as much as I can. I've even taken to composting. We don't have a garden that we can use it for, but my roommate and I collect our compostable scraps in a tupperware we keep in the fridge, and once its filled up we walk behind the dumpsters in our parking lot and chuck the contents into the trees/dirt abutting the San Diego river. Although, I can only hope its actually being used to fertilize nature and that the raccoons and rats aren't eating the scraps instead. Well, I guess either way its being reused, right? On that note, Happy Earth Day!

My last update is more of a personal triumph. Last Sunday marked the completion of my second half-marathon, the La Jolla Half!  I started the race at the Del Mar fairgrounds like a clydesdale, climbed Torrey Pines hill like I was being threatened with a gun to my back, and crossed the finish line at a sprint encumbered by the greatest determination I've ever felt in my entire life. This course was ridiculousy hilly. I'd swear on my wedding video the course elevation map was inaccurate. I felt like I was running uphill for the first 10 miles! Well, I'm being dramatic, there were level portions of course, interspersed with hills. Whatever. Further, the elevation map represented the really big hill as only lasting about 1 mile, but I seriously think it lasted 3 (again, with some parts leveling out). At the end I decided that as I crossed the finish line I was going to raise up my arms and throw up both my middle fingers - straight and rigid - with a stern, fixed glare set toward the cameraman. I. Was. Livid. But instead I settled for angry sprinting, because, really, I never flip the bird, and that would just be awkward. Despite all that, I still beat my last half-marathon time by 4 minutes!!! I was hoping to surpass it by at least 5-6, but with all the hills and some walking, I'll take it! Next race to come is the AFC Half on Aug 21, upon the completion of which I'll be the proud honoree of the Triple Crown Medal. You're in my sights medal!!

That's it for the moment. Stay tuned friends. As always, thank you thank you thank you for indulging me by reading. And for now, I leave you with a totally unrelated, but nevertheless awesome, quote:

"I understand that Scissors can beat Paper, and I get how Rock can beat Scissors, but there's no freaking way Paper can beat Rock. Paper is supposed to magically wrap around Rock leaving it immobile? Why the heck can't paper do this to scissors? Forget Scissors, why can't Paper do this to people? Why aren't sheets of college-ruled notebook paper constantly suffocating students as they attempt to take notes in class? I'll tell you why, because Paper can't beat anybody. A rock would tear that shit up in 2 seconds. When I play Rock/Paper/Scissors, I always choose Rock. Then when somebody claims to have beaten me with their Paper I can punch them in the face with my already clenched fist and say, 'oh damn, I'm sorry, I thought paper would protect you, asshole.'"

         - Unknown

The Goal Conqueror

This is what I aspire to be. 

It's incredibly difficult to set manageable goals - it takes a rather intricate understanding of not only what you're capable of doing, but moreover what you're capable of resisting.... and for how long.

As you all know, over the last 5 or so months I have been training for the Carlsbad Half Marathon (on 1/23/11) and, to my delight, completed it! I managed to run the entire thing in a pretty decent time for a first-timer (2:25)! I surprised myself. Taking on a challenge and actually seeing it through inspired a bit of self-assuredness... and a belief, albeit a small one, that I actually can accomplish something.

Now onto the next challenge.

This next battle deals with my bodily health and integrity. On Monday (1/31) I will begin a 21-day cleanse, which will hopefully rectify, or at least assist, my internals into becoming the self-sustaining system it once was. Between lymph issues, parasites, allergies, liver and kidney problems, heavy metals, etc, my body is by far the least efficient at taking care of itself out of most people I know. I exercise quite frequently and eat rather healthy, but through these efforts I have only managed to control my problems, not rid myself of them.

The cleanse is based off of the "Clean Program" created by Alejandro Junger, M.D., and expounded on in his amazingly informative book "Clean." It's not the most drastic of cleanses, yet appears to be one I can manage while achieving the same results, with a higher probability of maintaining those results with some permanency. For 21 days I will have 2 liquid meals and one solid meal. The liquid meals will consist of green juices, smoothies/shakes, or non-cooked soup, and the solid meal will consist of cooked, solid foods, that follow certain guidelines. I will be removing wheat, dairy, sugars, most fats, alcohol, caffeine, some fruits, and any processed/refined foods from my diet. Essentially, the program aims to eliminate any foods that are difficult to digest or contain allergens that tax the system, thus freeing up your body's energy to eliminate toxins, yeast, or any other negative substances that plague your organs. Simultaneous with the detox, your body is provided the nutrients to replenish organs with the essentials and to restore the "intestinal flora." This, I'm learning, is the difference between this type of cleanse, and most others, such as the Master Cleanse. The book, and testimonials of the book, purport there will be a myriad of positive effects, including increased energy, better sleeps, possibly weight loss, and a clearer-thinking brain. With all the possible positive effects, I figured - how can I pass up this opportunity?

While it is just that - a great opportunity - I've always had a weakness for food - bread, french fries and candy have been my ultimate indulgence/nemesis since I could walk, and it seems to be catching up with me. But hey - 3 weeks is nothing in this grand scheme we're a part of, right? They say the first few days tend to be the most difficult, but thereafter the body adjusts itself, and finds its way to physical and mental peace and clarity.

However, I will not fully mask my intentions as hopeful. Let it be known this is also my last-ditch effort to do something... anything... to heal myself. If it doesn't work, who knows what will.

Next up: Training for the La Jolla Half Marathon.

Salud!

Half Marathon Training!

A few weeks ago our incredible friend Shawndene ran a half marathon in San Diego's annual Rock n Roll marathon. She ran in the spirit of her grandfather to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Ivie, Cherish and I went to support her by watching her pass the 9 mile mark then meeting her again at the finish line where many of her friends and family also were awaiting her triumph! Watching her earlier in the race, then watching her pass the finish line was infinitely inspiring! Cherish, Ivie and I found ourselves unexpectedly moved to tears by Shawndene's accomplishments.

Her dedication to the race and love for her Tata further moved us to a decision to run our own half marathon! Cherish, Ivie, and I will be running the Carlsbad Half to be held on 1/23/11! We are neither avid nor experienced runners but are welcoming the challenge! There is likely no better feeling than to accomplish a goal, and the Year of the Tiger certainly is one where "the impossible just might be possible." Thank you Shawndene for being our inspiration!

If you would like to follow our progress, I've attached a link to our training schedule here. Ivie and Cherish have already started the program, and I'll be joining them promptly after the Bar - the first weekend of August.