Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Round 2!!!!!!!!

You guessed right!!!! Here comes round number two. I registered for my second half-marathon. This time I'm running in Los Angeles. You heard it right. LA!!!!!!! Who wants to join me in the LA Rock N' Roll Half-Marathon on October 24th?

I invited PangChee and Sam to join me on the run, but it looks like they won't be able to make it. My trainer Saul will be running with me and maybe even possibly my former trainer Paul Joseph. I'm super excited and have started training again. I'm working out more intensily at the gym and just picked up running again since the last half-marathon. I have new goals and have no doubt I will be able to beat my time of 2 hours and 34 minutes. I'm pushing for 2 hours, but will take 2:33.

I ran my first 3 mile this week. My legs are pretty stiff, but I'm confident with time I will get even stronger. I was breathing pretty hard by the end of the run, but that is expected. It feels good to be out running again.

I also started weight training this week. It might all be in my head, but my arms and legs look better. My workouts at the gym are killers, but I'm willing to take the pain. It'll only make me stonger and improve my game.

For all you runners, keep pushing hard! Happy running!!!!!

Much love,
Hua-

Friday, July 9, 2010

YES WE DID!!! CHANGE IS POSSIBLE!!!

It was an extraordinary run...absolutely breath taking. The energy, the scenery, the people...AMAZING! The challenge of the body and mind and the power of an individual to push themselves through pure physical and mental exhaustion. Three words..."YES YOU CAN."

I'll be honest, I didn't have any goals set for myself for the marathon. I simply wanted to cross that finish line. I knew it was going to be hard. My body and mind was not ready and I knew that I didn't train as hard as I could have. I wasn't sure which interval to do...1 mile run with 1 minute walk or 2 mile run with 1 minute walk...I was clueless. One thing I knew for sure, I was not going to run the whole 13.1 mile. Doubt took over and I feared that I was not strong enough. So to make things easy and non-stressful, I decided to go with the flow. I'll run, I'll walk, and I'll rest as needed, but I will cross that finish line!

We woke up at 4am and had a warm hearty breakfast. I had rice, sausages, and eggs. Sorry folks, I can't live without my rice! We took our vitamins, down our water, and headed out to our destination. By the time we got there and parking was done with, we had 12 minutes left before the race started. We rushed over, grabbed our place in line, one more encouraging group hug, and the race started.

I took that first step, then the second, third, and I felt my body moving. I saw the people, the runners, and the excitement growing. I decided to keep pace with Hua. Runners were passing us, but we kept at a steady pace. After ten minutes of running, I can feel my body heating up. I needed a cool down and my prayers was answer! Rain came stumbling down on us and we ran with the rain! It has been a long time since I felt that feeling of total carefree freedom! It felt as if the rain washed away the troubles, stress, and the chains of responsibilities. I felt the rain dancing upon my skin, the pavement moving under me, and I heard my own laughter of pure enjoyment. For once, I felt like me again. It was an amazing feeling.

Mile 5! YES! the furthest I've ran non-stop and we did it in 59 minutes! I was excited! We hi-5 each other and saw other teams cheering each other on. I decided to run another mile before taking a walk break. Then mile 6 came...nope, still feeling good, going one more mile before walk break. The 1st hill arrived, I paced myself and made it up and came down. Mile 7, still good, not resting just yet. 2nd hill, not too bad:-) Then mile 8 came with a vengeance... the 3rd hill...OH MY LORD! Help me up this hill! This hill was the boogie man and it was ready to eat all of us alive. My original plan of attack was to surrender and walk up this monster, but I changed my mind at the last minute. I laughed at that monster of a hill who knows why, maybe from exhaustion or from the anticipation of this hill. All I know is making good light of the situation ease the tension of running up this hill. Hua and I kept at a steady pace and stormed up the hill nice and steady. Other runners were walking up and cheering us on! We made it! Yes we did! And the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow was... WATER!!! Good and delicious hydrating water! Yes I made it up the hill, and yes, it took my breath away. We steady ourselves and ran at a comfortable pace again.

By mile 9 or 10, I felt my knees. I felt the ache kicking in, but at this point I have already decided to run the whole way through. Why not right? I'm so close to the finish line. If I take that walk break, that would have been it. It would have been too easy for me to give up. So I didn't and I ran and ran and ran a bit longer. From Mile 9 to 12 it was a blur to me. It was mentally and physically challenging. All I know was that my arms and legs kept moving. By Mile 12, I was so ready to get this race done with. All that I could think about was the finish line. Reaching that finish line meant rest for my legs and water. Then something happend. I don't know what happened next, but I felt a burst of energy and I used that to finish the last half mile. Seeing that 13 mile mark, I told myself, "Yes! It's almost over. I have to concentrate, I have to keep moving, so close, don't give up!" The crowds were cheering the runners on. To the left of me, I saw Hua's family. To the right, I saw a bicyclist cheering the runner in front of me on. And to the front of me, what I have been pushing and challenging myself for the last 13 miles....the FINISH line! So close, so close, so close! Then I heard them call my name and I knew...Yes I I DID IT!!!! I've crossed the finished line!!!

I ran the whole 13.1 and I clocked in at 2:33:27. I am very happy with the outcome. Many doubted me. Many assumed that I will quit. Even made me doubt myself. They were shocked to hear that I finished and ran the whole 13 miles. No congrats, no good job, no support. It's disappointing, but it's alright. My biggest supporters were my babies. They supported me from the beginning to the very end and I love them! Oh, one more who did supported me, you know who you are, Thank you for you kindness!!! Thank you Hua and Sam for running with me.

This has been an incredible journey, and it is not the end, but only the beginning. I am thankful that my first race has brought on so many different elements to this challenge. Rain, hills, humidity, and gloomy clouds. I wouldn't wish for anything different. It was perfect! And to have ran it with such wonderful friends, even better!!!

I'm still in recovery zone...4 days, 4 miles, only 9 more days to go! I'll see you on the road again!

~ Thanks to all!!!
Pang

Thursday, July 8, 2010

We did it!!!!!!!!! 13.1 miles completed!!!!!

I'm finally back in Los Angeles and had a wonderful vacation. PangChee and I both completed the half marathon and got clocked in. My friend Sam also ran with us and also got clocked in. I'm so proud of all of us.

I was excited the entire week prior to the marathon, but on Saturday, the day before the marathon I woke up with butterflies in my stomach. I was feeling nervous and anxious. PangChee and I went to the running store in Minneapolis on Saturday to get some GU gels. I also bought a running short and shirt. Thank goodness for the GU, running short and shirt. Afterward, we went to Lake Harriet and ran 3 miles and that help calmed my nerves. We checked out the course map after the run. We were both shocked with the hills around mile 6-8. I have to admit, the hills did intimidate me, but I felt more confident after the run, but needed a pep talk. I called Saul later in the evening and he reminded me I did the work now all I had to do was run the marathon. Sam and I slept over at PangChee's to make sure we all got up in time and ate a good, healthy breakfast in the morning in order to fuel our bodies for the run. I had all my clothes, GU gels and GPS Garmin ready for the morning. Saul told me to have everything ready and prepare so I wouldn't be in a rush the next day. My side started to hurt after breakfast and I was trying to shake it off. My nerves were getting the best of me, but I knew I had to focus in order to complete the run.

We headed out to Saint Anthony Park around 5:30 am and arrived roughly around 5:55 am. Parking was chaotic and I could feel the panic start to kick in. I wanted to have enough time to stretch and get in a few sprints to get the body moving. The weather forecast predicted rain and it indeed rained on us. It rained the prior night and I could still feel the mist and dew in the air. There were 3,000 runners at the event. I was feeding off the vibes and energy of the people. Music and chatter of excitement echoed throughout the park. The comaraderie from the running community continues to amaze me. All three of us gave each other a hug and gave each other last words of encouragement: "Yes, we can."

Time just flew by and before I knew it I heard the horn sound off. The fast runners were in the front. I was towards the middle to the back. I had a plan that Saul mapped out for me to follow. Start at a comfortable pace and keep it there until after 6 miles, then if I felt like it pick up the pace. Prior to the race, I told myself I would run at a 12 minute mile pace. I could feel the energy in the air and could feel my body wanting to start fast, but I held back and knew that would hurt me in the end. This was my race and I worked hard to get here. I took a deep breath and looked at my GPS Garmin to make sure my pace was on point. Not more than 5 minutes into the run, it started to rain. I was thankful for the rain. For the first time, I felt like a true runner. It fueled the runner in each one of us. I kept in mind what Saul told me "Be one with the weather." My friends and companion runners beside and in front of me were invigorated by the rain and welcomed the challenge. There were many supporters along the course of the run. Friends and families of the runners supported all the runners by cheering them on with words of encouragement.

I remember hitting the one mile marker, then 3 miles, and the next thing I knew I was at mile 6. I knew the hills were coming and took a deep breath and tackled each hill at a slower pace and remembered to lean forward, breathe and pump the arms. The last hill at mile 8 hit me hard, my breathing got heavy for the first tine during the marathon. I knew I had to slow down my breathing if I wanted to continue the run non-stop. By mile 9 I finally caught my breath and felt my second rush. I looked at my watch and my pace was on point as well as my time. My plan was to pick up the pace at 10 minutes by the 10th mile. I had 30 minutes left to beat my personal time of 2 hours and 30 minutes. My legs started to cramp at mile 11.5 and I knew I had to slow down if I wanted to continue running non-stop. I could taste the finish line as I approach mile 12. All I had left was 1.1 mile to reach my goal. I could hear the cheers in the background and the words of encouragement from the supporters "Keep it up. You only have 1.1 mile left. You have it. It's in the bag." I could see the Finish banner and hear the chatter of voices and music playing in the background. I picked up my pace and booked the last 0.50 mile and heard my sister and family cheer my name. I looked to my left and my family were there to see me finish. My little nieces made signs for me. I heard my name announced on the intercom as I crossed the finished line. I was emotional and could feel the tears start to swell up. I did it!!!!!! Th training and hard work paid off. PangChee greeted me and we both gave each other a huge hug. I finished in 2 hours and 34 minutes. PangChee and I went to meet my family. I could see tears at the corner of my dad's eye. I could see my mom and sister were proud of me. I hugged my entire family. We had one more runner coming in: Sam. PangChee and I went back to the finish area and waited for her to finish. All three of us gave each other a hug and found food. We finally were able to take our team photo and left the event. I never imagined in a million years I would run a half-marathon. For the first time, I truly feel like an athlete. I now have bragging rights: I'm a marathon runner.

Thank you all for reading my blog and supporting me. I appreciate all those who have shared this journey with me. My success is certainly not shared alone but with each and everyone of you. Thank you Saul for believing in me and turning me into an athlete and taking me to the finish line. I hope I made you proud. Paul Joseph for taking me through the first part of my journey. Thank you to PangChee and Sam for supporting me and running with me. I love you both. Thank you Dr. Korman, Bridgette, Mel and the entire staff for being so supportive. Of course, my family and friends for loving me.

For all those who didn't think it was possible, I'm living proof that it is. A year and 4 months ago I weighed 227 lbs and today I weigh 138 lbs mobile and athletic. Yes, you can. Change is Possible!!!!

Keep moving and pushing forward. I'm looking forward to my next marathon in October. Who wants to join me?

Much love,
Hua-

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The shoe that took me to the finish line!!!

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Friday, June 25, 2010

Hua's almost home... YIPPEE!!!!

We gathered with family last night and we went on a run on a trail that my sister found. Nice & smooth + small hills + breezy + sun protection + no traffic = perfect running trail and biking for the kids!!! Plus there's a little bonus feature at the end of the trail...a playground for the kids to get loose and wild!!! The trail is 3.1 miles long so I ran/walk a total of 6 miles last night!!! Just found out that we have a few trails out where we live. I'll have to check them out this summer. I'm so excited about this new discovery!!!

Last night I said to my sister "Humm..it seems like there's many people exercising this year?" And she said, "No Pang, there's always been people exercising. The only difference this year is that you are out here with the people exercising." Her answered cracked me up, but it's so true!!! I am so glad I decided to make a change this year to my heath. I am now a non-smoker (8 months baby!!!), I have cut down on my alcohol tremendously, and I can run and breath again. I have a long way to go still, but I'm not afraid to make the changes that are needed to become the person that I was meant to be.

I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear... And when it is gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear is gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.” - Frank Herbert

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Sorry...my bad...

It's been a while since the last time. Nothing much as changed on my end, I've been pulling 2 miles at least 3 times per week since last time. I know my mileage is very low, but I promise I'll do better going forward. I was hit with a mid-life crises. Still trying to recover from the blow and trying to stay and be positive. I found some inspiring quotes which gave me faith and hope. It's so simple but so true. Here's one of my favorites.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Running....quick recap.
Mon- 2 miles
Tue - 2 miles
Wed - 2 miles

Hua - I'm proud of you! I can't wait to see you in 2 days! It'll be nice to have someone to run with! I'll see you very soon!!!

~Pang

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

10 days!!!!

10 more days!!! I can not believe it. I've been extremely busy at work trying to get things done before my vacation. I've been getting home extremely late, but still managed to make it to the gym. I'm shock to see how busy the gym is at freakin' 10 pm. The past two nights I've been getting home from the gym close to midnight. I don't want to make any excuses to skip out on my workouts. I'll be leaving in a little bit to go to the gym. Thursday and Friday I have my evening run with Saul.

I remember when PangChee and I were just thinking up the marathon. Next thing we knew, we signed up. Now the marathon is right around the corner. I'm pump and excited and can not wait to see everyone and complete the marathon.

Keep moving!

Much love,
Hua-

Sunday, June 20, 2010

13 more days!!!!!

I can not believe there is only 13 more days left before the marathon. I have 5 more days until I see my family and friends. I'm super excited for my trip!!!!!!! Just a quick recap.

Saturday: D DAY!!! I warmed up with a 2 mile run. Completed two miles of drills. D Day is mentally challenging, but physically and mentally rewarding. I completed the session with a mile run. That's a total of 5 miles.

Sunday: RAN 7 MILES!!!!!!!!!! Go me!!!!!! Do I need to say more????!!!!!!

Keep moving!!!!

Much love,
Hua-