5 mile run!!!!!

I've been bloated this entire past week. Guess what???? I ran 5 miles tonight in 56 minutes. I'm not going to lie. It was tough. My legs were tired. I was trying to keep a steady breathing rhythmn. My breathing was quite hard towards the beginning of the run, but it eventually got better. I was able to carry a conversation and that only means I'm getting stronger. I'm thankful the hard work is paying off. I'm proud of the 5 miles. Why? I wasn't feeling my best, but I pushed through it and felt damn good afterward. I challenged myself mentally. That's the one thing I struggle with the most. I have to prepare myself mentally everyday before my workouts and runs. Believe in yourself and know that you can!!! Yes I can and I will. Change is possible!

Keep pushing hard!

Much love,
Hua-

Week 11: Wed, May 26, 2010

I don't know what's wrong with me. I need to get out of this rut hole that I'm in and get back to business. 38 days left and I have no time for an emotional breakdown! Okay time to kick some arse and get myself back in the game!!!

Week 11...my focus is on my house and not my running. My house is in total chaos right now. I can't concentrate, even if I wanted. I can't breathe in all the mess.
Hopefully I can get my house in order by this weekend. In the mean time, I'll try to do my usual 2 mile right. Not what I should be doing now, but that's all I can add on top of my schedule this week.

~ Pang

Tuesday, 05/25/10

I'm so sorry for not checking in sooner. What has happened since I last blogged???? I ran the 5K last Sunday in 31 minutes and 45 seconds. I should be happy since that is my best time, but actually I'm still trying to get over the fact that I walked for 2 1/2 minutes. I started the 1st mile very strong. I didn't check my watch, but Saul said I finished the 1st mile in 9 minutes and 8 seconds. I felt light headed at the 1 1/2 half mile marker. My breathing was hard and I couldn't breathe. At least I felt like I couldn't breathe. I've been racking my brain what I could have done to have completed the run under 30 minutes. Lots of things ran through my head: I didn't eat a good breakfast; I ate Thai food the night before; I didn't drink enough water in the morning; I let the heavy breathing scare me, and etc. Prior to the run, I was pumped. I worked hard and my euthusiasm level was high all week. Then came the day of the race and I was trying to pump up my euthusiasm. The venue and turn out was quite small compared to the other races I ran in the past. There were probably less than a 100 people running the race. I got frustrated looking for the place. It was held at Balboa Lake Park and finding the exact location was a scavenger hunt. I was trying to shake off the feeling, but just couldn't. I keep thinking perhaps that's what threw my game off. I was extremely disappointed and upset with myself. I also felt like I let Saul down. He's been so helpful and encouraging. I'm his athlete and I wanted to celebrate my success with him.

On Sunday I met with Saul and ran 2 miles at a pace of 14 minutes and completed the workout with drills. My legs were sore from the day before.

My workouts these past two days have been tough. I ended up the gym late at night to complete my long workout. I'm need to stop using negative words because they are starting to affect my results. I take back the "long workout." I had a great workout on Monday.

Today I ran on the treadmill for 30 minutes and biked for another 30 minutes. I just finished some CORE work. I'm super tired and bloated and will be getting my monthly flow soon. I apologize if this is too much information. It harder to run when Aunt Flow is in town. Please don't visit until after Sunday. I'm running anther 5K with Saul and want to complete it in 30 minutes.

Pang, please check in. How's the training. We have 38 days left until the half marathon. I plan to bring my A game.

Keep pushing forward.

Much love,
Hus-

Week 10: Fri, May 21, 2010

I set up my alarm clock incorrectly last night, so I woke up late this morning. So no morning run for me, which only means tonight will be a tougher workout. Last night I ran another 4 miles and I ran it in 51 minutes. One minute improvement!!! Now if only I can run those 3 miles at Phalen again! All those hills...arghhh not fun when you're not strong enough. Maybe I'll take that challenge again this weekend.

I think it's finally time for a new pair of shoes. My shoes gave me a nice looking blister from last night's run. Time to go shopping this weekend. Hua, how do you like your shoes?

Hua, Good luck with the 5K tomorrow!!!! Call me and tell me your time! Oh yeah, take lots of pictures! Go HUA!!!

~ Pang

Thursday, 05/20/10

Yesterday I ran with Saul and Karla for 3 miles. It took me 33 minutes! It's okay. It was a good run. I love the additional support. It keeps me motivated. Although I wasn't feeling my best, Saul said I didn't look too bad.

I ran 2 miles this morning and another 2 miles later in the evening. It's extremely late and I have to get up extra early tomorrow for my morning run. I'll write more over the weekend after my 5K run.

Hope you all are moving!

Pang, I love your kids! Yes you can and you will!

Much love,
Hua-

Week 10: Thurs, May 20, 2010

I love my babies. They are so supportive and sweet. So here's their little story, last night I was working out to my video and I'm dying and sweating up a storm. I said "Mama, can't do this, I'm quitting". My Scorpio Katelyn goes, "Mom, you better not quit, you better not be a quitter, like so and so." Then my little protector Kaizer tells me "Mom, you don't have to do that exercise, I'll help you do it. I'll hold your legs for you." They're so sweet! With their words of encouragement I was able to get through most of the video. The funniest part was afterwards, I was trying on my new pants and of course my tummy is my biggest issue all thanks to a very unhealthy life style. So Katelyn comes up and tells me, "See Mom, if you didn't quit that exercise, your tummy wouldn't be so fat." LOL! I have to say I love her honesty. She tells me how it is! And you know what, she is so right! I can't be a quitter!

My run last night was a disappointment. I should have pushed it all the way through, but I couldn't. I ran 2 miles only and walked for 1 mile. Phalen is tough. I'll do better next time, that's a promise! So this morning, I finally pulled my morning run! It was tough, but I did it and that's all I care about! 2 miles=25 minutes. I will improve on my time. I'll work harder!!!

~ Pang

Week 10: Wed, May 19, 2010

I'm trying to get back into the game here...slowing but surely. Monday evening I ran 4 miles in 52 minutes. I'm a slow runner, but I'm not disappointed. I'll work harder. Tuesday evening was a busy night for us. By the time I was able to go out for a run it was already 8:30 which only gave me 30 minutes to run before the sun sets. I ran 2.5 miles that night. Tonight is church night, so that's my 3 mile at the lake. Looking forward to the run, but not the amount of people I'll have to run around. ARggghh...people please, if you're planning to come out to the lake and exercise, walk, run, whatever the deal is, please leave your heels and umbrella's at home! If you're planning to look pretty and find a mate at the lake, please move to the side, so other's can pass. My goodness...that's Phalen for you.

With only 45 days left I have to up my game. My biggest problem is finding the time. This week I have not gone out for any morning runs, which is a no no. I'll need to incorporate that routine back in. I'll be adding strength and core exercises into my training as well. Just have to figure out how to squeeze this in. I need more time and two of me!

Hey Hua, we need a new picture of us!

~ Pang

Tuesday, 05/18/10

Let me check in. I drove down to Oceanside on Sunday and had a great day with my cousin and baby niece. We shopped for 7 hours straight. Seriously!!!!! Guess what????!!!!! I could find clothes in every single store!!!!!! That was the best feeling in the whole world. I even felt skinny!!!!!!!!!! My confidence level has definitely sky-rocketed since running. I'm walking with SWAGGGER!!!!!! LOL!!!! That was a great workout with the walking, but I wanted a more intense workout. After eating, my cousin and I ran to the beach. I ran with my little niece in the stroller for 2.5 miles and walked the other 0.50 mile. I was sweating up a storm, but I'm so glad I did it.

I ran on the treadmill for 30 minutes and cycled on the bike for another 30 minutes on Monday night. Although I was tired and my body was sore from the previous week and weekend workouts, I completed my workout for that day.

Tonight, I ran on the treadmill for 30 minutes at a 4.9 pace and finish the last 5 minutes at a 5.3 pace. Woo baby I worked out a sweat. I was drenched by the end of the 30 minute run, but I wasn't finished. I still had to complete the 30 minute elliptical workout. I finished strong and felt so good. I can't even explain to you how good I feel right now. I just got home 20 minutes ago and need to start on my CORE workout. I'm going to do that while I watch the Biggest Loser. The final four contestants are running a marathon. I can not wait for my marathon!!! I'm focused on the 5K run this Saturday. Bring it on!

Keep pushing hard!!!!

Much love,
Hua-

Week 10: Mon, May 17, 2010

Week 9...unproductive again. I'm slowing falling off track and I can feel the down fall. Not a good feeling. I need to stay away from all of the negative energy that I surround myself in. I've been doing good, but then this negative old "Pang" came back and snuck up on me this weekend. Honestly it was my fault. I know better and should be making better choices for myself. The choices I make clearly effects the outcome of my life. Time to hop back on the positive train and leave all of this negativity behind. That life ended a long time ago. A new beginning has been waiting for me to unfold. I have to be strong enough to embrace it, love it, and hold on to it. I will work hard this week! I know God will walk beside me through my troubles....In return,I shall learn how to walk with him as well.

~Pang

Ran my first 6 miles non-stop!!!!!!

Yes, you heard it right. I ran my first 6 miles non-stop tonight in 1 hour 14 minutes and 33 seconds!!!!!! This run was easy compared to my run this morning at Balboa Lake. Why? There were no hills and it was later in the evening. My body is used to running later at night. The track was smooth and had no dips or hills. It was constant all the way around which made the run that much easier to complete. I only wish all my runs were this easy. Tonight was my long run and I did it!!!!!!

I downloaded my time since using the Garmin watch and this week I ran a total of 20.10 miles and that does not include the miles I ran at the gym. Woohoo!!!!! I only hope the course at the marathon is this smooth!!!!! The training is coming along and the hard work is paying off.

OMG!!! I forgot to add that the entire time I was running there was a vendor at the field selling hot dogs wrapped in bacon. She also had grilled onions and green peppers to go on the side with mustard and mayo. The smell was intoxicating. No, I did not get a hot dog, but it was sure tempting. On the other side a man was selling roasted corn with butter, parmesan cheese and hot pepper. On top of that there were people bbqing. Pure torture!! LOL!!!!

Keep moving and I will too!!!!

Much love,
Hua-

49 Days Left!!!!!!!!!

I can not believe how fast the marathon is approaching. 49 Days left!!!!! I'm excited for the marathon and the 5K run next Saturday!!!!! This will be my 3rd 5K run to date. Can you believe it??????????!!!!!!!

I ran 2 miles yesterday in the morning and another 2 miles in the evening. My work place had Mexican Potluck. I didn't eat a lot but the choices weren't as healthy. I'm not going to beat myself up. Guess what else???? I stepped on the scale and weigh 145 lbs!!!!!!! I'm 10 lbs away from my first goal weight. The vitamins and water have also improved. I'm not drinking as much coffee anymore because I'm drinking more water. Funny, huh???

This morning I woke up and ran at Balboa Lake. I did another 5K by myself (3.2 miles). It took me 34 minutes. I'm not going to let the time get to me. I finished and that's what matters. I have to put things in perspective. Two months ago I would not have been able to do this and to have progress this far is an amazing accomplishment. Yes, I can say I'm a runner now and am training like an athlete. I always feel refresh after my runs and workouts. The endorphins starts to kick in and I feel like I'm on cloud 9. That's the best feeling. I never imagined in a million years that I would be doing this. It's amazing what the body will do when your mind allows you to believe in yourself.

I'm going for another run in the evening to finish my workout for today. Keep pushing forward.

Pang, I'm so glad you checked in. Keep running and I will too. Stay positive! Yes you can and you will.

Much love,
Hua-

Friday: May 14, 2010

I miss running. Seriously, I miss my morning runs, my evening runs...I mean yes, I've physically missed my runs, but emotionally I miss running. Can't wait to get back out tonight!!! The sun is out today, finally my goodness. Two long weeks of cold wet rain! And yes, I did get rained on going out on one of my morning run. Word is the Sun is planning to be nice and stick around MN until Sunday morning, then rain and more rain again. ARgghhh...Hua, send some of your California sun up north to MN! We need some loving here too!

Here's a quick recap of my week:

Mon: 2 mile a.m.
Tue: 2 mile a.m.
Wed: sick - not good.
Thu: sick - in recovery.

~ Pang

Thursday, 05/13/10

Yesterday I was at the gym until 10:15 pm. Yes, it would have been easy to skip out, but that would defeat the whole purpose of this blog. I ran on the treadmill for 30 minutes at a 4.6 pace and ran the last 10 minutes at a 5.0 pace. That's a total of 40 minutes on the treadmill. I was drenched in sweat. Normally I can run a mile in 12 minutes and 30 seconds, but I just barely made 3.2 miles by the end of the run. That left me thinking if the distance on the machine was correct. I moved to the elliptical machine and did that for 30 minutes and finished with the bike for 20 minutes. I was done for the night. Although it was late when I finished, I'm thrilled that I stayed committed and stayed on target.

This morning I woke up at 5:15 am and ran 2 miles. It was cold and my body was not awake. I was breathing hard and got winded pretty quick. Towards the end of mile one I could feel my body waking up and my legs coming to life. It took me 22 minutes and 44 seconds to complete the 2 mile run. I met Saul in the evening and ran another 2 miles. For some reason, I thought my breathing would get better and the heavy breathing would just magically disappear. I'm thankful for the conversation I had with him. He eased my mind about the heavy breathing. Most likely I will continue to breathe heavy until a year out of training. He says it's okay to breathe heavy. That's the whole point to running. It's not easy. It's hard work. I was starting to feel like something was wrong with me. I'll continue to push through the pain. It's all mental and I will continue to stay positive and not let anything negative bring me down. Yes, I'm looking forward to the next 5K run next Saturday. You know what???? There's nothing to be scared or worried about. I've put in the work and I will run it under 30 minutes.

Keep pushing hard!!!!

Much love,
Hua-

Tuesday, 05/11/10

I'm in recovering mode. Yesterday I had a light workout. I ran on the treadmill for 30 minutes and did 50 sit ups using the ball. This has been the easiest workout to date. Thank you Saul for letting me rest. Today, I did 30 minutes on the treadmill and 30 minutes on the bike. I normally don't like the bike, but it wasn't so bad.

My next 5K Run is on May 22nd and I want to run it under 30 minutes. I get winded really fast and out of breath running at a 10 minute pace. How do I overcome this? I'll just have to push harder at the gym. Last week, I worked hard at the gym and when I met Saul to run, I was still out of breath. I try to keep things in perspective: running on a treadmill is completely different than running outdoors. Why is it so much harder running outdoors? I'll just have to keep moving. Yes, I can and I will. Please send me positive energy.

I took all my vitamins today and am still working on the water. I'm getting better. I'll continue to work at it.

Hope you all are moving and are meeting your goals. I have less than two months before the marathon, but it's looking more and more realistic.

Much love,
Hua-

Monday: May 10, 2010

MN weather has been horrible and this week isn't going to be any better. Rain, rain, rain, and more rain. This is why I need to join a gym or buy a treadmill. Week 8 was a very unproductive week. I ran 2 miles on Tuesday and Thursday only, then I finally pulled my first ever non-stop 4 mile on Sunday!!!

I need to up my training going forward. I'll have to work on that goal. This morning I went for a 2 mile morning run. I thought for sure it was going to rain on me, but it didn't. Cross my fingers it won't rain later, because I would like to squeeze in another run. Rain, rain, go away!

~ Pang

Revlon 5k 2010

It's been a busy week for me. I met Saul on Thursday and Friday. I think we ran 3 miles on Thursday and did some major core work. My stomach area was feeling it on Friday and Saturday. I love that feeling. On Friday, we ran another 3 miles and of course stretched and cool down. It was my easy run day since I was running the Revlon 5K on Saturday. Since running, I've been sleeping a lot better and guess what else?????? I can see the changes on my body. My stomach has gone down, my arms are getting slimmer, and I feel better. I still have a lot of work to do, but it's working. I'm happy with the results.

I woke up around 5:30 am on Saturday and made breakfast for my cousin and I before the run. She drove from Oceanside to support and also run. I'm so proud of her. It was a huge event compared to the Seal Beach 5K. There were different promoters, celebrity participation, and food. Yes, food!!!!! That was towards the end of the race. It was hot that day and the race didn't get started until after 9 am. It was an emotional day for lots of people. Getting to the start line was rough and there was a huge turn out, so trying to get a rhythm at the beginning was a lot harder than the last. I'm still an amateur and I'm learning how to glide and pass people. There were some people who just stepped right out in front of me and there was no way to stop the collision. That happened twice. My ankles took a beating trying to get around people. The weather made it that much harder. I worked through it and got to the finish line. My time was roughly 32 minutes!!! I remember I felt light-headed after the 5K run in Seal Beach, but not this time. I worked up a sweat and was breathing hard, but it only goes to show that the training is working and my endurance is getting better and will continue to get better.

I've been on track all week with the exercise, water, vitamins and training. Normally I have one day to rest, but not this week. After the 5K run, my cousin and I went to Santa Monica Beach and walked are butts off. I felt it in my legs, butt, calves and thighs. I felt it everywhere.

Although I was sore, I still worked out with Saul this morning. I knew today was drill day. Every time we do drills, I have to mentally prepare myself. I say a chant, "You are going to have a great workout. You're going to work hard. Yes, you can and you will." It helps me get through the training. I know everyone is at a different fitness level and to some people it might not be difficult, but it was for me. I don't even know how I managed to continue. My legs were tired and felt like they weighed a ton of bricks, but somehow my legs kept pushing. My mind was telling me "I can do this, just move your legs." Guess what? I did. Physically and mentally I was exhausted. I almost started to cry towards the end. This is no joke. I felt like I had no more to give, but somehow was able to do another drill until it was time to stop and cool down. I worked through the pain. Thank you Saul for pushing me and not letting me quit!!!!!!!!

It's been almost two months since I started training and the proof is in the pictures. Check out my arms. They look slimmer and my stomach. Wow! I'm amazed and literally did a double take when I saw the photos. Who's this skinny biatch????!!! ME!!!!! Keep pushing hard! Yes you can and you will!

Much love,
Hua-

Wednesday, 05/05/10

I just wanted to check in. Yesterday, I went to the gym and ran 50 minutes and manage to do the bike for 25 minutes. I ran at an easy pace the first 10 minutes then kicked it up to 5.o and ran for another 10 minutes and repeated this until the 50 minutes was up. Today, I did the bike machine for 30 minutes and ran on the treadmill for 50 minutes. I didn't get the chance to do the eliptical machine. I was worn out by the end of the run. I got home around 8:30 pm and walked over to Walgreens to get some calcium chewables. I'm just having dinner right now. My stomach has been giving me issues, but Im hanging in there. I've been consciencious in regards to water and vitamins. I've been drinking water and taking my vitamins on a more consistent basis. I'm super tired and can't find enough energy to write more. Keep pushing forward!!!!

Much love,
Hua-

Week 8: Wed, May 5, 2010

Sorry, I've been MIA for a few days, so I'll will try to keep this short. I had a great time at the women's retreat. I met some extraordinary women...women whom I would assume that I have nothing in common with. Women ranging from 90 years old to 18 years old...All of these beautiful strong hearted Hmong women coming there for one common goal. An opportunity to meet a friend, to make a new friend, and to bring oneself closer to God. Hearing their laughter's, their tears, their bravery, their part 1 & 2, and their pain of losing their lost loves. I am so proud of my Hmong sisters. The pain and heartache they've experience is nothing compare to the faith and love they have for Jesus. It was truly, truly a work of miracle only God have the power to do. Thank you Lord for all of your blessings.

In regards to my running...oh my goodness, have I ever been bad! I have been worn out since last Friday. On top of that, the retreat was double exhaustion!!! Fri - Mon I didn't run at all, then Tuesday I ran 2 miles a.m. only. I'll have to work and push myself harder this week. Goal is to hit that 30 min mark. Not just once, but every day. Good luck to me!

~ Pang

Monday, 05/03/10

I woke up this morning and my entire body ached from Sunday's workout. I'm pretty proud of myself. I warmed up by running a mile. That was the easy part. The second part of the training kicked my @ss, but I stayed positive and remained focus and managed to run the 400 meter on an average pace of 8 1/2 minutes. I ran a lap and walked around the track and repeated this 4 times. By the fourth drill, my legs were starting to feel like jello. Guess what? The last drill was my best time 7 minutes and 30 seconds. Go me!!!!! I finished the workout session with an easy pace 2 mile run.

Today, I ran on the treadmill for 45 minutes and cooled down for 5 minutes. During the middle of my run, the guy next to me stop my treadmill. He irriated the crap out of me. He finished his run and went to get paper towel to clean his station. The girl next to me jumped on his machine. She was literally already on the machine and he had the freakin' nerve to jump on back of her and attempted to clean the station. His butt hit the stop button on the side of my machine. I must have given him the dirtiest look, 'cuz he apologized for messing up my flow. I got my workout in and that's what matters.

Pang, how was the retreat? Exercise? Walk? Run? Check in!

Hope you all are moving!

Much love,
Hua-

Sunday, 05/02/10

Guess what!!!! I got my Garmin Forerunner 305 on Friday. Who-hoo!!!! Now I can track my distance and time. I'm really excited to use it. I'll let you know how it goes.

I'm going to meet with Saul today and do drills. I just finished eating cereal and need to start drinking water. I wanted to give everyone a quick recap. I ran 4 miles on Friday and struggled with it. It's that time of the month. Did you know that can effect how you run? I had no idea. I was out of breath in the first mile. It was hard, but I pushed through it. We also did some core work. I' plan on doing them tonight before I hit the sack. I'll need to write it on paper, so I can hold myself accountable. I also ran 3 miles on Saturday morning. My right side started to hurt during the course of the run. Saul said it's probably because my form was off balance and I wasn't breathing correctly. Yes, I have bad form and will try to be more mindful when I'm walking and running. Stick your pelvis and chest out. Walk like you're the sh@t! I was hoping not to struggle as much on my long runs, but I finished and pushed through it. Next time it will be a lot better. I have to say running on sand and grass is a lot harder than running on concrete or a track. I get winded faster, my body gets tired faster, and my legs feel a lot heavier. It's a good thing that I am training on different types of terrain, so nothing will surprise me when I run the marathon.

I'll keep you posted after my workout today.

Keep pushing forward!

Much love,
Hua-