Fill the Shoes 5k

On November 5 I ran my second 5k. This time was different because I was not running with one of my running partners, but I was running with James and 2 of my friends in The Fill the Shoes 5k in Kingstowne, VA. I ran my first 5k in September and my time was 33 minutes flat. After that race I knew I wanted to get faster and that I could do better. After I signed up for the race I decided to keep the same training program, but concentrating in getting faster.

After a couple of weeks of training I started to notice that I was running a little faster. I was beyond excited because I knew I was going to be able to beat my last personal record, I just did not know by how much (since I am new at running). I knew that when the race came I  wanted to keep my last time or run it at least 1-2 minutes faster (I was really aiming for 31 minutes).

The Wednesday before the race James and I decided to run the race course to get a feeling for it before the race. It was a cold afternoon and a new course, but I was able to run it in 31 minutes. That made me feel better. I was going to be able to beat my last time.

The day of the race came and it was a really cold morning. I was nervous because I did not know if the cold would affect my time. Needless to say it was so cold that I think that my body decided to run faster and I finished the 5k in 30.08. I was beyond excited when I crossed the finish line and saw the time. Why? you ask. The last .25 mile was hard because I started to hit "The Wall". I wanted to quit, I was cold, I was hurting and I just wanted to quit, but then I saw James (my savior) waiting for me and I told him "I'm tired", but something came over me as soon as he started to run along side of me, I knew I could do it...

Official result

Running has changed my life and I am excited that I have been able to start racing. Racing keeps me motivated to keep on running. I was never a competitive person, but running has made me understand how to become better at something and not to quit, even when I want to.


See you real soon,
Nats

Blessed Me with Blessed Friends

Hello again, it's been a while. I've been busy with work and social events...

This week I've been remained more that once to count my blessings, so here is my number one blessing: friends...

Friends and family are the one constant in our lives. Sometimes we make friends and sometimes we loose friends. All we have to think about is that your true friends will accept you for who you are, even when you make a mistake. I've been lucky enought to have great friends who have always been there for me and I've been there for them as well. I'm lucky of all the awesome,sweet, sincere, and loyal friends I have in my life. I am glad continue to meet new people and establish new friendships...

So to all of you of whom I call a friend thank you for being in my life. You have made it a better life and I enjoy your company.


So if you have friends that you haven't seen in a while, or you've had a problem with, contact them and re-establish that friendship...


See you next time,
Nats

Breaking my Running Plateau

I know it's been a while, so here is my new post.

I will be running another 5k on November 5 along side James, which means I'm in training mode. It hasn't been the easiest since I am back at work and taking additional classes. I am following the same training that I did for my first race, so I know it now and it is easier than last time. I try to run the 5 days as it tell you, but some weeks because of class and such I only run 4 times. I just make sure I do the long run, which I think it is important.

For the past month I have been complaining to James about hiting a running plateau. Not in the sense of I can't run farther, but in the sense that I am not getting faster, like I thought I would when I became comfortable with my running pattern.

Last week things changed a little. The training dictates that the day before a long run you run less miles so you are ready for the longer run the next day. So, last SaturdayI had to run two miles. I set out to run it in 22 minutes or around 21:30 since that is what I  ususally average when I run. I started runnning and 3/4 into my first mile I feel as if I'm running a little bity faster than normal. I don't feel winded nor tired, but I feel something. When I checked my watch it look like I was running around 9:30 pace. I was surprised to see that and kept going. My second mile was a little bit slower, but I was able to finish my run in 19:59, that is 2 minutes faster than I've ever done before. That is a Personal Record (PR) and it felt so good.

I know at some point I will get even better and I will break other personal records, but for now I'll take this one. Who would have thought that I could run .25 miles when I first started running, let alone break a PR, but all I know is that running has changed my life in a very positive way. The point of this is that you can do anything you want to do, if you put your mind into it. Also, if you are having a hard time at work, life in general, etc, try to find something that will make you happy, and you'll see how your life can change for the better.

My 2 mile run on 10/15 

My training plan. It is 12 weeks, but I have done it in 4. I do the first 3 weeks and then the last week. 

Until Next Time and keep your feet traveling,
Nats

Count your Blessings

This blog post will not be long, like the last few. Today, I was reminded of how lucky I am and that I should count my blessings. We all go through life complaining about the stupidist things, while there are soldiers that get hurt every single day to ensure our freedom and instead of complaining about their lost limbs, etc, they embrace life.

Today I was remainded that I should embrace life and just live life to its fullest. You should do too.

Until Next Time,
Nats

The Dreaded 30!

Last week I turned the dreaded age of 30! In the months leading up to it I wasn't very happy with turning that age. I refused to let go of my 20's that I've enjoyed so much. I felt as if I was letting go of all the great and not so great memories in the last 10 years. In those 10 years, I've met amazing people that are still part of my life, I've lost 3 family members, got my heart broken and met the love of my life. Are you following why I didn't want to let go?

A couple of months before turning 30 I got a message from one of my cousins saying that she was getting married on my birthday/ her birthday... on MY BIRTHDAY!!! I wasn't thrilled, but got over it quickly because I was able to realize that I will be celebrating my birthday with most of my family, something I haven't done since I moved to the states.

James and I in front of La Capilla de Cristo (my place of prayer)

Traveling feet in Old San Juan

When we arrived in Puerto Rico I was excited about being there, but still not excited about turning that age! James and I got to spend some time in Old San Juan before my family got there and I took both of us to lunch at Raices. Then we just spent time in Old San Juan being silly tourist. That night I got to hang out with my cousin Monica and her boyfriend, my uncle and his wife, my sister, my parents and Jamie at the hotel room. Just a lay low night before the big party the next day.

    Soaking up the Puerto Rico sun                                Traveling feet at the beach... my favorite sand

On Saturday (the day I turned the dreaded 30) I woke up early, went and got a coffee and took a stoll down the beach. I just thought about the last 30 years of my life and how great they had been. That is when I realized that I needed to stop pouting about turning 30 and start embracing the next 30 years of my life, because I knew that I would make them as good or as bad as I wanted. I realized that I was right where I wanted to be, I am in the best shape of my life, and I have a great family and amazing friends and an amazing boyfriend whom I love with all my heart.

Dancing girlies

My cousin and I celebrating our birthday

My dad, my sister and I dancing

My dad and I dancing merengue

James and I dancing merengue

Morales-Ortiz, Morales-Arroyo and Morales-Rodriguez family

Morales-Arroyo, Morales-Troche and Snoddy-Morales family

So after that I set off to have the best birthday anyone could ask for. When we got to my cousins reception, I knew that was excatly what I was going to do. I danced all night, with James, my dad, my sister, my cousins and my cousins girlfriend. They sang happy birthday to me and the 2 other people that were celebrating their birthday on the same day. I had to endure James getting the garter and my parents friends asking when we were going to get married, ect. A great weeding and a greater birthday.

Overall, it was a great day and the best birthday yet. I understood that age is just a number and that even though I am 30 that doesn't mean I have to act like it.

In the rocking chair waiting to eat at Raices.

Until next time,
Nats