Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Stretch, Stretch, Stretch

I worked out on Sunday and when I woke up on Monday...the side of my legs were killing me. They felt very sore and tender. I Googled and a "diagnosis" was shin splints. However, I don't think it is that. Perhaps this is just the "hurting phase" of physically doing something different. I put ice on my legs Monday and Tuesday, took Ibuprofen and stretched more and decided to rest.

Today, I skipped the optional team practice and walked on my own. I went to a local park and walked the track with my friend Yvonne who is training for a 5K this weekend. I was telling her I am being pretty hard on myself right now, because I feel that I should not be in pain. When I told her this was my second week, she encouraged me by saying "Give it time." So I am. I guess my biggest fear is that I will get hurt and not participate, but that is just not an option for me. So, I will stretch in the morning, before/after training, and at night. I will carry my Tiger Balm with me at all times. Take my Ibuprofen and ice/heat when necessary. I am determined.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

415

I got up this morning at 4:15 in order to be at training at 5:45. My dog who was passed out on the couch even looked at me like I was crazy. lol Took a shower and put on my practice jersey, got my water belt ready, (who would ever think I would be doing this) ate some toast and was on my way. The team started off with announcements at 6:00 and took off around 6:15. The beginning of the walk was a little hard. The side of my legs were hurting, I am hoping that this will go away as I practice more. Determined not to be the last one I would run a bit then walk. However, for being so tall I would think that I would have longer strides. That was not the case, because everytime I would catch up to the group I would fall behind again. I was starting to get a little tired at about 2.5 mile, but I kept thinking about all the cancer patients and what they have to go through and I pressed on. They had us run in passed the finish line as they took pictures. Now there is proof out there how red my face was. lol

Went to my Weight Watchers meeting after training and I lost 3.4. Hoping that as I shed this weight, the training will get easier.

Can't let all those people who donated down, can't let myself down, and most importantly all those people with cancer that I am walking and fundraising for.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Faith

06/11/09
I have this friend (like family) whose husband of one year was diagnosed with stomach cancer in December. He went through chemo and surgery to remove the mass a couple of months ago. The surgery went well, the doctors said the mass was contained. Then while he was in the hospital they were told that it spread to his lymph nodes and he would start up on chemo when he regained his strength. Well, he had his round of chemo today and they found another mass. He is going for a doctors appointment where they will give him more information. I am hearing bits and pieces from different people so I hope I am understanding the information correctly.
Didn't work out today, went to an ACTS meeting.

06/12/09
I spoke to my friend today and the doctor said that they are shocked and confused as to what is happening, they think the mass is attached to the stomach muscles. Still not sure if it is Stage III or IV. Her husband is staying positive. They have amazing faith. They have had so much to deal with and yet they stay positive and faithful. I pray that God heals him, that God strengthen her as a wife and mother, and that their daughter will grow up with both her parents guiding and loving her.
Went to gym walked 2.34 miles in 45 minutes at a 3.0 speed 1.5 incline. Have my first 6am training tomorrow.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

First Mid Week Practice

Today was our first mid week practice at Brackenridge and it went well. Of course as I was walking the first mile. I was wondering "Why wasn't I more athletic in high school?","Please, Lord don't let my legs cramp up!" and "Can I really do this?" I came to the conclusion that "Hell Yeah I Can!"

After we completed 1.5, I felt pretty good. I had a good stride going. I slowed down a bit for one team member who developed a blister. She wanted us to go ahead and said she would catch up, but I kept thinking of the toy soldiers from Toy Story. We don't leave any soldiers behind. LOL We ended up finishing the 3 mile in an hour. My goal is to build up to a combo run/walk.

Today was awesome. My cousin Robert and his wife Candy made a generous donation and Robert forwarded my page to his colleges at KinderMorgan. I can't log on to my page right now because of maintenance, but I know three or four of his friends donated (I wish I could list their names, but I will soon). I am just in awe of their generosity. I want to thank you for helping the Society get one step closer to finding a cure.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Being a Gonzalez Rocks!

I sent out a couple of emails to family members yesterday and I quickly got responses and donations. It really just touched my heart and made me very proud to be a Gonzalez. We don't always see each other or talk as much as we would like or probably should, but it was just amazing to know that we support each other. Thank you so much Johnny, Vicky, and Robert.

Well I had my days mixed up and we didn't train today. I instead went to a fundraising clinic. The discussed how important it is to work on our website, send out letters, set up fundraisers, and attend the activities that the LLS has set up for us. If we do all this. We will make our goals

Want to know what was really cool about tonight? Well let me tell you. As I was walking into the clinic, I recognize this guy (Daniel) that I used to work with at St. Phillips College. We caught up and I found out he will be running in San Francisco as well. What is really awesome is that we will hopefully do the extra fundraising activities together. We are all nervous about making our goals, so it will make it easier if we work together and support one another. Yeaaa Go Team!

Tomorrow is training for sure. Will hopefully post some pictures soon of us training and me in my practice jersey.

By the way, I cut my hair short. Like it alot.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Shoe Clinic

Today I went to Soler Sports for a shoe clinic. Okay... so I get there and I see all these runners with no shirts on and these really fit women in sports tanks and I am sitting in my Jeep thinking "What am I doing here?" So I call my friend Kitty to get over my "second thoughts" and I am glad I did. (Turns out that all those runners were not there for the clinic, but for a daily run.)

Well the clinic was full of new team members just like me. We were all wondering what type of shoes would be best, discussing whether we are going to be able to get up in time to make a 6am training on Saturday, and how we are going to fund raise.

The shoe clinic was led by Paul and he discussed the three types of arches and what shoes are best for the different types: flat, medium and high arch. In order to find my arch type, they observed how I walked and then had me stand on this monitor that takes your shoe size and calculates the weight distribution (I think). I fall in the mid arch and the shoes that were recommended were
Mizuno. I was not crazy about the color (white and orange), but they are beyond comfortable.

I have a mid week training tomorrow at Brackenridge Park. Will post tomorrow, if I can move. LOL

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Kick Off Party

Yesterday morning was the Kick Off Party for the Fall Season at the Bright Shawl . I was a little nervous, but this summer is all about stepping out of my comfort zone. Any who - so I check in and go through several stations. I check my mailbox, take a mugshot (really), pick up my practice jersey, and then check out some of the vendors that are set up in the hallway. Finally, the presentation is about to start and I ask the only person I know (Jennifer) where my mentor's table is. I am informed that my mentor will not be present, because she was in route to a cruise (lucky her). I find my table and meet other members of my team. It is hard to believe that these new faces will soon become new friends.

The presentation began with staff members introducing the coaches, mentors and honoree members. We also met a cancer survivor who is currently training for a marathon. Her story was amazing and uplifting. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and then diagnosed in 2007 with lymphoma. I sat there with a lump in my throat listening to her experiences with chemotherapy and radiation. She is a survivor and inspiring. The whole presentation confirmed how important it is to give back and help those who are battling cancer. I cannot express how proud I am to be a part of this organization.