2 Days Away....

Why does my feet hurt?

My heels spurs are bugging me.

During Salsa my knee started to hurt.

Am I getting a cold?

Can I really do this?

When I ran the Manhattan Half in January I was not prepared. I didn't do enough of the right training. After learning my lesson the hard way, I have prepared myself for this half. 13 weeks of training. 13 weeks of running at least three times a week.

I want finish. I want to get my bling.

My Bestie and BBB are going to be at the finish line waiting for me. I can't wait to see them and give them both smelly, sweaty hugs. I know I am going to cry.

I am so nervous.

I want Saturday to get here.

Japan Day

Mother's Day weekend was great. I celebrated with a family run. Months ago I had decided that I want the kids to run a Kids' Race. My tweenager, Big Bea, was on the fence about doing it because she is all about books and the arts instead of sports or getting sweaty. I let her think about it and she decided that she wanted to run with Big and Little Al. Unfortunately, she got sick this weekend and could not make it. 

We all usually pack into the car and head down to NYRR HQ the Friday before a race to pick up my bib. Because she was feeling under the weather she stood home with Daddy and Little Al while I travelled to get the family bibs with Big Al. Oh man was he excited. He loves one on one time with Mommy. We traveled down and we had many conversation the whole way down there. When we go in the car the kids never go in with me. They outside with Daddy and I quickly run in and out. Going in was an amazing experience for him. See all the people rushing around up and down. He was excited when it was his turn to get his bib. He really didn't understand what the bib was for but he loved it anyway. He got his tee-shirt and counted out 12 safety pins for him and his sisters. A few people were annoyed that we were going "slow." Screw them we were having our moment. The tee-shirt guy was kind enough to take our picture.

He totally get his smile from me. 

The game plan for the family race was Daddy was going to take the kids down to Central Park before the Kids' Race and I was going to head out two hours before them for my race. In order for that to happen I had to:

1-Getting EVERYTHING ready for myself and the kids Saturday night

2-Made sure that all of Daddy's questions were answered

3-Deliver sick Big Bea to her grandmother

4-Pray that it all goes well without me there

All the excitement and worried left me sleepless. I only got 3 hours worth of sleep. I knew that this was going to affect my pace. My goal was to set a 12:45 pace. After studying my splits for the last three races, I noticed that my first two miles I can pull a 12:30 pace without a problem. On my third mile I slow down. The hills on this part of the course aide with the slower pace. I have only notice that this happens on my training runs. I tried to keep my motivation going by writing my goal on my arm. The words were almost all gone by the time I got to the corrals. 

I had everything ready for myself and the kids in record time. I was proud of myself. I usually wait until before bedtime to get ready and end up pushing back my bedtime because I take too long. I am really getting good at prepping my kinesiology tape. I cut my tape the day before which is a big morning time saver. I was able to get my taping time down to 5 minutes. 

Look at those sexy legs....nah just look at the tape. I tape for Plantar Fasclities, Heels Spurs, Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) and Knee Support. My husband calls me a poorly wrap Christmas present. This tape job is a 100 times better than my first job. 

Dear Left Foot, 

I love that I don't have to tape you. Keep up the good work.

Love, The Awesome Mom

I thought I wasn't have to make it down to Central Park early thanks to the MTA gods I made it in time. Before the race started it started to rain on and off. This led me to debate if I should run with my hoodie. When I got to the baggage area I decided to leave it. It's better to be cold than hot. 

I quickly met with my race buddy, Alnardo and his peeps. 

He really wanted it to rain. He wanted to run in the rain at Saturday's 10k. The sun came out just for him. (at both races) He had to take his rain gear off and wrap it around his waist.

I was ready to go. I kept reminding myself that I couldn't slow down after I saw the 3rd mile maker. I was pacing very will the first 10 minutes. A lady in heather gray and purple was pacing back and fourth with me. Then some where around the 1.5 mark (I think) my racing buddy, Alexie found me. He started to pace with me. That was great. He is a little faster then me but he was right there with me. We walked and jogged at the same pace for the rest of the race. We didn't talk much because I was using all my energy to run. Nonetheless, it was still great running with someone instead of by myself.

When I got to the third mile maker I had no idea what my pace was. My headphones cut out. I can't hear my stats. Of course I slowed down because of all those darn hills. Alexie and I have some great photos of us taken by the course photographers.

When the race was done I quickly went to baggage and started my search for my Bestie and my husband with the kids. Before I found them I found him.

I don't know his name but he runs ALL of the NYRR races. I even gave him his medal at the NYC Half. I want to be like him when I grow up. We had a quick chat. I asked him if he remembered me giving him his medal and he entertained me and he said yes. I can't wait to see him at the Brooklyn Half.

I head to the kids area and found my Bestie first. I am terrible at picking people out of a crowd. Like I've said many times I can only pick my kids out of a crowd. I found my husband because I spotted Little Al first. I saw her hair ties.

We split up into the age "corrals." Myself and Little Al and Daddy, Bestie and Big Al. The little guys and gals in Little Al's age group run with their parent. I ran right along with her. It was so exciting to see her run. I didn't have to drag her. She saw all the other girls running and she did the same.

We collected her ribbon and ran to get a stop to watch Big Al run. We got a great spot and Bestie got some great shots. lol

When I looked up I saw that Big Al was having an overwhelming moment. Daddy wiped away the tears and he looked focused. Then they were off!!!

Big Al was not the fastest and he didn't care. He ran! He ran just like the other boys his age. He was happy. I am so proud that he was out there. GO BIG AL GO!! I was not nervous that he was going to be lost in the crowd of little people. I taught him to stay in one place if you can not find Mommy or Daddy. Remind him of last before and after ballet class. When he got his ribbon he looked up and didn't see anything he knew. He stood right there until I got to him.

I didn't reach the goal that I set for myself but my time was awesome anyway. I paced at 13:30. That was the pace goal that I set for my last 4 mile race.

We came home and relaxed the rest of the day. I am so proud that my kids were able to handle the crowd and the excitement. Their ribbons mean a lot more then just completing a race. It represents that my kids can do anything. Autism or Sensory Integration Disorder is not going to hold them back....I am not going to either.

This was a great Mother's Day. 

The Brooklyn Half is almost here!

Only 6 days until the Brooklyn Half.

I am can see my goal. I am feel my goal. I am feel the course. I am listening to my body. I hear that is it really for the 13.1 miles. 

Here's the plan:

Miles: 1 - 6.2 (10K)

Pace: 13:08 minutes per mile  Time: 1 hour 21minutes

Miles 6.3-12.4 (10K)

Pace: 13:30 minutes per mile Time: 1 hour 23 minutes

Miles 12.4 - 13.1

JUST RUN! 

Total time: + 2 hour and 45 minutes 

I figure I would make it over the finish line in about 3 hours. 

I plan on carrying my hydration belt with 10oz of Gatorate and 10oz of Water.  

Let's do this!

Maybe She Is Not Ready To Be In The Big Show

Everything I drop Little Al off to Creative Moment I always ask myself, "Is she ready to handle the big show?" A lot happens during the big show. There is a lot of waiting for your time to shine. There is a lot of girls and boys back stage. There is tons of excitement. More waiting to get on stage for your number. Loud music, bright lights, flashing lights and cheering from the crowd. Big Bea and Big Al were both able to handle their time in the spotlight. Will Little Al follow suit?

A few weeks back I asked her dance teacher if she was able to do it. She said yes. Little Al needs a strong led and she will do it. A huge weight was lifted off my shoulders when she said that.

During day to day play time Big Bea is her strong led. She is able to follow along without a problem...well very little problem.

Mom needs to stop worrying...

She is going to do fine.

TD Five Boro Bike Tour 2013

I am pleased to announce that I successful completed the TD Five Boro Bike Tour for the 2nd time. OH YEAH!!!

I am so happy that I have another Five Boro under my belt. This year I wasn't as nervous as last year. I know what was coming and I wasn't afraid of anything. The only thing that worried me was the bag restrictions due to the events that happened at the Boston Marathon. I was all ready to go with my Basil Saddlebags when I got the email stating that it wasn't allowed. I made a Target run the night before and got a tiny handlebar bag and water bottle cage. 

For the third Sunday in a row I woke up at 5am. It seemed easier this week. I guess my body is getting used to getting up that early on my day off. I get dressed very quickly and headed out the door with Lenny in less than 10 minutes I was at the closest train station. 

Not too long after being at the station another tour rider bumped into. It was nice to bump into something in the Bronx going to the event as me. I usually ride alone. The gentleman I bumped into was Rueben. (Hi, Rueben!)He was apart of the entertainment and marketing of the tour. He was nervous about getting dressed up for this event and especially nervous that he was going to be late. I thought it was awesome that he was spreading joy dress up like a bunny. ;-) Rueben left the train before I did. He figured that he can mash down to where he needed to be faster than the train. 

I made it down to the start line just about 7:25-ish. I was very happy to be apart of the first wave. I didn't have to worry too much about bottle-necking and traffic stops. You could really feel the energy of the crowd as the time got closer to start time. 

Of course as soon as I found a nice spot to wait I was on the look out for Sheryl. I didn't find her but I was determined to search for her in the crowd as we began to move. I think Sheryl is the only non family member that I can pick out of a crowd. Plus its easy to find her since she is riding a pink Hello Kitty. (AWESOME!) 

As we started to roll I wasn't nervous to ride close to other rider like I use to be. I wasn't wobbly. Once I got passed the start I high tailed uptown. I was able to keep my speed between 12 & 15 mph. It was an awesome feeling to know that I was able to do this. I made it the top of Manhattan in 25 minutes! YAY!  

Just before I got to the Third Avenue, I noticed something pink at the corner of my eye. It was Sheryl! It rode passed me. There was about 10 people in between us so I know she didn't see me. I felt like I was playing a cat and mouse game. Chasing Sheryl into the Bronx. As soon as we reached the Bronx rolled right up to her. It was funny because she said when she thinks of the Bronx she thinks of me. We pulled over to the Bronx water stop and chatted for a little bit. We were freezing. I hurried off because I didn't want the crowds to start building up. She stood behind for water. 

I kept Lenny going and didn't take my official break until the FDR rest stop. There I refilled my water, grabbed a banana and a bagel and kept it going. 

The next thing I knew I was at the Queensboro Bridge. I knew I wasn't going to be able to do the incline. I was hoping that I could. I tried my best but my knee wouldn't let me. 

Once over the bridge the next rest stop seemed to come quickly. Every rider was force to go to the Astoria rest stop. Security was very tight. I grabbed a sip of water and kept going. 

The miles seem to go by quickly because I felt I got to the Con Ed rest stop super fast. I grabbed a Red Bull and found a good spot to take another picture of Lenny. As I was getting ready to take a shot someone from behind said that I had an awesome bike. I turned around to find Dan. (Hi Danny.) It turns out that we are Facebook friends. I didn't recognize him. This was a funny way to real life met. Good job Danny. Dan does Social Cycling NYC every Thursday. I said hello to his peeps and I went on my way. 

When we were heading to Brooklyn Danny and his peeps were cheering me on. That was very awesome! Thanks guys.

The ride to Brooklyn Bridge Park was an easy one. It's an awesome feeling to think that any part of this tour was easy. 

I didn't stay too long hard either. Time to get moving to Staten Island! Staten Island was 9 miles away. Those 9 miles were very long. I stopped for a moment to relax my legs and feet. I noticed that I better at listening to my body. I am able to stop, rest and not push my body to a point where I am potentially injury myself. 

I knew there was a rest stop waiting for me right before the Verrazano Bridge. I stopped near the rest stop. I didn't actually go into it because it looked like there was a lot of people there. I kind of pulled off to the side to shake off some pain I was feeling in my knees. I was complimented on my bike again and when I looked up I saw Dame aka @damerous from Instagram. (Hi, Dame)  I did not recognize him at first but it click after chatting for a little bit. He was going faster than his group and he was waiting for them to catch up.

Not it was game time....Verrazano Bridge time! I wanted to.....I really really wanted to ride the incline. My knee did not want any part of that incline. So this Awesome Mom walked the incline. Yes I did. As I walked good old Lenny I heard my name. I had no idea who was cheering me one. She went right back me and kept it moving. Whom ever she was she was rocking and rolling up that inclined. It turns out that it was @B3lla87 from Instagram. (Hi, Bella!) She is @damerous's girlfriend. We didn't take a picture together but it was great having a drive by meeting. 

I walked the inclined as fast as I could. I wanted to finish. BOOM POW! Finished! 

I didn't stay long at the festival especially not after last year's three hour wait to get off of Staten Island. 

I felt a little sea sick on the Ferry. I was just so happy to be on my way home. I took a nap during the Ferry to prevent any vomiting. It really did the trick. When we got on dry land you don't know how excited I was to see a sign with my favorite location on it....The Bronx.

By the time I made it home I biked 43.3 miles over 5hr hours. 

This bike tour was hands down the best yet. I can't wait to do the next one. 

Run As One

Today's race kind of creeped up on me. I've been so busy and stress at work I couldn't "see" this race. I wasn't hyped. I was still kind of disappointed of my pace from last week's race. I didn't want to be "late" to this race again. All the rushing and the worrying before the race takes away from my focus.

I got myself ready to the day before just like I always did except I cut all the tape that I needed for the race. I noticed that the tape cutting in the morning was not working out for me. I needed the tape cutting out of the way. I could have taped up that night but I can't sleep well with all that tape on my legs. So the taping has to be left for the morning. (I will dedicate a post on what is it that I am actually taping.)

While cutting the tape I set a pacing goal for myself. My goal was to do a 13:30 minute per mile pace. My best race pace was 13:35. This was at my first race. I need to shave some time off my pace. I have done a lot of training and I needed to make this happen.

I set my alarm to 5am. If someone would have told myself six or seven years ago I would be waking up at 5am to go to a race on a Sunday, I would have laughed in their face. I've been doing these Sunday races for just a few months and it's been difficult to get up each and every time. This Sunday I managed to peel myself out of the bed without hitting the snooze. I stumbled into the living room, grabbed my race day pile on the sofa and headed to the bathroom with one eye open. I successfully taped and geared up by 5:45am.

I was still very sleepy when I was done but I did not stop. I knew if I sat on my sofa I was going to fall back to sleep and I would be late. I avoided my sofa at all cost! I successfully left my apartment at 6:05am. I walked to the closet train station. I was not depending on a bus to get me there. I got to the station at 6:40am. I whole 20 mins sooner than I did the weekend before. 

The MTA Gods were on my side. The train that I had to take was running express in the Bronx. I love it when things go my way. I made it to Central Park at 7:35am. This made me very happy. That meant no rushing, no running like a chicken and no craziness. 

I got to my corral and met up with my race buddy, Al. The corral was empty. It stay empty for a while and sudden it started to get full and we were pushed up to the 7,000's corral. I was happy about that. That mean I would be running with a crowd and not "by myself."

As the corrals started to move across the start line I spotted Sheryl. I am happy I spotted her I would have never caught up to her once she started her pace. I think we have our picture pose down pack. (Looks familiar? Manhattan Half)

Photo taken by Sheryl Yvette

Once Al and I hit the starting line we were off. I was able to stick with him at his pace for about 0.5 miles. When we hit the first slight hill on the course I started to draft back and he went off a head of me.  I was happy that I was able to keep up with him even if it was for just a short distance. 

As I slowed down I keep telling myself that I needed to have a 13:30. I programmed my MapMyRun app to tell me my distance, current pace and splits pace every five minutes. I was doing great at each alert for the first two miles. During the third mile my pace slowed down. As soon as I hear that my pace was slower than my goal I picked up the pace. I wasn't feeling any pains on my body. Which was AWESOME! 

I felt very strong crossing the finish line! When I stopped and save my app it recorded my pace to be 12:53. I knew this was off because I started and ended my app before the start and after the finish. I didn't think that I ran that fast anyway. I always wait for NYRR to post the results before I get excited. 

I met up with my race buddy and met a few new friends. Al and I took a week-niversary picture of our running friendship. (His words not mine.)

We stood around for the raffle. There I saw Alexie, around race budding. We waited for the raffle to be drawn and parted ways. 

I like to wait until 10:30am to check if NYRR posted the results of the race. It just so happens that I was in the train station at that time. I check the website....the results were up....I scroll over to my pace and see 13:08!!!!!! I start laughed and jumping on the train platform like a crazy person. No only to I make my goal (in the words of Sheryl) I SLAUGHTERED my goal! I achieved my personal record! 

I am so proud of myself. I still can't believe that I did it. All the training and dragging myself to the gym when I was tired paid off. This has made me mentally prepared for the Brooklyn Half. LET'S DO THIS!

Run for the Parks

Sunday's race was the first NYRR race since the Boston Marathon. The days leading up to the race it felt like I got 100 e-mails from NYRR about the major changes with baggage and course securities. I wasn't worried about the changes. I knew that I just needed to get my bunz to Central Park as early as possible. I was more concern about my health then any thing else.

For the last two weeks I have been VERY stressed out at work. So much stressed that it has effect my health. The stress brought on side effects of my anemia. I have had documented iron deficiency anemia since I was about 12. The on set of my menstrual cycle was the cause of the noticeable change in iron levels. My anemia has also been linked to the lead-poisoning which happened when I was a about two years old. The stress and the cycle pushed my anemia to the limit. I was very weak the weekend prior to the race. I was dizzy and cold, not a good sign at all. I was able to sleep it off along with some vitmans.  As the week continued my stress did not go away. (Thank you NYS testing!)

The night before the race I was restless. I only got about four hours sleep. I wasn't nervous or worried about the race I was just up. The stress from work just kept floating around in my brain. Of course because I didn't get enough sleep....I over slept. I got up 30 minutes later than what I was suppose to in order to adjust to the NYRR changes. This wasn't going to be good I tell ya.

I rashed the best way that I could but you can't rush taping up body parts. It comes out all wrong if you rush. I got out of the door at 6:45am. I didn't to be out the door at 6:25am. I was in the downtown 2 train at 7am. My IG running buddy, Alnardo was kiking me to hurry up and get down to the park at 7:15am. I was still in the Bronx! OH NO!

When I got to the park I had no idea where anything was. Everything was moved around for security and traffic control. I was running around like a chicken with no head! I missed the moment of silent for Boston and the national anthem. I hear the gun go off of the elite runners yet again. This was not good. Why did I do this to myself AGAIN?! I made it to my corral..which is the end of course. I did my best to focus on the task a head of me. 4 miles.

My first goal for this race was to run the first 2-miles without walking. After which I could walk for two minutes and run the rest. Nice plan huh? Too bad my body didn't want to go along with the plan. My ankle was singing to me the moment I picked up speed. My stomach started to become upset at about 2.5 miles. I kept slowing down and walking. Right when I hit the three mile mark I hit a great big wall! All these thoughts of giving up and quitting running all together rushed through my mind. I convinced myself, at that very moment, that I could not an will not do the Brooklyn Half.

I had to shake off that feeling. I focused back on my surrounding and the people running around me. Then I saw her. A runner that I have seen in the last three races. I call her Mrs. Puffy Pants. She is a heavy set women that wears black running shorts with biking shorts under. The wind makes her running short puff up. I found her again....and I had to pass her and beat her to the finish line. I think she is very awesome. She kicks all the races in the bunz. If I see her at the next race I am going to stop her and tell her how awesome she really is. I passed her and I kept going.

I finally heard the MC at the finish line. I knew I was close. I had my eyes on the fences to the finish line. The two ladies that were ahead of me jetted to the finish line. Their energy and excitement transferred on to me. I kicked it into high gears and made a run for that finish line. I can't wait to see the professional pictures of that finish. I bet it's going to be awesome.

I found a few people at the finish line. I found:

Alnardo, IG followers and New Running Buddy

Angela, Easter Seals Bronx CDC Director

I also found someone I met at the NYC Half, we didn't take a picture. Next time we will.

Because of the wall I hit at mile three my pace of the race was a 14:01. I am not happy with that. I will fix that for the next race.

You Have A Long Life Ahead Of You..

An interaction I had with Little A's dance teacher a few days ago keeps rolling around in my head.

Her dance teacher is really trying to connect with her she asked me how do I get her out of her little happy world and get her to play along. She physically takes her in to play. (She is not hurting her course.)  I told her that I do the same at home to get her to do anything. She is nervous about getting her to play along on stage during the big show.

Our conversation continued...

She had mention something along the lines of being healthy because I have a long life ahead of me. This conversation did not offend me one bit.

Our dreams as parents (most parents) is our children are more successful then we are. We want the best for our children. I realized many moons ago that Little Al will have a difficult life ahead of her. She will not understand a lot that happens in her world. There are things out there I can not protect from teacher.

When you look in on Little's Al's Creative Moment class you see that she is different. she not physically different. She is not the tallest girl. She is socially different. She shows no interest in having a friend or partner in class. Every one kind of partnered or has a trio of friends. She is the lone girl. Playing by herself and making faces at the mirror. No one knows what she is thinking. Everyone see that she enjoying herself, in her little world. Her little world, her bubble, is a pleasant one. I don't want to bubble to a bad place for to be in. Pulling her out of that bubble usually causes her to be upset. This is necessary so that she can experience new things and learn. When I pull her out I want those experience to be memorable. Even if I am just teaching her to zip up her coat or putting her shoe on the right foot.

Everyday I wish that the switch in her brain would just turn on. Until that happens (if it happens) I will do my best to be by her side. I will guide her to the happiness big and small. I will guide her during the ups and downs.

Yes I have a long life ahead of me....nothing that I am not ready for.

Run. Pray. Run.

This morning start just like any other day for me in the Bronx. I checked my social media feeds to check up on my favorite bloggers and Instagramers. I was so excited for Dani, blogger of Weight Off My Shoulders, was set to run the Boston Marathon. I wished her well on IG. My day way on as normal.

When I got and check on my social media feeds again I saw this: "Pls tell me that ur not in Boston today" My old childhood friend posted that to my last IG picture.

I had no idea what was going now. I replied with a silly answer. "lol...No I am not in Boston...lol" I checked the new right away because it seemed odd that she would send me a message like that.

I changed the TV immediately to NY1. I immediately dropped onto my sofa in shock. I couldn't think for a moment.

I thought about my experience during the NYC Half. Finishing a long distance race is a mentally and physically demanding task. I shared in the happiness and joy while giving amazing runners their medals. I saw blood, sweat and tears while standing at the finish line. I did not feel that I was standing in cold, in the shade for hours. I felt happiness.

All of that was taken away from those runners. The happiness was replaced with fear.

I still don't know what "why." Why would anyone do this? Who would do this?

After getting passed the shock I social network stalked Dani. She had already crossed the finish when the explosion happened. Thank god.

Soon after I got a rush of text, comments and messages. Many of my friends, family and followers had me in their thought when they heard of the news. I am humbled and honor that so many people thought about me. I am honored that many thought I am awesome enough to run the Boston Marathon.

After social media overdrive I determine that I need a break of the images.

I have had enough.

I have to look away but Boston is still in my heart and in my shoes.

I took it in and I am going to let it out during my next NYRR race Run for Parks.

Pray for Boston.

Week 92

Yesterday, I wake up and I was magically a size 14!!! So awesome! 

Over the last couple of month every time I buy a new outfit or piece of clothing I bought it in a size 16 and then I would pick up something cute in a size 14.  I have been slowly building my size 14 wardrobe. Something told me yesterday to go a head and try the last pair of jeans that I picked up. BOOM! POW! The fit with no fighting. 

What did I do next? I took picture of course. Then I did a before and current picture. 

Amazing! I look at that before picture of me and I can't even recognize that person. That picture was taken a few weeks before I actually became serious about Weight Watchers and fitness. 

I created another side by side with another picture I found on my Facebook profile picture album. 

The before picture was taken after losing 10lbs with Weight Watchers. I can't wait tell that I lost anything but I did. I am happy I didn't stop at just those 10lbs. It trying me a long time to drop all this weight but I am find with that. I am living life and I know better now. 

Numbers and Goals Weight: 
Start weight: 268.5 lbs BMI 40.3 kg/m^2 
This week's weight is: 226.2 lbs BMI 34.5 kg/m^2 
Change since last week:  -0.8 lbs 
Change from start: -42.3 lbs 15.75% lost 
Next WW goal: 220 lbs  (6.2 lbs to lose)
Change from highest record weight: -63.8 lbs 22% lost


Measurements: 
Arms: 13.5in: -3.0 in  from start: -0.5 in from last week
Hips: 42.0in: -7.5 infrom start: -1.0 in from last week
Bust: 42.0in: -6.0 in from start: 0.0in from last week
Waist: 35in: -5.0 in  from start: +1.0in from last week
Thigh: 23in: -5.5 in from start: -1.0in from last week

My goal this week is to run at least 13 miles and lose 1 pound. 

33, The Year of Awesomeness.

After running the Manhattan Half I decided that I wanted to run on my birthday. That was the most awesomest decision that I have this year. (so far) I run the Scotland Run 10K on Saturday and I wasn't disappointed. The excited and joy of being in a crowd of runners, all abilities, always gets me hyper and motivated. I am starting to recognize runners that are in the same corral as me from the different races.

My day didn't start off to awesome. The MTA gods decided that the trains in my area weren't going to cross over to Manhattan. I was forced to take a shuttle bus no matter which side of Manhattan I needed to be. This was also poor planning on my end. Dealing with the shuttle bus elevated my stress level. I didn't need this just before the race. I tried my best to focus and not let the annoying straphangers get to me. Just get on the damn bus and stop asking questions. The shuttle bus dropped me off at West 135th Street at 7:45am. I needed to be at West 63rd Street at 8am!! I got myself together on the train. The passengers near me were looking at me like I was crazy. I had to do it because I didn't have time to get myself together at baguage and make it in to met my new running buddy, T. I run from the train station to the baguage and then run to my corral. That took a lot of my energy. I actually saw the elite runner take off. That was pretty awesome.

My corral was the last one so I was worried about making there on time. I was happy I made it to T in time. She gave me a tiara that said Happy Birthday. Now everyone would know that it was my birthday.  All the extra running around made me hot before the race even started for me. After the first mile I  saw my BBB on the side line. I was so happy that she was there to cheer me on on my birthday. I was even happier that she was there to take my sweater. I was over heating in the worst way. I was really about to just drop the sweater on the ground. For realz. It slowed my first mile time down by one entire minute. I wasn't able to steady my pace. I was breathing too heavy too soon. I was getting upset. Around that time I caught up with T, she vanished after that.

Then it happened. I started to approach the Harlem Hills at the 2.5 miles mark. I wasn't going to let these darn things take me DOWN!! These evil hills destroyed my body during the Manhattan Half. I wasn't going to let them do that to me again! I focused....I found my pace song....I attacked! I run up that first effin' hill!!!! I shouted when I made it to the top of it. YEAH! I approached each hill like that. After those hills I slowed down a lot! My 4th mile took me 14:58 minutes to finish. After listening to my MapMyRun app tell me my pace had slowed down so much, I picked it back up. I did a lot less walking on the 5th mile. I kicked things into high gear when I could hear the MC. My BBB was at mile 5 and finish line take pictures. I grabbed the MC's attention so that he can tell me happy birthday over the PA. When I made it to the other side of the finish line I ran into one of my IG followers and now friend, Alexie. After the race I couldn't remember his name to save my life. It was so nice to run into another IG follower with the same running goal as me. He is also running the Brooklyn Half and a bunch of the same races I am doing. We took a picture together. Yay to a new running buddy!

After our picture I doubled back to see T crossed the finish line but I would about to cheer for her and gave her a giant hug. I am so proud for you T. You rock!

I was very proud of myself too. I finished the race in 1:29:13 at a 14:24 min/mi pace. The night before I was worried that I wasn't going to be able to finish the race faster then 1:40. I had a dream that the race wasn't going to count like the Manhattan Half. I may have only came in 47 seconds over 90 mins but it's still under 90mins.

Later in the evening I went out with the hubby for a birthday dinner at the Bronx Havana Cafe. One word: YUM!

I got all dolled up for my special dinner. My feet were very mad at me for wear four inch heels after running a 10K. I don't care I looked amazing!

My birthday was amazing and have set the tone for my 33rd year on this Earth. I feel younger then ever and I am loving it. I love the choice that I have made to be more active. My kids are enjoying it too. 33 is going to be the year of the awesomeness for sure.