Running in Barcelona

Today was the day... 58,000 of us, that's runners, TOOK Barcelona... it was AMAZING! People everywhere... colours, pavement pounding... great!

The cherry on the cake was the lap in the Olympic Stadium... I even dropped a tear... it was so exciting!

I did great up to K4: 24:26, then walked uphill... boy it was steep! But "only" took me 23 minutes to do the last 4K... quite happy. All in all 1:14, having to stop at the entrance of the stadium due to the crowd, and on the way out again, and on the last 25 meters which took 5 full minutes (finish area was way too narrow for sooooooooooo many people), which I already took off my time (I stopped my watch!). A great morning with lovely weather (maybe a bit too hot!). I wore my hat, thank goodness! The organization could have been better at times but... no complaints, it was awesome!

Only 3 more races to go and then a (much deserved) break until September!

Kids didn't wake up until 9:30 (that's when the race begun, LOL) so Toni had a lovely lay in too! Can it get any better?

11 hours to go!

To start la cursa de El Corte Inglés... the biggest popular race in Europe with over 50,000 runners! Wow... guess I won't be running on my own tomorrow, LOL!

It is 10:20pm... still have to have dinner but everything is ready for tomorrow. Kid's clothes (they're not coming but ready for DH in case he needs to get them dressed!), my bag and my clothes... all in place... I'm sooooooooo excited... we'll be doing a lap in the Olympic Stadium... I just think I'll cry... it'll be so GRAND! So my bag is filled with spare socks, 2 liters of water, ibuprofen, carnitin, gum, my stop watch, HRM, cap and a few other odds and ends. Have the bibs and *water* tickets ready and the piece of "tartan", the original one from the 1992 Olympic Games, which was the "present" from the organization for running the race! Mine is staying home but I'm taking my brother's to him, he deserves it! Got lots of safety pins too! Need to pack my MP3 player... oh yes... that's a must! Just have!

So, getting up at 6:30, leaving as soon as I'm dressed to be in Barcelona by 8. Race starts at 9:30 but want to allow plenty of time. My brother lives about 8 minutes walk from the start/finish line... great! Weather forecast calls for great weather so I'll just enjoy the ride... there are 2 big and steep hills, 1km long each, one from 3 to 4 and the other from 5 to 6! After that... downhill and flat for 5K... perfect!

Ok... going to get dinner ready. Hoping Pol sleeps the night through again tonight so I can get a few hours straight of sleep!

Only 4 races to go... tomorrow, June 6th, June 13th and July 4th... then a break until September... fits in just perfect!

Hope to do well tomorrow and run pain free!

Running slow

I don't know what's happened... maybe I got some kind of "runner's high" in April when I did my PB's. I run so slow now... I think I'm doing a great time and when I stop and look at the time and distance... well... I don't know how I ever got "faster".

Well... maybe I do... I am NOT eating right... I have to start eating healthy. Why can't I control myself? Gee... if I only had *that* one answer... anyway... I need to gain control. I'll try the library tomorrow to see if there are any books on it!

So I did go out for a run last night and it did me a world of good. Thought a lot about my dear friend and how bad she must feel... It was great to relief stress, meditate and think. My race on Sunday goes for them. There are 2 steep hills, each 1km long. I'll run them both for them. I won't stop and walk even if my running looks like walking. It's the least I can do for them!

No running today... got home after 11pm last night from my run, went to bed at around 1. Pol woke up in the middle of the night to feed... I'm pooped... should go shopping for clothes as the school end of year festival is tomorrow but I think I'll go tomorrow am... can't be bothered now...

Might run back from school tomorrow once the festival is over... it's all downhill ;)

A few things...

I went to Barcelona yesterday. The guy who was at the race stand when I went was useless, he's been dispatched and registered my brother and me wrongly. What an idiot, sorry to say... but hey, there's only a bar code to scan, and a bib number and bag to give, full stop... if you can't even do that... anyway, went and had it done properly, so I got a new bib number (had 7151 and now have 63026, wow! So all is set for Sunday and my race will be dedicated to my bestest friend and a better person!

Coming back from Barcelona, it was "early" as in, I had a little over an hour and decided to go for a run. It was 12:30... HUGE MISTAKE... it was extremely hot and my legs were still tired from Sunday... not my best run but a run nontheless! Thank goodness I wore my new hat... the sun was shining bright and strong, no wonder, being the time it was...

And today... I got very sad news... my bestest friend, the one I'm dedicating my race to on Sunday sms'd me to tell me she lost her baby. She was 3 and 1/2 months along... this is her second m/c and the worse is that she was at the ER yesterday, everything was fine, as in heart was beating, and this am, she "gave birth" to the baby and had to go with the baby to hospital. Nothing to be done... I so feel for her... she so badly wants to be a mom and she's such a heck of a woman... not fair, not fair at all. I am there/here for her. I will hold her hand and we'll cry together, cause that's what we do... no words needed... so I'm going running now and I'm running for my "nephew or niece" that's resting in peace. Sis, you know I love you. I'm right here for you!

It's hard to understand life at times... why do things like these happen? I've been there 3 times (well, not that bad, as passing the child and seing it...) and it ain't fun. It hurts so bad. We're human and time helps heal but these children will live in our hearts and lives forever. So unfair to see "not as great people" having children without problems and seing others struggle when they're good. I just don't get it.

It's at times like this when you realize we often complain about STUPID things, things that have no meaning, that we moan too much too easily. We should really focus more on the truly important things and forget about the silly stuff. We should also (at least me) value more the simple things in life because we take them for granted, yet, they're all wonderful. Things such as the sunshine, the flowers blooming, the smile of a child, a full moon, a starry sky, having friends, having a wonderful family... we really must see past the end of our noses!!!!

Enough philosophy for today. Guess I needed to "download" a bit... feel so bad for her, she must feel sooooooo empty, my poor dear friend... she's about the best person on earth! Love you sis!

Cursa de Fons d'Olivella-Margalló

So, I (sort of) did it! 13kms in the parc natural del Garraf... what a steepy race... my goodness... never seen anything like it but also, never seen such a beautiful place to run in before! Lovely mountain trails and woods... very very nice! It was very hot. The race usually takes place in early April and it was moved to late May but kept the start time at 10am... way too hot but it was a gorgeous day so, no complaints :)

Up to km4 it was ok, downhill and mostly flat but after that... geez... it went up, up, up and specially from k8.5 to 10... that was a killer... looked more like a climb than anything else! Still, the sight at the top was priceless! Last 2ks were mostly downhill. Finished in 1:40:55 according to my stopwatch which I trust because I turn it on as I cross the start line and off as I cross the finish line! Slowish but considering I walked about 4-5ks I don't think it's that bad! Got to meet many of the people that train with my PT so that was nice too. I was with Maria the full time, a lady in the team. She's great. So nice to finally get to meet her! Also met my PT... a lovely humble guy, he's a champ!

So today... I'm sore, sore sore... my quads scream everytime I go downstairs or downhill... ouch! I can also feel my glutes... on the bright side... I DO HAVE SOME!!!! But it's a *nice* kind of pain... I got a heck of a workout yesterday!

Didn't feel my injury at all yesterday. Wore my compression socks. Was ok up to about an hour ago when all of the sudden it started bothering me... weird considering I didn't do anything, it just started bothering... oh well... hopefully I'll get rid of it some day!

Next race is an 11K on Sunday in BCN, with about 50,000 runners! Should be fun... we'll go IN the Olympic Stadium and run a lap around it... I get goose bumps everytime I think about it... I think I'll cry when I'm there! Can't wait. Hope my leg *respects* me! First 3k are about flat, then 4 go up and then the rest is downhill, woohoo!

Kids are good... love my babes, they're my strength, they're my life!

Saturday

A week ago today, Paula won her first medal ever. She still has a smile on her face. And I'm still soooooo proud of her and all the effort she puts into it but specially of how much she likes it and enjoys it! She was told yesterday that due to her results on all 3 phases of the competition (Feb. 14, March 20 and May 15) she's going to the final on June 6th (yes, only 2 weeks from now, yikes!) and she's the only one from her group going... can a mom be more proud? I'm thrilled and so is she... she loves competing... well... don't really know wether she understands what competing is/means but she loves the atmosphere, being with the coaches, etc. It really is nice! So off we go to Barcelona on June 6th, waiting to know about schedules since I have a race that am that I might have to skip depending on the time she competes... I'm not missing it for the world!

I have posted my 5 favourite pictures (from the 3 competitons) on all the apparatus. So great to see how far she's come! Proud? Yes... I am VERY proud! :p

So, ok... I went out running on Sunday and while it was "liberating" and great, my 3 year long injury, re-appeared... I could NOT believe it... what's up? I've invested on proper good and expensive shoes, I have a PT, I do ST I try to take care... I am sad/confused/overwhelmed/angry/in disbelief... well... you can picture it. Knowing me, I did NOT stop running, I run through it and in the end (as it used to happen almost 4 years ago) it disappeared but then, I can feel pain any time of day. I did have (not now but a year ago) X-rays, scans and an MRI that showed NOTHING and I mean NOTHING, which is desperating. There's pain and yet noone can figure out what's up! My doc is in Puerto Rico at the world's sport's medicine convention giving a talk on plantar fascitis and a treatment he's "created" for it! So I have to wait for him to be back. Then again, it seems like it is a circulation problem after all. I do have a very thick vein there and I've always said if it could be like a "varicous" (sp?) vein. My doc said I have bad vein return so it could be that... I don't know... it could be... the heat's started... who knows!

Anyhow... it's a downer, I've been really anxious and feeling the pain here, there and everywhere. Still, I have a 13K race tomorrow that I'm going to, previous ibuprofen, of course, as I do in all my races. We'll see what happens. It's on dirt too so that should help!

On Monday I had a dizziness spell that was horrible, felt bad Tuesday night (ate no dinner, so something had to be wrong, LOL) and was dizzy Weds am, so I went to the doc Weds pm. Had 2 EKG and some neurological tests... all is NORMAL, thank goodness! Anxiety/stress seems to be the cause... funny how when they don't know what a child has, it's always a virus and when they can't figure out what an adult has, it's stress... oh well... in my case, could very well be ;) My doc, who's awesome said she'll talk to the cardiologist (sp?) anyway and will have me on a HRM for 24 hours to see if they see anything, which she says could be a littel arrythmia which is normal and I shouldn't worry about... not worry?? Easier said than done! I did have an effort test last August and everything was normal and the EKGs are normal so I guess all is a-ok!

My nephew's bday party this afternoon, race with post-race meal tomorrow... hoping/planning to start a healthy/healthier life as of Monday. I need it. My arms I grossly fat and so am I all over, but that will soon be history :)

Fingers crossed for all my aches and pains to go away the same way they came ;)

2nd place

Hi! It's been a while... only got a run in this week due to pouring rain and then meetings, dinners, competitions... hoping to get out there tomorrow and stretch my legs!

So, Paula was competing today, in her own gym. It was nice to "be home". She did great. She placed 10th overall but got 2nd place within the team, so they each got a silver medal and a trophy (for the gym). She was sooooooooo chuffed... it was great to see my little princess soooooooo happy! She's put so much effort into it. I'm a proud and happy mom tonight. I always am but tonight, seeing my beauty so happy (she's having dinner with her medal around her neck, LOL) is worth everything!

Pol's chest is really congested but he's a champ... he struggles at night (so do we...) but he's a great kid! Jan's adorable and was so happy to see Paula lining up and to see her win a medal... their bond is amazing... I so love it!

A proud and happy mom, yes... that's what I am!

CARPE DÍEM

Well... I'm a believer in living life to the max and today was "proof" of it. I got to work today and everyone had a *weird* face on. I ask what's up and they tell me one of my K3's dad died last evening. I was in shock, needless to say. He was healthy and happy, only 45 and died of a "fulminant" heart attack.

I've always known but it's at times like this that I realize that we are NOTHING, that our destiny is written and that there's nothing to do about it. That we should never leave anything for tomorrow, do all you can today as you never know what tomorrow brings, if there's tomorrow... we're so frail... we can have everything one minute and lose it all next... there's that e-mail running around that says to never wait until this, that or the other because you waste your time while waiting... too true. Live the moment and enjoy every minute, you don't know what the next minute will bring.

This little girl came to school today. She knew nothing about her dad passing away. Her mom was going to tell her this evening. She'll be in tomorrow. She was all happy and smiles today, obviously she didn't know her dad was missing. We'll see what happens tomorrow. Lots of hugs might be required. And I'll be there for her. So sad...

So... CARPE DIEM, live life to the fullest (without being silly), tell your loved one that you love them and don't wait til tomorrow to do what you CAN do today. Love life!

Stretching my legs...

Just back from a little run... the weather's perfect now. I just wish I could run any time of the day. I left the house at around 9:30pm, hardly anyone about. Just took it easy. I feel great now. More running tomorrow, rest on Thursday (as scheduled wich fits nicely as I have a meeting at school at 8pm) and then back at it on Friday. No racing this weekend, but a 13K the other one... it's a trail run... not sure I can do the uphills but all my training group is going so I'll just go so we can all be together!

Thank goodness for running... keeps me sane, LOL!

Paula's competing on Saturday. Her group competes from 7pm to 8:15pm... medals are not given until 9:40pm... it will be a late night... oh well... it's Saturday!

Monday gone!

So it's Monday today, but it's almost 11 pm so... Monday's gone already... time sure flies these days!

Not a lot to report really but just felt like writing! It's just that I love being a mom. I love my kids. They're so lovely, so different yet so great! Paula's growing fast, she's a little miss. Next competition's coming up on Saturday and at her gym! Jan's doing "story hour" on Thursday. Finally his turn to tell a story to the class! He's thrilled! He demands time with me and I give it to him. It's lovely! Pol's doing something new each day... he's so bright and so cute... 3 nights sleeping through in a row and asking to go to bed... fantastic!

Still happy about how the kids run the race yesterday and loved it. I never got to see Paula since she just left and said "see you later mom", but I run with my Jan and that permanent smile on his face was worth everything! What a champ!

School was tough today. Kids are hyper and sort of out of control but I had a great time with my co-workers and the kids too, not all of them though, LOL!

Bed time now. Running tomorrow easy, can't wait!

Proud

It's Sunday, May 9th. 3:14pm as I start to type... it's been a great morning!

To begin with, Pol slept the night throug again. I got up at 8, both Paula and Jan were up and we got ready to go to the race. We left the house at around 8:30. Got there, got their bibs and chips and gathered with all their school mates. Lovely atmosphere. Lots of children! I am so PROUD... Paula was on her own... never saw her even start... she's such a big girl and such a champ! I was with Jan. Last year after his 3rd step (and I ain't kidding) he was crying and I had to drag him (I wasn't going to carry him). But today... he was great, and the best part was his attitude towards it. He was so happy and so into it! Paula ran the 500meters in 3:51, Jan in 5:01... what a couple of champs I've got! They got a neck warmer (the thin kind) as a present and were as happy as could be. Some moms picked them up and headed to the park while I ran my race!

At 9:35 my race started. I set off nicely. First 4k had lots of hills, last 2 as well, but I enjoyed the downhills very much :p Water at K3 and K 8 which was awesome (there was a half marathon at the same time so I guess that's why there were 2 water stations!). In the end 9k 420m in 1:01:04. I estimated to do it in less time but I'm happy, a little over 6:30 mins per km, right on my pace! It didn't rain, it was partly sunny, hot but not unbearable!

I finished right after the firsth 1/2 marathoner arrived. I waited to see how the 2nd, 3rd and others arrived, also the 1st woman, it was very exciting!

The organization of the event wasn't bad but the finish and how to get out and such could have been a lot better. Still, a home race, a lovely sporty atmosphere and one more under the belt!

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there. I love being a mom!!!! And a runner!

Friends

Paula was invited to a birthday party this afternoon. But it wasn't a "regular" birthday party. She was invited by one of the girls she goes to gymnastics with. The nice/special thing about it is that she only invited Paula and another little gymnast as "outsiders", the rest were all family members. She didn't want to invite any of her classmates, just Paula and Noa. They get along so well and Andrea, that's the birthday girl!, greeted them so well when they were brought into the new team... it's a really special relationship they have. Andrea's been like a little mom to them two and now they're the best of friends. I love it, not only do they do gymnastics together, they also love each other and care one for another... couldn't have it any better! Paula had a blast at the party, them 3 were together most of the time. Andrea's dad said to me that when she's with Paula and Noa she sees noone else... no cousins, no friends... noone! He too thinks it's nice and cute :)

So there's my lovely girl, loved anywhere she goes... she truly is adorable!

And tomorrow... race in Girona. First, the kid's race. 500 meters! Then, the popular race, 9.130m. Paula and Jan are running. I'm sooooooooo proud! Most of their school children will be there (the school with most runners gets a 400€ check for sports goodies!) so it should be lots of fun! Paula can't wait. Jan says he'll do it, LOL... they're sooooooooo different! I'm sure Pol would go the distance no problem but he should be still sleeping at that time! He slept the night through last night. Woke up at 8, didn't want his breakfast, put him back in bed and had to wake him up at 10:30! He then took a 4 hour nap, he's a champ!

After the kidlets run, they'll stay with a mom from Paula's class. We're all going to the park for breakfast! I'll join as I'm done running! Life is good!

The weather's been horrible all week... lots and lots of rain. No sign of it today though... hopefully it holds off for us tomorrow!

Ugh

Well, the title says it all, ugh...

After a rough week... I mean after not having run for a week and having 3 training runs in during this week I thought all was back in track. My training runs were good and I felt great while doing them.

Today was the 10K at Empúries. We went to l'Escala yesterday to pick up my bib number and bag so I knew where to go today, LOL! We had a great time. I even met Arcadi Alibés who wrote a book on running called "run to be happy" and he signed it for me! The kids were great!

I got up at 6:30 (went to bed after midnight...) after Pol woke up at 4:20 (I have to add he had (sorry) pooped so I had to change him). I took a shower, got dressed and off I went. Got there, parked and headed to the race area. Met an old friend and chatted. Missed the photo as I was in line to go potty... my MP3, although I charged it, was flat, so... no music for me. Ileft my bag and off I went to the start line.

Things were going great, no sun, so no heat, and good time at k2... but I don't know what happened after... I thought I was going great. I caught this older man (he was 69) and he kept me going. I made such an effort to keep at his pace. The race was full of "invisible" uphills... it was hard... when I saw the time at the finish line I could have cried... how on earth did I do soooooooooo bad??? It was pathetic, horrible... then again, looking at the bright side, as there's always one... another 10K under my belt, it wasn't hot, I had company and I'm in one piece!!!

Hoping for a better race next time!