My Chicago Marathon

Yesterday, October 13, I had the amazing opportunity to run the 2019 Bank of America Chicago Marathon! It was an unforgettable experience!

My running adventure in Chicago started on Friday at the expo. To be there, at the Chicago marathon expo one of the marathon majors, seeing the Abbott World Marathon Majors booth was surreal. It’s a dream… a goal to one day run all six and I couldn’t believe I was there. I even saw the six star medal!

5K ready!

Then on Saturday I ran the International Chicago 5k. It was a great race! It was freezing though, and as a Florida girl it was probably a bit worse for me haha! But the course was great and it gave a nice peek on what the martahon would bring. My mom joined me and dad on this 5k so it made the experience even better.

Sunday was the marathon. I met some fellow runners at the hotel and it really made the entire experience even better. Standing there at our gate with my dad and new runner friend, again gave that unbelievable feeling. We were there… in Chicago, about to run the Chicago marathon. Each step brought us closer to that starting line and it was amazing.

Even crossing that start it was still surreal and I tried to take it all in. The crowds were great, the course was amazing but the experience… words can barely describe it! This marathon was rather tough for me though. I don’t know if the cold had anything to do with it, maybe it did since I’m not used to it at all, but my body started feeling it earlier than expected. I pushed through though, although it got really hard. I had my dad by me the entire time and we both kept each other going, even when we were out of it.

At the end my dad said let’s really run to the finish line. I said I couldn’t run that fast and he told me it’s almost done, we’re right there…. and I again pushed myself… found the energy I had left and we both rushed to that finish line crossing it together. I got emotional at the end and when we finished… I’m even getting emotional now. There’s something special about 26.2 miles… it’s not easy and I know I go through a lot of mental challenges. To finish, to know that I conquered all that and finished it is an incredible feeling. Then to know that I finished it along side my dad… finished my first world marathon major, earned my first star medal… it brought tears to my eyes.

I love running. I love everything it has brought to me and out of me. I’ve met new people, come together with family and friends, traveled and really pushed myself all through running. Running is a magical experience for me and I’m so thankful… and I’m thankful for all the support, and for the opportunity to run this Chicago marathon. Now… five more to go.

My Chicago Marathon!

~Day

Yoga, Reiki, Japan, & Running

Hi!

It’s been quite a while since I updated! Good thing this that I’ve been busy accomplishing growing and accomplishing new goals during that time. About a month ago I became yoga teacher! I considered being a yoga teacher before but never brought myself to take that step towards it. I finally did over the summer and I’m so glad I did. During my yoga teacher training I met the greatest fellow students and I learned so much!

I learned more about yoga and about myself. My journey brought me here and now I want to share more of this beautiful practice with others. Since I received my certification I have taught three public classes. Each class is a learning experience and that’s what I love so much about yoga too, I will always be a student.

During my yoga teacher training I also became certified in Reiki level 1 & 2. Learning more about reiki really made the experience more profound and I discovered so much about myself. Reiki provides a kind of healing that I believe everyone should experience. In last April I also visited Japan, which happens to be the country where Reiki originated. My trip to Japan was amazing… hard to even put in words. The country, culture and people are beautiful. I felt so welcomed there and it was one of the best vacations I have ever taken.

So, since the last time I wrote I have become a 200 hour yoga teacher, a Reiki level 1 & 2 practitioner, went to Japan and I am a RRCA level 1 running coach! A lot has happened this year and there are still a few more months left for more growth! In less than three weeks I will be going to my first major marathon, the Chicago marathon which is another step closer to my dream. All of this has taken hard work and dedication. It also comes with sacrifice… but when you know what you want that’s what it takes. Really put your mind to something and you can achieve it!

~Day

Running Coach

Last month was a month filled with many happenings! I had the opportunity to run on the Kennedy Space Center shuttle runaway again, I ran my third Disney Princess Half Marathon which is the run that ignited my running passion, I had a birthday and… I decided to take the RRCA level 1 course to become a certified running coach!

I decided to take the course because I know there’s always so much to learn about running. Being in the class with so many like minded individuals and with people who have such experience, I really learned a lot. It is one of the few opportunities where we were able to talk about running almost all day! I really enjoyed the course and am so glad that I decided to go for it.

Another reason I decided to get a RRCA coaching certification was to help myself and others. Again, I learned a lot about training plans, form, injuries, all in which I will implement on myself. I also did it for others. Without meaning to or realizing it, I inspired others to run. I would receive a lot of questions about running and people would tell me how I inspired them to get into running. It’s really humbling to know… I enjoy sharing my stories and am so happy good is coming out of it.

So I am now a running coach and I want to help others. I remember how scared and nervous I was when I first started running. I had no idea where to start, no idea how races worked… what should I wear? Do I need to bring anything? Will everyone run and leave me behind? It was scary doing it all alone but I managed… however I want to be there for others who are or were in a similar position. If anyone has any questions about running, races, etc I would love to help and give what advice I can. I’m also starting to offer training plans aimed more towards newer runner or those trying to improve their time. Feel free to contact me :)!

 

~Day

Disney Marathon – Goofy Challenge 2019

Last weekend, I ran the Disney’s Goofy Challenge and had a blast! To be honest I wanted to be more prepared for this race weekend, but with Christmas and New Years and everything in between… I may have slacked off just a bit. I still put training into it of course but not as much as I should have. Still, as with every Disney run I had such a great time and I learned more about my running plans for 2019.

Cheshire Cat & Queen of Hearts!

Saturday was the half marathon. The course was nice and it was the first time I stopped to take pictures with the characters!

White Rabbit!

In the past I was always afraid of taking pictures because I wanted to keep the pace and not get swept. I’ve come a long way and this time I ran without that worry and stopped for multiple pictures. It was so much fun and the Donald medal was beautiful! After the half marathon I spent the day at the park, taking a solo adventure!

 

Sunday was the full marathon. It was only my second marathon so I have to admit that I was starting to regret my decision of taking the Goofy Challenge. But, I’m so glad that I did it! I had such a great time during the marathon!

“We’re all mad here.”

Again, I stopped for pictures and was even able to stop and ride Expedition Everest when I got to Animal Kingdom! It was so much fun and I made the most of it! Those 26.2 miles were so magical and I really can’t wait to do it again next year! But next year I plan on taking the Dopey Challenge!

Expedition Everest!

These races were my first runs in 2019 and it was such a great way to start my racing year. After running my second marathon I now feel ready to fully train for it. I know this year will bring about amazing things and I look forward to training hard! Also, I aim to update more on my training and races. Right now what I’m training for the Chicago Marathon and to run a half marathon under 2 hours!

 

~Day

My Year of Running

2018 has been such an amazing year of running for me! I did so many runs and accomplished new PRs. I did one run on my bucket list, the Rock n’ Roll Las Vegas, and will be doing another bucket list run in 2019! Before getting into that… this has been a great final month for me! Earlier this month I did my 10th half marathon, the Rotary Club of Weston’s Run for Tomorrow,  and despite being a little sick I managed to set a new personal record! I finished in 2:19:05, 51 seconds faster than my other time! Yes, my goal this year was to finish a half marathon in under 2 hours but I’m setting that goal for 2019. I’m proud of myself and I know I can finish even faster.

Also during this month I did my final 5K, the Jingle Jog where we ran all dressed in Santa suits! It’s definitely one of my favorite 5Ks. When I first started running I remember I couldn’t wait to do a Jingle Jog! Well also during this final 5K, and my final run for the year, I set another personal record for my fastest 5K! So I ended my running year setting two new personal records and with a will to do more. Which now leads me to something else that happened this month…

I got into the Chicago Marathon!! I am so excited and still can barely believe it! The Chicago Marathon, along with all the majors, is one of my bucket list runs and I can’t believe I have the opportunity to run it! It brings me one step closer to my goal and dream of running all six world majors! It also gave me a boost to end this running year… made me realize how much I love this sport and how much room I have for growth. This has been an amazing year and I’m really looking forward to seeing what 2019 brings. Thank you always for reading :)!

~Day

My First Marathon

Last Sunday, November 25th, I completed my first marathon. I’ve been writing and talking about it a lot… about my training and how I was nervous about the run. My goal for the marathon was to finish I didn’t want to do it for time, although it did cross my mind a few time while on the course. And I did finish… I didn’t doubt myself but I am still almost in disbelief that it happened.

Feeling strong on the first part of the marathon!

The marathon I decided to do was the Space Coast Marathon in Cocoa Beach. I’m so glad I did this one because the run and course was amazing. I loved the atmosphere and all the volunteers who were there. It was such a great run and I’m really really looking forward to doing it again next year.

But on to how the run went. My plan was to keep a steady pace for the first half and I succeed in that. I finished the half in about 2 hours and 30 minutes and I felt strong. I went faster the next to miles and I was still feeling great. At about mile 18 is when my legs began to feel a bit tired so I slowed down a bit. I really started walking/running at mile 19 almost 20. Mile 20 was a hard one because although I was finally there at 20 I knew I had a 10K left.

Still I pushed through because this is what I trained for and this is what I wanted. I’m going to be honest though… I wasn’t fully trained. If I was I know I would have performed better but my ultimate goal was to finish and that’s what I did. I experienced a marathon… I was exhausted and despite what I consider to be experience, it’s difficult and not an easy task to accomplish.

Exhausted but at the finish line

I finished the marathon in 6 hours and 5 minutes. That time is definitely not what my ultimate goal is but I am happy with it because it gives me so much room for improvement. I grew so much since I crossed that finish line of my first half marathon… and that person then would have never even thought that she would attempt and finish a marathon.

After I finished, when I received the congratulations from my sister and father, I cried. It all meant so much to me because I remembered my journey. The journey means everything to me and it keeps leading me to places I never expected. This marathon is one of many and I’m so glad I did it when I did. It helped me build goals for my 2019 running year. I can’t wait to write about this same marathon next year to see the changes.

 

~Day

 

Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas

Last weekend I was so lucky to cross off one of my bucket list races! I went to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas run weekend and had a blast! I’ve never been to Vegas before then so it was the perfect time to go… for a run and for the experience. It was so much fun and such an experience!

Ready for the 5K!

On Saturday the 10th I did the 5K! It was a great run. The 5K didn’t exactly go through the strip but we were able to see parts of it. There was music on the course and the environment was great of course! It was a chilly night… at least for me since I’m a Floridan, but I enjoyed the cool weather. I didn’t attend any of the events at the finish but there were some celebrations afterwards! I had a long morning and went out to dinner instead. Plus I had to get read for my half marathon the next night!

That was something I enjoyed so much about this race… they took place at night! Since I’ve never been to Las Vegas I was able to do a lot during the day and I wasn’t exhausted from waking up early the next day for the run. No it was at night and even afterwards

Start line of half marathon! Dressed as Tron

it wasn’t too late so it gave me time to explore more of Vegas afterwards! And plus running the Las Vegas strip… at night time?! I couldn’t let that opportunity pass! That was why it was a bucket list run for me. The half marathon was so much fun! The only con for me was the start line/corral placement. We get placed in corrals but it isn’t organized at all. For the half marathon no one was in the proper corral it was rather a mess… but besides that factor the entire run was amazing.

We ran the entire strip and saw all the highlights of Vegas in those 13.1 miles. The people there were so encouraging and again I say it was a lot of fun. For the half marathon I dressed as Tron because I thought it would be cool to light up blue on the course. There were so many great costumes too. I’m sooo glad I did it! It was really worth it and I would definitely do it again!

It was such a great weekend. This is the second bucket list race I’ve done and I’m aiming to add more! In exactly 1 week and a day I have my first marathon. Training for that hasn’t gone exactly as planned but… I feel ready yet nervous. Thank you for reading!

~Day

 

Slacking but Trying

​So I’ve slacked a lot with updating. I’ve realized that it takes a lot of effort to be invested in yourself. I have invested time in myself… I’m still waking up at 5AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays going to 6AM yoga, which is going great by the way! My marathon training did slack a bit as well but I still am training. Still, there is more I can do for myself. When I really think about it… I’m spending 40 hours a week working and while I do feel blessed to have a job it also makes me think how can I use my remaining hours on myself. It’s possible but it’s hard work… it’s hard for me to keep up with this blog. To sit down and just write, even if it’s for myself, takes time from my day but it’s time well spent and I need to keep reminding myself of that.

So what have I been up to? Well keeping my fitness up! What I really like about 6AM yoga is that it gives me a reason to wake up for me. I’m not waking up everyday to go to work… no I’m waking up at least twice a week for myself. After I work on myself I get ready for the rest of the day. It keeps me from feeling like my job is a chore because I no longer get up in the morning just to ready myself for it. It has definitely helped me with that aspect. It also has helped me physically of course too! My core has strengthened! But yes I have been training for my marathon which is coming up shortly and cross training. Just yesterday I tried pilates for the first time. It was a great workout but I have to see how to incorporate it into my workout schedule.

I have also been doing quite a few races which has tired me out because I have had one almost every weekend. I love my races of course but it has kept me busy since I’m usually tired afterwards. I can go on about my runs but I think I’ll save that for another time. I did do the Key West Half Marathon on October 6th. I intended on doing it for time but it didn’t turn out that way. Anyway so right now I found the time to post because I am on the way to Las Vegas! Of course because I’m me… it’s to do one of my bucket list races… the Rock n Roll Las Vegas. My aim is yet again to update more often so I will try to write all about my experience at the race! Thank you always for reading.

~Day

Fight Against Lung Cancer 5K

So not only did I not keep to my monthly goal I really slacked off on not updating. A little disappointed in the fact that I didn’t but it’s all right, that just means I have to really get better at this. I’ve done a few 5Ks since I last wrote and some yoga classes. Yes, I’ve kept up with that my yoga classes still doing 6AM yoga twice a week.

Beautiful!

I also was able to experience a beautiful yoga experience at Vizcaya Museum in Miami. I took plenty of pictures so I will only attach a few here. It was a different experience and beautiful.

Underneath the trees!

While I enjoy practicing yoga at the studio I go to, I enjoy it more being outside and connecting to nature. So I’ve been looking to do more  outdoors yoga! I want to go out on the beach again as I did last year, so make that another goal I have!

 

I felt like a mermaid!

But I did go to the beach today! The 5K was on the beach and before it started I just took a moment to stand on the sand and reflect. I watched as the dark sky slowly began to lighten and the first rays of the sun began to come out, all while listening to the peaceful sound of the ocean waves. I felt so thankful to be there, to have the opportunity to experience these things that we usually take for granted on a daily basis.

Group Photo!

The run today was in support of the fight against Lung Cancer. We have a family friend who is a lung cancer survivor and we are truly blessed to have him still with us after he was diagnosed as terminal nearly 8 years ago. It was for a great cause and one I really would like to get the word out about, especially for runners and athletes a like! If you happen to see a lung cancer event near you participate, help out out, it really is for a great cause. And on a side not I got 1st place in my age group! Thank you always for reading! I hope to update more often!

~Day

Goats and Runs

The last two Saturdays I tried different types of yoga. The first yoga I tried was heated yoga. I was pretty hesitant about it because I don’t like too much heat (being a Floridian I’m surrounded by it), and the thought of hot temperature with a bunch of body heat didn’t attract me. But since I was still on my new trial membership I thought I may as well take advantage. So I went and… I actually liked it! It was terribly hot (I asked the yoga teacher later and it was only a slightly heated room to about 90°), it was more of a nice warmth that made me sweat. I’m also used to being drenched in sweat when I run and it was much less than that. I plan on going again and trying the hotter yoga they have available soon!

With a goat!

And the yoga I went to this weekend was a bit more exciting in my opinion… Goat Yoga!! I heard about it a while ago and being a goat lover I really wanted to try it! I searched and search for one in South Florida and finally found some classes available in my area (kind of it was an hour drive!)! It was so much fun! I didn’t pay much attention to the class because the goats were so interactive haha, but the teacher was really great and it was enjoyable. The goats were soo cute, I wanted to take one home! It is a different experience for sure and I would recommend it for animal lovers or if you’re looking for a different yoga experience! I would do it again for sure!

Still happy I got 3rd!

Well I’ve spoken about my yoga experiences and I also had a Back to School 5K where I got third place. I’ve been slacking though and haven’t gotten my best time again and I know it’s mental problem not a physical one. Training myself mentally is very important in running and throughout life, it’s one of the many reasons I picked up yoga. I doubt myself a lot when I run and I’m training myself to stop feeling those doubts it only affects my performance. It’s something I’m working on and I will post more on it.

I’ve gone longer than I wanted to without writing… my sister left for Japan to live for a year, my marathon training is on its fourth week, I have more tinctures that are soaking (I will definitely write on this soon!), and I have some more planned races coming up. I’m going to try and set a goal for every month. My goal this month is to write more often. My half goal is to read all the books I bought but haven’t gotten to yet. I will work more on the first goal and if I don’t make my half goal that will be it for September. I’m hoping to make some progress! If you’re interested in seeing more pictures of my experiences I post a lot on Instagram and you’re welcome to follow me at aDaywithDay! Thank you for reading!

~Day