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

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

 

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