Running

Warning, this is simply something that has been on my mind and is more of a look back for myself that I feel like writing about.

As a couple of you may know I am a bit of a runner (well used to be). It has been awhile since I had, what I would consider, a good, solid run. I used to be able to stack up miles like no tomorrow, 5, 10, 20 miles in one go. Now I start breathing hard after going up a flight of stairs. When I was a Freshman and Sophomore in high school I did cross country and distance track. Now, I was no varsity runner but I was a scoring runner for the Freshman then Sophomore teams (top five finisher for the team meaning, cross country wise, you bring in the points for the overall score). If I do remember correctly my 3 mile PR was 21:35 and my mile PR for track was 6:02, both achieved my sophomore year (freshman was 22:45 and 6:22 I believe). 

I was in incredible shape and super dedicated to my training. I did have two injuries from running, tendinitis in my ankle and some issues with my hip (ended up being both hips later on). My ankle healed up perfectly my freshman year but unfortunately my hip issues sophomore year still follow me today. The doctor described it as a hereditary issue that was triggered when I did the training for cross country. I  was treated on my left hip (the worse one) with ultrasounds to speed cell growth and physical therapy. The hip pains were the worst I have felt in my life and I have had some pretty bad injuries (broken leg and arm, sprained ankles, ect.). When I ran my hip felt uncomfortable, but the pain was the next day. The longer the run the worst, it got so bad that the few days after our long runs I would not be able to walk, especially because both hips were having the same issues.

I am talking about this now because I miss the thrill of running! I miss having my heart pound in my chest as I cross the finish line or get to the top of a massive hill. The yoga just ain't doing it for me and I am also a bit terrible at it. So, I am starting to ease my way back into training. I'm not afraid of my injury resurfacing because as long as I ease in and take care of myself I think I should be fine. I am starting by walking every night a few miles. I make sure I get some hills in and keep a fast pace and in a week or two I'll start jogging it and so on. And yes, I will continue the yoga *sigh* because I know it'll help stretch out my hips.

After the Huntington Beach Surf City Half Marathon I ran my Junior year (time 2:04).

Before, Women's Dirt Inspires Trail Half Marathon my senior year (time 2:43). Not my best but this race was truly the most fun race I have ever ran, beautiful trails through the national park near Santa Cruz. Also got to run it with my lovely older sister Francis.

After the race with our mom.

Now time to saddle up and actually break these puppies in, they definitely do not have nearly as much mud on them as they should! Soon I shall be running up and down the west coast instead of driving! Also a friend of mine invited me to run a half with her in December, if everything goes according to plan, those elites better watch out! 

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Update/Self Care Tips

As you may have noticed I took a short hiatus from blogging. I actually deleted all of the my social networking profiles in order to try and separate myself from the internet and computer, which has been extremely successful but I do miss writing for my blog. Also I am deleting my name from all posts and my photo does not show my face for personal reasons.

Not much to mention about school, all my classes are pretty so-so and I have been very busy in general now that I am working a job as well as being a full time nursing student. And with this busy schedule. I have been taking special attention to practice self care, something that is put aside for a lot of university students. Here are few tips that have helped me stay healthy mentally and physically through my busy schedule:

1. Meditation. It sounds dorky but there are many different types of meditation that are very simple and easy to practice. For me personally I just listen to music and lay down. focussing on the music really helps me relax and helps me de-stress. Even for 15 or so minutes it makes a world of difference.

2. Eat Healthy. At the beginning for college this was very hard for me in particular and I ended up gaining some weight. It is important to eat foods that will give you natural energy that will in turn help you get through the day without drinking five energy drinks. 

3. Treat Yourself. Yes eat healthy but don't be afraid to treat yourself every once in awhile. It can be anything from going to get your nails done or making some chocolate covered strawberries (something I have been doing a lot lately).Just remember to give yourself some love.

4. Exercise. A lot of people avoid this at all costs. You have to make time in your schedule to exercise or else it usually won't get done. So many studies have shown the benefit of even 30 minutes of exercise each day. I really enjoy the universities Zumba classes and on the days that I don't go I go for runs and do basic weight lifting and such. It gives you more natural energy and with the combination of eating healthy and exercise you will feel really good physically.

5. Time Management. Added stress from procrastination or over scheduling is very detrimental to the body and mind, so work on creating a calendar and schedule your week in advance so you don't run into any unwanted stresses and difficult situations later on.

(this photo and the one before it have been reposted so many times without accreditation on so many websites that I cannot find its origin, if the photographer sees this post, please comment and I will put a credit here)

Those are just some basic self care tips and if you are ever feeling overwhelmed and stressed, don't be afraid to take a moment for yourself.

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