By Katie Conroy, the creator of Advice Mine. She enjoys writing about lifestyle topics and created the website to share advice she has learned through experience, education, and research.
With so many people investing in real estate these days, you may be thinking about taking the leap into being a landlord. It’s a move that can bring a lot of perks and profits if you plan carefully. So before you start looking for a residential or vacation rental, be sure to connect with an experienced agent from Carmen Micsa and go through these essential questions to help you make the right decisions.
What Costs Should I Be Concerned About?
If you are looking to buy an investment property, you already know that you will need to prepare for the initial cost of that home. Coming up with a reasonable price range is one of the most important financial considerations you can take when preparing to purchase a rental property, so think carefully about what your desired price range should look like. Depending on market trends in your preferred location, you could end up picking homes that are slightly above your target price and offer less, but you should research real estate trends carefully before doing so to see if a buyer’s or seller’s market exists. Keep in mind that Sacramento homes have been selling at a median price of $395,000 over the last month.
Aside from the cost of buying your first investment property, you should also be prepared for other expenses associated with owning a rental. If you are buying a vacation property, hiring a management company should be included in your budget, since an experienced property manager can provide 24/7 customer service, on-demand professional cleanings, and easy-to-understand info about bookings. By ensuring you and your guests have access to these perks, you can net more bookings and more glowing reviews.
What Upgrades Should I Be Focused On?
Chances are, you will need to make some repairs and improvements to your investment property before you list it as a vacation or residential rental. There are some pros and cons to marketing your home either as a long-term or short-term rental, so also be sure to think about these as you make your initial upgrades and repairs.
For both vacation and residential rental properties, investing in new paint for the exterior of the home can be an effective way to boost curb appeal, although this sort of improvement project can be a big job that necessitates detailed planning, thorough preparation and appropriate tools. The size of your home and materials needed will determine how much you’ll spend to freshen up your property’s exterior.
Wondering what color to use for your home’s exterior? If you want to add curb appeal to your investment property, most experts recommend shying away from bright hues and using pops of color in your landscaping or even for the front door. Speaking of landscaping, if you’re concerned about keeping your investment property secure, you can also consider using protective plants in the front yard.
What Other Steps Should I Take to Ensure Profits?
Creating a plan for your finances and home improvements can ensure some ROI for your rental property. If you want to maximize that ROI, there are some other measures you can use to attract potential renters and protect yourself from potential losses. You can start by making sure that your rental rates are not too high or low for your property and area. While you don’t want to miss out on potential profits by setting rental rates too low, you also don’t want to lose potential tenants because similar properties have much lower rental rates.
To boost profits and keep your own stress levels low, you may also want to consider using a manager to help out with your first investment property. While using a property manager means paying additional fees, the expertise and guidance you will receive in return can be well worth the added expense. Plus, you may be able to deduct management fees from your taxes as a rental property owner.
Owning an investment property can be worthwhile. You just need to take the right steps from the start. Take stock of overall expenses, necessary upgrades and get a read on what you can expect when it comes to making a profit. With a smart approach, you will see profits roll in much faster, and ensure ROI on your rental.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, or seasoned investor, Carmen Micsa will provide you with outstanding and dedicated real estate service! Call (916) 342-2446 or email carmenmicsa@yahoo.com to schedule a meeting!
Keep chasing the things in your heart, even in the midst of disappointment and uncertainty.” Sara Hall, second place finisher at London Marathon this year.
Bryn and I at the start of our London virtual marathon in Golden Gate Park.
Between the pandemic, uncertainty, and California’s devastating fires, our marathon training and the completion of London virtual marathon in San Francisco felt like an incessant fight with the same windmills that Don Quixote fought, and yet never lost hope of changing the world. We had to be creative and flexible about getting our long runs done during our training due to summer heat, but especially the fires and the bad air quality.
As we ran passed the Dutch windmill, I could not help thinking of Don Quixote, as if predicting the tough, hilly marathon ahead.
10 LIFE LESSONS LEARNED WHILE TRAINING FOR LONDON MARATHON
ADAPTATION – Dr. Dennis Godby with Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center, said about me that I am “AIR,” which stands for adaptation, inspiration, and resilience. Dr. Godby is my naturopath doctor and an amazing human being. Talking about adaptation, we all know that being adaptable is a key survival quality that not only keeps us alive and well, but it also enhances our flexibility and turns us into nimble gymnasts, so to speak, who can tackle life’s challenges with more ease and comfort. For Bryn and I, training meant weekly changes and adaptations to our running schedule, routes, and workouts. We ended up doing many of our long runs in the middle of the week because of the fires.
Tough track workout on a Wednesday that turned into a 14-long run to avoid the weekend’s bad air quality.
2. INSPIRATION can work on many levels when someone dedicates time and attention to achieving a goal. Bryn and I documented our weekly runs and journey on social media, and, according to our coach and Arete team mates, we together with other team mates training for Boston marathon and other virtual races, became inspiring to our Arete competitive running team. We also inspired our children, our families, and co-workers due to our devotion to running and exercising.
3. RESILIENCE did not only apply to practicing grit, but it mainly meant rolling out with all life’s punches that came to us on a weekly basis up to the last day before running London virtual marathon, when mother nature gave us a weekend of smoke from the fires raging through Napa Valley. That’s when Bryn had the great idea to move our marathon to San Francisco, where the air index quality was at healthy levels.
After a smooth 1.5 hour drive drive to San Francisco, we reached Golden Gate Park. We easily found parking and bathrooms. We took a quick picture with our bibs on at the start line, and then we were off. During the first mile of our marathon Bryn said: “I could see a bright spot in the sky and thought the fog might burn off quickly, but was happy to have it for as long it would last. After a summer of training in the harsh Sacramento sun with early morning runs during which we raced against the rising temperatures, being enveloped in a blanket of cool fog with steady temps was soothing.”
In the first few miles, we were reminded of the hidden treasures in Golden Gate Park – the Conservatory of Flowers, Rainbow Falls, Spreckels Lake, the Bison Paddock, and the Dutch Windmill with a lovely “HOPE” flower display. After about five miles of smooth and controlled running, we hit Ocean Beach, ran up past the Cliff House and Sutro Baths and onto the rocky cliffs of the Coastal Trail. We then dipped back onto the roads past the Legion of Honor and Sea Cliff mansions to rejoin the trail in the Presidio.
I have never seen the bison in Golden Gate Park before, but maybe because I didn’t get to that side of the park. I snapped this picture while running and was delighted.
Hope never fails, so when the running got tough, Bryn and I kept on going.
“Running in the fog felt like home.” Bryn Mumma
Bryn enveloped in fog, running across the Golden Gate Bridge.
After we ran across the Golden Gate bridge twice, we had finished the first half of our marathon, but the hills kept coming, as we hit the stairs in reverse. By now there were many people on the trails, most of them wearing masks. I had slowed down by more than a minute per mile, but I kept moving forward, while Bryn navigated the hills with agility and looked like she was ready to run an ultramarathon, not just a marathon.
Hills, stairs, and a little knee pain, but what a scenic and incredible tour of the city!
“Running on a soft trail, overlooking the bluffs, up and down the hills, with the scent of eucalyptus in the air, was heaven.” Bryn Mumma
Returning to Golden Gate Park for our final few miles, we noticed that the park had come alive with children and families. We passed playgrounds and picnickers, as well as Stow Lake and the Botanical Gardens before reaching our 26.2-mile finish.
Throughout our marathon, Bryn couldn’t help but feeling like running in the fog was like coming home, because it was where her now-husband and her got engaged and married, while they both finished their studies to become doctors. Much of time in San Francisco was spent in the Sunset, running through Golden Gate Park to Ocean Beach.
For me, the highlight of the marathon were the windmills and the Pacific Ocean that made our extremely beautiful, scenic, but hard San Francisco marathon course with 1,730 feet elevation an adventure to remember. Bryn seemed to glide on all the hills, whereas I struggled with knee and calf pain, but continued my run and finished my 11th marathon, relishing the fog, the ocean waves crashing onto the shore, the Dutch Windmill, running across Golden Gate Bridge twice, the sight of a beautiful heron at the end of the race, and the wonderful time spent with my friend Bryn, who ran this marathon with ease and indelible joy.
Bryn finished the marathon ahead of me, as I struggled with pain from all the hills and possibly my thyroid acting up, but I mixed running with walking at the end and got it done. As I finished, I thought about our celebration picture, which, of course, was with the Dutch Windmill.
Bryn knew I wanted a picture with the windmill, so we drove close to it, parked, and captured the joy of completing our first virtual marathon with no spectators or aid stations.
I fought hard and ran my slowest marathon since I became a runner, but had defeated the windmills and have learned valuable lessons about life, such as:
4. POSITIVITY – Bryn and I tried to find a positive in every negative.
5. PERSEVERANCE – We constantly found ways to push each other on the track, or during a long run, and never gave up.
6. CREATIVITY – We had to constantly find ways around the pandemic, the weather, our busy schedules, and I even composed a rap song for our marathon.
7. DEDICATION – Without dedication, we can’t achieve much in life. Every single week, Bryn and I communicated with each other. We both set time aside for our speed workouts and long runs, which we did together and thus made our marathon cycle feel easier than usual, more enjoyable, and fun.
8. MOTIVATION – Once I convinced Bryn to do the London virtual marathon with me, both our motivation has increased, as we stayed focused and kept each other accountable.
9. FLEXIBILITY – With Bryn being an emergency physician and myself the CEO of my Dynamic Real Estate company, we both had a little more flexibility in our schedules, which proved to be quintessential to our successful and fun training schedule that I created for us mixing most of the workouts that Mary, our team’s coach provided part of the Chicago marathon training, with some of my own training, including weekly rest and strength training.
10. ENTHUSIASM –Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm,” and Bryn and I had plenty of it. Chasing each other on the track was the highlight of our training, which made us run faster and stronger.
With races being canceled all around the world, now, more than ever, we have goals of becoming better human beings, helping others, lifting each other up, and just striving to be the best version of ourselves. Running goals are important, such as PRs, but the most important PR is what I call in my poetry book the pace and rhythm of life, which means being entuned with life, living in the now, and being grateful for every breath and stride we take on the trails of life.
For more inspiration on how to let “AIR,” which stands for adaptation, inspiration, and resilience guide and uplift you during these uncertain and crazy times, please consider buying my print edition or e-book The PR- The Poetics of Running, A Book of Poetry in Motion on Amazon, by clicking on the link. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book is going to Girls on the Run Sacramento chapter organization.
At the end of each year, most people are focused on new year’s resolutions, as well as being happier and more prosperous. As we all know, our prosperity is tied to a few economic factors, such as unemployment, stock market, and real estate, to name just a few. When it comes to buying a home, buyers want to make sure they are buying the right house at the right price, which makes the real estate forecast an exciting moment at the end of the year. On the other hand, sellers want to make the most money when selling their home, so they also watch the market and try to find the perfect moment to sell, especially if they don’t have any immediate urgency or need to sell. Before delving into specific market details, I can tell you even though I don’t have a crystal ball, I have 2020 vision, a joke I am borrowing from one of my dynamic agents, that our 2020 real estate market will be great for both buyers and sellers for the following reasons:
The average 30-year, fixed mortgage interest rates will dip to 3.7 percent in 2020, down from 3.9 in 2019. Lower interest rates equate to more purchasing power.
California Association of Realtors 2020 Housing Market Forecast sees a small uptick in single family homes sales of 0.8 percent next year. California median home price is forecast to increase 2.5 percent, followed by a projected 4.1 percent increase from 2019.
With prices slightly going up, sellers will continue to cash in on their equity in order to move into a bigger home, downsize, or move out of state, which approximately 30 percent of sellers will do.
The lack of inventory nationwide was a major theme in 2019. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS®, warned often that first-time buyers would have a difficult year, as the housing crunch became most acute in entry-level price points. Unfortunately, low inventory of affordable homes will continue in 2020. “Real estate is on firm ground with little chance of price declines,” Yun said during the Forecast Summit. “However, in order for the market to be healthier, more supply is needed to assure home prices as well as rents do not consistently outgrow income gains.”
The rise of the iBuyer will continue in 2020, but my personal recommendation is to go the traditional way, or at least get a second opinion, as you will make on average $20,000 to $30,000 more on your home after paying the commission. The fast cash offers are not that hassle free and are usually about 80 percent of your home value. They also come with request for repairs and added fees, so don’t give away your equity, because I can get you a strong offer, as is with no repairs if necessary with a fast close and the least amount of hassle.
To search free listings, please go to http://dynamicsacramentohomes.com/ For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!
“Nothing is good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” William Shakespeare
Going into St. George marathon, which was my 10th, I decided that I would not let the hills bother me in any way, or consider them good or bad, since I agree with Shakespeare that it is our mere thinking that makes something good or bad. Instead, I decided to train with purpose and focus on conquering the hills, especially because I had had the opportunity to run 19 miles on the course this summer during our trip to Utah. My long run that summer day in August did not go very well. The hills were long and ubiquitous both up and down, taxing my glutes and calf muscles. My legs felt as heavy as the beautiful red rocks surrounding me on the course and my pace was slower than usual.
My husband Catalin was so sweet to be my Sherpa during my long 18-mile run that day, waiting for me in various places and taking pictures of me. In this pic, I am running through Snow Canyon and making a quick stop to refuel, as well as to complain about those monster, mean hills.
Needless to say, I freaked out and thought there was no way I would run strong on the course that everybody called downhill and fast, so together with my awesome friend and coach Jenny Hitchings, we devised a great training schedule that included hills and tough speed workouts. Additionally, every time I had an easy and recovery 10-mile runs on my schedule, I would try to run trails for some more hills and elevation.
St. George Marathon highlights and Course Analysis
It was the day before the marathon and many runners from 20 countries and 49 states were stirring…
My friend and Arete team mate Briana Telford and I shared a house that I had rented through VRBO and we did everything right before our marathon. I cooked spaghetti and sweet potatoes fries for dinner, we hydrated, conserved our energy, and went to bed around 9:30 the night before the marathon, since we got up before 4 a.m. to catch the bus taking us to the start line.
Briana and I doing a short 2 mile-shakeout with strides on Friday, October 4th the day before our marathon. Most big races and marathons are held on a Saturday in Utah, since Sunday is church day for many locals, most of them following the Mormon religion.
Briana and I at the Convention Center, which was pretty small and unpretentious. We did not spend much time on our feet, which was great.
Excited to run my 10th marathon.
The start line and the first 7 miles of downhill smiles
The house we stayed at was less than a mile away from the finish line and from where we had to take the bus that took us to the start line up in the Pine Valley mountains at 5,240 feet elevation. Briana and I walked to Worthen Park and got on the bus with no wait. Once we arrived at the start line, the volunteers gave us space blankets. The temperature was 35 degrees and a little windy, so we immediately huddled around the fire together with other runners.
Huddled around the fire felt magical and we kept warm.
Watching the fire was a magical and unique experience at the start of the marathon, which was a first for both of us. The flames twisted, danced, and glowed in the morning cool air. Our legs and feet got warmer – almost a burning sensation; our bodies and souls ablaze with marathon flames that simply called our names. As we got close to the start time, which was 6:45 a.m., we finally left the fire, shed our warm jackets and sent our bags on the truck that took all our belongings to the finish line. We barely delivered our bags, when they announced that there was one minute left before the start.
Before I knew it, I started running in the dark surrounded by the cold morning Utah air and the breathing of many runners. My breathing was smooth. I ran through the darkness and could not see anything on my watch. I ran by feel telling myself not to go off too fast. My first mile was 7:48 and then I kept running by feel till the 5K, being on track. The next four miles were in the 7:20 and 7:30 pace, as the downhill was steep and I thought it was worse to put the brakes. I caught up with the 3:25 pacers and they were chatting away, talking about the one-mile long hill coming up at Veyo, a small little town with one gas station.
Miles 7-12- Let the hills begin
It is very easy to think that St George marathon is just a downhill race, as runners descend nearly 2,600 feet through scenic Southwest Utah, but unfortunately, maps don’t do justice to a course. At mile 7, I knew I had to climb for exactly one mile, so I was ready and took the hill steadily, trying to conserve energy. The hills continued till mile 12, even though there were some downhills in between, but not enough to keep me at my desired 7:50 pace. I relaxed and did not panic, as I knew this portion of the course very well. The hills did not feel very difficult, but they did slow me down. I was looking forward to taking off after these miles, thinking that it was mainly downhill, but my body had different plans.
These are not just hills; they are mountains, and yet, I came to the top with a big smile and my victory sign up. .
Miles 13 to 19 – Up and Down I Ran
I was really planning on taking off and hitting my GMP (gross marathon pace) again, but my hips were a little tight and I couldn’t quite push, so I was happy to run in the low 8s and some mid 8s. To my surprise, my calf muscles were not sore or tight and my glutes were also pretty good. I had taped both my calves using the wide KT tape and it seemed to work. As I kept losing my desired pace, I did not feel despair like I felt earlier this year running the Boston marathon. On the contrary, I was running with joy and gratitude, relishing the white, pink, and red sandstone rocks. I was keeping a steady pace and the spectators were wonderful, cheering on me and saying “Go Carmen,” as we all had our names typed on our bibs. I kept looking at my watch to see how far off I was from my goal of breaking 3:30 and I realized that I needed to shift my focus on my form, as my knees were starting to hurt from all the descending, as well as try to make this my second fastest marathon.
Miles 20 to the Finish line
The climbing up and down the hills does not end till about mile 19, when the course descends into town, where there is a flat and fast 10k for those runners who can push it. Even though I could feel my body getting tired, I started to pick up my pace and ran faster in this portion. I had promised my friend and Arete team mate Christina Nokes that I would run as fast as I could for her at the end and that I would chant our new marathon mantra: “Like a savage.” As I ran faster and stronger through town, I kept lifting my arms and was shouting “like a savage.” One of the spectators said cheerfully: “Yeah, you are a savage. ” Many spectators were amused and cheered even louder for me, which helped me run faster and with more joy. With two miles left, the spectators were handing out popsicles and I truly enjoyed mine, while running faster and stronger towards the finish line, which was electrifying, as there were rows of spectators on both sides. I had finished my 10th marathon as my third fastest marathon in 3:41:46, qualifying again to run Boston marathon, which I had promised myself not to run again till I am 70 when I will try to win my age group.
My third fastest marathon and qualified for Boston with 8 minutes below my qualifying times.
My amazing friend and Arete team mate Briana was at the finish line cheering for me and taking this video of me right as I crossed the finish. Video_Finishline_StGeorge
To my great joy, Briana PRed by about 5 minutes and finished in 3:24:25. We were both happy to complete a tough, but great marathon.
At the finish line with my awesome and speedy friend Briana.
Even though I did not PR, I was very happy with my marathon and I loved that I ran with joy and gratitude.
With St. George being considered one of the top 10 qualifiers for the Boston marathon, according to the marathon website, here are my recommendations to everyone wanting to run this course strong and qualify for Boston, or achieve a personal best time.
Training Tips for a Successful St. George, Boston, New York, or any hilly marathon
Practice running both uphill and downhill. My hill workouts included running steady uphill and controlled downhill, but I sometimes made the workout harder by running hard downhill at 7 minute pace to shred the quads and get them stronger for this marathon, which is not for the runners who hate the hills. The hill workouts that my awesome coach Jenny Hitchings gave me also included doing three miles at marathon pace after my hill repeats and sometimes doing a tempo right before the hill repeats. These specific workouts kept my quads pretty strong till the last two miles of the marathon.
Use the recovery day and easy runs to run on the trails, as the hills there are ubiquitous and you will train at higher elevation. Whenever I had 10 miles recovery on my schedule the day after speed workout, I tried to hit the trials and run super easy, but practice on the hills, which is quite helpful for a hilly marathon.
In the building phase of the marathon, feel free to do your long runs on the trails so that you can get your climbing legs in good shape.
For the most advanced runners who feel comfortable on the trails and who are not injury prone, although we can all get injured at any time, I would recommend doing a hilly, but not super technical 50K race about 5 to 8 weeks out before the marathon, as I have done that before another downhill marathon last year at Mountains to Beach and I felt the strongest out of all my marathons, but that doesn’t mean it will always work.
Speed workout on the hills doing 5 to 8 x800 meters on a fairly steep downhill and running back up. Try to do this workout once or twice a month, as the purpose is to beat up the quads to get them strong for the hilly course. Run hard, but controlled downhill with a good form and turnover, after which rest for 2 minutes at the bottom and then climb back up strong.
To sum things up, hills are runners’ best friends and we should visit them often for speed and strength.
To search free listings, please go to http://dynamicsacramentohomes.com/ For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!
The motto of Hot Yoga at Sunrise: “it’s not how flexible and fit you are; it’s how flexible and fit you will become. Be all that you can be – be a hot Yogi!”
There are many ways to cross train for runners, but hot yoga is at the top of my list together with swimming and Pilates. According to the Runner’s World, hot yoga can help you become faster and fitter, so why not roll out the yoga mat?
Last December, I ran with Bobby Carpenter for the first time, as he was introduced to me by my friend Genevieve. We did the hilly trail run from the Fish Hatchery and I noticed right away that Bobby’s breathing was smooth and controlled even when we climbed steep hills. I asked him what his secret was. Bobby replied nonchalantly:
“hot yoga.” To my great surprise, I found out that both him and his lovely wife Robin Carpenter were the owners of the Hot Yoga at Sunrise.
We runners enjoy donuts after a tough track workout. Bobby is the one in the blue T-shirt.
Introduction of Bobby and Robin Carpenter
Bobby and Robin Carpenter, the owners of Hot Yoga at Sunrise
Both Bobby and Robin Carpenter are avid athletes and have practiced yoga for 20 years. They also run, road bike, and kayak. Bobby also likes to do mountain biking. Originally Bobby started to do yoga to prevent injuries. Robin and Bobby stayed with yoga because of the flexibility, balance, strength, stamina, and for the spiritual benefits. They have been teaching yoga for 16 years and are very passionate about it.
I have been practicing yoga at their studio for six months and love it. I try to do hot yoga at least once a week, especially Robin’s yin yoga class, as we hold certain poses for five minutes, which makes me feel rejuvenated and less sore after the class. However, I have tried all their classes, and I also love doing Bikram, Yin, core, fusion flow, vinyasa, and yoga sculpt.
Why Hot Yoga at Sunrise?
Incredible flexibility
The philosophy behind Hot Yoga At Sunrise is community building, which is very important to Bobby and Robin. The spiritual awakening that happens for most people is an added benefit. The fact that the business is family owned and the whole focus is to get yoga into people’s lives makes Hot Yoga at Sunrise unique. Bobby and Robin are not focused on profits but on people and the benefits that come from practicing yoga as often as possible. Most studios are making a living with their studio, whereas Bobby and Robin are not relying on the studio for their income. This allows them much more freedom to truly care about their students.
Top 6 benefits of hot yoga for athletes and everyone who wants to be happier and healthier.
1. Flexibility
When our body and muscles are more flexible, we perform better and reduce the risk of injury.
2. Strength
Without strength we cannot last longer when we run. A runner with a strong body is also going to perform better and avoid injuries.
3. Stamina
The more stamina and energy we have, the more we can enjoy our athletic activities.
4. Balance
Yoga helps athletes develop good balance and coordination.
5. Improved breathing and performance.
Bobby Carpenter said: “Your breathing becomes so much more efficient and your muscles become a lot more pliable, which allows you to go much deeper into the pose with the heat.
6. Overall stronger faster, fitter, better.
Robin pointed out that if you just go to a professional baseball game, you’ll see the players stretching on the field and you realize how flexible they are. Besides their God-given talent, the players do yoga and it helps immensely with their flexibility, strength, and stamina.
Yoga’s Mental Aspect
We all know that running and pretty much most sports are 90 percent mental, which is why yoga is great at calming the busy mind and putting us in the present moment. Yoga also attenuates stress through the endorphins that are released, which is why people come out of class feeling so much better than when they went in.
Although Bobby and Robin believe that doing the poses in a sequence is important, I have three favorite Yoga poses that I like to do when my calf and gluteus muscles are tight.
THREE SIMPLE POSES FOR RUNNERS
The benefits of yoga for runners are great, which is why we should at least start by incorporating three easy poses into our routines.
1. Pigeon Pose
This pose stretches a lot of important muscles for runners, such as the hip rotators, glutes, and the IT band, which are easy to be injured. To perform this pose, sit down, put your right knee behind your right hand and put your right foot in front of your left hip. After that leaning forward in order to rest on your forearms or palms depends on your flexibility.
Pigeon yoga pose.
2. Bridge Pose
I am doing the bridge pose with the weight for extra strength.
If you find hunching forward at the end of a hard run is difficult that means your back muscles need to be strengthened. Repeating bridge pose several times will work the muscles in your back as well as your glutes and hamstrings to make you balanced and stronger in the next run. First, lie down on the mat. Bend both of your knees and place the feet directly below them. Next, slowly lift your back up by pressing into your feet. Keep this for about several breaths and then slowly lower your back down at the first position. Perform bridge Pose for at least 10 times.
3. Downward-Facing Dog
Downward dog pose – my favorite pose to release my tight calf muscles, as well as my glutes.
This stretch will help your hamstrings tremendously, as well as stabilize your shoulders. Use your hands and knees. Spread the fingers wide, lift your body up and straighten your legs so that the balls of the feet are pressed into the floor. Try to align your neck, back, and arms during performing this pose. You can alternate the relaxing between your legs.
And if you are wondering what type of hot yoga is better for runners, then Bobby and Robin have the answer. They believe that
Bikram, Yin, and Core are best due to the deep stretches and strength that all athletes and runners need.
Now that spring is here, I have special incentives for buyers and sellers, such as money back towards closing costs and reduced commission when selling, so please mention this blog and you will also receive a free market analysis of your home, no strings attached.
To search free listings, please go to http://www.dynamicsacramentohomes.com.
For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!
Let’s be honest! Who doesn’t want to be faster as a runner? And aren’t we willing to try new ideas to enjoy this incredible sport of running road or trail races? As some of you know, I have been pesco-vegan for four years and fully vegan for three years, but in this blog, I have the honor to introduce local sub-elite runner Jedidiah Soliz, aka Jedi, or the Vegan Jedi athlete on Instagram, who runs for Sacramento Running Association elite team. He is also my amazing friend and training partner on recovery days, or when I have to do a tough workout and he is great to pace me. I have also paced him on my bike and barely kept up with him – ha!ha!
Jedi and I run together through Ancil Hoffman Park on the peaceful trails, where we get to see deer, turkeys, and coyotes while talking about running, nutrition, podcasts, and books we read.
Introduction
Jedidiah Soliz, aka Jedi, or @theveganjediathlete athlete on Instagram, is 36 years old and has his own business as a Landscape Gardener and Designer. He has been vegan for about seven years and has been a competitive distance runner for almost 15 years. Jedi started out doing cross country in college back in 2004. At that time, he was only doing short 4-mile races, after which he attempted the 800m in track during the spring season. Jedi thought that was fun, but unfortunately, he got injured. Since then he has worked his way up to the marathon distance and has also done one 50k race.
Jedi also got accepted onto the Altra Running Red Team at the beginning of 2019. He is a big believer and promoter of the Altra shoes that he wears for all of his running and most casual outings as well. They are the best brand of running shoes in his opinion and Jedi believes in their philosophy whole-heartedly. The Altra shoes have a signature wide toebox and Zero Drop technology that makes for a more natural, efficient, and injury preventive experience.
Jedi believes that his true purpose, calling, and mission in life is to be an ambassador for a vegan lifestyle. He is proud to have been featured in Vegan Health and Fitness Magazine and Sacramento News and Review.
Jedi’s Running Accomplishments
Jedi running Boston last year (2018) in the worst weather – rain, wind, and very cold conditions.
Jedi completed his first marathon California International Marathon in 2:50.52 in the craziest storm of the year. He was 30 years old and turned vegan that year, experiencing renewed energy and increased sports’ performance.
In 2018, Jedi ran CIM marathon in 2:39:25, which is his personal best so far in marathons.
His half Marathon PR is 1:13.34.
His 10 mile best race is 55:45, the 10k 33:24, and his fastest mile is 4.27.
In 2019, Jedi is working to break his 5K PR, which 15:58.
Jedi has just won the Davis Stampeded 5K race on Feb. 24th, 2019 with a time of 16:43.
Winner of the 5K Davis Stampede, 2019
Why Should You Consider Turning Vegan and How it Can Change You as an Athlete and Human Being?
Jedi running CIM last year and setting a new PR of 2:39:25.
Jedi offers 10 reasons to become vegan:
For health reasons to combat cancer, diabetes, heart disease, for weight loss,and to become the best version of oneself.
For better skin and combating acne, which he had growing up.
To inspire others just like his sister Vanessa Dawn who became a raw vegan with the help of a friend of hers. Jedi was completely mesmerized by his sister’s transformation and knew that he was desperately ready for a change.
To counteract the destructive industry of animal agriculture.
To spread kindness and compassion.
To protect our environment and to live our lives as vegans, or what is considered World Peace Diet.
To change our planet by being conscious of our food habits.
To promote peace and harmony.
To appreciate the synergistic component of veganism, because what’s best for the planet is also best for our health, the animals and visa versa.
To improve our running, or any other sport’s performance, as well as reduce injury and improve recovery.
Picture from Santa Rosa Marathon, 2018.
Jedi’s Advice on Becoming Vegan
Focus on fruit, vegetables, and whole foods!
Make sure that the bulk of your calories comes from high carbohydrate, whole, plant-based foods. It is far too easy to become a junk food vegan these days, but you need to fight that urge, because your performance depends on it. Not to say that you can’t treat yourself to some delicious vegan treats and fatty, filling foods now and then, but it is best to keep it to a minimum and time it out right so that you are mostly only eating that way after a race or hard workout.
Proper timing of nutrition is very important!
Also focus on low fat, but make sure to get enough calories, which can be one of the biggest pitfalls that most unsuccessful vegan athletes experience.
Getting plenty of fiber and an easy way to do so is by making big fruit and green smoothies. Jedi makes himself a big smoothie every morning, which powers him through his workouts and his job until lunch time.
Jedi’s Smoothie Recipe
Jedi’s favorite fueling breakfast before and after a run is his famous smoothie that he is kind to share with us.
Jedi’s advice on how to make the smoothie: “Put the water and dates at the bottom first to soak. You can play around and tweak this recipe some to your liking. You can swap out the fruit for other seasonal fruit of your choice if you’d like. This is just a standard recipe of mine, but it definitely varies for me as well! Also the amount of liquid you need may change, depending on the size of the smoothie. I recommend adding a little bit extra at a time if need be.”
Final Thoughts About Being Vegan
Jedi running the Break Free race, which he has won a few times.
Becoming a vegan is a big lifestyle change and you should also consult your physician, but as Jedi points out we all have the potential for greatness within us. For Jedi, being vegan is a bigger cause that is near and dear to his heart and it makes a huge difference in his life as an athlete and his ability to push himself to the limit. Moreover, Jedi’s questions for all of us are: “Do you have the will power, self control, and courage to join me on this journey into a life saving and world changing movement and rise up to your inner greatness by doing what’s right and fighting for this cause? Life is short and we will all die one day, but it’s what we choose to do with our time here that really matters. Do you want to be part of the problem of cruelty and destruction, or do you want to be part of the solution towards compassion and peace?”
I am always busy during the winter months, selling my listings, or helping my buyers buy the right home, so please mention this blog and you will receive a free market analysis of your home, no strings attached.
For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!
“The city seen from the Queensboro Bridge,” Nick says, “is always the city seen for the first time, in its first wild promise of all the mystery and the beauty in the world”.F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
Running two marathons in one month is not something we should do, but since I qualified and got accepted to run Chicago and New York City marathons, which are both world marathons, I went for it, excited to run the largest marathon in the world.
I took this picture the evening before the marathon, as it amused me. Indeed, New Yorkers are busy and seem in a constant rush, but they sure were the warmest and most amazing spectators on marathon day. They melted my heart with gratitude for the sport and sure carried me through tough moments.
Before leaving for New York, I have read as many articles about how to run well New York City marathon . Since I loved running hills, I thought I would be ready for New York and I was, but not as strong as I had imagined.
Two Days Before the Marathon – How to Enjoy New York Before the Race
Like most of my other friends from Sacramento, I opted for the red-eye flight, even though I can’t sleep on the plane. After a lot of fidgeting around and trying to keep my eyes shut, I had finally landed in New York, which brought back sweet and exciting memories from 23 years ago when my husband and I first came to America from Romania and landed in New York. I remember how we were both craning our necks, trying to capture New York City rise out of the clouds with its grandiose Statue of Liberty greeting and welcoming us to the greatest country in the world. This time just like 23 year ago, I could not resist the views and kept stretching my neck to capture New York City’s grandeur from the airplane. A canopy of clouds drifted and sifted over New York, but I could still see rows and rows of homes with small patches of grass and trees in the front.
As soon as I landed, I took a Lyft to my hotel to leave the luggage and head to the Expo, where I was meeting with my Sacramento friends and doing the narrated bus tour of the entire course. I was soon going to find out that the bus tour would take longer than actually running the whole course, especially for those runners making it under 4 hours, but it was great to sit back, relax, spend time with my friends, and taking pics of the five boroughs to add to my blog.
Meeting with my awesome Sacramento runner friends at the Expo.
After the tour, I got to spend time at the Expo, enjoying the energy, the international runners chirping in French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, and so on, and all the vendors. No matter of the languages spoken all around us, we all had one thing in common: crossing the finish line of the largest marathon in the world.
Finding one’s name among thousands of others is always exciting and humbling.
Running teaches us to spread our wings wide and high and reach for the sky. Shalane Flanagan as the winner of last year’s New York city marathon.
It was getting late, so I went outside to get a Lyft to my hotel, which was close to Central Park and the finish line. The first day in New York went by quickly and I can say that the New York bagels are the best.
The Day Before the Marathon – Carb Loading and Exploring New York City
Saturday before the marathon, I slept in, since I was tired from the flight and all the excitement. Around 9 a.m., I took off on an easy 3-mile run with strides through Central Park. As I ran through Central Park, not knowing which direction to go, I ended up by the finish line, which was exhilarating and brought tears of joys and gratitude to my face. I even found the Romanian flag, which made it special.
Born and raised in Romania, I will never forget my roots and I am proud to be a Romanian American.
Seeing the finish line the day before the marathon helped me visualize my own finish of New York City marathon.
On my way back to the hotel, I took New York’s fall colors all in, being mesmerized by the bright colors set against the backdrop of New York City’s skyscrapers. Runners ran in circles around Central Park and I was once again reminded how fortunate I was to run another world marathon.
Fall splendor in Central Park.
Fall foliage, which made many friends back home remark on the true colors of autumn on the East coast.
After my morning explorations of Central Park, I went back to the hotel, showered, and had lunch. The plan was to explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the afternoon for just a couple of hours, since I needed to keep my legs fresh for the next day.
The Metropolitan Museum is a must. I loved the Delacroix exhibit and the Egyptian one, but all the art is exquisite and giving so much joy to the onlookers.
I spent the evening in Madison Square Garden and Rockefeller Plaza, enjoying my pasta dinner, but mainly taking in the sounds of New York, the constant buzzing, the excitement, and the flashing lights all around me. I took another Lyft back to my hotel (I only took the bus once and the rest of the time, I relied on the shared Lyft riding with others, as Lyft services are more expensive).
From what other runners had told me, I didn’t need to go so early to catch the bus or the ferry to the start line. Although in the beginning, I signed up for the ferry, I learned that the bus was the faster option and that I didn’t have to take both the ferry and the bus. I changed the ferry option at the Convention center and opted to take the bus from the New York Public Library, which was only one mile away and easy to get by Lyft. As you can see, my travel to New York should be called Carmen’s uplifting Lyft experience of getting around places – ha!ha!
Marathon Day Race and Logistics
Even though I went to bed by 10:30 p.m. on Saturday after talking to my hubby on the phone, I still decided to sleep an extra half an hour and only get to the bus at 6 a.m. instead of 5:30 a.m., as I did not want to wait so long before my coral’s start time of 9:55 a.m. Once I arrived at the library, I was greeted by a long line of runners and had to wait at least 30 minutes to get on the nice warm bus that had no bathroom, so be prepared for an hour to 1.5 hours ride and of not going to the bathroom. Also for those anxious of not making it on time, don’t be too creative and just follow the time written on your wrist band, which nobody checked, as they only wanted to see our bibs.
The line for the bus at 6 a.m. on November 4th, 2018, the big marathon day.
On the bus, I became friends with Jaszver, a smart and super athletic guy in his 30s. We kept talking for the entire ride to Staten Island, which took an hour an a half. My glutes were getting a little tight from sitting so long, which is why it felt good to get off the bus to another long line that funneled runners to their corresponding coral.
As soon as we got off the bus, soldiers with guns greeted us. They were serious and they even had to step in when some runners tried to cut the line and run to their corals.
After waiting in line to get to my coral and passing by runners who were wrapped up in heavy bathrobes to keep warm, which others were sitting on the ground on blankets, I made it to my coral exactly an hour before the start. The bathrooms were plenty and I had time to go multiple times to make sure I don’t have to stop on the course, which I have been fortunate to never need to go. Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York song was playing through the speakers and they soon started to announce the elite women runners first. I felt elated to be surrounded by runners from all over the world and experience the joy of running on a beautiful, sunny, chilly November day. The weather was perfect to run a marathon.
Right before the start of the New York City marathon before we started to walk on the Verrazzano Bridge where the start line was.
Before I knew it, we started to walk towards the Verrazzano Bridge, a double-decked suspension bridge connecting Staten Island to Brooklyn and then we were running on the lower part of the bridge with expansive water views all around us. The first mile is hilly, so I didn’t have to put effort into holding back my pace. The bridges and overpasses are long and pretty steep. As soon as we got off the bridge, the spectators started cheering on us. I was surrounded by runners, but I did not feel crowded. After my first mile was in the mid 9s, I started to ease into my 8 minute and high 7 minute pace. I felt great and enjoyed the sights of Brooklyn and all the old brick buildings.
I loved seeing different style buildings and running through New York City’s five boroughs. A unique and indelible experience.
Brooklyn
The spectators continued to treat us like rock stars and I felt good all the way till about mile 10 when I started to fall off pace by about 20 seconds, but I decided to go with it and enjoy this amazing marathon that kept me entertained and on my toes at all times. My left calf muscle that gave me trouble at Chicago felt great this time and gave me no issues- it was my glute muscles that tightened up on me, making it hard for me to keep my faster stride. I kept digging deep, smiling, and looking forward to go over another super long and steep bridge, the Queensboro Bridge , which is the first entry point to Manhattan during the New York City Marathon. This bridge comes at mile 15 when the legs are a little tired, but at the end of the bridge, the spectators were thunderous, cheering us on and making the next miles pass by quicker. My pace was already in the low 9s, but I realized that my body gave me all it had, especially since I was running two marathons in one month.
An online picture of Queensboro bridge.
Around mile 19, I heard my name called loudly, but I thought I was delirious, or the spectators saw my name that I scribbled on my bib. Only after the marathon, did I learn that my friend Elizabeth was tracking me and cheered me on. We met at Mountains to Beach Marathon earlier this year and kept in touch through Facebook. She even took my video and thought that I was running strong, when I felt that I was barely moving trying to get to Central Park and six miles closer to the finish line.
The next miles getting to Central Park felt hard, as if invisible hills kept popping out of nowhere.
I smiled a lot to trick my body and that helped a lot besides the most amazing spectators on the planet.
As you can see here, I am ahead of the woman from Sweden, who is probably thinking just like me WTH about all the rolling hills. Pic taken by the race photographers.
I was so excited when I finally got to Central Park running the same paths that I had run the previous day on my 3-mile shakeout run. My legs were tired, so around mile 25, I had a breakthrough and an idea to make myself run faster the way I finish most races. As the spectators were right behind the barricades cheering us on, I started talking to them and shouted: “I love you, New York,” and the crowds went wild for me. My pace starting to pick up, not minding the rolling hills that kept coming our way like ocean waves that we had to climb on. I kept shouting “I love you, New York” all the way to the finish line, when I finished happy and not in too much pain in 3 hours and 54 minutes. I also found out later that I was 11,000 out of 53,000 runners who finished, so not too bad for such a large marathon.
Crossing the finish line with enormous joy. Pic taken by the race photographers.
Celebrating with my medal and text messages coming through from my friend Andrea and other friends. I called me husband and told him that I finished and was alive and well.
We had to walk another mile to get to our fancy marathon ponchos and to the food bag that they handed out to participants. All the walking around after marathon helped the recovery of my muscles.
New York City marathon was an indelible experience that solicited my physical, mental, and spiritual strength and gave me faith in humanity, as the spectators are like no others. My seventh marathon and my second world marathon were complete, leaving me transformed and with an eternal love and gratitude for the Big Apple City.
How about you? Have you run New York City marathon? Is there something you wish to share, or comment on other than “I love you, New York?”
For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!
Holding an open house is no guarantee that your home is going to sell and more often than not sellers end up feeling disappointed after the big day has come and gone. Simply opening up your home to buyers isn’t enough. First, make a few simple changes to boost your home’s buying potential. Too many sellers neglect these easy open house preparations that will make a huge difference.
First Impressions
No matter how much time and money you spend fixing up the inside of your home, it’s the outside of the house that potential buyers are going to see first. Never underestimate the importance of first impressions, particularly in home-selling.
Wash the outside of your home. According to HGTV, this can give you a big boost of curb appeal. Clean out the gutters, wash the windows and make sure the front door is nice and clean. Repaint the door and window trim if needed. A set of brand-new house numbers may also be in order, an inexpensive way to make your home look nice and fresh.
Spruce Up Your Lawn
Curb appeal will get people in the door of your house, and that’s how you find buyers. Make your home look so appealing that house hunters can’t resist. Start by making your lawn look amazing. Mow the grass, get rid of leaves and make sure there are no weeds. Give attention to your flower beds and landscaping. According to House Logic, fresh mulch and nicely pruned shrubs go a long way toward boosting your curb appeal.
Add some pops of color to your landscaping. Plant a few flowers in bright hues of yellow and orange. They will quickly catch the eyes of potential homebuyers. Pansies, tulips and geraniums are easy to find everywhere and grow in pretty, vivid shades.
Consider having the driveway repaved. It’s not as expensive as you think to have fresh asphalt put down and this will greatly increase your curb appeal. A nice, new driveway makes a huge impression.
Don’t forget the mailbox. Clean it or repaint it to make the mailbox look new, and add a pretty border of flowers around it.
What Else Curb Appeal Can Do
Great curb appeal doesn’t just get people to notice your home, but also it can actually increase the resale value of your home, according to Forbes. The money you put into landscaping will actually go back into your pocket when you sell your property, so it’s worth it to put extra care and attention into this detail.
Plant shrubs to fill in empty spaces and bare areas. Shrubs are relatively inexpensive and easy to plant, and you can buy them full-grown so you don’t have to wait for the fruits of your labor to appear.
Use Staging for Selling Success
Once you get buyers in the door of your home, make sure they like what they see. With a little bit of simple staging, you can encourage people to start bidding on your property.
First, remove clutter and knickknacks. Potential buyers want to see a simple design so they can imagine their own belongings, not your favorite family photos. Stick with simple furnishings, but don’t make the interior of your home too bare. Add some colorful pillows to the sofa, put a pretty vase of fresh flowers on your kitchen table and leave just a couple of small appliances on the kitchen counter. Display guest towels in the bathroom, and make up all the beds with beautiful linen and blankets.
Have an Easy Open House
Make some simple preparations before the big day will help you to impress potential buyers. Focus on your curb appeal, stage your rooms, and you will get the results you want.
As a real estate broker working with many sellers and buyers and owning my own company, I can offer a commission discount or two months of free staging for new clients who mention this blog. Some conditions and restrictions apply! When you work with the best, you get the best, so feel free to call me at 916-342-2446, or e-mail at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com. To search online and get free listings, go to www.dynamicsacramentohomes.com.
Author
Suzie Wilson is an interior designer with more than 20 years experience. What started as a hobby (and often, a favor to friends) turned into a passion for creating soothing spaces in homes of every size and style. While her goal always includes making homes look beautiful, her true focus is on fashioning them into serene, stress-free environments that inspire tranquility in all who enter. The Ultimate Guide to Prepping Your Home for an Open House is filled with tips, tricks and other advice based on Suzie’s years of experience in interior home design that will set you up for success.
I love to read at least an article on running every day that Runner’s World newsletter and other running websites I subscribe to send to my inbox. I learn a lot and the articles also give me ideas for future blogs, such as this article published in the Runner’s World newsletter about four ways to build mental toughness. I said to myself: why only four? I am sure I can come up with at least 10, so there you have it.
However, before I delve into my 10 ways to build mental toughness, I have the honor to introduce my awesome coach and friend Robert Ressl-Moyer who also tackled this topic. The founder of ReMo Fitness, a coach, personal trainer, Robert also holds a six-year degree in Exercise Science and is an accomplished long distance and ultra-runner, as well as the winner of many 50K and 50-mile races.
Robert Ressl-Moyer is my wonderful coach and friend who never ceases to amaze us with his agility, athleticism, kindness, and especially his mental toughness. Check out his podcast interview on Rambling Runner and decide for yourself on his greatness.
According to Robert Ressl-Moyer, there are three very important ways to improve mental toughness.
1. Choose one aspect of training you usually are shying away from during each training cycle. If you need to improve hills, run hills. If you lack the power and steadiness on flat terrain, run on flats. If you don´t strength train, try to incorporate strength training. Facing your fears and getting uncomfortable in training will grow your potential to overcome obstacles during race day.
Speaking of hills, here we are chasing hills at sunrise with my coach and some of my awesome team mates.
2. Mental toughness is trusting in yourself and knowing your abilities. It is also recognizing what you need to improve upon in a certain situation and acting no matter of the consequences. That can mean either realizing that dropping out of an important race is the best choice, or continuing to red line and pushing through obstacles to achieve a goal. Mental toughness is a powerful tool to achieve your maximum results. When Galen Rupp dropped out of the Boston Marathon 2018 he was criticized but celebrated when he won the Prague Marathon just a few weeks later.
3. For Robert Ressl-Moyer being confronted with and overcoming challenges during training cycles is always a big confidence booster on race day. For instance, when he raced the North Face Endurance Challenge 50 Mile in 2017, he stayed calm when he experienced first cramping in his calves at the 20-mile mark. When that happened, Robert just told himself that there was no way that his cramps will slow him down. And even tough the cramps did not disappear, his issues stayed manageable through the whole race and he started his successful chase, placing 16th in a very competitive field.
In my case, the mental toughness shaped itself way before I became a runner at the age of 42. I have played in more than 250 tennis tournaments and I have been known as a mentally tough player, who can find a way to win like a ninja, the nickname that Christy, my awesome tennis friend, came up with for me.
Not only have I played tennis for 25 years, but in 2016, I also published my tennis book, which, as you guessed includes a special chapter on mental toughness.
Therefore, my 10 tips to improve your mental toughness as a runner and athlete are below:
1. Trust in your own supernatural powers – We all have them when we believe fiercely and passionately in ourselves and chase our wildest dreams.
2. Learn to trick your brain by reciting mantras, such as “I can do this,” “I have fresh legs,” “I just started my run,” even though you ran for a few hours,” “Run like a ninja,” which applies to me, since I am a ninja- ha!ha!, and just pretend that the effort is easier than it truly is. Chin up!
3. Never use the word hard; instead say challenging.
4. Become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Long races, such as marathons and ultramarathons are perfect examples.
5. Be prepared and expect obstacles to block your way and slow you down. However, you can simply pretend you’re doing hurdles and you can gracefully jump over them.
6. Life is a fight, therefore fight, as George Cosbuc, one of our famous Romanian poets, said. Nothing comes easy and without sacrifices, there are no victories, so no need to whine and complain; just get to work. Chin up!
7. Surround yourself with positive people who believe in you, but who can also be honest with you and help you grow.
8. Run, eat, sleep, repeat! Simple concept, right? No extra explanation needed.
9. Don’t forget to smile! Research shows that you’ll run a little faster and will not mind or sense the pain as much.
10. Carpe Diem, or seize the day/moment. There is no reason to dwell on the past or fret about the future. Running is one of the best sports to enjoy and experience in the NOW.
This picture with my sweet husband Catalin and our daughter Sophia (our son Alex was the photographer) is the perfect example of my joy after having to dig deep during my second 50K race Salmon Falls, in which I PRed by an hour from my very first 50K race. That required some intense training and mental toughness when the legs got tired climbing the steep hills.
I hope these tips help you with all your future athletic events. And last but not least, please share with us your favorite mental toughness tips. How have you overcome obstacles and how did you use your mental toughness to succeed? Any favorite mantras you use and would like to share? Any fun anecdotes?
For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!
“Running is like a blooming rose – each petal encapsulating its own beauty amidst thorns. Running is also peeling off the layers of life one petal at a time to achieve the ultimate magic.” Carmen Micsa
At the end of each year, there is reflection and remembering all the lessons we have learned.
Physical Fitness Lessons
When your first injury as a runner strikes, learn to let your body heal through cross training, such as swimming and biking.
I consider myself pretty fortunate to avoid injuries, as I do have a decent form and I am good about listening to my body if something hurts me during a run. However, this year I got my first injury that sidelined me from running for almost two months after doing a tough track workout with my Fleet Feet Sacramento Racing team. We did mile repeats and I felt great during the workout. However, when I returned home, I was visibly limping, which is why my husband asked me if I got injured. I replied that I felt great during my track workout and that it is probably just temporary. I was wrong: I had peroneal tendonitis, which hurt my foot when I walked, so I had to take time off and heal using acupuncture and my new best friend the TENS machine, which is short for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.
Although my tendon was not completely healed, I have decided to race my favorite 5K race the ZooZoom Run. I finished second in my age group, but at the end of the race, I was barely able to walk. I knew I had to listen to my body and start healing and take time off from running. Poor decision to run the race.
I was lucky that my California Family Fitneess club had the hydro-fit belt that helped me do pool running, gave me joy, strength, and helped me heal my tendon.
3. Biking is another great cross training method for runners.
Biking is extremely beneficial to keep your cardio level up, as well as one of the favorite with injured runners, but I have decided to continue biking as cross training when not injured.
Preparing for my first triathlon. Combining swimming, running, and biking is quite fun and challenging. I have also enjoyed doing bricks workouts, such as biking followed by running.
4. Getting injured can help one put perspective on things, as well as become more adventurous in trying other athletic endeavors, such as a triathlon.
After I healed from my injury, I gained a new perspective on things and learned to appreciate swimming and biking, which is why I have decided to do compete in my first triathlon on Sept. 9 organized by Total Body Fitness. To my great delight, I finished third in my age group, doing very well in swimming, OK in biking, and outstanding in running.
I finished third in my age group, even though I did my very first triathlon. Yet, the highlight was the discovery that I can have stamina and strength to swim, bike, and run.
5. Learning to trust our bodies after an injury and come back stronger.
It took me almost a month to regain my speed and confidence in my ability to run strong and continue to get PRs in all my half marathon races, my marathon, and my 10K. At first, I tried to stay away from track workouts, but I realized that I needed to continue my running journey with passion and confidence.
Running together with my friend Andrea Brizendine helped me bounce back from injury and made me look forward to my runs.
6. Learning to respect my body and to strengthen it with key workouts and specific exercises to avoid future injuries.
One of the best exercises to strengthen muscles are kettle bells thrusts. My gluteal muscles often hurt after long runs, so I knew that I needed to do specific exercises to keep strong and be a better runner because of weekly strength workouts.
7. Learning to trust your body when running higher mileage weeks in preparation for a marathon.
Getting my own coach to prepare me to run my strongest marathon so far was the best decision I made, as Robert-Ressl Moyer, a top ultra runner and winner of many 50k races, taught me to trust my body when running between 50 to 70 miles a week. He helped me get my body stronger by having me do a few easy runs after every tough speed workout, which kept me healthy and uninjured through California International Marathon.
Running strong and faster with the help of my amazing coach Robert Ressl-Moyer.
8. Running fast on tired legs is not a myth!
With the help of my coach, I have learned to finish my races with negative splits, meaning running faster at the end. The main workout to help me accomplish this were my weekly progressive runs for the first month I trained with him to get me to run faster on tired legs at the end of our workout. I succeeded to negative split the Urban Cow half marathon finishing with a 3-minute PR in 1:43:56 with a 7:56 pace, The Mandarin half marathon finishing in 1:41:21 with a 7:45 pace another 2:30 mins PR only a month later after running Urban Cow half marathon, and the California International Marathon, where I had a 7-minute PR and qualified for Boston for the first time.
My awesome friend and training partner Andrea and I after finishing a smooth progressive run together.
Boston-Bound at California International Marathon, where I finished my fourth marathon in 3:40:41.
Mental Fitness Lessons
9. Dig deep literally means just that when you use your mental toughness during your training runs or races.
Digging deep as a runner, or a human being on the quest of achieving a big goal means just that. Although I am not a gardener, I find this expression to represent physical and mental strength when digging a hole, but more importantly, the strength is imperative to dig one’s way out of the hole. As runners we have to find that inner fortitude to run strong through the pain when our bodies rebel against us. My revelation came during the middle miles of my fourth marathon that I ran on Dec. 3rd, 2017. I was getting really tired and my gluteal muscles were sore and hurting. I slowed down by 30 seconds from my goal marathon pace of 8:16 and I was even thinking that marathons are not my cup of tea and why was I insisting on abusing my body like that. I even wanted to stop and use the bathroom, but I decided to harness my mental strength and focus on good form technique, and running the best I could to Loehman’s Plaza past the 20 mile point. Sure enough after that my body stopped hurting, or was it my mind overwriting the body? I started to run at 8:14 pace and felt rejuvenated and confident in my ability to finish strong.
I was able to run part of the CIM with my wonderful friend Karen Clark who ran ahead of me during the middle miles. I managed to catch up with her around mile 22 when my mental strength helped me dig deep and get out of the pain hole that slowed me down.
10. Find another gear.
How do runners differ from bikers? They just don’t have as many gears. Nevertheless, once we allow our brains to process and transcend physical pain, we become stronger and able to find faster gears that we did not know existed and were available to us. The way I learned to access my faster gears was by finishing many key track workouts with a few 200 meter repeats on tired legs. The first time I discovered that I could run super fast at the end of the workout on tired legs, I felt like a legit athlete. Running strong at the end felt like pulling a rabbit out of a magician’s hat, since the pain had disappeared and allowed the legs to do their thing.
My super fast and supportive team mates Genevieve Clavier and David Pai made me look forward to our 5:20 a.m. Tuesday workouts, when we all gave it our best and felt as if we were hanging off a precipice, but somehow managed to stay in control of our tired legs and finished the workouts strong.
11. Overwriting our doubts and mental weakness.
I was doing 800 meters on track with my awesome team mates, when my body and legs rebelled and started to slow down. My coach who was timing us noticed that I slowed down, so he said: “Your legs are not tired; it’s all in your mind.” I smiled and tried to process that statement. My next 800 was stronger, and the last one was the strongest. I had to simply overwrite my brain that was giving wrong signals to my body. All of a sudden, I found renewed energy in my running and knew I could do it! I felt in control of my body, thoughts, and managed to subdue the doubts that were creeping up like tiny spiders ready to weave their web of lies around my tired legs that were capable to give more that morning on track. Positive thoughts and reinforcement are an important tool for runners to have when needed.
Doing track workouts with friends is always more fun and motivating.
12. The power of visualization.
It is essential to visualize our goals and even more important to let our friends, our social network and media know about our goals, so that they can keep us accountable. Besides visualizing our goals, it really helps to repeat to yourself what you wish to get out of a race. For instance, when I ran the MandaRun half marathon, I kept telling myself that I wanted to finish with a 7:45 pace, since my pace during my Urban Cow half marathon was 7:56. During the race, I felt great and the speed was effortless, but I kept pushing myself to run a little faster than 7:45 to account for slowing down on a few hills. To my great surprise, I finished the half marathon in 1:41:21 with a 7:45 pace. I was elated and surprised that I finished third in my age group, as half marathons are harder to place. This was my first time finishing in the top three at a half marathon and felt that repeating the magic pace numbers worked well for me. The brain and the body were focused on the same goal and worked as a team!
Showing off my two medals that I earned at the Mandarun half marathon. First time getting an age group award for a half marathon race.
Spiritual Lessons
13. Jumping with Joy.
To me running is the perfect harmony between body and mind. In order to celebrate that inimitable feeling, I often jump with joy suspended between Heaven and Earth and rejoicing in the runner’s high.
No description needed. Too much joy and exhilaration!
14. Running is divine.
I have enjoyed doing trail runs for the change in scenery and for the divine beauty I see all around me. Just like we need to break up the monotony in running and run trails instead of road all the time, it is the same with life. We need to find the divine in various activities, in the people we meet, and in the ordinary that we can easily transform into extraordinary. The divine is within each of us and once we learn how to access it, we will feel our hearts expand with love for others and ourselves.
Serendipity and divinity.
The divine nature of wild flowers.
15. Running is finding God in nature.
Even though we need to watch our feet and pay attention to each step we take on the trails, I always rejoice in connecting with God during my runs. This year, I saw a cross in the sky right before Easter and I teared up thinking how much God loved us and how much I enjoyed discovering and talking to God during my runs through nature. Then on Christmas Eve when I ran the Foresthill Divide Loop with a few wonderful friends from our racing team, I stopped on the trail enthralled to discover God’s Temple.
I took this picture on Good Friday before Easter this year. At first, I thought it was just the evening sky right before sunset, but when I looked at the picture on my phone, I was in awe to see the clouds forming a cross in the sky. I cried, prayed, and wrote a poem about this divine apparition in the sky.
The light filtering through this old, mature bent over tree stopped me in my tracks. I felt God’s infinite love for me and all mankind. This deep spiritual connection filled my heart with love and gratitude for the existence of a higher BEING and for being ALIVE and closer to GOD.
16. Running is transcendence.
Whenever I run, there is a calmness descending over me that transcends any worries, crazy thoughts, doubts, or fears. Moreover, running becomes my way of transcending time and space and propels me in the NOW.
I love bridges, as they connect two ends, two worlds, two souls, two hearts, and many transcending moments in time.
17. The Zen of Running.
Running is controlling the shallow and deep breaths into a rhythmic breath, which I call the Zen of running, for it gives me inner peace, calmness, and composure to be the best human being possible. I also feel serene when I enter the Zen realm and know that no matter how difficult or long the run is, I will end up overcoming pain and come out cleansed and elated.
This art reminds me of the Zen of running, of breathing and living a meaningful and joyous life.
I am humbled to share what I have learned from running in 2017 and hope to hear your stories, too about your ultimate running experiences. Please share any special moments and lessons you have learned during your runs. Namaste!
For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!
When it comes to endurance events, such a running a marathon, biking a century ride, doing an Ironman, and so on, most athletes reach out to energy drinks and caffeine before the start of their events. But what if we can replace the above-mentioned with beet juice instead and boost athletic performance even more?
Photo Credit: Jaclyn Schmidt
My picture during Urban Cow Half marathon on Oct. 1, 2017, where I had a big PR, finishing in 1:43:56 with a 7:56 pace. I felt amazing during the whole time and the Super Beets powder that I mixed in my water and drank it before the race sure kept me steady and strong.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology in 2009 found that individuals who drank beet juice experienced up to a 16% increase in endurance compared to those who did not. Also according to Jacqueline Ritz, founder of the Paleo Mama blog, beets fight cancer, lower the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, increase endurance in athletes, and they are also an aphrodisiac. Being a high nitrate vegetable, beetroot, the red bulbous part, has become the super food for runners, cyclists, and other athletes. What if you don’t like beets and don’t wish to eat it, but still want to reap some benefits in increasing your endurance? There are many products on the market, such as this powder I buy from Wholefoods.
I have used this before races and my running felt effortless. I just mix a scoop with water and take it about an hour before the race, or a long run. Love it!
How high nitrate foods enhance our performance:
Another thing you can do to benefit from high nitrate vegetables is to eat more spinach, arugula, radishes, celery, lettuce, parsley, and rhubarb. Talking about nitrates, Amby Burfoot, the author of In Beet Juice We Believe published in the Runner’s World, explains how our body processes beets and turns them into a superfood. Burfoot points out that beets get their endurance power from helpful mouth bacteria that convert the nitrate in beets to nitric oxide, which appears to be the miracle substance. Nitric oxide can substantially lower blood pressure and somehow extend endurance. I guess we runners should not need too much more convincing regarding beets, which are good sources of folate, manganese, potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, since we all try to avoid the famous “wall,” when our body rebels and starts hurting.
Ways to eat your beets:
My favorite one is borscht.
Best borscht I have ever had made by my awesome friend and best training partner Andrea Brizendine. She added quinoa, carrots, potatoes, and onions to it. I gobbled it up with whole grain bread and hummus. Delicious! It also makes me run longer and stronger! Isn’t this what we runners want?
So easy to make and so healthy! For a quick glance at the ingredients needed to make this, see below.
Ingredients for Superfood Red Borsch – vegan style:
12 cups reduced sodium veggie broth
1 medium or 1/2 large onion, peeled and cut in half (ends removed)
3 medium potatoes, sliced
1/4 cup quinoa
3 medium beets, peeled and grated
2 good handfuls of chopped kale leaves
2 bay leaves
3/4 cup sliced carrots
1 Tbsp Mrs. Dash
3 Tbsp ketchup
1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
Salt & pepper to taste
2. Roasted beets, which I cut up, drizzle with olive oil, wrap them in aluminum foil, and roast them in the oven till they are tender.
3. Beet salad, which I used to eat as a child and liked its sweet taste. To make this salad, I cut up the beets and boil them till they are soft and tender. After they cool off, I remove the skin and grate them. I mix them up with a little salt and pepper and drizzle red wine vinegar on top. I keep the beet salad in a glass container in the fridge and eat it with roasted potatoes and other meals that go well together with this salad.
Credit recipe goes to my friend Cristina Nagy.
How about you? How do you like to eat your beets? Any special recipes you would like to share? No matter how you choose to eat, or drink them, one good thing could happen: you will BEAT your race PR with the mighty BEET!
For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!
I have recently turned 44 years old and have received an inspiring and informative book as a birthday present entitled Spark by John J. Ratey, MD from which I will quote frequently for this blog. I started to run at 42 and I can honestly say that my running turned me into a smarter, more focused, more tolerant, more emphatic, more resilient, and definitely more punctual person.
Picture from one of my first 2-mile runs in March, 2015.
The same year I started to run in 2015, I also completed my first marathon, California International Marathon in 4:13.
At the time, I was only concerned about my cardio workout and getting stronger in tennis, a game I have played for more than 22 years. Unlike other runners who got into running to lose weight, beat depression, control their ADHD disorders, or to deal with the loss of a loved one, my story is quite ordinary. I wanted to balance my exercise regimen and increase my fitness level to be a better and stronger tennis player. Tennis was love for me and it will always give me joy. I even published a book entitled Change Your Grip on Life Through Tennis, which you can purchase by clicking on the link.
At one of my book signings.
KEY POINTS FROM SPARK:
In October of 2000 researchers from Duke University made the New York Times with a study showing that exercise is better than Zoloft at treating depression.
Serotonin is called the policeman of the brain, because it helps keep brain activity under control. It influences mood, impulsivity, anger, and aggressiveness.
Dr. Ratey states that “going for a run is like taking a little bit of Prozac and a little bit of Ritalin, because, like the drugs, exercise elevates these neurotransmitters. Therefore, with this new power to change your brain, all you have to do is lace up your shoes.”
Regular aerobic activity, such as jogging, running, rowing, swimming, biking, tennis calms the body. Moreover, Dr. Ratey points out, that exercising is predictable and controllable, which gives a sense of self-confidence.
Exercise also boosts dopamine, which improves mood and feelings of wellness and jump-starts the attention system.
Although walking is good, jogging or running is better if your body can handle it. Getting the heart rate up for twenty or thirty minutes is key.
Exercise helps rewire our brains. Moreover, when exercising with others the key is on the social connection to others.
Having depression increases the risk for dementia, so why not prevent that by taking a brisk walk, doing a Zumba class, running, etc.?
Challenges and learning new things are important, because they boost our resilience.
Exercising puts you in control of your mood, your day, so go ahead and use it as much as you want without any side effects other than well-being, calmness, joy, and satisfaction after a job well-done.
To sum things up, exercise is the ultimate drug that works wonders and has no side effects, other than a general feeling of joy.
For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!
“When you reach a dead end road, don’t despair. Instead, watch the sky, the swimming clouds, and the narrow paths that open up. After this exploration, pick yourself up and elevate your soul and mind with jumping joy.” Carmen Micsa
Jumping with joy!
Let’s be honest: it is always more fun to run with friends, especially those long runs. Yet, many times we need to run on our own for various reasons, such as time constraints, pace desired, coming back from an injury, and so forth. This Thursday, May 11th, I had a terrific solo 6-mile run in the high 8s and felt so great after not having run for more than a month due to my tendonitis. While running, I usually listen to some of my favorite podcasts, such as The Hidden Brain, Runner’s World, The Moth, The Nutrition Diva, and a few others. This time, I was ready for a selfie running video, as an idea came to my mind. I wanted to explore running and exercising alone and how we can make it fun and exciting.
During my solo runs, I love to stop more often and capture the pretty views that unfold in front of me.
I took this picture at Ancil Hoffman Park on Good Friday before Easter. Only after I looked at my picture, I saw the divine cross burning in the sky at sunset. I was thrilled with my discovery and took my time before getting back to my run.
Ever since I got into running, I felt that I needed to test my body and lungs on my own first. From that first day in 2015 when I ran down the street from my house for half a mile, or so, I have discovered different ways to enjoy my solo runs. It wasn’t always easy, since I am quite a social person and love company, but here are my 10 ways to make your runs solo more fun, interesting, and challenging.
Turn your solo run into that much needed mediation in motion, which is why it is good to leave the headsets behind sometimes.
Listen to interesting podcasts that you like, which feels like running together with an intelligent, fun, and well-read friend.
Make an appointment with yourself and write it on your calendar. You can write something like: “Running 6 miles tomorrow around Ancil Hoffman Park with my new podcasts to listen. ” By penciling the run on your calendar, you won’t dread going by yourself. It will almost feel that you are meeting someone and you have to stick to the schedule and be punctual.
Combine workouts, such as speed workout with hill repeats, one of my favorite combinations. Another combo I like is tempo run on a hilly course.
Wear a silly hat, or piece of costume around the holidays (Christmas, Halloween) and enjoy the smiles you get from other runners and walkers, as well as from the drivers passing by you.
Wearing my Santa hat and my Christmas top.
6. Find a new running route and create as many different routes around your neighborhood to have choices and be excited to get out the door and start running.
7. Solve whatever problems you are having during your solo runs and you will be amazed at your creativity and ease of finding the right answers and solutions.
8. Stop to talk to other runners and make friends, or even run together just like I did in Las Vegas when I met two wonderful guys from Canada. We ran down the strip up to Mandalay Bay Casino and Resort and it was wonderful to chat with them and run together. We have stayed friends and are connected on Strava.
Picture in front of Paris, Paris with my new running friends. They were kind, fun, and interesting to run with! They had the right pace, too! Runners are the nicest people!
9. Allow yourself to be poetic and philosophical when running in beautiful places. I love writing little poems in my head, coming up with my own quotes, which makes my run quite exciting and interesting.
10. Give yourself a weekly challenge, such as taking a beautiful pic of wild flowers, animals, taking a selfie jumping picture, etc. You can do the same challenge a few times that week and that will give you even more purpose and something to look forward to besides your tempo run, speed workout, or easy run that day.
Besides making your solo runs more interesting as I mentioned above, there are also three gifts that come from running alone:
In other words, running alone should be practiced weekly for all the reasons above-mentioned and many more that you might have yourself, as well as to become mentally stronger for your races when you are mostly likely to run by yourself surrounded by the other runners.
Running alone is the gift of solitude and peace that your soul needs on a weekly basis to recharge itself.
Running alone is also the gift of gratitude, as it will teach you to be more humble and grateful for that great running friend and partner who helps you pick up your pace and lifts up your spirits the days you do run together.
Running alone is the gift of good health and extended life, as it will offer you so many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.
And to find out how running with others will make you a stronger and happier runner, stay tuned for my next blog.
For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!
With our Sacramento real estate market getting hotter, many first time buyers and investors will turn their interests to condos and townhomes for a few reasons: they are more affordable, require less work, as some of the exterior and roof repairs are covered by the Home Owner’s Association, and offer more security features, especially the gated ones. When I showed a condo to my cash investors last week, they asked me: “What is the difference between a condo and townhome?” Excellent question!
Just listed! Great condominium close to Sac State, Arden Fair Mall, and downtown!
CONDOS AND THEIR FEATURES
According to the article below from Realty Times, “a buyer of a condominium owns his or her individual unit, plus a percentage of the surrounding property, including land and any amenities on the property (The word “condominium” is Latin, meaning “common ownership” or “common control”).
Common areas include stairs, driveways, walkways, hallways, parking lots, and Home Owner’s Association amenities, such as pools and club house.
Only few condos have garages; most of them have shared carports.
TOWNHOMES AND THEIR FEATURES
As opposed to the condo, the townhome has a very distinct characteristic: owning the ground underneath the unit and having their own roof. Additionally, some townhomes look like a detached home and have garages, which is not that common with condos.
When I first got into the business, my first sale was a condo and then I kept selling quite a few others, so my nickname was “the condo queen.” I learned about each condo complex and sold a few townhomes, too. I am helping one of my clients who bought this condo with me 17 years ago. She used it as a personal residence and then turned it into an investment property. Thus, condos or townhomes can make great financial sense in a hot market, in which it might be hard to buy a home.
For more info on my new condo listing, check out the virtual tour, and feel free to call me for a viewing. This one will go quickly!
For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!
Ever since I became a runner, I have changed the way I see the world. I pay more attention to details, I am more creative, and I love to see nature, animals, plants, trees, and new places and cities in motion.
My first breakthrough came last year (2016) when we traveled to the East Coast, and I got to run from the mountains in Tennessee to the beaches on Hilton Head Island. During that trip, I thought to myself that every city should have a running tour, as it is so much easier than creating our own tours when traveling to new places, although it feels great to be explorers. Sacramento, for instance, has Sac Running Tours http://www.sacrunningtours.com that offers two 4-mile run tours: Capital City Highlights featuring Sacramento history and places of interest and Urban Art featuring the large murals, public art, and graffiti around downtown/midtown, which I went on last year ( 2016). Both tours are $30 each. They also offer personalized tours at any distance for individuals or groups.
Last month, our family traveled to Las Vegas. This article http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/10-11/running-while-traveling.html about running while traveling is right on. In my case, I chose to run up and down the strip in Las Vegas in the morning and late afternoon to experience all its bustling, music, street shows, and lights at my own pace.
Not many people around during my morning run.
Yet, exploring busy cities and new places takes some preparation as well as spontaneity to make your running adventures even more fun and exciting.
One of the best times to explore a new place is in the morning, as it is more tranquil, less traffic, and less busy.
Treasure Island Casino before its visitors show up. The stillness of the pirate ship and the uneventful dock made me enjoy it even more while snapping a quick pic.
2. Plan your route ahead either by searching online, Strava, MapMy Run, or even better asking the front desk at the hotel you’re staying, since they know the area and will have some great recommendations.
I knew that I needed to do a 10-mile run, so I fugured that running from Westgage Hotel, where we stayed past Luxor would get me close to my running and exploration goal.
3. Try to join local runners/running groups, or simply join other runners that you come across during your run. Around mile two into my run, I was fortunate to come across two tall, handsome, and very polite Canadian runners who allowed me to run with them after I asked to join them. Making friends in a new city takes us beyond the geography of that place; it places us closer to the locals and visitors from all over the world, which makes it much more rewarding and fascinating.
Enjoying the company of my tall Canadian friends who ran with me about 4 miles.
4. Best way to immerse yourself in the new place you’re visiting is to allow yourself to stop and smell the flowers, so to speak. In my case, I stopped to take jumping pictures, watch the street shows, and visit the inside of the Bellagio Casino to delight in their Chinese New Year flower exhibit (the year of the rooster) during my two days of running and exploring Sin City.
Jumping with joy in front of Caesar’s Palace.
Watching the knife juggler who travels all over the world with his shows.
Exquisite topiary celebrating the Chinese New Year.
The vibrant red carnations sure make this stand out.
5. The joy of running in a new place is to listen to its throbbing arteries, so leave your headset at home and be aware of your surroundings, while staying safe.
Looming casinos, shiny and bright.
6. Besides making us feel good, the joy of running in a new place is to bring your family back to some of the sights and rejoice together.
Our family enjoying the water fountain show in front of Bellagio.
Our sweet children being silly in front of the Tour Eiffel Tower replica.
Traveling immerses us in the heart and soul of new places; traveling and running connects us to the deeper beats of new places we visit and revisit. Let’s strive to stride around the world!
Please share your stories and running adventures be commenting on this post. Happy feet!
For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!
As the title of my blog is running for real estate, I am pleased to combine my passion for real estate with running. Moreover, rest assured that I will run and hustle to help you buy or sell a house the same way our bunny Peter runs up and down the stairs in this video! I believe in being quick and efficient in taking care of all your real estate needs, so never hesitate to call me with any questions. No strings attached!
As we approach the end of the year, almost everybody wants to know what to expect in the coming year, especially because of the elections and the rumors about interest rates going up, which are not just rumors. Interest rates will be going up a little bit in 2017, according to Oscar Wei, senior economist for California Association of Realtors. During our monthly meeting at Sacramento Association of Realtors, Wei did a detailed presentation on our real estate market- see entire link and forecast below.
10 Key Points to Remember as We are Heading Towards the End of 2016 and Ushering 2017:
Real estate is still considered a very good long-term investment.
Listings inventory is still low, making is more difficult for first-time buyers to afford to buy.
Long-time homeowners are not moving that often and wait about 10 years to move, choosing instead to remodel their homes and stay.
Boomers are not moving as often.
Builders are still not building enough new homes, which contributes to a lower supply of homes.
Interest rates are below 4% for now until the FED will decide what to do.
Consumer confidence is 9-year high.
Unemployment rates are 8-year low.
Majority do not plan to sell their home when they retire.
Most homeowners, as a matter of fact 92% of them, have equity in their homes, which is why we have seen a very low supply of short sales and foreclosure homes.
10 Key Points to Remember about 2017 Market Outlook:
We will see a modest price increase in 2017 of about 3%.
A 2% increase in sales.
The American dream and homeownership is still very important for the Millennials.
Investors buyers are dropping, but still active in the lower-priced market.
Unemployment in California will be around 5.3%.
Interest rate projected at 5% in five years.
Home prices will grow steadily next year.
Biggest challenge for buyers in 2017: lack of affordability.
Buyers will need to educate themselves on our market, the various loan programs, and the down payment assistance.
Pursue your dreams and find a way to build your own equity by stopping to rent and buying a home.
For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!
Before becoming a runner, I would look for trolley, walking, bus, and biking tours to explore a new place on our vacation, but since I have become a runner, I look for trails and paths that lead to new places I can enjoy during my runs. When I came across this map of the island, my head swam in running ideas. I felt elated at the description of paths all around Hilton Head Island that we were visiting for the first time. According to the visitor’s guide, the paths to explore the entire island stretched for 24 miles, but the public nature and bike trails extended for 50 miles.
Map of Hilton Head Island and its trails
Hilton Head is a shoe-shaped island that boasts 12 miles of beachfront on the Atlantic Ocean. Although many visitors think of the Hilton Hotels when they hear the name of the island, according to Wikipedia, Hilton Head received its name from British explorer and seaman, Capt. William Hilton, who investigated the lower coast of South Carolina in 1663 (the official guide of Hilton Head says this happened in 1665) for a group of Barbadian planters who were interested in expanding.
To me, the explorations of the island were more metaphysical and spiritual in nature, so together with my sweet husband’s help, we set out to devise my running tour. My hubby who is outstanding with maps, roads, shortcuts, and so on, immediately drew my attention to Marshland Rd., or the dotted line that marks the half loop of the island, app. 12 miles. That half way point demarcation helped me decide to run the island in two days, instead of stressing to cover all 22 miles running in the humid subtropical climate of South Carolina. The thought of running and not using a bike, the most popular way to see the island, tickled me. I was excited to run on the wonderful well-marked trails winding around Hilton Head.
One of the many bike/walk trails around Hilton Head
Enchanted to set out on my island exploration, I woke up at 6 a.m. and started my run before 7 a.m., trying to beat the heat and the warm sun. It was actually a cloudy morning, which was perfect for my run. I started strong and ran to the Carrabba’s Italian restaurant just about a mile from our resort, where my husband told me to make a right, or a left to explore either half of the island. Instead, I decided to cross the street and run straight ahead. The shady paths and trails enchanted me, as well as the live oak trees draped in Spanish Moss. According to the website below about nature on Hilton Head, I have learned that Spanish Moss is just an epithet for the air plant that derives all its needs from rainwater and sunlight. The moss is not parasitic and does not harm trees.
Running felt good that morning, but I still stopped to catch my breath and marvel at the beads of sweat that bounced off of my skin like bullets. I was not used to the taste of my own sweat, as I barely sweat when exercising. I also learned to avoid rubbing the sweat into my eyes, as it sure had a stinging and temporary blinding effect on me.
Around mile five, I realized that I was lost, so I pulled out my I-Phone with the picture of the map. I realized that I was doing the top part of the island instead of the bottom part. However, during my search for the right paths and streets, I came across quite a few historical monuments on Beach City Road. And that was my Aha! moment, too. I realized that my getting lost, which is nothing new for me… after all, I managed to get lost running the Pony Express Marathon this May, took me on a historical tour of the island. “Wouldn’t it be fun to be able to join organized running tours for the novice and avid runners ?” Running and stopping to learn about various cities’ history, anecdotes, architecture, and so on. What a treat that would be!
The oldest Baptist Church on Hilton Head Island
As I hit the end of Beach City Rd, I ran back and came across the oldest church and school on the island. I also came across old fortresses, which had been important points of defense during the Civil War. I did not expect to come across such rich historic tapestry, which is why I read more about it to understand the island’s history better. Apparently, besides my own running explorations, the island had waves of explorers that ranged from Native Americans to the French Huguenots, the English, the Spanish, pirates, and African Americans.
Fort Howell, an important defensive place during the Civil War
Not knowing which way to go, like most of the above-mentioned explorers, I stopped a lady in her 50s, or so, dressed in her Wal-Mart uniform to ask for directions. She immediately came right close to me to see my map. I was dripping wet and I took one step back, but then she came right next to me to explain directions. I appreciated her kindness and closeness and realized that we Californians are more into our personal space and privacy. After she showed me which way to go, I started to run again and realized that my run would be much longer than I had prepared for, but I wasn’t going to quit. I kept running and made it to Marshland Rd. that cut through the middle of the island like a river.
Getting Tired and the Tropical Storm
My legs felt like lead, my speed workout shoes did not provide enough support for my long run, and the sky frowned above like a disgruntled old man. Then the rain came: heavy and warm. I ran through puddles. My socks and shoes got soaked, while I worried about my cell phone that got a little wet inside the pocket of my hydration pack. As the rain came down hard, I decided to stop and take shelter under the eaves of a church for about 10 minutes, after which I realized that the rain was not going to stop, so I started to run again.
I made more stops, which helped me speed up for a mile or two before I would stop again. Soon I came to Matthews Road and knew that I was less than two miles away from our resort, so I picked up my pace. I got lost one more time making a left, instead of a right, after which I ran the last mile and made it to the resort, after my own 20-mile historic running of the island. Getting lost, while running by the island’s oldest Baptist church, school, and fortresses added more adventure to my running expedition and made me look forward to part two of my island’s exploration.
I hope you enjoyed my historic running tour of Hilton Head Island and hope you can share with others some of your running tours and adventures. Also for more information on running and real estate, whether buying or selling a home, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446.
After my 20-mile historic tour, I was determined to not get lost again running the second half of the island. I followed my hubby’s advice and made a left at the Carrabba’s Grill to stay on the trail, which was supposed to be a straight loop of the bottom part of the island about 13 miles.
Map of Hilton Head Island and its trails
Unlike the cloudy and rainy day that I had during my first part of the tour, this time the sun bounced its orange globe and peaked through the clouds before 8 a.m. I knew that I had to finish before it got too hot, as the air laden with the salty smells of the ocean and marshes already felt heavy and sticky. I started my run at a low 8s pace and felt great. This time, I brought my wireless headset with me so that I could listen to podcasts and not focus on my profuse sweating and uneven breathing. Along the way, I made a few quick stops to take pictures and catch my breath. I knew that due to the humidity, my breathing felt shallow and not too synchronized with my stride.
Hilton Head’s gorgeous views
After about six miles, I made a right on Arrow Rd. that was going to take me over the Broad Creek Bridge, long and arched like a cat’s back. The views of Broad Creek where we had been on a sunset dolphin cruise the previous evening encompassed both sides of the river with long piers and homes in the distant background. I finally found a hill on this bridge, as the entire island was as flat and smooth as the boogie board we all used to ride the waves every day. After snapping a few panoramic pictures, I made a right onto Marshland Rd. and knew that I had another six miles, or so to complete my full tour of Hilton Head. Although my face, arms, and my whole body felt as salty as the marshlands I ran by, my stride and cadence were stable. My body felt strong; my joy reverberated and crashed on the shores of sanity that running so readily provides.
Board Creek Pier
As I felt on track, I even stopped and chatted with a local woman who was walking her dog. We also both passed a legless lizard and were careful to make room for it. The woman who seemed to be in her early 20s and as warm-hearted as South Carolina’s beach sand took this picture of me jumping with joy.
Carmen jumping with joy- running is life!
The love of running!
The young woman also started to talk to me as if we had been friends forever. She told me about her boyfriend who owned a large Kayak company by Broad Creek. She also asked me questions and gave me her undivided attention every time I formulated my answers. Her listening – attentive and unhurried – made me want to keep talking and take in that perfect still morning next to this polite and engaging young lady who had just become part of my Southern tour. By the end of our three-week trip in the South, (we also visited Orlando and Sevierville, Tennessee) the young lady’s wide and unaffected smile made me understand that my second running tour of Hilton Head island was an immersive journey into the Southern hospitality and way of life. My first half tour of the island was steeped in history, whereas my second half was a tour of the human nature. Running and observing. Observing and running. Taking mental notes and even writing a poem in my head entitled:
The Southern Smile
“A greeting, warm smile
as wide and serene as the blue sky
With no shadows or fake ridges
makes the Southern smile
so beautiful and worthwhile. “
By the end of the trip, I could see that our children applied the Southern politeness and consideration and were less forgetful to say “excuse me,” “thank you,” and “please,” which was pointed out by one of the flight attendants on our way back to Sacramento.
“We love your children. They have such good manners,” she told us, as Alex and Sophia used their most polite language.
I smiled and replayed an ad in my head about Cracker Barrel restaurant that goes like this: “Cracker Barrel, a yummy Southern treat.”
I hope you enjoyed my running tour, and wish you to create as many running tours on your trips all over the world. Also please share your short stories about your running tours here.
For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!
To me, June 1 is not only special because it is my birthday. It is also the International Day of Children in my native country Romania, as well as in many European countries. This year, June 1st became even more special, as it was Global Running Day, so I had at least three big reasons to celebrate, and who doesn’t want to find reasons to rejoice?
And if you missed having a great runch (Run+lunch), or even running to your work place if close enough, there are still plenty of events you can sign up and more info about Global Day of Running.
My birthday run and celebration made me jump with joy and appreciation for being a runner, as well as being in great shape and health. My good friend Holly Macriss was kind to make my birthday special by driving us to Pilot Hill from where we took the Magnolia Ranch Trail and ran to Cronan Ranch and back.
Holly and I at Magnolia Ranch, celebrating my birthday and Global Running Day
Although we started our run around 9:20 a.m., we could already feel the heat. Later on that day, temperatures hit 100 degrees, so we decided to enjoy the scenery and walk the long hills, as we needed to conserve our energy. The American River views followed the trail and sure dazzled us. We felt grateful we chose to do a trail run that day, so we could revel in the beauty of nature, as well as be in perfect running unison with millions of people who were running in amazing places all over the world.
Rivers are the quintessential symbols of change and running or going with the flow
During our run, we came across horse riders and mountain bikers, as well as a dead gopher snake and a bobcat that ran in front of us and disappeared into the thick bushes and trees. Once we reached Cronan Ranch, we could really feel the sun’s heat on our necks, bodies, and legs. We joked around about our run and my birthday celebration in 100 degree weather. Holly said to me: “I think it’s hot enough, so you can blow out that candle, Carmen.”
“Good one, Holly,” I replied and laughed. It was good to redirect our attention from the heat and our tired legs by resorting to laughter and joking around.
The highlight of our fantastic 8-mile trail run was our stop by an old movie set that had been used to shoot some big Western movies.
“Wow! Being part of this old movie set sure makes my birthdays special,” I told Holly, who smiled, knowing that I was thoroughly enjoying my birthday and global running day.
Towards the end of the run, the sun turned into a fire-spitting dragon, but we did not melt or wilt away, as we came across a creek and cooled off.
Beating the heat!
We finished our run back at Magnolia Ranch, after we headed to Scott’s Seafood and Grill and had a great birthday lunch.
What an honor to have my birthday on Global Running Day and The International Day of Children! Cheers to all the Global Runners out there! Make every run special and make every mile count! Happy strides!
For more information on running, please contact me here, or e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com. Also for more info on real estate, please visit my website http://www.dynamicsacramentohomes. com.
My name is Carmen Micsa. I live in Northern California, near Sacramento. Two of my passions are running and real estate.
I’ll be sharing my running experiences with you here. To contact me about buying or selling your homes, or to check any real estate info, please visit my websitewww.dynamicsacramentohomes.com.
I’ll be running in the Pony Express marathon this Sunday, May 1st! It’s a new event that’s taking place in Sacramento, California. More info may be found here.
Photo credit: Pexels.com
During our run, we came across horse riders and mountain bikers, as well as a dead gopher snake and a bobcat that ran in front of us and disappeared into the thick bushes and trees. Once we reached Cronan Ranch, we could really feel the sun’s heat on our necks, bodies, and legs. We joked around about our run and my birthday celebration in 100 degree weather. Holly said to me: “I think it’s hot enough, so you can blow out that candle, Carmen.”
