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Start 2021 Like an Olympian – Advice and tips for a brighter year from Olympian kim conley

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“I have become much more comfortable dwelling in a world where we’re not sure what’s coming. I can wake up every day and prepare as if I’ll be at the Olympic Trials this summer, but if that doesn’t come to pass, I can regroup and reset my sight lines.” Kim Conley  

Kim Conley doing a poised and focused track workout.


Are you hopeful for a brighter 2021? Then follow the wise, down-to-earth, and inspiring advice from Kim Conley, United States Olympic runner, who represented our country eight times, including at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic games, and hoping to represent again this year at the Tokyo Olympic games. As Conley pointed out, we can be better prepared for 2021, if we follow three important tips and apply them to our lives:

  1. Becoming more comfortable with uncertainty.
  2. Being prepared and working hard every single day, as if we were going to the Olympic games, which to me, equates to early preparation prevents poor performance in everything we do, or as Sun Tzu said “every battle is won before it is fought.”
  3. Regrouping when things get canceled, or don’t go our way, and thus be ready for the next battle.

Kim Conley sees 2021 as motivating, helping her stay on task with her training. When the Olympics were postponed and there were no races on the calendar, Conley enjoyed running and exploring the trails around Flagstaff, even though she lacked the normal structure to a training routine targeted to peak performance. After being able to do some racing in the second half of the year, Conley concedes that even if the major global events won’t happen, there will still be micro meets for which she wants to be prepared. For now, Conley is acting as if the Olympics will take place and preparing for the Olympic Trials in June. She will be racing a 10,000m in Austin, Texas at the end of February as an attempt at the Olympic standard, and in order to achieve these big goals, Conley has embraced some of the lessons that 2020 has taught her, such as:

  1. Be adaptable to life’s swift changes in a way that she has never been before.  
  2. Be prepared to be disappointed, such as a race being canceled at the last minute, which so many of us have experienced last year, but maybe did not embrace life’s disillusionment with the same equanimity and serenity as Conley.
  3. Be open to change and welcome it as a catalyst towards personal growth. For instance, one of the things that Conley changed in her training was to move to Flagstaff permanently in the middle of 2020, and thus train at altitude full time. Additionally, Conley stopped going to the gym, but instead, she uses the developed at-home strength routine based primarily around the KBox Trainer by Exxentric. 

Running around Flagstaff

And if you are wondering what a day in the life of an Olympic runner looks like, Conley was kind to give us an example of a heavy training day from the month of January:

Wake up ~8am

Breakfast of steel cut oats with collagen mixed in and coffee. 

~9am Prehab: I do a series of foot strengthening exercises (this is timed for when my body will have absorbed the collagen and is targeting it to where tendon and ligaments I stress during the routine).

~9:30 drive down the mountain from Flagstaff to a track in Cottonwood which is at about 3000ft of elevation. The lower elevation allows me to run my sea level race paces. 

~10:30am Track workout: 2 mile warm up; 6 sets of 1000 at 10k pace followed by 600 at 5k pace. 200 meter jog between everything; 1.5 mile cool down.

~12:30 drive home and drink a recovery drink in the car

~1:30 lunch

Afternoon is spent reading, writing, snuggling Smokey, and sometimes attending virtual meetings (I am a board member for the USATF Pacific Foundation and write the copy for email correspondence, web etc.). Conley is a huge reader and has a few books on her reading list, such as A Promised Land by Barack Obama, The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson, and The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver, a novel set in Tucson, Arizona, where her next sea level camp will take place.

Kim relaxing with a good book after an intense morning of training.

~5pm 3 mile easy shakeout run on turf fields at NAU

Second run of the day!

~7pm dinner

~8pm watch basketball, eat some chocolate, drink tea

~9pm light massage work, then bed

One of Conley’s favorite workouts that is getting her ready for the 2021 competitions: the steady-state run, which is running 8 miles at marathon pace (based on current fitness, not goal pace), then a month later progressing it to 10 miles at a slightly faster pace. Conley thinks that this workout is not as hard as doing 5k/10k pace on the track, but it definitely makes her feel really strong. On top of these tough and focused workouts, Conley runs twice a day about three to four times a week. She also does her strength training twice a week to be able to run strong and stay injury free.

And last, but not least, Conley has some great actionable mental, physical, and emotional advice for us mortals to have a brighter and better 2021.

Mental: Write your goals down and actively do something every day that is bringing you a step closer to achieving a goal. 

Physical: Be proactive with your body’s health. Eat well and do strengthening exercises to keep your body able to handle the training load you desire. 

Emotional: Talk about whatever you are feeling. We are living in hard times and don’t get the same levels of human connection that we are used to and need. “It helps me to tell other people when I’m sad that I’m not seeing them, or to know that others also miss seeing their loved ones.” 

We wish Kim Conley to hopefully participate in the Tokyo Olympics this year and to put all her hard training to good use, competing at the highest level, representing the United States with pride. Happy feet, Kim, and thank you for inspiring the athlete and the human being in all of us.

To follow Kim Conley’s Olympic journey, feel free to connect with her on IG @kfconley, FB, Twitter, or check out her website www.kimfconley.com.

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, or buy it straight from my blog by clicking on my books link, which will take you to Amazon. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book is going to Girls on the Run Sacramento chapter organization.

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. Also mention this blog and receive a great offer whether buying (credit for closing costs), or selling (commission discount). Running for real estate with joy!



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When Most Racing Stopped in 2020, Running Was Not Canceled – Advice from Two Times Olympian Kim Conley on Running Faster, Smarter, and Happier

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“The lesson I have taken from this year is that there can be unexpected silver linings if we choose to see them. ” Kim Conley, two times Olympian 5,000m runner


Kim Conley, two times Olympian Sacramento local runner running with joy!




I will start my blog with a confession: I did not know anything about the wonderful, speedy, impressive, intelligent, and down to earth Sacramento Olympic runner Kim Conley until last year when I was doing a hilly, solo run around my neighborhood and listened to Deirdre Fitzpatrick’s informative and fun podcast Dying to Ask podcast Kim Conley, Olympian. Make sure to also listen to this year’s podcast How to Think like an Olympian during Covid-19. Needless to say, I was so impressed to learn that
Kim Conley is a 2012 and 2016 Olympian at 5000m and professional runner for New Balance. She grew up in Santa Rosa, California, graduated from UC Davis in 2009, and has lived in Sacramento since then. The more I listened to her talk, the less fatigued my legs felt.

As soon as I got home from my run, I followed Kim on Instagram and became an instant fan. Shortly after that, I started to see her run with speed, intensity, and indelible joy on the bike trail. I greeted her often, but I could tell that she was in floating mode, or what I call levitating between being and nonbeing from the tough speed workout that she was doing that day. A few times I noticed an slight nod, which was enough for me, as I was more focused on admiring her flawless gait, her inner strength, athleticism, controlled buoyancy, and, of course, her smile that obliterated pain, any negative thoughts that we runners experience so often, and any doubts about completing another grueling workout with confidence, poise, and determination.

Kim Conley has built her professional career on the American River Bike Trail





Kim Conley winning the 2014 USATF Championships 10,000m in Sacramento, her first national title, which will always be a special and favorite racing memory.


Kim Conley and her husband Drew, who has also been her coach for 12 years.

Kim Conley’s Advice on Becoming Happier and Faster Runners

  1. Kim Conley advises runners lacking motivation right now due to most races being canceled to create a goal, even if it’s not tied to a virtual race, as it will give us something to work towards. She added: “Goals make me feel like my training has purpose. When the pandemic first shut down normal life, I built up my long run to 2 hours and then sustained a ten-week streak of long runs over 2 hours. It was very different than a race, but it still felt satisfying to accomplish.”
  2. Sign up and support virtual races, such as the ones put together by our amazing running store Fleet Feet. I signed up for their Running is not Canceled race, love the T-shirt, and obviously have included their slogan in the title of this blog. Conley has done some virtual races with organizations she wants to support, such as Running for Office Challenge. Although virtual races are not the same as the real ones, Conley believes that race organizers need our support to get through this time and that it’s no different than ordering takeout from a restaurant where you would normally dine in. The experience isn’t the same, but if we want the restaurant or race to exist when we get through this, we need to help sustain them in the meantime.
  3. Find joy in running means continuing to do what we love! When the Olympics got postponed, Conley acquiesced that the rigors of training and the satisfaction that come with the afterglow of a hard workout, or a long run were enough to overcome her questioning to why she was still pushing herself. Additionally, she used the time to explore new trails (Conley also trains part of the year in Flagstaff, AZ) and develop her training together with her husband and coach Drew differently than they would have done it during a normal racing season.
  4. Find hidden meanings in this year’s low to no racing environment. For instance, when the Tokyo Olympics were postponed, Conley decided to view the extra time as a gift. She has allowed herself to build up mileage again and reduce the amount of cross training, since she had a frustrating injury in 2018 and had to run cautiously in 2019. However, in 2020 Conley has really enjoyed being able to sustain a higher volume of training again, which she hopes that it will yield dividends down the road.
  5. Work on Speed by trying out two of Conley’s favorite workouts by building up to them first, so that you don’t get injured. First workout: 20x400m with 1 min recovery, divided into five sets of four. The first set begins at tempo pace and each set cuts down in pace. The last set is at 3K goal pace. This is a great workout, because it teaches us how to shift to our race pace. Additionally, at the end of the workout a runner accumulates five miles of work. Second workout: 3-4 cut down miles with 3 min rest.  There are no set paces for this workout, but Conley is basically running 5k effort. For us mortal runners that would simply mean starting at a pace that we can cut down from in the next mile. The final mile is pretty much all out, as if finishing a 5k. This workout prepares Conley for the mental and physical demands of the 5k. It’s really hard, but having a good day for this workout always boosts any runner’s confidence going into a 5k, 10K, or half marathon race.
  6. Consistency is key. Conley strongly believes that having a coach and a training plan can help structure the training optimally, but ultimately it’s up the individual to get out the door every day and do the work.
  7. Make recovery a priority. Conley sees Dr. Justin Lau at Elite Spinal and Sports Care often, because she is the happiest when she runs pain free. She also enjoys eating a good burger and drinking some good beer for recovery.
  8. Cultivate your Mind with good books. In high school, Conley’s parents gave her John L. Parker’s Once a Runner for Christmas, and she loved it. In her most recent reading, Conley realized that the book is a little outdated and sexist, but if you are willing to overlook that, there is no other book that captures the beauty of the endeavor in the same way. Another of her favorite books are Deena Kastor’s Let Your Mind Run and Becky Wade’s Run the World. I also have learned so much from Deena Castor’s book and absolutely relished the intense and beautiful writing of John Parker’s book. For training insights, Conley recommends Joe Vigil’s Road to the Top and Jack Daniel’s Running Formula. 
  9. Let your mind run, which to Conley means to feel the joy of running the workout you are doing that day, instead of worrying that there are no races to run for now.
  10. Run with gratitude. Conley loves that Sacramento has great resources for runners. She has traveled all over the world for training and competition, but has always felt that Sacramento has everything she needs to be successful and that is why she has been able to build her career here. Conley added: “It can be easy to take things for granted when they are right under your nose, but every time I return to this area, I am reminded of what a gem the American River Parkway is. Not many places have so many uninterrupted miles of traffic-free bike path with soft surface options right alongside.”


Kim Conley running the 5000m at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil



 

Conley plans to move up to the marathon distance by 2024, but for the near future, she is preparing to run in the Tokyo Olympics next year, so let’s all wish her good luck! We are all cheering for you, Kim, and wishing you to run like a savage! A million thanks for sharing your time and resources with all of us mortals!

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. Also mention this blog and receive a great offer whether buying (credit for closing costs) or selling (commission discount). Running for real estate with joy!

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St. George Marathon- Tips on Running a Hilly Marathon Strong

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“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

 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3.  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.
  4.  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.
  5.  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.

 

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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!

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Nutrition Tips and Ideas from a Vegan Sub-elite Runner for a Faster and Healthier You

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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.

 

  1. 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.
  2. In 2018, Jedi ran CIM marathon in 2:39:25, which is his personal best so far in marathons.
  3. His half Marathon PR is 1:13.34.
  4. His 10 mile best race is 55:45, the 10k 33:24, and his fastest mile is 4.27.
  5. In 2019, Jedi is working to break his 5K PR, which 15:58.
  6. 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:

 

  1. For health reasons to combat cancer, diabetes, heart disease, for weight loss, and to become the best version of oneself.
  2. For better skin and combating acne, which he had growing up.
  3. 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. 
  4. To counteract the destructive industry of animal agriculture. 
  5. To spread kindness and compassion.
  6. To protect our environment and to live our lives as vegans, or what is considered World Peace Diet. 
  7. To change our planet by being conscious of our food habits.
  8. To promote peace and harmony.
  9. 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.
  10. 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

 

  1. Focus on fruit, vegetables, and whole foods!
  2. 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.
  3. Proper timing of nutrition is very important!
  4. 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. 
  5. 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. 

 1.5 cups water

2 dates

1.5 cups greens(ie. spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, swiss chard)

a marble sized piece of ginger

1/4 cup raw beet, peeled and chopped.

3 bananas

a ring of pineapple.

1 cup frozen wild blueberries 

1/2 cup frozen cherries

1 cup coconut water.

 Optional:

1 teaspoon Spirulina

2 scoops MSM powder

1/2 cup Cilantro

1/2 cup additional frozen fruit.

1/2 scoop energy powder(I like Vega Clean Energy)

1/2 cup plant based milk.

 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!

Marathon PR, Marathon running, Mental toughness, New York City and World Marathons, New York City Marathon, Running and real estate, Running Marathons, Running Strong and Injury free, The joy of running, Tips on training for a faster marathon, Training for your marathon, Uncategorized, vegan running, World Marathons

New York City Marathon, My Seventh Marathon – Tips on Running and Enjoying The Largest Marathon in the World

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“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.

Mile19th_NYCmarathon

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long runs, Marathon running, Mental toughness, Mental toughness tips, Mental toughness tips for runners and athletes, Running, Running and real estate, Running keeps us younger, The joy of running, Ultra runner, Uncategorized, vegan running

10 Tips to Improve Your Mental Toughness as a Runner/Athlete

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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.

To purchase my tennis book  just click on the link https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01N0RWHPQ?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070.

 

 

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!

Marathon PR, Marathon running, Runing stronger and faster, Running, Running and real estate, Running keeps us younger, Running Marathons, Running Strong and Injury free

Mountains 2 Beach Marathon- Race Recap, Big PR, and Lessons in Steadiness

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“Marathons just like a full moon are circular, radiant, and too grand to comprehend until we learn to run a little slower at the start, steady ourselves during the race, and race it fast at the finish line.” Carmen Micsa

 

I qualified for Boston for the second time with a better time and I had to ring the gong.

 

When I ran my first marathon the California International Marathon in December 2015, I was terrified inside, but did not show anything on the outside. How can anyone run so long? Will I need to stop and catch my breath? Apparently not! I ran non-stop chasing that finish line and barely able to walk afterwards. With Mountains 2 Beach as my fifth marathon, which I finished in 3:30:59, there came a huge 43-minute PR from my first marathon and a 10-minute PR from my fourth marathon. I had run five marathons, since I became a runner and I am happy to say that I PRed in every single one. I am a marathon enthusiast and consider marathons as my very favorite distance due to the fact that I have more margin to beat my previous time.

IT WAS THE DAY BEFORE THE MARATHON – TOO MANY CREATURES AND RUNNERS WERE MOVING, BUT CARMEN WAS GENTLY STIRRING THE LEGS

 

On May 25th, 2018 my husband, our kids, and I drove to Ventura for my fifth marathon. I was happy that the marathon happened over Memorial weekend break, which meant my family could join me in my endeavor and give me their unconditional love and support. Due to the fact that my training cycle has been super busy with two 50K races and my first 50-mile race in April, my left calf muscle had been a little sore, which is why my coach Robert Ressl-Moyer and I have decided to take two days off before my marathon.  I swam and walked around Ventura on Saturday, the day before Mountains 2 Beach, while preparing my mind, heart, and legs. I liked this a lot and will try to apply for most of my future marathons, as I am one of those runners who doesn’t need to shake up the legs. A gentle going is all I need, since running fast from the start comes natural to me, but my favorite marathon strategy that both my coach and I thought was crucial is to start 10 to 12 seconds slower GMP for the first three miles.

 

Walking around the harbor while other marathoners from all over the United States (New Jersey, New York, Texas, etc.) and other countries (Germany, Mexico, Costa Rica, etc.) were running, felt great and allowed my legs to be fresh.

 

Getting excited before my marathon while keeping my goals in mind and believing in the big day. First marathon run outside of Sacramento and I was ready for a change of scenery and a different, faster course.

 

After lunch, my husband drove me to the Expo, which was quite small and easy to navigate to pick up my bib and other goodies.

 

 

To match the writing on the podium I stood on with my marathon T-shirt, I was determined and ready to have an extraordinary race the following day.

 

Runner 2263 and the course map behind me, which is not as downhill as it looks, especially after the half.

 

In the afternoon, I got to hang out by the pool ( light swimming and the use of the spa is always great for my body allowing it to relax and feel refreshed) with my wonderful friend Karen Clark, whom I met during the Parkway 20-mile race in Sacramento that we both run in preparation for the California International Marathon. We talked and ran at gross marathon pace for more than 10 miles and we became friends instantly.

 

In the evening, my husband found a great family Italian restaurant, where I ordered a plate of spaghetti with mushrooms and red bell peppers. The plate was huge and I could barely eat half with a little bread. My husband joked with me: “I thought you needed to carb load and you have barely eaten half of your spaghetti.” “Well, yeah! This plate is big enough to feed the whole family,” I said already making plans to save my spaghetti for dinner after the marathon. As a vegan runner, I don’t just rely on the day before the marathon to carb load; I typically do it over three days, which I highly recommend whether you are vegan or not. Adding more carbs and cutting out the protein means that you will replenish your glycogen in your muscles and not get slowed down by the protein that is hard to digest and is really needed after the race to repair and recover the muscles. I also ate a lot of beets the week of  the marathon to increase the nitric oxide and improve circulation to the lungs.

After dinner, I arranged my Fleet Feet racing singlet with my bib number, my Copper Fit shorts, and my fast Nike Zoom Vapor 4% Nike shoes, which are supposed to make one 4% faster in races and they delivered. I also organized my energy gels in my belt. We all went to bed at 11 p.m., as we had to wake up at 4 a.m., which was actually not that early in comparison with the runners who had to take the shuttle to the start line.

 

AT THE START LINE – LET THE FUN BEGIN

 

After a good night rest (I always sleep like a baby, or like a lizard, as I like to joke with my friends the night before races), I ate a morning round bread topped with a little honey, banana, dark chocolate, and a quarter glass of beet powder mixed with water for breakfast. After I ate, we left the room to meet with my friend Karen and her boyfriend David for all of us to drive to the start line.

We were able to find parking easily for David and my hubby to come with us to the start line and then meet us on the course. I used the bathroom twice before the marathon and I met with Marina and Joanie, my runner friends from Sacramento while waiting in line. I was calm and felt no excitement, other than the pure joy of running another marathon with some clear goals in mind. My calmness before races sure matched my dear father’s way of being in all situations. As a watchmaker, I felt that my Dad had some magical powers to control time and use every second judiciously, which is I was hoping he would show up and watch over me during this marathon as he had done it in other races. My father passed away at the young age of 53 of a heart attack caused by his type one diabetes, but he sure smiled upon me from Heaven, especially when I needed him the most, so I was hopeful and looking for signs.

 

My friend Karen and I at the start line. All ready for another marathon. Karen got to run Boston and Big Sur this year. So proud of her!

 


Meeting Laura, Karen’s friend. Three strong women ready to run!

The race was not too crowded. We were able to locate the 3:30 pacers and we positioned ourselves behind them to start a little slower. And then the countdown from 10 seconds to go happened. Off we went!

 

THE FIRST 13 MILES OF SMILES AND DISCLIPLINED, STEADY RUNNING

 

My legs felt great and wanted to run fast, but I held them back with the dexterity of a horse trainer taming a wild horse. I kept a close eye on my watch and did not allow myself to run under 8:10 pace for the first three miles of the race. Both my friends Karen and Laura took off from me, but I was not ready to chase a faster pace this early in the race. I needed to run smartly and stick to the master plan.  I relished the fresh cooler air (this marathon starts at 6 a.m.), the mountains that encircled the runners with warmth, the small wineries we ran by, the horses grazing with purpose and intent to make the best of their food, and the soft sound of my feet against the road.

 

At mile 6, we got to come back to the start line before heading down the mountains to the beach. My hubby took this pic of me and waved at me, smiling and cheering. I felt amazing, but did not try to go too fast on the downhills, meaning I held myself back once I hit 7:45 pace, since my goal was to finish with a 7:58 to 8:00 min pace.

 

This is a pretty and flat portion around mile 11 that we ran on a bike path. I was heading towards my husband to exchange my water bottle in which I had Scratch containing electrolytes mixed with water. My running and breathing were smooth, my legs, glutes, and left calf muscle were all happy and content. I was having a blast, but my dear father has not showed up yet, sending me a sign that he was there in spirit.

 

And then mile 12 arrived. A younger woman caught up with me.  I greeted  her, after which she said: “I have been watching you! You are as steady as a rock,” said Rozy, a woman in her 30s who used to live in Vancouver, Canada, but now lived in Southern California with her husband and their beautiful baby girl. I thought to myself: “Is she talking about me? Steadiness in pace did not use to be my strength. I was even told one time that I ran like a kid, doing fartleks, running slower, then faster. Yet, consistency is definitely key to the running economy and to hitting faster times. We started chatting and I realized that we were running at a 7:18 min pace, which was much faster than what I needed to run, so I told her. She said that it was great running with me and that she felt good, so she took off. I smiled and said good-bye. I kept on running and smiling. I passed the half marathon mark in about 1:43 minutes and stayed focused, while hydrating well, as it was getting a little warmer. I even took the homeopathic cramp little pills that they passed out at the Expo, as I did not want to take any chances.

 

THE MIDDLE MILES OF CLIMBING HILLS MORE THAN DESCENDING THEM

 

I felt great and kept on running till I hit mile 16 when I started to cry softly. It suddenly dawned on me that my father sent Rozy my way to tell me that I was as steady as a rock. Her kind words have become my mantra and I smiled big to the skies, realizing that my dear father had sent such a powerful message my way. How come I needed four miles to realize that my father was talking to me through Rozy? At least, I got it and my soul filled with joy and confidence that I would keep running strong and steady especially through the middle miles that were hillier and tougher to conquer, but I kept my pace. When things got a little tough, I kept reminding myself that I was as steady as a rock. These words will become my Mountains 2 Beach marathon mantra that I kept chanting to myself every single mile till the finish. My daddy was there! He did not forget me and showed me that patience, perseverance, and perspiration were key in life. Moreover, my dad  believed in me as always.

 

THE FINISH LINE WITH THE PACIFIC WAVES CRASHING AGAINST THE SHORE

 

Around mile 22, our Fleet Feet racing team mate Greg Anderson wan on the side of the bike path cheering. I was so happy to see him and immediately picked up my pace, especially because the 3:30 pacers were next to me, even though I ran ahead of them all this time. I kept going strong, but my gluteus felt the miles at this point in the game, so it was not as easy to keep the pace. Soon I came around downtown Ventura and the hills were steep this time, but I was resolute to keep pushing forward with a little over a mile to go and 9 minutes left on my watch to hit the magic number. A few runners walked the steep hills, but I kept going until to my left I could see the waves of the Pacific Ocean crashing against the sandy and rocky beach. I picked up my pace, smelling and feeling the finish line. This time it tasted salty, but not from crying. It was the ocean smell that reminded me of all the beautiful places I get to run.

I saw David first and he took this great picture of me.

 

Photo credit to David. One of my favorite pictures in action. Who let the dogs out? I knew that if I made my 3:30 marathon goal time, I did not have any seconds to spare, so I pumped my arms and let my legs carry me to my 3:30:59 best marathon I have run since becoming a runner. It was awesome to see my husband and our kids cheering on me and taking pictures.

 

And then there was my sweet husband cheering on me and telling me that the kids were at the finish line. I kept pumping my arms and felt the lightness in my step. I knew I picked up my pace. Shortly I just crossed the finish line with the clock showing 3:32 minutes, which was not the correct time, since I started in the second wave. Alex and Sophia hugged me and took pictures of me. Soon I got a text message from my friend Mark showing that I finished in 3:30:59. I did it! How freaking awesome I felt that moment! My coach Robert Ressl-Moyer texted me and said that he was super proud of me! I could not have done it without his guidance, training, and all the progressive 10 to 14-mile long runs that turned me into the steady runner who had just run her best marathon with better ones to come.

 

Photo credit to our son Alex Micsa. Crossing the finish line is like crossing the ocean: it takes time and practice.

 

Coming to the other side where all pain is left behind.

 

To my great joy, as I was looking for my family, I came across my new friend Rozy at the finish line who finished in about 3:24 minutes and felt great.

 

I will never forget Rozy’s words to me during the race: “You’re as steady as a rock.” I will also keep believing that she was the angel my dear father sent to me during the race with a very special message. So grateful to have met her and so happy for her outstanding marathon.

 

I expected to be hungry, thirsty, or needing to use the restroom, but I felt amazing and not needing anything other than to bask in the sun and my amazing race, while surrounded with the love and support of my family.

 

On the podium.

 

By the ocean right after the race with my husband and our sweet daughter Sophia. Loved that backdrop.

 

Needless to say, my body never felt so strong after running a marathon due to my amazing training or running up and down the hills back home. This marathon stole my heart and I highly recommend it with the caveat that there are uphill portions, too. Happy feet! To more running adventures.

Please share your amazing marathon stories and the wonderful friends you met during the race.

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!

 

50K trail race, Long runs, Running and real estate, Running and Spirituality, Running keeps us younger, Running makes you smarter, Running Strong and Injury free, Running stronger together!, Salmon Falls 50K, The joy of running, Ultramarathons, vegan running

Salmon Falls- My Second 50K Race, a 48-min PR – The Joys of Trail Running

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“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” Confucius

 

Running a 50K trail race feels exactly like carrying away small stones to chip away at the distance and finish strong. Unlike running marathons, in ultra running, the focus is less on getting to various milestones, and more on running from one aid station to another. Runner 208 was sure ready to enjoy the cold, crisp, and sunny winter morning after having trained with my Fleet Feet Sacramento racing team and my awesome coach Robert Ressl-Moyer, winner of many 50K races and such a kind and generous soul.

 

The day before the race I was calm and composed as I usually am before races, but I was also emotional thinking of my dear father who passed away from diabetes at the young age of 53. I dedicated the race to him and loved that all the proceeds from the race go towards finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. The race already held a special place in my heart. Vamos!

 

The Start Line

 

Long distance races require preparation and support from our families and friends. As always, my sweet husband drove me to the start line. On our way to Magnolia Ranch, Coloma, CA, where Salmon Falls race starts, the temperature kept dropping all the way to 25 degrees. My husband kept joking with me and said: “It’s freezing out there and you will run 31 miles in the cold. Did I tell you you’re crazy?”

“Yes, darling. You already know this. I am much happier to run in the cold than when it is hot,” I replied.

After my husband dropped me off, I immediately scanned the shivering runners trying to find my friends. The ground was frozen, the grass covered in frost, the sky clear, and most runners bundled up in coats, hats, and gloves at the start line. I knew that I would get warm quickly, but I also chose to wear cheap gloves that I was planning to dispose off later.

 

My friend Rob Schmidt and I ran together in preparation for Salmon Falls. Terri,  his sweet wife, was the first one to give me a hug at the start line and to wish me good luck. His daughter Jocelyn in the picture also raced and placed. It takes a village to raise a runner!

 

I also got to chat with my Fleet Feet racing team mates Josh Fernandez, who is wicked fast , and Melissa Tafoya, who has just joined our team and who is also a boxer. I felt great to be in such wonderful company and promised myself to relish every moment of my second 50K race and to become one with nature, breathing in joy, exhaling any stress, doubts, or fears.

 

At the start line feeling excited, hopeful, and a little bit emotional thinking of my dear father. My mantra for this race: “Run for Daddy,” or short “for Daddy.”

 

The First 12 miles

 

I started strong, but not pushing it too hard knowing that I had 31 miles ahead. The crisp winter air permeated my joyous being and gave me energy. The gloves kept my hands warm. I focused on my breathing, footing, stride, and the terrain, which on this course it is a constant up and down, making it hard to get into a rhythm.  We also had a creek crossing. I got my right foot wet, while I climbed on the rocks, but I knew that I would dry quickly.

During my first miles, I noticed the frost and the frozen ground that gave me a nice bounce, almost like doing a quick jump on a trampoline. I started writing in my head, too, as I normally do when I run.

However, in descending to Cronan Ranch, where the first aid station was, I was able to get moving and it felt great. I was knew there were a total of seven aid stations, so from now on, it was about reaching and counting the aid stations, where I would refuel with bananas, grapes, potato chips, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and water.

 

Photo credit to Jaclyn Schmidt. Descending into Cronan Ranch and hitting the first aid station. My friend Terri cheered loudly for me. I grabbed some grapes and half a banana, heading out for some steep hills that I had to power hike.

 

After the first aid station, I started my climbing and focused on taking small steps. I also remembered what my awesome coach Robert Ressl-Moyer told me on the phone the previous day. He always calls me before races to discuss strategy and to push me towards greatness. He said: “You’re great with hills, so don’t sell yourself short by power hiking too much. Try to run portions of big hills and only power hike a little to conserve energy.” I applied his advice and it felt great to pass runners on the hills, while breathing steadily.

I soon arrived at the second aid station, where the signs made me smile. One of the signs said: “You’re not crazy, you’re ultra special.” Indeed, people think running these long distances is crazy, but being out there for hours feels like being rinsed inside and out in nature’s washing machine. It is about being immersed into something grander than ourselves, which turns us into more humble and grounded human beings. And, yes, I will admit that there is a little bit of craziness required for this equation of happiness to work.

Around mile 12, my team mate Melissa and my trail friend Tracy caught up with me. Melissa and I started running together and kept each other company, which was the best part of the race. I knew my father was watching over me, sending me a team mate, which is why I never despaired at the distance.

 

Melissa and I descending on Red Dragon trail. We watched our steps and cheered as we ran, enjoying the roller coaster sensations. Our beings overjoyed, ecstatic, and filled with positives energy and gratitude for running in nature surrounded by like-minded people. Living in harmony with our souls, hearts, and minds while conquering the red devil and any other demons that might lurk inside.

 

The half marathon point was getting near. We could hear cheering and clapping. As we came through Skunk Hollow, I heard friends screaming: “It’s Carmen.” Special thanks to my awesome friend Amy Jensen, whom I met in my first year of running through the California International Marathon training. She took my video and pictures, as well as helped me out with the food and hydration. So grateful for my running friends.

Video_CarmenSalmonFalls_Feb24

 

Skunk Hollow aid station around mile 13, where I am dancing with joy. My friends were cheering loudly for me, making me feel like a rock star. I danced, ate, and used the bathroom. Good times!

 

Melissa and I continued our running and talking, taking the Sweet Water Trail after we crossed the Salmon Falls Bridge. These trails reminded me of my training for the race and loved the rolling hills, even though we could not get into a rhythm. We still started to pass runners and focused on the trail, trying to avoid the many rocks, which I did remember from my training. This was the spot where I turned into a tea bag, immersing myself into nature the same way I did when I did my long training runs.

  

In preparation for the race, I have run various segments of the Salmon Falls 50K course with friends. I loved to turn myself into a tea bag and steep in all the beauty of nature, so I here is the poem I wrote below.

 

 Ode to Tea Bag

Today during my 18-mile run I turned into a tea bag

and steeped myself in the lush grass, nature,

the moss-covered trees, the creek, the hills,

and the fresh air after the rain.

Trail running brings me the most joy.

I am mindful and love the twists and turns of the trails,

as well as the tunnels of trees.

I am focused on every step, every rock, and root.

I am deliberate running up and down the trail

while I quickly check the views

and sink and steep deeper into

nature’s magnificent teapot

allowing the flavors to infuse my being.

 

The Middle Miles – Long and Rolling

 

Melissa and I took turns to lead and stayed steady and strong. We talked, joked, and laughed. I told her that I knew that section of the trail very well and that we would get to New York Creek soon. We tried to get into a rhythm, but the rolling hills and rocky terrain made it a little challenging. Nonetheless, we felt great and were grateful to run together.  Melissa’s form and climbing ability were impressive, so she motivated me to keep running strong. She also told me that I was giving her confidence with my positive attitude. We pushed each other on the trails; our running effort felt easier and much more pleasant than if we had each run on our own. Team work at its best!

Around mile 20, we started to pass a few runners. Our famous words were: “Coming through,” or “on your left.” As we passed these runners, most of them were nice, supportive, and cheered on us by saying: “Looking strong, ladies.”

 

The Last 7 Miles of My Second 50K Race

 

As opposed to my first 50K race that I ran with a lot of despair at the end two years ago, Salmon Falls 50K race made me feel calm, contained, and strong. I was telling Melissa about my improving as a runner and about my amazing coach Robert, when my cell phone rang. I pushed the middle button on my headset and responded, as I always do: “Hi, this is Carmen.” My coach was on the other line checking in with me. I told him that I only had seven miles to go and that I felt great. He told me to stay steady and finish strong. He also told me that he won a 50K race in the Bay Area for which I congratulated him. Later on that evening when we attended the Sacramento Running Association Awards ceremony, he told me that he was very surprised I answered the phone.

“I was happy to hear from you, coach,” I responded. Running at a 10-min to 11-min pace due to all the hills and the terrain made it easy to talk. Besides I am known to talk even during a much faster pace, so I was glad to have a life line to my amazing coach during the race, which helped me stay motivated and determined.

The sun felt warmer as it was past noon time, the trails replete with raw beauty, the hills ubiquitous, and the sweeping views of Folsom Lake magnificent. My body felt strong and my being anticipated the finish. However, as I told Melissa, we needed to stay and run within each mile and not let our minds wander. We ran in the NOW, the only true constant on the trails. We had to keep our focus on every step we took, every rock, tree root, hill, you name it. We became the one with the trail and gave it the respect it needed, while also asserting ourselves with conviction, determination, and joy.

We had been running for a little over six hours, when we reached the long and interminable  levy leading us to Folsom Five Point Park, where the finish line was. I told Melissa that by now we could smell the blood, so to speak, and needed to push and finish strong. Melissa took the lead, getting into a much faster gear. The cheering got louder and louder. I saw Terri and David who cheered on me with enthusiasm and joy. To my left, I heard my husband and then saw our sweet son Alex who started to run next to me on the outside of our enclosed finish line. Sophia was also cheering on me dressed in her black winter jacket, her pony tail swinging from left to right.

“Come on, Mom. You can run faster,” Alex told me.

I crossed the finish line with elation and tremendous gratitude. My father was there in spirit. I cried with joy, as I received the beautiful medal made out of a light wood.

 

The sweet finish line! I felt strong with no pains in my body. How was that possible? I guess I had become a badass ultra runner.

 

Celebrating our awesome race and finish. Melissa finished 10th in her age group and I finished 14th in 6:25:34 minutes. What a feat!

 

Meeting my family at the finish line is always the sweetest sight for me – one I look forward to every big race. My husband is wonderful to drop me off and pick me up from all my long races. His love and support of me mean a lot!

 

I was not too hungry after the race, because I kept snacking and eating during the race, but was happy to get a Blue Ale and sit down a little. I was happy and amazed at my ability to run this 50K race and have a 48-minute PR from my first Folsom Gold Rush 50K, which felt hard at the time.

Practice, training with my Fleet Feet Racing team, as well as having my own coach sure make a big difference. To many more running adventures with gratitude for a race well-done and for the company of my new friend Melissa. I finished Salmon Falls 50K strong, defeating Red Dragon trail and any other demons lurking out there.

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!

 

 

Long runs, Marathon PR, Marathon running, Progressive runs, Qualify for Boston, Runing stronger and faster, Running and real estate, Running and Spirituality, Running keeps us younger, Running makes you smarter, Running Strong and Injury free, Running stronger and faster, Sacramento real estate, Swim, The joy of running, Triathlon Training, Uncategorized, vegan running

17 Life Lessons I Learned from Running in 2017

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“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

 

  1. 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.

 

2. Let aqua jogging be thy medicine!

Although we runners believe there is no such thing as swimmer’s high, swimming is one of the best methods to recover from an injury. I did different pool jogging intervals to keep my cardio fitness up and the tendon loved the gentleness of the water. http://running.competitor.com/2014/07/training/cross-training-101-swimming-for-runners_82017

 

 

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Running and Depression, Running makes you smarter, Uncategorized

The Science Behind How Running Can Make You Smarter, Happier, and Get You Off Medications

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. Serotonin is called the policeman of the brain, because it helps keep brain activity under control. It influences mood, impulsivity, anger, and aggressiveness.
  3. 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.”
  4. 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.
  5. Exercise also boosts dopamine, which improves mood and feelings of wellness and jump-starts the attention system.
  6. 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.
  7. Exercise helps rewire our brains. Moreover, when exercising with others the key is on the social connection to others.
  8. Having depression increases the risk for dementia, so why not prevent that by taking a brisk walk, doing a Zumba class, running, etc.?
  9. Challenges and learning new things are important, because they boost our resilience.
  10. 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!