Birthday Half Marathon

It's hard to believe that we are already in June and summer is just around the corner.  Yesterday, I celebrated another year of life and ran a half marathon on my own. It's been a good year in running, health, work and just blessed for my family.

In Running:
I ran three marathons this school year.  I ran NYC Marathon in November, my first ultra the Cowtown Marathon in February and Washington D.C. Marathon in March.  This was my 3rd time to run NYC, but my first time to actually qualify for it and run it!  No freebie this time.  I earned it!!  I decided it would be my last one.  I'm ready to run other U.S. States.  I also decided to run my ultra marathon and chose my hometown Fort Worth Cowtown Marathon.  I've never trained so hard and ran so many miles, but it was worth it.  I ended up placing 1st in my age group division!  I really didn't know how I would do for my body is used to going only 26.2 miles and the last 4 miles were pure misery.  Afterwards, I felt like I got hit by a bus, but was happy to finish.  I quickly decided that I probably won't do another one.  I'm getting too old for that...LOL!  Crazy me, also ran the Washington Marathon two weeks after Cowtown ultra and ran it just for fun.  Felt like my body was still recovering from the ultra and I ran it listening to my body.  I'd have to say, this year was by far the most challenging for me in marathon running!

In Health:
I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and it's due to all my running.  It's very common for athletes from what my doctor tells me.  I have to take the lowest dose for I don't have it that bad, but I do have to do blood work to monitor it.  Oh well, as long as I can still keep on running, I'm not stressing about it. Guess it's an A.G.E. thing which is out of my control.  I'm going on two years of teaching cycle at L.A. Fitness and love it!  Since I've been teaching it, all my overuse running injuries have disappeared.  I still don't own a street bike and too chicken to use one, so I'll just continue to just teaching indoor cycle :)

Work:
I started working as a Dual-Language Instructional Coach at a new charter school and have learned a lot.  It's so different from ISDs and has good/bad things about it.  However, I'm all about learning and change is always a good thing.  I also became an Independent Consultant for Rodan and Fields which is now the #1 skincare product in all North America and Canada!  I started to use the product to clear my stubborn dark spots from sun damage due to all my running outside.  I decided to sell it in order to get product discounts and commission on anything I sell.  It was a no brainer and win-win for I use most of their products.  Besides, we only have one skin for life and might as well take care of it.  As I get older I want to combat the visible signs of aging for a more firmer, radiant and flawless-looking complexion!  I also love giving people their confidence back for it really is changing lives!

Family:
My oldest son, Fabian started his first year at TCC and looking to go into the medical field.  Little Noah started at my charter school and figured out it wasn't a good fit for him and decided to put him back at his home school.  He was very happy to be back with his friends and overall it was just convienent for the family since his school is just two blocks from our house.  My stepson, Mason, finished his 2nd year at TCC and plans to apply at Texas A & M next spring.  My oldest stepson, Taylor got engaged this year and he's about to get married in two weeks!  Plan to take our boys (minus Taylor) on a cruise to Cozumel.  That will be our family vacation this year.  Eddie and I plan to go to Greece this year for our anniversary trip and super excited for we have never been there!

Yes, I guess you can say, I had a pretty blessed year.  I know I'm not getting younger, but I'm okay with that.  I just plan to cherish every moment with my family and friends.

Cheers to another year and keep on running!