Where Are You Laying Up Your Treasures?

I never imagined that getting finished medals for completing the little sprint triathlons or even the half marathons and full marathon I have done can be really, really...I mean really NICE to receive. Of course my main and foremost reasons for biking, swimming, and running is to be healthy and to have fun and feel good doing these activities. However, the added bonus of receiving a "finished medal" even without placing solidifies and completes the feeling of accomplishment...something I had never planned for...meaning that sense of accomplishment. It comes along with the territory. So yes, that was a nice surprise when this all started. You do experience a momentary high. Well, but paying for that registration fee is like actually paying for your own medal. Oh well, let's just not think that way. The bottom line is that it is nice to receive these "rewards". At times the feeling can be addicting and you're thinking about the next race you can enter right at the moment you just finished one while the medal is being placed around your neck or just plain handed to you.


Yesterday, my running buddy, Naara, and I participated in the inaugural Tinkerbell Half Marathon at Disneyland. Receiving the "finished medal" was somewhat shocking due to its ginormous size. It is even way bigger than our San Diego Rock 'n Roll full marathon finished medal. Mercy! But...yes...it certainly was wonderful to receive even though I felt like I should have run another 13.1 miles in order to feel like I really deserved it.

These "finished medals" are displaying nicely on a bulletin board in my office, but now what? They're just sitting there doing nothing. They're certainly not doing anything now for me, except that they're "cool" for me to look at. If these race events never gave out finished medals or cool long-sleeve t-shirts, would I still be as interested in paying all that money to join them? Because I am one that does not trot along on a fast pace, I know I would never ever in this life-time place first, second, third, or even in the top ten. I'm just happy to finish. Maybe I would enter if I knew that 100% of the registration fees went completely to the charities the various races raise money for.

Exercise is definitely important for good health, feeling good, and de-stressing. I just need to do a self check that I am not participating in these events for the little blings we get at the end. There certainly is nothing wrong with theses rewards, but it shouldn't be my focus for doing these events. I'm having to remind myself about the message found in Matthew 6:20 which says, "but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal". The little treasures down here on earth do not last long or give lasting joy. However, the time we spend in talking to God and reading His word is a great investment in our relationship with Him. I want to lay my treasures in Heaven where I will get to be with my Lord and Savior all the time, where good-byes will never have to be said, and where we will enjoy life eternally with no worries. I'm looking forward to Heaven. I can't wait. I wish it can be sooner. Let's continue to lay up in treasures in Heaven and I'll look forward to seeing you there too!

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What would you like to do when we all get to Heaven?

The Indoor Track

As much as possible, I like to do both of my short and long runs outdoors. However, during the winter season when it is colder, sometimes it rains, and the sun sets very early, running outdoors is not an option for me for my short runs. Therefore, I always set out to find a way to keep things going. Not exercising is never an option for me. Thank God for gyms that can keep you on track.

I'm thankful that Drayson Center has a really nice indoor track!

When your two options in the gym are the treadmill and an indoor track for running, I go for the indoor track.You may immediately think that running around in circles is B-O-R-I-N-G! That's exactly what I use to think. However, I have changed that point of view. For one, the whole situation is mind over matter...just think positively! The second thing to do to keep running in an indoor track much more do-able, is to do interval training runs. I have learned to enjoy running indoors, because of this type of run. Going back and forth from a higher intensity run to a lower intensity run and back and forth makes the run interesting and challenging. If you run around the track at a constant comfortable pace, then yes...it will be boring with a capital B.

I'm not against treadmills, so I have to mention it here briefly. If I have to do another short run indoors due to time or weather conditions, I opt to do my second short run of the week on the treadmill. This is where I do a tempo run of a nice slow start at the beginning, sustaining a faster pace for 15 to 20 minutes, and ending with a slower pace. Doing one of my runs of the week on the treadmill provides variety for me at least. I'm one of those that always needs variety of where I run during the week. This keeps me going and keeps the runs fresh for me. Running at the same place all the time would provide burnout for my brain. 

If you have access to an indoor track, give it a try sometime. It's not really as boring as you think it is, but it is what you make of it. The track can be fun!


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How do you keep motivated to exercise during the cold winter season?

MY FAVORITE THINGS: "Chicken Soup for the Soul Runners"

For my birthday this year, my dear friend, Jackie Neff, gave me the book "Chicken Soup for the Soul Runners" by Dean Karnazes, Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hanser, Amy Newmark, and many other contributers. I have always loved any book of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series; however, I especially LOVE this one! I don't want to finish it so soon. I want to draw it out and soak in every single story. True to its reputation, "Chicken Soup for the Soul Runners" its absolutely to the tee inspirational and encouraging to the max, while at the same time delivering warmth and fuzzy feelings to the heart. With my attempts to make this book last long, it is definitely hard to put this book down. If only someone would let me know that there is a volume two, three, or even four coming on the way, then I'll be able to read it a little faster.

I don't want to ruin it for anyone, just in case you want to read it, but I do have to tell you about one lady that one contributor shared about in the book. This lady is 81 years old and had won a full marathon in her age division in 2007. She wanted to complete another marathon with a finishing goal of sub six hours. The writer of the story mentioned that this time around, she incorporated speedwork, hill repeats, running on stadium steps, and running 50 miles each week along with having Jeff Galloway as her coach.The actual story is heart warming that you have to read it yourself to know what happened during this particular marathon. The story's end shocked me. It shouldn't have, because she was doing all that extra work, but I guess it's because of her age that it did. She shaved off 50 minutes from her previous marathon win a few short years ago!

Alrightee...hot diggity dog! I am not one who is particular about her finish time, but hey, if an 81 year old women can improve her time, then this person who is half her age certainly can for her next full marathon! Funny how the elderly people have been my inspiration when it comes to running.:) I am now so determined to improve my time, but even though I don't end up improving my time, I will still be happy to just finish.

Anyway, if you haven't read this book and want some incredible inspiration or if you just want to know how lazy you are, get this book immediately...and be inspired!

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What other books have given you running inspiration?

My Running Breakfast

It never ceases to amaze me when I go on a long run with friends that there is always one person in the group who doesn't take the time to eat a good breakfast. When I say eat a "good breakfast", of course, I don't mean eat like a king for this meal. I just mean that having a sensible pre-run breakfast or meal is essential for anyone, so that he or she can feel good doing their long runs. Unless, there might be one or two people out there who doesn't want to feel good when they run, then my apologies!

I will go on to share what I personally do to ensure that I enjoy my long runs.  Of course, I hydrate really well seven days a week. I set my alarm to sound off two hours before my scheduled morning run. This is when I drink two cups of water. During the night, none of us drink in our sleep; therefore, we all wake up in a state of being dehydrated. Starting off a run in a state of dehydration calls for trouble. This type of trouble can show up in the form of feeling lightheaded, nauseated, and possibly throwing up later on during the run. I usually go back to bed for a little bit after drinking the two cups of water and then wake up in time to have that "good breakfast". Again, not a huge breakfast. 

This particular breakfast works very well for me. I really end up feeling like I'm starting on the right foot and I feel good from the get go. I make sure I have a protein source and a carbohydrate source or two.  What works best for me is an egg sandwich with my favorite "pepperjack cheese", 23 almonds, and half of a banana. This combo makes me enjoy the run.  Having a good protein source does wonders to steadying blood sugars whether you have diabetes or not. Right before the starting the run, I'll of course take a few more sips of water. Then during the rest of the run, replenishing my hydration stores, carbohydrates, potassium, and sodium is a priority.

I'm not promoting that you eat the same exact breakfast for your long runs. What may work for me may not work for you and what may work for you may not work for me. I just want to encourage those who go for long runs or long bike rides early first thing in the morning to take the time to do what's needed for optimum enjoyment. It's best to come up with a breakfast combination that works well for you and your body just as long as there is a good protein source and a good carbohydrate source.  My breakfast for other days of the week are different. This is just my "special" long run or long bike ride meal. Fuel well and your body will thank you! 

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Do you have a favorite route to do your long runs at?  If so, describe the scenery.

MY FAVORITE THINGS: Chomps

In my previous "My Favorite Things" post, I blogged about PowerBar Energy Blasts. Well, this is the wonderful counterpart, or the competition, called Chomps by Gu. I believe in variety, so that my taste buds don't get burnt out on my long runs. My key to avoid taste burn out is to alternate, from run to run, the Energy Blasts and Chomps. Eight Chomps provides about 46 gms of carbohydrate with decent amounts of sodium and potassium. This is comparable to the 9 Energy Blasts, which provides about 45 gms of carbohydrate and comparable amounts of sodium and potassium. So, they are both good products without the gooey, stickiness of gels.  

My favorite flavor for the Chomps is orange.  Sucking on these Chomps actually adds a nice pleasant feel to my run.  The other flavors that do not have caffeine are watermelon, which is a little more tart, and then there is blueberry pomegranate. I always make sure I get the non-caffeine versions, because caffeine makes my heart beat uncomfortably faster making my runs absolutely not enjoyable.

When I think about how God designed our bodies, I'm so glad He placed in each of us a sweating system to help cool us off. However, this cooling off system does include our sodium and potassium levels to decrease. I think it's great that God took care of this situation by giving man the wisdom to create things like Chomps and Energy Blasts, so that we can replace what we lose.

As I always love to say, nutrition can make you or break you.  I know...it's not a complete sentence, but basically what I mean by that is that the right nutrition can make you feel really good or the wrong nutrition or lack of nutrition can break you down really badly. Being mindful of replacing my fluids, carbohydrates, sodium, and potassium has been an important factor in helping me enjoy running to the max!  If you haven't tried Chomps for your long runs, I highly suggest getting some before your next long run. Enjoy!

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What "treats" do you take along on your longs runs?

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Never Really Alone

One of the many blessings of life is being able to go on long runs with friends. The camaraderie is always heartwarming.  Also, it is a wonderful feeling to share your passion with friends when you are running together.


On the other hand, I also cherish my short runs in which I run by myself.  In reality though, I am not running by myself on those short runs.  Christ said in Hebrews 13:5, "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you".  So, there you have it.  Jesus is right there beside us even on when we are running with no other human being next to us. This is the time I also love talking to God. (I don't like listening to music when I run. I enjoy soaking in the peace and quiet.) There are times I don't even want to discuss anything with Him, but just thank Him over and over again for the endless blessings He always gives. It is also the time when I just praise Him for who He is.  What a great feeling to know that my number One Best Friend is always with me wherever I go.


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It varies for all of us when we talk to God.  When are the times you're able to talk to Him in your day?

MY FAVORITE THINGS: PowerBar Energy Blasts

For those runs that last more than an hour, replacing sodium and potassium, lost through sweating, will help anyone feel better and last longer.  (This of course is in addition to replenishing with water and carbohydrates during a run.) Many of us then oblige to this replacement requirement with the newest "sports products" out there. 

I used to take sport gels with me on my runs, but found out really soon what a sticky mess I am always left in.  Some people don't mind the stickiness of gels.  I could live with it if that's all I had. Then there are also sports jelly beans.  They're alright. Definitely not sticky. However, what I learned to love, love, love on my long runs are one of two chews.  In this post, I will talk about the first chew that I encountered first. 

I really like the taste of PowerBar Energy Blasts.  Not sticky at all even though the center is filled with gel. One pouch contains nine chews, which provides about 45 gms of carbohydrate.  Experts recommend that endurance aerobic activities lasting for more than an hour should entail consuming 30 to 60 gms of carbohydrate per hour, so having one pouch will provide that need.  In addition, the chews provide reasonable amounts sodium and potassium.  However, they may feel a little bulky at first in your running pack, but then of course, it whittles down. They come with caffeine or no caffeine. I always choose the no caffeine choice, because caffeine makes my heart beat faster. This is definitely a feeling I don't need on a run!  The flavor that doesn't have caffeine is raspberry, and it is delicious.  This is one of my favorite things that has made my long runs much more enjoyable!

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What sports gel, jelly bean, or chews do you prefer to use on your long runs and why?                        

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Our Bodies, the Temple Of God

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 6:18 and 19 "Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's".  This passage in the Bible tells us that God lives in us.  As a result of what this passage says, I have always been encouraged to take care of myself not only to maintain good health, but because God bought me with a price.  He suffered so much for me, so that I can one day live eternally with Him.  Part of taking care of my body is to make healthy, nutritious choices of what I put into my body and to make sure exercise, such as running, is part of my regular regimen.  Honoring God in our lives is definitely a priority worth striving for.


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How do you honor God in your life?

Cycling Helps Running

Zanja Trail

My friend, Naara, and I have always loved mountain biking.  However, we placed mountain biking in the back burner when we started running more and then when we trained for our first full marathon.  The smartest thing we should have done was to keep sticking in the mountain biking rides in between our short and long runs.


After our full marathon this past June, we resumed our mountain and road biking, but of course, still running.  It is so true what they say about cross training.  Cross training does enable strengthening other muscles that do not get used as much when you're focusing on just one sport.  I feel that I'm a better runner now with stronger muscles, because we have been consistent with the mountain biking.   


Although we'll be resuming getting ready for our upcoming half and full marathons next year, we will for sure keep the mountain biking in as part of our training regimen!


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What does your cross training regimen consist of?

PB & J Sandwich Tip

I am thankful numerous friends shared their first marathon tips with me.  I went ahead and followed one of the nutrition tips that sounded reasonable to me.  It sure helped me.  Who knows.  Maybe this tip can help you too.  Cheers!


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What first marathon tips have been given to you by either family or friends?