I dint write for a long time.. not a very eventful week..
Tuesday:
Went to the rivermark again with Aaron's team. I met a honoree- Theresa. It was inspiring to hear about her cancer and how she came out of it.. These people are really inspirations - First Ron and now Theresa. They easily say that they had cancer about a year or two ago and then they are able to do whatever they are doing - Run or walk and going on with life as if its all a simple cold! And here I am who complains when I have a small cut on my finger while cooking..
Thursday : Track Workout
Wanted to do some car pooling, but dint find anyone to do it, so went out on my own.. long way to Los Gatos High School. I just thought of accompanying the walking sisters - Shalin and Sheetal and missed what the coach said. I started my first lap very late and finished as the last even in walk team :(.. we did 2 miles in all - running and walking.
Made new friends - Suresh who works in my own building - ready for a car pool on Thursdays and met Ashoken and Ritu.
Saturday : OYO at Rivermark
We had a small group for the OYO runs. Chris was there with his dogs - Sasha and Timber. I was tempted to adopt a dog after seeing them.. I started off with the group but ended up being the slowest again and finished as the last. It was a 3.5 miles and i was also playing with my GPS watch.
Water pouch, GPS Watch, head band - I am getting bulky with all my accessories. I need to see how I can really speed up.
I should also start with all my cross training. My fundraising has hit a plateau. I need to see if i can find more people to ask money from.. I think the enthusiasm is slowing down a bit - except for the energy I have when I come back from my runs! I think i can motivate myself to run all along even in next seasons!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
The awesome Almaden Lake
Today I got up around 7:15 am with a "Oh My God! I am late!". I think if its not for the TEAM, I would have just slept back and it would have been another "No-running day".
Thanks to the TEAM and my commitment, I got up and was in my car by 7:40 with a cup of coffee. It was almost the first time I was going to Almaden Lake park - I dint know where this existed, but I was there by 8:05 and was all inspired to see a group of people already ready to run!
We ran 4 miles - 2 miles one way and then return. I did the first 2 miles in 25.41 mins and slowed down when I got back. I had a few cramps on my leg - near ankle and hence slowed down when I came back. I made quite a lot of friends though!
Ashokan(Ken) from Coimbatore, he is a long timer in San Jose though - been here for last 19 years. He was running after a long time and it was good to know so much history about the place we live. He was practically the only person whom I know of who was going to do the Avenue of Giants with me!
Michael, the first-timer for Marathon - was all inspiring, we were having small quick race with some intermediate destinations.
Shyam, he just joined, and was going to do the half marathon at San Diego. He had already been through the half-marathon so I guess he was going to be ahead of us in the game!
The team captain Rachel brought bottles for people who have collected $500, and when I grabbed one for I had already collected $500 along with the grants I would be getting, it was surprising to see that I was one among a handful of people who had completed that goal!
I also met Rol Chapman - who was one of our Honorees, old man as he was, he had run for about 19-20 years now! Its true when they say he is the Team in Training Institution! He is originally from Oregan and then moved to Cal, he knows more about India and Indians than I do.. he said his neighbors are from my country! Rol had survived cancer and is still running with us every week we go run!
When we were just going back, Lora wanted a ride back to the other parking lot where she put her car and I was so happy to do that.. Lora is from Vietnam and is a mentor.. I think i am going to talk to her about the experience of being a war refugee from Vietnam, since I always wanted to know how it would be.. Sometimes, I think about all those people who moved from another country as a refugee, unlike us, they cant just go back to the place they were born and brought up... its a great loss.. I would like to know what is their perspective!
It was a good run altogether, ofcourse it is a little painful after reaching home, but it was worth the effort as I am still bubbling with all the adrenalin rush it has injected in me!
Thanks to the TEAM and my commitment, I got up and was in my car by 7:40 with a cup of coffee. It was almost the first time I was going to Almaden Lake park - I dint know where this existed, but I was there by 8:05 and was all inspired to see a group of people already ready to run!
We ran 4 miles - 2 miles one way and then return. I did the first 2 miles in 25.41 mins and slowed down when I got back. I had a few cramps on my leg - near ankle and hence slowed down when I came back. I made quite a lot of friends though!
Ashokan(Ken) from Coimbatore, he is a long timer in San Jose though - been here for last 19 years. He was running after a long time and it was good to know so much history about the place we live. He was practically the only person whom I know of who was going to do the Avenue of Giants with me!
Michael, the first-timer for Marathon - was all inspiring, we were having small quick race with some intermediate destinations.
Shyam, he just joined, and was going to do the half marathon at San Diego. He had already been through the half-marathon so I guess he was going to be ahead of us in the game!
The team captain Rachel brought bottles for people who have collected $500, and when I grabbed one for I had already collected $500 along with the grants I would be getting, it was surprising to see that I was one among a handful of people who had completed that goal!
I also met Rol Chapman - who was one of our Honorees, old man as he was, he had run for about 19-20 years now! Its true when they say he is the Team in Training Institution! He is originally from Oregan and then moved to Cal, he knows more about India and Indians than I do.. he said his neighbors are from my country! Rol had survived cancer and is still running with us every week we go run!
When we were just going back, Lora wanted a ride back to the other parking lot where she put her car and I was so happy to do that.. Lora is from Vietnam and is a mentor.. I think i am going to talk to her about the experience of being a war refugee from Vietnam, since I always wanted to know how it would be.. Sometimes, I think about all those people who moved from another country as a refugee, unlike us, they cant just go back to the place they were born and brought up... its a great loss.. I would like to know what is their perspective!
It was a good run altogether, ofcourse it is a little painful after reaching home, but it was worth the effort as I am still bubbling with all the adrenalin rush it has injected in me!
Friday, February 4, 2011
First Workout
2/3/2011:
This is my first Workout day. I was late by couple of minutes when I reached the Los Gatos High School for the workout session, but then it was ok since as soon as I joined, we had to move to take positions for the workout.
For the first 30 minutes we did various exercises - squats, jumps, swinging one leg and hands, downward dogs, pushups etc. Everything was done as a team - and we were asked to keep up the pace with others. I found that my body was lot more flexible than I thought!
The Next 30 minutes was run - actual running in the track. We ran around the track first time in a conversational pace. And then we did a real run - panting for breath. Third lap was just a walk. Fourth lap was a run. So, we repeated this run and walk for about 6 laps.
There were people joining late and later!.
After this, we went to the Willow Street Wood fired pizza. I did the "Hang with the Gang" only because it was pizzzzza! They had booked for a table of 30, but then it turned out we were about 40, and others had to adjust. Some did timeshare spaces, some took another nearby table.. I ordered a Mediterrean Pizza. I met a few new people - Rina, a Canadian who is a teacher for small kids in San Jose. Shalin and Sheetal from Kerala, Sheetal is into Wind energy domain and Shalin is looking to get into some Semiconductor company.. It was good to see new faces and talk to them.
I went home thinking about my 9:00 PM meeting!
This is my first Workout day. I was late by couple of minutes when I reached the Los Gatos High School for the workout session, but then it was ok since as soon as I joined, we had to move to take positions for the workout.
For the first 30 minutes we did various exercises - squats, jumps, swinging one leg and hands, downward dogs, pushups etc. Everything was done as a team - and we were asked to keep up the pace with others. I found that my body was lot more flexible than I thought!
The Next 30 minutes was run - actual running in the track. We ran around the track first time in a conversational pace. And then we did a real run - panting for breath. Third lap was just a walk. Fourth lap was a run. So, we repeated this run and walk for about 6 laps.
There were people joining late and later!.
After this, we went to the Willow Street Wood fired pizza. I did the "Hang with the Gang" only because it was pizzzzza! They had booked for a table of 30, but then it turned out we were about 40, and others had to adjust. Some did timeshare spaces, some took another nearby table.. I ordered a Mediterrean Pizza. I met a few new people - Rina, a Canadian who is a teacher for small kids in San Jose. Shalin and Sheetal from Kerala, Sheetal is into Wind energy domain and Shalin is looking to get into some Semiconductor company.. It was good to see new faces and talk to them.
I went home thinking about my 9:00 PM meeting!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
First Buddy Run
Saturday - 29-Jan-2011:
I went to the Running Revolution in a hurry thinking I am going to be late, but when went there by 8:10 am, the gear workshop had just started. I got a plenty of information about the various dresses, shoes, and all other kind of things I have never known why they are there in the sports goods shops!
We then came together with Aaron and then started running into the Campbell Park. We did a 2 mile run on the trail, and it was very refreshing as the day was slowly beginning to get warm. Initially i felt very cold, but it was better off slowly. Ron, also one of Aaron's Mentees, was keeping pace with me and we both did the full 2 mile talking to each other and keeping the encouragement going.. It was definetly a good run and I was back to sign out!
Monday 31-Jan-2011:
I did send out a few fund raising emails to friends, great response! Thank you guys!
Tuesday 1-Feb-2011:
6:30 PM was the time for a buddy run and plan was to meet up in the Rivermark plaza. My husband suddenly said he would be there with me for the run and we both reached the place by 6:15. It was too cold and we dint want to go out and wait. Around 6:25, when we went to the spot that we had agreed upon, there was literally no one waiting for us.. Aaron joined us at 6:30 sharp and we waited for a couple of minutes and then started to run as just the three of us! The plan was a 3 mile on the trail.. Initially, I was able to keep the momentum when we just started and went till a few miles, and slowly when it was 1.5 miles, I had started to walk! I did most of the return as a walk + run while Aaron was trying to jog to keep pace with me..
I thought the buddy runs are going to eat up my day and I am not going to have any time, but when were done with the dinner, it was just 8:00 and I felt like I had plenty of time in hand and so much energy due to all that running, it was a great feeling!
I think I am going to do the 13.6 miles easily! Let me see how it goes!
I went to the Running Revolution in a hurry thinking I am going to be late, but when went there by 8:10 am, the gear workshop had just started. I got a plenty of information about the various dresses, shoes, and all other kind of things I have never known why they are there in the sports goods shops!
We then came together with Aaron and then started running into the Campbell Park. We did a 2 mile run on the trail, and it was very refreshing as the day was slowly beginning to get warm. Initially i felt very cold, but it was better off slowly. Ron, also one of Aaron's Mentees, was keeping pace with me and we both did the full 2 mile talking to each other and keeping the encouragement going.. It was definetly a good run and I was back to sign out!
Monday 31-Jan-2011:
I did send out a few fund raising emails to friends, great response! Thank you guys!
Tuesday 1-Feb-2011:
6:30 PM was the time for a buddy run and plan was to meet up in the Rivermark plaza. My husband suddenly said he would be there with me for the run and we both reached the place by 6:15. It was too cold and we dint want to go out and wait. Around 6:25, when we went to the spot that we had agreed upon, there was literally no one waiting for us.. Aaron joined us at 6:30 sharp and we waited for a couple of minutes and then started to run as just the three of us! The plan was a 3 mile on the trail.. Initially, I was able to keep the momentum when we just started and went till a few miles, and slowly when it was 1.5 miles, I had started to walk! I did most of the return as a walk + run while Aaron was trying to jog to keep pace with me..
I thought the buddy runs are going to eat up my day and I am not going to have any time, but when were done with the dinner, it was just 8:00 and I felt like I had plenty of time in hand and so much energy due to all that running, it was a great feeling!
I think I am going to do the 13.6 miles easily! Let me see how it goes!
Friday, January 28, 2011
GO TEAM!!!
As a matter of fact, from my childhood days, I have been fascinated by the people who can run very long distances! When I was in School, I was not a great runner. My Younger sister used to win medals and cups at our school level games for running, while I would just watch her get the cups and most of the times be taking her pictures..
Life at the Jersey City - suburb of New York, I slowly discovered the runner in me. At that time, my marriage date was fixed and I wanted to look great for the big day. I googled out and joined a local runner's group and surprisingly I got two great friends - Ravi and Jithendra. Jithendra was a old-timer, he was in New York for really long time, He used to tell us stories of 70s and 80s, when we cruised around from Grove Street PATH station to Newport to Hoboken Station. Ravi was a experienced runner, who used to encourage me by trying to keep the pace with me. There were days when I used to skip the train and run all the way to Grove Street PATH and then joined this group.
Even if I am skipping a day or two, they used to wake me up at 6:30 am. Running kept me off from my very stressful office work and made me feel more divine. I never signed up for a marathon or 10K, while Ravi and Jithendra used to go run for half and full marathons every time.
After I came back to San Jose, I didn't like to go around all by myself. I needed company for my runs. I am a morning person while my husband preferred working out in the afternoon. We did go for some small 2 mile runs here and there but then we were never able to stick to a weekend running. I was unable to motivate myself to run all alone.
I was looking for a group, and a commitment while I came across a brochure from Team in Training. I just checked their website and signed up for the information meeting.
It was at this meeting that I was moved! These guys are helping doctors to find a medicine for cancer! I have had relatives who died of Cancer. On those days there was no cure for cancer. These days, not many people can afford to the therapies. Here there is someone who is trying to help the Cancer patients to live a normal and longer life!
I generally take a back seat when it comes to collecting fund for something. But this cause was very motivational that I had decided to join this group and run for saving lives from cancer. Ofcourse, they can easily ask the participant to cover this amount as a training fee, but they want it to be a fund raiser so that more people like me also get to know about this organization and its noble cause.
People in TNT are the real heroes, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure! Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance their mission.
I am going to keep blogging the events of my training every time I can. I am sure you would be following my progress and donate for this cause on this page as much as you can!
And Please do spread the word so that anyone in your acquaintance can get the much needed help as and when needed!
GO TEAM!
Life at the Jersey City - suburb of New York, I slowly discovered the runner in me. At that time, my marriage date was fixed and I wanted to look great for the big day. I googled out and joined a local runner's group and surprisingly I got two great friends - Ravi and Jithendra. Jithendra was a old-timer, he was in New York for really long time, He used to tell us stories of 70s and 80s, when we cruised around from Grove Street PATH station to Newport to Hoboken Station. Ravi was a experienced runner, who used to encourage me by trying to keep the pace with me. There were days when I used to skip the train and run all the way to Grove Street PATH and then joined this group.
Even if I am skipping a day or two, they used to wake me up at 6:30 am. Running kept me off from my very stressful office work and made me feel more divine. I never signed up for a marathon or 10K, while Ravi and Jithendra used to go run for half and full marathons every time.
After I came back to San Jose, I didn't like to go around all by myself. I needed company for my runs. I am a morning person while my husband preferred working out in the afternoon. We did go for some small 2 mile runs here and there but then we were never able to stick to a weekend running. I was unable to motivate myself to run all alone.
I was looking for a group, and a commitment while I came across a brochure from Team in Training. I just checked their website and signed up for the information meeting.
It was at this meeting that I was moved! These guys are helping doctors to find a medicine for cancer! I have had relatives who died of Cancer. On those days there was no cure for cancer. These days, not many people can afford to the therapies. Here there is someone who is trying to help the Cancer patients to live a normal and longer life!
I generally take a back seat when it comes to collecting fund for something. But this cause was very motivational that I had decided to join this group and run for saving lives from cancer. Ofcourse, they can easily ask the participant to cover this amount as a training fee, but they want it to be a fund raiser so that more people like me also get to know about this organization and its noble cause.
People in TNT are the real heroes, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure! Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance their mission.
I am going to keep blogging the events of my training every time I can. I am sure you would be following my progress and donate for this cause on this page as much as you can!
And Please do spread the word so that anyone in your acquaintance can get the much needed help as and when needed!
GO TEAM!
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