Boston Strong

It’s been a while since my last post. We’ve had a lot of things happening – as a chapter and for me, personally – that have prevented me from being more consistent with this blog.  But the events at the Boston Marathon is past Monday deserves acknowledgement.

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The tragedy of the Boston Marathon Bombings have had a profound effect on the running community – and the MRTT running community is no exception.

Moms RUN this Town – San Jose will be joining other runners this Monday, April 22 at 6 PM to show our solidarity with those affected by this awful event.

Please join us and Pavement Runner who started this movement.  Click on Boston Strong San Jose #61.

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As a national running organization for moms, we have also raised money through shirt sales for the Scott Rigsby Foundation, Aid for Boston Fund.  Here is the link to the blog post on our main MRTT Blog:

http://momsrunthistown.com/blog/boston-proceeds-to-aid-for-boston/

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Looking for other ways to help?  Join a memorial run in your area.  Or you can show your support with your wallet - these items from MRTT were NOT created for profit.  ALL proceeds will go to the Scott Rigsby Foundation, Aid for Boston Fund.  Other items for sale indicate which aid fund their profits will benefit.

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This past week, the San Jose Chapter held several runs to show our support to those affected by this tragic event:

San Jose Moms RUN this Town DO NOT run away….

We run for those runners who didn’t get to cross the finish the line….

for the family and friends who didn’t get to see their runner complete the Boston Marathon after all their hard work training for it…..

for the first responders – the police, paramedics, fire department…and the every day person who helped those in need on this tragic day.

15 Minutes

I LOVE when people I know get their “15 minute of fame”.

Check out this article about one of the mamas in our MRTT group:

Meet Karla from realfitmoms.com

Karla says she isn’t a “runner” but she definitely has a runner’s mentality! I love how she makes time to work out whether it’s popping in a workout video at home while her kids play or meeting some of us MRTT moms for a power walk at mall.  Karla was working out up until the day before her baby was due – yes, she is a “super mom”!!!

And this TV news article is from one of our MRTT chapters in Minnesota.  We are up to a 510 chapters nationwide and in Canada!!  Yes – MRTT is “international”.

Champlin/Maple Grove Chapter of “Moms Run This Town” on Channel 12 news

When is the SJ chapter going to get their 15 minutes?….oh, soon…very soon…..

The future is close at hand….

In the meantime, check out one of my favorite blogs, Bucket List Productions and VOTE for Leslie to win her “Trip of a Lifetime”.  Leslie is another inspirational mama – yes, I live vicariously through her…

Running…it’s a “Girl” thing…Race Reviews for the Hellyer HM/10K/5K and the JUGS Virtual 10K

I know it’s more than a “girl” thing – and fact is, we’re not “girls” here – we are women, mothers, wives/partners/lovers, sisters, daughters, friends, workers, advocators…the list can go on of all the different “hats” we wear every day of our lives being female in this world.

But one of the things that I LOVE about being part of the running community and being female is the connection you feel to others- whether you know them personally or not.  The simple fact that you have run a mile or 2 or 13.1 or 26.2 with another person creates a bond that usually lasts longer than the run.  The added bonus of being female enhances that connection since (I believe) most women live in relation to others.

In the past two weeks, the women of the SJ-MRTT have run several races that have proven once again that moms DO RUN this town!!  And we run it, not just for ourselves but to honor others as well.

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On March 2, we had moms running the Hellyer Half Marathon/10K/5K; the Kings Mountain Trail Race and the SF Color Run.  That’s right – 3 races in one day and our moms were there!!!  I went to the Helllyer Race which was a lot of fun (even though I didn’t run it).  I did hear from our other mamas that the Kings Trail Race and the SF Color Run were a blast!!

The Hellyer Half Marathon/10K/5K is part of the Brazen Racing Race series.  They really put on a well organized race that is walker and hiker friendly.  This race was lead by a bunny on a bike – I guess the premise is that the runners are a pack of dogs chasing the cute little rabbit.

Yeah, I know this is the 2011 medal, but the premise is still the same….

While I am not a proponent of this (poor bunny!), I did really like the scenic route, the food and the fun atmosphere at this race.  We had 4 mamas running this race and they all had great time!

Moms RUN Hellyer!

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On Sunday, March 3, we also did a virtual 10K for JUGS which stands for Just Us Girls Sharing, a non-profit from Walla Walla, WA who help give financial support to people who are undergoing cancer treatment.  One of our members was being honored by JUGS.  She’s undergone 3 battles with cancer and is currently in treatment again.

So, if she (and countless others) can go through chemo and radiation and still run…then so can we!!  I am always so amazed and humbled at how strong our bodies (and minds) are.  And how hard we can push ourselves – whether it’s running or staying up late with a sick child or having enough patience to not yell when they spill the milk – AGAIN.

We had 6 mamas running this virtual 10K and a lovely day to go along with our lovely run.

Will run for JUGS! Boo to cancer!!

And to top it all off, check out this great BLING!! It’s so unique and fabulous! It’s a necklace and you can interchange the setting inside.  How cool is that??

Yes, one of the reasons why I run is for the BLING!!

But wait there’s more….our mamas have been busy so look out for MORE race reviews….

D is for DIVA!!

diva

From The Urban Dictionary

A diva is a female performer, usually an opera singer, who is extremely talented but very imperious and tempermental. But the distinguishing factor is that her talent permits somewhat uncouth behaviour. A diva is not necessarily difficult to work with, she is just very professional and and has a low tolerance for incompetence. A diva is NOT just some no-talent pop singer who thinks everyone should acquiesce to her every whim, or even worse, some woman who is unecessarily rude, mean, bitchy, and often stupid just because she “knows what she wants” and revels in being high maitenance. These woman do not deserve the title of diva, because they have no redeeming talent or quality. They are simply loud and oboxious bitches. True divas should be treated with respect for their enormous talent and strong will.

That definition is actually the 4th one in the Urban Dictionary as the 1st three definitions were not that flattering to women, but I think it is the most accurate.  Women who are true divas “earn” that title – yes, we have high standards and demands, but we are worth it!!

And yes, I said “WE” because I think all women should have a little bit of diva in them. That star performer quality that says, “Hey, I know my worth and I want to make sure YOU know it too!”

Hence, my EXCITEMENT in partnering with the Divas Half Marathon and 5K Race Series.  The Divas Half Marathon and 5K in San Francisco is scheduled for May 5th, 2013.  This race has EVERYTHING a diva could want:

• A spinning, blinged out medal that you can put your photo in.
• Feather boas, tiaras, roses and bubbly – oh my!
• A women’s tech shirt and personalized bib
• A course with great views and a 3.5 hour time limit (perfect for walkers)
• Post Race Pool Par-tay!!

Oh – and did I mention the support and running love of about 6000 other women running the race not to mention the spectators?

RUN LIKE A DIVA!!!

I haven’t done a Divas race before but our friends over at Big Girls Run 2 did the one in Puerto Rico and had an awesome time! Check out their review here.  And we have some moms from our Moms RUN this Town chapter who ran the Divas last year and LOVED it!!

Will you let your Inner Diva come out and run this race? You know she deserves the recognition of her talent and hard work.  You know she deserves boas and tiaras and roses for running 13.1 or 3.2 miles.

I think there should be a special urban definition for a Running Diva.  Here’s mine:

• A RUNNING DIVA is a female athlete who knows that a mile is a mile no matter how fast she runs it; who believes that running makes her better at all the different roles she has in her life (mother, partner, worker, friend); who incorporates running (or other workouts) into her weekly routines because she knows that she needs and deserves that time for herself; who encourages others to live a healthy lifestyle through her example.  A running diva celebrates her running accomplishments – whether it was getting out for a run despite being tired from staying up late with a sick kid, finishing a 5K or marathon, joining a running group despite being afraid of being the slowest or the only one doing a run/walk – by setting her next running goal.  A running diva is particular about what running clothes and shoes she wears and usually stays loyal to the brand that works for her.  A running diva also knows that her best running accessory is a tiara and a Moms RUN this Town Bondi Band. True Running Divas should be treated with respect and admiration for their enormous persistence, stamina, and commitment to running, their families/jobs and themselves.

What else would you add?

Which tiara should I wear for my run today??

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Join us and be a part of the largest women’s half marathon series in the US! Running, flowers, boas, tiaras and bubbly!  What more could a DIVA ask for!

Get glam at one of Divas races while enjoying a great run in some of the country’s best vacation destinations: SoCal, CA, Long Island, NY, San Juan, PR, San Francisco Bay, CA, DC’s Wine Country, VA, and North Myrtle Beach, SC.  Visit www.runlikeadiva.com for more information.

The Campbell Valentine 10K/5K Fun Run – Race Review

We had a great time at the Campbell Valentine Fun Run this past Saturday, Feb 9th. We had about 25 moms show up to run, plus a few dads and kids.  For some of the moms, this was their 1st race since joining our group.  Here’s a pre-race picture of some of us with the Campbell Heart!

Who loves to run?? MOMS love to run!!

There were booths set up  from Whole Foods and few other vendors (no, I didn’t get a picture, but I will next time!).  Our moms really liked the “hometown” feel of the race – they had volunteers cheering on the runners, several water stops, friendly runners who cheered each other on.  It was also small enough that it wasn’t overwhelming for those running a race for the 1st time, but large enough that it felt like a “real race”.  There were also a variety of runners – young, old, various body types, families enjoying the race environment and those looking for a PR.  The overall female winner of the 5K was 47 years old (see results here) and the overall female winner of the 10K was 49 years old (see results here)!!!  How AWESOME is that?!?  We had several moms run with strollers (singles and a double) – the paved path and volunteers directing the way made it easy to navigate the route.  And a few of our moms PR’d on this route.  YAY!!!  One of our moms, Lorena, even won 3rd place in her age division for the 10K.  Way to go, Lorena!!

Some of us post race. Our own, Lorena, won 3rd place in her age division! WOOHOO!!

There was a different out-n-back trail for the 5K versus the 10K.  For those doing the 10K, there were several places where runners had to go single file (so not double stroller friendly at those points).  There were also several bridges to cross or go under which could get confusing, but the volunteers did a great job of steering runners to the right route.  The swag bag was full of yummy goodies, but the shirts could be updated to tech shirts with a women’s cut option (currently they are unisex cotton shirts).  Cute design though!

Here’s a lovely volunteer with a shirt (courtesy of the City of Campbell Website)

 

Overall – we had a GREAT time at this race and would definitely do it again next year!  The Campbell Valentine 10K/5K Fun Run is definitely a well run race, with great people running and volunteering/working the race.  If you’re looking for a race with that home town feel (even if you’re not a Campbellian…Campbellite??) – check out this race for 2014!

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Love, Love, Love!!!

Commitment, Consistency…Comfort

When I first thought about a blog post for the letter C (which of course comes after A and B), I was totally going to write about the importance of commitment and consistency when running. But as I sit here and actually try to write, the one word that comes up in my head when I’ve thought about running recently is COMFORT.

Odd, isn’t it?

What is so comforting about running?

For me, it’s the rhythm of my feet hitting the ground – like a steady heartbeat.  There are no surprises with running – it’s one foot in front of the other – right-left, right-left, repeat until done.  No matter the distance, the pace, the weather, alone or with friends, on the pavement or a dirt trail – running is the same no matter where you are, no matter who you are, no matter where you are in your life.  Once you decide to run, the steps are the same – put on your shoes, put one foot in front of the other, repeat.

This is me running.

This is Paula Radcliffe running (picture courtesy of PaulaRadcliffe.com)

Check out these pictures of me and Paula Radcliffe.

See how we run exactly the same?

I mean, just the feet part…

you can ignore everything else.

And by that, I mean,

Don’t look at anything else!!

But the feet – see how they’re exactly the same?

And we’re both moms!!

Comforting, don’t you think?

 

 

After we moved to CA, I knew I had to get back into running as soon as possible – running was something familiar that I could do in surroundings that were not familiar.  You might say my running shoes were my “transitional objects”.

Like a teddy bear, only stinkier…

How does running comfort you? Or does it?

 

 

 

Love on the Run

Caribbean Queen
Now, we’re sharing the same dream
And our hearts they beat as one
No more love on the run
- Billy Ocean, “Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)”

Yes – I know the music lyrics I choose date me.  What can I say? I am a child of the 80s!

Of course, back then I didn’t understand what this song meant.  Of course, they were talking about commitment which is a big part of loving and, coincidentally, also running.

But before I go into that, let me give out some blog love to the Campbell Valentines Fun Run that our Moms RUN this Town Chapter will be doing this coming February 9th. We will have over 25 lovely moms running, some dads and friends and of course, kids! This will be our biggest group run yet, and our second run at an actual (not virtual) race. (Our first chapter race was the Title 9K – check it out here!) I am most thankful to Jennifer at the  Campbell Community Center who gave us a wonderful group discount. I don’t think we would have gotten such a great turn out if it wasn’t for that extra incentive.

The run is in its 36th year and last year, they had over 1000 participants!  You know they must be doing something right!

I am so excited to be running this race for the first time!

Check out their link here if you are interested in participating as well.

Here’s the cute logo from the Campbell Valentines Fun Run. I would run faster too if arrows were shooting at me!!

 

If you are part of MRTT (or want to be), contact me and I will give you the discount info.

Here’s to running and loving! Oh – and chocolates, of course! All part of having a great Valentine’s Day for this mother runner!

 

 

Facebook – A Love/Hate Relationship

I did it – I gave in…

I connected this blog to a Facebook page for the San Jose Chapter of Mom RUNS this Town.

I know it’s not really a big deal.  Tons of people do it. Actually, probably everyone is doing it!

And it’s good to spread the word about Moms RUN this Town because:

1) Moms who run totally ROCK!!

2) Running moms totally understand when you have to stop and nurse your baby or walk to let your squirmy toddler out of the stroller.  And they will only minimally look at their watch and make you feel like you are messing up their “time”.

3) Running moms totally understand all that had to happen to allow you to make the run that day. And will motivate you, not only to get out of the house, but to achieve your health goals in a totally non-judgemental, non-pushy manner.

4) Being part of Moms RUN this Town entitles you to race discounts and even free race entries, free online and in person support, and some of the coolest bling and merchandise out there!

5) Did I mention that moms who run totally ROCK!!!

A few other reasons why moms should run:

Remember: Happy Wife = Happy Life!!

I call this one: Happy Mom means NO Time Bomb!

 

 

 

Really, we do!

 

Running in a Winter RUNNER LAND!

Running during the winter is not that much different than running during the summer here in San Jose, CA, but it was a little chilly (read: 60 degrees) this past Saturday when our chapter ran our 1st Annual Moms RUN this Town Winter RUNNER LAND Virtual 5K/10K/Half Marathon.

We had 12 moms attend (13 including me) and some moms came just to cheer the rest of us on.  We also had a couple of dads and a handful of kids join in the festivities.  This was our biggest turn out yet for a group run (12 is about 1/4 of our current membership).

Maybe it was the lure of the bling…although some ladies showed up just to run  and didn’t even sign up for the medal.

Ooooo – shiny!! Love the sparkle of our Winter Runnerland Medal

 

Maybe it was getting recognition for running a route that we run almost weekly…although, the “bow tie” route that the half marathoners had to do which took them past the start line/finish line/water stop 3 times probably wasn’t a favorite.

This was our “Ode to Baywatch” running pose! (Thanks for the pic, Lorena)

Or maybe it was just the camaraderie of getting together with other like minded women to run on a beautiful Saturday morning.

Yeah – that was probably it!!

Some of our lovely mamas at our 1st Annual Winter Runnerland Race

And the winners are:

But we were all winners that beautiful morning!!

Rachel R. – 10K – 1st Place

Me – I didn’t place, but I bought the food!

Lorena G. – Half Marathon – 1st Place

Aleks T. – Half Marathon – 2nd Place

** And check out Aleks’ review of the race on her blog here.

 

From the mouth of babes…

I was putting my 4 year old daughter to bed last night and we had this conversation:

Me: OK, time to sleep. You have school tomorrow.

Her: Why do I have to go to school tomorrow?

Me: Because that’s what kids do.  Kids go to school and grown ups go to work.

Her: You don’t go to work.

Me: I go to work. I just work in the home. Some grown ups work outside the home like in the office, but I work in the home.  I clean and do laundry and go grocery shopping. I make sure our  family has everything it needs to do all the fun things we do. Like going to school.

Her: No, Mom. You just go running.

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OK…so….

Several thoughts run through my head during this exchange:

1) Maybe I should stop doing all my cleaning, cooking, etc. “behind the scenes” i.e. when my kids aren’t around so they know that I am actually the one doing these things and not some magical elves.

2) This is the response I get for not going back to work after moving to CA. Am I not being a good role model – that a woman can work IN the home and still have value?

3) My daughter sees me as a runner – YES!!!

4) But she thinks that all I do is running – hmmmm…

I am much more than a runner.  But truth be told, I would rather run than clean the bathroom or do laundry or go grocery shopping.  And there have been days when I have decided to extend my run and my family ended up eating leftovers for dinner.  I think I am a much better runner than I am a housekeeper or cook.

Runner, however, does make me a better mom and wife. My mood is better after a run and I have more energy to do all the cleaning and cooking and listening and caring and driving and everything else that comes with the title of “mom and wife”.

One of my favorite things about running is being able to enter a race and get a medal or some other type of recognition, for all the time and effort I had put in to prepare for the race and finish it on my own terms.

Maybe when my kids are grown, they’ll give me a medal and say, “Great job, Mom!”

And maybe if I finish 1st in my age group, they’ll even give me a tech shirt…