Run in BA - Runner Fest 5k - No cash, no problem... if...

No cash, no problem? That might be the case in USA but in Argentina where credit cards are only used in very few and rear locations.

“We know that it’s the people who are struggling that really need the personal loans... No matter how well you've planned your budget and spending strategies, they can still be thrown off by one unexpected events or other emergencies… Our online system makes it easier than ever to request a loan. The entire process is quick and convenient…”

One Sunday more, last week in Buenos Aires. It was Lucas birthday also Children’ Day in Argentina. Running mom found Runner Fest race which seemed to be a fun way to start the day before evening party. Again on our way to the Rosedal in Palermo, on the tollway when mom realized she had left all her argentine pesos in the house. No cash? Coming back? No way. I have credit cards and few dollars. Let’s try to make it!

First stop for the $12 tolltag where I was able to use a “bill me later” option. Second stop while parking at the race location and the security guy asked me for $60. I do not have cash I told him. I forgot to get some pesos but I have some dollars. Could I pay you with them? I asked. And here is when I felt my Angel de La Guarda was with me all the time to help me. The guy replied me, sure I can exchange you some money. How much do you need? I handed him 10 dollars, he gave me 90 pesos (not too bad exchange rate that was fluctuating from 8 to 10 pesos per dollar) so I was able not only to pay him but also to have some cash for the tollway back home and extra.

Time to pick up bib, and another stop. My online payment hadn't made it through. No credit cards, nor dollars accepted, so I had to use my consumer power and tell them it was not my fault but their system and I was there to race!!! :-) They finally accepted and gave me the bib. We dropped Lucas at the bouncing house and went for our warm up. Nick decided to play by himself. Mom lost control of him. Kids 1600m race. I kept yelling at the starting line, but I couldn't find Nick. Did he race? Not sure…

Time for the 5k. Running course? Total incognito. It wasn’t posted online and runners at the finish line had no idea either. Just do it! Mom I thought. So relaxed and took off. Not too hard, not too easy, just run at pressure level and enjoy! Finish line crossed and Nick was there cheering for me and hugging me.

Lucas, super tired, was still jumping at the bouncing house. Time to go eat something delicious as the tutucas we were able to get with the extra pesos we had, plus then, like a water hallucination in the middle of the Sahara desert, an Starbucks appeared in front of us. America! Credit cards accepted! So running mom was able to purchase the most tasteful chocolate glazed donuts for her kids.

No cash, no problem... If Guardian Angel is with you!

Few days after the race i found Nick's pictures online. Now I believe on the 6'09 mile he reported to me. 

 

Lucas feeding ducks with some tutucas

Starbucks' glazed donuts!!!

Run in BA – Carrera Grupos LT - Daughter & Mom, Kms vs. Miles

A gift race. Sunday race in El Rosedal de Palermo, a full of memories location. Running as DAUGHTER, with DAD cheering around and as a MOM with SON racing around. A 7km race for MOM. Not as popular distance among local TX races. Not too long but longer than 5k race. A 3km race for SON, around 2 miles minus a half a lap, that means 7 ½ laps talking in track and field language after TAAF.

Palermo’s Rosedal. Mom and Son warmed up together, picked up our packages, wore bibs and lined up at the starting line. Not any familiar face. I had checked the running course on line, however running there was a different experience. I started on a very conservative way, even race was on known lands, lands/roads I used to jog/drive around several years ago while living there, my mind was making little short circuits with km vs miles. Just 7km, however as American runner my unit is a mile, so 7 units race long race compared to a "five-k", just 3.12 units race!

I had a blast running around Bosques de Palermo that reminded me about lot of adventures.  I finally got to finish hard, almost as hard as like with the best gift ever. As a MOM, with my son cheering for me last meters before the finish line where I got to beat a guy! And as a DAUGHTER with my dad cheering at the end while taking pictures and videos.

An awesome experience! And lesson learnt as Daughter & Mom, Kms vs. Miles. For every kilometer children get to walk, parents had to run miles before. Let's teach our kids by example!

  

   

Grupos LT after race group pictures 

Too Hot To Handle 15k or 5k – MORE with less vs less with MORE

One of DWF’s classic races during summer. As I had raced and enjoyed that 15k few years ago, I didn't even think twice when I got the opportunity to sign up this year. “I can run 9.33 miles!” I thought. But... but should I? or better I switch to 5k? 

What is right or wrong doing? Running MORE under less intensity, a.k.a. endurance vs running less under MORE (higher) intensity, a.k.a. stamina.

Stamina or Endurance? Endurance or Stamina? Which is more important? None but both.

Which one was I going to use this race to enhance the fun to? I wasn't sure. Sincerely 5ks turned to be my most challenging distance races. I kept thinking and thinking specially during those 5 hours assigning bibs to happy runners at the RunOn! TX stores.

Finally on race morning after a good sleep and with a coach's mind, based on current training, goals and feelings I decided to take the race for “stamina” and was brave to switch to 5k. My runners, SandE team kept on the “endurance” 15k side. No matter what pace, just effort.

Race day was perfect. Nick came with me. I didn't offer him to sign up since he is having his TAAF regional the following week. He was though very relaxed and supportive. I enjoyed his company first as my son and second as one of my running buddies. 5k course was as fun as helly challenging. My strategy, as once a coach called Joe told me, “push no strain” and didn’t try to mimic any pace I didn't have. I just focused on keeping the effort and controlling form down the helly hill. I crossed the finish line almost under cardiac arrest, and Nick was there, what gave me three rewards: 

#1 yeah “be happy you are still alive” 

#2 as a mom teach son by example things aren't easy, 

#3 SandE proudly completed the 15k.

We had an awesome after race experience together. We ran cool down watching 15k amazing top finishers that was really inspiring to keep focus on stamina to be able to make better during endurance :-)

Many times there is no right or wrong thing, however you always need to keep focus to do it right.

DO MORE with less or less with MORE. BUT DO IT!

ps: were were so close! Good effort Argentina!

Komen Race For The Cure Plano – Be happy with what you have while...

Many times we think we know it all, but we don't. The Komen Race For The Cure in Plano is a “Classic 5k” for me. It was my first "targeted race" when I started to train with coach "O". Happily I was able to run it again. Team Argentina-Barcelona with Maro Marin this year.

We warmed up (melting down a little bit) together as it was a sweet and humid June morning.

All looked so fun with lot of runners around and some “fasty” people as Joshua Thompson, Clint Bell and Ben Apolito. 

On the marks, get ready, set and go! I felt confident knowing the course from previous years so I was very relaxed just to focus on the run. However the turning on Democracy rather than Spring Creek as previous years got part of me lost. I tried to ignore the feeling and just run but mind/heart/legs were not acting as a team.

Lesson learn “Do not take known things from granted” and if you want to push on a race ALWAYS check the course map.

Come on! Catch up the rhythm mom. I really enjoyed Nina Chow's cheering at around mile.5 that helped me to pass a pink t-w/ipod and amazing legs girl J. I kept to the end, even I wasn't able to get any faster, I ended feeling “para la corneta” that means HARD EFFORT which always makes me happy.

Maro got his 3^rd overall following Joshua Thompson and Clint Bell, the winner. Kisha Littrell, looking amazing, won the race on the female side. I got 5^th overall, still grabbing a cute 2^nd AG Hardware.

A great race and always a classic and fun for me. Here results: http://www.wetimeraces.com/RacingSystems/Results/2014/769Overall.HTM

SAT TRACK "YOU CAN DO IT" | USATF SW & TAAF R7

MOM @ 2014 Southwestern Association Open & Masters Championship 
A great event. Full of open and most master talent. It was really fun to watch sprinters, hurdlers. I missed the relays that seems didn't have enough participants to happen. In the case of long distance just very few runners with me as the only female among the guys.

Two crossed thoughts:
- yeah! no competition. I'll get a medal no matter what...
- uah! no competition. I'll have to pace myself...

Oh, well. I can push as easy or as hard as I need or want to enjoy the race. All mine. Same as this running year, and probably rest of running life. Run Happy or do something else! So I ran and got my 800 "just 2 laps" in 3:10 and 1500 "almost 4 laps" in 6:08. Was it "fast"? NO! even running faster than what I normally run those seconds felt like lasting decades. Anyways huge smile was all mine!!!

KIDS @ TAAF Region 7 Track & Field 1st 2014 Circuit Meet in Allen

• Mom had to drive from Dallas to Allen. Just missed Lucas' 50 & relay and drive around and around til get the bingo at the new 635 & 75 intersection :-)

• Lucas got 5th for the 50 that didn't motivate him, however the victory at the relay with him crossing the finish line was what he needed to experience the feeling of "PUSH to conquer the victory. You CAN do it!" Then he got distracted and missed the 100 what gave mom the opportunity to push him for the 200 & 400. He applied his "own strategy" of starting easy to save energy and then getting faster and beating others what led him achieve not only the couple 2nd red ribbons with 1:22 for 400 and with 35:7 for the 200 but also the highest level of mom "proudness".

• Nick's 800 were in 3:07. Great job! Already faster than mom here, however mile was in 6:50, little bit slower than mom here. He didn't get good results he needed to get plugged with the test "I CAN do it". 

I am now writing this blog week after. After the second meet yesterday. Nicholas is still "unplugged"... 800 as last runner, luckily he got to pass one guy however mile was lousy finishing last. When I asked him about results he showed a "conformist's attitude" saying he was good...

Lucas instead kept trying hard, got better at the 50, relay team got little bit slower due to a substitute runner, 100 was new event, 200 he tried new strategy "sprinting all the time" which he enjoyed and 400 little bit slower (1:28) getting a 3rd. I didn't even asked about results however when storing his ribbons he said he didn't like this week's 3rd and 5th ribbons. He wanted better!

How does this running mom feel? Just like this :-) (shhh... do not think or talk too much, and run happy "as YOU CAN" but keep wanting more as "YOU CAN")

 

Rock the Block 5k - Find the FUN Under Pressure

Mom and Son for a 5k. As coach “O” once told me “You can’t race every weekend”… But… You can go to races to run and have fun! Find the fun under pressure.

Team W, Nick & Mom to Rock the Block. Nick’s strength to start fast, Mom’s strength to build up and hold. Plan: Nick to pace mom at the start and then try to keep with her the most he can, and whoever finishes first, cheers for the other at the finish line. Executed plan! Team W together for almost first full mile.

“You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 

On second mile mom got some rhythm and took over crossing Nick after the curve. Nick looked great! Good form and pushing hard under control. Mom kept going. There was a lady in blue at the front. “To get her, not to get her”, “You can. No, you can’t”… It’s a race mom! That is what I thought while lady in blue en la mira was getting closer and closer... The closer she got the more tempted to get her and done! Less than mile to finish. Forget about everything mom and go cross that finish line.

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”

― Mahatma Gandhi

Finish line crossed! I didn't even look at the finish time, I just turned off the Garmin, happy about getting it done and still alive. They asked me for the bib, I could barely breath... PLS wait, this running mom needs to resuscitate. J

Gave bib number back and went to look for Nick. Waited some, then walked, then jogged back… I couldn't find him. Mom got little bit worried and came back to find Nick enjoying snacks. He knew there were cinnamon rolls and was afraid they were going to run out of them. So he finished fast and went for them.

After enjoying some snacks we went to check results to see if he had some award to pick. Mom found a nice surprise! 2^nd overall fem and 1^st master fem. Hardware home! Nick got 10^th on his age with 25:24 and main mission accomplished when he said “I could have ran faster to get at least 3^rd”.

“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”

― Maya Angelou

Run Like a Mother 5k – Like a Running Mom, Keep Things Under Control

Cool race. Close to home. I ran it and won last year. Great prizes that included hour massage, free entry for me and a friend for this. No reason to skip it. Dealing a little bit though, I must confess. “Defending 2013 Victory” vs “Being happy I am able to race, appreciating and enjoying what you have”.

Both things, but second first! So I laced my shoes and got there. Starting line, full of colleagues, all running moms. Suddenly, I found myself running with just one mom and a kid in front of me. I was not sure if race had started. I only heard 3, 2, 1 and a gun shot! A race, so no time for doubts. Just run. 

Even first position got fast switched from one mom to another I held my 3rd behind that amazing yellow t-shirt running kid who I got to pass before the 1st mile. On second place now. First mom “en la mira” 20 secs ahead, then 25… 30… I kept following her. 1st lap, then starting 2nd lap feeling a little bit out of my race comfort zone, so time to switch gears to “this is what you have right now, relax, focus and keep it”. And I did! Very proudly to the end to get my flower and finisher medal. 

BIG LESSON from this race “Like a Running Mom, Keep Things Under Control”. 

Following some Tips for Busy Moms that I applied to running. Have fun!

1. Rise Early	"It's wonderful for busy moms to wake up 15 minutes before their children and take a little retreat"	Wake up early enjoy breakfast and arrive early to find a comfortable parking place close to potty! Yeah!
2. Unplug	The average American home is a noisy place, thanks to the telephone, television, radio, and CD player. When you're feeling overloaded, try turning down the background noise in your life by "unplugging" some of these electronic taskmasters.	No GPS or stopwatch. No heart rate or cadence monitor! Unplug! Hummm… I hope this doesn’t include ipod.
3. Start Small	You're tired and just don't feel like making dinner, but you don't want to serve fish sticks again. So set a new, much smaller goal: "I will go in the kitchen and make a salad," or even, "I will go into the kitchen."	You are tired or sore to race or even run? Just get on those bright running shoes and favorite running t-shirt. Start walking and see what happens.
4. Be Here Now	Like the sixth-grader worrying about the SATs, our minds constantly bring future worries into the present. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, no to "anticipatory thinking." "The best way to avoid stress is to immerse yourself in the moment"	Just 1st mile? OMG! Still 2 more or 12 or 25 more to go? Start counting posts, chasing another runner, play with breath, arms, hands, fingers. One time, another time and repeat…
5. Adapt	Do you fall apart if dinner is not served on bone china at six o'clock sharp? "We get attached to how things are going to be". "But if your kids are at each other's throats while you're making dinner, maybe the most important thing at that moment is to get down on the floor with them"	Shoes’ color not matching short and t-shirt?  You’d better keep thinking where, when you are going to solve this issue and develop action plan with milestones and deadlines and whatever that keeps you worried about this stuff so that breath getting too much out of control doesn't bother you.
6. Talk It Out	"Self-talk" can help us control our emotions. When things go wrong, "It's not a disaster, it's an inconvenience." By developing an inner voice that, for example, encourages you to stay in bed when you're sick and let your husband clean up the kitchen, you become, in a sense, your own best friend.	Too sore or too tired to run? "It's not a disaster, it's an inconvenience." By developing an inner voice that, for example, do not run today if those feet are swelling. Cross train and prepare your favorite recipes, you become, in a sense, your own best friend.
7. Laugh a Little	"Laughter re-enchants daily living," Healthy laughter comes from Bill Cosby's gentle kind of humor that eases little annoyances.	Stretch those lips horizontally. Add 5, 10, 15 reps every other mile and for every camera around at the races.
8. Take a Break	Let's face it: We're never going to finish everything on our "to do" lists. The average mother runs 21 minutes short per day. Usually, the first thing to go is relaxation time. "We'll never have any downtime unless we schedule it," she says. You should be able to complete this sentence: "What I do every day to relax is...."	Learn how to take breaks and practice it all the time. Ensure you will never forget how to relax, take easy and enjoy.
9. Enjoy Nature	Sun, water, wind  -- the elements feed our senses and lead us toward serenity better than anything. It may mean relaxing in your backyard, drawing a warm bath, or going out for a brisk run. The important thing is to figure out what soothes you and then where to find it.	It is the same windy, rainy, cold, humid, hot, hilly for absolutely everybody so “the temperature and humidity slowered me down” it doesn’t count.
10. Just Let Go	"We have to recognize that chaos is a part of life". "Then we must recognize our own contribution to it. That's the only part we can control." The irony is that by taking steps that seem to signify giving up control  -- like "outsourcing" certain household jobs  -- you will actually be gaining more freedom to enjoy your family life.	Chaos is a part of running. Training plan not running in a perfect way? No worries. Just focus on the things you can control like the color of your shoes, the matching running sock, the after running snack and rehab smoothie. Outsource to nature and trust on God the rest.

And never forget. Run for fun or do something else!