She Is Beautiful

On Febraury 9 I set out a goal to challenge myself to run the She Is Beautiful 10k in Santa Cruz.  This goal took me on a 42 day journey.  Everyday I made it an effort to wake up and have a determined mindset.  Although I was not able to train via running as much as I would like, I still did my best.  I followed the 21 Day Fix Extreme meal plan, walked using my BOB Double Stroller and worked on my core work.   I was able to get in a few runs before race day.   The last walk/run that I did was the Thursday prior to race day.  I woke up and told myself:  What do I have to prove?   I just had a baby via c-section and why am I putting so much pressure on myself.  Mind you I have been running since I was 18 years old and running is a big part of my life.  Running to me is about challenging my mind.  It has never been about losing weight or anything of that nature.   Simply lacing up my sneaks and running.....Running for HIM!    So, that Thursday morning I decided that I would change my 10k to the 5k.

Race day was Sunday, March 22 and I was ready....or at least I thought.  Upon changing my race distance I had still planned on running with my double stroller.  Maximus woke up tired and just not in a good mood - mind you it was 6:00am and that is just to early for him.   As much as I wanted to experience this race with my boys I needed to remember my WHY.  Alex encouraged me to just go on my own and he would meet up with me after.  Now, Alex is always at the starting/finish line but now that we have two boys it was not going to be like that.  After praying about it all I went ahead with my Sole Sistas.  We made our way to the starting line and I had nothing with me.  No water container, no ear phones...no running gear.   I was not prepared to run solo.  But with the encouragement of my friends, seeing all the PINK POWER and being able to run along the coast got me EXCITED!   I was READY!  As I crossed the starting line I told myself THIS IS THE START OF YOUR NEW JOURNEY - Now RUN with your HEART!    I was able to keep up with my Sole Sistas and before we went our own ways we all HIGH 5'd each other - BOOM!!!  That's the beauty behind our friendship - No Runner is left behind.

As I ran all I could think of was my family, the journey we have been on together and just knowing that as we run this race in life, God is in the midst of it all.  This scripture is always on my heart when I run:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful - 2 Timothy 4:7

Never would I imagine running a 5k 6 weeks postpartum. Running is spiritual to me. It's about overcoming the battlefield of the mind.  As I ran across the coast I came across this inspiration - Truly God was speaking to me.

At times I started to get tired, my breathing was heavy and I could just feel my upper body aching due to poor form.   As soon as I saw the finish line I just envisioned my boys standing there rooting for me!   I crossed the finish line with a time of 34:27 and placed Top 50 in my age group.  I was now a new runner.....A MOTHER RUNNER!

Many memories were created that day with some amazing people in my life.

Mireya/Comadre - I am proud of you for accomplishing another race.  Although we weren't able to run together per say I am glad that we got to experience this race together.  Never Give Up and continue to run with purpose!  You are an inspiration to many.  I look forward to many more races together and seasons together in our reality show.  Iron Sharpens Iron - Love you!

Sweets, Thank You for always being my #1 supporter.  For believing in me when I doubted myself.  For making me laugh when I felt tired.  For praying over me when I felt defeated.  These past 42 days not only made me stronger but made our marriage stronger.  We can and we will overcome any race together.  I am honored to be your wife.  I Love You #TEAMZAPIEN

Yolanda & Patricia AKA SOLE SISTAS, Thank you for a wonderful weekend together.  Your friendship means so much to me.  All the miles, tears, laughter, prayers and races together will forever be cherished in my heart.   I look forward to many Sole Sistas traveling!   LOVE YOU BOTH!

Now as I mentioned earlier this was a 42 day journey and my goals were to run this race, lose weight, become a stronger woman and continue on my postpartum journey.   I have lost over 10lbs, I went from a size medium to a size small, my confidence has grown, new hair do and just a whole new perceptive on being a mother.  I had many tired nights due to nursing Noah, adjusting with Maximus, holding down the fort in our home, being a wife to Alex, a leader in my community and most importantly learning my identity as a Daughter of the King.  These 42 days were fun, challenging, life changing and many humbling moments.  I am not the person I was on Day 1 nor am I the person I am on Day 42.   I am proud of the person I am evolving in.  Everyday is a blessing and I get to live out my story that God has written for me. 

Here are my BEFORE/AFTER pictures:

I'm pushing forward in my next marathon:  MOTHER RUNNER!   Balancing motherhood and running.  I've started PIYO, continuing my lifestyle of the 21 Day Fix, running 3x a week with BOB - the double stroller and importantly growing in my walk with the Lord. 

Many have asked me for running tips, here are a few:

*Find your purpose  - YOUR WHY

*Set a schedule - Schedule in your runs

*Track your mileage - Invest in a running journal and download an app (I like NIKE app)

*Strength Training 2-3x a week - Strong muscles 

*Recovery - Invest in a foam roller, Rocktape

*SHOES - Have a separate pair just for running and get fitted (Road Runner Sports)

*Eat Healthy - I enjoy the 21DF plan

*Find a local trail

*Treadmills are good for sprinting or different weather climates

*Jogging Stroller - BOB is THE BEST! 

*Enjoy each mile  - There is no such thing as a bad run

*Run your own race - Don't compare yourselves to other runners

*Study - Pick up running books or magazines

*Faith - You have to believe in yourself

*HAVE FUN!  Don't over think or over train.  Just get out there and put one foot in front of the other!

These have helped me and made a big impact in my running journey.  There are plenty of great runners, tips, do's and dont's.  Just find what works for YOU!

I hope that my story has inspired you in some way!

I am a MOTHER RUNNER.  I am She is Beautiful.  I am a Daughter of the King.  I am ME.

Thank You for reading.