Update On My 100 Miles In August's Challenge

Remember my  "100 Miles" post that I posted in the beginning of this month? Well, I could happily say that I have finished the challenge today, a day before my birthday! yay!!! Nothing like an early birthday present from you to yourself, right? hmmm that might sound a little weird, but anyway, what I am trying to say is that receiving presents from other people for you is a joyous feeling, but when you do something that benefits yourself for a better you, that is like the best feeling ever. I found it easier to give than receive, I hate being the spotlight, center of attention and I even hate an unexpected surprise. So, when I actually do something for myself, I feel good!

Along the way, I find out that I do not push myself to the limit when I workout. I mean, I run on a regular two to four miles daily, but because I do not have any miles goals in my mind, I do not push myself more. Now that I have a goal in my mind, I am actually capable of running or biking more that my regular miles daily. I did this challenge five days a week for forty minutes to one hour a day, with two rest days, or when I know my body needs more rest. I also did some strength training three times a week along with my cardio and I did not die LOL.

The best way to motivates yourself is to motivates yourself! You must be your number one supporter and fans in order to push yourself. Do not compare your journey to other people's journey because everyone has a different body type, metabolism and goals in mind. Every person has their own workout that works faster for them, but maybe not for you. You must find out what works for your body, lifestyle and goals. I also stay away from those who makes fun of my journey, simply because I know that when I am sixty years old, I would still have toned muscles, running a marathon, have a glowing skin, happy and looks hot (it is a fact, google it) LOL.

I prioritize my health because God gives me this body and I have an obligation to take good care of my own body, so that someday I will not bother my grand children to take care of their sick grandma with hospital bills because grandma did not taking good care of herself when she was younger. Sometimes sickness just happened even though you have been taking care of yourself, but many times, you know exactly why you got sick and that is not right or fair to those who have to taking care of you because of your ignorant and laziness. I eat everything, I do not live in a wrong diet world, but I eat in moderation. You will be surprised of how good healthy foods tastes like and do for your body, try it first before passing judgement.

I rarely get sick, but this month, unfortunately, I got a little sick because I was hiking on a very hot day and I did not have enough water. BIG mistake! So, I got sick for two days and after that I got back on track again and finished strong.

I would like to encourage all of you to start living a happy, fun and healthy lifestyle. Do it for yourself, your kids and the environment. No more excuses, because excuses will not get you places, but moving will do that. Start with a fifteen minutes walking, then increase to twenty, thirty and more. Start with a walk to a jog to a run or bike or swim. Do what works for you! Do it for at least three days a week, once you started working out, your body will wants and requires more from you. Working out is an addiction! HA!

Some helpful tips:

-Drink water before, during and after workout.

-Stretch before and after workout.

-Eat good foods, mostly fruits, nuts, vegetables and good proteins. Eat before and after workout (before: oatmeal, banana, etc. After: Protein Shake, Chicken Breast, etc- Google it)

-Rest and listen to your body.

-Run, swim, hike, bike, walk for at least thirty minutes a day for five days a week.

-Read or watch some workout videos before your workout, it helps you learn new techniques and motivates you as well.

-Do it for or with other people who would be a motivator/inspiration. Stay away from those who does not motivates you to be better. My inspiration is this girl, Jen, check out her Facebook page, like and support her journey!

-Join a health club if that will make you go workout.

-Mix your workout (run-bike-jog-swim for example), also try to burn a lot of calories not just counting the miles. If you are running/biking at the gym, run with some inclines or when you do bike, make sure you watch your RPM and paddle on a high level, increase your level of difficulties every three to four minutes for example.

-Find great places to workout outside your gym (nice hiking trail, run by the beach, etc). My husband and I (plus our dog, Luke)  found one new place to workout every weekend. I calculate my miles and calories by using some apps like Nike+ to help me on track.

-Buy some cute and comfortable workout outfits and shoes that you would love to wear and feel good about your body. If you are a runner, find a good socks, shoes and sport bra (women).

-Take it day by day, do not over think it, over analyze it or over do it.

-Take a nice hot shower or cold shower, it helps my muscles to relax.

-Write down your accomplishment each day, write down your workout for the day, also I like to write down some encouragements words.

-Entertained yourself during a workout, may it be with music, videos/books/magazine (when you do bike inside a gym, not when you are running or riding your bike on the street lol), taking pictures before-during resting-after workout, like me (below) LOL!! Before you knew it, you already killed ten miles! woot woot!!

-Reward yourself.

xoxo,

Lindsay

Oscar Pistorius

This is my favorite athlete of the week!

He is my hero, my inspiration and motivation in life. 

His journey is amazing, his dedication is outstanding, 

his faith is strong and he could run very fast!

When I watched him ran at the Olympics,

I was just amazed by his talent and determination.

WOW!!

His life is a blessing

:)

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"Oscar Leonard Carl Pistorius (born 22 November 1986) is a South African sprint runner. Known as the "Blade Runner" and "the fastest man on no legs", Pistorius, who has a double below-knee amputation, is the world record holder for class T44in the 100, 200 and 400 metres events and runs with the aid of Cheetah Flex-Foot carbon fibre transtibial artificial limbs by Össur. He competes in T44 (single below knee amputees) events though he is actually classified in T43 (double below knee amputee). 

Although eligible to compete in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, Pistorius did not qualify for the South African team. Despite achieving third place and a personal best time of 46.25 seconds in the 400 metres in Lucerne, Switzerland, on 16 July 2008, this was short of the Olympic qualification time of 45.55 seconds. He was also not selected by the South African Olympic Committee for the 4 × 400 metres relay team as there were four other runners who had achieved better times. At the 2008 Summer Paralympics, he took the gold medals in the 100, 200 and 400 metres (T44) sprints.

With his 400 metres time of 45.07 seconds on 19 July 2011, he achieved the "A" qualifying standard for the 2011 World Championships and 2012 Summer Olympics. At the Championships, he participated in the 400 metres sprint and the 4 × 400 metres relay. He was eliminated in the semi-final of the 400 metres sprint (finishing last with a time of 46.19 seconds), but, as part of South Africa's silver medal winning relay team, he became the first amputee to win an able-bodied world track medal although he was not selected for the final.

At the 2012 Summer Olympics on 4 August 2012, Pistorius became the first amputee runner to compete at an Olympic Games. In the 400 metres race, he took second place in the first heat of five runners, finishing with a time of 45.44 seconds (his best time of the season so far) to advance to the semi-finals on 5 August. He ran in the second semi-final where he finished eighth with a time of 46.54 seconds." (Source: Wikipedia) 

"You're not disabled by the disabilities you have, you are able by the abilities you have." 

Oscar Pistorius 

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In a gesture of camaraderie and respect, Kirani James (R) of Grenada exchanges bibs with Oscar Pistorius (L) of South Africa after the Men's 400m semifinal on Day 9 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on August 5, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images).

via Oscar's Instagram

His official website: http://www.oscarpistorius.com/

"I have so much to be greatful for! #Godisgoodallthetime"

Oscar Pistorius

Bravo Oscar! You ROCK!!

Now, would you excuse me? I am going out for a run today!

;)

xoxo,

Lindsay

I Can Do It

These athletes inspired me this week. 

I am motivated because if they could do something great for themselves, their team mates, 

their country (and God), 

then I can do it too!

I might not be an Olympian, 

but I could do something good for my body.

I could be an inspiration to/for myself, my family, my friends or strangers :)

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Congratulations Michael Phelps.

The American swimmer became "The Most Decorated Olympian" on day four after winning his 19th medal with gold in the men's 4x200m freestyle relay.

I love his dedication, determination, the way he swims just amazed me.

Well Michael, all of those hard work paid off. He had his down moments in life, but he get back up!

I am very happy for him to reach his goals and more in life. It is a great accomplishment and I wish him the best!

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Congratulations Gabby Douglas

She is the first African-American woman and first woman of color to win the event. She is also the first American gymnast ever to win both the team and individual all-around gold at the same Olympics.

I love this girl! 

She is very humble, beautiful, down to earth and such a strong woman; physically, mentally and spiritually. 

I admire her hard work (and her family's sacrifices as well), 

I especially admired her faith and humility before God! 

A young and bright woman who won gold, a history maker, did the best she could to win, yet she never forget to thank God, unashamed and joyfully serving her creator! 

Bravo Gabby!

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Djibo Issaka

He is a 35-year-old from Niger, only learnt how to row three months ago 

but was given a wildcard to the London Olympics "to strengthen the principle of universal representation."

This man did not finish first, in fact he finished last. But he finished what he started and he did the best he could. 

He finished his race strong. 

Sometimes winning is not the biggest word of the day, but trying is the word of the day.

The problem with people these days is that we wanted to make everything instant and perfect. 

We want to win, which is a great goal, but many times, we did not win what we want. 

What are you gonna do? Quit? Blame yourself or others? Hating your life? 

OR

You could keep trying, training, find new strategy, and loving life!

What I learned from these three athletes this week:

Faith, Determination, Hard Work and Finish Strong!

xoxo,

Lindsay

(The quote is from Runner's World Magazine.)

100 Miles

August is my birthday month,

I am going to give myself a birthday present by doing this "100 Miles Challenge."

A friend of mine did that on July and I am doing this on August.


First Day (7.10 Miles) yeah baby!!

Basically,

I will run, swim, bike, hike for a total of (at least) 100 Miles this month.

It is not too much if you start it now!

My fitness level has been up and down this year,

So I am determined to start living healthy again.

I just love the feeling of a healthy body,

the energy level, the good mood, the confidence, the toned muscle, the sharp mind, the strength, the joy of wearing skinny jeans ;)

I am not into "skinny to the bone"-unhealthy- body type,

I am into athletic healthy body!

We have one life, one body, one soul to take care of now,

So we better take very good care of it.

When it comes to working out,

Do what you love to do,

What works for you!

The first step is always the hardest,

Do one step at a time,

Once your body tastes the beauty of being healthy,

Your body will beg you for more challenge.

Educate yourself, 

ask your personal Doctor or

ask those who are experts in working out, 

hired a trainer if needed, 

enroll into a gym,

or use nature as a free and useful place, equipment and tools!

I like working out by myself,
(sometimes I run with my husband and my dog)
but I love support group to lift me up when I am lazy or lose focus.
Find your work out buddy (if you like to do it with others),
Build a support system/group that works for and with your lifestyle,
including telling your spouse to support you in this journey.

Nourish your body with good foods
(healthy food does not mean taste bad),

Give yourself a rest (and treats occasionally lol),

Enjoy life by doing things that you love,

Find a balance in life to fulfilled a better-healthier-happier-life.

Life is God's gift to me,

What I do with my life is my responsibility.

If you do not like what  you see or how it makes you feel,

Do something to change it,

Because excuses, complaining, pity party, blame game and comparing
will never do you any good or progress.


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~Together We Can Do It~

Go Lindsay Go!!

100 Miles start... TODAY

:)

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I have a confession

I have a confession to make, I have NOT been running for almost two months! GASP! Due to my busy days, lazy days and back pain, I have not been working out for that long. See, running is my confidence, it is my happy time when I could just disappear and get lost in my own mind. When I run, I found myself all over again. I feel good about myself, my body gets stronger, it does not crave junk food and it boost my energy level (also my self confident). Working out is dope!

When I am in my lazy-injured-busy mode, I am unhappy. It actually led me to depression! I could not think clear, I craved junk food..constantly and my energy level dropped! I am officially tired at ALL times. Pretty crazy huh? that is what working out could do to your body, both mentally and physically. It affects your life more than you could imagine.

Today, I am proud to say that I am on my feet again, RUNNING and already happy about myself again!

Just a little tips to make you wanting to get back on doing what you LOVE to do, but have not been doing it due to some down days, time or you've lost that loving feeling moment ;)

1. When you feel down, unhealthy, unhappy and it disabled your ability to face everyday life, then there is something missing in your life. Something that isimportant, something that you must do in order to find yourself again. In my case, running and praying time :)

2. Once you found out what you really want to do in your life, then you should do it right away before it becomes one of those "unfinished business" again. Crossed it out of your to-do list. It will make you happier, feel the accomplishment/victorious moment and something to make you proud and happy.

3. Get something to make it happen. Something that you might need to buy, change, mix up or add to pumped you up doing your "thing" again (whatever your "thing" might be for you). Something to motivate yourself again, maybe set a new goal or visualized yourself doing it and reach your goal!

For me, this is what I get :
- Well, this is not what I actually get myself, but I got it on Christmas. My husband bought me this really awesome lululemon hoodies. Girls, this workout outfits is dope! Every girl should have at least one cute workout outfits.

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- I bought and mix a new playlist for my iPhone. In my playlist, you will find mostly hip hop, rap, and rock. That pumped me up!

4. Motivate yourself and find time to do it. ALWAYS prioritize what you need in life. If you neglect yourself, nobody will be able to save you, unless you want to be saved. It is always start with an "I" then the rest will do their own things.

I should obey, 

I should learn, 

I should change, 

I should share, 

I should do something, 

I should not blame others!

xoxo,

Lindsay

Sunday @ 5:30 PM

My husband is watching Chicago Bulls games on TV, it is his holy moment. So, here I am writing my blog while listening to some Miami Heat's fans cheering their team up on TV. I am a proud CHICAGO sport team's fans but tonight I just want to write about something. Let's go BULLS!

I was reading my RUNNER'S magazine last night and I was just in awe of some of these runners below.

DEAN KARNAZES

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Click the link about him and you will be amazed, as I was, of this man's determination to conquer miles after miles (literally). He ran 50 marathons in all 50 states in 50 consecutive days, finishing with the New York City Marathon, which he completed in three hours and thirty seconds. That is just one of his accomplishment, he had plenty and counting.

Why do I admire people like him? here is why : INSPIRED and MOTIVATED me to do something more in life. There were times when I feel like just being lazy in front of the TV and eat tons of junk snacks instead of go out and run. Of course, my body deserves a rest after a long hours of working. But, my body also deserves a good exercise in order to maintain its health, strength and energy level. Most of all, it makes ME, the proud owner of this body, happier and healthier. Nothing sexier than being healthy and happy with our own skin (or body).

GLADYS BURRIL

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Gladys Burril, her recent record recognition as the 'Oldest Female to Complete a Marathon' aged 92 years, 19 days. She completed the 26.2 mile Honolulu Marathon race in 9 hours 53 minutes and 16 seconds, on December 12th, 2010.

OK, people, listen up : she is the bomb! If a 92 years old woman could ran a marathon in sunny Hawaii, then I can run in my 30's (or name your own age lol). It is all in our brain. When we limit ourselves by saying "WE CAN'T" then we won't make it. We have to push our bodies to the limit when it comes to working out. I used to hate running, I have a weak left foot and my lungs get "tired" easily. I can list tons of other excuses. But, one day, I tried to run and now I am craving for it. God created our body to do things beyond what we thought we could. Try it, and then listen to your body. When it says, "lets do more..I can do it", then go for it. When it says "slow down or this is it", then slow down or stop. Trying is the word. From trying to pushing a little bit. From pushing to test yourself to the limit. We will never know our limit until we test it, right? :)

Capt.IVAN CASTRO

Captain Ivan Castro, 43, has always pushed limits. A career Army man, he joined the Special Forces in 1999 to see if he had what it took to be a sniper, and spent the next seven years jumping into the black of night and wielding an M-24 rifle—assignments that gave him the feel-alive fix he craved.

Castro was on a rooftop in Youssifiyah, Iraq, in September 2006 when mortars landed five feet from him. Shells shredded the right side of his face and tore off parts of his arm, buttocks, and shoulder. Both lungs collapsed; he suffered a pulmonary embolism and an aneurism. The blast also nuked his right eye and lodged shrapnel in his left, leaving Castro permanently blind.

"I felt desperation, anger, depression," Castro says. But a visit from a blind Marine two months after the attack made Castro realize that although his ability to see was gone, he—the soldier, the leader, the guy who loved a challenge—was not. Castro, who had been a runner since high school, set a goal to finish his first marathon.

Thirteen months and 36 surgeries after the attack, Castro ran the 2007 Marine Corps Marathon in 4:14—and found his new mission: show other disabled warriors "what blind can do." Since then, he has met with members of Congress to advocate for wounded veterans' participation in the Paralympics, spoken at military and civilian events to encourage employers to hire the blind, and counseled disabled soldiers. When he visits injured veterans, his message is simple: As long as you're breathing, life is worth living.

Castro has completed 12 marathons, many of them guided by Lt. Col. Fred Dummar, whom he met on the Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Army base. Castro is one of three blind active-duty officers in the Army, where he works in the Special Operations Recruiting Battalion. Castro thinks of himself as an example of what the Army can provide— brotherhood and a meaningful life mission—not of what it could cost you.

Still pushing his own limits, Castro plans to finish a 100-miler, bike across the United States, and hike the Appalachian Trail. "Listen, I'm driven," he says. "There's nothing I can't do."

(source : www.runnersworld.com)

Capt. Ivan Castro has my most respect of the day. He is blind and he has completed so many marathons. He is my hero. He showed me that life has more than just limitation. Nothing will stop this man to accomplish and fulfilled his life purposes. May God bless you!

"Sure, I have asked, 'Why both eyes? Why not just one? Why couldn't I see some light, or shadows?' Then I remind myself to trust in God and be grateful to Him. We all can complain that we have the worst time. But, somewhere, someone else has it worse." (Capt. Ivan Castro)

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."(1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV)

Get off that couch and start walking then jog then run! Finish what you started and finish strong! I hope that these people can inspired you to do something good for your body and impact other people to do the same in a very positive way. Good luck and have fun working out. 

xoxo,

Lindsay

When your love becomes your nightmare

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A friend of mine posting this video on his Facebook today and it just got me at the right moment. I was talking about running the other day and how it changed my life forever. I also was starting my journey to write again.

Writing and running, the two things that becomes my love for life. When I saw this video, something just came into my mind and heart.

See, I love to run but I am not an Olympic athlete. These are the people who trained their whole life just to win this one reward in their mind: GOLD! 

These are the people who love their sport since they were just a kid. These are the people who did the best in their country and get the honor to represent it in this world event.

When something you love becomes your worse nightmare, then what to do? Give up? Run away from it? bitter? hating it? hate yourself because you let yourself down? hate someone else who caused you that nightmare? or stand up and fisnih what you started, just like Derek Redmond did in Barcelona Olympic in 1992?

I would say stand up and finish it dude!! But, its easier to talk than to do it, right? Well, I have a lot of things when life just failed me, knocked me down and put me in a box with no option but to stand up, keep on walking and finish what I started. I finished some of them but I still have a lot to go or should I say run? LOL

Apostle Paul said it nicely in this verse in 2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV) "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

What Paul had been through is something that is very hard for most of us. Sharing the gospel, persecuted because of that and the old life he had to let go because of that gospel. He had everything any human wanted, and he chose the CROSS, carried it and finished his race with great rewards waiting for him in heaven.

When life knocked you down, get up and show life who's the boss! 

Things will come in your way and ruin your dreams, cry for a day and then start the next day with new dreams or the old dreams and chose different way to accomplished them. Just like the old saying "Expecting a different result doing the same things is insanity". 

Something or someone will turned against you. No matter how hard you have tried, trained and do it, but sometimes things don't go the way you have wanted it. But, a fighter knows his reward. Things goes wrong, they will keep on fighting to the end. Sometimes, a great people around you will help you out, embrace their love and hey..help other who needs a good lift.

xoxo

Lindsay

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Running

If you ask me 5 years ago, I would say I really HATE running! Give me the weight, or anything but run! Fast forward to this day, I can actually say that I love running and I consider myself a runner.

Why I used to hate it? because I did not know the wonderful feeling after running. I did not know the energy I have during and after the run. I did not know the feeling of accomplishment after I run. I did not know the effect run has for my life.

My husband loves running. He introduced me to it and I fought him at first. I gave him every excuses under heaven. Well, to be honest, I have weird left foot and even to this day I find it very hard to find a perfect shoes just for everyday walk,let alone run. So, that is my number 1 excuse : SHOES. My number 2 excuse is that I have a big boob that does not feel good when I run. Number 3, I do not have time (working from 7 am to 7 pm). Number 4, my lungs is weak, stomach hurt and the list goes on and on.

Until 1 day. We live in a house with gym, so I paid for it better use it, right? I started run on the treadmill and I cant go for more than 20 minutes without stopping. I started lifting weight and loving it. I still run but just for a warm up, its more like something I have to do, not because I love it.

But, I keep running. I pushed myself to add extra miles everyday or week. I tried different training everyday (with incline, without,faster,outdoor and indoor). Today, I feel crappy when I do not run LOL. It is amazing what running brings to me. I love the feelings, the miles I passed, the journey with my running shoes and iPod, the ideas I have during my run, the energy level after my run, the good mood. Accomplishment is a wonderful feeling!

If I never try it out, I will never know. Excuse wont take me anywhere, but action actually gives me option and a life that I thought I would never enjoy. An active, healthy happy life. Who won't want that?

I am not a great runner,yet, but I will get there. I will try to train myself for a marathon. I will make it happen :)

Here are some tips for all of you out there who think you cant do it:

1. Stop giving yourself excuses that will only limit your potential

2. Just do it! Give it a try, if you do not like it then find something else to enjoy.

3. Get the right outfit, shoes, socks and sport bra (esp. if you have big boob like mine lol)

4. Living a healthy, active life boost your energy level, better mood, better body, better heart, sex..anything you want!

Recommendation:

1. Drink a lot of water before, during and after workout

2. Eat before any workout, like 1 hour before.

3. For shoes, I love NIKE FREE I love love love this new shoes of mine!

for socks , I love the THORLO EXPERIA socks. Amazing on your feet, no blister, no pain, cushioned, no slipping while running. Its a bit pricey compare to other socks but worth it!

4. Sport bra..I LOVE champion. These bras are the best for you who have big boobs, it gives you the right support, not overwhelmed with the strap..adjustable! The chest doesnt feel hurt or can't breath..it is very flexible. So far, I only find this kind from Champion!

5.Music or no music is your option. I love this iPod. No need to carry them, just clipped them lol

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6. Eat the right food

7. Buddy or no running buddy is up to you. I prefer alone, but when I go outdoor, I love running with my dog and my husband.

8. Get out and start walking now. Push yourself and add those extra mile.

xoxo,

Lindsay