Dopey Readiness Update

Find your balance

This week marks the Build phase of my Dopey Training. Figured since I've been a bit slack during the Base Phase I thought I'd test myself and see where I am in my fitness. 

I am happy to say I have successfully completed my first 4 back-to-back runs! WOOHOO!!!

Day One: 5K (3.1 miles)
Done! I love short runs as these are my body weight training sessions. I like to call them my 5K Crazy Runs. They consist of a 1 mile warm up, followed by a 1 mile body weight calisthenics every quarter mile, finish with a 1 mile cool down. I get to kill two birds with one stone (HIIT + Cardio)

Day Two: 10K (6.2 miles)
Done! Nice and easy negative split. I surprised myself as I didn't intend on doing it as a speed run. But the mood struck me and I answered.

Day Three: 12.8K (8 miles)
Done...but it was ugly. Guess the first two days took it's toll on me. But I got it done. 

Day Four: 22.5K (14 miles)
Done...now this one was interesting.  I intended on running 16 miles but I detoured from the Road Run to Trail Run and Bridge Repeats. So in my mind, with effort, I completed the 16 miles. It was exhausting and my legs were grateful when I was done.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with my progress. With 4 back-to-back runs, I was able to complete 31.3 miles and still have a smile on my face. My run nutrition and hydration are spot on. My daily eating habits are getting better. I'm getting the right amount of rest. But most importantly, I'm finding my balance.

At this stage, I'm feeling confident I am on the right track. I have some strength, endurance, and flexibility work to complete but with time on my side, I know I can achieve my goal. After all there are still 129 days to go.

Leave the Music at Home or Not

Today, a friend posted a "neat little read" about the Health Benefits of Music. In essence, the article states that music has the power to change our mood and can even help us concentrate.

"If we find ourselves UN-Motivated to workout, all we need to do is pop our mp3 players into our ears and get moving"

Listening to music can help motivate you.

Her goal was to provide us with some tips and tricks to help motivate us to stay active and get our workouts done.


On Friday, another friend sent an email informing us about this weekend's bike ride with some very specific rules to follow:

The first line read...

"Bring your water bottles, food, cash, ID and a heart rate monitor. Leave mp3/music players at home."

It's the Law!

  
He even posting the Florida Law

Headsets (see Section 316.304, F.S.)

A bicyclist may not wear a headset, headphone, or other listening device other than a hearing aid when riding. Wearing a headset blocks out important audio clues needed to detect the presence of other traffic. 

See more at: http://floridabicycle.org/bicycle-traffic-law/#

Synchronicity or mere coincidences? 

 According to Carl Jung, such events are not mere coincidences, but synchronicity or meaningful coincidences. ‘Synchronicity,' said Jung, ‘is the coming together of inner and outer events in a way that cannot be explained by cause and effect and that is meaningful to the observer.'

For the past two years, I've been guided by an unseen force. Synchronous events that have kept me on my path toward self awareness; my path toward happiness. The challenge is that I often get lost or turned around on my path by conflicting messages. I end up seeking many things believing they will bring me to that emotional state I desire. I may get the "things' but the not "feeling" that I want.  However, when I take time to evaluate the directions and priorities of these messages I get a better understanding of my thoughts and beliefs that affect my happiness.
  
So what does this all mean? 

If I were to see two messages about music as mere coincidences then they wouldn't mean much to me. 

But if I were to slow down and reflect upon their message, their meaning would become clear. And maybe that is why they appeared in my life. They are so amazing, and seem so unbelievable, they grabbed my attention. 

Allow me to go back to Carl Jung for a moment. He went on to say that synchronicity is more likely to occur when one is in a state of heightened emotional and mental awareness. Personally, I enjoy being in a state of awareness with my surroundings. It may be overstimulating but I've learned to steer clear of obvious stressors. Being aware lets me see a whole new world and interpret the world in a way that enriches my understanding of it and myself. Synchronicity not only teaches me, but provides me some level of certainty that my feelings and ideas are true, or at least pointing me in the direction I need to go. 

As for the meaning of my seemingly random run-in with music messages, I think it did have meaning for me. I was struck by my friends message of the health benefits to music. Certainly working out to music has its benefits. I will openly admit - I used to workout with music. It can help push your body harder, faster or get you to that 'finish line'. 

But it also has it's drawbacks. Like my cycling friend posted in his email, working out with blaring music can create dangerous situations, making you less attuned to your environment. As a matter of fact, for safety reasons, most races request you leave your headphones behind, and some ban them entirely. 

There was a message in there for me just beneath the surface. These opposing stories alerted me to my own sense of motivation, arousing my need to hear the music within.

Happiness is created through Self Awareness. 

Self Awareness is the path to Self Mastery. 

Self Mastery is the way to Happiness. 

A Message in the Fields

Amazing run this morning. I set out to complete a seven mile road run and found myself detouring into the fields. Mother Nature was calling my name and I listened. 

Rejoice...your soul is alive!

As I entered the fields I found myself surrounded by clear skies, red winged blackbirds, dragon flies, hawks, morning doves, bees, butterflies, and other wild creatures all singing their own songs. I was in heaven! 

The dirt roads were still soaked from the rain storm two nights before. Now you know how much I love me some gooey dirt so I jumped in with both feet! Water plus dirt plus sand plus gravel plus rocks makes for a good old fashion mud run!  

 By the time I reached the end of the first field, I had to make a choice; cross the canal to get to the other fields or head back. I stopped and looked at the tall grass staring me in the face. My fear-mind tried to take control...What if there were snakes hiding somewhere in that mess? I immediately understood what was happening and told myself to STOP! Live in the NOW and enjoy the run. So off I went into the tall grass. I could feel the coolness of the wet blades running into my shoes; cleansing my feet each step of the way. 

As I reached the next field I thought to myself, what a glorious day for a run! I am so blessed to live so close to the fields. Thank you God for showing me the way. I continued my run.

After a few more miles I heard a whisper - What do you see?

I looked around and saw some tall sugar cane stalks and a tilled field.

The whisper came again - What do you see?

This time I stopped, looked again then closed my eyes. I took a deep breath and heard the whisper come a third time...What do you see?

I took another deep breath then the words came; "Till your fields so my dreams may grow."

Find your center...keep your rhythm

For the rest of the run I thought about the message and before I knew it I found myself saying these words over and over again. 

Till your fields so My dreams may grow.
Nourish My seeds deep into your soul.
Embody this belief with all your might.
And you will harvest the fruits of My Light.

The message from this morning's run was loud and clear. But what surprised me was the second message I received while writing this blog.

During this morning's run I was also being asked...

Do you know you own song? 
Do you know your own rhythm? 
Do you know what is allowing you to be your healthiest, happiest, and most radiant self?

So once again, I slowed down, closed my eyes and began to look deep within...

Sunrise to sunset follows the rhythm of the earth around the sun. Spring turning into Summer followed by Fall then Winter is the rhythm of the passage of time. The beat of the red wing blackbirds wing follows a natural rhythm of flight. The honey bees life cycle follows the rhythm of it's social structure. Rain falling on the earth follows the rhythm of the water cycle.The hawk's strong observational skills follows the rhythm of the hunt. They are all accomplished by following a rhythm. Break the rhythm and the natural flow is disrupted.

Like the fields that have turned summer harvest into fall tilling, I too find myself in a period of change. 

So what is my rhythm?

During today's run I stopped to listen to the message. What I found was I felt three interlaced rhythms all at once: my heartbeat, my breath, and the cadence of the run as I moved through the field. Each one was distinct, but layered on top of the other. It was one of those experiences that as soon as you realized you are having it, it's gone. But the effects of that brief moment are forever engrained deep within my soul - standing strong like the sugar cane stalk. 

Today's lesson was mindful.

We all have our own inner rhythm and I keep being reminded that whenever I listen to it my life flows easy.   All I need is right inside me. It always has been. All the wisdom, clarity I am searching for is in my heart's center. 

Essentially, the stillness I find when I run comes from listening to the Divine Light inside of me. All I have to do is listen and believe!

To quote one of my all time favorite authors Marianne Williams in "Return to Love" 

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? 

You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. 

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Ultimately, the message is clear, we are all magnificent and beautiful human beings and it's time to live from this place. 

Listen to your inner voice and honor your soul. You have the wisdom inside of you. 

Remember. Listen. And Love.

Team Maham - 1st Open Water Kayak Training

Snowden's Dam

First Open Water Kayak Trip

Today marked the second kayak training session for Team Maham. What a spectacular adventure! 

For those who aren't familiar with my new training plan, my sister Danielle Maham is attempting an 8 mile swim from Islamorada to Alligator Reef Lighthouse. Below is a map of the course. The race will allow swimmers to complete the course within 6 hours. 

For Team Maham, it means being prepared to kayak without stopping for up to 6 hours. For me, as a newbie, it means time to build paddling endurance. And what better way to cross train for Dopey than to Kayak like a fean.

Course Map

But let me back track a bit...

Last week was my first kayak trip. And to tell you the truth, I wasn't really prepared.  I knew I needed to wear a swim suit and flip flops. Bring a bottle of water, a hat, my sunglasses, and a towel. Other than that, I had NO IDEA what was in store for me. If you like to read about this adventure click here.

But I'm a quick learner and after the inaugural session I knew I had some work to do.

As soon as I got home I began my education. I researched till I found Old Yeller. She's a Crescent Splash II.  She sits three; came with two seats, and two paddles! She's perfect! 

As you can see, Grant jumped right in and began to row. 

A big thank you goes out to Manny for helping me with my new love! Grant thinks you're the bomb! And Lesley, says thank you for helping me buy yet another toy (wink).


Now back to today's event...

Today was my first open water trip. This time I was better prepared. I had Old Yeller. I had a cooler filled with healthy treats, several bottles of water, coconut water, and endurolytes. I had my brand new PFD. I had a brand new paddle leash so I won't loose it in case I fall out of the boat. I had my car keys and cell phone in my brand new air tight containers. I had cargo straps to tie the kayak down. And best of all I had Lesley's car, which has a roof rack, to transport the kayak. I was all set! Or so I thought...

Seeing how I was the first to arrive at the launching site, I thought I'd get myself started and bring down the kayak on my own. Might as well right... 

I quickly untied the straps, moved the kayak into position then BANG! Down it came! Smashing onto the side mirror, and breaking off the antenna. Ops! 

Sorry Lesley...I promise I will fix it as soon as the body shop opens on Monday! 

SORRY!!!!

I guess I have to start working on building some more upper body strength to move this beast on my own. 


But the day must go on...

Shortly after my embarrassing moment, Manny and Alba arrived barring gifts! EMPANADAS de Carne! YUMMY! Thanks guys! I'll eat this later. 

Beef Empanada...YUMMY!

Within minutes they had their boats offloaded with no incidence. Amazing how efficient things go when there is more than one, eh.

Kayaks in the water! Off we went...What a beautiful day for open water rowing; calm waters, low breeze, sunny skies, low tide. It was PERFECT! 

Manny pointed to this spec off to the distance and said that was our first goal. Let's get started! And so we did...

Our first target..Chicken Key (1.5 miles from start)

Manny makes it to Chicken Key first

We made it to Chicken Key too!

Once at Chicken Key we took a few minutes to stretch our legs, drink some water, and enjoy the view. 

Next stop, further north to a special little hide away called Hidden Lake. 

Ok Team Captain...point the way!

Where oh where can this little lake be..

So one of the things about this kayak is that it's supposed to be a stand up paddle board.  Let's just find out shall we! 

WOOHOO!!! Look at me! I'm paddling boarding!

Bucket List #2 - Done...sort of

Hidden Lake...

We arrived at our second goal. But secret entrance through mangrove canal was nowhere to be found. I guess we'll have to search for it another time.

This is 3.5 miles into our trip.

Hidden Lake is hiding from us..where are you?

Time to head back...boohoo!

Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right..keep on going!

Notice the sky? It's dark. Notice the water?  It's rough.  Notice my posture?  I'm tense. Why? Because there is this BIG ASS STORM right behind us! 

We can no longer see the shoreline. 

We hear BOOM! BANG! ROLL!  What's that you say...it's THUNDER! LIGHTNING!

Manny calmly says...storm's coming! Time to go!

I look at my Garmin and see we have 3 miles to go. Oh SHIT! I can't outrun a storm. 

New mantra...Keep Calm and Keep Paddling! Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right...

OH SHIT...I'm getting pulled to the right...Right, Right, Right, Right. 

OH SHIT...I'm getting pulled to the left...Left, Left, Left, Left.

Then, all of a sudden the skies open and I'm getting pounded by rain! 

But wait...That feels AWESOME! 

It's just like running in the rain!  I love this sport!

Notice I'm still smiling!

Well, the adventure ends with lots of great memories, big smiles, and wonderful new realizations. I am so blessed!

Thank you Alba and Manny for being you! I am truly lucky to know you both! 

Thank you Danielle for being crazy enough to try this epic swim! 

Thank you Lesley for being so loving and not wigging out when I came home with a broken car.  Yes you were right...it was bound to happen.

Thank you Mother Nature for teaching me how to stay calm and row in the now! The weather will always change and all we can do is be with it.  

Want to see the map of today's adventure? Just click on the picture below and it will take you to my Garmin Connect. 

epic kayaking

Live, Love, Run, and...

Kayak

Hooked on paddling

Ever since I saw the movie "The Bucket List" I started my very own list of things to do before I die. This summer I have two items I must do before school starts in August. 

Today, I checked one off: KAYAKING!

I can't tell you how excited I am to have the honor of trying this sport with such fabulous people. A big shout out to Manny and Alba for taking time out of their crazy active lives, lending me their equipment, and teaching me the beauty of this sport. A second big shout out to my sister Danielle for asking me to help with her next big adventure. 

It's because of you we are here today!

Coral Reef Park 

Lesson #1 - Listen to the coach

Our adventure began with a quick safety lesson followed by instructions on how to paddle efficiently so that we could move through the water with the greatest of east. We also learned how to enter and exit the water, switch kayaks mid stream, and how to keep stable. Believe me, after 3 hours of kayaking, these tips are really handy. Thank you Manny and Alba for being such great teachers!

Magic on the canal

So off we went for a trip of a life time! What wonder! What beauty! What an authentic experience. I felt like it was Goofy all over again. Not just because a group of people got together to get something done. But because kayaking gave me a profound sense of belonging to the current. 

What I found in kayaking is exactly the same as what I find in running. I can play to such an extent that the buzz of the world around and inside of me goes quiet.   

Team Maham

Good Friends Never Say Goodbye...

They simply say "See Ya Soon!"

Thank you for all that you are

It's not often that a good friend comes along and becomes your sister. 

Meet Tammy...she's the one on the left. As fate would have it, Tammy and I meet at Virginia Key trails.  She had just arrived in Miami and was looking for people who had the same passion for trail running as she did. She found out there was this group of women who ran on Saturday mornings. Low and behold, she found me. 

Our first run together was magical. We ran. We talked. We laughed. We smiled. But most of all, we enjoyed each others company. Well, that run turned into another and another and before you knew it we became Sole Sister's. 

Tammy, I just wanted to say thank you for having touched my life in such a powerful and meaningful way. Your steadfast loyalty, trust, honesty, encouragement, and positiveness are qualities that makes you a true friend.

Although miles may separate us the bond between us will grow ever stronger. 

See you soon my friend!

A Long and Winding Road - a sista's perspective

My friend posted on her blog a story that bought tears to my eyes. Not because it was sad, but because of the fond memories of a long time ago. While we were chatting about her blog, she thought it would be interesting to hear the other perspective of her story. So here I am, blogging my view of "A Long and Winding Road."

On July 26th, 2009 I was training for my first Half  Ironman. A friend and I meet a local tri group to head out for my second LONG ride and my very first big group ride. I was a bit nervous and I knew what 60 miles looked like.  

Even though it was still dark, we prepared for the ride. We filled our tires with air, packed our bikes with food, and made sure our water bottles contained Cytomax. When the group leaders called out for our attention, we headed to the middle of the road to listen to the announcements. Of course, I couldn't hear a thing as there were so many people riding that day. It almost looked like a race. 7:10 am off we went to begin the first half of the ride; 33 miles to Robert's Is Here!

It was an uneventful ride to Robert's. The group was personable, the speed was amicable, and the weather was cooperating. On the way back, however, all hell broke loose. The group split; the speedy Gonzalez's and the rest of us. The weather got hot. And I was beginning to feel the miles.

My friend, a seasoned triathlete, rode with me for awhile, making sure I was able to keep up. But once we hit 87th and Old Cutler Road, she took off to put in her work. All was well! I was well hydrated, well nourished, well prepared. I was feeling wonderful. 

By now, my group was on 57th Ave headed toward 88th Street. Just a few short miles, and I'll have this puppy done! Life is GREAT!  

I was at the front of the pack, the group was pedaling fast. I was hearing all the call outs. I was in the groove! Then all of a sudden I hear BANG! BOOM! POW! It's a crash behind me! I immediately slowed down, pulled over, and waited to see what had happened. I saw a huge pill up just a few hundred feet behind me. I get back on the bike and head over to see if there is something I can do. 

It was quite chaotic at first. All these men were talking at the same time, surrounding this one girl, asking if she was ok. Everyone was scrambling. One group was with the bike, looking it over. Another with the girl, checking her out. Yet a third, directing traffic. All seemed well till the president of the club saw the rider had a flat. 

Everyone immediately pulled out their tools, spare tires, and began to help. I remember the rider being so embarrassed about the whole thing. She kept saying..."I saw the first set but didn't see the second." Within minutes, the guys had the flat fixed and the rider back on her bike.

As we pedaled away, I saw my friend. She told me she came back to look for me because she thought something had happened to me. I explained I was alright but this girl behind me had crashed into the poles. So I stopped to see if there was something I could do.

All was well and we kept riding. Soon, the president of the club passed us both. I asked her if the girl was ok and she replied. Yep, she's fine. Just going to take it easy back to the car. Well, something inside me told me she wasn't okay. I kept looking back for her. When I noticed she had dropped out of sight I told my friend to head back without me. I was going to check up on the girl. She asked me why and I replied...cause something tells me she's not ok. 

So we headed back till we found her peddling all by herself. We immediately asked her if she was fine and she insisted she was. I didn't agree. I asked her when was the last time she had a GU? She replied: "What's that?" I immediately handed her one and told her to eat. I then handed her a few more to put in her pocket. 

As we continued to head home I realized she didn't know where she was so I told her to follow us back. I promised we wouldn't drop her and get her back to the car safe and sound.

66 mile later, I completed my first big group ride, had a better understanding of my internal strength, and best of all made a new friend. Today I am proud to call her my sister! 

Thank you Danielle and Grandma Lynne for opening your hearts to me and my family!