2021

 As we enter 2021 many are excited about what this year can bring, especially after a crazy year of 2020.  2021 brings for me racing opportunity since I was side line for months in 2020.  As I prepare for 2021 I just learned my first race of 2021 just went virtual, which was Best Damn Race NOLA.  I have been registered for this race for several years and deferring for various reasons.  I am very sadden as I wanted to have a strong comeback into racing.  It makes sense that the race was cancelled due to Covid.  Instead of deferring to 2022 my friend and I decided to do it virtual and maybe return to NOLA one day for another race in the future.

I'm still on the look out for an early spring race and will be keeping options open.  A few that I have been eyeing are Mississippi Blues Half Marathon, Mississippi River Run, RNR Nashville (even though I don't want to run another RNR race but I do love Nashville), Dallas BMW Half Marathon, Colorado Marathon and Lincoln Half Marathon.  I know that late entries will be pricy but it is worth it. I enjoy virtual races but ready for an in person race.  I almost registered for a race this past weekend in Houston but decided to wait to give myself a little more time to recover and build up strength to have a great first in person race.  My current race schedule is very much open which is kind of nice because I can work my other part time gig more and save up for more races.  Currently I am registered for two virtual races which are Best Damn Race NOLA and Grandma's Challenge.  For in person races I am registered for Hot Chocolate OKC 15K and will be registered for Route 66 Double for the fall very soon.

Are you training for any races? Do you have a back up race? Any race I should keep an eye out for?

2020 in review and looking towards 2021.

(In February before Covid hit)

At the end of 2019 I was very excited for 2020 and the potential it had.  I was easing up on racing and focusing more on running and finding the joy again along with taking it easy on my hip.  I only had a handful of races that I was signed up, which I was excited.  January started and ended up back at Physical Therapy as I prepared for my race in Atlanta in February.  Closer to the race a report about Covid came out and Tokyo Marathon cancelled for general entries.  I was a little afraid of Atlanta cancelling but the closer we got the more assurance I had that it would go on. Atlanta was an amazing experience I was attempting a sub 2:30 goal which I hadn't run in about 5 years and reached 2:29:29.  As we headed back to the hotel we stopped by the Olympic rings and found out the winner of the Olympic Marathon Trials (Aliphine Tuliamuk) was taking pictures so I got to meet her and get a picture.  That was amazing.

(Picture with the Olympic Marathon Trials winner)

Once I got back from Atlanta and races were getting cancelled I decided to see if I can get the surgery to fix my hip.  Due to Covid I had to wait about 2 months but the day eventually came.  This was my first surgery ever and it was weird being in a hospital by myself.  The surgery lasted maybe an hour and a half and then headed home.  It was a long journey to recovery and something nobody really talks about.  It was nice being at home as I could focus on my recovery and thankful to great friends that helped me get better.  It was the best year for surgery. And kind of happy more races got cancelled as recovery took longer than expected and didn't have to rush the process, which I still did haha.

(First PT session after surgery)

July came around and adulting became even more real...I was buying a house.  That was super stressful, I learned so much in a small time period but thankful to have my brother and friends to help me through it.  I closed in August, which was a weird experience because I never thought I would buy a house any time soon but had the opportunity so might as well.  I looked a one house and bought it, I'm not super picky.  The moving process and getting everything situated took a long time and still taking time but not running a lot gave me time to be able to fix the house up a bit.  I painted all the walls and most of the doors.  Once we are able to gather I will have a party.

(I got the keys)

September rolled around and it became the most emotional month.  I lost my mom to cancer and because of Covid and not being in LA it was harder to be able to be with her.  I was able to see her before her passing.  I'm thankful to the hospital staff that took care of her and see her for the last time.  I know she is with me and will continue to run for her and keep her in my heart.

(Throwback family picture)

As I am writing this, we are few days away from 2021.  There is so much hope that things may go back to normal and that we can gather soon.  I know we have more months of social distancing and staying 6 feet apart but we are getting closer.  Right about now I would be planning goals for 2021 but I'm leaving 2021 open for anything. I would like to run more half marathons and potential marathon but mainly I want to stay healthy and continue to run.   I'm tired of hearing the word Covid and I know many others are too, let our Doctors, Nurses and Health officials do their job and we will be back to normal.  I pray that 2021 bring more happiness for everyone and that people that have lost their job can find other ones.  It's been a stressful year for everyone different ways and hoping that we are all able to live together in peace and thrive.  Happy New Year.   

The Elf Virtual Run

"Disclaimer: I received an entry to this race to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

As the Christmas season approaches I'm excited to have some themed runs.  Growing up I looked forwarded to Christmas day and opening presents.  As I grow older I'm less into gifts and more into races.  I'm excited that Ram Racing/EnMotive are putting on several Christmas/Holiday races.  I would love to have an in person holiday race on Christmas day like Thanksgiving but with the current pandemic that is not an option.  I'm sign up for the Elf Virtual Run which I'm super excited because I love the movie.  I'll run this race hopefully on Christmas day, maybe with some snow.  

I've been very impressed with Ram Racing and their swag gear.  This will be my third race with this group and love getting the jacket, heavy duty medal and other swag we are given.   In this race you will receive a fully zip jacket with pockets, a snow globe-inspired finisher medal, winter beanie and a personalized running bib.  So why not put some motivation back into your pocket and complete this race for all of this.

I know motivation can be tough during this time, grab a family member in your household and sign up for this virtual run.  The link to sign up is below and let me know if you have any question.  Make sure to follow the race on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  Happy Running and don't forget to tag the race and hashtag #RunWithBuddy

https://www.elfvirtualrun.com/virtual/
FB - @ElfVirtualRun
Twitter - @RAMRacing

Instagram - @ElfVirtualRun

Check out what other BibRave Pros are saying about this race

Karen - Race Recap: Elf Virtual Run

Buff DryFlx+ Gear Product Review

"Disclaimer: I received Buff DryFlx+ geat to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

The past few weeks I was able to try out the new Buff DryFlx+ hat and neckwarmer. This is a new collection from Buff for cold winters.  As someone who lives in Oklahoma the temperatures can get really cold and without a treadmill the only way to get my miles is outside.  

Before I received the product I was a little worried that the hat and neckwarmer would be too small for my big head/face and it could potentially be too tight.  After putting it on the first time I really didn't have anything to worry about it.  The hat and neckwarmer have a 4-Way Ultra Stretch and able to be put on easily without cutting circulation for me.  It felt super comfortable and really like how there are two pieces that come together.  I can wear both, or either piece on it's own.  

I tried the hat and neckwarmer for my virtual race and a 20 miles bike ride which were around 35ish degrees and high wind.  I will say I was very impressed.  I felt very warm during my run and ride where I had to take it off for a brief second to cool down.  The thermal insulation was definitely working.  The fabric was very high quality and does not look cheap.  I haven't seen the reflective elements yet as my activities were done in the day light. Another awesome part of the neckwarmer is that you can tuck it into your shirt which is a nice feature.  When it gets really cold out any skin that is showing might get a blast of cold air and it is not fun.  In the top picture I was able to fit my aftershockz and my glasses with the DryFlx+ gear comfortably and in the picture below I had my glasses and airpods in along with my helmet.  I really appreciate how fabric stretches as I need to have my music and glasses during my physical activities.  

I definitely approve of this produce and excited to take it out for a cold race and my other virtual races in December.  You should check these products along with several other items in the DryFlx+ collection. https://buffusa.com/shop-buff/dryflx-plus.html        

For a discount visit https://buffusa.com/bibrave and sign up for BUFF® newsletter & get 15% OFF. #BUFFRunBR  #BibChat #BibRavePro @bibrave 

Check out what other BibRave Pros are saying about the DryFlx+

Chris - Product Review: Buff® DryFlx+ Collection

Jaimelee - Winter Gear Wirth Going Out For

Janell - Product Review- BUFF® DryFlx+ Collection

Jeremy - Stay Warm & Cozy all Winter with Buff DryFlx+ Hat & Neckwear

Jessica - BibRave Product Review: Running Winter Warmer with Buff® DryFlx+ Collection

J-Mac - BUFF DryFlx+ Product Review

Karen - Product Review:  Buff® DryFlx+ Collection

Kristi - BUFF DryFlx+ Collection Review

Krista - Cover Your Head - Running in the Cold — FitXBrit

Ken - Product Review: BUFF DryFlx+ Collection – Combat the Cold!

Lissa - Hating the Cold a Little Less with the Buff® DryFlx+ Collection

Michelle - BUFF® DryFlx+ Collection Product Review

Scotty - Buff® DryFlx+ Collection

What's next?

This year has been interesting as at this time of year I would have my racing scheduled for 2021.  As many runners have been through a challenge time this year many are skeptical about racing returning next year and sacred of potentially losing money if COVID is not under control and or a vaccine is not available for everyone.  It's a hard balance as I love to sign up for races but also as a new home owner I have other items that I should priorities. 

2020 isn't over and after completing two virtual races this last week I currently have a lot more virtual races left...why did I do this to myself haha.  Currently below are the remaining virtual race I have.  Most of them I can incorporate into my training, but the half marathons will be a challenge.  I'm exciting to run my first half marathon post surgery with the Route 66 Half Marathon, I know this will be very challenging but I'm okay with walking it if needed.  I've made tremendous progress and want to make sure I don't mess that up.  I'm excited to be getting my race packet soon in the mail along with other virtual races I receive. 

- Route 66 5K and Half Marathon

- Turkey Tracks 5K

- Boston Finish Strong Challenge: 5K, 10K and Half Marathon

Looking ahead to 2021 I am currently signed up for two races, both were postponed to COVID 19.  One I did technically defer but then COVID hit and the race was cancelled.  In March I am scheduled to run the Best Damn Race NOLA half marathon and then in October I am signed up for the Hot Chocolate OKC 15K.  Will I sign up for more races? Probably but will wait til the last minute to make sure it is in person.  I would definitely like to run another marathon but I know recovering will be a challenge.  I guess time will tell.  What is on your race schedule? Drop a comment on my IG post. 

Road to Recovery

Recovery is never easy but it's important to have friends around you that will help you get there.  As I'm writing this today it's been four months.  It's been a slow and fast four months as in while I'm living through it time goes slow but looking back it's been really fast.  I have made a lot of progress and thankful to be walking.  I have had some pain but nothing that I can't handle.  I have been asking a ton of questions to my physical therapist to make sure I am the right choices in my daily exercises.  

Looking back the first four weeks were the worst for me as I was on crutches and it was hard for me to do things.  I'm so thankful to my roommate and friend KJ who took care of me while I recover.  I'm very independent and like to do things for myself but glad he was there for me.  He did way more than a friend should but glad he was there.  Since I was working from home at that time it was easy for me to focus on my recovery.  I think if I had to go into work I would have taken a month off as it's hard to move around.  

The next transition was going from two crutches to one/a cane. Going from being very dependent on crutches to less support was hard.  I always wondered if I was doing something wrong but it was part of the process.  After a few days it got easier to support myself.  Crazy what a few weeks of not using your muscles will do.  The day that I was able to walk freely was so amazing.  It's crazy going through this recovery process and now I know I don't want to have to go through that again.  Through the weeks after I was slowly increasing my mileage while strengthening different parts of my body.  It is very important to go to Physical Therapy as they will help you get better faster. I've seen others who have went through surgery and didn't follow the rules and have more issues after surgery.  The longest walk to date has been 7 miles, mainly because life happens.  As I continue to train and look towards my Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K I'm right on schedule for mileage. 

Even through races are being cancelled left and right, not having races has helped me through this tough time of recovery.  I don't get FOMO and also doesn't make me rush to get back to running.  I have been able to focus on my recovery and physical therapy.  About a month ago I thought I was supposed to be released to jog and got the bad news that it will be another 6 weeks.  It was hard news to swallow, like real hard.  But knowing all my fall races were cancelled/may be cancelled made it a little easier to not rush my recovery and listen to the surgeon. 

I'm excited to have a follow up in two weeks and hopefully be released to start jogging.  I'm excited to return to the sport and be able to hang out with my friends while running.   I think the challenge for me is getting back into my routine in terms of eating right, hydrating and remembering what clothes to wear for different temperatures.  I'm ready for the challenge and the cooler weather.

2020 Hot Chocolate OKC Virtual Race

"Disclaimer: I received an entry to this race to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

This year's race season has been challenging between COVID and then having surgery.  I was hoping that the 2020 Hot Chocolate OKC race would continue as I am on a streak for 3 year legacy but due to the COVID it makes sense not to have the race.  I'm excited that Hot Chocolate OKC 15K/5K has gone virtual so I can earn the awesome swag and continue my legacy.  

I ran my first Hot Chocolate Race in 2015 in Dallas.  I remember how exciting the environment was and running a race that wasn't a 5K, 10K or half rather a 15K.  I had made the trip down from OKC with friends but I was the only one running the 15K. It was just a blast, I love having all the chocolate during the race and getting a medal chocolate bar at the finish line. The bling itself was worth it.  Sadly I didn't take many pictures back then but I did come back to the race in 2019 as moving took me away from being close to Dallas.  Since Dallas was the closest race when moving back to OKC my friends and I made another trip.  I'm so glad I did, I was able to push myself and in the last few miles increase my speed.  I love the environment as it's full of all types of runners, may completing their first race/Hot Chocolate race because who wouldn't run for chocolate.  Then the finish line always has a bowl of goodies such as Hot Chocolate and various chocolate snacks.

Here is a picture at the finish line about to pass out from racing hard. 

The bling...do I need to say more?

Running the inaugural Hot Chocolate OKC 15K.  I got the opportunity to pace and help runners reach their goal.

Again...the bling 2019 Hot Chocolate OKC.

I'm excited to be running the 2020 Hot Chocolate OKC Virtual 15K.  I even have friends that are getting together and running it around OKC.  This most-likely will be my longest distance post surgery but either way I will get it done.  I'm excited for the new swag and medal (pictured below).  They have definitely kept up with game with their gear.  I haven't been disappointed in their swag since I started running with them in 2015. Thank you for Hot Chocolate and BibRave for the opportunity to run this amazing race again.