Zenaida Arroyo

Happy Tuesday?  Were you off yesterday?  I did a semi long run (7.33 miles), went to see a house (did not like it at all), and did some work for school (got it all done).  Progress report grades are due today.  Five more weeks till the end of the quarter.  The end of the school year will be here soon!

This week’s Tuesday Topic:  Who are you rooting for in the Olympic Trials?  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

I am so excited for my trip to Atlanta!  Not sure if I am more excited to spectate the Trials or to run.  Maybe both?  I am nervous for this race because of the hilly course.  I did not train on hills for this training cycle and I had every intention of doing so.  Oh well.  We will see how it goes.  🙂

What is the Olympic Marathon Trials?  It is a race that will determine the 3 men and women that will go on to compete in and represent the U.S. in the marathon at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Not everyone can run at the Olympic Trials.  There are qualifying standards in order to compete in the Trials.

I couldn’t find a list of the men and competing competing in the Trials but I do know Desi Linden will be there.  And that my friends is who I am rooting for this year in the women’s team.

Desi is pretty amazing.  I’ve met her a few times but have been shy around her so I’ve never said much to her.  One time I did ask her if she spoke Spanish and she said “no”.

She won the women’s race at the 2018 Boston Marathon in the cold and pouring rain.  I watched it with my students and I think I cried when she won.

She is a very humble person.  Doesn’t say much either and is always smiling and looks happy.

Desi made her first Olympic Team in 2012 in Houston.  She finished in 2nd place.  Then in 2016, in Los Angeles, she also finished in 2nd place.

Fun video to watch:  26.2 Questions with Des Linden.

I want this shirt.

Desi is sponsored by Brooks.  You all know my love for my Brooks shoes.

Desi is someone I would love to run with one day.  However, I am much, much slower than her so not sure how that will go.  🙂

Will you be in Atlanta?  Let’s go!

Hey there!  I hope everyone is doing well.  How is it that it is Tuesday again?  Don’t the days go by fast?  I am feeling better which is a good time.  No one has time to get sick, right?  Now let’s continue with our fun topic this week.

This week’s Tuesday Topic:  What was your first race?  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

This topic brought so many fun memories.  I started running in the summer of 2005.  I remember I was downtown and saw a much older man running.  I told myself that if he could run then so could I.  I signed up with CARA for a beginner’s class but somehow did not complete it because I signed up again.  Haha!  I remember the goal was to run for 30 minutes but I “only” made it to 28 minutes.  Still I was pleased with how I did.  The next year is when I signed up for the Chicago Marathon. 

I didn’t know anything about running.  I had no idea what I was getting myself into but I did it anyway.  A friend from work was also a runner and he would tell me to run too.  I said “No” and that I wouldn’t/couldn’t even run a mile.  Ha, if only he could see me now.  🙂

Anyway, back to the topic.  My first race was the Tinley Turkey Trot 5K on November 12, 2005.  I don’t remember how or why I signed up.  Honestly, I don’t remember this race AT ALL.  When I was writing this post, I thought my first race was a different one and that one I do remember a bit more.  Now I am wondering if I was even there at all.  Athlinks says I was and finished in 39:48.

Since then I’ve run many more 5Ks and many more races.  Each one has been a different experience and I have learned so much throughout the years.  

√ The right pair of shoes make a big difference.

√ Not every race will be a great race not will every run be a great run.

√ The right gear also makes a big difference.

√ It is OK to miss a few runs.  Don’t sweat about it.

√ Sleep is important.  No matter what, you need to sleep and rest.

√ It’s OK to run with no goal in mind.  Just run.

√ Don’t compare yourself to others.

√ Listen to your body.

√ Be flexible.  You can plan, plan, and plan, but sometimes something happens to mess up said plan.

√ Anyone can run a marathon.  I didn’t think I could and I did.  I’ve run 8 of them!  The most difficult thing about training for it is the time commitment. 

√ Everyone has their own accomplishments.  Of course be happy for others but most importantly be happy with yours.

√ Chafing sucks.  Taking a shower afterwards is just as painful or worse.

√ A cold beer after a race on a hot day tastes delicious.  Not so much on a cold day.

√ Running is a hobby.  Don’t get too serious about it.  If a run or race didn’t go as expected, life goes on.  🙂

What was your first race?  Have you run this race again?