Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Holy Bonkers!!

Holy Bonkers,
Its that time again already? How did that happen?! Yes people, it is that time again. I am raising money for my NYC team - Team For Kids. I know that many of you donated last year and I cannot thank you enough. You helped me train to run one of the toughest marathons ever, but you also helped children all over the world fight childhood obesity.

http://www.runwithtfk.org/Member/PublicPage/74

If you can donate please do so and follow the link. Thank you so much in advance. Your donation helps so many children. This year I promise to update you all with more stories on the children you are helping.

Happy Running :)

Friday, June 25, 2010

You've Changed...and Change is the only constant.

I don't know why, but last night I finally let my emotions out. All of them. And I have to admit that I felt like a new person this morning. I woke up with a smile on my face. In love with the chance of new opportunities and new interest in everything from work, life and especially love.

I wont lie, I was bummed by the fact that things didn't work out, but what am I suppose to do, be upset forever? No, you cant live your life that way. Plus I did that once and I wont do that again (see from every relationship you learn something). Last night it all came together for me. I realized that things happen for a reason (There is always a reason. The point is do you want to see it or do you ignore it?). My situation didn't work out but that's ok, because for the first time in a long time I opened up my heart and that right there is a mini miracle in a way. Maybe not a mini miracle but it did make me see that I am ready for love and the next chapter in my life.

On my way to work I had my ipod on and I started listening to Keyisha Cole and then I heard a song that I hadn't heard in a long time. Its called "You've Changed". Now this song is not what happened in my situation, but it did open my eyes even more. People change. One day you're up, one day you're down. Either way, you need to do what makes you happy. Here are the lyrics to the song. I love them so much that I have the song on repeat. I hope you enjoy it!


**Keyshia Cole, You've Changed**
I already heard your side of the story now hear mine,
Ima tell you why cause you changed when you got doe no you listen

I remember like yesterday the very day I met you,
you was lookin fly I was actin shy so when you walked by
I ignored you good thing you turned around and asked me my name in an instant
my attitude changed swept me off my feet you were so sweet feelin kinda deep
you amused me gave you my number next day you called askin if you can see me
so I said alright you can stop on by it gave me butterflys,
30 minutes knock knock its you I'm glad to see you but I keep my cool from day one
I fell in love with you but now I ask myself who are you.

[Chorus]
You changed You changed you got doe and changed you got doe and you changed baby
you changed it wasn't the same you got doe and you changed you got doe and you changed what was I to do.

You were never there why should I be there, their know one there to hold me I am workin hard
and late these are the day's when a girl like me needs lovin if he's not
then someone else is getting what he causes you wasn't takin care of home
left me there alone so whats a girl to do when she's feelin in the mood we were together
but we grew apart thinkin with my mind and not my heart packed up all my things left the engagement
ring
cause from the looks of things I can't do this live this life that I call my life
and if this is what is like being your wife I'd rather be your friend then through thick and thin
but now it's the end my sufferin.

[Chorus]
You changed You changed you got doe and changed you got doe and you changed baby
you changed it wasn't the same you got doe and you changed you got doe and you changed what was I to do.

What was I to do, sit around and wait for you to call
when I wanted be in your arms missin you every minute
you were gone you were gone to long doin who knows what who knows where
you act like you didn't care when I wouldn't be here, cause you changed.

[Chorus]
You changed You changed you got doe and changed you got doe and you changed baby
you changed it wasn't the same you got doe and you changed you got doe and you changed what was I to do.

No it ain't about the house with rims and the range
no it ain't about the cars and houses and things
no ain't perpetraintin with the clothes broken promises please.
No ain't about the hype that you given to me.
No it ain't about it, No it ain't about it, No it ain't about it,

Oh no what was I to do about it.

No it ain't about the house with rims and the range
no it ain't about the cars and houses and things
no ain't perpetraintin with the clothes broken promises please.
No ain't about the hype that you given to me.
No it ain't about it, No it ain't about it, No it ain't about it

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

World Cup Fever!!! ~ Pictures will be added soon~

Hola!!
Yes, I know I have been kind of absent. Sorry about that, but guys, the WORLD CUP is on and unless you have been living under a rock you have to understand that this alone is the best time ever. The world cup comes along every four years and every four years, for a month, I devote as much time as I possibly can to the game. Back in 2006 I was supposed to go with my cousin Laura to Germany and watch the games but that didn't happen due to work (I hate that excuse) and money. Back then I was not where I am now. This year I really don't know why I am not in South Africa rocking my Mexican jersey. Part of me regrets not going, but part of me knows and understands that I had to be here, which at times like this SUCK... but I digress. Right now there is so much going on in my life that I need a little stability. I have to admit that watching the World Cup at work and taking days off to watch the games have not been the most "stable" but hey this only comes around every four years so to hell with it.

On Tuesday June 22nd, I took the day off to watch mi Mexico play against Uruguay with Vane, Dom, Alexis and then Kevs joined in later. The Mexico game was a hard one for me to watch because I really think that we lost it somewhere even before Uruguay scored. Although we did advance to the next round, I really, really am hoping that we can make it past Argentina. I guess we will see how that goes. After the Mexico vs. Uruguay and France (Wimps) vs. South Africa game, we trekked it all the way downtown to another bar to meet up with Kevs to watch the next two games. I wont lie although I am not a fan of Greece and their team. I was hoping they could score at least one goal against Argentina but unfortunally that did not happen. Argentina won 2 to 0. Saturday will be an emotional day for me to say the least.

After that game Kevs of course wanted to keep going and we did we hit up the Rusty Knot. Great bar. Vane and Alexis made friends with the bartender and Kevs made a bet that he will beat Blondie in a half marathon. Is he serious? I guess we will all find out in three months or so.


Mi Mexico will be playing against the Argentine's which I am not a fan of. I will explain later. Really not the place to now, especially not before the game on Saturday. This will be a very tough game for Mexico, but I think we will be able to hold our own. I want Mexico to come out on Saturday and play the game they did against the French, a confident game have my little sunshine "Chicharito" play and score the way he can. If we go in there and play right and hard and if the outcome is not what I want I will still wear my jersey with pride because they played with all they have.

On Saturday our team is running in the Front Runner's Lesbian and Gay Pride Run in Central Park. If you are around you should come out. The race starts at 9:00 a.m. and I am hoping that it will not be that hot out there. Come and support. If you look for me after the race I will have gotten a PR because I will be running to a bar to watch the games.

Keep Running
XOXO
MM :)

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

NY Mini Finishers

Check out my pictures with Mrs. Kara Goucher with her cute little 5 month old Belly.

http://www.nyrr.org/resources/photos/2010/mini/more/gallery.asp#18


After the race, Vane and I love the bagels and fruit.

http://www.nyrr.org/resources/photos/2010/mini/event/gallery.asp#16

To recap the race, Vane and I pushed way to hard on Harlem Hill, so when we hit Engineers gate and we had no steam left,but we still pulled through it and finished. The best part of the race was that we meet both Kara Gougher and Paula Radcliffe.

Till the next time. :)
MM

Friday, June 11, 2010

Tomorrow's Mini 10K

Tomorrow at 9 a.m. I along with Vane and Blondie and about 4,000 women will be running the Mini 10K, along with two of our hero's Kara Goucher and Paula Radcliffe (who are 5 months pregnant) in Central Park. If your in the area come and cheer us on we will be wearing our lovely TFK jersey's.

Yes, I am a nerd because I will be taking my camera to try to get a picture hopefully with them!! I will update you guys on Monday. After the run its off to watch the WORLD CUP!!

Till then Happy Running!

MM

Monday, June 7, 2010

Marathon Training has started!!

Hi everyone!!

It is that time of year again when all the crazy people start by giving up their Friday night outings for early Saturday morning runs, Blondie will start to make her lovely lasagne's and of course body glide...yes it is here Marathon Season is among us!

Today will be my first practice back with my team TFK so be on the look out of all of my fundraising activities and if you can please donate ;).

So excited as last year's NYC Marathon was amazing. Here are some highlights from last year:

Having my mom try to find me in NYC, along with Miss MT, Tiffany and my Kermit.

Lissy, Buddha and Ken surprising me at George's and supporting me in BK, thank you B Aponte BB Aponte.

Short Michelle, I love ya for all that you do :).

I do have a thank you for all my TFKer's but that has to be a seperate post...up next.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

National Running Day

Today June 2nd is National Running day!!!

Here is some information I "borrowed" from NYRR on National Running Day.

What is National Running Day:
National Running Day is a national initiative of the major organizations within the running industry to join forces in an unprecedented unified effort to nationally promote running as a healthy, easy, and accessible form of exercise. The second annual National Running Day will be Wednesday, June 2.

From New York to San Diego, the day will celebrate the benefits of running as part of a healthy and active lifestyle aimed at combating some of today’s most pressing health issues.

You can participate in National Running Day anywhere—you don’t have to be in one of the cities hosting events to take part. At the least, all it takes is to wear your running shoes throughout the day, go for a run, and invite a friend to join you.

So, what do you think? Ready to get out and run?

For those that are not runners, thats ok: Read below.
It’s easy to get started running. Here are some simple guidelines everyone can follow to safely and pleasurably develop their ability to run.
Relax. Running is a natural act, like breathing or walking. Just about anyone can do it. It is, however, recommended that you consult a health professional before undertaking a serious training program. You may wish to start by walking first, and then gradually incorporating running into your training program.

Think positively. Don’t be discouraged. If you can get through the first several weeks of training, you will find that what seems like a big effort at the start will soon feel natural and easy to you. Within a few weeks, you will experience the pure joy of running down the street or along a park path.

Buy quality gear. The only equipment you will need is comfortable exercise clothes and good running shoes. Go to a running specialty store and get advice about the right shoes for you. You can get good running shoes for $80-120.

Train with a plan. Choose a running/walking course that is readily accessible to you. During your first two training weeks, try to run two or three times per week, on alternate days. When you feel ready, increase to four days a week, then five days. The idea is to build up gradually. Even top competitive runners take days off regularly to rest and avoid injury. Stretch your muscles on both your running and non-running days.

It’s okay to walk. Begin your first workouts with 15 minutes of alternating walking and jogging: Walk for five minutes, then run easily for two or three minutes; repeat. If you are comfortable jogging from the start, that’s fine, but do not run the entire time even if you think you can. Don’t worry about the distance you cover. On your third or fourth workout, try increasing your time to 20 minutes. After three or four more workouts, move to 25 minutes, then after another three or four workouts, try a 30-minute continuous run. Don’t force yourself to go farther or faster than what feels comfortable to you. The idea is to keep running regularly, and you’re more likely to do that if you’re enjoying yourself and looking forward to your next run.

Run at “conversation” pace. If you can’t chat with your running companions, you are going too fast. If you are running alone, try singing to yourself, out loud, to make sure your effort and breathing are under control. If you can’t sing, slow down.

If your schedule allows, include cross training. Biking, elliptical training, and lifting light weights can help strengthen non-running muscles and prevent injury. Swimming and deep water running can also be helpful in balancing your training and avoiding injuries.

Aim for a race. Pick an event that’s at least six weeks in the future. An ideal distance for your first race would be 5K (3.1 miles) or four miles. This is short enough so that you can truly be ready for your first effort, and long enough to give you the sense of accomplishment that will fuel your future running. Your goal should be to finish, enjoy the event, and look ahead. Start at the back of the pack, hold yourself back at the start, and run within your comfort range. If your time was slow, that’s good—now you have a base from which to improve.

For your next race, try a few short speed workouts. After a mile warm-up, run a series of faster intervals with jogging in between. A good “starter” workout is a sequence of about 400 meters at a quicker pace, followed by a slow 400-meter jog, repeated six times. This will loosen up your legs, lengthen your stride, and give you the confidence you will need to race.

**Food for thought: No one starts off a runner we all worked our way to where we are now. Example me, I was never a runner I was on the track team in high school and HATED IT! Now I am working towards my 3rd marathon. If I can do it so can you!

Enjoy the day!!

MM