Well it looks like I need colors in my life so here it is. New colors to start 2013 fall training.. woohoooo


I am happy to end my spring running as a marathon maniacs. I never really thought how much it will mean to do until now. It was never my goal to become MM but simply to stay healthy and now look what I have done. I have to say I am one bless woman. My kids were even shocked I did it :). I look forward on representing the maniacs singlet on my next race. It is amazing all the things one can accomplish in life with the right motivation and friends. Thanks to my running family Oklahoma City Running Club Landrunners.





Name: Tatur Little Doubler Marathon 
Date:  April 27, 2013
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Distance: 40K, 26.2 Miles Marathon
Marathon #5
Day  27 on my day 30 workout challenge  and my second marathon in 7 days. This marathon was host by my one of my best running buddy Tim with his wife Mindee and Brain of Tatur Racing. Great weather and I love running river trails in Oklahoma city. I took it really slow and try to relax. Second time I ran with Boston Runner United to Remember bib. I Meet new people and also saw Darlene who volunteer at the water stop.  I finished with no injuries and I thank God for it. I felt running really great after this one. Went home shower and went to the art festivals for the rest of day with my family. I am done with spring marathon. I will stay fit at the gym during the summer and will be ready for fall marathons.
Post marathon Picture :0)



















Name: Garmin Marathon - The Land of the Oz Marathon
Date:  April 20, 2013
Location: Olathe, Kansas
Distance: 40K, 26.2 Miles Marathon
Marathon #4
Pre race picture 
Left to right: Christina, me, Jeff & Jaeson. 
This was a reunion. I meet Jeff and Jaeson 
at Mississippi Blues Marathon January 2013

On April 1st, 2013, I started a  30 days exercise challenge with no rest. My training is consist of cycling,  running, elliptical, walking,weight lifting and walking. First week was not so bad I completed 57 miles. Week two total miles was 31. Then the unexpected traumatic event occurred on April 15, 2013. There was two bombs explosion at the Boston Marathon finish line. I was very shocked, sad and scared. I was overwhelmed with it all. first time I got 0 mile that day. My kids usually travel with me to my marathon and will be at the finish line waiting for me. The bomb explosion killed 3 people and over 170+ were injured. Due to this incidents I decided to leave my kids behind. I drove almost 5 hrs to Olathe Kansas. First time I saw an expo outside. It was very windy and freezing cold day. I was able to get 5 hrs of sleep and my diet was very poor but I was not thinking as always. Weather was perfect on race day, low 30's and no wind. The ran felt good til mile 11 when cramp sets in and my Achilles pain was fire up. I forgot to take the inserts for my shoes at home. I had to walk from there now. I kept on thinking what I can do to ease some of my pain. Mile 20 I decided to take off my socks and use it as padding inside my shoes and it worked.  I can endure the pain and started walking faster. I try running but couldn't tolerant the pain. That will shows how much pain I was in. For the first time in my life I didn't think I will finish a marathon but I hang in there and slowly but surely got it done. The was very hilly and not flat at all like they stated on their website very disappointed to most of the runners. The course took us to about 9 miles of India trail which was scary for me, its all woody area but I go to see my many runners. I had plenty of beers and chat with my some maniacs I meet on the course.

I am officially done with Kansas, completed half marathon there 2011 and full.This is marked my 4th marathon completion this year. This was the first time I ran with two bibs one for Boston and the other for me. I am always humble to be able to complete another marathon.

Name: The Strides of March
Date: March 17, 2013
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Distance: 21K, 13.1 miles half marathon 
Half #10

I completed Half #10. It was one of those bad marathon for me. One of our runner member Becky is very ill and back in the hospital so we ran for her.  It was one of those bad marathon for me. I didn't feel and we started at pace 8 way too fast me. I was able to meet and share miles with Lt- Co David Stanley from Kansas who was carrying 155 lbs of weight in his bag pack. I was like that's a lot and he said I would carry you if I didn't have his bag pack.  I pick it up a little bit after 6 miles and finished without him but I went back to get him after I finished. He was very happy to see me and as I was too. His a US Air Force.  It was amazing to chat and run with him. His on a mission to run five half and this is second one. Team Becky finished and we sent her plenty of love and strength at the hospital. Every marathon comes with a story. I ran for so many reasons and I thank God for everyday that I am able to run. 






Name: Cowtown Marathon
Date: February 24 2013
Location: Forth Worth, Texas
Distance: 40K, 26.2 miles Marathon
Marathon #3

I ran a half marathon in Texas last year for as my birthday marathon on March 24 2012. This year I went back to Texas to grab a full marathon. I was sick six days before the marathon. I didn't go to the doctor til Friday, two days before race day :(. He gave some antibiotics and said I should be okay by Sunday for the race. I somewhat trust him because he has been my doctor since 1998. We went to Forth Worth Friday evening and it was very warm over there compare to Oklahoma. I was breathing and feeling better. I stayed indoors and relax with my friends and kids the most of weekend just to preserve my energy for the race Sunday, not a typical marathon race weekend but I enjoyed every minute of it. We did some shopping, cooking and expo and stuff.

It was 35th years anniversary marathon so it was nice. Temperature at the start of the race was 39 degrees perfect for me because I like it cold but I knew it will change. We left my friend house at 5:30am, my kids and him volunteer at the finish line while I ran. This is my kids 6th marathon volunteers and they love helping the athletes. I also love seeing them at the finish line :). I ran with 5:30 pace till 10K and I got ahead of them and I started to burn out on energy fast but I hang on. From mile 16-18 I started coughing non stop, headache sets in, started to feel really hot like 100 degrees. That was the cue from my body to stop running and start to walk and take it easy. I knew I will finish it and I wanted finish it alive. The race has great aide stations, they good food, gels, drinks and volunteers. I notice lots of pot holes on the course though but they had marked them for the runners. I had to do this marathon even though I was sick because I paid for it therefore I must do it unless I was physically injure. Oh yeah they plenty of post race foods unfortunately I was not able to swallow, speak or anything by the time I finished.

Name: Go Short, Go Long, Go Very Long,
Date: January 26, 2013
Location: Tulsa, OK
Distanace: 50K Ultra Marathon, 31.01 miles
Marathon #2

The longest distance I have ran was 40K which was in November 2012 from my previous blog. I took time off from training and ate my face out like a pig. My whole mission for 2013 is to do try new adventures. During something means challenging myself.
I have planned to attend president Obama second term inauguration on January 21 2013 in Washington DC, but its not feasible for me and my family to fly. I decided to drive instead, because this is one of this event is history in the making and I wanted them to be part of it. We left early Saturday morning at 3am and arrive there Sunday morning at 10am. The longest drive in my entire life to date. My previous driving was 19 hrs which was in 2009. Map for my destination below.It was one of those great road trip with my kids. I liked emotional reaction I got from them every time we enter new states :) Priceless. I went to Lima, Ohio to get my sister and continue to our journey. Pictures below.

We left Virginia on Tuesday January 22 2013 dropped off my sister and on the way fatigue finally settle in so we stayed at a hotel somewhere in Illinois. Woke up the next day and we finally made it home on Wednesday January 23 at  5pm and we all went straight to bed. Regular life routine resume on Thursday :(.

My wonderful kids Oladapo and Ebunoluwa made me this sign for the race. They were not able to attend because they were so tired. Note I have just finished driving across the USA 48 hrs ago. On Saturday morning at 3am January 25 2013 I have to drive 1hr 30 minutes to go for my first ultra marathon in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It took me over 2hrs to get my destination because i was soo tired from my trip. I literally stop and took many naps on my way there. My dear Tim B. got my race package for me, so I went straight to his house and got everything and dress for the race. I got to meet his beautiful dog Buffy for the first time.I got there 10 minutes before it starts. Pre race photo with some few people from my running club. I know, I was unfit to run so I jogged and walked the entire 50K. I never thought it will take me through all the emotions of my life. I went joy, grief, happy and anger. I was so angry that I passed 3 aide station and I am sure those volunteers thought I was weird. But at the end of the race, I was very humble, bless and happy. Nothing can really do that but long distance running. That's one of the reason I love it.

 I will admit 50K is a long way but I can not wait to another one but I will make sure to be fit for it. Two days later this how I looked

At the end of the day, no regret. I was born to do things and I never doubt myself.

I will accomplished all the things I have plan to do with the blessings of God. I am the one that do things not so much of thinker.

one of my favorite quotes

"I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts" 

- John Locke

"Blessed are those who expect nothing, for they will not be disappointed" 

 - Benjamin Franklin

Name: Route 66 Marathon 
My 1st Marathon
Date: November 24, 2012
Distance: 40K Marathon, 26.5 miles marathon 
Marathon #1

So, this is how the whole route 66 weekend went. I
ran my last 8 miles with the Landrunners training group on November 10 2011 and it felt like my legs were on fire. I knew my shoes were no good. So I had to make an emergency purchase. I bought New Balance 1290 latest version of my previous  marathon shoe. I name it Charlie. I spent the whole week walking in it and pray it will be ready by Sunday. We went and saw midnight screening of Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2 on November 16, 2012 and went to work few hours after it. After work, I drove straight to Tulsa. Sleep deprived is understatement.
Mindee doing Dave Mari X jump
Friday November 16, 2012, I arrived in Tulsa to meet by buddy Tim and his wife Mindee. We went the expo and picked up our racing package then went settle in at their house. Later that evening we went to dinner and I meant more runners. I was exhausted but I hang in there. Tim has  marathon on Saturday called Little Warm Up Marathon which starts at 4am so we spent over 2 hours of marking and setting up the trails. All of us only had about  2-3 hours sleep and we were up Saturday morning, *yawn & coffee* was the word for that day. The marathon was very successful but we were all extremely tired.  We finally reached home by 4pm and by 6pm everyone was fast asleep.

Dean, original from Hawaii,  who lives in California finally arrived at 2am on Sunday morning. Of course its was hard to go back to sleep upon is arrival. I was very excited to see and meet him finally after all this time :).

Sunday morning 6am marathon day yay!, the whole house were up and ready for the marathon. I was with my buddies before the marathon start. Weather was a bit chilly but great. I meant and saw so many new and familiar faces before the race.

                                                         

We were all hyped up. Tim has not run in two months and Dean ran 7 miles on Saturday and of course my lack of training. But we love what we do. Pictures can express how happy I was.Gun went off and all three of us starting running, the boys were chatting and i was listen to the music. They started at 8 minute a mile pace, that was too fast for me considering my lack of my training. After the first mile I could not keep up with my boys and I drop back and starting taking my time and listen to my body. I saw them couple of times on the course and blow them kiss and along with many of my Landrunners and zebra family. I saw my training partner Jessica passed me not sure what mile it was but she was looking good. The course was very challenging to me because its very hilly. I had to turn up my soca mix by DJ DSA which was like about 6 hours of mix and just started to enjoy my running and still stop at most live band and Dj booth on the course and show them some love. That part is always fun. I felt like I was been slap back to black with hills. I think I walked about 5 miles of the whole 26.5 miles. I took the detour to center of the universal and watch a couple possessed. By the time I reached mile 24, I think something came over me and I just took off. I think I passed about 20 or more runners. I just went into the zone and it felt awesome. Overall, my first marathon was success. I remember from mile 18 and mile started to get longer and longer but i hang in there I was in no rush. I finish over 6hrs and i was very hyped and happy. By the time i reached the finish line, there was Dean, Tim and Mindee cheering for me and I was so happy to them.                                                                                                                    

Finishing strong & happy  
One thing about running marathon, it makes me humble. I truly believe this line "Run and find yourself". I can't wait to run more full and ultra marathon. Since I was so hyped after the 26.5 miles marathon i think its time I go further than that. #Runlife Glory & Thanks to the Almighty God. 

Journey to Route 66 Marathon

On November 20,  2011, I ran my first route 66 half marathon in Tulsa. It was my favorite marathon for a rookie like myself. Not only that it was cold but I was surrounded with great friends of the Oklahoma City Running aka Landrunners and my fellow OKC Zebras & Zebros. At the start of the marathon temperature was 37 degrees and by the time I finished  it was 32 degrees. I love every minute of that marathon, I stopped at every DJ booth and entertainment I saw on the course and dance. I have ran total of 10 half marathons in 11 months to date. By far Route 66 is still the most enjoyable marathon. All I wanted to do in the past two years ago was to ran half marathon but on February 2012 I decided to register for my first full marathon (World shortest ultramarathon) and I am enthusiastically happy to make it route 66. I could not imagine running my first full marathon anywhere else but Tulsa. Funny I can not drive in Tulsa even with the assistance of GPS but I love to run there. 

From last year route 66 half @ mile 6 and yes I remember :)

 2011 Route 66 Half Marathon Finisher Medal

                                                      Memories from 2011 Route 66

                                                                  My buddy Tim

First of all, Tim B. was the 1st runner I made after my first half marathon on May 1, 2011 OKC Memorial Marathon. He also ran my longest run with me on March 10, 2012 at Panera Jack Rector Beacon Run 15 miles (Above is the finished photo). His a marathon maniac who loves runs and not for time. There's no one in this world that I would do love to run this 26.5 miles with than Tim. 

Secondly, Jessica K. my training partner. In the running world its was hard for me to find someone who shares similar pace until I meet her at Labor Day 2011. She loves to dance, laugh and have fun as much as I do on the course.  Not to mention she text while running.. lol . She can and does beat me at 5k races any day :). With my encouragement Route 66 will be her first full marathon too.

Landrunners Fall Training started on July 28, 2012 for route 66 is below

2012 Landrunner Fall Training Group Runs

*Distance based for full marathon, half marathoners will usually do half the distance.

Week Date Day Time Distance Location

1 07/28 Saturday 6:00 6 Miles Nichols Hills Plaza

2 08/04 Saturday 6:00 8 Miles NH Plaza

3 08/11 Saturday 6:00 10 Miles Boathouse

4 08/18 Saturday 6:00 12 Miles Mitch Park

5 08/25 Saturday 6:00 10 Miles  NH Plaza

6 09/01 Saturday 6:30 14 Miles NH Plaza

7 09/08 Saturday 8:00 16 Miles Stars & Stripes

8 09/15 Saturday 6:30 12 Miles Mitch Park

9 09/22 Saturday 6:30 18 Miles  NH Plaza

10 09/30 Sunday 6:30 20 Miles  Course

11 10/06 Saturday 6:30 12 Miles Spirit of Survival or Mitch Park

12 10/14 Sunday 6:30 20 Miles  Course

13 10/20 Saturday 6:30 12 Miles Boathouse

14 10/28 Sunday 6:30 20 Miles  Course

15 11/03 Saturday 6:30 12 Miles  NH Plaza

16 11/10 Saturday 7:30 8 Miles NH Plaza

17 11/18 Sunday 26.2 Miles Route 66 Marathon

Total:: 236.2

My own personally training schedule

Training was going just fine until week 6 September 1, 2012. That training was tough but I completed almost 15 miles and on my way to Chinatown supermarket for grocery shopping. I got into car accident. I didn't everything I could to stop my truck from hitting the car but I could not. that changes everything for me. I was fine on Saturday and Sunday until Monday when I could not move.  At that moment I knew something was seriously wrong with me. I didn't want to go Hospital. On Tuesday I pushed myself to go to work and I only lasted 2 hours and i had to leave to go see a doctor. I saw Dr. Ryan Hanson and according to x- ray I was injured in lower hip, lower back and neck (Spinal issues). I have never felt this much pain in my life. Dr. Ryan placed me on treatment plan which is 3 times a week for the next 4 months. For the first two I could not walk even .25 mile. I was very broken down, felt useless and inability to do anything around work and home. But Dr. Ryan kept telling me it will get better I promise you that. My kids immediately took over doing everything around the house and took care of me. I am very humble and bless for my kids. I give thanks to the Almighty God for the gift of life. 

On September 28, I  started walking because I am used to an active lifestyle and not sitting around . At the point I had made the mental decision that I would walk Route 66 marathon if I have to and I am going to back off. I started out by walking 3 miles then rest for 2-3 days then repeat and I slowly increase my distance. Trust me, it hurts just walk but I listen to my body and condition it slowly. I decided to started going to the gym for strength training which hurts even more than walking.  On October 6, 2012, I walked 10.72 miles at Mitch Park Training Week 11. I was very proud and happy.  After that i started having ITB problems. I did not waste any time. I went to Red Coyote Running & Fitness and purchase my first massage stick and with help of my kids I started using it and stretch and icing it everyday. I started building more strength at the gym 3x a week because I can still get hurt even walking so many miles. On October 20, 2012 I decide to go for my first 20 miler training run, because I felt strong from all the gym and Dr. Ryan was okay with it. I know my body and was prepare to stop at any sign of discomfort. 

My first jog/walk 20 miler

I ran the first 9.50 miles with my running girl Jessica K and we were mostly synchronized. It was amazing feeling and shes such a good friend and partner to have. I am just proud and humble. Words can never really express how humble  I am. From here my focus is to get more strength training  with low mileage jogging. .