Archive for December, 2012

I’ll run away with you

Posted in Uncategorized on December 31, 2012 by runmyssierun

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Resolutions and a Run

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , on December 31, 2012 by runmyssierun

Last year, I had just begun to run… EVER. No, seriously! I was never in track in high school or college, never even jogged… shoot, in fact I even went so far as to WORK for the University just so I could get a teacher’s parking permit and park closer to school so I didn’t have to walk so far!!!

I was one of the last to come in at last year’s Resolution Run at Bill Schupp Park. I knew almost no one there. But that was a promise that I made to myself. It was, after all, a RESOLUTION. I don’t think I’ve ever kept a resolution promise before in my life. They usually get “forgotten” around April of that same year. But this year, I stuck it out. And I returned…

I ran with a person who also is making that same promise to herself. I ran with her this morning to pace her and I admit, I did push her a bit more than I pushed the other beginners that I’ve run with only because I truly believe that she can handle more than others can. She reminds me a lot of myself.

Yes, that’s a good thing.

She finished in 37 minutes.

Not bad for her first 5k! It was her PR. So all this week I’ve witnessed 5 PRs for others. I’m thinking it’s time to make one of my own. What’s stopping me? Why are my legs so heavy now? I don’t understand.

I need to snap out of it. QUICK!

And just when I began to catch myself going into that downward spiral of “oh poor Myssie”, I took a look around the park at all the smiling faces that I got to know over this last year. Many are the same people that were there last year. Everyone has come so very far in their own journeys. And that’s when I remembered… So have I.

So even if I never “snap out of it”, I must remember today and the distance one year makes in my heart. That’s my PR.

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8 in the cold

Posted in Uncategorized on December 29, 2012 by runmyssierun

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Hours before the sum comes up, my shoes lace up and I begin my zombie jog along the 2nd street trail with a new troop of beginner runners. I thought back to where I was a year ago and halfway through my run a new girl asks what my interval was and if she can join me. I explain that I run to the beat of the music and reduce pace at alternating light poles (since I tend to swell up when I stop). I saw the look in her face as she realized that if she didn’t run with me, she was on her own. Reluctantly she joined up. Her face was flushed as she tried to keep up so I quietly reduced my speed and tried to keep things positive and told her not to worry about holding me back. I could tell she felt guilty about that. When she told me that this run would be her PR, I think I jumped for joy and told her I wouldn’t leave her. The joy I get from being a part of someone else’s “impossibles” is sublime. I didn’t have to say anything or do anything… She pushed herself to keep up with me and she did it!!!

Nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself and you’re with people who believe in you.

Intergalactic

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , on December 28, 2012 by runmyssierun

I was told today that I was a “beast” in spin class because of all the resistance I put on myself when I cycle. I guess I feel like I have to do so much more to catch up to everyone else that I have no choice but to to challenge myself more and more everyday. The only way I can improve in time to compete this next year is to train with the local elites. And to train with them must mean that I need to quickly advance to their level – a level that took them years to acquire. But I don’t have that time.

My running is hurting now. My speed has declined and my legs feel heavy. A sharp pain hits right when I reach the half mile point along the inside of both ankles up to the inner calves. The pain either subsides or I become numb to it by mile 4. I’m off track and can’t seem to find my mojo again. I’m certain it must be an emotional issue as stress levels have sky rocketed at work and in my marriage. Oh stop! I talked about a taboo subject?? At least I’m honest and you have to admit… running is a very mental sport. Any little mental distraction will impact my time, my body,

Today’s run focused on hill elevation and not speed. Developing strength in my IT band so that it doesn’t snap again is important to me. I think I’m training well but still very impatient with myself.

And not being patient waiting for my bike.

*sigh*

CyclePATHS

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , on December 27, 2012 by runmyssierun

Last night was my first “Steak Night” with the CyclePATHS. This is a crazy group of adrenaline enthused women who have taken me under their wings to lead me to my goal of a triple crown. We planned, laughed, reviewed plans, laughed some more, rode a pony and laughed even harder. Not much training last night but it gave my abs a laughter workout.

I am genuinely stoked about being surrounded by these women who seem to take on whatever challenge they set their minds to.

I do best when I’m around people like this. Can’t wait!!!

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Spark of Inspiration Spreads for the New Year | KRGV.com | CHANNEL 5 NEWS | Breaking News Breaking Stories

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , , on December 26, 2012 by runmyssierun

Spark of Inspiration Spreads for the New Year | KRGV.com | CHANNEL 5 NEWS | Breaking News Breaking Stories.

These are my All-Stars! These two are a couple of reasons why I cannot quit. If you surround yourself with positive people like this… nothing is impossible!!!

 

All Star

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , on December 26, 2012 by runmyssierun

All Star

So I was chosen as December’s Neighborhood All-Star for inspiring others and running for a cure for cancer and bringing about much needed awareness. As odd as it may seem to you at the moment, I have a hard time accepting this. A cure hasn’t been found yet and I haven’t yet completed what I set out to do.  In the pageant world, I’m well know to never say who I think will win because I believe in “Jinxies”. Please God, please, don’t jinx me for this. 

Rebel

Posted in Uncategorized with tags on December 25, 2012 by runmyssierun

Maybe it’s the rebel in me that needs to be tamed. Running a new trail and I see an arrow that was obviously meant to guide me one direction… But now I’m so used to my “signs” that I seem to want to stop and see what I’m not supposed to and go where the rest of the world doesn’t go.

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https://donate.lls.org/ECommerce/donate.action?programGroupName=TNT&fundraiserPageID=1104383&participantFirstName=Myssie&participantLastName=Cardenas-Barajas&displayName=Myssie%20Cardenas-Barajas&fundraiserPageURL=http://pages.teamintraining.org/sctx/nikewhlf13/mimismiles

A few of my favorite things

Posted in Uncategorized with tags on December 25, 2012 by runmyssierun

With every relationship, there are ups and downs… But sometimes even I doubt that anyone else can fully understand how high our ups are and how low our downs are. However, what I am most proud of is regardless of what is going on underneath the facade, we both know that family always comes first and we always know when we need each other.

So on this Christmas Day, as he lays in a hospital bed away from family and friends, our first Christmas away from each other and just one week after my mile 17 when I wanted to throw in the towel and he drove by me telling me that it wasn’t an option… I think we both realize that Santa gave us a pretty special gift. I hope it never fades… Regardless of what happens.

Michael has reached the age where Christmas is just another day, kinda uncool and is the true meaning of school vacations. But even as awesome as he is, he surprised me with so much support over this difficult holiday. He was always by my side offering help and suggestions. He even helped wrap the gifts for Xander. My poor baby didn’t get much recognition or even a special gift from “Santa” and it didn’t even seem to phase him one bit.

Xander questioned for the first time if Santa is real. So Michael knocked on the window gently but loud enough to make the dogs bark and Grandpa Don yelled out “Ho ho ho!” And when Xander came roaring into the living room, the tree was filled with presents.., all for him! He still believes 🙂

As for my Dad, this was his first Christmas without his one true love. I saw his eyes tear up several times over the night. His voice cracked a few times and he looked up to the stars every chance he got. My parents had a love that fairy tales dream of.

My Christmas wish is for health and happiness. These two things make everything else in my life come together. That is all I want.

These are a few of my favorite things.

Hung up

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , on December 24, 2012 by runmyssierun

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I just hung up my year on a rack that was given to me this week by a friend who thought I was completely nuts for doing this but supported me the entire time. I took a step back and smiled.

Earlier this afternoon, I watched the ironman competition on TV and saw so many signs that seemed to tell me my next step. As insane as that sounds… You gotta admit, it was insane to begin with huh? So, bring it on.

I had put all my eggs in one basket, thinking I would raise all I needed to raise in one event… I was wrong. I will have to refocus my energies on a fundraising campaign these next few months. It’s going to be difficult as I’ve become aware of some obstacles and I also cannot have it interfere with my family and work priorities. But when was the last time you saw me back down from something difficult?

Never Ever Give Up!

It’s Christmas eve’s eve. I plan to run the trails tomorrow morning and “smell some roses”. The rest of the holiday will be all about my boys… And my Daddy.

God Bless us all. I’ll be wishing on that Christmas star. ~much love, Myssie