2011 Charleston Bridge Run

This was my 3rd year running the bridge in Charleston!  As usual, it was a blast of a weekend.

I only had to power walk a little of it this year.  (the uphill section of the bridge)  I ran the rest.  I just ran a slow, steady pace.  12+ minute mile pace...minus out the walking part. 

This year, I did the 10K in 1:17.

In 2009, I did in 1:20+, and I power walked and ran it.  I did intervals of power walking and running that year. 

Each year, I improve...and each year it is more fun than the last! 

expand your horizons to this website!

Expand Outdoors

a new goal

I've set up a new personal challenge for myself for September this year.

The Art Loeb Trail

It is 30.1 miles long.  Read the above link.

I want to hike it in a day!

My training has already begun.

Back in 2008, I power walked a full marathon in one day and a half marathon the very next day to raise funds for a charity to help in the fight against breast cancer and raise breast cancer awareness among minorities.  I raised $1900!  This was done on paved roads.

Anyway, wish me luck!!!

When someone asks you, "What is your goal?" I hope you have a good answer!

Why Don't You Look Like A Fitness Model?

This is an awesome article.  I LOVE it!

I really wanted to share it.

Although, I have been blessed with somewhat good genes, I am not perfect.  Although, I was blessed with a somewhat nice figure, it hasn't always been in the best shape. 

For years, I have just been 'lucky'! 

It wasn't until I started climbing...until I started wanting to do races and strength train and really condition my body and get strong that I realized I wasn't so lucky afterall.  I was clearly not in shape. Most of my life, I just got away with my looks as a skinny person with a flattering figure.  That doesn't mean shit when you are climbing up a mountain side!

First, you have to hike an approach to get the rock face.  Then you climb the rock face all day.  Then you must hike out.  That doesn't even begin to describe other activities such as bouldering, backpacking, mountaineering, ice climbing, obstacle course races, 10Ks, half-marathons or marathons and kayaking...among other things!

Had I not found climbing, I'd probably be a lazy bum right now.  Climbing got me in shape for climbing.  But then I started to get in shape to be a better climber.  Now, I want to be in shape for LIFE!  Now that I have been climbing for a couple of years, I have now been introduced to the outdoors.  There are so many types of outdoor activities that require you to be in shape.  AND you can simply get in shape by just being active in the outdoors period!!!

I want to be a personal trainer in my future, and I also want to work in the physical therapy field now.  I have been conditioning and working harder to get stronger myself.  I want to be in great physical shape so I can participate in fun, adventurous activities in life and remain healthier for along time...not to look like a damn fitness model.  I also want to help others like me who want to get in great physical shape for life. 

I want to climb mountains.  I want to run a marathon one day.  I want to be a personal trainer.  I want to help others succeed at things, the same things I never thought I could do.  I want to be healthier.  I want to take care of my body, you only get one!

You don't have to look like a damn fitness model to be considered in great physical shape.  And just because you look like a fitness model, does not mean you are in great physical shape. You also don't have to be able to do 25 straight pull-ups, 250 dead lifts and run a marathon in 3:30 all in one day to say that you are in great physical shape either!