Patience…

Patience is: the bearance of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like. and Yogic philosophy is always calm, present and aware. 

Although we practice the asanas/poses we don’t always practice the philosophy.  Staying in the moment , being calm and aware is not always the way we live.  It is so easy to forget being in the moment.  It is easy not to be calm.

There are times when I am in such earnest to reach a goal, that I forget to enjoy the journey of meeting the goal. 

This last week has been difficult and this week will be a very BIG TEST for me.  A test of patience and a week to truly practice AHIMSA.

I have spoken about Ahimsa -or- the love for all living beings.  I must remember that this includes myself. 

My taste tester suffers from migraines.  Usually they will last about 4 days and then pass.  Unfortunately not this time.  We are on day 28 of  a cluster-migraine episode.  At times it hits him and he is in bed for most of the day in pain.  Other times he is able to function normally.  He can get out of bed, he can do various things he usually does, and although he still has a headache, he is able to get through the day. 

The health of my taste tester is important, as is my own health.  It is difficult to be at the store all day and then go home and nurse a bit of a grouchy taste tester at night.  But this is what brings me back to realizing that all of this is a journey.  A journey to find a balance between sickness and wellness.  A journey to pack everything into a day that needs to get done and hoping that other things can wait.

Time for the mat to come out and really align my energy.  I have been working through poses the eve before a long morning run, or practicing poses to open my hips and stretch my hamstrings in preparation of a run.  I am totally afraid of an injury.

Maybe the injury I am worried about most are the injuries I carry in my mind.  The days have become difficult to ease through.  Most of the time I find myself wondering what I can do and what I can add to both my diet and my life to find peace and stillness. 

Running helps tremendously.  Usually the realizations that come to mind while I am running make me happy and I am filled with thought and awareness.  Just then a bad behavior or a bad energy usually interjects at that moment and I allow it to hinder my growth.  That is where the definition of patience is.  Being able to not allow any hinderance of my life.  physically, Mentally and Spiritually. 

And then all at one I can hear the word “BREATHE” ring in!  Breathe and stay focus, calm and aware!

“C’mon ladies let’s get through this race!”  I yelled as we approached heart Rate Hill.  “Don’t give up! Keep it going!  Let’s do this!” I surprised myself as I heard my voice.  It was the first time I have ever done that  and I must say it felt great to encourage the ladies around me!

I ran the Brea 8k this weekend.  It was a delightful race!  That probably sounds crazy, but it is true!  I really enjoyed my experience, but I feel as though I could have and should have pushed myself!  I was so convinced that I would injure myself.  I feel stupid about it now, but lets hope this weekend will be even better!  It is time for the Mardi Gras 5k in Valencia again!

This year the course changed and I totally didn’t think Heart rate hill was as difficult as last year.  Sooo that is positive.  What is negative..I was 2 mins slower than last year which I really don’t understand, other than my own thoughts in my head.  My left groin has been tighter than usual so I am trying to be careful…maybe too careful.

I have recently been trying different supplements to aid my runs.  I tried the vega gel.  That only makes me feel like I want to go to the bathroom.  Something you definitely don’t want while you are in the middle of a 5 mile race and it is barely 2.2 miles in…Need I say More?  I think not!

By the time I came down the final stretch headed toward the finish line, I felt great.  The urgency to go to the bathroom faded to tolerable and I felt as though I probably could have run faster and about 3 or 4 more miles if not for that small issue…I felt great. Least until I saw my time.  But I will let than one go.  It’s just my ego messing with me anyway.

What does GI Joe say? “Knowing is half the battle?”

So how are things for you out there in the blog-o-sphere???

Thanks for reading!

Namaste!

Running, Eating and Racing…

There are a few races I am preparing for. 

The first is the Chinatown Firecracker Race…It is Year of the Dragon…seems as though this promises to be a year that is on FIRE!  This race is followed by the Brea 8k – February 26, 2012! The race that will present itself with HEART RATE HILL! Ugh!

Last year The Chinatown Firecracker race totally surprised me and took my wind the initial first mile and a half of the race!  You can read that experience HERE

Well not this year!  I am going to be ready!  I am soooo excited about it!  I keep visualizing it over and over again.  Let’s just hope they don’t change the course!  I had said that I wouldn’t do this race again.  All year I kept thinking about the race and how the hill was a challenging one!  I didn;t like the way that felt!  So as anyone who is happy to take a challenge, I am running this race AGAIN!  I am hoping to have a better time.  I think I should do a bit better.  I feel like my running is stronger this year.  But let’s see how this goes on Sunday…

Here is my bib and fancy Dragon T-shirt set for tomorrow!

All I have been running are hills for the last 7 days!  Up hill, Up hill, Up hill!  The new 2012 course my taste tester and I made has been working out wonderfully.  Quite honestly that hill kicked my butt last year!  All races that I am repeating in 2012 were all positive experiences, however the Firecracker race is more of a “I SHALL CONQUER!” type of race.

I completed 7 days in a row of more than a 5k distance uphill and I am happy. 

There are a few things I have changed this year!  1) I have been running during the day.  I have happily been able to experience the opportunity to see so much of the city I normally miss.  I see so many wonderful birds throughout my run and I love it.  I hope everyone has the opportunity to enjoy birds.  (Can you believe there is a company dedicated to having bird free zones?  How horrible is that!) With the onset of global warming and air pollution I worry about generations to come…

As I was running this last week, I kept thinking about the Pepperdine Coastal race.  I remember hitting mile 2 vividly!  The reason it was so vivid?  The 10kers were passing me at such an accelerated pace it was wild!  One day Veg Blogger…One day you will be faster!

I saw the most divine and gorgeous peacocks.  They were feeding and flying into pine trees all along the route!  One of the best things about living in Arcadia are the peacocks and the parrots!   They call out and are so alive.  It is amazing to see how much life can truly be a beautiful experience.  Sometimes as individuals we forget to be thankful for what we do have.

I am thankful for a roof over my head, a wonderful city to live in and the opportunity to experience my body and all that it is capable of each time I run, eat great food and am happy to say thank you for another day of being alive!

Depression can effect many people out there in this world of ours and there is FREEDOM from such a mind set.  Raw Foods, excercise and meditation can really make ALL the difference in the world.  How many of us actually take the time to do those things? I would imagaine the percentage is low! 

The revolution begins with what we put in our mouths and what we do with the opportunites we are given each day.  Each day we have the opportunity to be kind and loving. Each day we have the opportunity to live life to it’s fullest. 

Look at the moon the next time you feel depressed.  If it is full than you know, IF you have been hanging around here that the parasites are alive and well within!  Grt rid of them and I guarantee there will be a BIG CHANGE!  I write about parasites alot and have been doing more and more research regarding things horrible mongers!  If you are interested in what I am saying, then look up the posts Recipe for Illness Part 1, 2 and 3! or START HERE!

If you take care of your body..Your body will take care of you!

I have eaten more fruit this week than I have in awhile and i can really feel a difference in my sleep, running, and yoga.  I can place my body into various asanas (positions) a bit easier and I am quite thankful for that!  Yoga is my saving grace when it comes to running!  The more alkaline, the easier it should be for me to reach my goals!

I have also been enjoying quite a bit of these…

Thanks for Reading!

Wish me luck.  By this time tomorrow I will be celebrating my sisters birthday at her favorite Indian Restaurant!

Namaste!

Day 3, RUNNING & Counting!

It is hard to believe it is only the 6th day of 2012!

How are you? Did you have a good time this New Years Eve?  It seems as though the holidays were upon us as quickly as they were over…

A FEW THINGS…

This was the second year my taste tester and I literally ran into the new year.   We decided on a new route for a new year.  Happily a good course to prepare for ANY hilly 5k/10k and the option of tearing it up on a flat course!  My times should show an improvement…

The run was absolutely exhilarating! It was however VERY QUIET!

No bhangra or dancehall music in the distance, no house parties with their 80′s/90′s music anywhere!  Absolutely quiet! EVERYWHERE!

The economic downturn is my reasoning as to why there wasn’t much of a celebration.  Things seem to be hard on everyone these days.  Many people are affected financially right now.

It is displayed at simple places you would normally see loads of people!  Many retailers are suffering and closing large stores.  Blockbuster has been closing stores for awhile, as well as Kodak possibly having a downturn.  People just don’t have extra money to spend!

I have NEVER seen so many people on bikes, commuting here and there and quite honestly everywhere.  Sometimes the need to be more frugal can actually be healthier!

My taste tester and I were discussing riding our bikes to and from the shop when the weather gets better….

RUNNING

2012 will happily result in running races for the SECOND time! Clap Clap Clap and a big smile for races coming up!

The Pepperdine Coastal 5k 10k is approaching.  The last time we ran that race we also had International Vegan Pizza Night!  I think I will have the events on different days!  It was too crazy that night to do it again!

Races to follow: Chinatown Firecracker Race and the Brea 8K.  These are some hilly courses!  I have committed to better times AND to make those hills my B_TCH!

I have learned so much from my commitment to 12 races this last year.

Here are the HARD LESSONS from my first year of running and races…

Lesson #1 – DRINK WATER!

DRINK LOTS OF WATER!  I know it probably sounds simple…maybe even stupid but it is the truth.

At any given moment during a run you may be confronted with feeling that your legs are as heavy as two concrete blocks!  For me and many the feeling is generally in your thighs! This is definitely dehydration.  Also, when it is difficult to take hold of your breathing pattern and break into your endurance mode it is usually water related.  (That’s not to say nutrition isn’t a variable but that is further on down the list!)

MY ANSWER FOR ME: Make sure to drink more thank 64 oz a day if not more!  Drink most of your water within a 12 hour period PRIOR to your run.  Don’t jam on water trying to get it all in before a run! I repeat DON’T DO IT! You will definitely make yourself ill and that defeats the purpose! Just be aware of your water intake! And PURE water! None of this colored tinted or flavor hinted nonsense out there! PURE WATER!

LESSON #2 - KEEP IT CLEAN!

Any physical activity that places demands on your body like running, yoga, cycling and/or any other endurance sport should not occur after a cup of coffee!  If the caffeine effect is your desire then go for some sort of tea, energy bar and/or natural supplement. I have found both the Vega Supplement to be quite helpful!

Coffee is extremely acidic something you DO NOT WANT for your body  if you are going to race within a few hours.

You want to stay as ALKALINE as possible to curb injuries!

This year I read many articles on the internet, in running magazines and my beloved world of blogs about injuries  people sustained while running.

Keep your diet and liquids clean! Your body will thank you and you will be happy with your endurance levels and overall performance.

CLEAN FOODS = CLEAN BODY!

Lesson #3 – BEWARE OF YOUR INNER WHINER !

When embarking on a run invariably you I will feel various things.

My inner whiner will enter my mind and tell me all kinds of things! For some the whiner begins sooner rather than later.  It is the whiner that is often called “THE WALL”.  Well here at the Veg888 blog…we call it “your inner whiner”.

A few examples are:

I have to go to the bathroom you should stop and go back … (My reaction: What are you talking about you just went to the bathroom before you ran for this specific reason.  Keep running. )

My knee hurts…ouch my ankle…or some other type of pain… I can’t do it…i’m tired…it’s cold…(My reaction: Stop with the whining already just run.  That is all you have to do.  You just finished one hour of yoga madame..you are more than prepared!)

I think I will run a shorter distance than originally intended…(My reaction:  Do you have a goal? If you do meet.  Be about it…Don’t Just talk about it!)

There are many more examples but these usually hit me the first 1/4 mile.

Whenever that little nagging whiner rear it’s ugly head…I work through it! Shut the whiner down!

Lesson #4 – STRETCH IT OUT AND WALK IT OUT!

It is absolutely imperative to stretch!  In the long run, (no pun intended) you are far better off when you stretch than when you don’t!  Take the time to do it! If you don’t you will be sorry.

I pose this question to myself – Which would you rather do? Take the time to stretch and then run? -or- Get an injury because you didn’t stretch and then you can’t run for a few days/weeks/months and have loads of time nursing your injury?

 

Lesson #5 – PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT IS GOING IN

& WHAT IS COMING OUT!

Okay so this is where the uncomfortable moments begin in this posting…

1) Whatever your persuasion regarding what you choose as your general menu, make sure you are no less than 60% alkaline!  (I once read someone say “…there are two subjects that will make people not like you in any discussion.  Talk to someone about their diet or their god and you will definitely encounter hostility!) In all physical activities, the more alkaline your system is the better your body will perform, repair, and continue comfortably.  Experiment with your diet.  It is the best way to fine tune your fitness goals and your quality of life.

2) Pay attention to what is coming out and how often! You should be able to have 1 or more bowl movements a day.  If you skip a day drink more water, add more salad, add fruit, take a probiotic, something! Do not allow a day without a bowel movement!  This is where many of diseases will end up living!  Your colon, your digestive system and any of the filters our wonderful bodies have to assimilate food. I have been getting a colonic once a week since I first started.  I feel better, my “movements” are better and my entire life is changing.  Seriously.  I certainly am not telling you you have to get a colonic.  I am simply telling you to be aware of what is coming out. Be kind to your body and keep it clean!

This topic can be an uncomfortable subject, but I do feel it is important!  I think when we as humans realize that we are in control of our health we will grow by leaps and bounds!

Our bodies are miraculous machines.  Our bodies work better than any new technological gadget that can be imagined!  Anything going wrong with your body is like a crime.

We have an amazing healing system within and remember to use it!  We NEVER get sick for no reason!  There is always a reason!  Get CSI on the problem and I guarantee there is a natural cure! Anything you eat should not stay in your body for more than 8-12 hrs.  So just be aware and love your body!

I don’t want to have too long of a post so I will end here!

Thanks for reading!

Namaste!

 

What are your goals this year?    What goals did you meet last year?

Experience life and enjoy each adventure you find yourself in!

Running and Hill Survival!

Hello Readers!  Hello Bloggers!

Happy to say I have been challenging myself to harder runs! Running multiple hills each run.   Although I am attempting to be kind and patient to my psyche and my body…I have been running longer distances.

I was looking at my Garmin stats last night and was amazed to see that I have run over 200 miles! YES!

I went on a run without my Taste Tester last night and really enjoyed the run.  Although challenging for MANY reasons…I did it! It was quite a different run without him there.  Both are equally enjoyable.  However, there is nothing like the solitude and peace of a run alone!  Running is constantly testing your limits both physically and mentally!

Each time I run I add HILLS!  If we run the neighborhood around my store HILLS are a given!  There are some pretty intense hills at that! Whew! No matter which route – the home route or the shop route there are some hills that can make me feel like I want to “blow”  (throw up) once I reach the top!  But all in all, I know they make me a stronger runner. Working through the intensity of a hill is amazing!  A battle of the physical…a battle with the mind and more than anything…truly a battle with yourself!

There are key points I think about when I am feeling the intensity of a hill!

1) When feeling this pain and being in the moment it is truly a moment to BEHOLD!  Everything you are feeling – you are able to feel because you are ALIVE!  Enjoy this moment.  Feel everything occurring in this moment! Feel the muscles, breath and experience life!  RIGHT NOW!  BE IN THE MOMENT AND LIVE! This is what I tell myself.  Of course…

2) When somehow that thought process doesn’t work – I ask myself a question “Are you going to quit?”  Immediately the answer is “NO!”  I have done this before!  I can do this again!  Why wouldn’t I be able to finish?  What are you saying to yourself?  Quit? NO WAY! NOT AN OPTION! Just keep going!  Push it! Push it a bit harder! Your almost there!

3) And when that doesn’t work soundtrack music and song lyrics come to mind!  A key one is the song written by Bone Symphony – from the “Revenge of the Nerds” soundtrack.  ”You’ve got to put one foot in front of the other put the right foot down…down…down…. -or- Don Carlos “The road is long Oh yes it’s long, Got to reach the end…I just can’t stop! No I just can’t stop! Got to reach the line!” At any given moment my mind can break out into a soundtrack within!  Anyone else feel like that out there?

And before I know it, I can see the lights to our driveway and I know I am home! The run has been FINISHED & CONQUERED!

I must finish the run I set out to do.  Within organized races, I have only done the 5k, 8k, and 10k and cannot imagine stopping at this point!

I am hoping to find some 15k’s and ultimately the Half Marathon is looming.  It’s out there calling me.  It is waiting to be conquered by the Veg888 Blogger!  More than anything I would like to run the half just to prove it to myself! That I can do it! That I can conquer anything I set my mind to!

Besides, we are living an uncertain world these days.  As a whole, Mother Nature is being abused and somehow, in some ways a natural disaster seems to be something that NOBODY CAN GET AWAY FROM! Just depends on what part of the world we are in as to what we may or may not face!

This leads me to my next tidbit for the day.  Have any of you readers seen a magazine called “Outside”?  The other day, while searching for ORGANIC CORN ON THE COB I spotted an article called “Apocolypse Survival”.  As I scanned through the article, I began thinking.  If there is an earthquake, civil unrest, whatever matter…I will need to run! Run from the ocean waves if I am by a beach, run from a bunch of things falling in the event of an earthquake, run in case of civil unrest….

The article itself was not as great as the title, however,  it did set my mind the following thoughts.

1) BE PREPARED

2) Make a list of what is needed in case of an emergency

3) Start checking out Survival websites in the case of a Natural Disaster!

I am certainly not saying these things because I am being negative.  This is reality.  In the year 2011 we have seen tsunami devastation, unfortunate effects from an oil spill within the Gulf of Mexico, Flooding throughout the United States, Heat waves hitting the mid section of our country, the list can go on and on and on!

So stay tuned and I welcome any thoughts regarding today’s posting!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

8k ~ (1+7+1+8) ~ Ate

This weekend was quite an adventure indeed!

Life is a series of roller coasters!

Up and down the emotions go,

to the right and to the left the adventures wind –

sometimes slow…

Never knowing if you will be left in a bind,

No matter what happens – you just have to know

You are being kept in mind - Be strong! Be healthy!

Live in Love and Light – Lovin – Livin – Life can be out of sight!

Friday

Friday was my cousins funeral.  He was 48 years old.  A father, a husband but most of all a FUNNY FUNNY GUY!

I listened to the pastor, friends and colleagues speak of impressions, experiences and kindness he displayed throughout his existence.  I’m happy I knew him and had the opportunity to enjoy his personality and it was wonderful knowing this soul!

I send his soul love and light now.  The moment his breathe left that day – his soul left.

Yoga teaches us to face death before it ever happens.  It teaches that death is not finite, but instead another experience.  A new journey to open ourselves up to.  My cousin is onto his next phase of soul work.

Saturday

We opened the store as usual.  In the evening, my taste tester and I went to the Luckman Theater - Cal State Los Angeles.

Paco Pena was performing!

For those of you who don’t know who that is… He is a Flamenco guitarist hailing from Cordoba, Spain! He plays traditional Spanish folk music and plays with Flamenco dancers and singers in a traditional setting.

Great Music + GREAT FLAMENCO DANCERS = Great Time by all!

We had invited my sister and her husband for a night out on the town!  They really enjoyed the performance!  That made me really happy.

It was nice to see the dancers and enjoy the music.  It took me to a different part of my mind I had totally forgotton about until that moment!

My mind skipped to a time when I was young and experiencing Spain for the first time.  I was 11 years old and was able to experience Flamenco Dancers and Singers in a small cave/tavern type of setting.  It was the first visit to Europe we would make as a family.  I remembered the olives and tapas from that night long ago.  The brightly colored sangria in the pitchers on the table.  The sliced oranges, cloves and various other cut fruit.  The candles dancing off of the glasses and walls – while I watched the women dancing and the singers mesmerizing everyone in the room!  The women were SO beautiful and the ambience was absolutely HYPNOTIC!

There was a 20 minute intermission and then another hour long performance on Saturday! What a treat! 2 hrs of Flamenco dancers, singers, and guitarists!!!

After the performance we ventured over to Pure Luck in Hollywood!

I had the Fiesta Plate!  My taste tester had his usual Jackfruit Burrito.  We had dinner and went straight home.  We needed to get up early since we were running our first 8k.  It seemed like a perfect race for someone who is into 8′s! Right?

Sunday-8k

The 8k was located in Brea, CA which is approximatley 35-45 minutes away.  The race started at 8:00am and we still had to pick up our bibs and timing chips for our shoes!

We left the house at 6:15 am.  We woke up to 32 degree weather with frosted windshields and icy sidewalks!!! Brrr!!!

We dressed accordingly and we were off!

We arrived at 7:20 am – parked and headed to registration check in!

My bib number was 1718.  Once I did the math 1+7=8+9=17=8 and ended up with an 8 I knew great success was at hand!!!  Love the 8′s!!! Very lucky sign!!! I dedicated the race to the memory of my cousin Rick!

He died February 13, 2011 – The day of the Firecracker Race and he was buried on Friday February 25, 2011.  It seemed only right to run in his memory! Something positive in his memory I thought!

As always everyone was ULTRA positive and kind!  Much less people than I had seen in a while.  That was nice!!!  No problems with bathrooms or anything like that! YES!

Here is the START line!

The actual start line was approximately .25 mile away from our place in line!  There were a total of 2700+ entires – much less than the Chinatown Firecracker race! It worked out well!

The Course

The course was a series of 3 hills.  One being Heart Rate Hill!  Ok yeah! Wish I has known about THAT HILL!  It was alright though.  I made it!

The initial hill took us through a bit of a residential neighborhood and looped around the Brea Marketplace.  We then went around another residential area – a bunch of condos and up a small hill.  We then did another loop and went on to the base of Heart Rate hill!  After Heart Rate hill we did a straight a way for about .75 of a mile and looped around another neighborhood, another hill before we headed over to the FINISH line.  I was happy.  I completed the 5 mile/8k race in 1 hr 3 seconds.

I will definitely do this race again next year!

Psst…I am determined to make Heart Rate Hill my B*%@#!

As we traveled home I saw the most beautiful snow topped mountains!  That is not a usual occurrence for us here is Southern California!!!

I actually saw a few people from the Pepperdine Run in January so that was cool!  If I see them again I will definityly say HELLO!

Once we went home I made a huge salad with avocado, salsa and FRESH GREENS!!!

We also enjoyed a large glass of REJUVELAC!  Yes still brewing Rejuvelac!

About an hour later I served a halved avocado to my taste tester and topped it with some salsa.  Finished the laundry and made another salad!!! We had a total of 3 large salads on Sunday! Each with Avocado and tomatoes and tahini dressing!  It wasn’t until the evening that we had asparagus with a mushroom medly! (Garlic, Shitake, Portobello, Lobster, Crimini and Maitake mushrooms!)  It was great.  Went to bed at 10:30pm and woke up 12 hours later on Monday!

Thanks for reading!!!

Love and Light!

What did you do this weekend?

Have you dealt with a loss of a loved one recently?

Let me know! Give me a shout out!

Namaste!