Memories Matter

The last few years I am not sure I would want to keep some of the memories. I know I should not say that. Let me rephrase it then....I am not sure I would want to have memories from the last few years forefront at my mind. I am not saying all of them, just some. But good or bad, they matter.

This year has been one of making more new memories. Being among those in the coral to cross the start line. And crossing the finish line of a race that brought me back to what doing what I enjoy. Finally seeing my life return to a sense of normalcy with going back to work and making plans for a future that were put on hold.

As I have done for the last three or four years, I

volunteered at Ironman Texas. I always volunteer at athlete check-in.  I was there for opening day and welcomed those athletes picking up their gear early. Unlike last year when I worked almost all day, I only did the afternoon shift. Next year, as your favorite volunteer, I plan on spending the entire day talking to the first timers, seasoned Ironmen and helping them get checked in.  I made more memories, with a few pictures, and met some awesome people. The day started out a bit wet but the rain clouds parted (somewhat) and the sun came out for the rest of the afternoon. 

All of them making memories that will matter for years to come! There was a group of men, who if I remember, were all related somehow. Then there were the husband and wife teams. And friends who wanted numbers close together. I always try to accommodate those small requests. The man who was coming back from a traumatic experience at IronmanTexas a couple of years ago. I talked with him as I checked him in. He later left a comment to my post saying “You were so kind, definitely helped calm my nerves! Thank you.” Spoiler alert: he finished strong even after riding past the site of the trauma. Bells were rung many times that afternoon for first timers. I heard several comment they signed up for IronmanTexas after a few too many drinks. Isn’t that how it’s supposed to happen? I met an athlete who said “she was coming to my table,” and we got a picture. She happened to come late in the day, otherwise I may have missed her.

 

Then race day I helped out at a run course aid station as I did last year. Mother Nature helped us out, bringing the rain earlier in the week, and really overdid herself Saturday. Beautiful day, but a scorcher. As a friend wrote in her post, I smiled at the sun. How could you not? Did I mention the volunteer shirts were pink this year?! And the theme of the aid station was Texas. I wore a pink bandana and found some pink cowboy boot earrings! The pros ran thru first, then after a lull, the waves of runners started. Where else can you be up close and personal with the athletes than at an aid station? 

I saw stories posted of those helping others. The cyclists who stopped at an accident to assure the driver help was coming. Or stopping to help another cyclist with a flat tire. And those voicing concern of a female athlete who crashed. I hope it helps them to know she’ll be okay after some healing.

Memories matter. And this past week they were in abundance. While I handed out water to runners, and shouted words of encouragement, all I could think about was I want to do what they were doing. But until I test my own limits of an Ironman, I’ll volunteer! 

“.. Give a stranger a kind word or smile. Do something for someone to ease their burden. Smile at the sun.”

I did all three this week. And made so many memories that will matter! And as always….they’ll have glitter all the weigh!

 

The first one

There are those who see you at your best and worst.  Who push you to do things that started as a thought in your mind.  They push you to run and finish the last four miles of your first half marathon.  They find you on the course at your first triathlon to make sure you are okay and to make sure you finish.  Those are your people.  But there's always the first one. 

My neighbor in apartments I lived in many years ago was the first one in the tribe.  As I sat with my coffee this morning, she crossed my mind.  She was the definition of a motivator.  She was the only one who seemed to keep up with me on my then walks.  She was the one who introduced and encouraged me to do intervals. And she was was right alongside.  

We conquered many things.  She was by my side when I finished my

first half marathon.  When I started to cry one the course, she would not have it.  I could cry at the finish is what she told me.  When the pace balloons got close to us, we ran until they were out of our sight.  But before we conquered the half marathon together, we finished our first trail race.  It helped we were served wine at the end.  Her voice was the one hollering when I stood in front of the crowd at Weight Watchers and reached goal.  

She saw me enjoy ice skating after losing 200 lbs. and laughed alongside when I was helped up by a Boy Scout.  She became the charter member of my tribe.   Because of her I realized many things about myself.  For instance, I became competitive with myself.  And after being stood up on a blind date, I walked so fast she dubbed it my "p*ssed off pace."  

It is weird how memories or people pop in the mind at times.  Without any warning.  I suddenly missed her this morning. The phrase "they are in your life for a reason" is thrown about and it's on everything from posters, quotes, and everything else.  I think she appeared in my life at the time she did for several reasons.  The main one to encourage me, never give up on me, and be my side kick.  

Maybe I missed her this morning because after the setbacks, I am returning to the person she helped uncover.  And while walking and running alone does offer solitude and reflection, I can be my own worst enemy.   She made sure we walked/ ran those miles in the afternoon.  We discovered new routes.   Because of her tenacity of making sure I did not give up, I accomplished so much.  

If you know of anyone who fits that bill and is willing to fill some big shoes, I welcome it.  But.....as always, they must be full of glitter! 

Christina 

 

Just here to continue the story......

This is not a....what do they call books where you must read books 1 and 2 to understand 3...interconnected.  I guess it could be or treated as a standalone. 

Almost ten years ago, on a day (or maybe an evening) in May, I pubished this blog post Just here to tell a story....  It was short compared to those I would write later.  It was more of an introduction and "trailer" as to what this blog would be about.  It's not a fancy blog.  There are no side bar ads or fancy menus....although I'm working to upgrade it.  

I would go on to make an effort to post something almost every week, coinciding with Weight Watcher meetings.   Some of my inspiration on what to talk about came from those meetings.  Not sure how I came up with the name of the blog, other than I like sparkly things and the color pink.  I blogged about the time a group of us tried bowling and indoor rock climbing.  Or the day we all ventured out to the 288 lake to do yoga on a paddle board.   These adventures were planned by a good friend of mine in Weight Watchers.  As she put it, she was trying to find an activity (or activities) that she liked to do and would enjoy doing.  We survived kayaking.  

I also blogged about the challenges or obstacles I encountered and how I dealt with them.  More times than not, the titles were usually inspired from the weekly meetings.  The one about paddle board yoga, for instance is titled Keep Calm and Embrace the Wobble and there was one about some days call for cheese doodles. 

I realized recently that the one day that would propel me into a decade (and counting) long journey almost sneaked by.  I've called it my aha moment.  But I also think, because of my stubbornness, God gave me a sign that I couldn't do it on my own and he was there to help.  Without repeating all the details you can read about in that post in May 2015, I was scared and so were just about everyone that cared for me.   I didn't know how I was to change everything I knew.  But it had to be done.  

I tried to chronicle (or write about) every new thing I experienced for the first time in what seemed like forever.  A friend of mine once said when she read my blogs, she felt like I was sitting next to her talking.  I hope those that have read it have the same feeling.  But as often as it does, life intervened and the posts became less frequent.  I hit a plateau and, in the world of Weight Watchers, although always a lifetime member, had to get back to that happy number.  And I did.....I think twice.   And am doing it again currently.  During the "good" years, I would finish 2 half marathons, step out in the dating world (only to retreat later - not for what you think), and take stock on who was in my circle.  

When I reached goal the first time, I proclaimed it would never come back.  What they say is true - never say never.  The last tine it came back, it stuck. Or I should say she stuck around.   I was at fault for not treating the mindset at the same time I was losing weight the first time.  Mindset is IMPORTANT with ANYTHING.  I've learned that over and over, but none so than just recently.   The first round (and probably the second round), the focus was on the physical and not mental.   

The blog has gone through some changes regarding the subjects at times.  I hope to pick it back up and chronicle (or talk about) the struggles I face (may always face).  There may be newbies who read a recent post and want more.  I always say, get sone coffee or wine, pick a comfy spot and read.   This is my story and I hope you find a bit of inspiration, hope, and maybe a bit of glitter.  

More than a conqueror

  "No, in all these things we are more than conquers through Him who loved us." Romans 8:37

Before I unpack all about Saturday, these are just a few of my favorites.

   "So happy for and proud for you. This was a truly hard thing."

   "You're awesome!"

   "Awesome!"

   "Amazing comeback Christina!"

   "Over the moon excited for you!"

   "Great comeback girl!"

    "Beyond happy for you and so proud of you! Nothing can keep you down!"

    "You're going to have a beautiful day!

    "Holy Moly. Enjoy every step, every moment because they are yours and they represent your victory!"

I probably have repeated the word excited way too much lately. On some level, I was psyching myself up for something I so wanted to do. Return to doing. My training most likely did not look like anyone else's. But I gave it all I had with my last training run last weekend. I finished five miles and I thought, If I can finish 5 miles then I can finish the 10k next Saturday. Everything was ready; outfit, shoes, socks, even the nails.  

     On Friday, I picked up my race packet for The Woodlands Marathon 10k.  It felt a little weird not volunteering but I told them I'd be back next year. A good friend of mine signed up for the race after I told her I was doing it as my comeback race. So I met her and stood in line with her to get her packet. Bib assignments were only a few numbers apart. There was a different air about the expo. I guess it was filled with...yes that word again...excitement.  We surveyed the expo and took a few pictures. Then it was off to prepare and be well rested for the next morning.

     I feel like I should back up a bit but if you have been following me and keeping up with the blog, it may be a bit redundant. I actually kept that I was doing the 10k a secret. And believe me, that's hard to do! My closet friends knew but I hadn't really told anyone else. Saturday morning, still feeling ready, nerves were a bit shaky.  Years past, the weather has been quite cold, rainy, but often a glorious day. Saturday was no exception. Sun came out in full force around 8:30 a.m. after a relatively cool start. The two of us started out doing good. I learned from past races, I took off running because, well everyone else did too and I wanted to be like them. But I would take off too fast then burn out early. My initial plan was to walk the first mile or so, then do some short run/walk intervals. That plan didn't happen. I psyched myself up days before thinking I could hit a goal of under two hours.  Spoiler alert: did not happen.  But the good things on the course were: my (new) hips and knees behaved and I wasn't out of breath. So, I am not sure why, after mile 3, things seemed to crater.  

     But the two of us finished! As we rounded the corner on the path to the finish line, and I don't know why they put the 10k people in the same lane as the full marathoners, and shared the 26.2 lane, we could see and hear the crowds. I knew the finish line was not that far off. I always try to save energy and run across the finish line. Today was no different. As we approached, I took off and ran across the finish line. No pain or discomfort. And did it happily....and smiling!  I am very humbled to have had the support of so many. While others trained for the half and full, I trained quietly for a 10k.  To go back a year ago, I initially deferred my half marathon to this year but realized after the second hip replacement, it wasn't conceivable (or smart) to train for a half.  

     After the finish, I felt a happiness I think has been lacking.  There were tears but they didn't leave my eyes.  It may have been the delirium. Or that I really did do a hard thing. The last race I did was in 2022, rather uncomfortably.  But Saturday, my hips and legs carried me through and finished 6.2 miles.  For the first time in a long time, I enjoyed sitting with the others and just soaking in all that was going on. Was I disappointed I didn't finish under 2 hours? Yes. Only because there was a time (and a different me) when I finished a half in under 3 hours. But as I was reminded, I finished a 10k after having two hip replacements within a year.  I took more pictures than I remember doing in years past. I even posed for one on the course, which I always shy away from.  

     I have had amazing motivation, inspiration, coaching, and education this last year.  These running friends and community have celebrated every bit of my recovery along with me, while they were out running 6-20 miles on Saturday mornings and I was giddy about completing 1, 2, and 3 miles, they still high-fived and cheered me on. They saw me at my worst and they stuck around to see me at my best. I learned that our accomplishments are not just ours.  Somehow, this last year, I have been encouraged and inspired more than any other time. By an awesome group of friends, near and far.  

     So what's next you might be thinking? One of the things I look forward to while training for a race, is the rest and recovery after. Rest and recovery, I learned, is vital after completing a race. So, I have about 3 days of rest and recovery. I'm back on the pavement later this week. I do have a plan.....or concepts of plan. Okay, my attempt at some humor. A few people know, most importantly my coach. And she is on board with it. I might as well spill the beans.  In 2026, it will be 10 years since my very first half marathon which was done in my own backyard.  I thought it was fitting to celebrate by returning to where it started. I signed up for The Woodlands Half Marathon. I am enthused (ah, thought I was going to use excited again didn't you) about it. I will tell you it will be done with glitter all the weigh!  

Christina 

1. 
   

A meet up with my younger self......

 "To your younger self....forgive her. To your current self....believe in her. To your future self....create her."

Apparently there is a trend going around where you post about meeting your younger self for coffee and having a conversation. So I got on the trend and this is how it went.  

After I finished a little over 3 miles (some of which I ran in the rain) on this early rainy Saturday, I sat down with my younger self for coffee. Well, she drank water, I had a limited edition Starbucks Brown Sugar Cinnamon coffee.  

She wrinkled her nose and asked me when I started drinking coffee. I smiled and remember the day I took a sip. I met a dear British friend for coffee at a local cafe. I didn't know what I would drink if I didn't have coffee. I told my younger self I decided it was time to grow up so I had a cup and have never looked back.  

As we sat, tears welled up in her eyes. She cried and told me she was tired of being overweight and feeling alone, isolated. She had yet to really date and go out and do things. I told her she has an aha moment and she loses over 200 pounds. She meets some really awesome people who become her closest friends.  Shaking her head as she doesn't believe me, she asks if her dream of being skinny came true. I smiled and said yes, but not without hard work and tough choices. I left out the hospital visit and the diabetes.  

I'm dressed in my yoga/running pants, hair up in a ponytail, Brooks and a short sleeve shirt.  She asked if I really enjoyed being active. I told her I did and I realized how capable I am of so many things. I told her she gets addicted to races, running, and yoga. Even joins a run club.  And so much more.  

I tell her she changes the way she eats, gives up diet drinks, ice cream and fast food. She commits herself to Weight Watchers for the last time and succeeds. She asks if it was hard. I tell her it was challenging at times, but it was something she had to do. I am honest and tell her there are some bumps and detours but she conquers them. She sits and listens. Listens to the stories I tell of finishing a half marathon, not once, but 3 times. Stories of letting go of how she thinks things should go and enjoy. Enjoy the organic development of it all.  

Before we get up and leave, I ask her for a favor. I tell her I'm doing something sort of big in a couple of weeks and could she be at the finish line. She might see some awesome people. She smiles and says she will. She then asks me what I thought about starting a blog. I suggest the name be something sparkly. She'll inspire many others.  

Did I mention the conversation was filled with Glitter all the weigh? 

You will.... again

 "You will be in the moment again. You will find yourself again. You will get into a routine again. You will believe in something bigger than yourself again. You will return because you're not going backwards, but softening inwards. You are bringing into expression the person who has always lived inside. You have not lost the hope within you, for it is the home that will always be your final destination."

Do we really want to talk about 2024? If we must, okay. It was a weird year but the situation(s) gave me time to take care of myself. I think I posted about my left hip surgery. After I recovered I thought things would get back to how they were. I was wrong. I just looked at the last time I blogged. August of 2024. Wow. There are many holes. It was decided that my right hip needed replacing as well. So, in September, I geared up for another surgery. This time, I knew what to expect with recovery.  I could extend the cliffs notes version, but there's not much excitement for the rest of the year.  

Well, except that recovery went well and by Thanksgiving I was walking again. No pain, no limping, no braces. My awesome coach increased my mileage by .25 miles every two weeks. By December I was walking 3 miles during the week and 4 on Saturday.  

I am finally headed toward the moment again. The one where I am doing what I enjoy. Have I found myself again? Not quite. But I am slowly returning to a routine again. And if I can toot my own horn, it feels fantastical.  

I told myself that I would start running again in January. Well, I followed through. I am still in a coral very far in the back, but I am in a much better place than I was the last time I crossed a start line. I am almost forced to enjoy this journey and the progression. I do not mind. I run and there is no pain. Even the arthritic knee holds off until I finish. I adore the friends who have encouraged me along the way. Watched me as I crawled out of a hole only to walk normal again.  They are almost as excited as I am or more watching my progress.  

I still giggle as I put on my socks and lace up my shoes. And I certainly giggle when I cross my legs. I hate to burst the bubble, but.....I still have those thoughts from time to time. I had one earlier this week. You would think after all this time I’d be an expert at how to handle them.

I am on the cusp of something big and I need to make these weeks count. I have no time for bumps. You’ll remind me that everyone has them. While this is true they have mastered the art of letting them roll off the back.

I almost want to chant “today is not that day.” I am excited about returning to my routines. I am excited about being active again. There’ll be a day when I wake up and those thoughts are kept at bay.

And I will run with glitter all the weigh…again.

Always Slide.....

 

It's been six months since my total left hip replacement.  It is amazing how pain free that side feels.  The implant has remained in place and not faltered.  At my doctor's appointment, we discussed having the right hip replaced and if it was time.  According to the orthopedic, it is time to have the right side worked on.  I never thought I would be excited about another surgery.  

The ebb and flows of my motivation have been somewhat constant.  I feel great when I lace up, get strapped in with my NoxGear vest and turn on the Garmin to run instead of run indoors.  I lock my knee in the hinge brace (fooling myself that THAT'LL alleviate any pain) and forge ahead.  I walk the waterway because I know where the benches are placed.  Nowadays I walk about a quarter mile then stop to rest.  I fool myself in thinking it is the Texas humidity and the fact I haven't worked on my endurance.  

I was able to finish a mile thanks to the encouraging words of friends.  And I have slowly built on that mile but haven't reached 2 miles yet.  I remind myself this time last year or the year before this wasn't possible.  Yes, there is still pain, but I deal with it.  

My mind paints a deceptive picture of the motivation I seem to have.  It goes up then comes down.  And my mind seems to trick me.  The last few days it is my thinking why try so hard when the walking RIGHT NOW is not getting easier or better.  I can forget about speed.  But because she is the best friend that she is, she sends me a text: "You do it for the same reason we train like we do in the summer.  So that when it is better, it's easier."

My coach then sends me a reel via Instagram.  And another facebook friend posted one of her famous PSAs.  (Where I got the post title from) I got it, they were all sending the same message.  One could argue I do not shy away from hard things.  While I may have proven I am capable of doing hard things, right now this seems to be the hardest.  But when the whistle blows early in the morning, it is easier to stay under the covers.  I am out of habit and all it takes is a few grunts and crawls out of bed to get back in.  

All this said, I do celebrate the small victories.  My right is not as severe as the left.  I am able to do squats without holding on to something for dear life.  And for the first time is almost 2 years - because of the plan for the right hip - I can actually think about races I want (and will) to do.  I can actually plan.  

I need to heed the message in front of me.  Work on it now so when the time comes, it'll be easier.  Figure out how to win now.  Give that 110% and always slide.  

You can bet I'll do it with Glitter all the Weigh!!  Remember - always slide.