Running Helped Me Find Myself

Courtesy of I Love to Run

This has been one interesting year. It has been a year of ups, down, twists, and turns. I often refer to this journey as 'The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness'...my Disney friends will get that reference immediately and probably say it in the Western accent.

When I started half marathon training in 2011, I was a completely different person. My priorities and mindset were in a completely different place than it is today. I guess you can say I've matured and grown up. I mean, I am only 27 years old so I guess a level of adult maturity is to be expected. But I am sure some of my fellow runners will agree with this next statement...running doesn't change who you are. Running enhances the strong, tenacious, and excellent qualities you always possessed. When you run, whether you are in a race or just training, you focus. Your focus is targeted on a goal. Finish that race! Push through this training run! Hit that mileage for the week! Snatch that PR! Focus is only one part of the equation for success.

I have found that protecting my emotional space from toxic and harmful energy was just as important as training for a race. Mental focus is just as important as physical training. Surrounding myself with loving, helpful, and inspiring energy and people enables me to be a blessing to other people. It allows me the space to share my thoughts with you. My thoughts are clear. My thoughts are honest. My thoughts are full of helpful energy. Having my space clouded with energy that isn't conducive to that mission must be removed in order for me to be effective in what I love to do. Which is run, blog, and run some more.

While watching Oprah's last episode before she ended her talk show (yes, I watched it) she said one of many things I will never forget. I did not quite understand what she meant until recently. But when I did...boy, talk about an AH-HA moment.

"You are responsible for the energy you bring to others."

The only thing I have ever wanted to do as long as I can remember, is be a leader. I am a natural leader. A leader is someone who is able to inspire and help a team or individual achieve a goal. Running, blogging, and tweeting has given me that act in this show called Life to do just that. I have a responsibility to you! My responsibility is to always be honest, and continue to bring you the truest Inspirational Tea! I want nothing more than for you to be the best YOU that you can be, on and off the marathon course. We are here on this planet for a very short period of time and no one knows when the life class will end. So, while we are here it is our duty to be good to one another. It is our duty to uplift one another. It is our responsibility to help our brothers and sisters in this show called Life be the best people that they can be. Offer helpful energy. Remember, helpful energy and thoughts may at times be uncomfortable to hear or realize, but if they come from a place of love and help, than it is all for the greater good. I encourage you to be open in your mind and heart to receive such energy and information.

All things and all people are connected. Energy is never destroyed, it is merely transfered from one party to another. That's a law of physics. It is true in life. You are energy. You are magnificent. You are responsible for that energy you carry and share with others. Leave a lasting positive impression on the Earth.

Running, as well as the help of great people in my life have helped me form these thoughts about life. I didn't change. I am the same person I have always been. That funny guy who likes to have a good time. I am that friend that will do anything for you, putting your needs ahead of my own at times. I am the person you can call and talk to and get an impartial opinion from free of judgement. But I have evolved and matured. How I handle and approach situations is different. Running and connecting with other like-minded people has unlocked doors to my inner spirit and mind that I never knew existed. Being open-minded and ready to receive and implement the change is always the challenge.

So, when people look at me and say 'You've changed.' I do not think that is completely true. My responses have changed. My focus and my energy has shifted. And as long as you allow me, I will be here to write and inspire you. Even if it is just 50 people, that is 50 people that are blessed and can carry the blessing to others. Thank you for letting me inspire you and share my helpful energy with you. 

I encourage you to open your hearts and minds to receive warm loving energy to help inspire your athletic aspirations. Be open and enjoy the show of Life. You are a character in a cast of many...so make sure you are the star! Be the star everyone talks about for the right reasons...we know how easy it is to end up in the tabloids.

Be Blessed And Take Care of One Another! Let's Continue To Do Good Work!

Run On!

Headed to the Golden Gate

Well, it's almost here! One of the races I have been looking forward to all year! We all know I am not afraid of a challenge...and the San Francisco Marathon IS a big challenge. This will be my first time taking on this race and I couldn't be more excited.

Reasons I am excited for this race:

1. I get to run on the Golden Gate Bridge in both directions! I am a Southern California native, and I have seen the bridge from afar in my past trips to the city, but never go the chance to see it up close...now, I get to run on it. And, well...I just think that is SO COOL...and you should too :)
2. This is marathon number 3 this year! I can literally remember the days when I would sit and say 'I will never run a full marathon.'...yeah, those days are over.
3. I get to see an awesome city on foot! Like any city you visit when you go for a race, the best way to see the sights and culture is by running the streets! San Francisco is a city full of culture, life, and possibilities and I can not wait to unlock each and every one on my run!
4. I COMPLETE The LA/SF Challenge! There is literally nothing like seeing your name on the qualifier's list for that sexy piece of bling! I literally smiled from ear-to-ear when I saw my name on the list! I can't wait to collect that medal at the finish line!
5. I get to reconnect with so many friends from social media! That in itself is a wonderful thing!
6. Ghiradelli chocolate and runs in Golden Gate Park! I want to reward myself with all the chocolate things from Ghiradelli and go on a fun run with some friends in Golden Gate Park. Marathons are more than just about the race...they are about the people. Making connections and sharing stories and laughs! That's what makes these events special!

Bring on the home of Rice-A-Roni! Bring on the hills! Bring on the trollys! Bring on the wharf AND the Embarcadero! Because I am READY! 

Are you running this race? Are you as excited as I am? Anyone else earning this medal in addition to the marathon bling? See you on the Golden Gate!

Powered By Bits

Algae. Who knew that algae would make for such an awesome supplement during a marathon! I had heard a lot about ENERGYbits via Twitter from lots of people. So I decided to explore and see what these ‘bits’ were all about.

So, you are probably wondering (like I was at the time) what exactly ARE ENERGYbits? Well, bits are made from a 100% organic spirulina algae. What is interesting about bits is that they have the highest concentration of protein in the world and hit you with a consistent hit of energy without caffeine, sugar, or excess chemicals. But you know that’s not it, right? So bits are food…the algae is actually grown. Here are some interesting facts:

• Bits contain 40 vitamins and minerals, Omega 3, and are 64% protein (that’s more than a steak for you carnivores out there).
• The are one calorie per tab
• Bits contain iron and nitric oxide which prevents fatigue, antioxidants which reduce inflammation and electrolytes which preserve chemical balance and prevent dehydration.

Above bullets are sourced from the energyBITS fact sheet.

So, for those of you out there that use gels or blocks as fuel…you may want to give bits a try…you won’t buy another pack of gel again. So, let me share with you about my experience with these during a 26.2 marathon.

So, on Cinco De Mayo I celebrated my one year runnerversary by running the OC Marathon. ENERGYbits was nice enough to send me a sample tin of bits to try so I could get out there and perform at my peak. And boy did it work! Let me explain. First of all, bits have a very…well…odd taste. Not bad, nor good, they like to call it an ‘acquired’ taste. Swallow them. Trust me. As I staged in my corral I open my tin and popped 15 bits. Next thing I knew I was 10 miles in and feeling amazing! Now I was running a marathon, and had no idea I was running sub 10 minute miles that early. I felt AMAZING out there! Being fueled by the bits, I noticed by breathing was more consistent, my muscles weren’t tired in the spots they normally were, I wasn’t hungry, and above all else…I WAS FOCUSED!! I knew they were going to be great for circulation and keeping energy levels up, but when I found out that my focus was DEAD ON and unshakeable…that’s when I knew I had some magic pellets in my pocket! I tend to burn calories very fast when I am running, so that means I get hungry. During my race to replenish, I carried the tin with me and held it in my running shorts in the front pocket (easy way to store and carry with no fuss) I would pop a few tabs at a water stop and continue to move. I didn’t find them distracting at all. I didn’t crave ANY food during my run, the bits took care of all that. Remember, bits are food not a supplement. Full, focused, full of energy, consistent performance…how can this be wrong! Did I mention I finished this race with a 21 minute PR after using bits?? Now let’s talk about recovery! I had some bits left over so the following day I took some bits as a snack while at work. I am honest when I say this…I SWEAR those bits helped in my recovery. I had little to no strain or pain the next day when I woke up! Long review short, I do NOT want to run without these things ever again…I am off gels officially. We have broken up! And we aren’t ever ever ever ever EVER getting back together! I love bits now!

I am HOOKED on bits! You gotta give these things a go! I have joined the ENERGYbits ambassador team, and this is awesome for you! If you head over to www.energybits.com and enter the promo code ‘SeeSharpRun’ at check out, you’ll receive 30% off of your bag of bits! You can use this code over and over again!

Now go out there and see why athletes all over including myself are officially #PoweredByBits

Thanks to Jonathan from energyBITS for the sample!

Check out www.energybits.com for more information!