On the Run: fitness made simple

This is blog about embracing a healthy lifestyle! To me, this means discovering enjoyable ways to take care of your mind & body. Come join me in getting stronger so we can be the best for those we love and our community.

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Posts tagged "summer"
Summer’s almost over!!! This is the last month until I start medical school. The local high schools start next week! I’ve been helping a group of college students with a campus mural, still have 3 paintings of my own to finish, a couple piano pieces to master, and some back-to-school shopping. I don’t think I’ll get to swimming lessons…What projects do you still have to finish? Is there anything left on your summer bucket list? 

Summer’s almost over!!! This is the last month until I start medical school. The local high schools start next week! I’ve been helping a group of college students with a campus mural, still have 3 paintings of my own to finish, a couple piano pieces to master, and some back-to-school shopping. I don’t think I’ll get to swimming lessons…What projects do you still have to finish? Is there anything left on your summer bucket list? 

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We have a whole tree full of peaches! I love #summer! What fruits and vegetables do you grow? #food #fruit #healthy (Taken with Instagram)

We have a whole tree full of peaches! I love #summer! What fruits and vegetables do you grow? #food #fruit #healthy (Taken with Instagram)

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After foiled plans for a March marathon, I finally made it in one piece to the starting line on July 29th, 2012! Can you see me in the first picture? (hint: shortest one in the front). It was kind of embarrassing; the announcer asked us how many of us were first-time marathoners. I was the only one in the front row to raise my hand. Everyone around me looked like seasoned racers… But honestly, I just wanted to be in the front so I could see my mom and have pictures taken LOL. So this was basically how my race went: Miles 1-13: I started off faster than I intended too partly due to nerves and partly due to how fast the other runners were going. I used the restroom at the first aid station, which was a hard decision for me. Then around mile 4, I started to panic because I felt a sharp pain shoot up my foot and ankle.  It was bad. I started to worry that I’d have to drop out now and go home. I thought of how disappointed my mom would be and my relatives’ sad faces…However, it wasn’t an unfamiliar pain. I’ve felt it before on a long during which I overcame the sensation. I stopped, walked, stretched my calves, flexed my foot, and tried to run again. The pain didn’t go away! I applied what I had just learned about proper running form. Stand upright and lean slightly forward. This helped by minimizing heel-striking and encouraging a mid-foot strike. However, I did have to run more on the ball of my foot than I’m used to for the entire race which is why my calves are currently tight masses of fury right now. We ran across the Golden Gate Bridge during miles 6-9 which was pretty neat (except we were so squished and couldn’t  get around people).  The first half went by really fast!. Miles 13-20:  I started getting a little fatigued and was still running partially on the balls of my feet to avoid tweaking my foot and ankle. I just kept thinking about getting to the next aid station, seeing my family at the end, and staying strong. Throughout the race, people were mostly passing me, but by now I found my people! I was fighting negative thoughts during this time, but the bubbly, happy thoughts prevailed. I was kind of bummed that I wouldn’t make it in under 4 hours like I had hoped. Miles 20-25: This was the point when I really felt like I was running a marathon.  Everyone says the last 6.2 miles are the worst…but it didn’t feel that way to me. I was so excited to break new ground! This was the real deal now! After mile 23, I wanted to speed up, but I couldn’t lift my legs any higher. My hip flexors were so sore. I realized that everyone was in pain at this point, so I wasn’t a special and weak case. I was so happy and excited to reach mile 25 because at this point, I was for sure going to make it across the finish line…even if I had to walk! Miles 26.2: They weren’t lying. There really is an end! The announcer called out my name as I ran across the finish line and I met up with my family! It really was a beautiful and proud moment for me. The best feeling was the release of all the stress from worrying about pulling a muscle or hurting my foot. I was really worried about getting injured throughout the race. Also, I thought, “Hey, that actually wasn’t as fun as I thought it’d be…” I think I was too stressed about my foot spazzing again to really enjoy the run. But wow, I can’t believe I finished! My time was 4:09 (9:30 min/mile)!  After a year of planning, sustaining injuries, training on and off, fixing eating habits, and 3 consistent months of running…I ran a marathon!!! Thank you sooo much to my parents and cousins who tried hard and came to San Francisco with me!  They gave me so much motivation and energy.   The best advice I can give is to treat each mile like a new adventure.  Pictures: The starting line at 5:50 am, close up of me (and who’d I look like if I was a guy), water show around the Bay Bridge, me running up to the finish line, my parents and I after the race, my cousins and me at brunch!  Much love, Geraldine 

After foiled plans for a March marathon, I finally made it in one piece to the starting line on July 29th, 2012! Can you see me in the first picture? (hint: shortest one in the front). It was kind of embarrassing; the announcer asked us how many of us were first-time marathoners. I was the only one in the front row to raise my hand. Everyone around me looked like seasoned racers… But honestly, I just wanted to be in the front so I could see my mom and have pictures taken LOL. So this was basically how my race went:

Miles 1-13: I started off faster than I intended too partly due to nerves and partly due to how fast the other runners were going. I used the restroom at the first aid station, which was a hard decision for me. Then around mile 4, I started to panic because I felt a sharp pain shoot up my foot and ankle.  It was bad. I started to worry that I’d have to drop out now and go home. I thought of how disappointed my mom would be and my relatives’ sad faces…However, it wasn’t an unfamiliar pain. I’ve felt it before on a long during which I overcame the sensation. I stopped, walked, stretched my calves, flexed my foot, and tried to run again. The pain didn’t go away! I applied what I had just learned about proper running form. Stand upright and lean slightly forward. This helped by minimizing heel-striking and encouraging a mid-foot strike. However, I did have to run more on the ball of my foot than I’m used to for the entire race which is why my calves are currently tight masses of fury right now. We ran across the Golden Gate Bridge during miles 6-9 which was pretty neat (except we were so squished and couldn’t  get around people).  The first half went by really fast!.

Miles 13-20:  I started getting a little fatigued and was still running partially on the balls of my feet to avoid tweaking my foot and ankle. I just kept thinking about getting to the next aid station, seeing my family at the end, and staying strong. Throughout the race, people were mostly passing me, but by now I found my people! I was fighting negative thoughts during this time, but the bubbly, happy thoughts prevailed. I was kind of bummed that I wouldn’t make it in under 4 hours like I had hoped.

Miles 20-25: This was the point when I really felt like I was running a marathon.  Everyone says the last 6.2 miles are the worst…but it didn’t feel that way to me. I was so excited to break new ground! This was the real deal now! After mile 23, I wanted to speed up, but I couldn’t lift my legs any higher. My hip flexors were so sore. I realized that everyone was in pain at this point, so I wasn’t a special and weak case. I was so happy and excited to reach mile 25 because at this point, I was for sure going to make it across the finish line…even if I had to walk!

Miles 26.2: They weren’t lying. There really is an end! The announcer called out my name as I ran across the finish line and I met up with my family! It really was a beautiful and proud moment for me. The best feeling was the release of all the stress from worrying about pulling a muscle or hurting my foot. I was really worried about getting injured throughout the race. Also, I thought, “Hey, that actually wasn’t as fun as I thought it’d be…” I think I was too stressed about my foot spazzing again to really enjoy the run. But wow, I can’t believe I finished! My time was 4:09 (9:30 min/mile)!  After a year of planning, sustaining injuries, training on and off, fixing eating habits, and 3 consistent months of running…I ran a marathon!!!

Thank you sooo much to my parents and cousins who tried hard and came to San Francisco with me!  They gave me so much motivation and energy.  

The best advice I can give is to treat each mile like a new adventure. 

Pictures: The starting line at 5:50 am, close up of me (and who’d I look like if I was a guy), water show around the Bay Bridge, me running up to the finish line, my parents and I after the race, my cousins and me at brunch! 

Much love,

Geraldine 

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Whenever I start feeling signs of exhaustion or frustration, I perform these techniques. Actually, on today’s 20 mile run, I did all of these, multiple times. These little tricks carried me all the way without any injuries! Even on short runs, I’m always asking myself:  Is my jaw relaxed? Are my shoulders riding up towards my ears?  How do my feet and arches feel? (I have a bunion and am prone to flares of plantar fascia pain =/)  Why these simple things work wonders: Try it people! Shaking out your fingers and arms feels awesome when you’re tired. You feel all rejuvenated and flexible again!  Do you tend to tighten your jaw under stress? Give it a good wiggle and relax those muscles (even when you’re weight training). Always, always relax your jaw.  I carry water everywhere (out running, to the mall, in the car, etc.). Water allows a good workout. Staying hydrating keeps you energized, refreshed, and happy until the end of your workout. Carrying a water bottle isn’t that bad either (you get used to it and it’s way better to have water than not).  Plies and quad stretches feel great because it relieves the pressure on your knees.  And when don’t we need a good neck roll?! Do that and relax your shoulders and you’ll be golden for miles to come!  Don’t stress, just stretch =)  P.S. Oh and this was at the Ritz-Carlton in Cancun! Aren’t the cabanas just dreamy <3 I was just walking by on the beach. I actually stayed at the the JW Marriot (same owner, just not as luxurious as the Ritz) which had an incredible infinity pool.

Whenever I start feeling signs of exhaustion or frustration, I perform these techniques. Actually, on today’s 20 mile run, I did all of these, multiple times. These little tricks carried me all the way without any injuries! Even on short runs, I’m always asking myself: 

  • Is my jaw relaxed?
  • Are my shoulders riding up towards my ears? 
  • How do my feet and arches feel? (I have a bunion and am prone to flares of plantar fascia pain =/) 

Why these simple things work wonders:

  • Try it people! Shaking out your fingers and arms feels awesome when you’re tired. You feel all rejuvenated and flexible again! 
  • Do you tend to tighten your jaw under stress? Give it a good wiggle and relax those muscles (even when you’re weight training). Always, always relax your jaw. 
  • I carry water everywhere (out running, to the mall, in the car, etc.). Water allows a good workout. Staying hydrating keeps you energized, refreshed, and happy until the end of your workout. Carrying a water bottle isn’t that bad either (you get used to it and it’s way better to have water than not). 
  • Plies and quad stretches feel great because it relieves the pressure on your knees. 
  • And when don’t we need a good neck roll?! Do that and relax your shoulders and you’ll be golden for miles to come! 

Don’t stress, just stretch =) 

P.S. Oh and this was at the Ritz-Carlton in Cancun! Aren’t the cabanas just dreamy <3 I was just walking by on the beach. I actually stayed at the the JW Marriot (same owner, just not as luxurious as the Ritz) which had an incredible infinity pool.

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summer update!

Why is it that when you’re having fun, time passes by so quickly? The longest summer  of my life was after 3rd year in college when I was working full-time and preparing for my MCAT. WORST. SUMMER. EVER. This year, it’s definitely going by too fast. I’m using this summer to hone my skills, try new things, and further my 2012 Resolutions! My main activities are, Public Speaking, Jazz dance, Yoga, working out, and music. 

Professional Development: Public speaking is SO importantly. I’m taking a communications course at a local community college, and we’re learning techniques and ways to organize our speeches. I haven’t been rehearsing my speeches as much as I should, but my class and professor always compliment my presentation. They like my energy and find me pretty clear. Their only criticism is that I have to “hammer home” my thesis and heavily emphasize it for clarity. This guy (who was 2 grades below me at my high school) in my class was like, “Good job Geraldine, I gave you a 49/50!” I felt bad because I think I gave him a 39? He even draws A+ lightbulbs on my note pages…ANYHOW, it’s fun to see other people’s speeches too, some are very inspiring. And it’s also inspiring to see people improve. I plan to use public speaking skills frequently in medical school and in my career, so that’s why I’m using this summer to gain more experience. 

Extracurricular Develpment: Jazz is so much fun! The music, the sassiest, the energy…it’s just a great way to show personality and style. It’s only my second dance class and I’ve never had any formal training in the art, but even if I’m not a great dancer, I’m still enjoying learning the form and movements. I LOVE doing the isolation exercises. It’s great for the your neck and hips.

Also, I’m taking yoga this summer, and I like my new instructor A LOT better than my Spring instructor. She makes new routines and introduces at least 1 new pose a class. And, she has a better strength component than my last teacher (focused on flexibility mostly). I’m personally working on arm balances, focusing my gaze upwards, big toe pose, and pigeon. 

Music, especially piano (and not singing) is a major part of my life, and I’m scared that I won’t have much time to practice after this summer…until forever! I’ve really been trying to take advantage of my year before medical school to learn new songs and to practice my technique. I just finished memorizing a Bach prelude! It was pretty difficult. 

ART! I’ve finished a collage & acrylic piece and starting another Buddha inspired painting for my mom. 

Health & fitness: My main goal has been to stay on track with my marathon training and to not get injured. Last January, I injured my plantar fascia (arch of your foot) after my 17 mile run. However, I’ve been able to complete up to 20 miles now! It’s because I’ve been focusing on running steady instead of running as fast as I could. I don’t run faster than the pace I intend to run my marathon. For strength and high intensity workouts, I do a lot of hills. All my runs have at least 1 major hill. Once a week, I’ll do an intense hill session. Other than that, I’ve been doing minor body weight strength training and cross training through my week. I’m starting swimming lessons soon because I actually can only swim freestyle comfortably. I’ve always been going on hikes with my mom a few times a week so we gets more exercise. 

MISC: OH and I teamed up with 2 other girls from my medical school class and we got our apartment!!! My window faces a wall (like 3 feet away). Yeah, not so sure how I’m going to make it pleasant…any ideas?

How have you been spending your summer? Half a year has gone by; remember those 2012 Resolutions? 

P.S. Pinned posts at the top of my dash are so annoying!!!! 

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You don’t have to live life depriving yourself. That’s what sample cones are for! My brother bought something, I came along for the free samples. Classayy! #food #icecream #dessert #summer #froyo (Taken with Instagram)

You don’t have to live life depriving yourself. That’s what sample cones are for! My brother bought something, I came along for the free samples. Classayy! #food #icecream #dessert #summer #froyo (Taken with Instagram)

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It&#8217;s the weekend and time to get outside, get active, but stay healthy! Try on your bikini or favorite party dress before starting the weekend to reaffirm your goals. This will keep you motivated when you may want to overindulge on Friday/Saturday night. What I love almost as much as good food? A good bargain! I got these Marc by Marc Jacobs bikinis for $22 and $50 including tops &amp; bottoms (originally $170 each)!! ^_^ hehe finding deals is part of my Asian nature.  I pulled these out this morning to motivate myself to get my essay/applications done so I can go out to the beach/pool and actually wear them!  Have a great weekend! 

It’s the weekend and time to get outside, get active, but stay healthy! Try on your bikini or favorite party dress before starting the weekend to reaffirm your goals. This will keep you motivated when you may want to overindulge on Friday/Saturday night.

What I love almost as much as good food? A good bargain! I got these Marc by Marc Jacobs bikinis for $22 and $50 including tops & bottoms (originally $170 each)!! ^_^ hehe finding deals is part of my Asian nature. 

I pulled these out this morning to motivate myself to get my essay/applications done so I can go out to the beach/pool and actually wear them! 

Have a great weekend! 

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It&#8217;s great to get fit outdoors, but don&#8217;t forget your sunscreen! I use sunblocks with Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide as their active ingredients. Currently using Aveeno MineralBlock and Neutrogena Pure and free-baby stick on my face. For my arms and legs, I&#8217;m not as careful and use whatever is on sale. Benefits of Mineral Blocks More photostable than chemical ingredients. Zinc and Titanium do not breakdown when exposed to UV rays over a long time. Active ingredients like oxybenzone will lose their effectiveness soon after being in the sun.  Stays effective until you take it off!  Does not breakdown in sunlight, so they don&#8217;t cause free radicals (damaging agents) on your skin Better at preventing wrinkles than chemical sunscreens.  The marathon runners I run with on Saturdays wear sunscreen on their legs as well! Everyone stays protected :D 

It’s great to get fit outdoors, but don’t forget your sunscreen! I use sunblocks with Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide as their active ingredients. Currently using Aveeno MineralBlock and Neutrogena Pure and free-baby stick on my face. For my arms and legs, I’m not as careful and use whatever is on sale.

Benefits of Mineral Blocks

  • More photostable than chemical ingredients. Zinc and Titanium do not breakdown when exposed to UV rays over a long time. Active ingredients like oxybenzone will lose their effectiveness soon after being in the sun. 
  • Stays effective until you take it off! 
  • Does not breakdown in sunlight, so they don’t cause free radicals (damaging agents) on your skin
  • Better at preventing wrinkles than chemical sunscreens. 

The marathon runners I run with on Saturdays wear sunscreen on their legs as well! Everyone stays protected :D 

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No one looks happier than a surfer running to the waves. Accomplished one goal for the summer: took my board out again! Make the most of your life and body by staying active!

No one looks happier than a surfer running to the waves.

Accomplished one goal for the summer: took my board out again!

Make the most of your life and body by staying active!

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Went surfing for the first time in over a year! Let’s just say I had a lot of practice paddling and got a great tricep workout… I first learned to surf when I has 13 at a surf camp and continued during the summers. When I got to college, I took some surfing recreation classes to practice more and get to know people. This board was my dad’s present to me during sophomore year in college! I used to walk with my board down to the beach when I lived on campus =]

Went surfing for the first time in over a year! Let’s just say I had a lot of practice paddling and got a great tricep workout…

I first learned to surf when I has 13 at a surf camp and continued during the summers. When I got to college, I took some surfing recreation classes to practice more and get to know people. This board was my dad’s present to me during sophomore year in college! I used to walk with my board down to the beach when I lived on campus =]

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My motivation for running. 

My motivation for running. 

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RUN HILLS: This combines strength training with cardiovascular exercise. Not only does running up hills work all your leg muscles, but I can really feel it in my lower back and glutes. Also, if you keep your core tight, you can work your abs as well. This morning, I ran and shuffled all the way up this massive hill, never stopping or walking. Last week, I did have to stop and walk for a little bit. This is about 2/3 of the way. The tiny white specks near the top are surfers with their board so you can get a sense of how LONG and steep the climb was. 

RUN HILLS: This combines strength training with cardiovascular exercise. Not only does running up hills work all your leg muscles, but I can really feel it in my lower back and glutes. Also, if you keep your core tight, you can work your abs as well.

This morning, I ran and shuffled all the way up this massive hill, never stopping or walking. Last week, I did have to stop and walk for a little bit. This is about 2/3 of the way. The tiny white specks near the top are surfers with their board so you can get a sense of how LONG and steep the climb was. 

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Pretty salad my mom made! My parents are so cute, they take pictures of their healthy foods for my blog =)  Raspberry Summer Salad  Spinach and baby greens White onions Sliced Oranges  Raspberries Black pepper Balsamic vinegar as dressing

Pretty salad my mom made! My parents are so cute, they take pictures of their healthy foods for my blog =) 

Raspberry Summer Salad 

  • Spinach and baby greens
  • White onions
  • Sliced Oranges 
  • Raspberries
  • Black pepper
  • Balsamic vinegar as dressing
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What I love about long weekends&#8230;long runs! I went to the bars last night with my friends and had a couple drinks (and cookies&#8230;and yogurt&#8230;and too many bar nuts). I was motivated to start today doing something good for my body like running to the beach! Running has a cleansing effect for me. Whenever you go partying or drinking, have fun but the next day do something healthy for your body! This goes for after indulging too much in your favorite foods too. Happy 4th -xGeri

What I love about long weekends…long runs! I went to the bars last night with my friends and had a couple drinks (and cookies…and yogurt…and too many bar nuts). I was motivated to start today doing something good for my body like running to the beach! Running has a cleansing effect for me.

Whenever you go partying or drinking, have fun but the next day do something healthy for your body! This goes for after indulging too much in your favorite foods too.

Happy 4th -xGeri

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Morning work out: ~ 1 hr cross country running Looking forward to this run everyday! I always have epiphanies about how amazing my life is while I&#8217;m running.  -Torrey Pines State Park

Morning work out: ~ 1 hr cross country running

Looking forward to this run everyday! I always have epiphanies about how amazing my life is while I’m running. 

-Torrey Pines State Park

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