My New Normal??

Only those who will risk going too far can

possibly find out how far one can go.
~ T. S. Eliot

Hey there blogosphere.  Whatcha been up to?  Me… ah nothing just getting my run on.  I want to take a moment to talk about getting out of your norm.  You have to mix things up every now and again.  There are times that we become complacent with our regular routines.  Same thing goes for our fitness routines.  With God on my side… I am stepping out on faith.  I am going to add a few “new items” to my fitness regime.  That’s right… “new items”.  I am taking my fitness to another level.  I am officially breaking out of my shell.  I am signing up for races and fitness challenges that are not in my typical comfort zone.

 

Running in the DARK:

First up… I ran a night race… the Dash in the Dark 5K.  I know that is not saying much, but it was a big deal for me.  I never could get a night race under my belt.  Something would always come up.  The thing about night races… is that they throw you off your normal game.  You know… the few days before or night before the race you carb-load, then you wake up at the crack of dawn and prepare to get your run on.  A night race however… you come at it completely differently … and let’s just say I DID IT WRONG!!  I did not feel my best running this night race. Not to mention it had the nerve to be hot AND humid during the race.  Really… Come On Mother Nature.  Cut me some slack here.  I finished it and I am glad I did, but I am not too thrill with the whole “night race” thing.  It’s going to be a good little while before I run another night race.  To think… I wanted to go to Las Vegas and run the Rock and Roll half marathon at night.  I don’t think I’ll be doing that one anytime soon. The Dash was fun overall and my hubby suffered through the race with me.  I am always happy to see him running with me.  The race raised money for the Wylie ISD and I am glad were part of this 1^st annual event.

 

I am competing in an INDOORTRI:

Here is another 1^st for me. I wanted to complete a triathlon this year.  I have a LONG way to go, but I have to start somewhere.  Well… here it is.  My friends and I are going to compete in a local Indoortri (Life Time Fitness Indoor Triathlon http://www.indoortri.com/) on September 7^th.  I am going to become a triathlete in 60 minutes!!  Yep… I said 60 minutes.  We will swim in the pool for 10 minutes, spin bike for 30 minutes and finish with a 20 minute treadmill run.  I definitely have to work on my swimming.  I don’t want another repeat of last year (see my 9/24/13 post)… LOL.  I am super excited about the indoortri.  Stay posted for all my training details.

Signed up for a MARATHON:

YEP… I SURELY DID!!  I officially registered for my 1st, and likely last, full marathon!!! That's right... 26.2 miles of running goodness. I promised myself that I was going to run a marathon and here it is.  I am running the MetroPCS Dallas Marathon on December 14^th!!  I got a huge discount on it because I signed up for the 5 person relay last year and they cancelled the race due to inclement weather. Anyone that signed up for the race last year got a discount on any of the races this year.  Well… enough say.  This girl can’t resist a good sale. LOL!  Also… the 2013 competitors get the option of getting not one, but two medals.  The medal we would have received for finishing the 2013 race we registered for, and the appropriate 2014 finisher medal. Whoot! Whoot!  I love me some neck jewelry.
I am thanking the good Lord right now for the victory, health and strength to train and complete this race.  The race is not until December... SOOOO… you still have plenty of time to join me on this fitness endeavor! What?  What’s that you say?  You don’t want to run with me?  Well… if you don’t want to run WITH me… then you could at least hold up a sign or two FOR ME to fuel my motivation during the race!!  If you can't get out to and hold up a sign then please consider donating to the cause I am running for.  The race raises money for the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.  I will be posting my donation page info when we get closer to the race.

 So that’s it ladies and gentlemen.  I am stepping out on faith and out of my norm this year.  Who’s with me?  Will you step out of your norm?  You don’t have to run a marathon or compete in a triathlon.  If stepping out of your norm is running your 1^st 1 mile Fun Run, a 5K race or a mind-blowing obstacle race… then by all means…

GET OUT THERE AND RUN IT!!!  

Do your thang!  I’m already proud of you and all of your accomplishments.

 

C.T.C.

Commit To Commit

Until next time… Happy (Stepping Out On Faith) Running!

LR… OMM40:31

Back On Track Post... #2 of 2

 “Once you permit yourself to compromise, you fail yourself.” 
~ Dean Karnazes

Well… hello again… fancy meeting you here.  I am glad you came back for the fun fill part 2 of this “Back On Track” series.  I have had a blast these last few months doing my fitness thang, I just didn’t have the time to write about it. So I am wrapping it all up in 2 separate posts.  So let’s jump right in…

 

Cinco de Miler 5mile Race ~ 5/3/14:

Me, my hubby and my friends

My hubby, my friends and I attacked the Cinco de Miler 5 mile race this year. However, the race promoters put a little twist in the race… called the “Triple Nickel”. You completed the triple nickel by completing the 5K race and then completing the 5 mile race all for the Cinco “5” de Mayo festivities. My group nor I had any desire to do both races so we signed up just for the 5 miles race. This way we would not kill ourselves trying to get our medals. At least that what we thought. 

I CAN!!! TEAM 413!!!

We fought the good fight and finished strong. Everyone had a great time.Unfortunately… we were TOTALLY bummed to find out that the 5 mile finishers did not get medals this year. To make matters worse we were enlighten by this bit of knowledge AFTER we crossed the 5 mile finish line. REALLY! REALLY!! Only the Triple Nickel folks got the precious neck jewelry. MY HUBBY WAS NOT HAPPY!!! Big dudes like him don't run for the glory.  No way ma'am.  They run for the medals.  He has no problem telling everyone that either. LOL!! We still had a great time, but I promised him I would get him a medal made.





The look on your face when you realize
you're NOT getting a medal!!

The look on your face when you realize
you're still happy you ran 5 miles!

Before and during the race... I got a lot of comments on my Team 413 shirt.

God continues to move in my life even on the race course.  If you like the shirt go to their link and support the organization www.Team413.org

The back of my Team 413 shirt

                                                    Trill of the Grill 5K ~ 5/17/14:

Singing... "it's a family affair, it's a family affair".
The Randle family got out and moved their feet for this fun 5k race. 

~ The Randle Clan ~

My hubby with his mini me



Yeah for BACON!!!





This race raised money for the Plano ISD.  My son was super excited about this race.  He said he could “barely sleep” the night before.  He must get that from me.  I never sleep well before a race.  I don’t know why. J  Anyway… we had a good time and thoroughly enjoyed the post race BACON! 

 

Yes... I was running when I took this picture.
I just thought you were wondering... LOL!

 

RUNNING NERD ALERT: We got to meet Ultra Marathoner Dean Karnazes at this event.  So cool!  All in all it was wonderful event for me and my family. 

You know what they say… a family the runs together… J

Dean Karnazes addressing the 5K crowd

 

Masks Are My Friends ~ 5/24/14:

I was signed up to run the “Rock The Block 10k” race in Plano, TX, but I ended being in Alaska that weekend.  I know I have come a long way when I make it a point to pack my running gear so I can run on my vacation.  WHAT… who said that??  LOL!!  I even went on on-line to see if there was a race I could run while I was up there.  Unfortunately… I didn’t find a race, but still ran on my own.  The smoke from the Kenai Peninsula forest fires didn't stop me from getting my run on either.  However… I had to introduce a mask to my running gear collection.  Sending up prayers for everyone's safety down in the Peninsula.

 

Well that about brings everyone up to speed on my fitness life.  I am bless to come across  so many people in my circles and someone always says my running is very inspirational.  I praise God for that.  If I can do one thing that can motivate someone else… then all of my Facebook statuses, Instagram pics and fitness blog posts are all worth it.  I am sure some people get sick of seeing it, but you know what… God has given me the ability to run and connect with people around the world.  I am going to continue to share my victory, my testimonies and my fitness with anyone that will listen.  I know God is working through me and I am going to let him shine.  To God be the Glory!! 

 

My new race bling!!!

C.T.C.

Commit To Commit

Until next time… Happy (Sharing The Shine) Running!

LR… OMM40:31

Back On Track Post... # 1 of 2

"Running is a mental sport...and we're all insane!"
- Author unknown

 

Hey there blogosphere,

I hope you have been busy getting active out there.  I know I have been.  I have not been able to post lately, but I have been staying "fit" busy.  Man oh man… time has flown by.  So much to talk about.  I will give a quick blurb on my events and break this post up into 2 parts so I can get everyone up to speed.  During the last few months… the biggest fitness change has been my better half.  My husband has decided to run at least 6 races this year. What? What?  Yes folks… the man that would have no problem telling anyone that “running is my wife’s thing”!  I am so proud of him. 
Let’s sneak a peak into my fitness world shall we…

 National Walking Day ~ 4/2/14:

I am a member of the Epsilon Tau Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. (it’s an awesome business sorority) and we supported the American Heart Association's National Walking Day this year.  Our shoes were “Tied To Fit” for our walk and we had a great time fellowshipping as we walked around Exall Park in Dallas. 

Research has shown that the benefits of walking and moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day can help you:

•Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease

•Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels

•Maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity

•Enhance mental well being

•Reduce the risk of non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes

… and much, much more. There really are so many benefits for such a simple activity!

 

Road To The Final Four 5K ~ 4/5/14:

The NCAA Final Four was held in DFW this year. WOW… that is incredible all by it’s self. I love college ball and to have all the excitement in my backyard was great. My hubby found this 5k race and he was jazzed about running it. I just can’t resist his positive energy… so I was down for running it. It was pretty cold that morning, but we were out there. We were lining up for the start of the race and we heard the announcer say… “we need all of the competitive (A.K.A. fast) runners to come to the front of the starting line”. My husband and I looked at each other… busted up laughing and headed straight to the back of the starting group… LOL. It’s like he can read my mind sometimes. Man… I love this dude. We ran a great race and the post race snacks were delicious. Infact… my husband was surprised to see all of the post race goodies. He asked "do all of the races have snacks like this”? I said “yeppers”. His only reply was… “I am so doing another race”. He wanted to run another race even though he was a little bummed that we didn’t get a medal for this race. We ended up giving a fellow visiting runner a ride to his hotel. He was also bummed that there were no medals to be had the end of the race. I told my hubby that he should run the Cinco de Miler with me and my friends... he would get an awesome medal after enduring 5 glorious miles. He said he would think about it. This code for “NO”… LOL. Well… he decided to run it with me and boy did we get a surprise at the end. More to come on that later… trust me.

March of Dimes ~ 4/12/14:

Trip and I "Marched For Babies" this Spring! We participated in the Dallas March of Dimes walk and raised money to give babies a healthy start. Trip and I had a blast running and walking at least 3 miles of the 5 mile course. I didn’t think my little guy was up to the full 5 mile course. Helping the March of Dimes is very special to me. My niece (Victoria) and my cousin (Marquita) were both born prematurely and are living full and happy lives. They were both born before their "expected" due date, but showed up right on time! God is good.

Spring Fitness Basket Winner ~ 4/18/14:

So we raffled off Spring Baskets at my job to raise money for our holiday party.  There were all kinds of great baskets out there.  From baskets full of chocolate, to gardening supplies, to family game night.  My personal trainer was so proud that I won the "Spring Fitness Basket" (donated by the rehab team… of course). It was full of protein drinks/bars, fitness magazines, waters and much more.  I think God was trying to tell me something… LOL! This is the one I really wanted.

 
Hip Hop Fitness Class ~ 5/2/14:

On 4/26 I was blessed to be initiated into a great organization of moms called Jack and Jill of America, Inc.  The moms are great and we have great plans for our children, but on 5/2 it was all about us and our fitness.  We participated in the “J&J Get Right, Get Tight” fitness event.  It was an organized hip hop fitness class at Gold’s Gym.  It is official folks... I lost my rhythm somewhere during childbirth… LOL!  My hip and my hop was all over the place.  We made it through and we had the sweat to prove it. 

 

Wow… that is a lot of fitness,
but there is so much more to come. 

Stay tune for part 2 of  this
“Back On Track” series.

 

 

C.T.C.

Commit To Commit

Until next time…

Happy (Back On Track) Running!

LR… OMM40:31

Moving Music Mondays ~ Happy... By Pharrell Williams

Because I’m happy…

 Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof

~ Pharrell Williams

 Moving Music Mondays is proud to share this week’s song... “Happy” by Pharrell Williams.  I know, I know you have heard this song a thousand and 1 times, but dang it…

IT MAKES ME HAPPY and THIS IS MY BLOG… LOL!!!

 

I hear it and I literally start smiling.  It’s so bubbly and fun.  I find myself picking up my running pace when this song comes on.  Whoa… slow down Pharrell… you’re going make me have an asthma attack with all of this happiness. J  It’s not just me either… don’t let my 5 year old son hear it.  He refers to this song as the “Despicable Me” song… LOL!  My hubby has found my son and I dancing around to this song like crazy little oompa loompas on more than one occasion.  Don't judge us... LOL!!!

 

Have you taken the time to listen to the words of this song?   

~ Do you know what happiness is to you? 

~ What do you tell “Bad news” when it comes your way? 

~ Can anything bring you down?

 

Well now... don't sleep on happiness my friends. 

Clap along if you are happy about being happy! 

Enjoy!!

 

C.T.C.

Commit To Commit

Until next time… Happy (Clapping Along) Running!

LR… OMM40:31

Moving Music Mondays ~ The Man... by Aloe Blacc

It's time to do what must be done

Be a king when kingdom comes

~ Aloe Blacc

Ok… so we need to start movin’ and groovin’ people. What better way to do that than…

Moving Music Mondays!!!  Today I present one of my current jams…

“The Man”…by Aloe Blacc

 

You can go ahead and tell everybody I am the woMAN!! 

Yep… that's what I said.  We all need a little boost in the caboose.  Well… this song makes me want to move mine.  I find myself bopping my head and waving my hand involuntarily when I hear it.  I can also bust a nice squat rhythm to this little ditty.  You should try it! :-)  Enough about me and my squats.  Give the song a listen.

 

 

What can I say…

“God made my mold different from the rest

 Then he broke that mold so I know I'm blessed”

 

C.T.C.

Commit To Commit

Until next time… Happy (Tellin’ Everybody) Running!

LR… OMM40:31

Rockin’ & Rollin’

 “What does not destroy me, makes me strong.”

~ Nietzsche

The Rock and Roll Starting Line

Hey there blogosphere! How the heck have you been? I have been GREAT! My girlfriend (Nic) and I ran the Rock & Roll Half Marathon Relay this past Sunday. It was a blast. The Rock & Roll Marathon series is an awesome collection of races. Last year my Road Runners friends and I ran the whole thing. It was my first half marathon and I was stoked. This year Nic and I decided to run the relay instead. Not going to lie to ya… it was nice knowing I didn’t have to run THE WHOLE THING. I remember eyeing the relay transition area last year thinking to myself… why the heck didn’t I run the relay???? I think I muttered some unflattering words under my heaving chest and sucked it up... then ran the rest of the race like a good little runner girl. 

Racing Priorities... LOL!!!!

However, this year was different. I just haven’t been myself lately. I haven’t been running like I normally do. I guess life keeps getting in the way. Needless to say… I could have prepared a little better for this race, but it is what it is. I had paid my money and I was too cheap to back out and besides… I had a relay partner that was counting on me.



So let me just tell you… 3/23/14 popped up on me like a thief in the night. I didn’t see it coming. Nic and I would talk here and there about the race, but it seemed so far away. I turned around and there it was staring me in the face. Yeah baby… it was race time! 

So we decided that our relay name would be

The famous "Night Before The Race" FB picture

“The Nightingales”…we’re both nurses (Florence Nightingale)… get it? Then later it was determined that I would run the 1^st leg (7 miles) and Nic would run the last leg (6.1 miles). I was cool with that… what’s 7 miles. I could run that in my sleep. LOL… famous last words. Of course Nic and I had to coordinate our relay outfits. She got the tights and I got the shirts. The outfits really came together. We were going for the “louder the better” look. I think we nailed it.



So let’s fast forward to 3/22 the day of the Health & Fitness Expo. This is a great expo they hold in the Dallas convention center and it is also where you pick up your race bib and goodies. The expo is also the place were the racers go to spend ALL of their hard earn cash.  I could have lost my ever lovin’ mind in there. My hands were itching to buy all of my fitness favorites. You can’t even get out of the expo without walking through majority of the booths. However…I did good… I left out of there with only 2 pairs of socks, a set of calf compression sleeves, running inspired stickers, a butt load of GU and 2 shirts. I am happy I made it out alive.


Run Happy Baby!! The fun zone at the expo!!



Nic & I at 6am...
the creepy construction zone is behind the car...LOL!



Keri, Kami & Kati... Love them!!!

Nic and I met up to discuss the logistics of the relay. Let me tell you… Nic and I are pretty smart gals… we got a good number of degrees between us, but this relay business was for the birds. We were plum confused. We finally got it together and decided to head down to the 2^nd leg starting point at 5:15am. Yes folks… 5:15 IN THE MORNING!!! We got down there and it was soooo dark and scary looking. There was actually a creepy construction zone that had warning signs all around the fence. I so didn’t want to drop Nic off there and have to explain to police AND her momma how she looked the last time I saw her alive. WHAT??? NO WAY!!! We stayed in the car until we saw some potential runners. Seriously… who else would be up a 6am in the dark, wearing running shoes and neon colors. I promise… runners are cut from a different cloth. LOL!! Enter Keri, Kami and Kati
(I hope I got their names right…all Ks, 4 letters, ends with i… love it)… they were needing help and so were we. They needed a ride to the DART rail station and Nic needed not to be killed in the creepy construction zone. We hopped out of the car and start talking and sure enough we hit it off. Nic wasn’t going to be alone and I actually gave them a ride all the way to the starting line. We laughed and talked all the way. They were the sweetest people ever. God brings the coolest people into my circle.  



Nic - The best relay partner ever!!!

Back to the race… there were so many people at the race, but I tell ya… I kept running into people I knew or met last year. While waiting for the race to start I even ran into Keri, Kami and Kati again. How cool is that? I finally started the race around 8:12am. Mind you… poor Nic is still waiting patiently at the relay transition area. She has been there for 2+hours at this point and she still has to wait for my slow self to get there. I am not saying I am super slow, but I was definitely not the fastest one out there. However... I got passed up by the following characters: a pregnant lady (so embarrassing), an Elvis impersonator wearing a mohawk (are you kidding me) and a dude bouncing not 1, but 2 basketballs (REALLY…dribbling basketballs!!!!). NIC WAS DOOMED!!! However, I am happy to say that I actually did a lot better than I thought I would. I can’t tell you how happy I was when I saw Nic at the relay transition area after my 7 mile hike. She looked a neon angel… LOL!


7 miles done & done!!!!

So there you have it folks. Another race for the books and another medal earned. Nic and I had a great time and we are looking forward to running this race again and again. I have a few more races up my sleeve then it is time to start buckling down to train for my first marathon!!! I am getting excited!!










Ladies and Gentlemen... “The Nightingales"

Until next time… Happy (Rockin’ & Rollin’) Running!

LR… OMM40:31

 

Moving Music Monday ~ My Redeemer Lives

Because he lives I can face tomorrow…

Well… let’s see.  I normally have some fast pace ditty to share with the blogosphere on Mondays.  However, today I am going to enlighten you with one of my favorite cool down worship songs.  Cool downs are very important and should not be over looked in your fitness journey.

 

Today’s song is MY REDEEMER LIVES.  I have to admit this is one of my favorite songs ever!!  It resonates with me so much.  I remember seeing the clip below and wanted to share it as well.  I can’t say I would ever do an Ironman race, but man this is a great story.  A father’s love knows no bounds. 

 

God is awesome… just in case you didn’t know. 
CTC... Commit To Commit
 

Until next time… Happy (C.A.N.) Running!

LR… OMM40:31