Farewell, 2013 with a jingle! (#6 of #9 run till the Spartan Race)

 

2013 was the year of change, of discovering and an awakening of something deep within that gives you the "aha!" moment because there are so much analogies that you see in certain things you do to apply to life situations.

Running is one of them. Finishing the Spartan Sprint back in August shook me awake and it slowly started running forward with insanely signing up for 5k's, a 10k and going through with a marathon that I barely trained for that entire year!

Now why would I do that? Because it was the year of awakening and knowing that despite barely training for it (physically), mentally and wisdom of what to do will get you to the finish line. 

Now, you can't do these runs without fun. So, my last run of the year was the Jingle Rock Run hosted by Hawaii's Make-A-Wish foundation and as I shared in Yelp, if anyone of the Hawaii community did not participate, they truly missed out because it was such a feel good, fun run! 

You were not only running for fun but you were running to make a difference in a child's life! You were running alongside your family, friends and others who had the same intent in their heart! This also includes family pets dressed up for the occasion too!

The perks of the run is the well-organized planning by the host and sponsors who made sure we were entertained (entertainment along the 5k route), hydrated (water and Gatorade stations), not injured (first aid station) and replenished at the finish line (sweet bread rolls, fruits, power bars and water)! They also gave out prizes from children to adults.

Ahhhh-it is truly a great way to end your running year with a race that reaffirms why you sign up, show up and run...because running is something deeply embedded in your heart that will either whisper or shout, "You feel it? It's your heart-now get out there and run!"

 

 

Thoughts from a Military Brat: Attitude & Perspective

One of the things that I learned as a military brat was that every place was diverse (different race, different culture, different mind sets). My parents told us to make the most of everything and to accept it. 

Being of Filipino descent, we were the minority especially in the local community. Did it bother me? No. Did I dog the other ethnic groups? No. Did I dog the culture of the city/State? No. 

Why-because my parents made sure we all explored the city and overall State as well as the surrounding States to appreciate where we were because not many were fortunate to travel. 

Did we ever encounter prejudice? I can't say I have but I've witnessed it to others. As I reflect back, I personally believe that by how my parents raised us...we overlooked the bad and made the best of where we lived. 

And by what I just shared-I hold this to other military families especially when they've relocated to Hawaii. It's a culture shock here because everything has flipped. Some may come with the preconceived notion from other's who lived here with bad experiences or some who loved it. Keep in mind, this doesn't only happen in Hawaii-this happens everywhere.

However, make the most of what you have, look beyond the bad experiences and take the time to see that in every place you go-you'll come across prejudice, racism and ignorance. Don't let others small-mind actions overflow your time where you are stationed. Because if you do, others (military and local) will sense it from you. 

And by you understanding this fact....you must roll with it or else you will be exactly like those that are mean and ignorant. 

The Honolulu Marathon (5th of 9th run to the Spartan Race)

 

Honestly, I don't know what to write about this experience except that I'm still reeling from the fact that I accomplished and finished a marathon by majority of walking.

 

Bragging rights has not set in and it is taking me over a week to share about this experience.

 

I thought I prepared okay because I honestly thought you can incorporate what you do in your shorter runs to a marathon. Not really unless you really prepare your fueling and keeping to your plan to avoid giving up especially when you "hit the wall".

 

I went according to the suggested list of must-haves while you are doing the marathon. I also invested in a great pair of running shoes to minimize any aggravation of my bunions. I also learned about taping that I know I will utilize on any upcoming runs.

 

My overall learning experience of a marathon:

• It never goes according to your plan
• Hydration is a must
• Gels and sports beans is a must-too
• Some people on the course actually bring food to eat along the way (I'm afraid to because I may have to use the bathroom that will be more than 2 miles away when my stomach rumbles)
• Satohap and vaseline are lifesavers
• Bring extra k-tape strips
• Don't throw away your sponge
• It's more mental than physical especially when you've "hit the wall"
• Core exercises is a must in your training plan
• Pretzels is great to munch on
• Mixing up your playlist with different genre's is a good idea (Note: Incorporating epic movie scores is awesome because it really digs deep into your soul dramatically like you're about to run Chariots of Fire)
• That long stretch from Kahala to Hawaii Kai is a really long stretch
• Dry-wick clothes is essential because it's light and will not chafe
• Your body is still burning calories after the marathon

26.2 freaking miles...I thought I could run the first mile, walk all the way to the 20 mile marker and run the last six miles. It didn't happen. I wanted to give up at the 20 mile marker. I felt like my hips were about to fall off. I had to do hip extensions every quarter mile. Seriously, I felt like my legs were going to pop off like Barbie's legs.

 

At the finish line, my family was congratulating me and all I wanted was the medal and t-shirt as well as my clothing bag because I was afraid that the marathon people were going to donate it since it was past 2:00pm.

 

I wanted to lay on the ground and cry for being such an idiot because who in their right mind does this kind of thing? Seriously! who DOES?

 

Well, as I think back to what I was thinking that day...I realize that I am that idiot as well as many others. Because now I am actually contemplating on doing a marathon. Well, to be better prepared and train a little more wisely.

 

But, I'm an idiot runner. Just kidding. I'm not an idiot. I thought I was an idiot but people who love to run has found something internally. A fire that burns within us to challenge ourselves to go beyond what we could imagine. It is a fire that lights up every day to just run for no reason. To sign up excitedly not just for a shirt but to accomplish and know that we can complete the run because it is no longer in us to give any less of ourselves.

 

I am now a runner. A crazy runner but a runner none the less who has completed 26.2 miles.

 

Celebration of Life: Sean "Paco" Herndon

My grandma has 11 grandchildren. Out of her 11, her youngest is the nearest and dearest to her heart. Now, don't get me wrong-I'm not saying she played favorites or loved us less because she loves all. However, we all knew Sean was her pride and joy (I guess we can include Megs too). 

See, she's famous for her fried rice. Her first 9 has fond childhood memories of fried rice. But, Sean...if she knew he was coming over, she would (keep this in mind-she's in her 90's) whip up some fried rice AND fried tuyu fish. 

Now, being a grandma myself who loves her grandsons-sat back and smiled at this because if a grandma does that when she is in the best years of her life...then there is something special about that grandson. And you know what? There is something special about Sean.

Because I am 20 years older than him, he is closer in age to my kids. So I watched him grow up like a little brother. While my daughter was chunky, he was long. While she was quiet. He made noise. While she played nicely-he bit. In fact, he bit Jay on the arm? Leg? I don't know-it was a cousin thing!

As he grew up, he was active and curious. He was your typical boy that loved Barney, fireworks (those military tanks sparklers?) and the outdoors especially the beach like his dad. 

I remember my Aunty Berta sharing that she would make musubi's for him and his friends when they were in surf competitions.

My cousin, Meaghan and Sean were close. You would think there would be sibling rivalry but their parents raised them right. This was a close-knit family. They may have had their differences like all families do but I love the fact of knowing that even as they grew up-they still climbed into their parents bed and just laid there with them. That's amazing love. 

I love how they were unabashed that as brother and sister, they were the best of friends. 

Sean was free-spirited and roamed wherever. He was fun-loving and actually humble. He was pretty much an eye candy to girls because he was good looking. 

My nephew idolized him and thought of him as the character Brad Pitt played in Troy because of his long hair that he had back in his modeling days.

After high school, he tried several areas of work from retail to restaurants as well as attending college but he was recently accepted into the Carpenters Union. 

When I looked at his pictures with his friends, they showed his carefree spirit. When I look back at his pictures with family, it showed strength and solidity. 

Sean is well-loved. He is special to everyone of us. All of us has that one special memory of him. We will cry and grieve and in time, we can smile and celebrate the moments we had the opportunity to spend with him. 

Rest in love, Sean. 

3 of 8: The Turkey Trot...with the Marines! (training for theSpartanRace)

 

 

 

I'm writing this as my thighs ache. This past Saturday was the Turkey Trot sponsored by the 3rd Battalion at the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH). I signed up for this because it was advertised on a list of other runs that were happening on the island of Oahu in the Hawaii Sports Magazine. At that time, I figured it would be better because it was 6 miles compared to the other Turkey Trot that is happening on Thanksgiving and it's 10 miles with you determining the time that you can run the 10 miles.

I picked up my packet the day before the event (friday) and noticed on the course map that I would be running past the housing area where I used to live in the 1970's. I figured I do a quick drive-by and see how it looked but the base renovated that neighborhood. What used to be a big park area where all the neighborhood kids would play on the playground-there was a street with new housing that led to the shoppette that was there connected to other buildings where I took hula lessons.

Our elementary school was there but no longer were there the jungle gyms or the metal looking fire truck that I remembered my 7 year old friend kissed a boy. How odd that roaming through an old neighborhood brought back so many memories. Anyhow, I digress...

As I drove back to the office, I noticed how neatly the racing bib, shirt and other information was held together by a rubber band. I think I got a kick that it was so OCD organized because the shirt size was the very size I specified and whoever put these packets together made sure that whatever anyone specified on the registration is what we got in our racing packet. There was no scrambling or rummaging through boxes. They basically distributed the packets through your racing bib number. 

When I got home that night, I prepped what I was going to wear on Saturday as well as cutting my shirt into a muscle T-shirt because I didn't want to wear out any of my other exercise tops. I set my alarm to 3:30am, so I could leave the house at 4:00am.

By 4:00am, I was on the road considering that it would take me about 45-55 minutes to get to the other side of the island. Mind you, the race was at 7:00am but I wanted to make sure that I got there early and just relax because I am always nervous before any run.

I pulled up to the event parking and noticed that it was the parking lot next to the base theater where I saw Grease for $0.10! As I relaxed, other individuals were parking and getting out of their cars (they were the volunteers). Then, murphy's law for runners kicked in because I had to use the bathroom. Thank goodness, the theater actually opened up their doors for the participants to use the restroom. 

When I stepped out and walked towards the field since it was now 6:15am, I sat down in the pavilion to begin stretching and just loosen up. It was then I noticed that majority of everyone that was participating were fit. what.the.heck... I cursed myself because it dawned on me that I was running with the MARINE community. How could I have overlooked that especially when my dad is a retired Marine who STILL RUNS and who is currently training for the Spartan Race and intent on waiting for me at the FINISH LINE? I texted my dad who laughed and encouraged me to have fun and knows that I can finish this race. I texted back thanking him and that he had more faith in me than I did at that moment. 

As 7:00am approached, the MC went over the course with us, which was 2 laps around my old neighboorhood. Then, the MC shared about where the water stations were going to be and I heard, "Officer's club". I paused and panicked because I remembered that the Officer's Club was located on top of a hill.

I hate hills...

I had to suck this one up and take it with a grain of salt. I had to tell myself silently that if I got through the Spartan Race, I can dang well run around my old neighborhood and walk quickly up that hill TWICE. 

The airhorn went off and everyone ran or walked. Well, I was one of the few that walked for awhile then started running at my own pace. It was hot and hazy. First lap, I grabbed water and ate some sporty beans. Second lap, I was sweating like crazy. I didn't want to look behind me because I was afraid I might be the last person running. However, I knew I wasn't because I bypassed this girl and her mom on the first lap.

When finally got to the finish line, I noticed that my time was 1:25:06. If you're a runner and reading this, it may be a slow time for you. However, I just beat my personal goal because this was the fastest I've ever ran. It was 15-16 minutes per mile! Not bad for a 6 mile run (for me, that is).

As I think of this, I think of how much I have changed from when I first started my fitness journey to now. I think of how many things have changed and through life-change is inevitable. For example, look at the old neighborhood. It was renovated. It was new. And that's how it is with us when we decide to make a change for ourselves for the better. Looking back is a great thing because it reminds you of where you came from and it keeps you grounded. It's interesting on how things will come to mind to use as an object lesson for myself to understand why I am on this journey to be healthier physically, mentally and spiritually.

Nevertheless, I have two weeks to get myself prepared as much as I am able for my upcoming run, which is #4 of #8....the Honolulu Marathon that I will be walking and running. Let's just hope that I am not crawling to the finish line on that day.

AROO

1 of 7: The Color Run (Training for the Spartan Race)

If you've been reading my posts, I've gone on a journey to train for an upcoming Spartan Race ever since I completed a Spartan Sprint back in August.

Well, few weeks ago I realized that because of my enthusiasm and newfound appreciation for races because it will help me along in my journey to be ready for the Spartan, I signed up for races. Not just one or two but SEVEN races. 

My first race is the Color Run, which I signed up prior to the Spartan because I did the Color Run last year and it was fun! Seriously, it is the happiest run on the earth because you're being colored and it's not a competitive race!

I actually created a team with some of my family and we all had fun. The best thing was that they did not mind that I asked them to be ready by 5:00am (the race started at 8:00am).

One thing I realized is that it is great running with family and friends (when you don't have a time that you set for yourself to meet as a personal goal). 

 

What is even better is the fact that they respect and understand if you decide to break ahead in a run and will be waiting for them at the finish line. 

The pictures and memories are priceless especially when we are all making plans to do this again next year! 

Mind-set: Perspective, Choices and Determinations

I don't think I'm on a momentum high still yet from the Spartan Race because it has been one week since I completed the Spartan Sprint Hawaii race. 

But, it put something back into perspective especially when I've decided to train for the Spartan Super. 

It's making me take a hard look again on what I have allowed to come in the way of what is / is not a priority. 

It's not that I let myself completely go but it brought me to that point and going through the Spartan Race and finishing it made me realize that I needed to up my game.

What is interesting is this can be looked at in a person's walk with God. You can be consistently reading His word, attending church, etc. But you get distracted until a friend contacts you asking if you want to get together and before you know it-other things come along to distract you to where what was important has suddenly been placed on the shelf. 

And excuses with not going to church or doing your daily reading is pretty much like excuses with not exercising-it does not fool anyone. 

Last Sunday, I chose to do something that will change everything spiritually, physically and mentally. 

I'm going to train for the Spartan Super, however, I'm going to make sure it doesn't interfere with my relationship with God and my family especially my husband. 

If I can train then I know I have time for God and my family. This is where balance comes in to keep everything in perspective and realistic. 

Here are a few things that I've done:

1) my husband will help me train

2) Cleaned up my eating. I'm not incorporating cheat meals yet because I need to get my body use to the change. 

3) Created a schedule that will not take time away from my family or my ministries that I'm involved with

4) Resolved that if I can incorporate training-my devotions and time with God is my utmost and highest priority because without Him in my center is a setup for failure. 

I'll be keeping you posted on my journey with my Spartan Super Training.

Keep me in prayer

A little ray of sunshine

I'm sitting at my desk reviewing a file and I had to stop for a breather. 

I've been stressing somewhat because of time management. I haven't been managing my time well and I think it's time that I need go gain back some control in my life.

I've started to notice that I'm making excuses when I should not be making excuses. 

I need to reassess my morning schedule to fit in workouts. And while that is great, I need to set a time to go to bed easier than 11 in the evening!

I fell off on the wayside and I have no one to blame but myself. I know I'll be cursing myself on Saturday but that's the consequences. 

At least this is my little ray of sunshine that I'm still breathing, to dust myself and trudge on. 

Double blessings and Second Chances

God knows the person meant for you. 

One who will love you through thick and thin. 

One who will be your best friend and  your strongest critic.

One who will be your biggest supporter in cheering you on in whatever endeavors you are pursuing. 

I have been blessed twice with such a man who is my high school sweetheart. 

Our relationship has been a lot of valleys and mountain tops yet through it all as Dan shares, we always manage to come back to each other because in our hearts, we never left.

Our double blessings (besides the twins) is that we have two wedding anniversaries! 

Today as I write this is our "first" wedding anniversary.

If we didn't divorce, we would have been married 15 years as of today. But, it is what it is and lessons were learned during that time that brought us to our "second" anniversary, which is on November 19.

Second chances are meant for you to realize what you screwed up on and to become better the second time by knowing what you need and not do to make a marriage (or anything) work. 

Second chances from God is truly meant to honor Him by showing through your thoughts, actions and speech that you will not take advantage or take what He has blessed you with for granted. 

Second chances at marriage is affirming with God that you will honor the vows by honoring Him first and your spouse second.

Second chances is knowing the mercy and grace of my God who knows what / who we need in our lives.

I am double blessed at the second chance God gave to me and Dan and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

My Daughter

"She grew up on the side of the road

Where the church bells ring

And strong love grows

She grew up good

She grew up slow

Like American honey

Steady as a preacher

Free as a weed

Couldn't wait to get going

But wasn't quite ready to leave

So innocent, pure and sweet

American honey"

-Lady Antebellum, "American Honey"

When I first heard the lyrics of this song, I thought of my daughter. Mind you, if you're reading this, please don't think that I'm using rose-colored glasses when it comes to my children because I don't. These lyrics literally describes my daughter to a T. 

I'm writing this blog as the clock ticks towards midnight that will officially announce that my daughter is 23 years old.

 

I had her at 19 and we praise & thank God blessed us with a daughter who is the complete opposite of her parents. 

She gave her heart to the Lord at the age of 7. She willingly participated in church activities (still does). She self-motivated herself in school, graduating summa cum laude and earning a scholarship to attend a business college. And she still had the time to boss around her brothers. 

Today, she still continues to be involved in church ministries and I know she has a deep love in teaching and guiding young girls to be Christian women.

She's a working gal now!

And is a great aunt to her nephew

Through all these accomplishments and growing into a beautiful, young adult. I know it is not easy because I know it grates on you on how people will continually remark on how good you are that seems as if there is an underlying expectancy for you to maintain a high standard. 

Krys, my prayer for your 23rd birthday is that God will quiet your soul because the twenties is trying to find your identity yet many have fallen because they've run way ahead of God not waiting for His timing or allowing Him to unfold His plans for them.

I also want to encourage you as you read this blog post to stand strong and give your dreams to God. Allow Him to determine your steps on where you should go and how you will grow. 

I love you...don't ever change for the world

"Gotta hold on easy as I let you go.

Gonna tell you how much I love you, though you think you already know.

I remember I thought you looked like an angel wrapped in pink so soft and warm.

You've had me wrapped around your finger since the day you were born.

You're beautiful baby from the outside in.

Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again.

Go on, take on this whole world.

But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl." -Tim McGraw, My Little Girl

Vacation: A time to relax

I'm on a one week vacation while family from out of town is visiting and it is too relaxing. 

My goals for this week was to run, go to the beach and read. I've done all three and I'm now dark. 

Yesterday morning while Dan was out in the water, I sat on the sand reading and looking around. This made me realize that at times, God will tell us to slow down when we are rushing too and fro taking care of our families, working, church ministries, community activities, etc because we don't allow ourselves to catch our breath. 

It was nice to do things without feeling rushed. Next week is another story but I'll focus on right now-enjoying my family and the freedom to dig my toes into the sand and just breathe easily. 

Nothing is more important than relationships

Last summer, our family had a family reunion in Las Vegas. Families from Arizona, Washington and Hawaii came together having so much fun that our children who were graduating from high school decided to combine their graduation party together in Hawaii (just so they could see each other again before our next five year reunion)!

Since that time, we've planned from reserving the hall...

the food...

and entertainment...

As you can see, it was a great success with memories that not just the graduates but our entire family will cherish. 

It is the love we have for one another that is vital in keeping the bond intact through the good times and bad.

It is not a requirement. It is not a inconvenience. It is not a "when you feel like it" feeling. 

It is an everyday nurturing that thrives on the ebb and flow of giving and receiving unconditional love.

Our family knows this and it is hard work but in the end, hopefully everyone especially our children will continue the legacy that we leave with them and the upcoming generations that nothing is more important than relationships.

Colossians 3:14, "...And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity..."

Quietness

It's the quiet times that invades your thoughts of what is important and not important.

It begins to shape your priorities, hopes and reality.

It brings many things into perspective, which decisions and goals are created.

It brings to heart of people that matter.

I can go on and on because quiet times like these as I drink my coffee and reading a good book, will bring past or recent events to mind and having me take a look at myself as a person.

Am I making a difference?

Am I representing God in the best way that I can?

Am I building or tearing down?

Yes, these quiet times are great because it slows us down from our normal daily schedule to reflect on who we are and to remind us gently on what matters and what we need to do to either stay on track or get back on track.

What about you? Are you doing or maintaining on what you are called to do as a person (i.e., wife, mother, daughter, sister, husband, brother, son)?

Home

I'm sitting on an Amtrak train to DC for a day trip and looking out the window. The weather is so bleak yet I see houses.

Ever since I was a child, I would wonder about each house and what a family was doing.

Suburban house means suburban family with everyone eating breakfast at the table and planning out their day around their children's activities...

Apartment or lofts in the city means young adult growing into their career and coming into who they are...

Or you can have the odd yet realistic scenario of:

Suburban family so busy that everyone is basically bypassing one another emotionally and physically trying to cram all sorts of meaningless activities that takes them away from quality time that will build a solid family foundation.

Loft or apartment in the city of a young adult or an older person who may have had the chance for family and a normal sense of life yet chose the corporate ladder of quick advancement and strategic networking that does not accept anything outside your career.

I think this is why I like the movie, Family Man. It brings everything back into perspective on what is truly important in life.

Granted, money and a great career is impressive but it is temporary and fleeting. It leaves you with a sense of uncertainty because there is that chance of losing it all.

But relationships are solid especially when you take the time to build not just with words but on the emotional and spiritual level.

I don't know where this blog is going but I do know that as I look at the passing landscape of homes and cars, I think of my family back at home across the ocean...sleeping and just waiting for me to come home.

And that's the most valuable thing ever that I have been blessed with...love.

A little bit of this and that

Sometimes I wish my blog was solely focused on one topic but its not. It's basically a variety of anything I may want to blog about.

I'm waiting for my clothes to dry as I type away on my trusty iPhone while my mind is also thinking, "What shall you do today?"

I am all the way on the East coast side while my family is in the middle of the Pacific.

I checked out Fandango but I never went to the movies by myself.

I want to go sightseeing but I must wait to return to my hotel room because I don't have my iPad or the info our hotel sales director gave to us as a welcome packet.

It's a three day weekend and majority of the trainees went out of town for this three day weekend.

I'm wondering if I should go too? Go to DC to check out the sites and return tonight?

Should I just play it safe and just walk around Inner Harbor and explore it more?

I don't know but this is a weekend where I don't have to go by anyone's clock or schedule.

I am on my own and I can choose whatever I want to do (within reason)

Changes are a-coming!

Changes are coming and not because 2013 is looming around the corner but its because of my new job. I'll be traveling soon and will be away from my family. There is apprehension because of the separation yet also an excitement because I enjoy traveling.

Few of the things I've been thinking of as the date draws near is:

1) I still have yet to buy me a winter coat

2) I am planning on bringing my TRX with me and noting down that I will be buying a TRX door anchor

3) My pictures of my family despite the fact that I will be face timing

Have you ever been away from your family (military is excluded from this question because you all have to experience that!)

All that I am...

All that I am is because of God.

Seriously, I'm having a tearful and greatful moment because I'm reflecting on recent events. I can't help it because I am looking back and I am amazed of where God has brought me from to where I am now.

Who wouldn't be in awe especially if He had to pick you up, dust you off, point to the mirror and tell you, "See that dirty girl (or guy)? You are beautiful...so why do you want to continually be dirty? Trust me and I'll create you to be more than you ever thought you could be."

I am blessed. Not because of me but because of Him.

All I can say is that I hope and pray that I will consistently shine for Him and that no one will stumble or fall because of my idiotic actions that does happen from time to time.

Put the donut down, you're almost to the halfway mark!

This means that I have 10 more years till I'm 50. Unless if you count that I will be 41 in June, which means that I have 9 more years.

When I graduated from high school, I weighed in at 120. A year later, I shot up to 200 because I was pregnant with my first child and I ate whatever I wanted. Let me give you a glimpse of how I shot up to 200 at 19 years old...

I had a favorite place with my favorite food.

• Zippy's: Saimin and cheeseburgers
• Sizzler's: Prime rib
• Pizza Hut: Large pepperoni with extra cheese (I consumed that all by myself)
• Sears Pearlridge: A big barrel of buttered popcorn with an extra large mixed icee that I bought at Sears located in Pearlridge (back in the days)

As we skip through the 90's of curling irons and hairspray, we breeze through three more kids popping out of me with the additional retaining weight of 165.

Did I ever try to lose weight? Yes, I went to Spa Fitness Center with my girlfriends who were fit and into aerobics. Did I drop? Yes but not where I wanted to because I would actually convince them of stopping at KFC to eat.

One thing great about being in your 20's is the fact it is easier for a female to burn off and remove the excess weight.

However, being that I was being fruitful with kids...the weight would remain.

During this time, relationship was on a roller coaster and we were pretty young/immature for parents. Call it depression or just plain frustrated but this caused my weight to remain steady between 165-175.

As I entered my 30's, I was working and decided to try to lose weight by doing it the right way. I started walking and doing 30 minute strength training workouts while watching what I ate as well as drinking meal supplements in between. I started dropping by summer time, however, a life-changing event happened between me and Dan and I started working out like a fiend. Guess how much weight I was then in 2003-2004? 145....

Then, in 2006, I let myself go... and go...and blooming breeches...by 2010-2011, I'm over 200, which I didn't know because I kept assuming I was 185-194.

During this period, I tried taking phentermine and my weight would fluctuate. I wouldn't eat since it is a hunger suppressant. But, oh my...the mood swings were dangerous and I didn't care to be "Sybil" to my family.

I tried Zumba at the beginning of 2011 but that was a phase.

As the year went by and summer came along, I was disgusted in myself because I would always say to myself at the beginning of the years before that, "This is it..I am going to eat healthy and lose weight." I would project myself 3 months from that time and then six months. But, did it happen? No.

I was beginning to feel emotionally depressed, disgusted with myself but I  would just eat because it was a big ole' pity party for me.

It didn't help the fact that I would read and review posts on Twitter and Facebook of "before and after" photos and stories. And would be inspired and I would dream about "what if I do that?"yet I wouldn't do anything. I would ask Dan if he would go walking with me after work but we are pretty wiped out after work.

The Wake-Up Call: I seen a picture of myself at a Tweetup. Holy schnikey's...I am a whale.

As I kept looking at that pic, I thought "I am 40 years old and you need to do something."

I really had to do something. I was tired from walking... I hated the stairs... My office always had food out and about... and I started to look pregnant with a swollen stomach and swollen ankles.

Because I love writing on Yelp, I decided to see if there were Beach Boot Camps like the one my friend was involved in North Carolina.

Enter in...SOHI Fitness

I read their website.. I looked at Crossfit... I looked at other websites. I looked at 24 hour fitness but I dislike that place because it's literally a meat market of 20-30 somethings...or you can count the over 40 who are sometimes going through a mid-life crisis.

I returned back to reviewing SOHI Fitness because I wanted something that would work. I read the reviews and noticed the following words:

• Gasping
• Sweating
• Wanting to vomit
• Sand bags
• Burpees
• Bear Crawls

It peaked my interest and I looked at the class times. It was the timeframe that I wanted because if possible, I didn't want to work out afterwork or on the weekends because the weekends are always taken with family time or ministries.

I scrolled down to the prices and debated should I?

Then, I thought to myself that if I pay for the classes, it was a push for me to get my money's worth and not give up.

Determined I called up Dan, "I want to join a bootcamp class. I need it."

While I am saying this, I am hoping he doesn't say anything because there are times where I would assume that his tone sounded discouraging but I know he is not discouraging me at all. I think it was the fact that he seen me start something then not finish. I didn't want him thinking this was another one.

After speaking with him, I emailed and inquired if it was too late to start a Monday class. The response was quick. I paid through paypal and printed my confirmation. Through all this, I was excited. I was determined to do this.

Sunday night, I got my bag ready, so I could wake up at 4:30am to head to Ala Moana Beach Park.

I was almost late to class but it was a good thing that the other bootcamp class was nice enough to point me to SOHI Fitness.

First day...I wanted to die.

I wasn't measured until the 2nd class. I was 217 lbs...She advised me to send her my meal diary. Talk about wanting to ignore that fact but there was the talk going on in my head that if I was serious...I need to be brutally honest with Megan (my trainer) as well as myself. No sugar coating anything. I was afraid she would be like my cousin's trainer but to my surprise after I sent the email. She came back with suggestions of eating moderately and substituting food here and there. She later explained that you can't ask someone to cut out anything because they will go back on it. However, I was already drinking more water and minimizing any soda. I started eating healthier breakfast as well as lunch.

Two weeks went by and she just wanted to weight me. I dropped about 8 lbs. We were both surprised.

About almost 6 weeks into my class sessions, the worst thing happened. I sprained my calf muscle attempting to run up a hill. I had to rest it from 4-6 weeks. Megan assured me that I could resume my sessions once I was recovered.

First day back to class was at Kakaako. She was so enthusiastic and supportive that she wanted to weigh me. I was hesitant because I ate Jack in the Box the night before and worried that I gained weight.

But, I actually dropped under 200.

She shared she wanted to do this for me by checking up on me periodically because she knew it was my goal to lose weight and get fit.

During the holiday season, I was lazy and would go to class here and there but one particular class, Megan decided to incorporate TRX with a regular boot camp. That was the beginning of my budding fascination of TRX.

She posted discussions about having TRX classes in the morning and I decided that at the beginning of 2012, I would switch to TRX classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays but start running on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday because I needed to start doing things on my own to maintain a healthy lifestyle on my own without depending on classes to keep me fit. In addition, I felt like my body was at a plateau.

Mind you, this is all going through my head during the holidays. So, to celebrate this decision and my pursuit for a healthy lifestyle with the thought to challenge myself, I decided to celebrate it by hiking Koko Head Trail.

If you are on my Instagram, Facebook or Path--you would see the before and after pics of me.

Was I happy? Of course because my husband wasn't expecting my son and I to make it up there that fast.

I cannot explain the exhilarating feeling I experienced and it is because 6 months before that...I would have not even celebrated this way. There were so much reasons for me to climb that trail and one was for myself but for my son as well because he went through so much. This accomplishment was more than just making it to the top. It went deeper within ourselves that most likely set in our hearts that with God...all things are possible. With determination and prayer...we will reach our goals.

I was so excited that I posted these thoughts as well as my before and after pictures because heck yeah...I am proud of myself. I actually didn't flake out.

As I write this blog, I have realized that only a handful of people knew how much I was working out. I barely spoke with anyone about my bootcamp and eating habits. Call it silly but I didn't want to screw myself up. This was something personal for me. It wasn't a "Look at me-I'm going to try and lose weight." It wasn't like that all...it was something that I knew I was serious and determined to make a change in my life not just physically but emotionally/mentally.

Working out or getting fit was something that I have been wanting to do but never finished before August 2011.

Is it because I lacked self-assurance? No, because I know who I am despite the fact that it is annoying when people will comment on my assertiveness as being bossy and headstrong.

Is it because I feel old? No, I am not afraid to admit my age and am not about to buy clothes that doesn't match my age.

However, it is because I was on a downward spiral of unhealthiness and it was creeping on my weight. In addition, after reading articles over and over that once women reach a certain age, it is difficult to lose weight. It can happen BUT it takes extra effort as you advance in age.

Plus, I knew that I needed to step up or face being a sad, miserable overweight person who was not comfortable with being fluffy.

Don't get me wrong, I know there are women who are comfortable with whatever weight they are in and for me, that is downright sexy because of their attitude and outlook.

But, I wasn't comfortable with being overweight. I wanted to make sure that I was comfortable with how I look as well as eating a little more selective to make sure that I don't fall away.

Don't get me wrong, I still eat my junk food...with moderation. Do I think twice about what I want to eat? Yes, I do. However, if I am craving for something...I'll definitely eat it (not gorge).

I have given myself 3 month goal lines. Hopefully by the end of the summer (it makes a year of bootcamping), I will be down to my goal weight.

Am I going to make it? I know I am because there is nothing else to do but go forward.

To be continued...