Buried Treasure

In honor of spring break and the deep desire to be at the beach; a Monday morning sonnet!

Buried Treasure

The ebb and flow of waves that fall upon

a lonely shoreline crash noiselessly

on absent ears, grains of sand withdrawn

by rippling waters into salty seas.

A crab scuttles crossing weary dunes

in twilight’s shy approach, in fear of bright

moonbeams who desire to bring deadly ruin

on shelled creatures moving them to fright.

Abandoned plastic shovels, broken bottles

worn to smooth collectibles; left behind,

they’re treasure littering. Decaying goggles

buried beneath sands for a time confined.

All left behind is washed away to sea,

eventually everything will be free. 

Rhythm and Blues!!

Part of my job is assisting in the planning and preparation for the Rhythm and Blues Half Marathon and 5K. This year it took place on February 9, 2014. As someone who has raced in numerous road races and countless cross country and track meets I suppose my standards for a good race are slightly high. I like having water at the finish line; I have had cold, wet towels placed on my neck after scorching races, so I suppose I am a spoiled racer. However, this experience gave me a look at the flip side of races.

Months to almost a year goes into planning a running event….there are all sorts of details to work out too!! T-shirts is a big one: Cotton or tech shirt? Design, color, sizes, and how many?? All parts of the puzzle to figure out. Then there is marketing, medals, organizing volunteers, packet pick-up, vendors, sponsors, bands, security, and many other facets of the race to attend to.

I had no idea how much work went into planning an event for 4000 runners. The opportunity to work with Rhythm and Blues opened my eyes to the other side of competing. I have a much greater appreciation of races and the volunteers who make it happen, and I think anyone who competes in runs should volunteer at a race to get a taste of this. Also, while running is a rewarding experience so is putting on a race. Getting to put place medals around people's necks who had just finished their first half marathon and having them proceed to give you a sweaty hug while they have a huge smile across their face made me tear up numerous times. I was so proud of their accomplishment and was honored to get to be a part of that moment. The moment so many runners have had when they accomplish a distance or PR goal; the satisfaction in those moments is such a pure form of happiness. In the weeks following the race people would come into the store and thank us for putting on the event and remember me giving them their medal or cheering for them as they started their second loop. It was really a rewarding experience when I reflect on it, and was well worth the long hours put into it. 

We already have next year's date set for the fourth annual Houston Rhythm and Blues Half Marathon and 5K on February 15, 2014! http://www.rhythmandblueshalfmarathon.com/

I can't wait to see how much it grows next year!!!

A Poem for Everyone...My Dear,

This poem is dedicated to everyone who has been made fun of by classmates, coworkers, and strangers. To everyone who is constantly misunderstood. To everyone who has had their words and actions taken out of context and subsequently used against them. To everyone who has been publicly humiliated. To everyone who has felt the sting of rumors. To everyone who has felt unwanted. To everyone who has felt out of place in this world filled with clicks. To everyone who knows people do not want to give you a chance. To everyone who hides their pain from the world.

You are stronger than everyone who tears you down. You turn the other cheek and rise above. You are constantly the bigger person. You are more loved than you will ever realize. This poem is for you.

My Dear,

I wish you wouldn’t listen

to their pointed words,

allowing them to pierce your heart

puncturing deep inside;

strengthening from emotions

pumping through you.

Roll your eyes

at my ancient wisdom,

and believe I couldn’t possibly know

what it’s like for you now.

Defiantly believe times have changed

How harsh statements shred the skin.

Instead listen to my truths

use them as a defense against their lies;  

understand your flaws

create a unique perfection.

Know that I have always loved you,

and could never stop.

I wish you would listen

to my words. 

Houston Rockets vs Miami Heat

Getting off work at 5:30; I quickly changed into Rockets apparel and we headed into town taking the scenic route along Allen Parkway. All my recent memories of this route remind me of the Rhythm and Blues Half Marathon and 5k which is a story for another time. Parking at Discovery Green brings back memories of the Houston Marathon because that is where the Expo was held and I finished my first Half Marathon on that street. Also, I have spent numerous special occasions at Discovery Green like my 18^th birthday. The beginning of the evening was filled with reminiscing. 

Once we got out of the parking garage we were greeted with freezing air with mist clinging to anything in sight…We were starving and didn't want to pay an exorbitant amount for cheap food at the game, so we got tacos at the park’s restaurant. Surprisingly they were pretty good for a seemingly rinky-dink restaurant. Rushing to the Toyota Center after dinner to get back into warm, dry air we were soon surrounded by a mix of Miami Heat and Houston Rockets fans. There was a makeshift Rockets band and cheer group all painted up and slightly intoxicated...truly taking to heart the meaning of pre-gaming. 

Our seat were in the nose bleeds. Even the near 7 feet giants were barely a centimeter tall from our vantage point, but I do not believe there is a bad seat in the house especially because of the massive TV’s. As the game started I immediately noticed the announcer and his enthusiasm when announcing a basket for the Rockets; however, when he announced something pertaining to the Heat he sounded like the teacher from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off…replace “Bueller” with “Lebron….James.” The stark contrast was highly entertaining throughout the game.

This game was really good!! The Rockets were leading throughout the entire game and only tied it up a few times in the second half. The fans were split between wanting the rockets to win and watching Lebron James make some pretty incredible plays! In the end the Rockets won 106 to 103 with Lebron missing the game tying three pointer at the buzzer. Rockets fans went pretty crazy and the cheers and chants were echoing down the stairwells as everyone exited the arena and continued well into the streets of downtown Houston. 

In the third quarter 60 to 54, Rockets!

Final score 106 to 103; Rockets!!!

As a Spurs fan I was really excited to see a Texas team beat the Heat...I might still be a bit bitter about last years playoffs...Go Texas!!!

Houston Half Marathon

It is hours before the crack of dawn and I am awake getting dressed for my first half marathon. Methodically going through my pre-race routine for the first time in over a year…Layered in my new running outfit with Clif bars and water I am on my way to downtown Houston.

Rewind to the three days prior to the Houston Marathon and Half Marathon. I was working at the Finish Strong Sports “booth” at the Marathon Expo. As a newbie to the big races scene I was in awe of all the preparation the entire city put into helping thousands of us run one of the season’s highlights to Houstonians. All day Thursday was spent loading trucks, unloading trucks and creating a “booth” for the store at the convention center…I use the term booth loosely because it was more like a pop up store almost the same size as the brick and mortar location. Seeing the space they held the expo at transform from a bare concrete room to an elaborate maze of shops and pick up stations for the various races was a sight to behold. It was also exhausting…

On Friday the Expo began and it was nonstop chaos until close that evening…selling clothes, shoes, Garmin, and having a Karaoke station almost put the senses on overload. Saturday was much of the same drill except at the end of the day we had to tear down and pack it all up. So I was on my feet and for the three days leading up to the race. I also had been nursing a minor knee injury.

Sunday, January 19, 2014…We get to downtown Houston before all the streets are closed down and I make my way to my corral…The whole set up was foreign to me since I am used to just standing on a starting line in the middle of a field or on a track. I was filled with anticipation as the music got louder and the crowd grew; before I knew it we were slowly making our way to the starting line, building up to a sow jog and finally into my pace a quarter mile into the race. At mile one I had an awesome friend jump in and run the race with me.

I was feeling good up until mile 5 when my knee started to ache, but thinking it was just a cramp or something I pushed through it, but as I kept running the pain continued to increase on the outside of my knee and then up to my hip. However, I was determined to finish the race. My goal time had to be replaced with finishing under 2 hours considering the condition of my knee. I had to stop and stretch…walk for a few minutes to ease the pain, but I never quit. It was probably a stupid decision to keep running risking damaging my knees. At mile 9 it was my feet that began to feel like knives; my theory is that the past three days finally caught up with them. Only three miles to go! I don’t think I would have finished if I hadn’t had a friend with me supporting me. I crossed the line at around 1:55 and was so relieved to be done and proud that I pushed through all the pain and accomplished one of my life goals. It wasn’t my dream race but it helped me realize how hard it can be sometimes but with perseverance and support I can push through anything.

Since then I had to take a month off from running to rest my knee, but I am back to training now for my next big race in May!!! 

The First of Many Poems, Run

Running is a huge part of my life, but I also love poetry and literature. I have spent the past few months applying to Master's in creative writing programs around the country, and now I am waiting to hear back from the various colleges. So here is some of the poems I have been working on...I wrote this poem a few years ago but it is still one of my favorites!

Run

Every yesterday I ran,

it made my world better.
I ran to stay in shape;

to feel healthy from my soul to my bones.

I ran to rid myself of frustration

from power-hungry coaches

who succeed through my every step.

Today I run for new reasons

I run seeking the acceptance of uncomfortable truths

toward my first real decision.

I run to find the answer

to a choice that terrifies me.

I could stay with him forever

or run into the future alone.

I run forging my own trail;

my broken heart still pounding

as I sprint away from his concrete plans

shattering his high expectations.

Running releases me from his cage

and allows me to find freedom.

I am running.

That is my answer.