2011 Austin Marathon

In February 2001 I ran my very first Austin marathon. It was the Austin Motorola Marathon. I ran it in 4 hours, 30 minutes and 19 secs. It was an amazing experience to actually finish 26.2 miles. I was so excited. I cried at the finish line! A few days after the marathon I looked back at all the finishing times and ages of the runners and right on top of my name was a 72 year old man who finished in 4 hours, 30 minutes and 5 secs! WHAT!?...a 72 year old man beat me!? AWESOME! From that day on I made a personal goal to run one marathon every year until I'm 72. When I'm 72 I'm going to beat a 22 year old! It's going to be sswwwweet!

Well I'm still at it. I completed the 2011 Austin Marathon. This year I finished in 4 hours, 3 minutes and 9 secs (which is actually my personal best). I had a great time training with Gilbert's Gazelles. I met and trained with two wonderful ladies, Katie Jan and Lauren Moser. I'm so blessed to have met them. All those long Saturday runs wouldn't have been the same without them. You can learn a lot about a person running the streets of Austin (literally).

Every year I dedicate the marathon to someone or several people. This year I ran in memory of Raul Castillo, a friend who died in a car crash this past October. I also ran in honor of my friend Eliza De Los Santos, who would have ran the half if she wasn't in the same car crash as Raul. She is healing fast but can not run at the moment. It was so awesome to see her at the race.


This marathon was just a stepping stone towards Ironman Texas. It was my foundation for what lies ahead. I'm glad that it's over. Bring on Ironman training!

Fitness Program - Blue Cross Blue Shield

If anyone has Blue Cross Blue Shield log on to the site and check out their fitness program! It's so worth it!

I was pretty bummed about traveling for work this coming week because I didn't have any where to swim, spin, and train. But here comes Tulio to my rescue! He reminded me that Blue Cross Blue Shield has a program that you can pay for to get into gyms around Texas. It is their Fitness Program. You pay an initial $39 and then $31.39/month for unlimited access to places like YMCA, Gold's Gym, 24 hr Fitness, Bally's and other local gyms in different cities. I gave up my membership at Gold's Gym a while back because I go to Woodward Crossfit, but I was using Tulio's Gold's membership to get in to swim. Now I don't have to! I can use my very own membership via the Fitness Program. YEA!

Tulio is canceling his membership to Gold's and getting on the Fitness Program because he is paying the same amount for one gym instead of all of them. Here in Austin we can go to YMCA, Gold's, 24 hr fitness and Curves (hahaha...yes Curves...nothing wrong with Curves...I'm just laughing because I'm imagining Tulio going to Curves...like that would never happen)!

Go check it out!

Money Here, Money There, Money Going Everywhere

This Ironman stuff ain't cheap! (But I'm sure it will all be worth it come May 21st.)

I am keeping a spreadsheet of everything and anything that I have spent money on towards the Ironman. I'm not going to announce how much we have spent but if anyone is interested in training and doing an Ironman and would like to know how much we have spent please let me know. I'm not doing this to discourage anyone from doing one. I'm doing this so that one can be aware of not only the physical and time commitment but also for the financial commitment.

This weekend I went over to Jack and Adam's and purchased a new saddle (seat), new bike shoes, and added more hydration cages to my bike.

I also purchased my first wet suit at Austin Tri-Cyclist! Thanks to my in laws! (Thank you Mama & Rob!)


I love that it has a tramp stamp! Hahaha!