Day 2, Check!

26.2 miles the approximate distance between Fresno and Mendota: the number of miles I am eventually going to run in October 19th, 2008

Feeling inspired I had the best idea. According to my Team in Training schedule I was supposed to do 60 minutes of cross training. I thought perfect a 30 minute walk in the neighborhood near my parent's house, then follow that up by swimming for 30 minutes in their pool.

Sounds like a plan right? Of course, I decided the best time to take this walk would be umm about 1:30 in the pm. But all I kept thinking about was the relaxing dip in the pool.

But after 15 sweat-soaked minutes out in the 100+ degree weather, I realized why we (Xavier, my friend and partner in training, & I) were the only ones outside not in a car. But I pushed on, knowing that my training was definitely for a good cause. Plus I looked back and saw my 9-year old son sweating, but nevertheless right behind me encouraging every step of the way. And when I looked over at Casimiro he was just doing it!

So I uselessly wiped my profusely sweating forehead and pressed on.

I think what was killing me too was trying to keep my walker's form. We have been encouraged to cross train so I had to force myself to walk not run. Although, I understand the importance of form I always feel like an uptight school marm or the Road Runner when I'm speed walking.

My arms tight against my sides, swinging like mad with the tight little steps.

But I digress. So after 30 minutes of walking on hot-ass concrete while cars drove by spewing fumes we made it back to my parent's house where the cool pool awaited.

So excited to be inside with central AC, I didn't mind stretching and sweating before getting into the pool.

Feeling good & stretched out I went outside only to discover that the pool needed to be skimmed. Because as much fun as that would be I did not want to swallow pine seeds, bloated bugs, and whatever else falls into a pool. Once I finished swearing, skimming, and sweating some more. I jumped right into the cool water.

Finally, I was totally ready to relax & then I remembered we first had to swim for 30 minutes straight. But I was ready. So I started my breast stroke and I'm pretty sure I heard my entire upper back and arms scream from disuse. But I pushed through until my arms went numb and then I happily swam. And I am proud to say that we (I & Casimiro) swam for 30 minutes straight. After about 30 minutes of relaxing, I got out of the pool to be reminded immediately that water buoys up tired muscles. Thereby, fooling one such as myself to think that I handled those 30 minutes like a swimming veteran

So basically, getting out of the pool was like trying to extricate myself from tar, wearing steel toed boots.

But I am excited to say that I did it! Another day under my belt. Although I am thoroughly exhausted, each day is providing more and more evidence that I can run those 26.2 hilly SF miles & make it to the end smiling.

Please donate and help me and my friend raise funds for the LLS

Roxanne Villaluz’s Team in Training Website

http://pages.teamintraining.org/cca/nikesf08/rvillaluz

Casimiro Llamas, Jr.’s Team in Training Website

http://pages.teamintraining.org/cca/nikesf08/cllamas