Chevron Houston Marathon 2020 Recap

The beginning of my marathon weekend was stressful. I had a few work projects to wrap up before getting on the road to Houston. When I signed up for the marathon (well, I was supposed to run the half but my friend coach Terrie asked me to upgrade and help lead one of our pace groups so I did) I didn't know I'd move in the middle of a training season.

Thank God I got everything done and I started my drive. I was super nervous. My husband didn't go with me because we couldn't find someone to help us with the kids. It will take time but I know God will bless us with family away from home.

I drove straight to the expo. I got my bib, took my usual photo by the marathon course and proceeded to the rest of the expo.

I quickly found my Fort Bend Fit family. It was so, so good to get all those hugs and to see my dear friends. We've trained together for years. They've known me since season one. It was nice to receive all their love and encouragement. I also realized that I forgot a few things at home so I needed to buy things at the expo. No, I don't encourage anyone to buy new things at the expo to wear the next day but I figured, I'd have to be okay. I bought some body glide and some compression socks from my favorite running store (FinishLine Sports in Sugar Land). They were also heading the water stop at mile 23 of the marathon. Getting to mile 23 is always a goal of mine. I know I will see familiar, friendly faces there.

I walked around the expo for a little while and then I headed to my hotel room. As I walked outside of the GRB, I remembered how much I missed Houston. Houston is a special place. I will never forget my time there.

I ordered pasta for dinner, ate and went to bed early. I got a lot of rest before the race. I noticed I slept a little crooked because my back was a little sore but nothing to be too worried about.

I created the habit of taking a picture of my race outfit, which I call 'flat Cintia.' It looks like a brag, but the purpose is to make sure I don't forget anything I need for the next time. I can't tell you how many times I'd take a flat Cintia picture then I'd realize that I am missing something important such as sunglasses. I added them to my outfit so I could be ready for the big day.

I got dressed, got my clear plastic bag and headed to the GRB. I parked where Zeke and I usually do. This is the fifth time I run the marathon, which means we have our routine down to a science.

I found my Fort Bend Fit friends quickly as well as my friend Kristen from Longview. We did our usual FBF prayer and Hooyah as well as our traditional picture. This tradition is always special but this time, even more for me. I knew that was my last time starting a race with my beloved running club. I will forever carry those sweet memories in my heart.

Kristin and I went to the bathroom before heading to our respective corrals. I got a few more hugs from friends who were passing by. I love running and runners are my absolute favorite thing about the sport. Runners are quick to establish friendships that last for a lifetime.

As I waited to get started, I noticed the weather wasn't as cold as the previous year. Last time, I couldn't feel my toes for two miles. The weather temperature was perfect this year. I noticed that the stars were lining up the week before the race. I hoped and trained for a successful marathon. The rest was up to God.

Miles 1 - 7 went well. I focused on running two miles and taking a break on the hydration stations. I also kept up with my Clif Block schedule (every 4 miles). I had my water bottle with me, which made it easier not to stop all the time.

Around mile 8, I noticed a familiar surrounding: Rice. We ran by the place I used to park, all around the main entrance to Rice and all the way around Rice Village. An Episcopal Priest was sprinkling holy water on the runners as they ran by their church. I said thank you and raised both my hands to heaven as he did that. I needed any blessing that God would provide. It was neat to receive that symbol right in front of Rice, which is one of my favorite places ever.

A fellow runner came next to me and we chatted for a bit. He asked why I was out there and what my time goal was. I listened to his why. It was so compelling. He assured me that I was right on track to reach my time goal. I was running outside of the tangent so he reminded me to stay inside of it because it was such a long run.

I see God's providence in even small reminders like that. Stay inside of the tangent. Mind your posture. These are small adjustments that make a world of difference at the end of such a long race.

I was getting tired at mile 13 so I decided to change my intervals. I had been running 2 miles and walking one minute most of the time. I switched to 4:1s (run 4 minutes, walk 1 minute).

I saw Jeanne, someone I've seen in running club but never really talked to. I know for a fact that we were both meant to run together for as long as we did. Jeanne forgot to switch from the half to the full and decided at the split to go on and run the marathon. She's a wife, mother, nurse and she's an ironman. I know! We chatted about a lot of things, mostly life, running and managing the sport with motherhood. I learned a lot from her. It was neat to have that conversation when I did. I was just contemplating my future as a runner. Jeanne kept asking me if I was okay. I was for sure fading a bit. She gave me some of her base salt. That perked me right up. I don't know why in the world I was training without it. Good thing I got it exactly when I needed it.

I was taking my breaks as usual but Jeanne decided to run longer so we said goodbye and off she went.

I hear someone with a sign say "go Fort Bend Fit!" I was like, who are you here to support? And he said, my parents. He asked me if I needed something. I said, "what do you have?" He said, "chips, coke, pickle juice." I chose the pickle juice. I got the small bottle, drank half of it and went on my way. Again, I heard my Fort Bend Fit friends sing the praises of pickle juice but I never tried it. You know what? It works wonders!

It was time to face "the wall." Somehow, I wasn't afraid of it.

I've had horrible times at the wall. The wall for me, used to happen between miles 18-22. This time, thanks to God and to His helpers, I was able to run, even kick the wall all the way down.

I saw some friends who were there supporting their family member (also my friend). It was nice to see their smiley faces and get hugs. I realized I was sweaty after I hugged them. Oh well! I needed the love!

As I passed miles 19 and 20 I remember how much I was struggling in those spots in years past. I thanked God for being able to learn from my many mistakes and for the grace of running a good marathon.

I was approaching mile 22 when we were climbing a bit of an incline. I noticed the runner next to me, an older lady, was crying. She was running an crying at the same time. I felt so much compassion because I've been there. It does get hard at the end. I gently touched her back and I told her "you're doing a good job. You're going to finish this." She mumbled something like "my P.R....." I knew that pain too well. That helpless feeling of knowing your personal record was getting away from you and there is nothing you can do. She told me, "thank you for that." And I went on.

When I got to mile 22 my friend and forever coach Brian approached me. I told him God sent him when I needed the most. We stayed together till the end.

I thought, how incredible it was to start with the person who trained me to run most of my marathons. Brian has been a great encourager and I've learned a lot from him. I admire his love for his family and his sense of humor.

It was a party when our run could have been miserable. We talked, laughed and we engaged some of the runners around us. I noticed a gentleman next to us. He was finishing his first marathon. We celebrated him big time and we reminded him not to look at his watch but to give his best pose for the camera.

Crossing the finish line was a blessing. Thanks be to God for another marathon completed! He helped me and sustained me the entire way. He sent me help when I needed the most.

I am thankful for friends who helped me along the way. Running marathons is easier with the help of friends.

I am especially thankful to my husband and to our kids. I've been involved in distance running since 2013. They've been super supportive and everyone actually enjoys running.

As I drove back home yesterday, I was thankful to God for my experience. I learn a lot about God, myself and life as I run.

Today, I'm back to my routine. I don't feel as sore as I've felt in past marathons. I took a super cold ice bath today, which helped me feel so much better.

I'm planning on recovering the correct day. They say you should take off 1 day per mile you ran. I won't stop exercising, I just won't go hard for next month.

I want to be a lifelong runner. I don't want to go back too soon before allowing my body time to heal. I asked a lot of my body and should these past 6 months. The least I can do is make time to recover properly through rest, hydration and nutrition.

If you've never ran a marathon but you are wondering if you could, I'm here to tell you that you can. I am here to tell you that it will change your life! Thanks for joining me on this journey.

More in this series:
• Marathon Training series

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America

My father dreamed of America.

At the time, he was told it wasn’t a great idea.
It was the 60s and his beautiful skin color wouldn’t be the best thing, he was told.

Still, my father dreamed. And he also prayed.

Many decades later, his children came to America legally to pursue education.

Some of us stayed, some went back to our country.

I’m the last sibling living in the U.S. to become an American citizen. I’m thankful for all the blessings I’ve received here.

A little over 2,500 people from 121 countries became U.S. Citizens

Today, I remember my father, whose dreams came true thanks to God’s favor.

I remember my mother, whose humble beginnings remind me of my responsibility as a human being to help others succeed.

I remember my husband & children. I’m fully committed to them and I proved that commitment today.

I’ve always known I’m a citizen of heaven. I’ve always been free. I’m grateful for both blessings.

I’m mostly grateful that God answers prayers. My father prayed, I prayed, my friends and family prayed and here we are today.

Here I am, taking my Oath

I’m glad I can finally say, “I, too, am America.” (Langston Hughes)

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Moving Mindset

For some reason, when my life is about to change in a big way, medical professionals ask me the question: "how do we feel about this?" A nurse asked me this when I confirmed that I was expecting my first baby. Recently, a doctor friend asked us the same question when we told him we were moving.

How do I feel? It depends of the time of day. I know that feelings follow mindset. Focusing on my mindset is very smart.

There is an abundance of moving advice related to the material world. There isn't a lot of advice when it comes to mindset. Everyone agrees moving is difficult, then we start talking about the inconvenience of boxing our stuff. We soon forget about your mindset and the wide range of feelings we feel.

I learned a long time ago to "feel my feelings." I also learned that it is wise to choose my mindset when it comes to moving.

Believe it or not, we can make the entire experience of moving worse because of our mindset. I choose to have a positive mindset because God is very positive about my move. With that in mind, I went back to an anchor verse we used 8 years ago when we came to TX:

“For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills Shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah‬ ‭55:12‬ 

If you want to make moving easier, carefully choose your mindset. How do you do that?

1 • choose an anchor verse. It is wise to ask yourself, "how does God feel about this?" or "Who is God for me in this situation?"
2 • choose words to describe your specific mindset. My words are  "joyful" and "peaceful."
3 • feel your feelings. It is just healthy to feel your feelings. I've been doing that throughout this entire transition. I also have a few friends who have been extremely supportive by listening to me, talking through my stuff and actually allowing me to cry when needed.

I know that moving and transitions are not easy. The good thing is that I can choose my mindset. I can be positive about the new thing God is bringing to pass. I can also feel my feelings.

More posts in this series:

• Moving to Texas in 2011
• Hope during transition
• Isolation
• Making Friends and Singing (video)
• How my roots grew deeper
• Unintentional Church Hopper
• Transition and the dorm room
• Transitioning from stay-at-home mom to working mom
• Moving to Longview 2019

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How my friends and I read the Bible in One Year

It was the end of 2016 when four of my friends accepted this challenge:
"P.S.: I will be reading the One Year Bible in 2017 and I've been encouraging my friends to do the same. It takes 15 minutes of each day. It's totally doable and you will love what it does for your inner life."

One friend successfully finished reading the Bible in One Year, and I am on track to finish it on December 31. I've been part of the group who couldn't swing it one year. How did we manage to succeed?

1. We set the goal. We decided to read the One Year Bible.
2. We got the book. Or the App. Either way we were equipped to succeed.
3. We put it in our schedule. One of my friends read ahead because she knew the summer would be busy. I put it in my schedule first thing in the morning. Planning to succeed often helps us get there.
4. We decided to stick with it day in and day out. We read through every kind of weather (Hurricane Harvey included) and each small step got us to the end.

Reaching this goal is exciting. I also understand what it feels not to finish (that was me last year). I didn't abandon the Bible, I just couldn't read it all in one year. What matters is that my heart and mind are forever changed because I dedicated my time to the reading of God's word. Faith did come and faith is what I needed to weather the storms of life this year.

Congratulations to my friends who finished reading the Bible in a Year. Congratulations to my friends  who will try again next time.

I want to invite you to join me in 2018 as I dedicate 15 minutes a day do read the Bible. I'm changing the translation as well as the format. I'm stretching myself so I can grow and mature in my faith. Join me?

More in this Series:
• Bible Study Lady
• One Year Bible: Time Management
• Bible in a Year: Half Way to my Goal
• 5 Strategies to Actually Read the Bible in a Year

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Destination Dream: Using what You have to Reach your Goals

In a few months, you and I will scream from the top of our lungs: “happy new year!” I love this unassuming time of year. While the newness of January is long gone, you and I still have a great chunk of time to accomplish our goals. As you read my words, please think of the goals and dreams you set for yourself. 

Today I want to answer the question, "how will I remain motivated to finish what I started and make some real advancement towards my dream?" 

Knowing myself

I’ve been around myself for over 3 decades. I have learned the following: 

• I can do difficult things. I know what it is to have persistence and to reach a goal most people won’t reach. I know you’ve been there too. Just look at your life and celebrate what you accomplished in the past. The goal is not to stop at pride but to gather data that will help you and I reach our current goals. Here's how to reach destination dream:

Use what you have - I started training for my first marathon using what I had. A friend and I went to thrift stores and found running shoes. I wore cotton shirts and shorts. The little I had, took me to the first finish line of the race that launched me into long distance running. I find that when it comes to reaching big goals, I’m tempted to complain about what I don’t have. I want to lose weight but I don’t have money for a certain membership. I have learned that I can use what I have to succeed. What do you have in your hands that will help you accomplish your goals?

Don’t be afraid of being you - I accept my uniqueness. What works for others will not work for me so I need to accept who I am. I don’t know what it is about reaching a big goal that brings the feeling of fear into the surface. I try my best to outsmart it so it won’t dominate me. I recently learned that fear is just a feeling. I don’t have to bow down to it for if I do, it will paralyze me. I have learned to acknowledge it and to stay away from it. I do not need to be afraid of being me because God gave me weapons to achieve my goal. The only way to grab those weapons is to walk a past fear so do not be afraid of being you. 

Do what works for YOU - There are many ways to get from point A to my goal on point B. I have to choose a method that works for me. The challenge I often face is choosing something that works for me. The more I know myself, the easier it is to say no to things that will not work for me. I understand that everyone swears by a certain exercise method or dietary choice. I know myself well enough (remember, I have over 3 decades of research data!) to know what will work for me. My friend, focus on doing what works for you. 

Start by solving your greatest source of frustration - I learned this principle while decluttering. I had stepped out of a difficult work year and my house was quite disorganized. Where should I start? I started by solving my greatest source of frustration: laundry. It took a while but I found a system that works wonders, no matter how busy I am. Once the big problem was solved, I was able to work towards other areas that needed organization. When it comes to your goal, what is your top area of frustration? By thinking about your goal in smaller chunks, you will be able to methodically move towards progress. My greatest source of frustration with my health journey was nutrition. I solved that frustration by dedicating myself to my writing down everything I eat in my food journal. This simple solution has kept me on track for 9 weeks. Once I solved that big issue, I was able to efficiently move towards my ultimate goal.

Focus on the system, not the big goal - Notice I didn’t say ‘abandon’ the big goal. I believe big goals are important but on the way there you will have to greet the short-term and the mid-term goals. I found myself overwhelmed by the fact that I signed up to run 26.2 miles. I decided instead to focus on the system (my marathon training plan). The plan I got from my running group told me what I was supposed to do every day in order to reach my goal. I focused on the system, not the big goal because the system was going to lead me to the big goal. 18 weeks later I was holding my medal. When it comes to my nutrition goal, I am focusing on writing in my food journal daily. I know that as I am being faithful to do what works for Cintia, I will reach my ultimate goal. When I was in College and Grad School, I focused on the system, not the big goal. I focused on attending class and mastering the material. I am now the owner of a duo Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree. One more example. When I was decluttering, I focused on the system (my 45-minute organization solution) and it helped me reach the big goal. 

I hope that you will find inspiration to fuel you to action. You and I can and we will reach our goals. Remember that knowing yourself is the foundation of your progress as you walk towards destination dream my friend.

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Teaching Kids to Win when they Lose

The kids and I in May of 2014

If Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, awards for things I know my kids won’t win is the worse time of the year. Let me fully explain.

We are an awards obsessed culture. If I sign up for a race and I don’t get a medal, the race director certainly gets the side eye. I even feel that I need awards for doing simple things such as cleaning my toilets. I am doing a great job reflecting the culture I live in. I’m human and I’m very good at it. Back to the kids.

I am all for kids earning awards that make a difference. Honor roll means my kid did their homework and mastered the material. I also have been the kid who did not master the material and had to repeat a grade. I didn’t cry about not having awards back then because I was old enough to understand what I got myself into. I also did not come from a family/culture that was awards obsessed. Back to the kids again.

I get sad when my kids cry because they did not get an awards that in their 3-year-old mind, makes an immediate difference. I’ve been through this so many times that I decided that if talking doesn’t work, I was going for the “Listenbee Company Incentive Plan.” Here’s how the plan worked:

Year 1: the 3-year-old balled her eyes out. I told her we’d try harder next year. We did try harder that following year.

Year 2: the 4-year-old still didn’t win and she balled her eyes out again. I affirmed her efforts and I introduced our Company’s Incentive Plan.

Year 3: the 5 year-old no longer cried but the whole Incentive Plan backfires because the youngest Company member who was now 3 balled her little eyes out. She quickly composed herself when she heard there was a great Company Incentive Plan on the table.

You and I know that there is very little that 3-year-olds do for themselves. The real people winning awards are parents. I respect a parent’s eagerness and competitiveness as well as their own Company Incentive Plans. I decided after Year 1 that I was not going to lose my peace and joy because of such temporary awards. I still want my child to be a great participant. I remind my little ones each year that the greatest lesson we learn is how to be truly happy for others. The richest lessons in life my friends are learned in these vexatious circumstances. Can you truly be happy when you lose?

Living in an award obsessed culture has taught me to be creative when parenting my children. I teach that the only reward we want to attain comes from a God who one day will say “well done.” I hope my kids and I hear “well done feeling happy in your heart for that person who won the award you wanted so much.” If strength of character is what we get from this experience, I’m okay with that. Oh, let’s not forget that Listenbee Company Incentive Plan that totally rocks. The plan is to celebrate their year of hard work at Chickfila. We hardly go out to eat, so you can imagine their joy when they hear this Company Incentive is on the table.  

How do you help your kids navigate through the reality of not winning?

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Happy Pastor's Appreciation Month!

Zeke and I in 2007, North Carolina

October is a special month for us because we show appreciation to the clergy in our lives. I really appreciate my husband because we get to experience life with him. He truly is a wonderful man, husband, father and pastor (among other things). 

I appreciate his love for God's people. He really loves our congregation and he truly ministers from a heart of love for God and His people. 

I appreciate the unseen time he spends being a pastor. Most people see him on Sundays but we get to see all the effort he puts into ministering. It's his joy to serve and we are so blessed to see that!

I am thankful for his wisdom. I appreciate the fact that Zeke listens to God and it shows in the way he ministers. I also appreciate his humor. I love Zeke's sense of humor. Being a pastor (in our house) is not about being serious and singing the Hallelujah Chorus non-stop. The joy of the Lord truly is our strength and we have found this to be the foundation of who we are. 

I am committed to continue to pray for my husband as a Pastor. Prayer is the most important way to show appreciation and the Bible encourages us to pray for our leaders. I am committed to pray continually for my husband and his ministry to the body of Christ. 

It's amazing to think that Zeke's been a pastor for 9 years, which is almost as long as we've been married. I am thankful for those who saw God's gift in him. I am thankful for the body of Christ who encouraged his gifts and talents. I am also thankful for all the clergy in my family. There are 13 pastors at least! I appreciate their faithfulness in studying God's word, loving God's people and being obedient to Jesus' commission. 

Happy Pastor's Appreciation month to all! 

Will you join me in prayer for the minister's in your life? 

Related posts:

• 3 things you may not know about people in ministry

• How to celebrate pastor's appreciation month

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Mid-year Goals Update 2016

This is a great time of year to review the goals you and I set in January. I asked myself many questions that led me to my goals for 2016. I also looked at my goals as a map. Here's my update:

• Decide where you want to go – I did. I have been revisiting my goals because after the school year was over I felt a little lost. Revisiting my goals also allowed me to find new strategies to get there. Now is a good time to think, "do I need a new strategy?" 
• Follow the map – I can say that because I have reviewed my (Fitness, Family, Faith, Business and Other) goals, I got a new strategy to reach them. Some of the goals I set have already been accomplished but there are many others that are in the process. Following the map I set for myself is a sure way to get to my destination. 
• Expect Detours – who you're telling? Detours have been the word of the year therefore, the need for new strategies. I know there is a lesson in dealing with detours on the way to reaching my goal. I have learned not to get mad at the detour in a way that it paralyzes my progress. As I expect detours I become more flexible and even more determined to reach my goal. 

Here are the three questions I asked myself before setting my goals. I believe they are still relevant now:
• What do I most want to be thankful for one year from now? - I want to be thankful that I invested in my family and in my health. I want to be thankful that I was able to help others through my career.
• Which activities in my schedule aren’t delivering the results I want? - This is a tough one but so worth evaluating. I find that this tough decisions can catapult me into my goals.
• Are you buying what you’re selling? - I am. I totally get the fact that after God, family is the most important thing to me. I totally buy the fact that health is important and it's imperative to invest in it. If I can make it fun (my definition of fun is running marathons), even better!

I want to challenge you to review your goals and to ask yourself the questions that will catapult you to your destination. It's worth it because you are worth it my friend. Have a great day!

Previously in this series:
• Goals as a Map
• 2016 Goals you can Reach
• Mid-Year Goals Update 2015

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Green 6.2 Recap 2016

 I had a great time at the Green 6.2 race last Saturday! This was my first Texas race four years ago and it has become a tradition of our family. My husband was sick so he could not run it this year, so I went solo for the first time ever. Good thing I had friends there waiting for me.
As you probably know, the race starts the night before so here is my outfit. I couldn't find a hat till the morning of. I guess I fell out of the habit but I recovered pretty quickly.

Oh, this was also my first time racing in Saucony shoes. It's been a smooth transition after four years with another brand. My goal for the next couple of months is to try a bunch of new things and stick with what works during marathon season.
I met my running buddies at CityCentre at 7:15 for a photo. Don't we look excited to be running?

Here is a video of me at the start line. I'm really enjoying Facebook Live by the way! Be sure to Like my page for more videos.
The weather was pretty next to perfect. I was pretty warm with my arm warmers by the end. I was able to keep a 10:19 pace and I was pretty glad about it. The finish line experience was pretty awesome, especially when the announcer gets my name right :) I have been called "Listerine" at a finish line before. Hilarious experience! Here are some of my running group buddies with smiles and medals:

Here is Fit Foodie Le, whom I follow on social media and admire very much. Be sure to follow her for inspiration on your health journey!

I also had a chance to chat with my homegirl Lisa from SoundMindandSpirit.com. She's always a joy and a blessing to me. 

Another tradition of mine is to enjoy the photo booth they have at the race.

My new running shoes were so great I didn't feel a big difference from the previous brand. I did feel they helped me run pain free (I feel pain when my shoes are getting older) and I love the bright pink color.
The course was great and I was able to right behind my Coach most of the time. I took a few walking breaks to get water and gatorade. By the way, the water was so cold and the gatorade was nice a cold too: just what I needed! I started listening to worship music but quickly had to switch to my 170 bpm Podcast just to make sure my cadence was going to help me finish close to 1 hour. I am totally going for another PR next year while completely at peace with what I got this time around.
I was happy about the 1:04 finish time. I gained quite a bit of weight since Houston and I am on my way back down again. I ran 1 minute faster last year. I often wonder what I will accomplish without the extra weight and with more training. One thing is sure: the future is bright as I invest in my health.
Thanks for reading my race recap! Unless something else interesting pops up, my next race is in San Jose, California this Fall. Till then I will get this extra weight off through good nutrition and my favorite: running. I appreciate your prayers as I continue to invest in my health. Have a great day friends!

Green 6.2 over the years:
• 2015 recap
• 2014 recap
• 2013 recap 

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100 Days of Food Journaling: I did it!

I wanted to change and I believe I did. For the past 100 days I've been saying that by day 100 I will not be the same person who started this challenge. Here's how it happened:

Who: me, myself and I. I challenged myself to keep a digital food journal for 100 days. It's amazing how I did. Thank God I did. 

What: a food journal. Plain and simple, write down everything I eat, drink and how much I exercise. 

Where: there are many ways to do it but this time I chose to keep a digital food diary on Google Drive. 

Why: My weight and eating habits were getting out of hand. I was unhappy with the way I felt and running was tougher than what it needed to be. A lot of my clothes were not fitting properly. 

How: I kept the following format:

Day 5, June 13, 2015

Breakfast: banana, clif shot (pre-run); 1 egg, 1 slice of bread

Snack: Coffee with soy

Lunch: butternut squash with meat and tilapia. small piece of fried chicken breast

Dinner: butternut squash, fish

Exercise: 10-mile run

H20: 16 + 16 +  16 oz

Thoughts: It was tougher to eat healthy yesterday than I thought. I’m still determined to succeed. Today was a much better day: a night of sleep and a long run as well as yard saling with my mom really added to my well being.

Friends, I was obviously not trying to change drastically, I was trying to make progress. The important thing is that I'm not where I was before. 

The truth is that my weight went down more than up. The truth is that this challenge has helped me make progress and I am grateful.

Will I keep journaling my food or go for another 100 day challenge? You may ask. The answers are yes and maybe. I will keep journaling but I think I will focus on one week at a time. 

I do get better results when I journal for it is a great way to improve my health. 

I am thankful to God for this opportunity and I am happy to have accomplished another wellness challenge! 

100 Days of Food Journal: 
• Day 1 
• Day 11
• Day 21
• Day 59

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100 Days of Food Journaling: 3 words

This is day 59 of 100 and here is my latest update:

#100days #fooddiary #foodjournal I'm so thankful.

A video posted by Cintia Listenbee (@cintialistenbee) on Aug 6, 2015 at 4:01am PDT

I can say that writing down my food intake has become a well-established habit. I can also say that losing weight is not my main motivation (although it's really nice). Improving my health is the main reason why I am persevering in this project. The side effects are many: running is getting easier, I am losing weight and my clothes are fit better (yes!!!). 

When I started this process, my focus was to regain control of my food intake by paying close attention to nutrition. Every day has not been "glamorous" which means I am learning from my mistakes. My main drive can be summarized in 3 words "don't give up." 

Showing perfect before and after pictures can't do justice to the real stuff that goes on in real life. This week for example, I started my new job. I haven't worked outside of the home for 6 and a half years. It is a big adjustment but I am determined not to let this change derail me from my wellness goals. 

Exercising is still a priority but I've been fitting in when I can. Last night I had THE worse run ever but I got it done. This morning when I weighed myself I gave glory to God for helping me lose 2 more pounds. 

My friend, you can achieve your health goals. My encouraging words to you can be summarized in "you will succeed" and "take small steps."

If you need support in your wellness journey, join my Health Support Group on Facebook.

100 Days of Food Journal: 
• Day 1 
• Day 11
• Day 21

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Houston Marathon 2014: I'm in!

Earlier this week I learned that my entry to the Chevron Houston Marathon was accepted! I'll be joining  thousands of runners in 206 days who will complete this amazing marathon! I am counting on your prayers and encouragement friends.
Essa semana eu fiquei sabendo que fui aceita pra Maratona de Houston! Estarei correndo em 206 dias. Muita gente participa dessa corrida, estou contando com as orações de vocês. 

Photo by James Nielsen, Houston Chronicle

Completing a marathon has been one of my dreams and it has been amazing to finally see it come to pass. I am aware that the real work starts now. Between now and the finish line there will be a lot of training and I am looking forward to it.

Um dos meus sonhos sempre foi correr e completar uma maratona. Eu sei que o treinamento que começa agora é o que me separa da linha de chegada. Estou animada pra completar essa etapa importante. 

Some of my dear friends have a lot of questions about marathons, so here are a few fun facts:
Aqui vão alguns fatos interessantes sobre as maratonas aqui dos Estates:

• A marathon is comprised of 26.2 miles | Uma maratona tem 42 km  

• When I finish my marathon in January I will be part of the 0.5% of the population which is around 551,811 people | Quando eu completar a maratona de Houston em Janeiro farei parte de 0.5% da população, ou 551,811 pessoas.

• Around 570 marathons are held annually in the US | Todo ano 570 maratonas acontencem no país

• The average amount of miles ran during training is 40 miles | Os corredores americanos treinam cerca de 64 km por semana

• The average number of calories a woman burns during a marathon is 2,800* | As mulheres queimam cerca de 2,800 calorias durante uma corrida. 

As I begin this journey, I know that I can count on God's help. I can run a marathon through Christ who strengthens me and because I have the support of my amazing husband and kids. I will run and not be weary, when I walk, I will not faint. See you at the finish line!
Sei que posso contar com a ajuda de Deus nessa jornada. Eu posso completar uma maratona pois Cristo me fortalece. Também tenho o apoio do meu amado esposo e dos meus filhos queridos. Correrei e não me cansarei. Quando eu caminhar, não me fadigarei. Nos vemos na linha de chegada!

* Marathon Running Statics 

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Reevaluating my Goals

I wanted to take advantage of being in the middle of the year to reevaluate my goals. I think that rewriting this letter could be beneficial:

My 2011 Letter

The idea is to write a letter the future you is writing to the current you. It lists the successes you are currently incorporating in your life, the changes you want to make in the future and the winning strategies that will help you make the changes. According to my original goal, I have 6 weeks to arrive at a BMI OF 24.9 or less. Sometimes I wonder if I can. Most times I am telling myself not to give up and keep pushing forward. I hope you have time to reevaluate your goals.
Action Items:
• Read your goals;
• Reevaluate them;
• Write down new Strategies to reach them.

Related Posts:
• 7 Steps Toward Success
• Goals: Starting Fresh
• The New You is Calling
• Goals for 2013: Why?
• Reaching Fitness Goals
• Reassessing my Goals
• Exercise: Pre-planning Works
• 3 Ways to be More Productive

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Weight Loss after Baby: Part 2

Stats are another way of telling my health story. I heard a wise person say that "You cannot Multiply what you will not Measure. You cannot measure what you will not Manage." Stats are a way to manage my weight. The scale is not my only way of measuring progress. I measure progress by making sure I meet the goals listed on my Vision Board. This extra weight is leaving and it seems painfully slow at times but I encourage myself with all the things I am gaining: strength, endurance, experience, health. I hope to encourage you to take some time to take care of yourself and achieve your health goals. Here are my stats:

Baby #1 (April 2009): 

Starting weight: 145 lbs

@ 9 months of Pregnancy: 195 lbs

April/May of 2009

Baby #2 (July 2010): 

Starting weight: 190 lbs

@ 9 months of Pregnancy: 216 lbs

Final Weight: 156 lbs (Before & After Photos)

May of 2011

Baby #3 (June 2012):

Starting Weight: 165 lbs

@ 9 months of Pregnancy: 194 lbs

Weight on 8/28/12: 170.8 lbs

Current Weight: 156.6 lbs 

Today I was able to receive my first weight loss reward for the year:

 Here's what I splurged on:

I highly enjoy writing. I write in a lot of journals and I enjoy sending cards and letters, so this will be put to good use.
My ultimate goal is to arrive at a healthy BMI. While I don't get there, I am aiming at my next small goal and I am also aiming at signing up for my first 10K.

QUESTION: If indeed "You cannot Multiply what you will not Measure and You cannot measure what you will not Manage," how are your health management skills?

Previously in this Series:
• Weight Loss after Baby Part 1

Disclaimer: This journey is a process, not an event. Weight loss is not my full-time job. I'm a wife and mother first. Still, I am working on being a healthier wife and mother. In this journey I make many mistakes and learn from them. I am humbled by God's grace which empowers me to succeed. My hope is that you find encouragement to take small steps towards being a healthier you. There's only One who's perfect so I pressed towards the calling I have in God. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

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Zeke's Approach to Fatherhood

My husband approached fatherhood with a lot of passion and zeal. He was first to hold, feed and change our first born. He doesn't want to miss a moment in all our children's their lives: from bringing comfort to a teething child to celebrating milestones such as potty training and birthdays.

My husband seeks wisdom about being a good father. Although his father is no longer with us, he continues to seek counseling and advice from Godly role models on how to be a great father. I really admire him for seeking wisdom in fatherhood.

My husband loves his children well. He practices balance in loving and disciplining them. He never holds back in showing affection and giving affirmation. He also never holds back in being affectionate towards me in front of the kids. Love is a verb he's teaching by example. 

We often talk about the lessons we want our children to learn and I remember he always prayed that our kids would forgive quickly. What an amazing life skill to have!

This Father's Week I want to honor my husband for being an amazing father to our kids. As we get ready to welcome another beautiful child into our family, I know that God will give my husband the grace to continue to be an amazingly wise and loving father. We love you, we appreciate you and we thank God for you Zeke!

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Happy Birthday Aniversário Feliz

ZGirl had an awesome first birthday! We went to Chelsea's Tea Room to celebrate her first year of life. Chelsea's is not a tea room for kids. My husband has taken me there before. I didn't mean for this to happen but my daughter and I celebrated our birthdays at the same place with the same kind of cake.
Minha filha teve um ótimo aniversário! Nós fomos pra um restaurante que serve chá que não é pra crianças, mas tudo bem. Acabou que nós duas comemoramos os nossos aniversários no mesmo lugar com o mesmo tipo de bolo.

ZGirl is amazed at the candle • Ela ficou impressionada com a vela

My wonderful friends Nicole (@rarebird22) and Rachel (@twintough) as well as Rachel's mom Tina were there to help us celebrate this awesome occasion. The kids had a great time! They were really into the fruit and the tea.

Minhas queridas amigas Nicole (@rarebird22), Rachel (@twintough) e a mãe dela estavam presentes pra comemorar conosco. As crianças gostaram muito das frutas e do chá.

All of us at Chelsea's • Todos nós no restaurante

We decided to take a girls only picture and I noticed that Most of us are bloggers. Nicole blogs at Rare Bird and Rachel at Twin Tough. Now I just need to get Mrs. Tina started :)
Quando tiramos a foto só das mulheres que reparei que a maioria de nós tem blog. O Blog da Nicole chama-se Rare Bird  e o da Rachel chama-se Twin Tough. Agora tenho que animar a mãe da Rachel pra começar um blog :)

Just the girls • A mulherada

I am really thankful to God for family and friends. No matter the season, it is good to give thanks to the Lord for what He has done. Today I am thankful for the pearls God gives us to care for, our children.
Agradeço a Deus por família e amigos. É bom dar graças a Deus em todo tempo. Hoje dou graças pelas pérolas preciosas que Ele nos dá, os nossos filhos.

Family photo • Foto da família

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