Family Fitness 5K Race, Lululemon, Karaoke, & Freshii

Family Fitness Fun 5K in Redlands, benefiting the Loma Linda Children's Hospital

Signed up to run just for fun since it is for a good cause and I would be volunteering afterwards at the health fair expo. Turns out, I finished 1st overall and beat my time from last year by 34 seconds.

As I ran, I was escorted by a police officer on a motorcycle for the entire race. He slowed down at each corner and blocked off the traffic for me, and used his signal light to direct me at each turn. It was pretty awesome and made me feel special! Another great source of motivation were the volunteers along the way that cheered for me; I took in their excitement and energy and used it to keep pushing. The weather was cool in the 60s, but what made it challenging were the hills. Long legs are great for running downhill or flat, but uphills take more effort.

Afterwards, I volunteered at the hypertension booth with other pharmacy students. We measured blood pressure and educated people on the risk factors, diagnosis, symptoms, as well as maintaining a health diet and exercising regularly. I really enjoy informing others on preventing or treating their health condition so that they can live a long, healthy life! The Inland Empire Therapy Dogs also had a booth there and I pet the cute, happy dogs! I had a Rat Terrier for 16 years, but she passed away a few years ago. I also held an African Python! My brother used to have snakes, so I wasn't afraid.

Trying to get a sponsor for running clothing and shoes has been tough. But, I just have to keep putting in the effort. I put on my Lululemon clothing that Freshii gifted me just before the L.A. Marathon and I went to the Lululemon store. I got to know the store managers and they were thrilled to hear about my success in running and although they weren't able to sponsor me, they did let me pick out a top, shorts, and sports bra (see the photo)! I love their clothing, it is high quality, lightweight, breathable, stylish, and is the perfect fit! I was so thankful, so the next day I gave the store manager a Reviive Juice from Freshii and she really appreciated it!

I went to a fun event at school with friends, where we sat around a table with the sunset in the background, listened to students singing karaoke, ate Jimmy John's sandwiches, drank refreshing watermelon juice with chia seeds, and took silly photos at the photo booth! The event volunteers were encouraging everyone to sing a song, so my friends and I we sang "Count On Me" by Bruno Mars, and we won 2nd place and a $25 gift card to Augie's coffee! And, we didn't hesitate to use it that same night! It was definitely a fun night!

Out to lunch with a couple of friends at Freshii. It was their first time going there and they said it was really delicious and they want to go back again! The juices, salads, and bowls are so refreshing and delicious, especially after a workout and to help power through the day!

"Being a pharmacy student, how do you find the time to run?"
That is one of the questions I'm most asked. I plan my day the night before, prioritizing the things I cannot move around. I usually head out for a run before the sunrise. On days when I have an early class or interning, I wake up earlier or run less. You should always make time for the things you are passionate about. Maybe it means preparing your meals beforehand, waking up a little earlier, or cutting down on Netflix. It is a simple change, and trust me, it is a great feeling of empowerment to get in a workout!

I went to Starbucks one morning when I didn't have enough time to make breakfast, but then I saw a bag on the pickup counter that said "Free," so I opened it up and there was oatmeal with blueberries, nuts, and agave nectar, and the barista gave me some almond milk too! I believe that God is always watching over me, especially when I came across a coyote a few days ago when I was out on a run! I am very thankful for all that I am, the wonderful people I know, and the path that I am headed on.

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