So on December 22, 2104 we welcomed our first born into this world! Finley Noelle Chhim. She has been such a blessing! The initial feeling of fear and the unknown was a little overwhelming at first but Becca says I'm a natural. It's been really fun to watch her grow! She is now walking around everywhere and keeping up with her has become more challenging. People tell me all the time that "it goes by so fast" but I am embracing every moment and every milestone with a heart of gratefulness. I am so grateful that she is developing like she's supposed to.
We are expecting our 2nd on July 19, 2016. It'll be fun to see what the future holds for our family. Becca has taken a part time job with LeBonheur so she'll have more time to spend with the kids! My job at Elmore Park has been such a game changer. My commute no longer consumes an hour of my day but only 10 minutes.
My running hasn't been as consistent but I have not given up! I try to run before work and on the weekends. I am doing the WORS and signed up for a couple 5Ks in April.
Between chasing my toddler, work, and running my life stays pretty busy. I need to make time for myself so I don't lose my mind!
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
First Marathon Ever!!!
Feb. 2, 2014--New Orleans
I completed my first official marathon ever!! Months of training culminated in this one event! I was well rested (having not run for 3 days prior to the race), carb-loaded, and had my race strategy set. My goal was to finish around 4 hours while running a negative split but that plan did not go so well. The weather was gloomy with clouds and fog that morning.
In the first half of the race there were a few sprinkles that actually felt nice. The temperature was somewhere around the 60s. Everything was going great until about mile 17 or 18. I had to walk through some of the water stations but was able to maintain a 9:30 or so pace. Looking back at my splits, Mile 20 was where I slowed down drastically. I guess that was the dreaded 'wall' that marathoners have always talked about. There was never any doubt that I would finish. I had to utilize the jog-walk method and stay mentally engaged on the challenge at hand. I knew my goal of finishing in 4 hours was out the window but a decent time was still within reach. I prayed, sung along to the songs being played, grabbed some gatorade, ate a couple cookies that were being handed out, and whatever else to keep my mind fresh!
With about half a mile to go I knew I had to finish strong so I gave it all I had. I finished in 4:11:06. Not too bad for my first time!
I think I would like to do another but it will probably be in December 2014 when I will have another chance at the St. Jude Memphis Marathon. I will probably focus more on distances 5K to the half marathon.
Here are my running goals for the upcoming year:
sub 1:40 for the half marathon
sub-19 min for the 5K
sub 45 min for the 10K.
My overall marathon experience was definitely positive. I enjoy training but am glad that I won't be spending so many hours on the road anymore. Track Club at my school is starting and it will be nice to influence young athletes to develop a love for this sport!!!
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| Becca and me at Redfish Grill. She had the Redfish and I had the Half Chicken |
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| We stayed at the Astor Crowne Plaza. It was right on Bourbon and Canal Street. This was our pre-race photo. I was decked out in all Nike and a St. Jude shirt underneath. |
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| After the race I stopped by the St. Jude Heroes' tent and they were serving gumbo and king cake! It was delicious! |
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| Nike+ Achievement...add me! |
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Taper Time!
Well, 12 more days until my first official marathon in New Orleans and I'm in the tapering phase of my training! Becca was in Savannah, GA for a work thing and so I ran my 16 miles on Saturday by myself! There was actually a wind advisory with wind gusts up to 40 mph. I contemplated waiting until Sunday to run it but decided to go with the Nike slogan and "Just Do It".
The first few miles were actually quite nice due to the tailwind I received! I did a different course than normal to keep things interesting. There were a lot of moments where it felt as if I was doing speedwork, hill work, and running a race all at the same time due to the wind! My average pace for 16 miles was 8:45min/mile! However, I don't think I could keep that pace for another 10.2 miles. This run was very challenging and I think it will prep me well for NOLA.
The first few miles were actually quite nice due to the tailwind I received! I did a different course than normal to keep things interesting. There were a lot of moments where it felt as if I was doing speedwork, hill work, and running a race all at the same time due to the wind! My average pace for 16 miles was 8:45min/mile! However, I don't think I could keep that pace for another 10.2 miles. This run was very challenging and I think it will prep me well for NOLA.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
St Jude Marathon that wasn't (or was?)
St. Jude Marathon Weekend was cancelled due to inclement weather. That didn't stop me from completing my 26.2 mile run that I was prepared for!
The weather was about 20 with a wind chill a lot colder. I wore 2 long sleeved compression shirts, my Nike running jacket, St. Jude singlet, 1 pair of gloves, 1 pair of convertible mittens, Nike Pro Combat compression shorts, Nike Pro Combat compression tights, Nike running tights, Nike running shorts, Nike headband, Under Armour Skullcap, a pink beanie, technical running socks, and Nike Pegasus 30. I consumed two bags of Gu Chomps (watermelon), Gu Energy Gel (salted caramel), and lots of water.
I don't recall hitting a wall but it got a little tough around mile 21-23. I finished and immediately got in the car to drive home with Becca and Andrea. I was sore for the rest of the day and loosened up a bit on Sunday and Monday. I feel pretty good to do a short 2 miler tonight!
I plan on signing up for the RnR New Orleans Marathon which is on February 2. I did the half last year so it will be good to go back and conquer the rest of the course! It will be my first "official" marathon but Saturday's run will always be my first 26.2 miler!
I want to thank Donnie B for getting a couple of people, Kathryn and Ron, to follow us runners with water in the trucks. I want to thank my training partners who have run with me; Andrea, Mario, and Germantown kids; and lastly, my best friend and wife, Becca, for inspiring me to do something so crazy!
See you in NOLA!
Running through Beale Street!
The weather was about 20 with a wind chill a lot colder. I wore 2 long sleeved compression shirts, my Nike running jacket, St. Jude singlet, 1 pair of gloves, 1 pair of convertible mittens, Nike Pro Combat compression shorts, Nike Pro Combat compression tights, Nike running tights, Nike running shorts, Nike headband, Under Armour Skullcap, a pink beanie, technical running socks, and Nike Pegasus 30. I consumed two bags of Gu Chomps (watermelon), Gu Energy Gel (salted caramel), and lots of water.
I don't recall hitting a wall but it got a little tough around mile 21-23. I finished and immediately got in the car to drive home with Becca and Andrea. I was sore for the rest of the day and loosened up a bit on Sunday and Monday. I feel pretty good to do a short 2 miler tonight!
I plan on signing up for the RnR New Orleans Marathon which is on February 2. I did the half last year so it will be good to go back and conquer the rest of the course! It will be my first "official" marathon but Saturday's run will always be my first 26.2 miler!
I want to thank Donnie B for getting a couple of people, Kathryn and Ron, to follow us runners with water in the trucks. I want to thank my training partners who have run with me; Andrea, Mario, and Germantown kids; and lastly, my best friend and wife, Becca, for inspiring me to do something so crazy!
See you in NOLA!
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Week of Veterans' Day
What a beautiful day it was yesterday! I was pretty busy but the weather was perfect. I took my three pups to Shelby Farms. I ran with my two nieces. They are 5 and 6. We did about a mile around the park and then played on the playground. Shelby Farms has a wonderful Children's Discovery Playground with creative and artistic slides, swings, nets to climb, and sandbox. There were about 100+ kids there with their families enjoying the holiday! My dogs really enjoyed hanging out with all the children also! Thank you Veterans' for your service and making this country 'land of the free.'
The holiday season is soon approaching us and I actually put up our Christmas Tree last night. We haven't put any ornaments on it yet but that will be coming soon! I don't think it's ever too early to celebrate the birth of Jesus. I know he probably wasn't born on December 25 but that shouldn't stop me from celebrating it on that day!
My marathon training continues to progress. A couple weeks ago we did a 20 mile training run. It went well. I did not have much post run soreness or injuries so I'm happy about that! The following day I ran in the Race for Education 3 Mile Race. My time was 19:11. I finished 6th overall and 1st in my age group. I also wore my Nike Rival XC Waffle shoes for the first time! They made me feel fast!
I'm racing in the Tim Creager Memorial 5K this Saturday in Millington. I'm hoping to PR with a time of 19:50 or better! Tim was a good friend of mine who was killed in 2004. He was a Marine. Here's a link to the website: http://timcreager5k.racesonline.com/
Here are a few picture from the Race for Education.
The holiday season is soon approaching us and I actually put up our Christmas Tree last night. We haven't put any ornaments on it yet but that will be coming soon! I don't think it's ever too early to celebrate the birth of Jesus. I know he probably wasn't born on December 25 but that shouldn't stop me from celebrating it on that day!
My marathon training continues to progress. A couple weeks ago we did a 20 mile training run. It went well. I did not have much post run soreness or injuries so I'm happy about that! The following day I ran in the Race for Education 3 Mile Race. My time was 19:11. I finished 6th overall and 1st in my age group. I also wore my Nike Rival XC Waffle shoes for the first time! They made me feel fast!
I'm racing in the Tim Creager Memorial 5K this Saturday in Millington. I'm hoping to PR with a time of 19:50 or better! Tim was a good friend of mine who was killed in 2004. He was a Marine. Here's a link to the website: http://timcreager5k.racesonline.com/
Here are a few picture from the Race for Education.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Catch up with So!
Here's a brief recap of what's been going on in my life:
First season coaching middle school cross country is coming to a close. One of my boys qualified for state. I didn't think anyone on the team would do so but he was the last one to qualify!!!!
My elementary track club has a meet against a rival school today. My friend Mario is their coach and this Sunday will be the First Annual Battle of the Birds. They're the Falcons and we're the Cardinal so yeah....Battle of the Birds.
For Fall Break Becca, her family, and I went to Destin, FL!!! It was a great trip and even with 5 kids under the age of 5 it wasn't too bad. I got a lot of things at Silver Sands so I think I'm set. I ran my farthest distance ever with 15 miles! It wasn't too bad weather-wise.
I will be running in the Wolf Mash Dash 5k in Downtown Memphis this Friday! I ran it last year and there's this one really steep hill that you have to ascend around the 1.5 mile mark! I hope to place in my age group and win another mug...that was their prize last year.
Tonight O.J. Mayo returns to the Fedexforum as I cheer on my Grizzlies against the Bucks. I will be going with one of my boys on the cross country team. He is a great kid and has been through some rough times over the past year and half or so. I know we'll have an awesome time at the game. I'm thinking about getting a sno cone or some ice cream????....I don't know, maybe both!
I've been meeting with some kids from my youth group, J and M, and we've been reading through this book called, "Weird". It talks about how, as Christians, we should go against the norms of this world because Christ calls us to be set apart. It's a pretty good read and the boys and myself are learning a lot from it and each other! We meet every couple weeks or so.
I've chosen my 5th grade basketball team and we look promising. I have a solid 5-6 and the others are going to fill in nicely. I am doing a training camp week this week to get the team off to a good start.
There are only 7.5 weeks left until my first marathon, the St. Jude Marathon. It takes place Dec. 7 in my hometown of Memphis! I love my city...albeit far from perfect, it has many things to offer. I hope I'm making the city a better place to live and impacting young lives around me. I was thinking the other day that I never would have imagined that I would influence over 50 kids to get into running. I myself did not enjoy it. I knew that I needed to get healthy and so I picked up running. My passion spread and I have been given the opportunity to affect those around me!
Well, sorry this has been so long! I hope to write back sooner next time!
God Bless....
Run with endurance
here's a pic of Mario and me at the Earth Day 5K back in April 2013.
First season coaching middle school cross country is coming to a close. One of my boys qualified for state. I didn't think anyone on the team would do so but he was the last one to qualify!!!!
My elementary track club has a meet against a rival school today. My friend Mario is their coach and this Sunday will be the First Annual Battle of the Birds. They're the Falcons and we're the Cardinal so yeah....Battle of the Birds.
For Fall Break Becca, her family, and I went to Destin, FL!!! It was a great trip and even with 5 kids under the age of 5 it wasn't too bad. I got a lot of things at Silver Sands so I think I'm set. I ran my farthest distance ever with 15 miles! It wasn't too bad weather-wise.
I will be running in the Wolf Mash Dash 5k in Downtown Memphis this Friday! I ran it last year and there's this one really steep hill that you have to ascend around the 1.5 mile mark! I hope to place in my age group and win another mug...that was their prize last year.
Tonight O.J. Mayo returns to the Fedexforum as I cheer on my Grizzlies against the Bucks. I will be going with one of my boys on the cross country team. He is a great kid and has been through some rough times over the past year and half or so. I know we'll have an awesome time at the game. I'm thinking about getting a sno cone or some ice cream????....I don't know, maybe both!
I've been meeting with some kids from my youth group, J and M, and we've been reading through this book called, "Weird". It talks about how, as Christians, we should go against the norms of this world because Christ calls us to be set apart. It's a pretty good read and the boys and myself are learning a lot from it and each other! We meet every couple weeks or so.
I've chosen my 5th grade basketball team and we look promising. I have a solid 5-6 and the others are going to fill in nicely. I am doing a training camp week this week to get the team off to a good start.
There are only 7.5 weeks left until my first marathon, the St. Jude Marathon. It takes place Dec. 7 in my hometown of Memphis! I love my city...albeit far from perfect, it has many things to offer. I hope I'm making the city a better place to live and impacting young lives around me. I was thinking the other day that I never would have imagined that I would influence over 50 kids to get into running. I myself did not enjoy it. I knew that I needed to get healthy and so I picked up running. My passion spread and I have been given the opportunity to affect those around me!
Well, sorry this has been so long! I hope to write back sooner next time!
God Bless....
Run with endurance
here's a pic of Mario and me at the Earth Day 5K back in April 2013. Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Nashville HM
It's been a few weeks since I've posted but here's some things to catch you up:
Nashville Half Marathon- rainy, hilly, but great turnout! I ran in my blue Saucony raincoat the whole time. I thought I would burn up but I didn't. It kept me dry (dryer than most runners) and I have no regrets in taking it back after I had put it in gear check. The hills were not too bad...I actually enjoyed the changes in elevation and thought it was good to use different muscle groups to climb and descend.
I finished in 1:52:30
No complaints except:
At the finish, I started to freeze. We waited around for our group and found out they had already boarded the shuttle back to the hotel. I tried changing into some dryer clothes and that helped a little. We eventually boarded the shuttle back to the Opryland Hotel and the bus was nice and toasty.
I really enjoyed running with my wife and we stayed together the whole time until the final mile and a half or so. We had to stop a few times to tie shoes and use the restroom. I used all my GU chomps and drank a little gatorade during the race. I would love to run it next year but could do without the rain!
Nashville Half Marathon- rainy, hilly, but great turnout! I ran in my blue Saucony raincoat the whole time. I thought I would burn up but I didn't. It kept me dry (dryer than most runners) and I have no regrets in taking it back after I had put it in gear check. The hills were not too bad...I actually enjoyed the changes in elevation and thought it was good to use different muscle groups to climb and descend.
I finished in 1:52:30
No complaints except:
At the finish, I started to freeze. We waited around for our group and found out they had already boarded the shuttle back to the hotel. I tried changing into some dryer clothes and that helped a little. We eventually boarded the shuttle back to the Opryland Hotel and the bus was nice and toasty.
I really enjoyed running with my wife and we stayed together the whole time until the final mile and a half or so. We had to stop a few times to tie shoes and use the restroom. I used all my GU chomps and drank a little gatorade during the race. I would love to run it next year but could do without the rain!
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