Yes...running AND champagne

My friend, running buddy and roommate often laughs at me when my pre- race dinner consists of a glass of wine.  I am convinced that this is a great idea and continue to stick with the tradition :) 

Crossing that finish line at the end of a race is one of the greatest feelings.  You feel free, accomplished and strong.  I've often thought, this can't get any better, and then I read about the See Jane run series.  Not only do you get some awesome bling (see below for 2011 medal), you are awarded champagne and chocolates at the end of the race.  I love me some champagne :)  This race has been on my race event list for the past two years, and I am determined to make it happen.  I have emailed the race officials at least two times to see when registration opens.  This is one I definitely won't miss.  I hope that you will be there too.  Enter this contest for a chance to win a race entry for you and a friend!
See Jane Run

I survived- Warrior Dash 2011

I had been wanting to participate in Warrior Dash for some time.  I registered 1/26/11 right when registration opened.  I did not have anyone doing it with me, I just knew that I was going to do this.  Warrior dash ended up going on Groupon in September of this year and luckily my friend Angela and several of her friends signed up.  Yay, a big group!

We woke up on race day and decided have a last minute effort a painting our faces, day of the dead skeletons.  We had great intentions of dressing up as smurfs or something else, but life and work got in the way.  With the short time and limited supplies, we did a pretty good job, I must say.

I was slightly nervous, and as the course progressed, rightfully so.  I am pretty terrified of heights and they had several tall climbs.  I had to skip one and climb back down another.  Maybe next year I will be brave enough to tackle them all.  Nonetheless, this was fun!  My favorite part was going through the mud pit at the end.

Me swimming through the mud pit

Jumping over fire

It was a great day.  Despite the air and elevation giving me asthma issues, our team "left no man behind"  Got to meet new people, some new friends. :)

Nike Women's Marathon 2011

Love the Nike Women's Marathon.  This year I did the half.  I went to the Stanford Nike to get my sweatshirt early this year.  Since they had a green one, and green being my favorite color, I did not want them to sell out.

Saturday I went up to the city for my bib pick up and for the expo.

 ..and then to find my name on the wall outside the Niketown store.  I met two friends and the hotel near the airport and we went to dinner.  The next day was early to rise!  Nike was a lot of fun, despite my bad time and feeling lethargic.  I ran with a good friend and had good friends waiting at the finish.  Who doesn't love crossing that finish line and getting a Tiffany necklace from firemen in suits?

Race beginning for the gun in Times Square

Angela and I steps from the finish

Finisher necklace

Victory Donuts

Victory race Dynamo

So I have come up with a deal.  Well....sort of.  I was frequenting Dynamo Donuts often.  Several trips from San Jose to the city each week was getting costly.  The new rule is I can get donuts every time I have a race or running event.  (I added in birthdays, holidays and anniversary's too- but good thing I have at least one race a month just in case).  On mile 10 of the Morgan Hill marathon this past weekend all I was thinking about were my victory race donuts and the new ones that I was going to get to try.  (well and the BLING that I would receive at the end).  I also have the disclaimer that if Dynamo tweets that they are having a donut that I have not tried, I can go then too.  That is why I call this a sort of deal :)

My victory box (to share with roommates and friends of course) after Morgan Hill Marathon:

Morgan Hill half marathon

This past Sunday I ran the Morgan Hill Half marathon to complete the CA marathon series.  Living in Morgan Hill for over 23 years made this race special to me and I was extra excited. 

I woke up Sunday morning still a little sore from the Nike Women's Marathon the previous Sunday.  I drove down to Morgan Hill to arrive at 6:00 to pick up my race bib.  (I had to pay an extra $10 but was luckily able to pick up my bib that day).

The race and course were nice.  Starting at the Centennial center and heading down Edmunson to Oak Glen, Willow Springs, Hale and then back to the Centennial.  There are a few miles of downhill after mile 6.  People kept saying that this was a very hilly course, but compared to Nike it seemed like a breeze (and possibly living in Morgan Hill left me know what to expect).  I finished at 3:04:52.  Crossing that finish line and getting two medals felt good!

Dynamo Donuts... again =)

This weekend I ran the Nike Women's (half) Marathon in San Francisco.  On Saturday the plan was to head to the city to pick up my race bib and to attend the expo.  Of course we were stopping by Dynamo Donuts!  I had actually called Dynamo the day before, found out what the baker was making, and placed an order to pick up Saturday.  We finally arrived at Dynamo.  Our box was waiting for us :)  So many new flavors to try.  Once again, all were awesome.  We immediately fell in love with their caramel.  It is extremely good and not sticky at all.  I don't know how they do it.  They keep getting every donut right!

When we were at the store on Saturday, we made a wish list for an order to pick up Sunday.  Victory post race donuts!  Once again, mmmm.  We took two dynamo virgins (race buddy and race supporter) and they immediately fell in love with the place as well.

The only ones that I have left to try are rhubarb, quince crumb, strawberry earl grey, meyer lemon huckelberry  ginger orange and peanut buddy.  I will be back soon!

Saturday: Caramel de Sel, Vanilla Bean, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip, Apricot Cardamom, maple bacon, lemon thyme, candied orange blossom, caramel apple and coconut.

 

Sunday: Maple bacon, lemon pistachio, chocolate passion fruit, vanilla bean, caramel del sel, molasses guiness pear, corneal rosemary cherry

I'm addicted to Dynamo Donuts...True story

It all began during my quest to achieve yelp elite status.  I found myself wanting to try new places so that I could yelp them.  My boyfriend loves to watch the food network, so we started looking up places from food network shows.  Low and behold we came across "The Best Thing I Ever Ate".  On the list was Dynamo Donuts.  The featured donut was the maple bacon.  First of all I don't event like donuts (silly me) so this didn't sound the least bit appealing.  My boyfriend was all for it, so I said we could go and I would 'taste' a donut.

We decided to head over to Dynamo around 4:30 and were at the other end of the city.  Come to find out, Dynamo closed at 5:00.  I called over and the nice young man said that he would wait for us.  Win!  We ended up getting there at 5:02 (after almost missing it the first time).  He ended up giving us several donuts two for one since they were closing.  We got a few maple bacon, lemon pistachio, chocolate rose hazelnut, passion fruit milk chocolate and chocolate rose.

Lemon pistachio, maple bacon, chocolate geranium hazelnut, chocolate rose, passion fruit milk chocolate

I fell in love with the lemon pistachio and the maple bacon.  ALL of the other donuts were good too!  The dough of the donut is unlike any other that I have tasted.  It is light and fluffy-almost croissant like.  The toppings are gourmet, perfectly paired and not too sweet at all.  (If you've been to Psycho Donut in San Jose- ewww- these are nothing like them.  They are top of the line and this is coming from someone who never eats donuts).

Addition to the bucket list

My friend posted something on facebook today about a flashmob.  I have heard of them (and I've seen the movie Friend's with benefits) so I pretty much know what they are.  Upon googling flash mob, I found this video.  This guy is awesome.  I now am adding "be a part of a flash mob" to my before 30 bucket list.  Hopefully the one I attend will be this cool.

Downtown Disney flas mob

Mission to become a SF marathon Ambassador

A few months ago I signed up to receive an update when the San Francisco Marathon ambassador applications became available.  I received this email last night!  This probably sparks some questions.

1.  What is an ambassador?  "An ambassador of the SF Marathon Ambassador Team brings together diverse, talented, and enthusiastic athletes.  These runners each have unique stories and running careers." -SF marathon site.  I wouldn't say I enough experience to have a running career, maybe a running internship :) - but I am interested and enthusiastic nonetheless.

2.  Why do I want to be a part of this?  I would love to share my story with others.  I put a marathon on my Before 30 bucket list because I thought it was slightly unachievable and a great challenge.  It was challenging, yes, but I never expected to enjoy it so much.  If I can do this, anyone can.  The physical aspects are awesome, but its also a mental challenge.  I want to get others excited about running, running events and everything associated with it.  (Did someone mention BLING?) 

So I filled out my application and sent it off.  Now to wait for a response.  Hopefully you will see me blogging, facebooking and promoting The San Francisco Marathon at local events soon!

You too can apply to be an active ambassador, just click on this link to apply.  Good luck fellow runners!

Run this! Zazzle Bay to Breakers 2012

I work for a great place: Zazzle.  They are all set for the 2012 Zazzle Bay to Breakers which is currently being planned.  If you want to keep informed of the registration launch sign up for the  E-Newsletter

 
Don't miss out!

Nocal Marathon 9/18/11

I made the decision to run the Norcal Marathon on 9/17/11.  Seeing as it was a part of the new CA marathon series and an inaugural event, I could not turn it down. 

I got up on Sunday morning a bit hesitant.  I had just moved and had not unpacked everything.  I was using different running shoes (brand new ones- BIG race day no-no) and a new sports bra.  A little nervous to say the least, but excited to be part of my first race event since 10/2010.  Yes, that long!

The race began in downtown San Jose next to the HP Pavilion.  The course was nice, running through the main streets of downtown, and through some residential areas as well.  The course ended with a run through the Guadalupe trail and finished in the park next to the HP Pavilion.  After the crossing the finish line, I collected one of these bad boys to the right :)  Yay bling!

Upon finish racers were also handed a water with a cold wet towel.  Nice touch.  You could also collect fruit, goodies and even La Vic burritos.  The only downfall was that my heels was engulfed with blisters.  (Darn those new running shoes!) 

I think that the turn out and organization of the event was very good.  I am looking forward to the Morgan Hill Marathon on October 23, 2011.  This run will complete my CA marathon series.  Two races, three medals?  What a deal!

Mission to become an elite gets a feature!

I've been on a mission to become an elite yelper.  Why, mostly because I am competitive by nature, but it makes a good excuse to go and try new places!  After continuous yelping, I have found myself featured in the weekly yelp as a "top yelper" :)

OC Marathon 48 hour Super Deal

The OC marathon is having a 48 hour sale on the 5k at the OC marathon.  Only $25!  This includes a finishers medal and an event shirt.
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=qvb85dbab&v=001sR9KXnYiTHiV9hH4WiXoO7JoHp2jbb1qACArqSoBUjBH_X8VJEHxkI1IJ7rWl41AAq3S2RksBTDyWQoxcnBTupIyHC02luqxUqLpWjYJAKYaqtbnV3C8x9JU-klThmnPVpFM64jc90yM7arU6rExXQsARyUfN6CozKVaz-_IbQTQswZKx5hz5g%3D%3D

Enough said...

New Northern California Race Series

Because I am a fan of the bling, I became exceptionally excited today when I leared of the CA marathon series.  This race consists of the Norcal half marathon, Morgan Hill half marathon and the Pleasanton marathon.  Here is the medal that you will receive upon completion.  I might just suck it up and run this Sunday!

To great white shark cage dive or not to great white shark cage dive

Doing a great white shark cage dive is on my Before 30 bucket list but I still am not sure if I can bring myself to do it.  I should probably first note that I am deathly afraid of sharks.  They are my biggest fear.  I have been known to have panic attacks on friends boats while in a lake (yes, I said lake...and to my defense I saw an epsiode of shark week regarding fresh water sharks).  When I was younger would often get too scared to finish my bath or stay in the swimming pool for any lengths of time.  It has seriously hindered me since childhood.  That being said, I should tell that story.

It all began when i was 3.  I went with my parents, aunt, uncle and cousin to Disneyland.  What a great time for a kid!  The next day we went to Universal Studios.  I was enjoying my tram tour, until we got to the shark exhibit.  My dad was throwing my up in the air and catching me down low near the water (as to make me feel like he might drop me in).  At this time JAWS was coming.  (side note- we are Scottish and have a dry/slightly sick send of humor).  My dad thought it would be fun to put me in the sharks face as it came up.  He did and I screamed bloody murder.  I cried so hard that I popped a blood vessel in my cheek.  Dad felt very bad but it didn't mask his laughing.  I am scared just looking at this picture now.

As I grew up my dad would call me into the room where he was watching tv.  When I walked in, he would quickly switch the channel to JAWS.  Or I would be taking a bath and he would come around the corner saying "dun na, dun na" the dreaded JAWS tune.

Since I've been older I've decided that I should face my fears and have been crossing my fingers that if I did do a great white cage dive, I wouldn't die of a heart attack first.  I once went to see the great white at the Monterey Bay Aqarium and about broke down in tears, as a 21 year old.  I am now a brave 27 and have found this place that I would like to try.  http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Great-White-Adventures/329238213644

I haven't decided if I am completely nuts.  Could I really come face to face with one of these things?  Can I literally stare by biggest fear in the face?  My heart is racing and I am breaking into a small sweat while just writing this post.  Not to mention the cost is $750.  I was going to post another picture of a cage dive, but was really too scared to looks at images on google.  So, hmmm... I think I'll wait another year.

Displaying your medals and bibs

So after a great deal of scouring the internet, I have chosen my medal display.  I found several neat sights from http://www.alliedmedaldisplays.com/ which are neat medal hangers which can be made custom, to http://www.etsy.com/people/prettylovelypainting?ref=ls_profile which are handmade on etsy.  They are wooden with small hooks and you can add custom wording as well.  I also received a response from http://www.athleticdisplays.com/ and they do custom medals as well.

Here is my choice:  http://www.frameyourevent.com/  I opted for the custom design (with 7 hooks due to obsession- but hey that's another story) and I changed the phrase to say "It's all about the bling"  Here is what it looks like before my modifications.

My next dilemma was what to do with those bibs?  I found a solution from a fellow blogger and runner.  http://www.facebook.com/#!/monikaruns  It is a nifty little curtain wire from Ikea (only $5.99!) that she strung into the wall.  Thanks Monika for the great idea, can't wait to hang it!

Name the medal!

The Surf City Marathon has revealed the new medal for 2012!  They are also having a contest to name the medal.  You can use this link to put your name on their facebook page until September 15th.  I am going with some Hawaiian names: Kekoa meaning the brave one/soldier to represent all of the runners or Awikiki meaning the very quick one. 

Info about the medal:  This style of a long board is typically used to ride the large winter waves of Southern California and Hawaii. Happy voting- you could win a $50 gift certificate and the rights to say you named the medal!

http://www.facebook.com/SurfCityUSAMarathon

Here is a picture of the medal!

My next run

My next race will be long beach on 10/9/11.  I just moved from Santa Cruz to San Jose and have been very busy at work.  I know there shouldn't be any excuses but life got in the way of my training *sigh*.  I am very excited about the race, but will not be up to my full potential.  Either way, I am going to give it my all :)

Here is the course:

 Here is the medal

Kale Smoothie

My friend and roommate made this for me to try last night.  I was a little hesitant, but it was awesome!  I am actually craving it now!

Kale Smoothie
-Almond Milk
-Kale
-Berries (blue and raspberries)
-Honey to sweeten

Food process kale and berries and blend rest in blender.  That easy!  We didn't measure, just did whatever seemed to look good.  It's great for any meal and the kale makes it very filling!

I must be crazy

I must be crazy...that is all that I can think.  I am signed up for 5 running events in a 6 week period.  My motivation is definitely the bling that comes with the races.  I spoke with Joel from Allied Medal displays yesterday about making a custom medal hanger for me.  He is great and they can do just about anything!  www.alliedmedaldisplays.com  They will also be re-vamping their site as well very soon. 

I also just signed up for the Hollywood Marathon next year.  Love the looks of that medal and I can't wait to have it.!

Lulu!

What a great way to look at things.  Check out the Lululemon Manifesto.

Register for the Lululemon 5k/10k on Sunday September 4th!

Active Ambassadors!

Just signed up for Active Ambassadors!  Fingers crossed that a good match will pop up.

http://activeambassadors.com/

http://activeambassadors.com/people/jennytimpany

13.1 Reasons to run a half marathon

http://www.active.com/running/Articles/Reasons-to-Run-a-Half-Marathon.htm

My favorite #4
4. You have a thing for bling. Many races include all kinds of perks and amenities to draw runners to the starting line. One such amenity is the ubiquitous race medal. The bigger the race, the bigger (and gaudier) the medal you'll typically receive at the finish line. Medals now double as coasters, bottle openers and more. If you complete more than one half marathon in a particular race series (for example, the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon Series), it's likely you'll get a special medal for your multiple efforts. So, if you've got a penchant for the bling, half marathons will hook you up.

Gotta have it!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/76624276/running-running-medals-display?utm_source=OpenGraph&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share.

What a great way to display all that BLING!

My first 26.2!

Oh NWM 2010, oh my first marathon.  It was a long rainy day, but I sure did finish!