9/27/11

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!

9/21/11

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

9/16/11

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!

9/14/11

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!

9/12/11

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!

9/8/11

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.!