tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82099706017530634482024-02-18T19:55:31.239-08:00Running-girl's ReflectionsRunning-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-26683777013253297242015-06-03T09:17:00.003-07:002015-06-03T09:17:22.155-07:00National Running Day! I RUN...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Today is National Running Day!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px; text-align: start;">"National Running Day, held annually on the first Wednesday in June, is a day when runners everywhere declare their passion for running." ~</span><a href="http://runningday.org/" style="background-color: white; color: #448ddd; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;">RunningDay.org</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On behalf of National Running Day, hosted by <a href="http://runningday.org/">RunningDay.org</a>, I'd like you to finish this sentence:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dzAbJHT-vQaT-y8l9JcoxHbz-NA4UWJYR7x6gVbK8PNvfS31ex7CwUcaqjduSRUPpeou3KAgnAftEpKsiK8VzHTh_67-avEybQTXDpUROZOsLQ4-3l6hPgC2BU5hh3lt-AszP7NT2Gp1/s1600/I+run+blank.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dzAbJHT-vQaT-y8l9JcoxHbz-NA4UWJYR7x6gVbK8PNvfS31ex7CwUcaqjduSRUPpeou3KAgnAftEpKsiK8VzHTh_67-avEybQTXDpUROZOsLQ4-3l6hPgC2BU5hh3lt-AszP7NT2Gp1/s1600/I+run+blank.png" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll start. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I run...</span> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">because </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">there is nothing like a long run to fuel my imagination that takes me anywhere I want to go.That and because I like to EAT!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">No your turn. Please share in the comments below. I'll compile a list and share in another post later.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Want to get your children inspired to run? Check out <a href="http://www.romellebroas.blogspot.com/2015/06/childrens-picture-books-on-running.html" target="_blank">my list of children's picture books on running.</a></span><br />
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~HAPPY RUNNING!Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-30033846569221541932014-06-20T23:17:00.002-07:002014-06-22T19:47:44.400-07:00Introducing- RUNNING BOY!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In case you haven't noticed, I've been away from my blog for some time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's not that I haven't been running.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEhXTf9u1ZzsK6-FWi4vUEGRiG3jFQN7i6xirCUUHZovStWM65HmjneIByEoCLOJAPHm9WRbwSDmVxBMI_8r52dhrW0kpRhO0h4OiDdY-c6dxqdx5vCFyz0BFsFlLzgeYyLSpYD84bWrq/s1600/mans+feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEhXTf9u1ZzsK6-FWi4vUEGRiG3jFQN7i6xirCUUHZovStWM65HmjneIByEoCLOJAPHm9WRbwSDmVxBMI_8r52dhrW0kpRhO0h4OiDdY-c6dxqdx5vCFyz0BFsFlLzgeYyLSpYD84bWrq/s1600/mans+feet.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am still running on a regular basis, but I've added a few things to the mix.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to running, I've been biking.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGGcRMYxMdE8PcGf26GgcLcKZBanwAK-suJRW6O8zwLXuWcBgYR4uRlEekdA32xQy7hEBPn4mOcjsAr4rPNsYe416_LFY4eVCISD_OAmj4yQJTuQLr1lZrbHHRIa9y9YAtnk_UEmSHjGo/s1600/IMG_7125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGGcRMYxMdE8PcGf26GgcLcKZBanwAK-suJRW6O8zwLXuWcBgYR4uRlEekdA32xQy7hEBPn4mOcjsAr4rPNsYe416_LFY4eVCISD_OAmj4yQJTuQLr1lZrbHHRIa9y9YAtnk_UEmSHjGo/s1600/IMG_7125.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been swimming.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvef9_MIX6g5d4EQWfS3ln5kYo9QKF5AZQkQqwBR1KyHcfvFkJPCcCNDq_vusmXflXwNVP45Nd6Hq-aXYsVIaRSKk02T25ArKIvmTt2_wKQ4Cf7cYiX2FEN0yrAcdcVPJ2IA4lHtuW1RE5/s1600/IMG_0899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvef9_MIX6g5d4EQWfS3ln5kYo9QKF5AZQkQqwBR1KyHcfvFkJPCcCNDq_vusmXflXwNVP45Nd6Hq-aXYsVIaRSKk02T25ArKIvmTt2_wKQ4Cf7cYiX2FEN0yrAcdcVPJ2IA4lHtuW1RE5/s1600/IMG_0899.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been writing!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNf3Sr8NDwyQsMIhncJx1_kEkulO2SaZVYPoFAgIHcPF84tOqAuorCvAZWmRScOHLHP0r0vBPSiFot1dlkFw09YqcncTQeWhcpXnVb07_qxxgONNLoNzQuX5bEUAa05IZYF_z93COgpk1/s1600/writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNf3Sr8NDwyQsMIhncJx1_kEkulO2SaZVYPoFAgIHcPF84tOqAuorCvAZWmRScOHLHP0r0vBPSiFot1dlkFw09YqcncTQeWhcpXnVb07_qxxgONNLoNzQuX5bEUAa05IZYF_z93COgpk1/s1600/writing.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While running, biking and swimming fulfills my physical needs, writing fulfills my creative need.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During my absence, I've decided to combine my passion for running and writing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Introducing...</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://resources.meegenius.com/book/6767/resources/thumbnail/book" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Romelle Broas" border="0" src="http://resources.meegenius.com/book/6767/resources/thumbnail/book" height="320" title="http://www.meegenius.com/store/book/80d9f60f14e32b8bbb5d80ee26376816" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Published June 11, 2014 with <a href="http://www.meegenius.com/store/book/80d9f60f14e32b8bbb5d80ee26376816" target="_blank">MeeGenius</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The
question that everyone is asking is, “Running Boy, why are you running?” Follow Ned, Anna, Tommy, and Peggy on their
quest to find the answer as Running Boy takes his friends on an adventure of
self-discovery and fun. The fast-paced
text will pull readers into the story as they engage in the wonders of running.
Experience the feel, the sights, the sounds, and the smells that Running Boy
experiences on his run and you’ll find the answer to the question that everyone
is asking.</span></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By writing this picture book, I hope to instill the love for running in the hearts of children. For you runners with young kids, I hope you join me in sharing the wonders of running with our children. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's summer time so what better time to get excited about running & reading!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may get a preview of the story at <a href="http://www.meegenius.com/store/book/80d9f60f14e32b8bbb5d80ee26376816" target="_blank">MeeGenius</a>. The eBook can be viewed on: iPad, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><a href="http://bit.ly/11J5lOU" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; color: #2aaae1; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">iOS</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">, </span><a href="http://bit.ly/UwpOnW" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; color: #2aaae1; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">Android</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">, </span><a href="http://bit.ly/1at5J8W" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; color: #2aaae1; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">Windows 8</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">, </span><a href="http://amzn.to/1b0i3bE" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; color: #2aaae1; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">Amazon</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> , </span><a href="http://bit.ly/1cyJTBf" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; color: #2aaae1; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">Nook</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">, and the <a href="http://www.meegenius.com/store/book/80d9f60f14e32b8bbb5d80ee26376816" target="_blank">web</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">If you are interested in more of my children's stories, feel free to visit my alter ego at www.romellebroas.com </span></div>
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Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-2796880587539411402012-09-25T21:15:00.001-07:002012-09-25T21:17:06.673-07:00MY FIRST TRIATHLON<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been quiet on my blog. To bring you up-to-date, here is a run down of what I've been doing these past months:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I learned how to swim and have been fine tuning my strokes and improving my endurance</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I bought my first road bike and have been cycling more</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So you see, I've been suffering from an identity crisis. Am I Running Girl, Cycling Girl, or Swimming Girl?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am all THREE!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On September 22, 2012, I participated in my first triathlon. I opted for a sprint tri- 400 yd. swim, 13 mi. bike, and 3 mi. run. Here is how it went:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>SWIM</u></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygPwy8eiiI3VKW9RVzH6owXk9QxCWE_Gu7O53NQOGFqCElzhsgsXtDPN8sTJnqp4kXuEt7Bvx-220rOlm8MrHdQ_ikAyPxCnqhrKdIbMiDFZHHwp18pDqUKb6CDiDOj28wd3JFYpCriCa/s1600/shadow+cliff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygPwy8eiiI3VKW9RVzH6owXk9QxCWE_Gu7O53NQOGFqCElzhsgsXtDPN8sTJnqp4kXuEt7Bvx-220rOlm8MrHdQ_ikAyPxCnqhrKdIbMiDFZHHwp18pDqUKb6CDiDOj28wd3JFYpCriCa/s320/shadow+cliff.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shadow Cliffs Regional Park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I felt confident going into the race. I put in a lot of hours in the pool and I practiced swimming with a wet suit in open water...okay, just once. It was the first time I've ever worn a wet suit. I was surprised by its buoyancy. After practicing in it, I felt the swimming, which I feared, was going to be no problem. The idea of the wet suit gave me a sense of confidence. Well...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nothing prepared me for the splashes, the swells, the crowd, and the vastness of my surroundings. I freaked out, but didn't panic. I tensed up, but managed to float. But I could not get myself to perform a proper swim. I'd catch myself gasping for air and losing my technique. As a result, I developed a bad calf cramp- the kind that stiffens like a rock that you can't get rid of. I ended up doing a back stroke with one leg. Imagine the difficulty of swimming a straight line. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgFWlpAyt6wB1fkQ6Rz1Ic9DN173ZGf6oiRB64qWshWAskeazAoCwdiswdidQ4n3_UYtJyaXrYe-tHyYnUzJlCgr6oSlQ6-eBbCw0HU4CvXDeoOOKHmUHCKZzrmgMoG4Q-IWoK5YWnRdV/s1600/Life+boards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgFWlpAyt6wB1fkQ6Rz1Ic9DN173ZGf6oiRB64qWshWAskeazAoCwdiswdidQ4n3_UYtJyaXrYe-tHyYnUzJlCgr6oSlQ6-eBbCw0HU4CvXDeoOOKHmUHCKZzrmgMoG4Q-IWoK5YWnRdV/s320/Life+boards.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Life Boards I refused to get on even with a cramp</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The swim was daunting. I felt defeated. But I refused to give up. I backstroked the rest of the way. After a while, It looked like I was the only one left in the water. I was so relieved when I saw the end in sight. I didn't experience the, "Yay! I did it!" kind of reaction. It was more like, "Finally." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fact that I just learned how to swim 1-1/2 years ago wasn't enough to feel accomplished. My competitive nature argued, "I could've done better. I should've practiced harder." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lessons learned:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Practice in open water more than in the pool</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Learn to breathe on my less dominant side (my left)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Learn the breast stroke too</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>CYCLING</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There isn't much to say about the cycling event. The roads were straight and mostly flat. The ride was fast and smooth. I was relieved to be out of the water and on wheels.</span></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8QdzkwHIFeBP8h8vrZ7_ngt3W7afPZKLEU_PQqrd0qEToCbD2PaNFLJdrYaTRua2T0ZXWLZ7oAzZ2taElFRhcLMp_y3LJeMQ1haebbcJX84YIoCCMQoXPRyLX7JrZULkdNXBIKi55vvj/s1600/Bicycle+rack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8QdzkwHIFeBP8h8vrZ7_ngt3W7afPZKLEU_PQqrd0qEToCbD2PaNFLJdrYaTRua2T0ZXWLZ7oAzZ2taElFRhcLMp_y3LJeMQ1haebbcJX84YIoCCMQoXPRyLX7JrZULkdNXBIKi55vvj/s320/Bicycle+rack.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's me, #594!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In this leg, I passed quite a few cyclist. I was determined to gain some time. Each cyclist I passed was a step up from being last. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>RUNNING</u></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of all the 3 legs, running is my strength. But after having swam and cycled, I wasn't so sure. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The run started with a hill. I was not happy about that. In fact, there were a couple of small inclines that felt like huge mountains. By this time, I felt that I wasn't going to meet my expectations if an 8 minute mile. So, I ran the best I could. Again, it felt good whenever I passed someone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the end, it was bitter sweet. I didn't experience the feeling I got the day I finished my first marathon or my first duathlon. It was the swim that bothered me. I had imagined a better performance. But I am happy with my cycling and running. It made up for my swimming.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My finish time: 1:15:01</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I managed to pull ahead and finish in the middle of the pack (a tad better than average overall and in my age group). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I accomplished so far this year:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I learned how to swim and swam in open water for the first time</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I picked up cycling</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I completed my first triathlon</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvaH90jlXXCGNddBTEkboVY7xpoaCO3VHti5XRv2fWcxMSDAwiblWK9wivXKb_O4QRrBEMl40RFLel-epyl1Jcqu5HcXEZh8QEtOnieqFP_GEg75d5w8f_EnmLViBL8X2AAy7UiiYvoz7/s1600/See+Jane+run+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvaH90jlXXCGNddBTEkboVY7xpoaCO3VHti5XRv2fWcxMSDAwiblWK9wivXKb_O4QRrBEMl40RFLel-epyl1Jcqu5HcXEZh8QEtOnieqFP_GEg75d5w8f_EnmLViBL8X2AAy7UiiYvoz7/s320/See+Jane+run+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I TRI! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~HAPPY RUNNING, BIKING, AND SWIMMING!</span></div>
</div>
Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-65131883730853194262012-07-08T16:53:00.000-07:002012-07-08T16:53:41.146-07:00HOW LOSING MY KEYS HELPED ME FIND MY MOJO<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I know, it's a stretch.</span><span style="background-color: white;">
</span><span style="background-color: white;">What do keys have to do with mojo!</span><span style="background-color: white;">
</span><span style="background-color: white;">Hear me out.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It’s been an
unbelievable month. I lost 3 keys in 2
weeks and lost my running mojo too.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3xsIpUXkfWgAR0biviknbpqM0CMPe5THCabwwC-9PteCg1gRulBTjWB5iX0a6Z5_nkBNft1nH4XyM2-EuhXCv-uMeG8scAo4RjidtjIQ9uyOB-IUPRAMw_95QLcVxdZnqjR4IL-wUYsq/s1600/Ijustsurf.com-keys.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3xsIpUXkfWgAR0biviknbpqM0CMPe5THCabwwC-9PteCg1gRulBTjWB5iX0a6Z5_nkBNft1nH4XyM2-EuhXCv-uMeG8scAo4RjidtjIQ9uyOB-IUPRAMw_95QLcVxdZnqjR4IL-wUYsq/s1600/Ijustsurf.com-keys.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from www.Ilovesurf.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I’ve never
lost my keys before (pause) well, not that many in a short period of time. I lost my padlock keys, post-office box keys,
and office keys. Incredibly, I found
them all! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It took me 3
steps to do it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1) Think
back</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2) Retrace
steps</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3) Ask for
help</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">...and a little bit of luck!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had just
returned from my vacation when I discovered I had lost my keys. I traced my steps back to the location where
I last remembered seeing my keys and asked around if anyone had turned them in.
Two weeks had past so my
hopes weren't high. To my surprise, my
keys- all 3 of them, were waiting for me in a lost and found box at each site.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Unbelievable! I know.
If I could find all 3 keys, I should be able to find my running mojo
too. It was worth a try.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKDHTkAf1Ce7uNJKr8XQne12iiAsdPzaGWnw7C02N4MtwNn6fCu2yc84ORiiCH23F-Yu9nshHq0VAJUDp1ri0uY5SPi5SwBIjyAjd071DKZntvkoqI2gYy88GVU0lpm0AtFaNMVo9UOT6/s1600/mojo-mike-myers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKDHTkAf1Ce7uNJKr8XQne12iiAsdPzaGWnw7C02N4MtwNn6fCu2yc84ORiiCH23F-Yu9nshHq0VAJUDp1ri0uY5SPi5SwBIjyAjd071DKZntvkoqI2gYy88GVU0lpm0AtFaNMVo9UOT6/s320/mojo-mike-myers.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I followed
the same steps.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1) I thought
back to when running was enjoyable for me.
It was a time when I was training for my first marathon. It was exciting and fun. And since it was my first, I had
no pacing expectations. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2) Next, I
had to revisit it. So, I signed up for another marathon and made
a training schedule. There was no
backing out now. I have a goal to work
towards and a plan to stick to. I did
not set any pacing goal for myself. I
just ran.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3) I
wouldn’t have been able to get my keys if it weren’t for the good people who were
kind enough to turn in my keys.
Likewise, I needed to find a running group who I can count on for
encouragement and support, and to whom I can be accountable to. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now I look
forward to my runs. Going back to where
it all started helped me find my
mojo…thanks to my lost keys.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Have you
lost and found your mojo? I’d love to
hear about it.</span></div>Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-25407868391757602942012-06-14T11:02:00.000-07:002012-06-14T11:03:24.367-07:00Review of the Mermaid Series Duathlon/Triathlon<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ebmedia.eventbrite.com/s3-s3/eventlogos/16789681/2106774419-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ebmedia.eventbrite.com/s3-s3/eventlogos/16789681/2106774419-1.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There’s nothing fishy about the Mermaid Series’ Duathlon/Triathlon.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On June 9, 2012, I participated in my first
duathlon in Oakland and it was a great race. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This event provided an easy-going atmosphere for newbie
and seasoned athletes looking to impress their family and friends with their athleticism.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">No frills here except for serious physical
action.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Here’s my review of the Mermaid Series Duathon:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">WEATHER<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
sunshine and cool weather greeted athletes from all over the Bay area. It was a
perfect day for a duathlon with its light breeze and 58 degree weather that
gradually warmed up to about 70 degrees. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">PARKING<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Free
parking! I love it. What’s even better is that parking was easy
to find and plentiful. I got to the
event at 6AM and was able to park inside the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal parking
lot. There are only 150 spaces and it’s
on a first come, first serve basis. If
you get there between 6 and 6:30AM, you should have no problem finding a space
in the lot. Otherwise, you can easily
park in the residential areas which are very close to the venue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">PACKET
PICK-UP<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There
were several options for packet pick-up: Thursday at the Sunnyvale Sports
Basement, Friday at the Hampton Inn in Oakland, or on the morning of race day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I chose
to pick up my packet on race day and arrived at 6AM, which is the time the
registration and transition area opens.
Picking up my packet was a breeze.
There were no lines. In fact, I
don’t think it ever got crowded. So there
was plenty of time to browse through my envelope and prepare for the race.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">TRANSITION
AREA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
transition area also opened at 6AM. And
even if I entered the transition area half an hour after opening, I was still
able to get a good spot for my bike. The area was well marked, fenced off, and
guarded by volunteers. It was easy to
get in and out of the area without getting in anyone’s way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">PORTA
POTTY<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There
were about 10 in all plus a public restroom, which to me is a luxury. The good thing is that washing stations,
complete with soap and paper towels, accompanied the porta potties- another
luxury item. Although there seem to be
few stalls, long lines was never an issue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">COURSE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://student.ucr.edu/~schav014/running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://student.ucr.edu/~schav014/running.jpg" width="200" /></a><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Run:</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> The flat out-and-back route outlined the
harbor with views of the San Francisco cityscape. The course was a paved recreational trail
closed off for the event. Due to the
wave starts, congestion was not an issue.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://scm-l3.technorati.com/10/06/11/13789/biker.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://scm-l3.technorati.com/10/06/11/13789/biker.png" width="200" /></a><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Bike:</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> The bike route was a nice ride in and out of
the Ferry Terminal with tree-lined roads and a few office buildings. My biggest complaint is the road
condition. It was awful. I spent my energy dodging cracks and finding
less rocky areas to ride on for fear that I would get a flat tire. In preparation for the race, I made sure my
tires were fully inflated for speed, which turned out to be a nuisance. I could feel every bump and crack in the
road. If I knew it was going to be this
bad, I would’ve brought my mountain bike instead! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">SCHWAG<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
interesting thing about the schwag was that there was no bag. Instead, it’s called the “virtual bag” that
you receive online. Mermaid sends you an
e-mail with a “virtual bag” link, which directs you to all sorts of store
coupons. I guess it’s a good thing,
because I sometimes hate receiving coupons and event postcards in my goody
bag. It makes a lot of trash. The virtual bag is more earth friendly. But it would be nice to get a real bag…with
some edible treats…but leave the coupons in the e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3D9_gakKwMct7RF0hIwxDbKYssCqVqvU7oXVWq2RYNFodNwF3Yrlp7sIbEO0x6GFJ8ueEBaDVBF4BmiQccAjac1KyShoPHXh9K0Iqb3B7h_GEvlI9DCLYTWd53U17aS676DpbE3j9pUBQ/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3D9_gakKwMct7RF0hIwxDbKYssCqVqvU7oXVWq2RYNFodNwF3Yrlp7sIbEO0x6GFJ8ueEBaDVBF4BmiQccAjac1KyShoPHXh9K0Iqb3B7h_GEvlI9DCLYTWd53U17aS676DpbE3j9pUBQ/s200/photo+(1).JPG" width="148" /></a></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">At
packet pick-up I received a nice grey t-shirt tailor-made for women. The fitted shirt had a nice soft feel to
it. It’s become one of my favorite race
shirts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">POST
RACE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Finishing
line:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHX_e2CZOGcxiSOd3APT0OMskoI_BRx6v0NjmDl0GfPn4ZSK091b7vdllFk-ld85Yowg3isDvPI20yDaTt_Ik1Kg73fJLdex5wWkruebOw1MO6EZRPLl8gcBllMz7n1YKpaeOBKPpY-gQ/s1600/necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHX_e2CZOGcxiSOd3APT0OMskoI_BRx6v0NjmDl0GfPn4ZSK091b7vdllFk-ld85Yowg3isDvPI20yDaTt_Ik1Kg73fJLdex5wWkruebOw1MO6EZRPLl8gcBllMz7n1YKpaeOBKPpY-gQ/s200/necklace.jpg" width="148" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Since
this event was small in numbers, there wasn’t too much fanfare at the
finish. But since it wasn’t crowded, I
heard the announcer call my name as I crossed the finishing line. I don’t think I’ve ever heard an announcer
call out my name in all the races I’ve ran so that was special. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">At
the finishing line, young volunteers handed silver pouches to finishers. In the pouch was a necklace, which I thought
was pretty cool. I’d describe it as
urban-chic. It’s a 2-pendant necklace
engraved with the words: WORK IT. LOVE IT.
TRI IT. DU IT. It’s contemporary, stylish, and sporty. It definitely defines the duathlon/triathlete.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Food:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Muffins,
bananas, grapes, strawberries, orange juice and get this…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">chocolate chip pancakes</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
lined the buffet table. It was
yummy! Also in the post-race arena were
my favorite vendors: Popchips, Zico, and Luna bars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Massage:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There
were also 3 masseuses there for your pleasure.
Again, since this was a small race, the wait list was not long at
all. You can sign in, eat, browse the
vendors, and then get the massage you deserve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Pictures:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was
grateful for the photo booth they offered at the event. This was my first duathlon and I wanted to
capture it, but due to circumstances my family wasn’t able to attend and I
decided to leave my camera at home. The
photo booth was a fun way to capture your achievement with chalkboard-style
flowers you can hold up with words of your choice (i.e. I did it! Rock Star.
My first Tri!). And they have it
set up so that you can immediately notify your family or friends on Facebook,
Twitter, or via e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTkoFpTds3aZB6BWpptqR9oAGXTCW3rxYeSOlaSJw-WeR40M0h2xA" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTkoFpTds3aZB6BWpptqR9oAGXTCW3rxYeSOlaSJw-WeR40M0h2xA" width="184" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">THE
GOOD MERMAID<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Mermaid Series Facebook page offered video tips that helped me tremendously. It showed me what to expect at race day. So when I got to the event site, I knew
exactly what to do, where to go, and how to set up my gear at the transition
area. I highly recommend reviewing all
the videos they offer to help make your first multisport event go as smoothly
as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">THE
BAD MERMAID<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuCf2irP4Bwr8pUgdEErfEKowxhG7FkCoRTpNu6KI3lmAVqptrd7W-xmhLJsU-JH2aUNfWi4zcJ87TzLXPTf6dOa_0ik8rwcptpFZ_xIHcCLWdkUzQQszr5-LGDAKjmowiekAW33iAVI/s1600/Ursula-The-Little-Mermaid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuCf2irP4Bwr8pUgdEErfEKowxhG7FkCoRTpNu6KI3lmAVqptrd7W-xmhLJsU-JH2aUNfWi4zcJ87TzLXPTf6dOa_0ik8rwcptpFZ_xIHcCLWdkUzQQszr5-LGDAKjmowiekAW33iAVI/s200/Ursula-The-Little-Mermaid.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I
have to mention that there were a few unhappy people at the end of the
day. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">For some unknown reason, some
participants </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">didn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> get their race recorded.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">That made it impossible for the results to be finalized on race
day.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Many of us waited 2 hours for the
results only to be told to go home since they </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">didn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> have it ready.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Even after a couple of days after the event,
the results were not finalized.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They keep sending “preliminary” reports, which I think is a waste of
time.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It only played with my
emotions.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My name kept bouncing up and
down between 2</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">nd</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> and 3</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">rd</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> place in my age division.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After a while, I stopped looking because I
was afraid I was going to end up on the bottom of the list.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I wished they’d just e-mail the FINAL
results.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">OVERALL<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Regardless
of the minor faults, I still recommend the Mermaid Series. It’s a fun, fast, friendly event. The race itself flowed smoothly. And the number of participants was just right. It’s a perfect race for the first-timer,
casual racers, competitive racers, and anyone in-between.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-43888137553051819772012-06-02T14:28:00.001-07:002012-06-02T14:40:07.320-07:00PERSPECTIVE<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tenlap.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Ten-Dollars-And-A-Laptop-Seattle-Dawn-Window-300x253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://tenlap.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Ten-Dollars-And-A-Laptop-Seattle-Dawn-Window-300x253.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of: <a href="http://tenlap.com/show-the-way/">http://tenlap.com/show-the-way/</a>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A
friend of mine invited me to stay overnight at her house on a recent trip to
Seattle.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The next morning, we decided to
go for a run.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">She opened her window
curtain to greet the morning.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">“Gorgeous
day!” she said, bright-eyed and cheery.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As I sipped my hot tea, I visualized a tantalizing run through the quaint
neighborhood of Queen Anne, known for its stunning architectural homes,
sweeping views, and charming shops.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">After
finishing my warm cup of Chai tea latte that warmed my soul, I stepped outside
to get a whiff of the fresh scent of evergreen.
Instead, cold musty air dampened my spirits. “It’s cloudy and drizzling!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If it’s
one thing I learned in Seattle, it’s to embrace what you have and appreciate
the beauty in the little things. In
Seattle, it often rains so any break in the weather pattern is always a
welcomed delight, even if it is cloudy and drizzling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Here in
Pacifica where I live, I used fog as an excuse not to run. I’ll look out my window and if I see is a grey
mist, I’d crawl back into bed. “It’s too
cold and windy. I’ll get sick,” I’d
complain. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8209970601753063448" name="_GoBack"></a>If I use
that excuse all the time, I’ll never get to run for a good part of the
year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Now
when I look out my window, I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and say to
myself with a smile, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“It’s a gorgeous day!” </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
Then I lace my shoes and go out for a run. There is nothing like the feeling of joy and
accomplishment after a nice long run…no matter what the weather is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Happy
Running!<o:p></o:p></span></div>Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-82929388346261651862012-05-09T10:39:00.002-07:002012-06-02T14:29:50.614-07:00A REVIEW OF THE DIVA HALF MARATHON<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Feather
boas, tiaras, sparkles, shirtless men, champagne, red roses...oh my!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM31QZexu5hS9gEetvXWmvBcJCBbUuKl1S-9unQ2EfK9zHymS-GhEKRxFxJh__FQW0cFwIRcHIrsb3brQUB7pu0anM3_OgJm8Xo1ji-YfX1az-S1cCa_W1HtFOOIclnyfwNOGBowjSne5Q/s1600/DIVA+half+marathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM31QZexu5hS9gEetvXWmvBcJCBbUuKl1S-9unQ2EfK9zHymS-GhEKRxFxJh__FQW0cFwIRcHIrsb3brQUB7pu0anM3_OgJm8Xo1ji-YfX1az-S1cCa_W1HtFOOIclnyfwNOGBowjSne5Q/s1600/DIVA+half+marathon.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The <a href="http://www.runlikeadiva.com/Half_Marathon_Events/Divas_Half_Marathon_-_San_Francisco__CA.htm" target="_blank">Diva Half Marathon</a> made its debut in San
Francisco on May 6, 2012.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The event is
all about celebrating the </span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">DIVA</b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> in
you with all the glam, glitz, and glory.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It's a run that caters specifically to women.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I
have run many half marathons, but this is my first Diva run and I enjoyed it
with all its pinkness and girl power. It
gives the <a href="http://inside.nike.com/blogs/nikerunning_events-en_US/?tags=nike_womens_marathon_2011" target="_blank">Nike Women's Marathon/Half Marathon</a> and the <a href="http://www.seejanerun.com/t-see-jane-run-half-marathon-and-5k.aspx" target="_blank">See Jane Run HalfMarathon</a> a run for their money (pun intended). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Diva Half Marathon had all the craze that the Nike Women's event offered and
the easy, breezy course of the See Jane Run event. Here's my review of the Diva run:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>PARKING: </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">None. I'd say that this is the biggest
negative of this race. However, they
offered 2 hotels were you could park.
One of them is walking distance to the start, but you had to pay for
parking. It was $4 for the first hour
and $2 for every additional hour. The
other site was further away, but they offered shuttle service. At this hotel you pay a flat rate of
$15. I'd much prefer FREE. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>COURSE:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
course is paved and flat. You're sure to PR in this event. I set out to "run for fun" with no
expectations and ended up with a PR. The
energy of the event, the perfect weather, and beautiful views carried me
through. Pink floras paved the way and
welcomed runners on the warm, sunny morning.
And the out and back course offered views of the San Francisco Bay. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.runninggirlsblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4HDBLKBpS70Abids-iWYP6YdxwtacSGpS9g8QKBW2ddwKwhJR1cI6c3_iB17RI-MuT7R5JfXM-04CquEIb3l5lvKOFev_VJtEDWVxZBGmKFgEEbua13KP2guOxKolTZYXO-pHT8Ly34A/s320/IMG_5485.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We
ran on the streets for half of the time, which led us briefly through a
neighborhood and office buildings. Heading back towards the finish, we were directed to
a recreational trail that skirted the bay.
I thought the running path would be too crowded to run, but it flowed
very well. There were no bottle-neck
situations on this run. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.runninggirlsblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQE0yw0gQxb95VzKUi2JJoCzx3HeE0pPybMmTFuOsyH4XTaMwnx7OLWqUyhRbGslae7uF1ltuaM0PCXXBobm9EUPILtQr1SF9R9t_Oy0JP82FvcB9vapgSwHrxoHoGFAOfO_v75zshNj0j/s320/IMG_5477.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As far as entertainment is concerned, there wasn't much. There were patches of cheering onlookers at
the beginning and end of the course.
Along the route, there was only a couple of cheering squads. The
highlight was a Chinese dragon dancing to the beat of the drums. Other than that, it was a quiet run.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>WEATHER:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As I
mentioned, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. It was 58-60 degrees with clear, blue skies, and plenty of warmth and sunshine. Since we started at 7:30AM, we missed the
high temperatures that were expected that day.
I have run this course many times and gusty winds are always a deterrence. But on race day, the winds retreated to just
a breeze.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.runninggirlsblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBmpFC6EhgOUSJj1q1ET1dfr-KKT_b3jwCEV3SDr54d4pvykOx4lVtIb0TYkRepnl6dTVlI-HPM3D9nCs_ybsaAwBUM5E4XXn0pgvBhlppzkYXfbDG_c4PK36Ydc1Bp8otvacPUEt6A0h/s200/IMG_5469.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>WATER
STATIONS:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This
is the first time that I ran a race without carrying any water in my hand or on
my waist. The event provided adequate
water and lemon-lime Gatorade at about every 1-1/2 miles. There were 9 water stops in all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.runninggirlsblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMjchKbSbKKgXJlYitvLq5gLJ4FNwrCobMh5_CSeyEyaOKprh6BO-cW12qhQERIpQBjBwlUW5XT1C18e8U9-3yS-RrcZabCtA-OQB6zGtjHyAxl4ZS1XbT-IwbjF1sJuiabLIeBZGX-0b/s320/IMG_5488.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What the water stops lacked were garbage cans. That makes more work for the clean-up crew
later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>PORTA
POTTY:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There
were porta potties at the park, but very few along the course. I can't even tell you were those were. It seemed scarce. I only noticed 1 or 2 areas along the way
with 2 or 3 porta potties each.
Fortunately, I didn't need to use it.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>GEAR
CHECK:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Gear
check was placed in the park where the finish would be. The start is only a short walk away. Checking in bags was easy. But the check-out could use a bit more
organization. There was no line when I
went to pick up my gear, but I waited 15-20 minutes for my bag, because the guy
couldn't find it. Then that's when the
line and crowd started forming. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.runninggirlsblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQVjDxmPe8mOuuvIER6A3KGCJu7PkGv3BKdwNKScTkBcRcQ8dnEyDawwY_O-khLAEYMkSBD9TvWwQn99kBq-oyiK5rrsa_qoHkda3GtmShoRCZiT5ZDefj8rMHlpCx7aoObMRoNSi55ic/s320/IMG_5444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
bags were grouped by bib number, something like 1000-2000. But within the group, the bags were not in
any numerical order. Imagine searching
through a thousand bags to find one.
They could've easily arranged it during check-in and during the 2 hours
they had to wait for the runners.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>SCHWAG:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I
got a pretty, pink-reusable bag with a very nice tech shirt tailor-made for
women. Not much in the bag except a few
coupons and no samples.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>POST
RACE:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">About
100 meters from the finishing line, runners received pink feather boas and a
tiara to finish in style as paparazzi and shirtless firemen awaited at the
end. There you receive your medal and a
beautiful red rose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What
is impressive is that the medals were very large and heavy. It even had a sparkling gem that spins in the
center of the medal. Behind the gem, is
a place for your photo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
roses are also worth mentioning. They
were individually wrapped with cellophane and stored in water-filled
vials. I really was expecting a bunch of
wilted roses left over from someone's prom night. But no, the roses were beautiful, fresh, and
healthy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After
you receive your medal and rose, you have the option of taking your picture
with a backdrop of the Diva Half Marathon logo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After
picture-taking, you are led to a tent-covered buffet of champagne, apple cider,
bagels, banana, and grapes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.runninggirlsblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMB2avhpZZbcfF8mVbw2YuyFaDTlSdTAGO-RcXOm3d0UitBjZsQ-Hwq28VnqL_5wXwwLHTypo5kM4ZZVN9qg0hZ49kqVnFmswte5NGt4EsUQo9M2ndQ3XPZxsEtb7GPOu6V5Q-2dBsBiq/s320/IMG_5511.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>OVERALL:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
debut of the Diva Half Marathon in San Francisco (Burlingame) went very
well. I would definitely run this race
again. The course was easy and peaceful. I loved the festivities that embraced girl
power without having to deal with the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I give the Diva Half Marathon 4 out of 5 tiaras!</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOeM6uO3aKy8ZK24Vdo9EuYHipOW7VIRuGIlWqRw7Addt2kt86CPsZW66v55GebPt4LZxxXzVYVP8UP51bKBUzoPQOTefRd0edgDbL4SewQJ287YdiyHf8ey9lV_fYPZpUGA9WJ7Fu81zV/s1600/tiara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOeM6uO3aKy8ZK24Vdo9EuYHipOW7VIRuGIlWqRw7Addt2kt86CPsZW66v55GebPt4LZxxXzVYVP8UP51bKBUzoPQOTefRd0edgDbL4SewQJ287YdiyHf8ey9lV_fYPZpUGA9WJ7Fu81zV/s1600/tiara.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCZ2hh0ntkeSNY3UDM-G7BACtGVMftuH__ly-0YpZiq0VtYvCMVBk6UUOojs_6MbcdbOuL7YiT2uhWoz95UmR8PsDTTeotif38j_Na7SPE-j6Wh3xP8wjPUqBinIxACwQZAHeUviN65ou/s1600/tiara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCZ2hh0ntkeSNY3UDM-G7BACtGVMftuH__ly-0YpZiq0VtYvCMVBk6UUOojs_6MbcdbOuL7YiT2uhWoz95UmR8PsDTTeotif38j_Na7SPE-j6Wh3xP8wjPUqBinIxACwQZAHeUviN65ou/s1600/tiara.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZAucHEO-tJ3iEzRnO_F8rD9R0bflzRO8NLQCUAmft01a6cf5muPTvpxWumKPTPaI1lycMoDGggfMPS5CeHBKmmVe9EkEYj7hTuHim_cB-LX1RygbGYs2nJ-PjomPmaolWwTkjoUmTjiU/s1600/tiara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZAucHEO-tJ3iEzRnO_F8rD9R0bflzRO8NLQCUAmft01a6cf5muPTvpxWumKPTPaI1lycMoDGggfMPS5CeHBKmmVe9EkEYj7hTuHim_cB-LX1RygbGYs2nJ-PjomPmaolWwTkjoUmTjiU/s1600/tiara.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOeM6uO3aKy8ZK24Vdo9EuYHipOW7VIRuGIlWqRw7Addt2kt86CPsZW66v55GebPt4LZxxXzVYVP8UP51bKBUzoPQOTefRd0edgDbL4SewQJ287YdiyHf8ey9lV_fYPZpUGA9WJ7Fu81zV/s1600/tiara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOeM6uO3aKy8ZK24Vdo9EuYHipOW7VIRuGIlWqRw7Addt2kt86CPsZW66v55GebPt4LZxxXzVYVP8UP51bKBUzoPQOTefRd0edgDbL4SewQJ287YdiyHf8ey9lV_fYPZpUGA9WJ7Fu81zV/s1600/tiara.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-81936943031933003602012-04-01T15:30:00.001-07:002012-04-01T15:30:47.794-07:00Blog Award<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lady Gwen of <a href="http://rungwenrun.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Run Gwen, Run! Write Gwen, Write!</a> issued me the Sweetest Blog Award and the
Roaring Lion Blog Award back in September 2011.
I’m embarrassed to say that it has taken me this long to accept my
award. But as the saying goes, “better late than never.” So here it is. It is now my duty to pass on the torch and
award other bloggers this award. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Roaring Lion Blog Award<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
First, here is the history of the Roaring Lion Blog Award. This award originated on September 1, 2011 by
Gracie of <a href="http://iamwriterhearmeroar.blogspot.com/2011/09/in-which-blog-award-makes-debut.html" target="_blank">I Am Writer...Hear Me Roar! </a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia17Fqo7Gq-69cU2fu-nyqexgAdfCtiRekaTltpmmTcvE8cpcWBbfjLlqbn3UMO8ILtSGu6ovhzmH1CTEgJT2-NfocZ25nZ_KUaiu0devQEQkdI7gTqK6s55i_ypKTbtqxu96tf44SfyGS/s1600/Roaring+Lion+Award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia17Fqo7Gq-69cU2fu-nyqexgAdfCtiRekaTltpmmTcvE8cpcWBbfjLlqbn3UMO8ILtSGu6ovhzmH1CTEgJT2-NfocZ25nZ_KUaiu0devQEQkdI7gTqK6s55i_ypKTbtqxu96tf44SfyGS/s1600/Roaring+Lion+Award.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gracie is a 17-year-old Canadian who loves to read and
write. She describes herself a rebel of sorts and decided to create her own award to honor all those who are
"awesome." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The thing about this award is that there are no rules. Her generous heart opened the award for
others to give freely and acknowledge anyone who they feel should be recognized
without limitations. All Gracie ask is
that you post the picture. After all,
she made it herself with Paint. So the
effort deserves some recognition, don't you think?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdWjOfaGkg1K_i3TONtwB8S5vcKaqW4mBMU33ds9vWyjz68rtZDGf_rK9tah4AzdQAweiZ2aJ0m4ICncbfun5u1CYrlppBtRmA2_EH59re4aHtTlhoJBs99Gw8eO9zOg703w9Ha-UFbXD/s1600/sweetblogaward.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdWjOfaGkg1K_i3TONtwB8S5vcKaqW4mBMU33ds9vWyjz68rtZDGf_rK9tah4AzdQAweiZ2aJ0m4ICncbfun5u1CYrlppBtRmA2_EH59re4aHtTlhoJBs99Gw8eO9zOg703w9Ha-UFbXD/s1600/sweetblogaward.png" /></a></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b><br /></b>I'm sorry that I
have no idea who started the Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award. But the cake looks sweet and irresistible. So how can I resist not passing along the award. This one has rules. Here it is:</div>
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</div>
<ol>
<li>Thank and link to the person who nominated you.</li>
<li>Share 7 random facts about yourself.</li>
<li>Pass the award on to some of your own deserving blog friends.</li>
<li>Contact those friends and let them know. </li>
</ol>
<br />
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<a href="http://www.sarahelleemm.blogspot.com/2012/02/irresistibly-sweet.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1"
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href="http://www.sarahelleemm.blogspot.com/2012/02/irresistibly-sweet.html"
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visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square' o:button="t">
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This is the first time sharing random facts about myself. And I’m finding that this exercise is a lot
of fun. It allows me to reflect on my
past and my nuisances. Thanks again, <a href="http://rungwenrun.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lady Gwen</a>, for the awards!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">7 things about me:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</div>
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</div>
<ol>
<li>I took my first swim lesson
(ever!) in 2010. </li>
<li>I’m a military (Navy) brat. But I've never moved around much like most military
families. We pretty much stayed put in
Hawaii….sad. I know. </li>
<li>I used to be a hula dancer for
tourist in Waikiki.</li>
<li>I wrinkle my nose (like Samantha on Bewitched, played by Elizabeth Montomery...or Nicole Kidman for you younger generations) as a habit
without even realizing it. If only I could do magic with my nose!</li>
<li>I love cheese. All types of cheese- hard cheese and soft
cheese. And even stinky cheese! But no artificial
cheese please.</li>
<li>I was in the movie Jade, starring
David Caruso as an extra. You can see
the back of my head in one of the scenes.
In the 1996 TV Movie, “Lying Eyes,” you can see the front of my head.</li>
<li>Some people will say I’m shy. I’m not.
I’m just quiet. There’s a
difference.</li>
</ol>
<div>
Okay, enough about me. Let's hear about you. </div>
<br />
<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And the Award goes to…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.prayingrunner.com/" target="_blank">Praying Runner</a> is a journal of one man's reflections, thoughts, prayers, and running. Praying Runner has dedicated all of his runs in memory of his loving wife. Read about his inspiring journey to run 50 marathons by age 50 as he spreads hope and the power of prayer.
</li>
<li><a href="http://nextstopourhouse.com/" target="_blank">Next Stop: Our House </a> Where the
food is good and the company is better. Formerly of <a href="http://feedmycompetitivesoul.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Feeding My Competitive Soul</a>,
she shares with us anecdotes, her workouts, home projects, and healthy recipes.</li>
<li><a href="http://onemilemore.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">One Mile More</a>. Here is an inspiring pictorial journal of a
runner...a Marathon Maniac! Mohan has
been a team captain for Team In Training for 5 seasons and has ran numerous
races- 31+ races in just 2011 alone.</li>
</ul>
<br />
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Please stop by their blogs and find out more about them.</div>
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<br /></div>Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-61889159653295021842012-03-03T17:58:00.000-08:002012-03-03T17:58:35.464-08:00Got Water? [Poll Results]<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgiMiVCBET7VD7ZBQSnK92M3TH6B6kGPJ21ood6NE-J979UdJ1DVNwZUf2tkOr1YC8nnKSehwqEM86A1iKrgIg0QKjdfGR0PyIYChOy5nZdJXHzPHOHP4lXaO4jwNLpYhmNux_MKz3owF/s1600/running-with-water-bottle-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgiMiVCBET7VD7ZBQSnK92M3TH6B6kGPJ21ood6NE-J979UdJ1DVNwZUf2tkOr1YC8nnKSehwqEM86A1iKrgIg0QKjdfGR0PyIYChOy5nZdJXHzPHOHP4lXaO4jwNLpYhmNux_MKz3owF/s1600/running-with-water-bottle-300.jpg" /></a></div>
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In my October 5, 2011 post, GOT WATER? I wrote about how
surprised I was to see many runners running on a hot day without any water. So I decided to take a poll to study the
habits of runners regarding hydration on their run. Here are the results.</div>
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1) Do you
carry water when you run?</div>
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44% said always</div>
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44% said sometimes </div>
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11% said never</div>
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2) What is
the minimum number of miles you will run in order for you to bring water?</div>
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40% said they will carry water
when running less than 4 miles</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
15% said they will carry water
when running a minimum of 5 miles</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
30% said they will carry water
when running a minimum of 8 miles</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
15% said they will carry water
when running a minimum of 11 miles</div>
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3) Which of these running events, where water
stops are provided will you carry water with you anyway?</div>
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30% will carry water with them
at a 5k </div>
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46% will carry water with them
at a 10k run</div>
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69% will carry water with them
at a half marathon</div>
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76% will carry water with them
at a marathon event</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
These
findings are not conclusive due to the small number of participants in my
study. But it gives me a general idea
about the habits of the running community.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmzTdamxEdMf-dU4a88A8iKVivTiQCO7kz_TTq2GuwPu79WW4KP0yLfUxrpUTCuCMVJhITvDGco_bNRfX3Sm_tyP-vz1ZVaVs7a_0wucnGD2sDmN5CApfwy9WheJtvrVAfJJsmQ_3Nx_8/s1600/FuelBelt+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmzTdamxEdMf-dU4a88A8iKVivTiQCO7kz_TTq2GuwPu79WW4KP0yLfUxrpUTCuCMVJhITvDGco_bNRfX3Sm_tyP-vz1ZVaVs7a_0wucnGD2sDmN5CApfwy9WheJtvrVAfJJsmQ_3Nx_8/s320/FuelBelt+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My study
shows that there is a small percentage of people who do not run with
water. So that means, that on that one
hot day when I went out for a run, I was looking at the small percentage of
runners who did not carry water on their run.
But those who do carry water will carry it even on shorter runs. After more thought, I realize that the answer to this question could all depend on the type of runner you are. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
A further
study would be to ask the participants what their experience level is (beginner, casual, competitive), the
number of days a week the runner runs, and their average mileage per day. This would probably provide me with a more interesting analysis.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As for the
third question, the longer the race, the more likely athletes will bring their
own water. This is what I expected. It probably has to do with the competitive
nature of these races versus the casual run. If you are running hard, you definitely need to hydrate. And if you are going for time, you'd rather keep your pace than take the time to stop at a water stop.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9XJiUqOt68YM4xzQXqtLCqy2a0TYTBmj9zdBrkhX8CLDjlFFxGMRb2CQPW996r5dKgg9j6uVnVEpchucx-O-UF1F9U-y1G2vtE42Yq3Q1mXfOGUGGPggWZFmTjnO1jSGktYGWad-IE6t/s1600/st+bernard+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9XJiUqOt68YM4xzQXqtLCqy2a0TYTBmj9zdBrkhX8CLDjlFFxGMRb2CQPW996r5dKgg9j6uVnVEpchucx-O-UF1F9U-y1G2vtE42Yq3Q1mXfOGUGGPggWZFmTjnO1jSGktYGWad-IE6t/s320/st+bernard+water.jpg" width="320" /></a>So what is
the importance of this poll? Nothing
really. It's just to satisfy my
curiosity. But what I did learn is that
everyone runs his or her own race. So
don't worry about what people are doing.
You run in a way that is perfect for you. You know what makes you comfortable so do
what is best for you and not what everyone is doing or tells you to do. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am
Running-girl and I wear 3/4 length capris, no matter what the weather
conditions is. I always wear a cap, even
on a cloudy day. And I always carry a
water bottle, even on a short 3-mile run. So be it. Be your own
YOU!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
~Happy Running</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-28801123127458334212012-02-01T11:57:00.000-08:002012-02-01T19:48:53.590-08:00Guest Blogger- 11-y.o. Markus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIYqFU3hB2FS_Pq0dfPXCJCs3cI3WbqLO3caRCjGAmQHArk-RiseOhN-cdp3ZlOk7oEw3sCDQdKZjvj1WddhZOF0fytEzWv072w0UdWyvteMb7CUDH87uSes0jcsiKRoeuCwwahAMHL_r/s1600/Markus+400+-+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIYqFU3hB2FS_Pq0dfPXCJCs3cI3WbqLO3caRCjGAmQHArk-RiseOhN-cdp3ZlOk7oEw3sCDQdKZjvj1WddhZOF0fytEzWv072w0UdWyvteMb7CUDH87uSes0jcsiKRoeuCwwahAMHL_r/s320/Markus+400+-+2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I want to introduce to you my 11-year-old son, Markus. He will be my guest blogger for today's post. Like me, he is an avid runner. He is a member of his school's track team and has qualified for the <a href="http://www.hersheystrackandfield.com/#/Learn-All-About-the-Games" target="_blank">Hershey's</a> Regional Track and Field Games in California 3 years in a row. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">He enjoys both sprint and long distance running. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> His first 5k was on May 9, 2010, Mother's Day- his gift to me. Since then, he's become quite the runner, placing in the top 3 in his age group in all of his 5k events. And this year, he joined his first cross country team.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Markus suffers from asthma. But it hasn't stopped him from enjoying the sport he loves. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Below is a paper he wrote as a school assignment that I want to share with you. </span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">How to Go Out for a Run</span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(The Right Way)</span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">By </span><span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC'; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Markus Guittap</span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> “You gotta get outta that couch and go for a run sometime.” You have probably heard this saying before, but have probably ignored it because you feel you have better things to do like sit at your computer desk. All you need is a little encouragement and instructions. I can help you. You will learn what to do before the run, during the run, and what to do after you are sweating and panting. Well, what are you waiting for, move to the next paragraph!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> So, you finally decided to run. You have your shoes untied, and you are wearing clothes appropriate for the weather. I would dress a little less because while you’re running, you may-I mean <u>will</u> get all hot and sweaty. And you will be spurting sweat like a water fountain if you dress like it is winter. But you don’t want to under dress because, well, that is disturbing. If you are appropriately dressed, then go to where you want to run!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> You are all ready to run, right? Wrong. There are some more small, but oh, so important steps to do before your run. One of those steps is to do a short, slow jog. No, this isn't considered a run. The jog is to loosen up your muscles for the second step. That second step is... stretching! I hate stretching, but I know it is good for me. It is good for you too. You never want to pull a muscle. It is three days of nothing but pain and icing your injured muscle. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> I know a stretch to make sure you don't pull a muscle. Place your foot against a sturdy vertical object with your heel on the ground and your toes flat on the wall, curb,etc. Now bend your knee towards the wall. Doing this stretches your calf. You may look up more stretches when you can. Now, for the moment we've all been waiting for...<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> It's time to run! Start off at a nice, easy pace. Don't go out too fast and use a lot of your energy. You have a lot more to run. You can gradually increase your speed a little bit later, but keep a steady pace. Don't worry about other people around you. Focus on your own run. Focus on your breathing. Breathe in through your nose, breathe out through your mouth. Breathe in through your nose, breathe out through your mouth. Try to make your breathing in sync with your steps, like for every 3 steps, inhale or exhale, whichever is necessary. It is okay if you have to stop and drink water (which you brought, right?). When nearing the end of your run, try to use the remaining of your energy to go faster to the finish. This is called a "kick". Do this to either burn more calories, or get a higher place in a race. There is still one last thing to do before you go home.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Your last step is to...run some more! Not really. Well, maybe...yes. You have to do more running. Stop, before you break into tears, let me say this. This is an easy slow jog. It doesn't hurt. You are basically doing what you did before you started your run. It isn't hard. Just do a short, cool down jog and stretch. I hope you enjoyed your run!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> I love running a lot. I have asthma so, me running proves that with a breathing disability, I can still run well. Some say running is boring and time-wasting. I think running is fun, and it brings the family together. It brought my family together. We all like to sign up for short races, usually 3 miles, as a family. Running is my favorite sports to do. It can be enjoyed by all ages. So what are you waiting for? Run again! (Just kidding...unless you want to.)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-65254991354193965942012-01-07T11:48:00.000-08:002012-01-07T11:48:09.654-08:00Take a Look<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">When you're driving and you see a runner, do you turn your head to take a look?</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I do.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's a weird habit of mine.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I can't help but look at every runner I pass by in my car.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">What am I looking at?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsLAlxIsTSGg_1C7Sei9gxArc9B12ZbtT4t88kqZAxOhTOthWpFIKQd_h8dN_BwC6AVlMtDPZao6raP_mjpPmQoqtS0x1lF25GgKzw7Sl1Hpm_E9sQCW9zq7zh4JR35cPEqJlPgIyV5Ax/s1600/look+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsLAlxIsTSGg_1C7Sei9gxArc9B12ZbtT4t88kqZAxOhTOthWpFIKQd_h8dN_BwC6AVlMtDPZao6raP_mjpPmQoqtS0x1lF25GgKzw7Sl1Hpm_E9sQCW9zq7zh4JR35cPEqJlPgIyV5Ax/s200/look+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I look at their gait, their pace, their brand of running shoe, and their accessories. I like to see whether or not they are wearing their iPhone, iPod, Garmin, water pack, cap or visor. Sometimes I like to guess if the person is a casual or a competitive runner in training by what they wear and how they run. It's like browsing through a running magazine, only live!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">During the winter months, my running is scarce. I usually run after work, but now that the sun goes down at 5PM I haven’t been running. In December, my kids are on vacation and at home with me so I rarely have time to run. So it is this time that I notice my looks turn into a gaze. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">"I wish that were me running right now," I'd say in admiration as I drive down the highway towing my kids around. And when I see a runner in the wee hours of the morning or late at night, I shake my head and mutter, "That's dedication."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you’re like me and have been on a hiatus, don’t fret. Remind yourself that it is only temporary. This is a time to refresh, refuel, recover, and re-energize yourself for your next running season. For now, it’s okay to “look” at what others are doing. Let them be your source of inspiration.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">So if you see a woman in a silver Honda Pilot with boys in the back seat, staring at you, don't be alarmed. I'm not a stalker. I'm just a person yearning to be running...instead of driving. And it could be YOU who inspires me to run with a pink skort. It could be YOU who inspires me to run barefoot. It could be YOU who inspires me to start running today!<o:p></o:p></span></div>Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-21112270262529279952011-12-07T14:52:00.000-08:002011-12-30T10:15:52.338-08:00SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Ever wondered what to do with your old or unused running shirts?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you’re like me, you don’t want to throw your shirts away because it is a reminder of your run event and your accomplishment. The site of my shirts is like walking down memory lane. I could pick out any one of my shirts and tell you the weather, my finishing time, and the challenges I faced during that particular race. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;">So t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 18px;">he best thing to do is to turn your old t-shirts into something new. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREY7weMgBQce3i5m9mfHk6WYHx6dcEhRM2jNCk_pb5ZadBvUKZeooZpUDOgQWjOAxfmvFCBuL7ryNDB1Zh7jOpkc8MmTRGgSNJSTg8Qbee28HefWJzy3rHp7vcX6e8wsG9dYNSf2HBaru/s1600/IMG_3055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREY7weMgBQce3i5m9mfHk6WYHx6dcEhRM2jNCk_pb5ZadBvUKZeooZpUDOgQWjOAxfmvFCBuL7ryNDB1Zh7jOpkc8MmTRGgSNJSTg8Qbee28HefWJzy3rHp7vcX6e8wsG9dYNSf2HBaru/s200/IMG_3055.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I've seen running shirts transformed into a quilted blanket or pillow. But my friend Christine had a better idea. She took my old, barely worn t-shirts and turned it into a </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">scarf!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Turning your shirts into a scarf is not only fun and useful; it’s a great conversation piece you can take with you wherever you go. It’s a story on a scarf!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJ9FwEMfanqIH-0_5JM6j-UlAmZMDg-HbnNOGYXEPk9p5xiP-QLuOKtnQymrSvSizZI3w03PmxbdUZ-ciyVD_Apo0YDsELG91tgsP_X0eAWe37Ly6SOiwkWiIgRRYwE_XF1zSy8Ajyq6O/s1600/IMG_3068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJ9FwEMfanqIH-0_5JM6j-UlAmZMDg-HbnNOGYXEPk9p5xiP-QLuOKtnQymrSvSizZI3w03PmxbdUZ-ciyVD_Apo0YDsELG91tgsP_X0eAWe37Ly6SOiwkWiIgRRYwE_XF1zSy8Ajyq6O/s200/IMG_3068.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Visit Christine’s blog to view more of her cool ideas of transforming something old into something new. </span><a href="http://www.sewingandripping.blogspot.com/">http://www.sewingandripping.blogspot.com/</a><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
If you pay her a visit, be sure to say Running-girl sent you! </div>Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-59871765838699155602011-11-28T09:24:00.000-08:002011-11-28T09:31:47.253-08:00I interrupt this blog for an important message...Hello everyone,<br />
As you know, I love to run. But what you may not know is that I like to write...not just blogs, but children's stories. A lot of my stories and ideas transpires on my run. The longer the run, the better the flow of my creative juices. <br />
<br />
Anyway, I am writing to ask for your support. My story, <a href="http://www.meegenius.com/challenge/funny-face-by-romelle-broas" target="_blank">Funny Face</a>, qualified for the MeeGenius author challenge. The winning author gets a publishing contract, $1500 cash, and a MeeGenius library donated to the school of my choice. Please visit <a href="http://www.meegenius.com/challenge/funny-face-by-romelle-broas" target="_blank">MeeGenius</a>, read my story, and "like" it. But you have to hurry. Voting ends December 18. Please feel free to share with your friends!<br />
<br />
Thank you so much for your support!<br />
~Happy running...and reading!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
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</span>Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-58863227148838754652011-11-05T17:26:00.000-07:002011-11-05T17:26:09.736-07:00Mentoring<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;">It’s not uncommon for runners to lose the enthusiasm that once engulfed them when they first started running. I've been there. You can read about my </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">dilemma</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;"> in previous posts: <a href="http://runninggirlsblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/running-blahs.html" target="_blank">The Running Blahs</a>, <a href="http://runninggirlsblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/confessions-of-runner.html" target="_blank">Confessions of a Runner</a>, <a href="http://runninggirlsblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/running-routine.html" target="_blank">The Running Routine</a></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;">So how do we make it exciting again? You can play running <a href="http://runninggirlsblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/games-runners-play_22.html" target="_blank">games</a>...with yourself; or you can mentor a new runner. Here's how:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Go find someone to mentor. You’ve heard it from family members, co-workers, and friends,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“I wish I could run.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take that as an invitation to lend your running experience. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 16px;">Encourage him or her to run and be the mentor you wished you had when you first started. As a mentor you are there to motivate, inspire, and encourage. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOPeM53S_ONvak5j2a_tippd3IeP6Q9yYHT1llJ_2OGLsDshtjpZOrGn8WVD2ExN3HXgDR7IMNyQqVgbyrIXDaGk8DQLy6I7Yx9EkBeJMmWG6l8BOtRjjRK_JM6rWK0JnINJEhXuPbyrB/s1600/mentoring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOPeM53S_ONvak5j2a_tippd3IeP6Q9yYHT1llJ_2OGLsDshtjpZOrGn8WVD2ExN3HXgDR7IMNyQqVgbyrIXDaGk8DQLy6I7Yx9EkBeJMmWG6l8BOtRjjRK_JM6rWK0JnINJEhXuPbyrB/s320/mentoring.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 16px;">Discuss goals. It can be as simple as running a mile without stopping to running their first marathon. Set up a schedule to run together regularly. You'll find that the accountability to each other will motivate you to get out and run even when you don't feel like it. Your role as mentor will give you a new sense of being and give new life to your running. Try it!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"> </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16px;">Take the challenge and I promise you you’ll find your enthusiasm again.</span></div>Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-41211409643426865772011-10-05T00:49:00.000-07:002011-10-05T00:49:24.651-07:00Got Water?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16px;">Water is cooling. Water is refreshing. Water is quenching.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I can’t go on a run without carrying a water bottle or wearing a hydration pack- no matter what the distance is. It’s like a safe haven for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFzLH7GdzcI_hX0Ix9mpbCUjiXKbfUQ1aYZF_Qwkl07b0nzLi2mf9ZNMgei_96cnOv-s6ms490FXumbccimoS0rprcQyVgUzOEzc8ERfVMMEauiT0I-q_4rh9lG-g81Gmo7UVynPny3mL/s1600/water+fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFzLH7GdzcI_hX0Ix9mpbCUjiXKbfUQ1aYZF_Qwkl07b0nzLi2mf9ZNMgei_96cnOv-s6ms490FXumbccimoS0rprcQyVgUzOEzc8ERfVMMEauiT0I-q_4rh9lG-g81Gmo7UVynPny3mL/s200/water+fountain.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I like to be prepared and would hate to be without water when I need it most. My routes don’t offer water options. I don’t always have the luxury of water fountains or convenience stores conveniently placed on my route. So I bring my own water. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzJK14E6CTisMvmTz6YajBOH16dN7zxXB5-zuh8IiD1a-g8iBwCzB3Fz-5cStfZPQ2MDqxTRierlaRE06DUHTgSzBxnmTQVGOGMVno4jvXyxJWTFAkoxHSG9wF1MLmQT1V-LNSrBnRFgM/s1600/women-running-with-water-bottle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzJK14E6CTisMvmTz6YajBOH16dN7zxXB5-zuh8IiD1a-g8iBwCzB3Fz-5cStfZPQ2MDqxTRierlaRE06DUHTgSzBxnmTQVGOGMVno4jvXyxJWTFAkoxHSG9wF1MLmQT1V-LNSrBnRFgM/s200/women-running-with-water-bottle.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;">One hot day in San Francisco, I was surprised to see the number of runners who </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">didn't</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;"> carry water.</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;">Running in the heat makes me thirsty.</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;">I wondered why most runners didn’t carry water with them.</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;">Is it because they feel they are not running far enough or long enough to need it?</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;">And what it the minimum distance a runner will run before they feel it necessary to carry water?</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;">This led me to my poll questions.</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m inviting all runners, new and seasoned, to take my poll which is located on the right of the blog. Help me understand your running habits. I'll be sharing my results with you at a later time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Happy Running...and remember to BYOW! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div>Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-46123776763797543962011-08-31T23:03:00.000-07:002011-08-31T23:03:06.415-07:00The Liebster Award, Part 2<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is the moment you've been waiting for. As I mentioned in my <a href="http://runninggirlsblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/leibster-award-part-1.html">previous post</a>, I was awarded the Liebster Blog Award by Lady Gwen of <a href="http://rungwenrun.blogspot.com/">Run Gwen Run</a>. And it is my honor to award the Liebster Blog to five of my favorite blogs. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidac-T7M7D_Byg691Zjg3TQ_6AyL3CwbEIawslcaVcyQT1IwOGOGawHnwJYAwpfAM3JBApfnqkkODYIKH1xtZxgWkWDW9foinRysSl-7HQf7ZGLDeBoennSLkCblTiiOt8TwxBvFNsTfoF/s1600/liebster+blog+award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidac-T7M7D_Byg691Zjg3TQ_6AyL3CwbEIawslcaVcyQT1IwOGOGawHnwJYAwpfAM3JBApfnqkkODYIKH1xtZxgWkWDW9foinRysSl-7HQf7ZGLDeBoennSLkCblTiiOt8TwxBvFNsTfoF/s1600/liebster+blog+award.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And the winner is...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">(In no particular order)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Picture This!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.robsanderswrites.blogspot.com/">http://www.robsanderswrites.blogspot.com/</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Rob Sanders is a children's author and educator who offers his expertise on writing for children. His daily guide to picture book writing is a valuable resource for me. If you want to learn how to write a picture book, this is a great place to visit.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">A Family That Reads Together</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://kidlitblog.wordpress.com/">http://kidlitblog.wordpress.com/</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A blog that promotes reading. Author, Wendy Lawrence includes a book list that highlights new and classic books that she recommends. She also has ideas and activities you can share with your children. A great resource for parents, guardians, and teachers.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sewing and Ripping, etc.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.sewingandripping.blogspot.com/">http://www.sewingandripping.blogspot.com/</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is such a wonderful place to exercise your creativity. If you like crafting, this is the place for you. Christine's blog is all about making something new out of something old. Her motto: Repurpose, reuse, remake, redo.</span><br />
<br />
Food is My Favorite<br />
<a href="http://www.foodismyfavorite.com/">http://www.foodismyfavorite.com/</a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I think the blog title says it all. This blog is all about food. The author, Janice, shares her food adventures and captures the mouthwatering flavors all on camera. One of her fun activities is finding the best burgers in town. Find out what's in store for her next by visiting her blog.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Tao of Me</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.inaomi.com/">http://www.inaomi.com/</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I absolutely adore this blog! The color palate, the lay-out, and logo are all very cute. Aside from the aesthetics, this blog is a fun read. Naomi's personality is reflected in her writing. She writes about her running experience and also writes great reviews on the events she's participated in. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Congratulations to the winners! Now it's your turn to spread the love. Just copy the Liebster Blog Award and paste it into you sidebar and link back to my blog from yours. Then award the Liebster Blog Award to five of your favorites.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Happy running...and blogging!</span></span>Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-38380023622573016232011-08-10T16:38:00.000-07:002012-05-07T19:13:45.389-07:00The Leibster Award! (Part 1)I don't usually like running in circles, but today I am. My face is glowing, my arms are flailing, I'm jumping up and down, and running in circles. No, this is not a new-age exercise. It's my HAPPY DANCE!<br />
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But sorry to disappoint you. I'm not dancing because I mastered the art of drinking out of a paper cup while running, without spilling all over myself. Or have I been able to call an 8-minute mile my "easy pace." And no, I haven't won first, overall, in the 5k women's division. Better yet...I won the Liebster Blog award for favorite blog! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDF-9f2vJ6U/TkA6Ar4KLmI/AAAAAAAAAMI/Vdz8EEsM2EQ/s1600/Liebster+Blog+award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDF-9f2vJ6U/TkA6Ar4KLmI/AAAAAAAAAMI/Vdz8EEsM2EQ/s1600/Liebster+Blog+award.jpg" /></a></div>
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After 2 years, 37 posts, and 24 followers, I finally received my first award from <a href="http://www.rungwenrun.blogspot.com/">Lady Gwen</a> at <a href="http://www.rungwenrun.blogspot.com/">Run, Gwen, Run</a>. The Liebster Blog award is given to bloggers, with less than 200 followers, who have inspired others in some way. The Liebster award helps spread the word about new bloggers to the blogging community. The idea is to give a little, get a lot.<br />
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Thank you, Lady Gwen, for your kindness and generosity. Lady Gwen is a blogger after my own heart. We are both runners and aspiring book authors. According to Lady Gwen's husband, who is a linguist, "liebster" means favorite. And she is definitely a Liebster Blog award winner in my book. But now the torch has been passed on. As a recipient of the Liebster Blog, I have the honorable task of awarding 5 other bloggers this award. <br />
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Please stay tuned for my selection of the next recipients of the Liebster Blog award...Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-62407889906835272352011-08-05T21:06:00.000-07:002011-08-06T15:18:32.939-07:00Picturesque Run<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are some of my scenic runs. Sometimes you have to take a moment from your run to enjoy the view. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3tA4tVLmve28EQrMu_IMbskWWmhAYgI9WOlVlTyb2SPAojOEycxwlR_ABrziocoyor62Z7qZ1y2uozOypZcK53ZPi1GCG0mPUYEQ_KqTGqDo6s6UkN0diC_FX7waKnxuKR68Z8l-Jnxu/s1600/6-16-07+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3tA4tVLmve28EQrMu_IMbskWWmhAYgI9WOlVlTyb2SPAojOEycxwlR_ABrziocoyor62Z7qZ1y2uozOypZcK53ZPi1GCG0mPUYEQ_KqTGqDo6s6UkN0diC_FX7waKnxuKR68Z8l-Jnxu/s320/6-16-07+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Pacifica, CA (my backyard...almost)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvxXNSbGnb-AgUTz_O0PrGwVjXw7Z3iVF7dvF2uejHN-f_EXhMtz8oilNDZCnFtJojiMMFXKUyvSCMSKWkhfPzZIYk2UZ8ti1VkBkW_P4hvs5IadRXVxSXISWlDWNc_LGonFRd0EW0_Ol/s1600/coastal+run-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvxXNSbGnb-AgUTz_O0PrGwVjXw7Z3iVF7dvF2uejHN-f_EXhMtz8oilNDZCnFtJojiMMFXKUyvSCMSKWkhfPzZIYk2UZ8ti1VkBkW_P4hvs5IadRXVxSXISWlDWNc_LGonFRd0EW0_Ol/s320/coastal+run-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the peak of Mori Point overlooking Sharp Park Beach in Pacifica</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsup1EWjd1KzxNX8hHCSACZZeFRyvqbd9p8jiWtB92DAXXYEnBPrEPafJMlAOUCQNDi59JSlTDcQcGK3mTW3etF-0-Bj3oSaEu2gWOc9nYyluFCZdXsnfz1ugmsRFd3M6gxB4xsL-YmHI/s1600/April+Warriors+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsup1EWjd1KzxNX8hHCSACZZeFRyvqbd9p8jiWtB92DAXXYEnBPrEPafJMlAOUCQNDi59JSlTDcQcGK3mTW3etF-0-Bj3oSaEu2gWOc9nYyluFCZdXsnfz1ugmsRFd3M6gxB4xsL-YmHI/s320/April+Warriors+014.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Half Moon Bay- 10 miles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdc6rhQS5vITPH69OGp3STSGisPGTe4r6S_KkN8FxtTHjE5Jzeu6qLdpIhChyFB0poYIxfhXnu5RTTX2SB-rayHeAbCb8HhWKZipZKfdrNS0dA8zCD7HASpErs-olggJyCMHPVoWtrHqk/s1600/April+07+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdc6rhQS5vITPH69OGp3STSGisPGTe4r6S_KkN8FxtTHjE5Jzeu6qLdpIhChyFB0poYIxfhXnu5RTTX2SB-rayHeAbCb8HhWKZipZKfdrNS0dA8zCD7HASpErs-olggJyCMHPVoWtrHqk/s320/April+07+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Merced- a 4.5 mile loop</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZfJGKtAigGN6ROjDcCuUToLyRarfZ_DnRXGZXEAjvYzBhYOe7yTX66-zar9PBQBlY9-57q6Umei5pzoffTd2XT06lCHvUJr3JbMTeq3g3z9-KzsCSRd-WG6r9oe2f6qIPSZLho4FFdi6/s1600/3-21-09+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZfJGKtAigGN6ROjDcCuUToLyRarfZ_DnRXGZXEAjvYzBhYOe7yTX66-zar9PBQBlY9-57q6Umei5pzoffTd2XT06lCHvUJr3JbMTeq3g3z9-KzsCSRd-WG6r9oe2f6qIPSZLho4FFdi6/s320/3-21-09+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail running at Portola Valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAV5kW12odiBZ_A_s2rHVnHSScyb1M3rc4IVPjmx1x9KR9kOJc_hJ1g4sjPJnAQ9A3_zpiiPGCQi3ExVDREOKekWooBYwg8opINT3-gHyHWkzl4By5GPQ6ZBUT89cpo7VlRU51D3ymL30L/s1600/canopy+of+trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAV5kW12odiBZ_A_s2rHVnHSScyb1M3rc4IVPjmx1x9KR9kOJc_hJ1g4sjPJnAQ9A3_zpiiPGCQi3ExVDREOKekWooBYwg8opINT3-gHyHWkzl4By5GPQ6ZBUT89cpo7VlRU51D3ymL30L/s320/canopy+of+trees.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crystal Springs Trail in San Bruno- 4 miles RT</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9VZ5eLHFvIVeKqwLZTHpom-uQJZbHaIOSthmQyQqfzAl4LD1Y3qoSIdj-Io66TWBw6F71AV-2Fd6TkBPUYWKrlxw1M7WHpkLKMtjO-QIphTBjNTJ_H7f-ezfJskaGZXR5MAebrFF0pXn/s1600/Nov-Dec+06+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9VZ5eLHFvIVeKqwLZTHpom-uQJZbHaIOSthmQyQqfzAl4LD1Y3qoSIdj-Io66TWBw6F71AV-2Fd6TkBPUYWKrlxw1M7WHpkLKMtjO-QIphTBjNTJ_H7f-ezfJskaGZXR5MAebrFF0pXn/s320/Nov-Dec+06+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the Crystal Springs Reservoir- 12 mile run at Sawyer Camp </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXprOK66d2_QquUNtm0oevY-BNFDlwpGO3hvGAYGod4q5HJ8GIKuNqmUj3O-aX8G5x3cn1xaeQUrcCcMwLmJly-MCC2eZv3ziJWnS2DMSKdfTZUaG_Jeortiu-p3GPXtmBFC-8FSv-257A/s1600/4-2010+088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXprOK66d2_QquUNtm0oevY-BNFDlwpGO3hvGAYGod4q5HJ8GIKuNqmUj3O-aX8G5x3cn1xaeQUrcCcMwLmJly-MCC2eZv3ziJWnS2DMSKdfTZUaG_Jeortiu-p3GPXtmBFC-8FSv-257A/s320/4-2010+088.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail running at Walnut Creek with rolling hills</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3GOV0jD4nF8rHwb754jhuQsqXgV0QYH48GprmLHx09UqO8nNNrq_hlTo0q5jtuZyCIlrW4HrjVDirDZKVLA-jlY_llcFFSifQ3uADHr4JyUUyR6dypO6H8TcmPexWCQrw16PhG4WbjSK/s1600/2-13-10+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3GOV0jD4nF8rHwb754jhuQsqXgV0QYH48GprmLHx09UqO8nNNrq_hlTo0q5jtuZyCIlrW4HrjVDirDZKVLA-jlY_llcFFSifQ3uADHr4JyUUyR6dypO6H8TcmPexWCQrw16PhG4WbjSK/s320/2-13-10+015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail running at Maunawili Valley in Honolulu, Hawaii</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2T8xB9Zuqx_WTJwXoxx_XVv2zpU8sy5XQAlgPhQIECkBmXB_xgwak65SfwF7CCpqvtYtikcR7nWU3IVtE6meBENvB4ud-ZhsBMTI3Kk8fdMuT5pw-E9pPm37JosNJ4cHUw4EQdSSTFsA/s1600/test+113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2T8xB9Zuqx_WTJwXoxx_XVv2zpU8sy5XQAlgPhQIECkBmXB_xgwak65SfwF7CCpqvtYtikcR7nWU3IVtE6meBENvB4ud-ZhsBMTI3Kk8fdMuT5pw-E9pPm37JosNJ4cHUw4EQdSSTFsA/s320/test+113.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baker's Beach in SF- Golden Gate Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-uC8rsaTRg84pcP_s5Jv_K3TRB3OODp_9tb0H23A8iLid2wlYyqil5ICrxBPWWr8aRthl2d-nxm6tqnefv3gtiO9dqkJ2Fz0ND7VTl7MG7T_bliBQFKXurDJeR2ZbdrIbo8asoQqjOSS/s1600/2-14-10+089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-uC8rsaTRg84pcP_s5Jv_K3TRB3OODp_9tb0H23A8iLid2wlYyqil5ICrxBPWWr8aRthl2d-nxm6tqnefv3gtiO9dqkJ2Fz0ND7VTl7MG7T_bliBQFKXurDJeR2ZbdrIbo8asoQqjOSS/s320/2-14-10+089.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 mile run at Ko'Olina Resort</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-35828796889531539582011-06-05T17:24:00.000-07:002011-06-05T17:24:29.658-07:00Top 10 Excuses for a Poor Race Time<div class="MsoNormal">I always try to run my best time at each race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, whenever I don’t do well in a race, I find myself making excuses for my poor performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are my top 10 excuses:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0866T3LmVtKhtCXU3UEVHEXkXtPPlQn-rXlrf5YR8uzO-Crddq1-g_cZamIdp6tWehyphenhyphen2gQ857PUfFOjLGprTNZEq_mE9iCArd4sOhp5K9SxJW6JpxawtbfhqGh54dv3ZefNonsOLDujhg/s1600/No-Excuses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0866T3LmVtKhtCXU3UEVHEXkXtPPlQn-rXlrf5YR8uzO-Crddq1-g_cZamIdp6tWehyphenhyphen2gQ857PUfFOjLGprTNZEq_mE9iCArd4sOhp5K9SxJW6JpxawtbfhqGh54dv3ZefNonsOLDujhg/s1600/No-Excuses.jpg" /></a></div><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">My knee (or other body part) was bothering me</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">I ran it just for fun</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">I'm getting over a cold</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">I just ran it for the mileage</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">My training schedule was off</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">I got a cramp</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">The weather was bad (too windy, too cold, too hot)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">I didn’t sleep well the night before</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">I wasn't feeling well</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">The race was too crowded</li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m sure you’ve heard these excuses before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may have even used a few of these yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure it’s true and that is the real reason you did not do well in a race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But why have an excuse?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Join me in my effort to not make any more excuses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t focus on your race time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t beat yourself up about your misfortune.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, embrace your time and congratulate yourself for finishing!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Got any more excuses?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throw them at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d like to hear more so I can include them with this list and turn my excuse list into a “do not say” list.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Repeat after me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I did it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finished my race!”</div>Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-6963840660839405692011-04-05T18:22:00.000-07:002011-04-10T18:00:06.099-07:00The Running Blahs<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4jqZU5M1zmXKh0jHbjd0C3yVFHvrfOf35gN3klxO-IYNjtMb6-x9Db-4o96dMM4A82u_Nydn7VG-bBXGoml_py4bns2ydgB7oGC-oUAB3cN-MQ24jQfWPZCk5qP-oD4xWkAge6y1OQw/s1600/blah_blah_blah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4jqZU5M1zmXKh0jHbjd0C3yVFHvrfOf35gN3klxO-IYNjtMb6-x9Db-4o96dMM4A82u_Nydn7VG-bBXGoml_py4bns2ydgB7oGC-oUAB3cN-MQ24jQfWPZCk5qP-oD4xWkAge6y1OQw/s200/blah_blah_blah.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Lately, I’ve been experiencing "running blahs."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Running blah is a state of mind.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">It’s a loss of enthusiasm, motivation, and desire for running.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Here are some of the causes:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; line-height: 115%;">§<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Routine</span>- running the same route, mileage, or speed can cause boredom<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; line-height: 115%;">§<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Overtraining</span>- causing tiredness or robbing you of the fun of running</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; line-height: 115%;">§<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Being off schedule</span>- getting off schedule due to various reasons make it difficult to get back on track</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The holidays and winter months got me to this state of mind. But alas, it is spring and spring brings fresh new blooms, mild weather, and fresh starts. So, now is time for me to get out of the running blahs and find my “mojo” again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Here are some solutions I prescribed for myself. If you are suffering from the running blahs, try it. It may work for you too.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>Prescriptions for boredom:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><u>Mix up your training</u>- Work in speed training on a track or fartleks on a trail. Squeeze in a cardio workout (anything other than running like aerobics or swimming) mid-week to break up your running routine. You can even change your runs between tempo runs and long, slow distance runs. The key is to change it up each day to avoid boredom.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><u>Run with a friend</u>- Make your runs a social event. Joining a run club is always fun. Running with like-minded people often bring about a camaraderie that always ignites interesting conversations. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">3.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><u>Change your scenery</u>- find new places to run. MapMyRun offers plenty of suggestions for new running routes. You can even mix up the terrain between track, road, and trail.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>Prescription for overtraining:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><u>Play games</u>- You can play games while you run. See my post on “<a href="http://unninggirlsblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/games-runners-play_22.html">Running Games</a>” for ideas. It’ll make the time go by quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><u>Slow down</u>- For once, try a slow, long distant run. Leave your Garmin at home and just take it easy and run for the fun of it. While you run, take the time to say “hello” to a fellow runner. Take the time to enjoy the sites around you.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>Prescription for being off schedule:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><u>Set a goal for yourself</u>- Sign up for an event or race. By doing so, you have something to strive for. You’ll be running with a purpose. Sign up for a race once a month. This will give you plenty to work for. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><u>Buy a new gadget</u>- To help you get back into the swing of things; buy yourself a new watch, running outfit, or running shoes. This way, you’ll be excited about trying your new item out on a run, motivating you to run again. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">3.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><u>Run at a popular running spot</u>- Seeing others run is always motivating. Need I say more?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I hope my prescriptions for the running blahs help you find your mojo!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;">-Happy running!<o:p></o:p></span></div>Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-1822178321295338852011-03-08T17:21:00.000-08:002011-03-08T17:21:43.699-08:00The Running Date<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDG6h9mlCkmB1CdSznDqklDNAOKL18c73yKXQLwO0VUyh1pdJAHawxIgJhskNsYyDJ1hTqYP6fSo6JYq5hwjQVvhcQJHPfb2Jy-DaztVRAeh4Xfwsza3dthxEV7LT1duQq11nWt3xHyP_I/s1600/couple-running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDG6h9mlCkmB1CdSznDqklDNAOKL18c73yKXQLwO0VUyh1pdJAHawxIgJhskNsYyDJ1hTqYP6fSo6JYq5hwjQVvhcQJHPfb2Jy-DaztVRAeh4Xfwsza3dthxEV7LT1duQq11nWt3xHyP_I/s1600/couple-running.jpg" /></a>My husband and I are runners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you are married with children, finding time to run together is a rarity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And going on dates with your spouse are far and few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when my husband said, "Get ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We're going on a date," I was thrilled.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is what our date looked like:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One early afternoon, I got ready for my date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I donned my sexiest bun shorts and matching sports bra and topped it off with a stylish dry-fit shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I accessorized with a sporty running cap and Garmin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right before heading out the door, I laced on my Asics Gel-Kayano 17.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was dressed to run.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboq5NCA_I6JgQZZzuZDVnlfZQR-G0rynNIVkU-_N8h0Iqt7EDaElemkxVWhrT9PVA-v0qBJ5iBz39UStf5nKzDl54Zu7M09KYUjPHTkJxIYyg_rFCVe4USyNj9ryVc_ihyphenhyphenZAzmBqpivPp/s1600/sunset+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboq5NCA_I6JgQZZzuZDVnlfZQR-G0rynNIVkU-_N8h0Iqt7EDaElemkxVWhrT9PVA-v0qBJ5iBz39UStf5nKzDl54Zu7M09KYUjPHTkJxIYyg_rFCVe4USyNj9ryVc_ihyphenhyphenZAzmBqpivPp/s200/sunset+run.jpg" width="200" /></a>It was a beautiful evening along the Pacific coast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gorgeous sunset set the tone for a lovely run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No words were spoken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our eyes gazed on the road ahead of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We engaged in spontaneous flirts of elbow tapping as we ran.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admired my date's long, curly locks blowing in the breeze and his beads of sweat glistening in the glow of the evening.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For our meal, we savored every morsel of energy bars as our appetizer for the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of a Cabernet Sauvignon, we sipped some tropical Cytomax<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">―</span>a 2010 pomegranate flavored mix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For dessert, we shared a velvety packet of strawberry GU.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of the evening, we shared our hopes and dreams for our future...our "to-do list."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1BJLHBZzNz0kJcQWnHkTHxEFXr95PvegodHCLy6acskm7xl-92VJVIMALoZHtSaBVFoXvzj3mhsiacwhW5mgKH9Qsz61gRKE7iyAg8B5oHNbuF4CDqW0ZMYzVZZIgjnHvMCyAGJ7RSsK/s1600/heart+couple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1BJLHBZzNz0kJcQWnHkTHxEFXr95PvegodHCLy6acskm7xl-92VJVIMALoZHtSaBVFoXvzj3mhsiacwhW5mgKH9Qsz61gRKE7iyAg8B5oHNbuF4CDqW0ZMYzVZZIgjnHvMCyAGJ7RSsK/s200/heart+couple.jpg" width="200" /></a>At the end of the run, we ended our date with some heavy breathing, exhausted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We capped the night off with a concert of yelling and screaming by excited fans<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">―</span>our kids who welcomed us back home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a date to remember.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">How about you? Next time you think about your next date, consider a running date! If it is successful, then you may have just found your <i>sole mate! </i> (Pun intended)</div>Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-27259205860183693102011-02-06T14:20:00.000-08:002011-02-06T14:20:49.843-08:00Product Review- Vibrams FiveFingers<i>My guest blogger is my beloved cousin, Connie. She has been running for 2 years now. Fairly new to running, she has embraced the sport with enthusiasm and insight. Here is her review of the <a href="http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/index.htm">Vibram FiveFinger</a>s: </i><br />
<br />
As runners out there know, the type of shoes used is very important. <a href="http://www.chirunning.com/">Chi runners</a> advocate for shoes that allow for better balance and give you the most flexibility for a mid-foot strike. Since majority of running shoes focus on shock absorption for heel strikers, it became challenging to find shoes that did not have a lot of that shock technology. <br />
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I wanted something light, malleable, and without a thick padding around it. I considered <a href="http://www.newtonrunning.com/">Newtons</a>, but they were outrageously expensive. Then I discovered the five-finger shoe after reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest/dp/0307266303?ie=UTF8&tag=runninggirl-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">"Born To Run" </a>. When I read the <a href="http://www.chirunning.com/community/blogs/">chi runners blog</a> a few days ago, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vibram-FiveFingers-Black-Mens-Shoes/dp/B001J1SASS?ie=UTF8&tag=runninggirl-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Vibram FiveFingers</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=runninggirl-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001J1SASS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> was listed among the shoes recommended, as well.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vibram-FiveFingers-Black-Mens-Shoes/dp/B001J1SASS?ie=UTF8&tag=runninggirl-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="New Vibram FiveFingers KSO Black/Black 46 Mens Shoes" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B001J1SASS&tag=runninggirl-20" /></a>Intrigued, I tried it on the next time I was at a running shop. It was a challenge putting it on- slipping every single toe into the proper slot. But as soon as I looped the strap around my foot and took a few steps, I was hooked! I bought the Vibram KSO<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=runninggirl-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001J1SASS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> model in black (yes, they do look like gorilla's feet).<br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><i>"As soon as I looped the strap around my foot and took a few steps, I was hooked!"</i></b></span> </blockquote><blockquote> </blockquote><u>TEST RUN</u><br />
I woke up earlier than usual, excited to run on the treadmill with the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vibram-FiveFingers-Black-Mens-Shoes/dp/B001J1SASS?ie=UTF8&tag=runninggirl-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Vibram</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=runninggirl-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001J1SASS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. I gingerly put the shoe on, taking the time to fit each toe into the shoe (after a few times it becomes easier, as I was told at the running store). I walked around the house for a few minutes, then performed my warm-up exercise. I got on the treamill and began walking to further warm-up. <i>Man, this is easy</i>, I thought. I was walking faster and lighter. There was a slight tightness at first (I thought the shoe was a size smaller for me), then it eventually disappeared as the shoe began to stretch during my warm-up walk. <br />
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I increased the speed on my treadmill and begun running. I controlled my speed as I observed the different sensations I was feeling. My feet landed on the treadmill with more balance. My ankles were not wobbling and I was lifting my heel higher because my feet felt lighter. Midway through my usual run, I noticed that I was not breathing as heavy. My breathing was actually closer to my normal breath. I was not feeling tired like I normally would during this point of my run! When I entered the last phase of my running, I felt I could go another round, but I did not want to push it (it was still a new shoe, after all, and I did not want to risk an injury, as I am preparing for my first 5k). <br />
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By the end of my run, the shoe actually felt like second skin. I did not have the usual post-run discomfort on my ankles or on my waist. When I reviewed my stats, I actually ran a half-mile longer with less effort.<br />
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Overall, the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vibram-FiveFingers-Black-Mens-Shoes/dp/B001J1SASS?ie=UTF8&tag=runninggirl-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Vibram</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=runninggirl-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001J1SASS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> was not disappointing. But it is my first experience, and I hope that running with it would only get better.<br />
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I will run on the track or on the streets with it next weekend and see if the experience is any different.<br />
<br />
~Connie Montoya<br />
(guest blogger of Running-Girl)Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-41547106673414765972011-01-03T22:08:00.000-08:002011-01-03T22:08:43.870-08:00The Age AdvantageThere seems to be a youth revolution…or so I think. The truth of the matter is I’m getting older. I seem to be surrounded by 20 and 30-something year-olds. I recently grew aware, by my coming of age, that 98% of the runners I run with are younger than me. Age is not something I think about when I run. I simply enjoy being surrounded by wonderful people with a passion for running. The company makes me feel young and alive.<br />
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</div></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353179568137526130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBL9QAtfVrdsUHH6oa95XWRxtUS1NDmg9-pB9BPlL3c2OuCfbcZRVCt0iaLyhozkpVDNsJcm5H1Y4IrhhApjawP0G37eNWjnNuKzL_fqIz0Kc_uh2bmd55xZw6yMUV_Tznl80gmBDFMZtT/s200/homer_running.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 146px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 200px;" />Running is great because everyone runs his or her own race. The only person you are competing against is usually yourself. But since reaching my birthday milestone, I’ve let my age consume me and my competitive drive take over.<br />
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Not too long ago, I ran a 5K race as part of my training run. It was suppose to be a fun run. I ran with a steady, quick pace and felt good about it up until the end. I spotted a young man ahead of me nearing the finish line. He was probably in his late teens or early twenties. “I can’t let that young man beat me,” I thought to myself. I was in denial of my age. I picked up my pace to try to catch him. I was out to prove that my body was still young and capable of outrunning even the youngest competitor.<br />
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Apparently, the young man was on to me. He picked up his pace and soon, we were both racing each other to the end. We managed to shut out the rest of the world for that brief moment. I couldn’t help but think what was going through his mind. Perhaps he was thinking this, “I’m not letting this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">older</i> woman beat me.”<br />
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I had enough drive and strength to pull ahead and win by a hair—a grey hair. “Yah, baby!” I yelled, claiming victory. Even if my competition was just with the young man at that moment, that victory was mine!<br />
<br />
My competitive drive to beat out the youngster didn’t stop at the 5K race. Just recently, I ran a 10K trail run. The hilly course and rugged terrain reminded me of my aging body as I panted and climbed 1200 feet to the top.<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353181480012080834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdvWMu3WWhToeXy3tyKlkAcpE9EMux0FRW6zRo6QLc5DHrBdk0H8X10Df85HRWPtR_2wjxLjRhdjMNCrIBMrRqGEpa4KLwKDn-chocjpRZS026J6t4g3USZo2XMGV-jCn2HzlCPiF6xe5/s200/mans+feet.jpg" style="float: left; height: 133px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; width: 200px;" />Not too far behind me, I heard the crunching sound of graveled ground growing louder with each foot strike. Slowly but surely, a runner crept up from behind me. I let him pass, accepting the fact that my body had failed me. Then I realized that the runner who passed me was a 50-something year old man. Again, my competitive drive took over. “I’m not going to let this older man beat me,” I thought.<br />
<br />
As much as it pained me, I tried to keep up with him because it would hurt more if I didn’t try. I never left him out of my sight. And that I succeeded because he was always in front of me—even to the finish line. I approached the man and congratulated him on a great race. But it didn’t make me feel any better to learn that he, Steve, was actually 67-years-old. Steve won first in his age group. I was impressed.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bestweekever.tv/bwe/images/2009/02/Gandalf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.bestweekever.tv/bwe/images/2009/02/Gandalf.jpg" width="180" /></a>I accepted defeat that day, but gained something more. Steve provided me with a new outlook on aging. He was my inspiration. I kept thinking that I wanted to be like him—67-years-old and still running. He was remarkably fit with a youthful heart. He spoke to me the entire time we were running together. He offered me encouragement and advice as I tackled the difficult trail. "A wise man," I thought.<br />
<br />
I learned that aging is not a bad thing. Older people are often looked at with respect and admiration. As a maturing person, I can inspire others to live a healthier lifestyle through my wisdom, experiences, and by my example. Anyone can run—young and old. On the course, on a track, or on a trail, there is no competition. We are all running for ourselves. We are runners inspiring people.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
So, when we go through life, don’t ponder the thought of being too young or too old to do anything. And don’t compare yourselves to others. Just live life to the best that you know how and don’t let age be an obstacle in anything you do.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Keep on running my friends. Embrace your age. As long as your body is capable…RUN!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://plazaco.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/birthday-cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://plazaco.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/birthday-cake.jpg" width="200" /></a>You’ll be happy to know that according to the Stanford University School of Medicine, “regular running slows the effects of aging.” It causes our biological age to slow down. Thus, runners tend to appear younger than they really are. Steve proved that theory well.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Happy Birthday to me! (DOB: 1/11)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div>Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-53643334973294979162010-12-01T15:20:00.000-08:002010-12-01T15:20:41.671-08:00Thanksgiving RunNovember 27, 2010-- Thanksgiving Day. I am thankful for a loving and supportive family, great friends, a wonderful job, my beautiful home, and my health. And today, God gave me one more thing to be thankful for--my age!<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT5hBqw8g7-sk-YH-HISCqbtmkMPLHixH1ig7idOod9rw06hy4SOQ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" class="rg_hi" data-height="95" data-width="192" height="95" id="rg_hi" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT5hBqw8g7-sk-YH-HISCqbtmkMPLHixH1ig7idOod9rw06hy4SOQ" style="height: 95px; width: 192px;" width="192" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As every year passes, I am reminded that I'm not the tight-bodied, smooth-skin, non-graying, limber young lady I used to be. But today, age was on my side. I won first place in my age division for the Turkey Trot 5k in Walnut Creek. My first award for a run! I never thought that this could ever happen to me...not at this stage of my life.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQxXu7Xp_9_3r6bNriIXy3vyM3KX00JRv0U3S9s_9Xp105jYYjXFA" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="rg_hi" data-height="116" data-width="83" height="116" id="rg_hi" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQxXu7Xp_9_3r6bNriIXy3vyM3KX00JRv0U3S9s_9Xp105jYYjXFA" style="height: 116px; width: 83px;" width="83" /></a>So take it from me, you can still get better and run faster with age. I remember running a 5k about 4years ago thinking that there was no way I could possibly run any faster than I did then. I felt I ran my farthest and fastest I could ever run. Just when I thought I couldn't possibly PR again, I do. Of course with age, comes experience. With experience comes knowledge- the knowledge to train smart and effectively, which leads to faster running.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/clipart/people/cartoons_(m_-_s)/old_woman_walking.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://www.clipartheaven.com/clipart/people/cartoons_(m_-_s)/old_woman_walking.gif" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="157" /></a>I guess it helps that the older you get, the less competition there is...or maybe my competition had better things to do on Thanksgiving than run a 5k. Nevertheless, I really feel that you do get better with age. It's nice to know that age has no limits; no boundaries. We can continue to compete if we want to, as long as we have the desire, commitment, and drive. We can do anything, as long as our bodies are able. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div> So keep on running my ageless running friends!<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">~Running-girl</div>Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209970601753063448.post-83820377215297859782010-11-03T00:12:00.000-07:002010-11-03T00:12:14.105-07:00A RUNNER’S PET PEEVE<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">When sharing a recreational trail with others, there is some etiquette or common sense I expect from runners, walkers, and bikers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But not everyone has the courtesy to follow these simple rules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s become one of my pet peeves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are three that tops my list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So allow me to go over some of my expectations with you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzSUdCsq45tAfuJ1F5IOWvqFfH1p2CNtVjQTNNmEQ7ib93yS0s_4_0gCn-Wr1o_hSO6X4ZeBaOXShdg0PBAT_mgcFp1vxwS4edH__8PsE_XVnIWyd1tuHn16qYaH9BZdkimUWZGh7yCJ-/s1600/pet+peeve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzSUdCsq45tAfuJ1F5IOWvqFfH1p2CNtVjQTNNmEQ7ib93yS0s_4_0gCn-Wr1o_hSO6X4ZeBaOXShdg0PBAT_mgcFp1vxwS4edH__8PsE_XVnIWyd1tuHn16qYaH9BZdkimUWZGh7yCJ-/s1600/pet+peeve.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">1)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When running on a trail or narrow pathway, please stay on the right side of the path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This gives room for users from the opposite direction, and allows runners from the back to pass on your left without having to disturb you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">I often see people (mostly walkers), side-by-side, blocking the entire pathway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to have to yell, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">“Excuse me!”</span> only to have them give me the dirty look, as if I’m the one ruining their momentum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yes, I usually have to yell most of the time because those people are often chattering up a storm and they can’t hear my loud panting, water swishing around in my water bottle, and my foot steps pounding on the pavement. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">This leaves me to a second thought. Should runners start saying, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"On your left!"</span> I don't think I run that fast. But I don't run slow either. <b>So move it or I'll run you over!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">And for those of you stopping to pet a dog or chat with other people, don't look at me and just stand there in the middle of the path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>GET OUT OF MY WAY!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">2)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please keep your trash to yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because a banana peel is biodegradable, doesn’t mean you can just throw it on the side expecting it to compost the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep it in your pockets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what pockets are for, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My son knows this very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I often find his pockets full of trash after it’s been through the dryer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just don’t forget to empty your pockets and put it in the garbage can.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">3) Please keep some distance behind me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s kind of creepy hearing foot steps behind me running for a mile and not passing me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not cyclists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So there is no need to draft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, I don’t run that fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And a word of caution:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t blame me if I pass gas and you happen to be in harms way.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">There you go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My top 3 pet peeves for running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, please be courteous so we can all run/walk/bike in harmony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">~Happy Running!<o:p></o:p></span></div>Running-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498178768512319842noreply@blogger.com2