PowerBar Gel Sale (50% off)*: My Christmas Gift to Myself for 2010.

After unwrapping all the presents you had received, you realized you didn't get everything you had wanted.

Or, you saw something on sale at a good price.

Well, both happened to me over Christmas 2010.

Then, I came across a PowerBar Gel sale.  I ordered 2 cases as a Christmas gift to myself, and they arrived the other day.

My 2010 Christmas gifts to myself:  2 cases of Strawberry Banana PowerBar Gels.

*I got them on sale at 50% off.  The minimum purchase to get the sale price is 2 cases (24 gel packs in each case).  The sale ends December 31, 2010.

To get this as your "Christmas" gift to yourself, click here.

Product Test: Double Latte PowerBar Gel and Wogged 8 miles. December 30, 2010.

This was my last wog of 2010.

I celebrated by product testing a PowerBar gel during my last 8 miles for 2010.

The Double Latte PowerBar Gel has 50 mg of caffeine.

Today was cold and windy at times.  I was glad I wore my running jacket because I usually don't.

When cold, some gels become thicker in their packaging and cling to its packaging, but I didn't have any problems squeezing the PowerBar gel out of its packaging. 

The Double Latte PowerBar Gel tasted like a sweet and salty cup of coffee.

I have no doubt the extra sodium PowerBar gels will minimize some muscle cramping..

I also like the extra caffeine.  Sometimes, I just need an extra kick to go somewhere.  And, I believe the Double Latte flavor has the most caffeine at 50 mg in the PowerBar gel line.  Some flavors in the PowerBar gel line do not have caffeine, while some do. 

For more info. about PowerBar gels, click here.


8 miles @ 1:47:52.
Net calories burned:  756 calories.

Oakland Marathon Registration Discount: $5 off. Discount Valid: December 29, 2010 thru January 31, 2011.

I am grateful this promo is not them handing out a cup, like what they did last year.

Oakland Marathon promo cup from 2010.

I believe the $5 discount works on the Marathon or the Half Marathon only.

Code:  20SBORF11

The date of the 2011 Oakland Marathon and Half Marathon is on March 27, 2010, Sunday.  For more info. about the Oakland Marathon or Half Marathon, click here.

Thanks, Sports Basement!!!

NOTES:

1. Keep in mind the Oakland Marathon and Half Marathon are one weekend after the LA Marathon.
2. For some of you, it might be Maniac or bust.

PowerBar Gels On Sale, 50% off with 2 or more 24 Gel Pack, Running Warehouse, until December 31, 2010.

I tried out my very 1st PowerBar gel yesterday and was impressed.

I was looking for a gel that was more runnier than my GU gels during cold weather use.

It also doesn't hurt that when the weather gets warmer and humid, the extra sodium in the PowerBar gels might reduce cramps.

Strawberry Banana PowerBar Gel with Caffeine

Running Warehouse is currently having a sale on PowerBar gels.   Buy 2 or more PowerBar Gel 24 Packs, and the price drops to $12.23 per pack (2 for 1).

To get in on this great deal, click here.

Wogged 8 miles. Product Test: Strawberry Banana PowerBar Energy Gel. December 27, 2010.

Wogged 8 miles.

During my wog, everything was great until my vision went pitch black. For a few seconds, I thought something was wrong with me until I realized it was a power outage.

Product test: Strawberry Banana PowerBar Energy Gel.

Power Bar gels have more sodium than many other brands.  Extra sodium can reduce muscle cramps.

I am currently testing out some gels in search of a more runnier gel for cold weather use.  The Strawberry Banana PowerBar Energy Gel definitely met my cold weather gel needs; it is more runnier than GU gels.  It tastes like children's medicine, but it's livable. Will love the extra sodium when needed; I am hoping it will bust some cramps.

Net calories: 722.

Ike's Place: Serious Sandwiches at 50% off, San Francisco Bay Area, CA. Limited time.

OK.

There was a lot of hub bub not long ago about Ike's Place having issues with its neighbors at one of its locations in The Castro, San Francisco, CA.  The popularity of its sandwiches and long lines didn't sit well with its neighbors.  But, Ike's Place relocated and is still in business.  It also has a few other locations.

For a limited time, they are offering 50% off their sandwiches at the following locations:

• Ike's Place San Francisco @ Lime / 16th Street
• Ike's Place San Francisco State
• Ike's Place Santa Rosa
• Ike's Place Stanford
• Ike's Lair Redwood Shores  

To get in on some serious sandwiches at 50% off, click here.

NOTES:

1. I purchased 1 gift certificate for the SF State University location.  It had a lower minimum compared to its location at Lime on 16th Street; I suspect the lower minimum is to accommodate the poor college students.
2. Although my Ike's Place @ SFSU gift certificate said it was valid from January 1, 2011 on, I read in a news article that the SFSU location will not be opened until January 25, 2011.  I am hoping for no construction delay, delaying its opening.

Happy Holidays!!!

It's that time of the year again...

Hope everyone managed to get your shopping done.

Happy Holidays, Everybody!!!

Need not worry if you feel stuffed a bit during this time of the year, plenty of time to waddle, wog, jog or run off the holiday weight gain afterwards.

Have fun and stay safe!!!

ZombieRunner Bay Trail 1/2 Marathon Review, Palo Alto, CA. Event date: December 19, 2010.

Event:
ZombieRunner Bay Trail 1/2 Marathon
Baylands Nature Preserve
Palo Alto, CA
December 19, 2010

Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve, Palo Alto, CA.

This event was some experience.  By the time I finished, I felt like I did an agility event instead.

I went without my Garmin and didn't run with a camera.  Weather.com listed 100% precipitation during parts of the event, and it was spot on.  I am not ready to plunk down $$$s on another Garmin or another camera.

 

The following sums up how my event went: 

1. Snails crossing the trails - I had to slow down to avoid stepping on them.
2. Cold - Brrr!!!
3. Rain - Wet. Ugh!!!
4. Wind gusts – At some points, trying to walk straight was a challenge; never mind trying to run.
5. Puddles galore – It felt like I was doing tire drills without the tires but trying to avoid the puddles, and there were lots of puddles.
6. Very slippery muddy sections – Nothing like slipping and sliding around each time my foot hits the ground.  I am amazed I didn’t fall down and went splat in the mud.

The following were unique things I saw along the way:

1. Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course - I kept thinking some errant golf ball was going to whack me as I went by.
2. Palo Alto Airport - The commuter planes look great to me when they were sitting on the ground.  But, it was a bit uneasy running when I had to run perpendicular across the runway where the planes came in for a landing or take off.

Overall, I am very happy I didn't slip along the muddy surfaces and fell into mud.  I'll be even happier if I am not sick the day after this event.

Here's a pic of the bling:

2010 ZombieRunner Bay Trail 5 Mile, 1/2 Marathon and Marathon bling.

For the event course profile, click here.

Gun time:  3:03:27
Guestimate gross calories burned: 1,400


A big thanks to ZombieRunner, a trail running and hiking store in Palo Alto, CA, for the awesome goodie bags.

Nibbles in the goodie bag, included a Bonk Breaker bar and a Clif gel.

A nice surprise in the goodie bag:  a ZombieRunner cap.

And, a BIG hand to the great volunteers who braved the cold and rain to support the event.  It was cold enough running and wogging along during the event for the participants.  I can't imagine what it was like for the volunteers who didn't move much during the event.

Racevine Holiday Shopping Party at Sports Basement on Bryant Street. Event date: December 19, 2010.

Sports Basement on Bryant Street seems to be the most famous holiday shopping party store for 2010 in my area.

Sports Basement on Bryant Street

The following holiday shopping party is happening this weekend there:

Racevine Holiday Shopping Party
Sports Basement - Bryant Street
1590 Bryant Street
San Francisco, CA
Date:  December 19, 2010
Time:  1 pm to 4 pm

There will be nibbles and refreshments.

Sports Basement is offering a 20% shopping discount in the store to attendees.

For more info. about the event, click here.

Carbo Loading on a Burrito Takes It to the Next Level. The El Macho Burrito from El Burrito Express, San Francisco, CA.

And, I do mean this burrito takes carbo loading to the NEXT level.

A few nights ago, there was this contest.  If you named the winner of the Golden State Warriors vs the Utah Jazz basketball game, you would be entered into a drawing to win $10 Burrito Bucks from El Burrito Express.

El Burrito Express on Taraval Street.

I mentioned Utah Jazz and didn't think much of it.

I was later contacted and was told I had won $10 in Burrito Bucks.

Free food!!!  Awesome!!!

I was thinking I'll just show up at the restaurant I had been visiting on and off for ages and pick one of my favorite burritos.

The problem was my usual burrito falls under $10.  I had to come up with something that would bring my order closer to $10.

I thought it was a joke when the menu said there was a burrito over a footlong.

But, this burrito was no joke.  It's called the El Macho Burrito.  And, El Burrito Express has it on their menu.

The nice cashier at the restaurant suggested the El Macho Burrito is a good choice to bring the order close to $10, and so I ordered it.

After I got home, I pulled it out of its bag and was kinda of shocked by its size.

The El Macho Burrito.   My burrito came in closer to 15 inches.

What's in the El Macho Burrito?

1. 2 giant flour tortillas 
2. 2 choices of meats
3. rice
4. beans
5. cheese
6. guacamole
7. sour cream
8. tomato

I am pretty sure I will be carbo loaded and then some over for the next several days, which is a good thing as I have the ZombieRunner Bay Trail 1/2 Marathon this weekend.

For more info. about El Burrito Express, click here.

For their menu, click here.

For their burrito menu, click here.

FunCheap SF's 2010 Holiday Party at Sports Basement on Bryant Street. Event date: December 17, 2010.

How many jelly beans, err people, can you fit into the Sports Basement on Bryant Street?

Sports Basement on Bryant Street.

I hope many because there's currently over 600 people who have RSVPd that they'll be attending the following event:

FunCheap SF's 2010 Holiday Party
Sports Basement Bryant Street
1590 Bryant Street
San Francisco, CA
Event date:  December 17, 2010
Time:  6 pm to 8 pm


There are nibbles, refreshments, raffles, prize giveaways and a scavenger hunt.  (Under scavenger hunt, it says to bring a digital camera or camera phone.)

And, for those trying to finish their Christmas shopping, this is a great opportunity because Sports Basement is offering a 15% shopping discount.

I wonder how this will all turn out.  It sounds fun, but with over 600 people, this can get awfully crowded.

For more info. about the event and/or to RSVP, click here.  (NOTE:  You MUST RSVP if you want to attend.)

For more info. about FunCheap, click here.

Win an Entry to the Oakland Running Festival with PureFitRadio. Event Weekend: March 26-27, 2011.

I am already committed to the LA Marathon the weekend before, but some "lucky" person can win an entry to the Oakland Running Festival.

The Event:
Oakland Running Festival
Oakland, CA
Event Weekend:  March 26-27, 2011 


For the nitty gritty on how to win an entry with PureFitRadio, click here.

For more info. on the Oakland Running Festival, click here.

Good luck!!!

Wogged 8 hilly miles. December 15, 2010.

Base rebuilding.
Wogged 8 hilly miles @ 1:45:36.
Downed:  1 GU Chocolate gel

It was chocolicious!!!

Net calories burned:  803 calories

SF Marathon Party. The Discounts were Awesome!!! Event date: December 14, 2010.

Thru rain, large puddles and some crazy rush hour traffic that just crept along, I made it to the SF Marathon Party at the Sports Basement on Bryant St.

Sports Basement on Bryant Street

A couple of speakers spoke about the SF Marathon Training Program.

There were nibbles and refreshments.

But more important, there were discounts. Attendees were allowed to register for the 2011 SF Marathon events at a $10 discount. 

And, Sports Basement gave attendees a 20% discount to shop for the evening.


If you missed this event, there seems to be a few more SF Marathon Training Program information sessions down the road.  Who knows what they might have up their sleeves?

For more info. on future SF Marathon Training Program Information sessions, click here.

Happy running!!!

2010 Rock 'N' Roll Marathon Holiday Registration Gift. Register from December 14 thru 17, 2010.

I love Rock 'N' Roll events.

They're giving out gifts to those who register for any of their events on the following dates:  December 14, 2010, Tuesday to December 17, 2010, Friday.

Registration Gift:  Insulated Water Bottle and GU gels.

Code:  GIFT

For more info., click here.

This looks to be their way of saying, "Happy holidays!!!"

Where will you RnR in 2011?

Super Bowl Sunday Run II. 10k or 2 Person Relay. Sacramento, CA. Event date: February 6, 2011.

I stumbled across this event and thought this is a great idea.

The menu features a 10k or a 2 person relay.

The events are football themed.  Even the participant T's are football jersey styled in the colors of last year's Super Bowl winners.  Since the New Orleans Saints won last year, this year's T's will have black and gold on it.

The start and finish seems to be by Hornet Stadium at California State University, Sacramento.
Event date:  February 6, 2010 (Super Bowl Sunday)
Time:  9 am

For the course map, click here.

For more info. about this event, click here.

How come no one near me thought of this great idea?

SF Marathon Party, Discount Registration and Optional Training Program Information Session. Party and Info. Session Date: December 14, 2010, Tuesday from 6 pm to 9 pm.

I am signed up for the 2011 SF Marathon - 1st Half.

I don't need a training program to get me thru, but a few folks I know said they need more support.

If you are one of the folks who need more support, you may want to learn more about the 2011 SF Marathon Training Program at the following:

SF Marathon Party
Sports Basement Bryant Street

1590 Bryant St

San Francisco, CA

Date:  December 14, 2010, Tuesday from 6 pm to 9 pm


If you are not registered, I heard there will be a discount on registration.

There will also be nibbles and refreshments.

Attendees can also shop Sports Basement and get 20% off.

This sounds like a winner to me!!!

Wogged 8 Miles and Even Got Lost. December 12, 2010.

After being runned over by a recent convention, I finally managed to get on out there.

I wogged 8 miles today and even got lost along the way.

I ended up doing a trail run part of the way and twisted an ankle but fortunately very minor.  Hopefully, this isn't the practice run for the upcoming ZombieRunner 1/2 Marathon I had signed up for.  This event is next weekend on 12/19, Sunday.

I need to rebuild my base and felt under fueled.

Downed: 1 GU Jet Blackberry gel.  It was berry, berry delicious. :)

By the Numbers:
Wogged 8 miles @ 1:49:26
Net calories:  754 calories.

Free Breakfast and Training Runs for the 2011 Kaiser Permanente Half Marathon, San Francisco, CA.

It has been a while since I found some training runs offering breakfast, but alas, I found a series of them.  :)

These training runs are to prepare those participating in the 2011 Kaiser Permanente Half Marathon, San Francisco, CA.  Event date:  February 6, 2011.

Location of Training Runs:
Sports Basement Presidio

610 Old Mason St

San Francisco, CA

The runs are FREE Pamakid Training Runs for the 2011 Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon hosted by Sports Basement Presidio and Pamakid Runners and Coach Andy Chan. Juice and bagels afterward courtesy of Sports Basement.

There will be training runs on four Saturdays in January to prepare you for the race.

The January 2011 training dates are as follows:

1. Jan. 8
2. Jan. 15* - shop on this date to get 20% Pamakid Runners discount
3. Jan. 22
4. Jan. 29

Here's the training flyer:
http://bit.ly/eGLGbH

So, mark your calendars.

For more info. about the training runs, please email:   info@pamakids.org.

Happy running and breakfasting afterwards!!!

Savings on 2011 See Jane Run Half Marathon and 5k Events: 1) Alameda, CA, 2) Boise, ID, 3) Seattle, WA and 4) Austin, TX.

I was noseying around Active.com and noticed several more See Jane Run Half Marathon and 5k events than the one I blogged about recently.  These events are women focused.

Currently, I came across the following 2011 See Jane Run events off of Active.com:

1. See Jane Run Women's Half Marathon & 5K - Alameda, CA.  Event date:  June 5, 2011.
2. See Jane Run Women's Half Marathon & 5K - Boise, ID.  Event date:  June 18, 2011. 
3. See Jane Run Women's Half Marathon & 5K - Seattle, WA.  Event date:  July 17, 2011. 
4. See Jane Run Women's Half Marathon & 5K - Austin, TX.  Event date:  October 9, 2011.

I tested out the following codes on a couple of them, and they work.

Code:  FITHALF2011 - $25 off
Code:  FIT5K2011 - $10 off

For more info. about See Jane Run, click here. 

Happy savings on registration!!!

Limited Registration Now Open: 100th Bay to Breakers 12k. Event date: May 15, 2011.

Recently, I posted that limited registration would be opened to those who subscribed to the newsletters of the 100th Bay to Breakers 12k event.

The newsletters have gone out on December 10, 2010.  I believe only 10,000 folks would be getting the limited registration price, so don't delay in registering if you received a newsletter.

If you don't see the newsletter in your emails, please do check your Spam email box.

They have also redone their website, and I believe they are handing out bling for the event.

I just love bling!!!  And, with this being the 100th running, this will be an amazing event!!!

For more info. on the event, click here.

Savings on See Jane Run Half Marathon and 5k, Alameda, CA (SF Bay Area). Half Marathon: $25 off. 5k: $10 off. Event date: June 5, 2011. Hurry!!!

Saving money on event registration is something I can never get tired of.

See Jane Run mentioned they were offering a savings off their women's focused Half Marathon and 5k events for 1 day only several days ago.  But, this nosey tortoise tested out their Half Marathon code, and it still works.

The savings are as follows:

1. Half Marathon:  $25 off:  Code:  FITHALF2011
2. 5k:  $10 off.  Code:  FIT5K2011

In the SF Bay Area, the See Jane Run event in Alameda, CA is on the following date:  June 5, 2011.

To register for the event, just search "See Jane Run" after clicking here.

For more info. about See Jane Run, click here.


NOTE:
Those considering RnR San Diego or who have registered for the RnR San Diego Marathon or Half Marathon might want to take a pass on this promo as both events are on the same weekend.

Convention Working Off the Holiday Weight Gain, Bill Clinton and Pics. December 2010.

In a previous post, I mentioned I landed a temp job working at a tech convention.   The event did help me work off some of the holiday weight gain and definitely kept me away from the fridge.

I managed to get a few pics during my off time. 

The Convention:  Dreamforce 2010.
The convention was about cloud computing.  In cloud computing, the shared resources, such as information and software, are provided on demand to a device.

Artwork decorating the Moscone Center from Dreamforce 2010.

The new workout:  goodie bag and packet stuffing.

A goodie bag from the event.

I literally had no idea how many goodie bags and packets I had stuffed for this event, but it is safe to say that with 30,000 attendees, there must have been at least 25,000 goodie bags that everyone was trying to stuff.

Guestimating:  With 30,000 Attendees, there must have been at least 25,000 goodie bags and packets.

Where I Spent Most of My Time.
I spent most of my time onsite behind a regisration desk where I checked in convention attendees and issued them their convention badges.  For some, I had to troubleshoot why their badges didn't work and why their registration could not be located during the check in process.

Since I was behind the registration counter most of the time, I was not grazing on food at a fridge.

My temporary home away from home.

The view from my temporary home away from home behind the registration desk.

The 30 Minute Lunch Break.
The 30 minute lunch breaks definitely will not leave you enough time to get to a restaurant, buy some food, eat the food and for you to get back to work on time.  So, one has to pack lunch wisely, or risk having no food to eat at all.

On a couple of days, us, little people got lucky and got a free boxed lunch.  They were the leftovers from the attendee lunches.

A free lunch from work.

The Hours Were Long.
Again, I was kept away from grazing on food at a fridge by the long work hours.

During some long work hours when the going gets tough, the tough gets powered by Starbucks.  We were thankful that teas and Starbucks coffee was provided to us.

Nothing like coffee from Starbucks to keep you going during the long hours.

Odds and Ends:  I Felt Like a Walmart Employee on Black Friday Morning.
Except in my case at the convention, I was not faced with a large group of people about to run in to get Black Friday deals.  At the convention, I was facing a large crowd who were trying to get in fast to get a good seat to see and hear former President Bill Clinton speak.

Attendees lined up for hours just to hear former President Bill Clinton speak.

I was assigned  to be one of the human barriers to adjust the flow of attendees as they streamed into the large keynote hall.

I can honestly tell you that one of the scariest feelings in the world is standing on the inside of the set of doors, as some of the other convention staff open a set of doors to let the crowd of 20,000 attendees in.

Thanks, Bill Clinton, for coming to speak!!!

I definitely felt this convention worked some of my holiday weight gain off.  Perhaps, time permitting next year, I'll try to convention work my holiday weight gain off again.

Groupon: Reno, NV, Deal of the Day, Harrah's Steakhouse. Lunch: $10 gets $25. Dinner: $25 gets $50. December 10, 2010.

I just noticed a juicy Groupon:  Reno, NV, Deal of the Day.

Lunch:  $10 gets $25.
Dinner:  $25 gets $50.

Valid at:
Harrah's Steakhouse, Reno, NV

This is a 50% savings!!!

To get in on this deal, click here.

I haven't been to Reno, NV in a while.  Perhaps, I should drop by during a ski trip this winter season.

Cross Training Off the Holiday Weight Gain: Stuffing Thousands of Goodie Bags and Packets. December 3 and 4, 2010.

I pictured myself running, jogging, wogging and working out at the gym like crazy for a while in an effort to lose my recent holiday weight gain.

What I got instead was a workout totally unexpected.

I landed a temp job that had me helping to stuff up to 25,000 goodie bags and packets for a tech convention.

I was very impressed that after 2 long days of packing goodie bags and packets that I was not even sore.  I guess I am in much better shape than I thought.

I have no idea how many calories I had burned off, but my spare tire does look smaller already.

MUNI $2 Sunday FunDay Pass. Every Sunday from Dec 5 to 26, 2010.

First BART gave away one way tickets valid for weekend usage, now it's MUNI's turn.

MUNI is doing a $2 Sunday FunDay Pass.  You just pay $2, and you get a transfer valid for the entire day.

If you use a Clipper Card, the instructions mentions you just swipe your card on the 1st ride of the day and then just flash it at the driver after that.  It mentions not to swipe your Clipper Card on your 2nd ride of the day and on rides after that because the system will charge you for those rides, and no refunds will be issued.

Promo is not valid on Cable Cars and not valid on Candlestick Park Express buses.

For more info., click here.

Starbucks Christmas Blend 1lb Buy One, Get One Free.* Event date: December 2, 2010.

From experience on race mornings or on long training runs, I always prefer a cup of coffee to wake me up and energize me before I cross The Start.

I also love to save a few bucks if I could, so on  December 2 the offer to buy one, get one (BOGO) free 1lb of Starbucks Christmas Blend coffee is music to my ears.

The BOGO free offer is part of Starbucks' "12 Days of Sharing."  There's a new offer for each of the 12 days.

For more info., click here.


*NOTE:  Offers may not be available at every Starbucks.  Limited supply.

Free BART Tickets* and Survey to Win a $300 Value Clipper Card. Event date: December 2, 2010, 6 am to 9 am (limited supply).

Really?  They are giving 60,000 BART tickets away to morning commuters.

Yes, really.

On December 2, 2010, Thursday, from 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., BART will give free tickets to 60,000 commuters at the Downtown Berkeley, 12th St./Oakland City Center, Embarcadero, Montgomery, Powell and Civic Center stations, while supplies last.

*Each of the lucky morning commuters will be getting 2 tickets with each ticket valid for a one-way BART trip on any of the following Saturdays or Sundays: December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 or 19, 2010.

There is also a survey to fill out afterwards.  And, some lucky person is going to win a Clipper Card loaded with a $300 value.

For more info. about this event, click here.

Awesome promo!!!

50% off at Beard Papa's Baked Goods in the San Francisco Bay Area. Groupon San Francisco More Deals Nearby. December 1, 2010.

Although I am working on losing the holiday weight gain, sometimes a good deal on food items should not be passed up.  And, I didn't passed up on the following deal:

Pay $11, Get $22 worth of Baked Goods at Beard Papa's via Groupon San Francisco.

I just love their cream puffs.  Their cream puffs are freshly made and are just so yummy!!!

This deal is valid at 2 of their locations around the San Francisco Bay Area.  It's valid at the 99 Yerba Buena Lane location in San Francisco, CA location OR at the 365 2nd Ave location in San Mateo, CA.

This is getting 1 dozen of their cream puffs for the price of one-half dozen.  It's a 50% savings!!!

To get in on one of the best cream puffs there is out there, look on the right side of the screen in the More Deals Nearby after clicking here.

Take That, Holiday Weight Gain! Wogged: 8.01 miles. November 29, 2010.

Wogged 8.01 miles @ 1:48:30
Consumed:  1 GU Tri Berry
Net calories:  721

Post Thanksgiving, I still feel like a slug, but if I keep this up, I won't feel sluggish for long.

Carbo Loading Deal. Groupon San Francisco More Deals Nearby: Goat Hill Pizza. Pay $10, get $20 worth of Food, Drinks and More. November 29, 2010.

Sometimes I do carbo load up for an event or long training run on pizza, and if I can save a few bucks on the food bill, that would be great!!!

Thru Groupon San Francisco More Great Deals Nearby, you can pay $10 for $20 worth of food, drinks and more at Goat Hill Pizza on Portrero Hill!!!

I have been to Goat Hill Pizza a few times before and love their pizza.

I am already signed up for the 2011 San Francisco 1st Half Marathon next July.  If my running friends don't rearrange my meal plans leading up to the event, I will be chowing down on a Goat Hill Pizza and saving a few bucks while doing so.

To get in on this deal, it should be on the right side of the screen in the "More Great Deals Nearby" after clicking here.  And, make sure you are in the Groupon San Francisco area.

IMHO, this is a great deal.

5 Miles Against the Holiday Weight Gain. November 28, 2010.

5 miles @ 1:07:30
Gross calories:  515 calories

My original holiday plans fell thru.  Originally, I was going to run, jog and wog over the extended Thanksgiving weekend to put a dent into all the holiday food I was going to consume, but I went out shopping and to the San Francisco Auto Show with relatives.  Now, my spare tire is a bit bigger than it was before Thanksgiving, and I got to work off some of the weight..

To make sure I stay on track, I signed up for the following:

ZombieRunner Bay Trail 1/2 Marathon
Event date:  December 19, 2010


I just know I can't show up all unprepared and in bad shape.

I got stuffed after Thanksgiving. November 27, 2010.

I did good on the Thanksgiving Dinner this year and didn't stuff myself, but I didn't do as well 2 days later.

Although there were still leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and gravy in the fridge 2 days after Thanksgiving, the thought of eating the Thanksgiving dinner repeatedly for another next few days for lunch and dinner just was not appealing.

So, we went for sushi and rolls.

We settled on a local restaurant, Kiki Japanese Restaurant, which we have been to before.

Kiki Japanese Restaurant.

The Golden Tray.

Saba.

The food is definitely not high end sushi but does taste good.  We were glad to have something else other than the Thanksgiving dinner.

Now, I just have to bust my tail off to work off the food.

My Test Drive: Nissan Leaf, the 100% All Electric, No Gas Vehicle. November 25, 2010.

This isn't running related, unless you think of how clean the air would be if all vehicles on the road were 0 emissions vehicles.


I came across the MyBart newsletter, listing a 2 for 1 admission offer to the San Francisco Auto Show held at the Moscone Center.  The day I went to the auto show was the last day the offer was valid.

My bro and I went on Thanksgiving Day, so it was not too crowded at the auto show, as most folks were at home trying to cook up their turkey, watching football or were traveling.

The Moscone Center.

Range Rover test drive area.  Or, the I hope this isn't one of those runaway Monster truck areas.

Entrance to the San Francisco Auto Show.

We arrived!.  This is the view from the top of the escalators just after entering.

Nissan Leaf Test Drive
When they stressed that the vehicle had 0 emissions, they were not kidding.  The test drives were done indoors.  Had it been a regular set of wheels, everyone would have been carted off by ambulances for breathing dangerous exhaust fumes.

Each test drive lasted 3 laps, and each vehicle went accompanied by one of the test driving staff.  And, good thing each test drive was accompanied by a staff member.  When I sat down in the driver's seat, I could not figure out how to start the engine and shift gears.

Off we go!!!

The Start reminds me of being at The Start of a half marathon.

A view of the dashboard of the Nissan Leaf from the rear.

The trunk of the Nissan Leaf.

What I thought of the Nissan Leaf?
I think it is wonderful that there are such vehicles.  It definitely reduces air pollution and is great for the environment.

One of the things I noticed about the vehicle compared to a regular gas powered vehicle is that there were no motor vibrations, vibrating thru the vehicle, especially when I grip the steering wheel.


Pros:

1. Great for the environment; 0 emissions.
2. Great for those who do city driving, as you get more mileage thru city driving compared to highway driving
3. In the long run, you save on your gas bill.  This vehicle is 100% electric.

Cons:

1. They estimated each charge would only get you about 100 miles.  And, the mileage does vary depending on your driving circumstances.  I need a vehicle that can  go longer than 100 miles, so this vehicle isn't for me.  Perhaps, later on when the single charge mileage range increases that I would consider one.
2. Also, will there be enough charging stations available?  There is currently the uncertainty of where to plug in your vehicle to recharge when you are traveling as many of those charging stations have yet to be constructed.
3. Up front costs of the vehicle.  Currently, it is about $26,220 net after tax savings.  There are gas powered vehicles similar to the size of the Nissan Leaf but priced less; for examples, the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra .  For general ideas on Nissan Leaf pricing, click here.

BTW, if the Highway Patrol wants to ticket you for doing 110 mph, you have a great excuse to fight against the speeding ticket.  The fastest mph that the Leaf would go is 90 mph.

For the technical features and specs, please click here.

For more information about the Nissan Leaf, click here.

2010 - 2011 Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Cyber Monday, 9 am to 5 pm PST

I was looking thru the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Cyber Monday promo and realized anyone can become a winner for the Most Extreme Package.

To automatically win the Most Extreme Package, you just have to register for 16 events in the 2011 Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series (excluding Las Vegas 2010 & 2011) within the timeframe allotted above (Monday, November 29 between 9am – 5pm PST), and you automatically win.

The Most Extreme Package includes the following:

1. Access for one to VIP Race Weekend Events for all events
2. One pair of Brooks Running Shoes
3. One pair Sof Sole Insoles
4. One pair Brooks Shorts
5. One 2011 Rock ‘n’ Roll Series Tour Jacket
6. One 2011 Rock ‘n’ Roll Series Tour T-Shirt
7. One Rock ‘n’ Roll Series Hat or Beanie
8. One Power Balance Bracelet

I don't have the travel budget to pull off 16 RnR events during 1 calendar year, but perhaps some Marathon Maniac or Half Fanatic out there does.

Anyone aspiring for a 50 States club?


NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.
As for those in the same boat as I am who don't have the travel budget to RnR across 16 events during 1 calendar year, you don't have to miss out on an attempt to win the Ultimate RockStar Package.

The Ultimate RockStar Package includes the following:

1. One Free Race Entry for any other 2011 Rock ‘n’ Roll Series Event
2. Round-trip flights for two people to the selected 2011 Rock ‘n’ Roll Series Destination from any US city
3. Two rooms for 3 Night stays at the official Rock ‘n’ Roll Headquarters Hotel for the selected event
4. Access for two to VIP Race Weekend Events for the selected event
5. Two Official Rock ‘n’ Roll Online Training Plans
6. Two Garmin Forerunner 310x GPS Watches
7. Two Oakley Encounter™ Sunglasses
8. Two pair Brooks Running Shoes
9. Two pair Sof Sole Insoles
10. Two pair Brooks Shorts
11. Two 2011 Rock ‘n’ Roll Series Tour Jackets
12. Two 2011 Rock ‘n’ Roll Series Tour T-Shirts
13. Two Rock ‘n’ Roll Series Hats or Beanies
14. Two Power Balance Bracelets

To enter for your chance to win the Ultimate RockStar Package, just look under in the "How to Win" section after clicking here.

If you win a package, I hope you will take me along with you.  :)


Good luck and happy shopping on Cyber Monday!!!

Wogged 5 Very Windy Miles. Sampled New Formula Clif Shot Energy Gel Razz Flavor. November 23, 2010.

Earlier in the day, I really didn't want to go outside.  It stopped raining but was very windy.  But, I had to haul my behind outside as I have less than 4 months to get it together for the LA Marathon.

I also tried the new formula Clif Shot Energy Gel Razz flavor.  For colder temperatures, my favorite gel, GU, tends to be thicker.  I was looking for another gel that would be easier to squeeze out of its packet during the colder months.  The new formula Razz had a bit of cranberry aftertaste that didn't linger.  It was less powdery, or chalky, compared to the old formula.  But, it did meet what I was looking for which was easier to squeeze out of its packet during colder temps.

New formula Clif Shot Energy Gel Razz flavor.

5 miles
Very windy:  25 - 35 mph.  Wind gusts made me feel as I was doing the running man.
Gross calories:  599

Santa Skivvies Run, San Francisco, CA. Event date: December 5, 2010, Sunday.

It has been very cold lately.  I have been considering running with my running jacket on.

When lo and behold, I came across a charity run in December called the Santa Skivvies Run.  It's definitely promoting running in your skivvies, or undies.  It benefits the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and is supposed to be a run thru the Castro.

Those who register gets a Santa Hat.  OK, at least that will help keep your noggin warm as the rest of you freeze.

Those who reach certain fund raising amounts get other gifts.

Currently, there isn't a course map listed, but it did mention to expect to run 1 to 2 miles.

I don't know about you.  But, I am way too shy to run around in my undies.  And, given my recent experience being stopped by the cops, I don't want to be stopped again.

For more info., about the Santa Skivvies Run, click here.

Would you do a run in your skivvies?

100th Bay to Breakers 12k Discount Link, MUST sign up for newsletter. Event date: May 15, 2011.

The latest newsletter for the Bay to Breakers 12k mentions that they will have a pre-sale email link to those who receive their newsletters.

So, if you want a pre-sale email link, I'd sign up for their newsletters now.

To sign up for their newsletters, click here.

I have done the 98th and 99th running of the Bay to Breakers and will definitely do the 100th running.

NOTE:
Just to let you know that this footrace is more of an event and is often congested if you are not an elite runner.

Stopped by the Cops.

I was walking to the bus stop.

And, next thing I know, the police stopped me.  They told me I look like someone they were looking for.  They even asked me for my ID.

I showed them my ID; they didn't say anything further; and they went away.

I have never been stopped by the cops before and was very surprised by the experience.

A part of me wondered what would have happened if I didn't have my ID with me.  Would I have been knocked over, handcuffed and dragged off to jail?  Or even worse?

I think I now understand how some folks feel that they are always being harassed by the police.  In my area, nerves are still frayed over the shooting death of Oscar Grant by a BART police officer.  A BART police officer claimed he was trying to taser Oscar Grant but mistook his gun for a taser.  Instead, he shot him in the back.  Oscar Grant later died.

SnowFest. Event dates: November 18, 20 and 21, 2010.

I made it to SnowFest at Sports Basement Presidio.

The Burton truck out front let me know I was at the right store.  :)

The 1st - 200 folks who spent $50 or more, got a value season lift ticket to Sugar Bowl ski area.  Attendees also for 10% off their purchases.

I needed some more gels for running, so I thought why not get a lift ticket out of it.  Currently, I'm not much of a skiier or snowboarder as the prices of lift tickets have skyrocketed over recent years at Lake Tahoe.

There was nibbles, beers and sodas for those in attendance.

For entertainment, there was a DJ spinning some tunes.

At times, it felt I was at a nightclub instead.

There were also raffle prizes, including helmets, goggles, lift tickets and 2 very nice pairs of skiis.  I didn't win anything from the main raffle.

Sierra at Tahoe also did its own raffle at its table at the event.  I won a Sierra at Tahoe beanie.  Thanks, Sierra at Tahoe, for the beanie!!!

The beanie definitely kept my noggin warm on the way home.

Some of the vendors included the following:

1. Sierra at Tahoe
2. Squaw Valley
3. Sugar Bowl
4. Alpine Meadows and Homewood
5. Bear Valley
6. Atomic
7. Burton
8. Rossignol
9. Mammoth
10. Snowbomb
11. Snowpals
12. Bay Area Ski Bus
13. Under Armour
14. Zip Car

Sports Basement is having another 2 SnowFest events at 2 of their other locations.  They are the following:

1. Sports Basement Sunnyvale: Saturday, Nov. 20, 9am-1pm
2. Sports Basement Walnut Creek: Sunday, Nov. 21, 9am-2pm

Have fun powder hounds!!!

Would You Want a Bobblehead of Yourself? Groupon San Francisco More Deals Nearby Redeem from Home. November 18, 2010.

Many of my friends run.  A few of them even pick elaborate running outfits during their events.  I know one guy has a cape on during his events.

And, when I was much younger, action figures of comic book characters and Star Wars characters were all the rage.

Would you immortalize yourself with a bobblehead of yourself?

There's a Groupon offer that will let you do just that.

Groupon San Francisco More Deals Nearby Redeem at Home (right side of the screen) has an offer for folks to have a bobblehead done up of yourself at a savings of 50% off.

To check out this out, click here.

What would you wear on your bobblehead?

Bad day at work. 6.52 Miles Wogged. November 17, 2010.

I had a bad day at work.

I've recently started temping as the job market in my area is very rough.

I woke up early and did my long bus commute only to be sent home after 2 hours because they said they didn't have enough work for me.  I was told I would be paid for only 2 hours when I was scheduled for the entire day.  :(

My RT commute was longer than 2 hours.  :(

Anyhow, I finally managed to get in a wog of 6.52 miles.  It was my 1st in 3 weeks.  Things felt rusty.  Am in base rebuilding mode.

6.52 miles wogged @ 1:25
733 gross calories

Groupon San Francisco East Bay: Golden State Warriors Ticket at 50% off. Choose from 1 of 2 Dates and Get a Free Throw after the Game.

I'm not much of a basketball fan, but I thought this is an interesting deal.

Groupon San Francisco East Bay is offering tickets at 50% off and a bonus to the Golden State Warriors, who make their home at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA.

For $18, you get a Club 200-level ticket (sections 213–220 or 229–204) and a free throw after the game is over.

Choose between 1 of 2 games:

• Thursday, December 2 against the Phoenix Suns
• Monday, December 20 against the Houston Rockets.

To get in on this deal, click here.

Enjoy the game and good luck on the free throw afterwards!!!

Southwest Airlines Schedule Now Open to August 12, 2011.

As they say, "You are now free to move about the country."  And, "Your bags fly free."

The Southwest Airlines schedule is now open to August 12, 2011.  To start planning and/or to purchase airfares, click here.

I am starting to get that itch to add half marathons and marathons to my schedule for 2011.

How about you?

Happy Flying!!!

When is a Marathon Too Pricey? New York, Las Vegas, Walt Disney World and Chicago Marathons.

Monday Marathon Mania is over, but what is left still standing is the hefty registration fee for the ING New York Marathon.

For 2011, the registration fee for U.S. residents residing in the 50 states or the District of Columbia and who are non-members of the New York Road Runners (NYRR) is a whopping $196!!!

And, don't forget the $11 application fee that is non-refundable regardless if your application was accepted or not.

For other registration fees and more registration info. on the ING New York Marathon, please click here.

Since I doubt the reg fee would go down in future years, if your heart is set on doing New York, I would try to get this one over and done with before the price heads up any higher.

I believe the ING NYC Marathon is the most expensive marathon.  The 2010 RnR Las Vegas Marathon and Half Marathon are at $145 / $145.  The 2011 Los Angeles Marathon is $145.  The 2011 Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon are at $135 / $135.  And, the recent 2010 Chicago Marathon was $135.

I am feeling that New York is getting to be too pricey for me.

At what point is a marathon too pricey?

Registration is now open for the Kaiser Permanente Half Marathon and 5k, San Francisco. Event date: Super Bowl Sunday, 2/6/11.

This one SOLD OUT last year.  Not sure if it will again this year, so don't be left on the outside looking in if you want in.  Limited to 10,000.

IMHO, the price is very nice.  If you reg before 1/7/11, it's only $45 for an Adult.

I don't believe this event offers a bling, so I am taking a pass.

For those who want in, click here.

Happy running on Super Bowl Sunday!!!

Groupon Los Angeles More Great Deals Nearby: Santa Monica Gobble Wobble 5k. Event date: 11/27/10.

Those of you in LA can try to burn a few holiday calories at the Santa Monica Gobble Wobble 5k.

Pay $20 for an Adult Registration to the Santa Monica Gobble Wobble 5k.

This is up to 50% savings!!!

To get in on this Groupon Los Angeles More Great Deals Nearby, click here (it should be on the right side of your screen).

Happy Thanksavings!!!

Shamrock'N Half Marathon Gets a New Course TBD. Event date: 3/13/11.

Oh, darn...  I had been hoping to run this one on the old course they had.  Someone once told me that it was the only event where they managed to get a sub-1:30.  I guess I had waited too long.  Because of construction, the course is being changed.  Although registration is opened for 2011, the course is to TBD.

I also heard that this event sometimes finishes on Raley Field, home of the Sacramento River Cats, the AAA affiliate to the Oakland A's, depending on the weather.

To register or for more info. about the Shamrock'N Half Marathon, click here.

2011 ING New York City Marathon Monday Mania Registration. Bags Confiscated.

Odd as it sounds...

The 2010 ING New York Marathon was just yesterday, but they are opening registration for next year's race on November 8, 2010 at Noon EDT as a part of Monday Marathon.

On a sadder note:

1. One of my FB friends, Ben, ran in the NYC Marathon yesterday.  His $50 hydration belt got tossed because it had a pouch.
2. p28 of the 2010 ING New York City Marathon Handbook did mention that bags other than the gear bag issued would be confiscated.
3. But, I do wonder what fool came up with the ideal that pouches which are running accessories, packs, belt and so forth are to be tossed.

On the brighter side of things:
Ben finished the marathon much faster because he was wasn't weighed down by the weight of the fluids he would have carried.

For those still willing to register for next year's race, I'd think twice about bringing a Camel Back or running vest on this one.

To head on over to the special lottery admitting folks early to the 2011 event, click here.



BTW, if I hadn't ran with a running vest on during my recent roasting and toasting at the Chicago Marathon, I would have ended up with a DNF as the temperatures seared to 89 F, and the aid stations had closed up by the time I had gotten to them.

New York City Marathon, are you listening?

2010 Inaugural RnR Los Angeles Half Marathon Review. Event date: 10/24/10.

Pre-Race Shuttles.
Hopped on 1 of the pre-race shuttles outside the Los Angeles Convention Center to the start area.  The race is a point to point one, starting in Griffith Park.

I didn't miss the bus.  :)

Pre-Race.
Ran into a fellow Half Marathon Crazy.

Dave and Me

Dave also does lots of marathons.  He is famous for being the Paul Frank Marathon Maniac / Half Fanatic because of his choice of Paul Frank shirts.  He also loves lululemon.

The Race.
Corrals - Not bad.  I got in and didn't feel squished or trampled over.

The Start - Wave starts.  It was about 1-2 minutes wait per wave to prevent crowding on the course.

Getting closer to The Start.

Mile 1 - Went by the LA Zoo.

LA Zoo.  Hopefully, no dangerous animals on the loose.

Mile 2 - I noticed my legs felt tired.  I have had a busy October leading up to this event.  For October, I was in the following:

1. RnR San Jose 1/2
2. Chicago Marathon
3. Rocky Ridge 5k (hiking)
4. Nike Women's 1/2

I know...  What was I thinking signing up for all these events?

Mile 3 - I was positive my legs were telling to me that they want to slow down and then some.

Mile 4 - My legs didn't feel as tired, but I noticed I was "stuck" with Mr. Spitter.  Gross!

Mile 5 - The Salt Packet Mile.  At first from a distance, I thought it was confetti on the ground up ahead.  When I got closer, I realized someone must have spilled a large commercial bag of salt packets.

Still stuck with Mr. Spitter.  He is still spitting now and then.  I have no idea why anyone would keep on spitting that often.

Mile 6 - Long up hill slog up an over the Hyperion Ave bridge, I believe.  At the bottom of the hill, there were some taiko drummers.

Taiko drummers.

I lost Mr. Spitter during the up hill slog.

Mile 8 - The hills just kept on coming.  At one point, we turned off Silver Lake and onto W. Sunset Bouvlevard.

Mile 9 - It started out up hill.  We then made it to Echo Park Lake.

Echo Park Lake.

Mile 10 - Look up in the sky....  It's a bird..  It's a plane.  No wait...

It's a giant Brooks guitar dude.

And, just when you think you are done with hills, there's another one several blocks long.

Mile 11 - Getting closer to downtown.

Going downhill towards downtown LA.

Though there weren't many crowds in downtown LA during the weekends, the tall buildings does provide some nice shade.

Mile 13 - Finally!!!

The red carpet Finish.

By the Numbers.

1. Gamin failed.  I had checked its charge the night before.  It was fine.  I try to turn it on this morning.  It wouldn't turn on.
2. Chip:  2:50:44  (Odd as it sounds:  When I was wogging along, this event felt like the Nike Women's Half Marathon I did just last week.  Sure enough, I finished within 1 minute of the time I had finished at the NWM 1/2.)
3. Calories:  1,500 estimated gross calories

What I thought of the event?
Pros:
Another well done RnR event.

Cons:
The event was hillier than I had expected.

Would I recommend the event?
Yes, except to those that don't like hills.


Would I do this one again?
Yes.  But, it's not high on my list of redo events.

Post Event.
Concert Headliner:  Neon Trees played at the Nokia Theater / LA Live Plaza just across the Staples Center.  I briefly passed thru.  The music wasn't bad.  I wished I could have stayed a bit longer.

Neon Trees perform outside at the Nokia Theater / LA Live Plaza.

Special Thanks.
A BIG thanks to the awesome and hardworking volunteers.  Thank you!!!