2010 RnR San Jose Half Marathon Course Preview is Up. See The Course before You Run.

Modern technology is just awesome.  In the olden days, there was almost no way for us average Joe or average Jane runners and woggers to see the course until you actually are running it.  But those days are no more at least for the larger events.

Those doing the 2010 RnR San Jose 1/2 Marathon or those considering running or wogging the RnR San Jose 1/2 can check out the course.  Just click here.

FRS Anniversary Sale. 50% off (60% off to Members). Ends: 9/29/10, Wednesday.

FRS is having an Anniversary Sale.  Members receive 60% off.  Non-members get 50%.

FRS cans with soft chews in the middle.

This is my favorite energy drink.  It gives me a bit of energy without the crash at the end.

At 50% off to the average Joe, this is a great deal.

For more info. and/or to order, click here. 

NOTE:  Just make sure you read all the fine print and cancel on time, as orders are automatically signed up for Autoship.

Heatwave: 9/27/10, Mon and 9/28/10, Tue

Both days were 90+ F.

Since most of my events are not in the 90 F, and I am not a badass trying to train for the Western States 100, I see no reason to go out and suffer in heat.

Be patient.  Be patient.  And, things will happen.

Juggling Things and Making Time to Run.

Last week was an incredibly busy week.  I had to juggle a heavy work schedule, prepare for a Spanish exam as well as making time to run.  I got in only 6 miles last week, but this week will be different.  I am hoping this heatwave would just ease up.

Groupon: Warrior Dash, Hollister, CA (San Francisco area). Event date: 10/30/10.

Here's an event for those who like challenging obstacle courses as well as getting down and dirty:

Warrior Dash
Hollister, CA
Event date:  10/30/10

Participants go thru a challenging 3.5 mile obstacle course.  Obstacles* may include the following:

1. jumping over fire
2. climbing over wooden obstacles, including walls
3. climbing on a rope ladder
4. crossing over a gully on a wooden plank
5. scrambling under barbwire
6. tire scramble
7. crossing a murky swamp
8. treading thru tangled ropes
9. climbing up and over bales of hay
10. hilly run
11. sliding down a slope
12. going thru tunnels

* Note:  Obstacles on course may vary from those listed above.

Finishers receive the following:

1. warrior hat
2. warrior shirt
3. and a bling

This deal is valid ONLY on:  9/27/10.

The regular price is $45 or $55 depending on when you register.  So, for $25, this is a great deal.

To get in on this deal via Groupon for $25, click here. 

Groupon: 50% OFF Malibu Marathon and Half Marathon. Event date: 11/14/10.

Sometimes running events have low registration #'s.  And, race directors blow out their numerous running slots via Groupon.

50% OFF via Groupon
Malibu Marathon and Half Marathon (Los Angeles, CA area).
Event date:  11/14/10.

IMHO, this is a GREAT deal!!!  Deal is valid ONLY on:  9/26/10.

To get in on this, click here.

2011 Surf City Marathon and Half Marathon Bling is Out.

The Surf City Half Marathon is one of my favorite events.  In 2009, I set my Half Marathon PR at this event.  My Half PR:  2:30:45.

The Surf City Marathon and Half Marathon are pretty popular because the events offer some of coolest blings in running events.  Every year, finishers receive a surf board bling, and every year has a different design.

They just released a pic of the 2011 blings.

2011 Surf City Medals.

Event date has always been on Super Bowl Sunday.  For 2011, event date is:  2/6/11.

For more info. about the event, click here.

Under Armour. Free Shipping Offer thru 9/27/10.*

One of the first tech shirts I had purchased when I joined 24 Hour Fitness was Under Armour.  Compared to the traditional cotton shirts I had been wearing when I first started exercising, my Under Armour tech shirts kept me much drier and didn't cling to me as much when I worked up a sweat.  The tech shirts also felt they weighed much lighter compared to the cotton shirts after I had sweated in them for a while during a workout.

I have stopped by local retailers now and then, but they don't always have the size, color or even selection that I am looking for.

So I was pretty happy when Under Armour announced a free shipping promo*.

Free shipping code:  FREESHIP0910

To get started on your shopping and get free shipping, click here.

Have fun shopping!!!

* - Free shipping applies to domestic US only.  No minimum required.

Inaugural RnR St. Louis Marathon and 1/2 Marathon - October 23, 2011.

Another running RnR event has been announced for the 2011 calendar year.

Folks can rock and see the big arch in St. Louis, MO.

Limited # promo reg. prices:  $65 Full / $55 Half.

For more info. and/or to register, go here.

The event was known as the Lewis and Clark Marathon events.  For a news article regarding the changes, click here.

Free Body Basix Energy Gel Coupon, Competitor - NorCal, September 2010, p46.

There's a coupon for a free Body Basix Energy Gel Plus, in the Competitor - NorCal, September 2010, p46.

Pages and ads may vary depending on your region.

The coupon mentions it can be redeemed at GNC stores.

Flavors:  Acai, Pomegranate & Blueberry

For more info., about Body Basix products, click, here.

Good luck!!!

"Win on Wednesdays" when you Register for the Rock 'n' R Los Angeles Half Marathon.

If you register on a Wednesday for the Rock 'n' Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon, you might win a prize.

Event date:  10/24/10

The fastest person(s) to register using the following code win(s):  WEDNESDAY

Prizes are as follows:

• Wed, Sep. 15: Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles promotional T-shirt. 25 winners 
• Wed, Sep. 22: Garmin Forerunner 405 (valued at $299) 1 winner  
• Wed, Sep 29: Brooks Swag Bags (valued at $85) 10 winners  
• Wed, Oct 6: P.F. Chang’s $20 Gift Card 50 winners  
• Wed, Oct 13: ESPN Zone Game Cards (valued at $40) 15 winners

I have done 7 RnR events to date and have always had a great time.  

For more info., about the promo, lick here.

Good luck!!!

Adjusting for 90%+ Humidity; 6 miles; 9/19/10, Sun.

2 days ago, I wogged a 20 miler, where I felt overheated @ Mile 16.  And, at Mile 19, my right leg cramped up.  It was 78% humidity.

Today, before I ventured out, I took a look at the humidity, and it was 90%+.

Within the 1st mile today, I new it was going to be rough if I didn't adjust the engines back a bit.

I took some healthy swigs of nuun mixed with water when I got stopped at a few red lights along the way.

At the end of my run, I had completed devoured 16.9 oz. of water mixed with nuun.  Often at the end of my run, there would still be fluids in my bottle.  But, today, after 16.9 oz of fluid, I still felt like a thirsty bear.  I opted to not stop at some stores along the way and headed home for more fluids.

6 miles.
Calories:  696

Reflections on Yesterday's 20 mile Wog: Overheated, Cramp and Humidity

Everything went fine until I got to Mile 15.

@ Mile 16 - I felt overheated.  I cut the engines a bit.

@ Mile 19 - Right leg cramped up.

I went home and found out the humidity was 78%.  The weather lady that night on the news mentioned the weather has been muggy.

Garmin:  4:31:17
Gross calories burned:  2,305


For next time:

1. Generally, I don't check for humidity as it's usually not humid in my area.  But, for my long runs, I'll definitely check on humidity before heading out.
2. If humid, drag water to toss over the head and pack more salt tabs.

Congrats to the Seattle Storm!!! $10 off the 2011 Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon and 1/2 Marathon.

Congrats to the Seattle Storm for winning the WNBA Championship!!!  You ladies rock.

Speaking of rock, the Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon and 1/2 Marathon is offering a $10 off promo in honor of the ladies winning their championship.

$10 off
Code:  STORM
Expires:  9/20/10

Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon and 1/2 Marathon
I believe the event starts in Tuwkila and ends in Seattle, WA, the land of Starbucks.
Event date:  6/25/11, Sat

The 1st Ever Starbucks Store.

For more info. about the event, click here.

Congrats ladies!!!

San Francisco Halloween Run and Walk for Schools - October 31, 2010.

I believe this is a new event.

San Francisco Halloween Run and Walk for Schools
5k and 1 miler
October 31, 2010

Both the 5k and 1 miler are within Golden Gate Park.

I once did their Christmas 5k and 1 miler in 2009.  It was based on gun time, and the race results were off by about 11 seconds.

But, the T shirt that year had some cute snowmen on it.

No doubt with the budget cuts affecting schools, any funds raised would benefit schools.

For more info., click here.

Howlin' Moon 5K and Kids' 1K Fun Run/Walk benefiting Claire Lilienthal Alternative Public School - October 30, 2010

I recently covered the 2 Turkey Trots in my area.  I hope all of you have at least 1 Turkey Trot your area.

Today and tomorrow, I'll mention the 2 Halloween runs in my area.  Though they are definitely not as popular as the Turkey Trot, Halloween runs can be fun and can also be fast.


Here's the 1st of 2 Halloween runs in my area:

If anyone is looking for a fast and flat 5k, you might want to consider the following event:

Howlin' Moon 5K and 1K Fun Run
Little Marina Green, San Francisco, CA
Event date:  October 30, 2010

This event is to help raise funds on a variety programs, including physical education, outdoor education, art, and music for the students at Claire Lilienthal Alternative Public School.

Claire Lilienthal Alternative Public School

The 5k Race
The 5k race starts in the Little Marina Green around 9 am.  It travels towards the Golden Gate Bridge, turns near the Warming Hut and travels back along  Crissy Field.  The Little Marina Green is actually located in the "Volley Ball" area southwest of the St. Francis Yacht Club.

Free Kids Race
There's also a free kids' race for kids in K thru 2nd Grade.  According to their website, it is unclear if it's a 1k or a 1 mile, as both distances have been mentioned.


For more info. on Claire Lilienthal Alternative Public School, please click here.

For more info. on the Howlin' Moon 5K and 1K Fun Run, click here.


I have ran in this area where this race is held, and it is indeed very fast and flat if it doesn't get too windy.  It also has some nice views of the Golden Gate Bridge if there isn't heavy fog.

The Golden Gate Bridge seen from the Crissy Field area on a sunny day.

Tomorrow, I'll post about another event for this weekend but for October 31, 2010.  The other event is also for this same weekend and features a 5k, as well as a 1 miler.  But, their 5k course isn't as fast and as flat as this one.  However, their 1 miler might get you the PR you have been lookin' for.

Don't Wait to the Last Minute to Train for a 1/2 Marathon.

Last October, my bro and I did the Rock 'n' Roll San Jose (RnR SJ) 1/2 Half Marathon.  While we were at the expo, both of us signed up for the 2010 RnR SJ 1/2 Marathon for $65 each and both of us got a very nice goodie bag.

Flash forward to mid-September 2010.  He finally started his training, and the event is on the 1st weekend in October.  He doesn't run or even jog regularly.

Perhaps, life happens.  Perhaps, he has too much work on his plate.  Perhaps, it's the 4 hour course limit and walker-friendly labeling on the event.  Or, maybe it's just just old fashioned procrastination.  But, do train for your half marathon.  Because come race day, your race will be much more pleasant if you had trained than if you didn't.

The other "Turkey Trot." Run Wild for a Child 5k, 10k and 5k Costume Contest. November 28, 2010.

Then, there's the other "Turkey Trot."

Run Wild for a Child 5k, 10k and 5k costume contest.
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
November 28, 2010

This event benefits the San Francisco Firefighter's Toy Program.


Given the number of calories in turkey, dressing, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pie and who knows what else everyone will be eating over the the extended Thanksgiving weekend, this event might be a good way to put a dent into your weight on the weight scale over the holidays.

For more info. and/or to register for the event, click here.

Turkey Trail Trot Registration is Now Open. Event will ** SELL OUT**

Registration for the following event is now open:

Turkey Trail Trot (limited to 1st - 1,000 participants)
Polo Fields and beyond, San Francisco, CA
November 25, 2010

This event will SELL OUT, so don't delay in registering if interested.

This event benefits the Lowell High School Track and Field team, so your registration will help some kids out.

The following events are on the menu:

1. Turkey Trail Trot - 5 Mile Run
2. Pilgrim Promenade - 3 Mile Walk
3. Kids Gobbler Chase - 100 Meter Sprint against giant 6-foot, 180-pound Turkey

My bro did this event last year.  He said he would do it again, so it can't be all that bad.

For more info. and/or to register, click here.

Run to the Hollywood Sign Events - A Runner's Circle. 2 More Remaining Dates for 2010.

Tours to the famous Hollywood sign are tours I had never heard about until the other day.  When I visited Hollywood, CA and Los Angeles, CA on several occasions, I saw a bunch of flyers on a variety of tours.  Some tours included the famous Mann's Chinese Theatre.  Other would be about celebrity homes, or in reality, tours of their driveways and security gates.  But, no one back then were offering tours to the Hollywood sign.

A running shop, A Runner's Circle, is offering Run to the Hollywood Sign events.

The remaining 2010 Run to the Hollywood Sign events are as listed for the following dates:

1. September 26, 2010
2. October 31, 2010

Their website lists only 2 groups of runners.  One group with a pace of 8 - 10 minute / mile and the other group being 10 - 12 minute /  mile group.  Each group would have only a maximum of 20 people.

It's unlikely I would be in the area on their running event dates, but if you are in the area, it definitely sounds like a memorable and fun event.  I would definitely bring a camera.

The famous Hollywood sign.  Pic taken from the Hollywood and Highland complex.

After all, who wouldn't want to go up close to the famous Hollywood sign?

For more information and to make reservations, please click here.

10% off and Free Shipping at RoadRunnerSports.com.

If you need some running gear and/or running food, it may be a good idea to make a purchase from Road Runner Sports.com.

They are offering 10% off and free shipping to readers of RunnersWorld.com.

The following code will get you 10% off* and free shipping from Road Runner Sports.com:

Code:  RWFALL10

Offer expires Sunday, September 19 at 11:59 p.m. eastern time.

*Discount not valid on watches, heart rate monitors and jog strollers; free shipping valid in the United States only.

Thanks, RunnersWorld.com and RoadRunnerSports.com.

Rock 'n' Roll San Jose Half Marathon - Lucky 13 x 2 for September 13, 2010.

Do you feel lucky on September 13 for the following event?

Rock 'n' Roll San Jose Half Marathon
Event date:  October 3, 2010

If you are the lucky 1st of so many to register just past midnight going into September 13, you'll get a prize.

September is the last month for this promo.

For more info., click here.

Good luck!!!

Lake Merced 1/2 Marathon and 4.5 miler - September 19, 2010.

A local wallet-friendly 1/2 marathon by the local running club, Dolphin South End Runners (DSE).

Event:
Lake Merced 1/2 Marathon and 4.5 miler.
Lake Merced
San Francisco, CA
September 19, 2010.


Fee:  <$10.

Lake Merced.

For more info., click here.

Rock 'n' Roll Los Angeles 1/2 Marathon * $10 off * September 11, 2010 ONLY.

OK.  Procrastinators.  Those of you sitting on the fence for the Rock 'n Roll Los Angeles 1/2 Marathon might want to consider biting the bullet and register on September 11, 2010, Saturday.

If you register on September 11, 2010, Saturday, you can get $10 off your registration.

Use 1 of the following codes:
1.  USC
or
2.  UCLA

Event date:

October 24, 2010

The school with the most codes entered gets to have their song played at the start.

Now, how cool is that!!!

lululemon Vasona Lake Run 1/2 - Review

Having finished the Disneyland 1/2 earlier that day, I arrived at SFO and headed to the the lululemon - Santana Row for packet pickup for the lululemon Vasona Lake Run 1/2.  In this case, it was a tech T pickup for the event.

lululemon - Santana Row

When I got there, I was surprised to find pasta and cupcakes for race participants stopping by that day.

I also was surprised by the tech T we received for the event.  One of the ladies at the store mentioned that because of the silver oxide materials on their shirts, the screening process for their shirts wouldn't work out very well.  So, essentially, we got a "blank" tech T just like the ones on their racks at the store.

Our "event" tech T.  I had a choice between Teal color or Gray color.  I went with Teal.

Race Morning.
I didn't sleep very well.  I was anxious and nervous.

I noticed my left IT band had a niggle.  It was tighter than my right IT band.  I am hoping it will hold up today.

On the way to the event, I got lost.  Fortunately, when I got closer, I saw the lululemon van and bunch of vehicles trailing it.  So, I just followed everyone else into the parking lot.

The lululemon van in the parking lot.

I picked up my bib and proceeded to the women's restroom.

Unfortunately, for everyone in line at the women's restroom, only 1 stall had any toilet paper causing a delay for everyone in line.  The race eventually started leaving those of us behind.

I eventually made my way down to The Start area.  To calm myself, I shot the following pic:

After I took the pic, I then realized that we're blind as bats, running into the direct sunlight.

I put one foot in front of the other and tried to calm myself down from being lost this morning and for being left behind at the restroom.  I told myself to try and enjoy the view.

Vasona Lake

I so wished the markings were better for this event.

Should I go straight?  Or, should I turn right?
Everything went fine until I came upon a fork in the road.

It made more sense to go straight, so I went straight.

Fortunately for me, 3 ladies not far behind me screamed at me, "It's this way!!!" pointing to the direction I had not taken.  I had to turn around and follow after them.

Should I go left?  Or, should i go right?
I came upon another split in the road.  I went left this time.  And, ended up in a parking lot not far from where the road split.

I was thinking that perhaps I was supposed to run thru the parking lot and continue on on a path on the other side of the lot.

Wisely, I went back to the split in the road and hoped another runner would come by.  Perhaps, he would know more than me.  As it turns out, the next runner to come back was a woman.  She didn't know any more than me.  We then went right after I told her I ended up in a parking lot going left.

Should I turn left?  Or, go straight?
I also came upon another split in the road.  There was a pink ribbon on the floor if I made a right turn; the course markings were pink ribbons. But, going straight had no markings of any kind.  I was confused and looked back and forth.

A nice lady who wasn't part of the race told me to just continue straight, which I did.

Mental Chatter.
At this point, I had rampant mental chatter, which I almost never do as most of my events are road events, and they go smoothly.  The endless chatter of the following:

1. Getting lost on the way to the event.
2. No toilet paper and stuck in a restroom line.
3. Event started without me.
4. Getting almost lost on the splits in the road.

I tried to focus on the course.  I know that everything goes smoothly or rolling a bit until mid-Mile 7.  At mid-Mile 7, there would be a 900+ feet change in elevation.

At mid-Mile 7, we got into the uphill wooded single track section.

Wooded-area single track.  Pic taken when coming back downhill.  Going out was uphill.

Eventually, we made it past the wooded single track area.  We then made a left turn onto a trail.  Then, we made a right turn.  It kept going up, up, up and up, which was no fun.

Along the way, I saw the following warning sign:

Warnings, included rattlesnakes and mountain lions.

The trail was incredibly busy with dog walkers, hikers, runners and joggers, so I wasn't spooked by the warnings on the sign.

We continued with the uphill slog fest.  I told myself that there must be a nice view when we get to the stop.  I was partially correct.  There was a nice view, and you didn't need to be at the top.

Lexington Reservoir

Finally, we reached the top.

We then continued downhill on the other side.  I had been planning to run downhill but it was way too steep to do so safely.  Also, the trail wasn't soft.  The surface of the trail was shallow and underneath it was hard and rocky.

I made it downhill and stopped by the aid station.  I drank a few cups of Clif fluids, tossed a cup of water or 2 over my head and back up the hill I went.

On the way back, the mental chatter volume went up.  At this point, I was less than 4 miles away from The Finish.

1. Will I make it on time?
2. Or, will I DNF on the course?  (I had never DNF'd before.)

Course cutoff:  3.5 hours.

We went downhill and thru the wooded single track section.

It felt like an eternity before I got back onto the regular bike path.

A nice shaded stretch on the way back.

At this point, I thought it would be smooth sailing.  But, then I then heard a train whistle.  I recall I crossed some train tracks going out but had assumed it was not being used.  I was wrong.  When I got closer to the train tracks on the way back, I was greeted by the following:

I was stopped by a train crossing.

I kept going and finally, I saw the following sign:

This sign didn't come soon enough.

But, of course, there is always 1 last hill before crossing The Finish.  And, in true fashion, there was 1 last hill before The Finish this time.

Finally!!!  Me crossing The Finish.

Gun:  3:12:46
Garmin:  3:09:13

I completed 2 - 1/2 marathons on back to back days.  I moved from 3 planets to 4 planets in the Half Fanatics, a membership club for those who love half marathons.

My left IT band held together.  My legs were woggable.  They definitely showed fatigued when pushed.


For this event, I can't believe the # of obstacles on this one, and I wanted to like this event very much.  It was an inaugural event.

Pros:

1. lululemon tech T.
2. Value:  I paid $55 for the 1/2.  The price tag on the tech T:  $64.
3. Awesome volunteers.
4. Surprised by a finisher's bling.  All I thought I was getting was a tech T.

The Bling.

Cons:

1. Course markings could be better.
2. 900+ feet elevation change.

Perhaps, if they offered a lululemon tech T again next year, I would do it again and would know which way to go, or not to go.

Disneyland 1/2 Marathon Weekend, 2010 - Review

It will be my 1st attempt at completing 2 - 1/2 marathons on back to back days.

1st Half:  Disneyland 1/2 Marathon, September 5, 2010
2nd Half:  lululemon Vasona Lake Run 1/2 Marathon, September 6, 2010

Originally, I was signed up for the Disneyland 1/2.  But, when the lululemon Vasona Lake Run 1/2 in Los Gatos, CA opened up and offered a lululemon tech T to all their registrants, I decided to take the plunge.


Disneyland 1/2 Marathon Expo

Disneyland 1/2 Health and Fitness Expo

 Bib pickup is outside and down the ramp:

Welcome!

After picking up my bib, I went up the ramp and into the Expo to pickup my tech T and goodie bag.

The 5k Cotton T.  (I didn't do the 5k.)

The 1/2 Marathon tech T.  (The lighting made the blue color look darker than it is.)

The 5th Anniversary bling.

The 5th Disneyland 1/2 Marathon display.  Folks were posing for pics with it all day.

Seminars.
The audience was delighted that Jeff Galloway, former Olympian, and renowned running coach was signed on as a training consultant for Disney events.  He gave seminars on both days at the Expo and also signed books at the Disney booth.

Jeff Galloway, training consultant for Disney events, speaks at the seminars.
 

Disneyland.
I got to enjoy Disneyland for 1 day on Saturday, compliments of Disney.

Earlier this year, I volunteered in the "Give a Day, Get a Day" program.for Project Open Hand.  I helped to prepare meals for the sick, the elderly and/or those less fortunate.  In return, I received a voucher for a "1 Day, 1 Park" Disney ticket.

Disney gave me a "Honorary VoluntEAR!" button along with my park pass.

My favorite ride:  Pirates of the Caribbean.

The Haunted Mansion was under refurbishment for the upcoming Halloween season and was closed.  sniff... sniff...

It's a Small World!

It got pretty toasty around 12 Noon, so I sought refuge back at the Expo, before coming back out to play for a couple of hours later in the day.

Race Morning.
I slept well, which was unusual.  Perhaps, it was because I did this event last year and knew what to expect.

My goal:  Have fun and don't get injured to run another 1/2 the next day.


The Race.
Waiting for the event to start.  Oh...the anticipation!!!

The Start.

From Corral C.  I felt like we were packed in like sardines.

The race started and off we went.  California Adventure was the 1st park we ran thru.

The World of Colors at California Adventure.

I stopped for some bears along the way.

We exited California Adventures and went in thru the front of Disneyland.

Then, I stopped for the Princess and the Frog.

I snapped a couple of more pics as we headed towards the iconic Cinderella's Castle.

Cinderella's Castle.

For a few seconds, it felt like I was running in a horror-themed, or Halloween- themed, event instead.

A witch was on a balcony at Cinderella's Castle.

We eventually excited the parks and proceeded to take a tour of Anaheim, CA on foot.

The Honda Center, aka The Pond

A big highlight for myself is the Angels Stadium.  Depending the Angels' schedule on certain years, runners may or may not be able to run thru the baseball stadium.  I was fortunate that last year and this year, the Angels were away on Labor Day Weekend, and we were able to run thru it.

The excitement builds as we head towards Angels Stadium.

The big "A" in the Angels parking lot.

The scoreboard inside Angels Stadium.

As we head back to the Disney theme parks, the feeling that the The Finish is not that far off.

Heading back to the Disney parks.

I eventually finished.

Chip:  2:54:11


So, that makes 1 - 1/2 marathon down, and 1 - 1/2 marathon to go the next day.

When I realized I finished at 2:54:11, I was concerned that I might not have been too conservative this time out for tomorrow's 1/2.

Personally, I always have enjoyed Disney events because they are fun.  But, because they are very pricey, I wouldn't be doing them annually.

Pros:

1. Fun.
2. Characters along the way.

Cons:

1. Crowded.
2. Pricey.

I'll put up the lululemon Vasona Lake Run 1/2 report the next day.

Free Event - Hunter S. Thompson 50k/50M - November 7, 2010

I love free events, especially because the registration fees always keep going up, up and up.

The following is a no reg., no fee event:

Event:
Hunter S. Thompson 50K/50M
San Francisco, CA
November 7, 2010

It's run thru the streets of San Francisco, CA.

For more info., click here.

Kara Goucher and Paula Radcliffe Pregnancy Article in Runner's World.

The October 2010 issue of Runner's World magazine currently on newstands has an article on Kara Goucher and Paula Radcliffe on their respective pregnancies.

Kara Goucher

The online article can be found by clicking, here.

However, the print edition does have more pics.

Good luck to both of their respective pregnancies!!!

I wonder how fast their kids would run.

Bay Area Track Club (BATC) Marathon Speaker Series, Pt 2: September 15, 2010, Wednesday

Sports Basement - Presidio is hosting the Bay Area Track Club (BATC) Marathon Speaker Series.

Part 2 of 3 will cover:   Nutrition and Fueling for a Marathon or Half Marathon.  Olympian Magda Lewy Boulet and world-class marathoner Peter Gilmore will walk us through the basics of proper nutrition for any point in a runner's season: before, during, and after training and racing.

My friend, Daniel, picking Madga's brains after Part 1.

Where: 
Sports Basment - Presidio
610 Old Mason St.
San Francisco, CA 94129
(415) 437-1000

Event date:
September 15, 2010, Wednesday at 6:30 pm.

Sponsored by GU Energy Labs, Sports Basement, and Saucony. Everyone will leave with a free gift from one of the sponsors.

RSVP and submit questions here. 

Rock 'N' Roll San Jose Half Marathon - $10 Off (Thanks, Sports Basement)

Recently, one of my friends asked me if there was a code for the following event:

Rock 'N' Roll San Jose Half Marathon
Event date:  October 3, 2010

$10 off
Code:  SBASEMENT10

I did this event last year and had a wonderful time.

Here's pics of my shirt from last year:

T Front

T Back

And, thanks, Sports Basement for the code.

Free Asics Hat* with $20 purchase or more - See Jane Run

See Jane Run, a women's running store, is having a sale from September 6 to 12, 2010.  It has several stores in the San Francisco Bay Area.

If you spend $20 or more, you can get a free Asics hat or visor (limited # of free hats available).  I believe you have to add the hat or visor into your shopping bag during the transaction and is valid for both in store or online purchases.

Happy shopping!!!

Completed: 2 - 1/2 marathons on back to back days

I did it!!!

I completed 2 - 1/2 marathons on back to back days:

1st 1/2 - Disneyland 1/2
2nd 1/2 - Vasona Lake Run 1/2

It's the day after the 2nd of 2 - 1/2's, and I still want to sleep and just keep eating.

I'll try to wrap up a race report for each of them within the next several days.

2 Half Marathons on Back to Back Days. What was I thinking?

OK.  I admit it.  I wasn't thinking straight.

I blame it all on a lululemon shirt offered to participants at the lululemon Vasona Lake Run.

BTW, I had never done 2 Half Marathons on back to back days.  I am about to embark into "no man's land."


1st up:  Disneyland Half Marathon on September 5, 2010

Followed next day by:  lululemon Vasona Lake Run

I'll see how my legs hold up after the Disneyland Half before deciding.

So, what will the Wogging Tortoise do?

Stay tuned...

lululemon Tech Shirt Offered at a Running Event

For a short while, I had been intrigued by lululemon shirts because they were going for about $50 or more per shirt.  The tech shirts I currently own have either came from an event that I had participated in or a few were purchased by me.  The ones I had purchased; I had never paid more than $24 for a tech shirt.

I currently don't own a lululemon shirt but that will change soon.

Coastal Trail Runs is offering a lululemon tech shirt to participants in the lululemon Vasona Lake Run, Los Gatos, CA.  Participants can choose between a 5 miler or a Half Marathon distance.

The 5 miler is entirely on asphalt, while the Half Marathon distance covers a mix of asphalt, fire roads and even single track.  For terrain and elevation info., click here.

The event is on Labor Day Monday, September 6, 2010.

Is any tech shirt worth $50 or more? lululemon?

Over the years, I have purchased a few tech shirts here and there.  I have never paid more than $24 for a tech shirt.  So, when I looked through the lululemon website, the thing that struck me most was that their tech shirts were about $50 or more.

I was shocked at the prices, but at the same time very intrigued by their products.

Was there something special about their fabric?

Did their clothes offer more moisture wicking properties than other brands?

Or, perhaps, to protect everyone's olfactory membranes, they offered more smell control than other brands?

I currently don't know the answers to the aforementioned questions, but I hope to find out some of the answers next week.

Silicon Valley Marathon and Half Marathon: The North Face Shirts

The Dean Karnazes Silicon Valley Marathon is offering a limited number of  The North Face shirts to those participating in the Marathon or Half Marathon.

The North Face, one of the sponsors of the event, has provided 2,000 tech shirts to be given away.

Sample pic (actual shirt with logo may look different):

The event is on October 31, 2010.

To register, click here. 

NOTES:

1. The shirts will be handed out race weekend to the first 2,000 Marathon and Half Marathon   registrants.
2. If you are already registered for the Marathon or Half Marathon, you already own one of the 2,000 shirts.