Light Cardio

Sometimes 30 minutes of light cardio will have to do.

Guestimate calories burned:  150

1st Post Event Workouts: Runned, Walked and Dropped by the Gym. August 30, 2011

I ran in the Giant Race 1/2, which was on August 27, 2011.  I was happy with my finish time and hope to have a report up within 2 weeks.

Today was the first day running after the Giant Race 1/2.

4.45 miles @ 0:50:22  (545 calories burned)

There was 1 hill along the way.  I pushed a bit too hard up the hill I kinda of wished I had an oxygen mask.


I also went the gym.

0:30::00 of weights, free weights and abs.


In addition, I walked 2.85 miles.


Guestimate calories burned for the day:  817

Rock 'n' Rolled in Chicago: My 2011 Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon Review. Event Date: August 14, 2011

Heading into this event, I had reservations.  I had registered for this event before I got cooked during the 2010 Chicago Marathon.  The temperatures for that race reached 89 F, and it made for a long, hot and miserable event.  I even recalled I was served hot Gatorade at Mile 15 during that event.  So, I kept checking the temperatures heading into the 2011 Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon.  They looked OK, so I showed up.

Here are a few of my sightseeing pics:

The Bean (Cloud Gate) with a reflection of the Chicago skyline at night.

A delicious deep dish Chicago Pizza from Giordano's.  This cheese pizza took 40 minutes.

Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team.

Expo at McCormick Place.

Big Expo.  Got some samples and schwag.  The # of vendors and different types were very well balanced.

Brooks apparel and footwear was a huge sponsor and vendor at the event.

I have a soft spot for animals, so I helped to direct $20 to the ASPCA.  Thanks, Dodge!

Small Hiccup.

My packet p/u had only 1 hiccup.  The first shirt I got had some thread issues.  I exchanged it for a 2nd shirt.  The process was painless and smooth.

Pre-Race Night.

Had a lovely dinner with my friends, Jenny and Terry, before hitting the hay.

Unfortunately, my pre-race jitters got to me, and I had problems falling asleep.

Race Day.

1.       Attempted to check in my gear before heading off to meet some friends for some pre-race pics.  No go.  The gear check set up fell behind on schedule.

2.       I suspect many things fell behind schedule because of the storm the day before.  After trying to check in my gear the 1^st time unsuccessfully, the covers were still on the finish line banners when I walked by the finish. At their other events, the covers are already off by now.

3.       It rained on and off during the race, so I kept my camera bagged as I was running along, hence no pics along the way.

4.       The last 3 miles had headwinds up to 20 mph.

Some of the sights along the way included the following:

1. Mile 3 - Chicago Theater
2. Mile 5 - United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls, basketball team
3. Miles 8, 9 and 11 - McCormick Place
4. Mile 12 - Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, football team
5. Chicago Skyline
6. Tunnel thru McCormick Place, I believe

Chip:  Very happy with 2:34:07, which is almost a 10 minute improvement from the year before.

My 2010:  Chip:  2:44:06

My 2009:  Chip:  2:40:32

Pros and Cons.

Pros:

1. No issues finding a set of porta potties w/o any lines before the race started.
2. For this year, the weather was cooler and not as humid.  It rained on and off during the event.
3. Loved the Journey cover band along the way.
4. New course this year.  Saw more of the city streets than in year’s past.

Cons:

1. Congested at certain points
2. Some folks complained the waves were not separated enough, but I thought it was fine.
3. Some of the aid stations were overrunned.  Volunteers couldn't keep up with the number thirsty runners going by.  I wasn't affected as I carried my own fluids.
4.  The post-concert headliner, Bret Michaels, cancelled at the last minute.  I believe it was over health issues.

Overall.

Overall, the Chicago weather in August is all over the place, just like for the Chicago Marathon in October.  When it’s cool, it’s great.  But, when it gets hot, it can be miserable.

I had fun at this event.  Thanks to the hardworking volunteers and staff for the efforts in making this event fun for the participants.

RaceReady Shorts and Other Items: 20% Off New Site Promo. Expires: September 5, 2011

I am a fan of RaceReady shorts.

During my half marathons, I need the pockets on my RaceReady shorts to hold my gels.

And, after a I cross the finish line, I've had too many experiences where there is no bag for me to hold all the finisher food.  But, with my RaceReady shorts, my now emptied pockets on the back of my shorts are ready to hold many of the items I pick up in the finisher food line.


I am planning to buy more RaceReady shorts and other items soon.

If you are in the same boat, we are in luck.


Discount:  20%
Code:  NEWSITE
Expires:  September 5, 2011


For more info. and/or to shop at RaceReady, click here.

Happy savings!!!

Runned, Walked and Played at the Gym. August 25, 2011

It's 2 days before the Giant Race 1/2.  I am excited and a bit nervous.

Went for my last run before race day.

4.34 miles @ 0:52:34, which included 2 hills along the way.


Also went to the gym.

Weights, free weights and abs @ 0:35:00


And, walked 2.75 miles, trying to get to and from a bunch of places.


Guestimate calories burned for the day:  795

Went for a Walk. August 25, 2011

Did a bunch of errands.

Walked 2.15 miles.

Guestimate calories burned:   107

Cramped Up During a Run and Played at the Gym. August 23, 2011

There's a heatwave today and probably for the next few days.  It was warm and humid.

Went for a short run.  I ran up a hill and went up some stairs.  Next thing I know I cramped up while going down a set of stairs before I even made it to Mile 2.  It sure surprised me!

After I stopped running, the cramped area still hurt even when I was walking.  I have the Giant Race 1/2 Marathon coming this weekend.  I have several days to mend.

Ran 3.82 miles @ 0:52:13


Afterwards went to the gym.  The AC was so nice at the gym.  Perhaps next time, I should play on the treadmill instead of going outside during a heatwave.

0:33:00 of weights, free weights and abs


Also, walked 1 mile.


Guestimate calories burned for the day:  653

Walked 5 Miles. August 20, 2011

I slept like a log and felt much better today.  Definitely had more energy than yesterday.


Today, just went on a bunch of errands from point A to point B to point C to point D and so on.  There are moments when I wished I had a Segway to get me to and from all these points.

Walked 5 miles

Guestimate calories burned:  250

Runned, Walked and Played at the Gym and Needed Recharging. August 19, 2011

Today, I wished I was a electrical device and just plugged myself into a wall outlet for a quick recharge.


I woke up bright and early.  I didn't want to head out but made myself go.

Sometimes, I feel better after a run, but it didn't happen today.   Just felt tired and needed more sleep.

Along the way, I turned it into a fun run and just enjoyed the scenery.

6.23 miles @ 1:21:44



Despite feeling the need to recharge after my run, I went to the gym afterwards for 0:30:00 of weights, free weights and abs.

In addition, walked 3 miles.

Guestimate calories burned for the day:  867

Road Runner Sports Grand Reopening Event, San Carlos, CA: Saucony. August 19, 2011

The Road Runner Sports - San Carlos, CA store completed a remodeling and held several grand reopening events.

Although this event was quite a distance for me, I was passing thru and made it to one of the events.

Road Runner Sports - San Carlos during their grand reopening, August 2011

Shoe Dog

No, these are not the shoe recycle bins.  These are bins containing Saucony try on shoes for those doing the fun run.

Guest speaker:  Iron Lady Champion Meredith Kessler

And, if you are a Road Runner Sports VIP Member who stopped by, you get a goodie bag.

A Road Runner Sports VIP Goodie Bag

I had fun.  Thanks to Road Runner Sports, Saucony, Iron Lady Champion Meredith Kessler, Clif Bar and Massage Envy for the event.

Wished I was closer to this store.  I am envious of those who are.


For more info. on the following:

1. Road Runner Sports, click here.
2. Saucony, click here.
3. Clif Bar, click here.
4. Massage Envy, click here.
5. Iron Lady Champion Meredith Kessler, click here.

Walked 6.29 Miles

Errands everywhere and then some, so it felt.

Walked 6.29 miles.

Guestimate calories burned:  314

1st Post - Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon Workouts. August 18, 2011

Finally went out on my 1st post-Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon run.

Legs felt rusty and tired early on.  It also didn't help there was heavy headwinds.

5.08 miles @ 0:55:50

Also, made it to the gym for a workout on weights, free weights and abs:  0:30:00

In addition, walked 2 miles.


Guestimate calories burned for the day:  813

Race to the End of Summer 5k, 10k and Half Marathon, San Jose, CA. Half Off Registration. Event date: September 18, 2011. Discount valid ONLY on: August 18, 2011

Event:  Race to the End of Summer
Event date:  September 18, 2011

Half off:  5k, 10k and Half Marathon distances
Discount valid ONLY on:  August 18, 2011

To get in on this deal, click here.

Good luck!!!

Received Samples: New Stevia Formula Cytomax Sticks and Muscle Milk

Made it to the 2011 Rock 'n' Roll Chicago 1/2 Marathon over the past extended weekend.  Work schedule permitting, I'll try to put together an event report within 2 weeks.

Was surprised by a sample package I received in the mail when I got back.

New Stevia formula Cytomax sticks and a package of Muscle Milk.

I don't recall where or when I had signed up for the sample from but will hopefully try out the new Stevia formula Cytomax sticks soon.  Over the past weekend, the Cytomax at the RnR Chicago 1/2 expo were still the old formula Cytomax.

For more info. on Cytomax, click here.

Walked 5.6 Miles.

Errands everywhere, or so it feels like.

Walked 5.6 miles.

And, yes, the bottoms of my feet and my legs were aching when I was done for the day.

Guestimate calories burned:  280

Sigg Bottles: 50% Off Durable, Eco-Friendly Bottles. Ends August 16, 2011.

While working out at the gym, I often see these very fashionable and colorful Sigg Bottles.  I've put off purchasing 1 because my wallet has been pretty tiny.

But, here's a great deal for those who have been eying those Sigg Bottles:  50% off.

50% off.  My wallet is happy!!!

Some Fine Print:

• Limit two offer codes per person
• Not valid on previously placed orders
• Valid for purchase at www.mysigg.com only
• Not valid for sale or clearance merchandise
• Must use offer code to redeem
• Valid only in the US
• August 16, 2011, I believe, is the last date to purchase into this deal.  To prevent disappointment, I would make your purchase early.
• Expires Feb. 17, 2012.  This is the last date to redeem the offer.

To get in on this deal, click here.

Stay hydrated!!!

Ran 4.2 Miles, Walked 3.4 Miles and Went to the Gym.

A run, some walks and a visit to the gym.


Ran 4.2 miles @ 0:49:09.  Along the way, encountered 1 hills and many tourists.  Felt like race day simulation, weaving in and out.

Weights, free weights and abs at the gym.  0:30:00

And, 3.4 miles walked.


Guestimate calories burned:  823

Walked 2 Miles.

Sometimes, a walk is all that fits into my busy schedule.  It is better than nothing.

I got in 2 miles.

Guestimate calories burned:  50

My 2nd Post Event Run of 6.96 Miles and 4.07 Miles Walked.

This is my 2nd run after the (2011) San Francisco Marathon - 1st 1/2, and it's 2 days after 4 miles of speedwork.  There were 2 hills along the way.  My legs felt tired during the first 2 miles, but I was determined to chug out a longer distance.

At a shorter distance turnoff point, I saw several other runners turning off, but I was determined not to shortened the distance for myself.   As they say, no pain, no gain.


6.96 Miles @ 1:29:58 (Gross cal burned:  889)

Also, walked 4.07 miles.

Net calories burned:  789

First Post Event Run of 4 Miles, a Walk and the Gym. August 4, 2011

It's 4 days after my (2011) San Francisco Marathon - 1st Half Marathon, and I finally got in my first run.

I was going to run an easy 4 miler to see how my legs felt.

They felt great, so the run because a 4 miles of speedwork.

4 miles @ 0:42:55


In addition, I got in the following:

1. Walked 2.7 miles
2. Weights, free weights and ab machine at the gym

Guestimate calories burned:  711

Post Event Recovery Walk of 4.8 Miles. August 2, 2011

It's 2 days after the 2011 San Francisco Marathon - 1st Half, and my IT bands are still tight.

Walked 4.8 miles

Guestimate calories burned:  240