Power Balance Need Volunteers for the Nike Women's Marathon, event on: 10/17/10, Sun. Free T shirt and wristband.

I am just passing this along:

PB
is looking for volunteers for the Nike Women's Marathon 10/17 in San
Fran. PB is hosting a mile and will be giving out a t-shirt and
wristband for volunteers! If you are interested please contact VJ at
vjdjeno@gmail.com for more info! THANKS!

Eating practices of the best endurance athletes in the world | Active.com

Eating practices of the best endurance athletes in the world | Active.com

Fascinating article on what some of the best endurance athletes in the world are eating.

I'd like to have what they are having.

2010 RnR San Jose Half Marathon Review.

Event:
2010 RnR San Jose Half Marathon
San Jose, CA
October 3, 2010

Going In.

1. My October calendar is too busy for me to pushed like a mad person on my 1st event for the month.  So, I wanted an easy and relaxed run.
2. I signed up for this event during last year's expo before I ran it for the 1st time last year.  It was a deal at $65 with a very nice goodie bag as a bonus.
3. My bro and a couple of friends were doing the event also.  They don't run regularly.

Expo.

San Jose Convention Center.

Where is everyone?

This year's expo was considerably smaller than last year's.  Those who are claustrophobic or who want more personalized service from the sales reps will probably be much happier, however.  I finally met Joelle, one of my FB friends, who also does long distance events.  She did last year's event and also felt that this year's expo was much smaller.

The expo did not offer any seminars or speakers.

The only appearance at the expo was by Meb, winner of last year's New York Marathon and RnR San Jose 1/2.  He appeared at the Sony booth and eventually went on to win the event again, this time finishing in 1 hour, 1 minute and 45 seconds.

Meet Meb.

2010 Brooks Participant Tech T.  Now, I am all set for St. Patty's Day.

The 2010 RnR San Jose 1/2 Marathon and 5th Anniversary bling.

Race Day.
Started off with too much drama.

Where is my contact lense?

After I put in my contacts, I noticed one side had blurry vision.  I checked in a mirror and sure enough, one of my lenses was not in.

Well, where did it go?

I frantically looked in the living room, the bathroom, the sink and even in a few pieces of napkins I had tossed into a garbage can.

I got more and more panicked, thinking I will have to complete an event blurry visioned in one eye.  I even checked underneath my slippers, thinking I might have crushed it while walking around looking for it.

To my relief, I found it on the floor dusty but unsmashed.

Pre-race Amenities.

1. Bottles of Cytomax available.  Last year, they would only give me a sample in a cup and not give away the whole bottle.
2. Arrowhead water. - Thanks Arrowhead for sponsoring the event.
3. Bananas.

Overcrowded Corrals.
I literally could not get into my corral again.  Just like last year, the corrals were already jammed packed with people, leaving a number of folks standing outside, trying to get in.

The corrals eventually moved forward and those of us once outside were able to get in.  But, it was miserable. Clueless people in the corrals were waving their arms around while talking to their friends.  I got bumped into numerous of times.  Only one person said, "Excuse me," after they had bumped into me.

As the corrals moved forward, a woman outside the corral screamed loudly into my ear as I was going by her.  She was cheering for a lady standing next to me.  :(

Then, some one behind me stepped on the heels of my shoe not 1x, not 2x but 3x, as we moved toward The Start.

The Start.
I tried to put away the misery of the corral and looked towards the event.

Heading towards The Start.

Often, it's crowded during the 1st mile and things would let up.  But, it did not.

During Mile 1:  Very crowded.

At Mile 1, it is still crowded.

San Jose isn't exactly a very scenic city to run thru compared to many other places.

So, they spruced up the skyline with a giant Sony Headset balloon.

 The event did seemed to have more of a local flavor instead.

Cheer squad from Los Gatos High School with the Shark Tank in the background.

Cheer squad ringing bell from Bellarmine Prep School.

lululemon cheer squad.

The event started off in the downtown area and then headed into some neighborhoods before returning downtown.

In the neighborhoods, it was pretty quiet.  Occasionally, you would see a few folks here and there sitting on some chairs, cheering on runners and walkers.

We eventually passed by this house that was all dressed up for Halloween.

A house all decked out for Halloween.

It felt like an eternity before I headed towards The Finish.  Eventually, I got there.

The Last Turn.  I am almost there.

Heading Towards The Finish.

Finished:

Chip:  2:53:12
Garmin:  2:53:24 @ 13.35 miles.

Due to my busy October calendar, I wanted an easy and relaxed run, and I got it.


Post-race Amenities.

1. Bling.
2. Bottle of Water.
3. Ice water soaked towel.
4. Water spraying to cool off in.
5. Bottle of Cytomax.
6. Small bagel.
7. Odwalla bar.
8. A bag of wheat thins, I believe.
9. There were orange slices littered on the floor as I went thru the post race area.  There were no orange slices for me when I went thru however.
10. A banana. - My bro and his friends finished after me, and they did not get any bananas.
11. Those 21 years of age or older with ID, gets 1 Miller 64.  Extra drinks can be purchased for $5 per cup.

Post race Concert:  Blues Traveler.
My bro's friends who did the race really wanted to catch the free post race concert, so we stayed for a while afterwards.  It is great to just hang out with friends and relatives.

Blues Traveler post race concert.  View from the front.

Side view.

Odds and Ends.

1. Along the route, there was an roped off section of damaged trees and cars.  I found out later from the news that someone had drove into a bunch of parked vehicles, flipped their vehicle and died at the scene.  Sad for the driver but felt spooked that the course ran near it.  It was witnessed by a police officer preparing for the RnR San Jose.
2. The race had almost been canceled.  There was a large diesel spill from a building downtown that got into their sewer system.  A porta potty section reeked of diesel fumes.  A news article mentioned that if the spill had been a tad bit larger, the race would have been canceled.

What I thought of the event?

Pros:

1. Local event.
2. Flat.
3. Fairly good running weather for Oct.
4. Awesome volunteers.

 Cons:

1. Very congested at certain parts.  Those in the back might want to consider another event for PR seeking instead.
2. Not as scenic compared to many other places.

Overall:
This event isn't high on my list to do.  I can take it.  Or, leave it.  But, it's always nice to do a local event and get to hang out with friends and relatives.

Free* box of GU Roctane Island Nectars flavor with Purchase at GU Energy.

I love GU but can't really afford their Roctane gels.

GU is giving away a 6 pack box of GU Roctane in Island Nectars flavor with a purchase of another item off of their website.

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

* Limit one 6 pack of Island Nectars Roctane per customer and not to be combined with any other offer. Good through October 31, 2010. Shipping and handling not included.

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.