Nike Women's Marathon Registration Opens on April 11, 2011 (LOTTERY). Event date: October 16, 2011

OK, the cat is out of the bag...

"I Run to Be" was the slogan for the 2010 Nike Women's Marathon

The 2011 Nike Women's Marathon Registration opens on April 11, 2011.  It is a lottery process, so no need to hover above your keyboard at the stroke on the hour.

Online Random Registration Lottery Period:

• Opens: Monday, April 11th, 2011 at 9:00am PST
• Closes: Friday, April 22nd, 2011 at 11:59pm PST

More info. will be up and available as the lottery reg. date of April 11, 2011 approaches at Nike Women's Marathon.

If you're planning to run with friends and/or relatives, Group Registration will also be back.  

Please be patient and stay tuned!!!

Pay $20, Get $40 Toward Apparel, Footwear and More at Run With Us in Pasadena

March and May are busy running event months in the Los Angeles area.  The Los Angeles Marathon is coming up later this month (March).  The Pasadena Marathon and Half Marathon is in May.

If you need something, paying $20 and getting $40 towards apparel, footwear and more at Run With Us in Pasadena might be something you should take advantage of.

Pay $20, Get $40 towards apparel, footwear and more at Run With Us in Pasadena.

Some fine print:

1. Offer must be purchased via Groupon by March 8, 2011.
2. Expires Sep 9, 2011 (Offer must be redeemed in-store by this date.)
3. Limit 1 per person, may buy 2 additional as gifts. Limit 1 per visit. In-store only. Not valid toward closeout shoes. Not valid toward sale items. Must use in 1 visit. Tax not included. Not valid with other offers.

To get in on this deal:

1. click here
2. make sure you are in the Groupon Los Angeles area
3. you may or may not have to look on the right side of the screen under "More Great Deals Nearby" for Pasadena

Run With Us is located at the following address:

235 N Lake Ave 

Pasadena, CA 91101

Happy savings and good luck on your running endeavors!!!

Discount: 13% off brightroom Pics in Honor of St. Patty's Day 2011.

St. Patty's Day is around the corner.  Hopefully, the luck of the Irish will bring you something nice.

I'm not Irish, but I'll share with you the discount that is going on at the following in celebration of St. Patty's Day:

13% off brightroom pics, cd's, downloads, etc.
Code:  shamrock13
Expiration date:  ?


Personally, I abhor the event picture prices, but I totally get it that if a pic turns out good, folks would want to buy them.

To get in on the savings, click here and don't forget the code from above.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Registration Discount: 2011 Cox Sports Marathon, Half Marathon or 5k, Providence, RI. Event dates: April 30 and May 1, 2011

Registration prices for events have gone up, up and up.  Fortunately, now and then, us, runners, get a break on the registration.

If you haven't registered for the the 2011 Cox Providence Marathon, Half Marathon or 5k and want in, you are in luck as there is a registration discount currently available.

2011 Cox Sports Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k

Choose from the following options:

• $60 for registration in the full marathon on May 1 (up to a $120 value)
• $42 for registration in the half marathon on May 1 (up to an $85 value)
• $19 for registration in the 5K on April 30 (up to a $38 value)

Some fine print:

1. Last day to purchase this offer via Groupon March 13, 2011.
2. Expires Mar 31, 2011 (Groupon must be redeemed by this date.)
3. Limit 1 per person. Valid only for event purchased. Registration required by 3/31/11. Must sign waiver.  No cash back. Not valid for resale.
4. The marathon is a Boston Qualifier.

To get in on this deal, do the following:

1. click here
2. make sure you are in the Groupon Providence, RI area
3. you may or may not have to look on the right side of the screen to see this deal

Happy savings and good luck!!!

Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Announcement at 5:30 pm PST on March 8, 2011.

I get the feeling this is 1 of the worst kept secrets if your website is named the following

Strip at Night


But, I am sure everyone wants to know the details.

So, stay tuned, folks!!!

BOGO at Chipotle. Last Day to Watch the Video: March 6, 2011.

Just go on Facebook.  Must have a Facebook account to access this deal.

Search for:  America's Next Great Restaurant

Once you get to America's Next Great Resturant on Facebook, just follow the simple and straight forward directions.

Just watch the video promo for the new TV show, America's Next Great Restaurant.

The show is a reality TV show where contestants submit their culinary works and/or business skills forward to a panel of judges, including Iron Chef Bobby Flay and Steve Ells, founder of Chipotle, for judging.  The winner gets to open restaurants in New York, Los Angeles and Minneapolis.

After you watch the video, just print out your coupon and present it at a Chipotle near you.

I believe the last day to watch the video is March 6, 2011.  But, they do give you 7 days after you watch the video to redeem the BOGO offer at Chipotle.

A Steak Burrito from Chipotle

For more info. on Chipotle and/or to find your nearest location, click here.

For more info. on America's Next Great Restaurant, click here.  The show's premiere is on March 6, 2011.

Happy dining!!!

5 Miles but Felt Out of Sync. March 5, 2011

Things just didn't seem to click together today.  But, there is always the next run.  There is supposed to be a storm coming in; the air felt humid.

5 miles @ 1:07:06

Calories burned:  572

7.01 Miles and Chased by a Dog. March 3, 2011

The Good:
I was supposed to stop at 6 miles.  But, it was dark, and I overshot things, ending at 7.01 miles.

The Bad:
I got chased by a large dog off leash.  I had to stop during a nice pace.  The owner of the dog kept calling the dog's name, but it seemed only interested in me and didn't respond to its owner.  Fortunately, I was not bitten or scratched.


7.01 miles @ 1:31:54

Calories burned:  794

New Southwest Airlines Frequent Flyer Program: Is it Right for Me? March 3, 2011

I think I have been confused just as the next person...or even more...regarding Southwest's new frequent flyer program, so I crunched the numbers to see if I should move some of my business elsewhere.

Under the Old Program

• 16 credits = 1 Standard Award Ticket
• 32 credits = 1 Freedom Award Ticket
• 1 car rental = generally, 0.5 credit, therefore 32 car rentals (32 x 0.5) = 1 Standard Award Ticket

Under the New Program

• est 20,280* points = 1 lower end transcontinental flight
• est 10,680* points = 1 lower end short haul flight
• 1 car rental = 600 points

 *Actual points do vary.


New Program Awards and Renting Cars

1. Under the new program, I would have to rent 34 car rentals for a lower end transcontinental award ticket.
2.  Under the new program, I would have to rent 18 car rentals for a lower end short haul award ticket.

Winners and Losers

1. The new Southwest frequent flyer program benefits someone who rents cars frequently and flies short haul often.
2. The loser of the new Southwest frequent flyer program is someone who flies short haul frequently but wants transcontinental award tickets.

Almost No Changes
For those renting vehicles frequently, there is not that much difference between the old program and the new program.

Under the old program, 32 car rentals = 1 Standard Award ticket, while the new program requires 34 car rentals for a low end transcontinental award ticket.


No Changes

1. Southest's Bags Fly Free policy still stands with certain baggage limitations.  United generally charges $25 for the 1st bag and $35 for the 2nd bag on domestic flights each way.  Advantage:  Southwest by $120
2. No change fee.  I believe United charges $150 to change many tickets.  Advantage:  Southwest by $150

My Conclusion
I am going to have a lot less transcontinental award tickets from now on.  :(

Always Inspect Your Gel Wrappers before Leaving the Store. March 2, 2011

I made a trek to an REI to pick up an order, which included a bunch of PowerBar gels.

I picked up my order and put the plastic bag of PowerBar gels into my bag to take home.

When I got home, I opened the plastic bag and noticed that there was a leak coming out from 1 of the wrappers.  Upon closer inspection, I realized that there was a small leak coming from a gash on 1 of the wrappers.

Rats!!!  Now, I have to make the trek across town to exchange 1 freakin' PowerBar gel.

So, take it from me, always inspect your gel wrappers BEFORE leaving the store.

Southwest Airlines: What Happened to My Credits and Awards? March 2, 2011

My favorite airline, Southwest Airlines, underwent an overhaul of their frequent flyer program.  I logged into my account, saw my account listed at 0 balance and freaked out.  I was way closer to a new award ticket than to a 0 balance.  I am hoping by my writing this out, it will help out some folks out there.

Thanks to a nice poster on FB named, Jill Sadlak, and some poking around on Southwest's new frequent flyer program, I managed to find my old credits.

I tried to put the following directions on FB, but FB wouldn't permit such long post, so I am blogging about it here.

How to Find Your Credits and Awards on the Newly Overhauled Southwest Airlines Frequent Flyer Program.

1. After logging in to your Southwest Airlines frequent flyer account, go to the middle on the right side of the screen where you should see your name and probably 0 points.
2. Just go below the 0 points to "My Rapid Rewards."
3. Click on the "+" box on the "My Rapid Rewards."
4. There should be an area listing "Credit and Award Status."  There should be a "?" and the words "What Happened to My Credits and Awards?"
5. Click on the words, "What Happened to My Credits and Awards?" and your old credits should be listed.  Just below your old credits, click on "View Full List of Awards" and your awards should be there.

Please forward this link around to help out other travelers.

For more info. about Southwest Airlines and their frequent flyer program, click here.  Currently, they are attempting to resolve issues, so I would try to be extra, extra, extra patient.

Walked 4 Miles. Lots of Errands and Picked up My Super Bowl Winnings. February 28, 2011

Lots of errands today.

Among my stops today:

1. had to drop off a package at the post office
2. a grocery store
3. a GNC store
4. 2 convenience stores
5. and El Burrito Express, where I finally picked up my Super Bowl winnings

My Super Bowl winnings:  a Bronco Burrito and some chips.

El Burrito Express had a Super Bowl contest recently.  Everyone that selected the winner of this year's Super Bowl, the Green Bay Packers, got a free burrito.  I finally made it in today to collect it.

Thanks, El Burrito Express, for having the contest.


4 miles walking @ 1:20:00

Guestimate calories burned:  240

Wogged 20 Miles and Out of Fluids at Mile 16. February 26, 2011

Decided against going to the gym today.

Going into this 20 miler, I was concerned I might overheat as my Nathan Race Vest blocks up the vent on the back of my running jacket.  It was the first time I went out with my race vest over my running jacket.

------

Wogged 20 miles.

47 F w/chilly wind; kept my running jacket on the entire time.

Ran out of Accelerade at Mile 16; need to load up more next time.

Downed: 2 Strawberry PowerBar gels, 2 fastpacks of Margarita with Salt Clif Shot Bloks and 2 salt tabs.

20 miles @ 4:26:04 

Net calories burned: 1,340

------

This is my last 20 Miler prepping up for the LA Marathon.  Ready or not, LA here I come!!!

7.59 Miles; My Garmin 305 Won't Turn On and Garmin System Reset. February 24, 2011

My Garmin 305 wouldn't turn on, so I went for a run without it.
 .
Walked 1 mile.

And, 6.59 miles @ estimated 1:23:00

Guestimate calories burned:   752


After I got back, I tried to charge up my 305 using a wall outlet and then thru a USB port on a computer.  Nothing registered.

I then looked thru Garmin's website to try to figure out what to do next.

I looked up the repair rate for a 305.  It was $79.

I felt sad.  I haven't had it for that long.  I had it for about 2 years.

I was thinking that instead of sending my big and clunky unit in for repair, perhaps I should apply the $79 towards a newer and sleeker model.

But, the cost of a new unit is in the $$$'s.  I then felt even sadder.

I mentioned my situation on FB, and 1 of my FB friends came to the rescue.

He gave me the link to Garmin System Reset.  Click here for the link.

I followed the Garmin System Reset instructions, and my Garmin came back to life.

What a relief!!!

El Burrito Express: BOGO Expresso Burrito on February 24, 2011, San Francisco, CA.

El Burrito Express is celebrating their 30th Anniversary.  They have been serving San Francisco with delicious and tasty Mexican fare since 1981.

Their last BOGO offer is today, February 24, 2011.

To get a free Expresso Burrito, just purchase 1 Expresso Burrito on February 24, 2011.

The Expresso Burrito contains rice, beans, cheese and meat wrapped in a giant tortilla.  It is topped with guacamole, cheese, salsa and a special expresso sauce.

For their mouth watering menu, click here.

The El Burrito Express on Taraval St.  There are 2 locations.

 

For more info about El Burrito Express and the addresses of their 2 locations, click here.

Happy 30th Anniversary, El Burrito Express!!!

My 1st Groupon Redemption: Pancho Villa. February 23, 2011

I finally made it down to Pancho Villa in the Mission to redeem a Groupon I had purchased some time ago.  It was a "Pay $7, get $14" worth of food.

Pancho Villa, San Francisco, CA

Deluxe Chicken Burritos

Next long run to be fueled by a Deluxe Chicken Burrito and some chips.

Honey Stinger Waffles: I Finally Found Them. February 23, 2011

For some time, every time I passed thru a sporting goods store or a local running shoe store, I pass by the food section in hopes of getting my hands on a Honey Stinger Waffle.  I had heard that they go well with coffee or tea also.

For the longest time, I came away empty handed.  The stores were always sold out, and they were out of stock.

But, finally today, I got my hands on a bunch of them.

Honey Stinger Waffles

I got them at Sports Basement - Bryant Street, San Francisco, CA.

Sports Basement - Bryant Street

There are few boxes of them left on the floor.  You'd better hurry if you want one.

6 Hilly Miles. February 22, 2011.

Felt lethargic after all that food from relatives over the weekend.

6 miles @ 1:17:52
Calories burned:  682

$25 for $50 Worth of Merchandise at The Running Hub in Santa Fe, NM.

Someday, I would like to do the Bataan Memorial Death March in White Sands, NM.

Those in the Santa Fe, NM area are in luck if they have similar aspirations.

There's a Pay $25, Get $50 Worth of Merchandise offer available at The Running Hub.

Pay $25 for $50 worth of merchandise at The Running Hub, Santa Fe, NM

Some fine print:

1. Offer must be purchased via Groupon by February 22, 2011.
2. Expires Aug 23, 2011 (Groupon must be redeemed by this date.)
3. Limit 1 per person, may buy multiple as gifts. Limit 1 per visit. In-store only. Valid for sale items.

Valid at the following store ONLY:
The Running Hub
527 W Cordova Rd.
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
Get Directions


To get in on this deal,

1. click here
2. make sure you are in the Groupon Albuquerque, NM area
3. you may or may not have to look on the right side of the screen under "More Great Deals Nearby"

Happy savings!!!

Discount Ticket to the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, TN. Pay $23 for 1 Ticket ($43 Value).

I've always wanted to catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN.

Unfortunately for me, this deal doesn't work for me.

Fortunately, this deal may work for you.

The Deal:  Pay $23, get 1 second-tier mezzanine or floor ticket to the Grand Ole Opry (a $43 value).

Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, TN

Some fine print:

• Expiration varies...choose from the following dates listed below.
• Must purchase this deal via Groupon by February 22, 2011.
• Limit 1 per person, may buy 5 additional as gifts. Limit 1 per visit. Valid only for show purchased. Subject to availability. Must present valid photo ID. Must purchase together for group seating. Not valid for resale. Tax included.

Choose from the following dates:

• Friday, February 25 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, February 26 at 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 1 at 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 8 at 7 p.m.
• Friday, March 11 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 12 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 12 at 9:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 15 at 7 p.m.
• Friday, March 18 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 19 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 19 at 9:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 22 at 7 p.m.
• Friday, March 25 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 26 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 26 at 9:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 29 at 7 p.m.

To check the calendar at the Grand Ole Opry, click here.


To get in on this deal,

1. click here
2. make sure you are in Groupon Nashville, TN area
   
3. you may or may not have to look on the right side of the screen under "More Great Deals Nearby"

Enjoy the show!!!

$25 for $50 Worth of Footwear, Apparel, Classes, and More at Run On! San Antonio, San Antonio, TX.

Someday, I would like to do the Rock 'n Roll San Antonio Half Marathon.

Perhaps, you may have similar goals.

Here's a great way to save on footwear, apparel, classes and more for those in San Antonio, TX:

Pay $25 for $50 worth of footwear, apparel, classes and more at Run On! San Antonio.

Some fine print:

• Offer via Groupon must be purchased by February 24, 2011.
• Expires Aug 25, 2011 (Groupon must be redeemed by this date.)
• Limit 1 per person, may buy multiple as gifts. Limit 1 per purchase. Limit 1 per visit. In-store only. Valid only at San Antonio location. No cash back. Not valid with other offers.

Run on! San Antonio is located at the following:
20079 Stone Oak Pkwy., Suite 3120
San Antonio, Texas 78258
Get Directions

To get in on this deal,

1. click here
2. make sure you are in the Groupon San Antonio, TX area
3. you may or may not have to look on the right side of the screen under "More Great Deals Nearby"

Happy savings!!!

Gung Hay Fat Choy: Year of the Rabbit. February 20, 2011.

With my relatives and all the food they brought to a get together today, most likely everyone felt the "fat" in Gung Hay Fat Choy in a literal sense afterwards.

Among the food items brought were the following:

Tomato Beef Chow Mein

Grilled and Fried Chicken

A cake with fruit.

I literally felt stuffed, and that stuffed feeling certainly motivates me to put in many, many more miles.

Gung Hay Fat Choy, everyone!!!

8.09 Miles and Got Rained Upon. February 19, 2011.

Hilly. Too many stoplights.

I was also punked by Weather.com. Got rained upon. Wet everywhere.

Downed 1 Strawberry PowerBar gel and some Accelerade. 

8.09 miles @ 1:46:15

Net calories burned: 660

25% off GNC Stores with Coupon over Presidents' Weekend 2011.

I am unsure if this coupon link would work 100%, but I'll try posting it to see how things go.

One of the things I like about GNC stores is that there are many of them, and their locations are in heavily traveled locations.  There's a 25% off coupon promotion going on at the their stores over Presidents' Weekend.

My local GNC stores do carry the following runner's food items:

1. PowerBar gels
2. GU gels
3. Cytomax drinks
4. FRS drinks in a can
5. FRS chews

If you're swinging by a GNC store over the Presidents' Weekend, you might want to take a copy of the following coupon with you.

Click here for the 25% off coupon.

Have a great Presidents' Weekend!!!

Pay $20, Get $40 for Apparel, Shoes, Accessories and More* at Columbus Running Company, Columbus, OH area.

Need new running shoes?  Apparel?  Or, light accessories?

Now is a good time as the Columbus Running Company is offering a Pay $20, Get $40 for Apparel, Shoes, Accessories and More* at several of their stores.**

Awesome deal at 50% off savings!!!

• I believe this offer must be purchased by February 20, 2011.
• Expires in 1 year (Must be redeemed at 1 of the store locations before 1 year is up.)
• Limit 1 per person. In-store only. *Not valid toward food, beverage, or sale items. Must use in 1 visit, no cash back. Not valid with other offers.

Valid at the following store locations** only:

• A
  6465 Perimeter Dr.
  Dublin, Ohio 43016
  Get Directions
• B
  1250 N Hill Rd.
  Pickerington, Ohio 43147
  Get Directions
• C
  50 N State St.
  Westerville, Ohio 43081
  Get Directions

To get in on this deal,

1. click here
2. make sure you are in the Groupon Columbus, OH area
3. you may or may not have to look on the right side of the screen

Happy savings!!!

Pay $30, Get $60 Worth of Products, Rentals and Repairs at Lombardi Sports, San Francisco, CA.

Who needs gear?  Rentals?  Or, even repairs?

Well, some of you may be in luck in the San Francisco, CA area.

Lombardi Sports is having a Pay $30, Get $60 Deal for products, rentals and repairs.

Sweet deal!!!

• I believe February 21, 2011 is the last day to purchase this offer.
• Expires Feb 22, 2012 (Groupon must be redeemed by this date.)
• Limit 1 per person, may buy 1 additional as a gift. Limit 1 per visit. In-store only. Not valid toward lift tickets. Valid starting 2/22/11. Must use in 1 visit, no cash back. Tax not included. Not valid with other offers.

To get in on this deal,

1. click here
2. make sure you are in Groupon San Francisco, CA
3. you may or may not have to look for this deal on the right side of the screen

Happy savings!!!

Hilly, Headswinds and Sprinkled Upon 6.01 Miles. February 17, 2011.

Last night, we got rain, wind and even pea-sized hail.

This early morning, I woke up extra, extra early and was obsessed with Weather.com, trying to find a gap in between the rainy periods to head out for a 6 miler.

I was fortunate I found a gap instead of heading out and getting drenched by a downpour.


6.01 miles @ 1:17:36

Downed some Accelerade.

Net calories burned:  598

Hilly 6 Miles with Headwind. February 15, 2011.

Hilly 6 miles @ 1:17:47

Lots of headwind due to approaching storm.

Downed some Accelerade.

Net calories burned: 592

Pay $5, Get $10 at Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin Robbins, Washington DC Area (selected locations ONLY).

Despite trying to eat healthy most of the time, I still have a donut now and then with coffee.

Speaking of donuts, those in the Washington, DC area are in luck.

Selected locations of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin Robbins are offering a "Pay $5, get $10 in coffee, donuts, ice cream and more" deal.

This is one sweet deal!!!

• Groupon must be purchased by February 15, 2011.
• Expires Aug 16, 2011 (Groupon must be redeemed by this date.)
• Limit 1 per person, may buy 1 additional as gifts. Limit 1 per visit. Valid only for location purchased. No cash value. Tax included. Not valid with other offers.

This is valid only at the following locations:

• A
  2057 University Blvd. E
  Hyattsville, Maryland 20783
  Get Directions
• B
  6851 New Hampshire Ave.
  Takoma Park, Maryland 20912
  Get Directions
• C
  13424 New Hampshire Ave.
  Silver Spring, Maryland 20904
  Get Directions

To get in on this deal,

1. click here 
2. look on the right side of the screen
3. and make sure you are in the Groupon Washington, DC area

It's cold during winter, so stay warm!!

7.28 Miles and Finding Motivation. February 13, 2011.

A series of storms are in the forecast, so I managed to squeeze in the following:

5.28 miles wog @ 1:09:27
Downed some Accelerade.
Body was OK, but my head wasn't in it.
Guestimate net calories burned:  462

And, walked 2 miles
Guestimate calories burned:  100

Guestimate calories burned for this day:  562


Finding Motivation
There are days when my head isn't in to doing some form of physical activity.  I usually focus on how I feel at the end of a workout.  Because I usually feel great at the end of a workout...that keeps me going.

Wogged a Hilly 5 Miles. February 13, 2011.

5 miles @ 1:07:12
Downed some Accelerade.
Net calories burned:  428

Purchase $25 or more in iTunes Gift Cards at Safeway or Vons, Get $5 Towards Future Shopping Order. Expires: February 15, 2011.

Any Safeway or Vons shoppers out there who need another Power Song?

If you love music, there's a nice iTunes offer.

$25 or more iTunes gift cards will get you $5 towards future Safeway shopping order.

The $5 is issued at the register, so make sure the checker hands you the coupon before you leave the checkstand.

Offer expires:  February 15, 2011.

Limited 1 coupon per transaction.  See coupon for other restrictions.

Enjoy the music!!!

13.1 Chicago Half Marathon - Save $13.10. Event date: June 4, 2011.

Training for the Chicago Marathon?

Here's a half marathon that you might be able to use as a training run:

13.1 Chicago
Event date:  June 4, 2011

Save:  $13.10
Code:  CHI131BLUE
No expiration date was listed.

For more info. and/or to register about 13.1 Chicago, click here.

Good luck on your training!!!

Pay $25, Get $50 Worth of Footwear, Apparel and More at Runner's High, Jersey City, NJ or Metuchen, NJ.

1. Groupon must purchased by:  February 14, 2011.
2. Expires Aug 15, 2011 (must be redeemed by this date) 
3. In-store only. Must use in 1 visit, no cash back. Tax not included. Not valid with other offers.

Valid in store only at the following locations:

• A
  454 Main St.
  Metuchen, New Jersey 08840
  Get Directions
• B
  35 River Dr. S, Suite A
  Jersey City, New Jersey 07310
  Get Directions

To get in on this deal, click here and make sure you are in Groupon North Jersey location.

Happy savings!!!

Product Test: Accelerade and Wogged 8.01 Miles. January 10, 2011.

Too many stoplights and had to stop for traffic before crossing.

Product test: Accelerade Orange flavor by Pacific Health Labs.

Tastes like an orange vanilla shake.

Consistency: thicker than Cytomax.

Felt better with Accelerade than w/o.

Downed: 16.9 oz of Accelerade Orange and 1 Strawberry Banana PowerBar gel.

8:01 miles @ 1:46:56

Net calories burned: 606

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never 3D Movie VIP Party, San Francisco, CA. January 9, 2011.

Today was the day.

Justin Bieber:  Never Say Never 3D Movie VIP Party.

I'm all excited.

My purple glasses.

Where:

AMC Loews Theatres - Metreon 16.

When I got there, there was already a line formed inside the theater.

There was even a purple carpet.

A Justin Bieber:  Never Say Never 3D movie poster was in the hall way.

Everyone went home with a smaller copy of this movie poster.

A lucky few in the audience won some prizes.

I won some Justin Bieber Silly Bandz and stickers.

What I Thought of the Movie:
I liked the movie and thought it was enjoyable.

The movie starts off with home videos of Justin Bieber at home and of some of his earlier performances.  It chronicles his humble beginnings, him playing the drums and guitar, while living with his mom and his grandparents; his discovery by Manager Scooter Braun; him working with Usher; and him performing to gradually larger audiences before making it big at Madison Square Garden and even beyond.

As the movie progresses, more video footage of him on tour, both on stage as well as behind the scenes, is featured.

There are also video footage of him trying to live a normal life, hanging out with his friends, and a brief clip of him dealing with studies while on the road.


Never Say Never officially releases on February 11, 2011 in movie theaters.  I say go and check it out.

It's a great movie about a talented young man who puts in a lot of hard work to get to live out his dream.

Hope to see you at the movies!!!

Walked 3.1 Miles. January 7, 2011.

And, to top off my 17.64 mile wog today, I walked 3.1 miles.

Guestimated calories burned:  165

17.64 Miles: Done in by a Pair of Socks and Tight Laces. February 7, 2011.

Wogged 17.64 miles. Supposed to be 20 miles.

Had issues with socks and laces around Mile 16; too tight and painful on top of my feet...tried fidgeting with them mid-wog...didn't work.

Next time: go with thinner socks.

I really hated stopping where I had stopped, but it was painful.  Hours later, the tops of my feet are still hurting.

Downed: 2 salt tablets, 2 Strawberry Banana PowerBar gels and 8 pieces of Margarita with Salt Clif Shot Bloks.

Gross calories burned: 1922.

Groupon New York City: Pay $50, Get $100 Towards a Custom Timbuk2 Bag. Groupon Must be Purchased by 2/5/11.

I had always wanted 1 of those custom Timbuk2 bags, but the price keeps making me think twice.  Perhaps, you are in the same boat as me.

Customize your very own Timbuk2 bag at a savings!!!

The fine print:

• Expires Jun 30, 2011 (Groupon must be redeemed by this date)
• Limit 1 per person, may buy 1 additional as a gift. Online only. Valid only for custom bags. Must use in 1 order, no cash back. Tax and shipping not included. Not valid with other offers.

To get in on this deal

1. click here 
2. make sure you are in Groupon New York City
3. and then look on the right side of the screen.

Groupon must be purchased by 2/5/11, so hurry!!!

Happy savings!!!

5 Miles. February 4, 2011.

I felt a bit underfueled but otherwise felt great.

5 miles @ 1:05:10
553 calories burned

15% off ASI Photo Sale: Groundhog Day. Ends February 15, 2011.

I am beginning to like the Groundhog a lot.  Not so much for predicting whether spring will come early or not.  But, for Groundhog Day-related discounts and savings.

Groundhog handler, Ben Hughes, holds Punxtawney Phil on Groundhog Day, 2011. (credit REUTERS/ Jason Cohn)

Event photos cost an arm and a leg.  Hopefully, this sale might help you save a fingertip, at least.  :)

ASI's Groundhog Day Sale.

15% off sale
Code:  GROUNDHOGDAY
Expires:  Midnight, February 15, 2011

To get in on this sale, don't forget to enter the code after clicking here.

Happy savings!!!

Groupon San Francisco: Pay $10, Get $20 Books, Toys and More at Barnes and Noble Stores or at bn.com.

Many folks made New Year's resolutions related to improving their finances or their health.  Now that January 2011 has ended, I hope everyone is still on track with their resolutions.

But, if you happen to have fallen behind, I wouldn't despair as you still have the rest of 2011 to get on top of things.

Perhaps, you might just need some ideas or pointers from a good book or 2.

Currently, you are in luck as there is a "Pay $10, Get $20 Deal" going on valid for Barnes & Noble and at bn.com.

Valid at Barnes & Noble stores and also at bn.com.

This deal is valid on books, toys and more.

Limit 1/person. Limit 1/trans. Valid in-store or online. Valid on sale items. Groupon value reduces by $10 on 4/11, except where prohibited. Groupon issued by Barnes & Noble Marketing Services LLC.

To get in on this deal, just go to Groupon San Francisco and look on the right side of the screen after clicking here.

For the terms and conditions, click here.

Good luck on your New Year's resolutions and happy savings!!!

New Date for the Giant Race and Limited Event Registration at the KNBR 680 Giants Fan Fest on February 5, 2011.

First crack at registering for the 2011 Giant Race is this weekend with a discount, and note the new date for the event.  The new date for the Giant Race is August 27, 2011.

I am glad someone upstairs at the the Giant Race was listening.

Their original date for the 2011 Giant Race fell on a weekend where the San Francisco Giants baseball team is across the Bay, facing the Oakland A's, making it a Bay Bridge series.  And, with a Bay Bridge series, the Oakland Coliseum will be filled with fans of the Giants or A's, reducing the number of baseball fans willing to do the Giant Race.

Some fans, probably more the out of town visitors, also want to be able to catch a game at AT&T Park, home of the World Series Champions, the San Francisco Giants, the same weekend as the Giant Race.  With the Giants playing away during the original date, that would not happen.


In person registration for the Giant Race will be available with a discount at the KNBR 680 Giants Fan Fest at AT&T Park on February 5, 2011, Saturday, from 11 am to 3 pm.  For more info. about the fan fest, click here.

AT&T Park, home of the World Series champions, the San Francisco Giants.

Although there isn't much info., the Giant Race's website can be found by click here.

I read somewhere for 2011, they are planning on having the following events:

1. Half Marathon
2. 10k
3. 5k
4. Junior Giants Kid's Race

Online registration for the Giant Race will be available in March 2011.

Good luck!!!

5 Miles. February 2, 2011.

Too many stoplights. It felt like a dash from one to the next and so on... I am glad my legs felt back in sync with the rest of me after getting sick.

5 miles @ 1:05:58
575 calories burned

6 Miles. January 31, 2011.

Got in 6 miles, including 1 hilly mile.  My 1st workout since being sick.  My head and heart was in it, but my legs wasn't in sync with everything else.  I am sure things will eventually get back to normal.

6 miles @ 1:18:45
662 calories burned

6-Hour Distance Classic, San Francisco, CA. Great Price!!! Event date: July 10, 2011.

Running around in circles is something that doesn't bothers me.  It bothers some I know.

If it doesn't bother you, you might want to consider the following event organized by the DSE Runners, a local running club in San Francisco:

6-Hour Distance Classic
Crissy Field, San Francisco, CA
Date:  July 10, 2011


The course is flat.  I believe it is a 1.061 mile loop going around a lagoon.


There will be 1 fully stocked aid station with water, electrolyte drink and snacks.

I really, really dig the price.  Currently, it's $10, not including the pesky Active.com fee.

If it is not too foggy, you will also get a very nice view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The Golden Gate Bridge.

For more info. about going around in circles at this event and/to register, click here.

Good luck!!!

15% Off Sale at Brightroom Event Photography. Ends Midnight, February 15, 2011.

I do buy event photos when they turn out well, but I do hate it that it costs an arm and leg to purchase them.  And, many of my running friends agree.

Hopefully this sale will help a bit.

15% off
Code:  GROUNDHOGDAY
Sale ends:  Midnight, February 15, 2011

Brightroom is based in Forth Worth, TX, I believe.  I would definitely order way before their midnight deadline to avoid any disappointments.

To start saving on your photos, click here and don't forget to enter your code.

Happy savings!!!

Hoping for a Better's Night Sleep. January 30, 2011.

My fever of 100.4 F seemed to have subsided, but other things cropped up.

Was kept up last night by a migraine headache.

I ended up tossing my cookies several times as well as having a small nosebleed before I was able to get some quality sleep.  [Be thankful I didn't shoot any pics for this blog.  :)]

Hoping for a better's night sleep tonight.

Coyote Hills Half Marathon: DNS. January 29, 2011.

I had been looking forward to the Coyote Hills Half Marathon (trail half marathon) all month, but the day before, I knew it wasn't going to happen...at least, not for me.

I was feeling sick after work.  I felt hot and cold.  My muscles ached, and it was not due to any strenuous physical activity.

I woke up in the middle of the night, feeling really hot, that I went to a closet to pull out a thermometer.

Fever of 100.4 F degrees.

OK.  I now have "proof" the event wasn't going to happen for me, and it's back to bed I go.

I am hoping there would be a Coyote Hills Half Marathon for 2012.

Activities for January 25 and 26, 2011.

Since I have the Coyote Hills Half Marathon this weekend, I have been tapering this week, so more walking instead of wogging along.

January 25
Walked 6.6 miles
Guestimate calories burned:  363

January 26
Walked 6.6 miles
Guestimate calories burned:  363

Why Pay Full Price for Running Events with Schwaggle?

Active.com recently launched Schwaggle, which is their version of Groupon for running events and fitness related activities, services and products.

To date, I have seen the following 2 events among several blow out heavily discounted entries:

100th Bay to Breakers 12k

100th Bay to Breakers entries were blown out at 50% off.

2nd Oakland Marathon Events

Oakland Marathon entries were blown out at 47% off with an option to downgrade to the Half Marathon event. 

For events which have a history of poor reg. #'s, why bother to pay full price next time around or ever again?

Dashed 8.01 Miles. January 23, 2011.

Speedwork is kinda hard to do in my area without becoming roadkill.  Best I can do is dash from 1 intersection to the next.

Today was unseasonably warm.  It was 8 to 13 F warmer than usual.

Dashed 8.01 miles @ 1:46:41
Downed 1 Strawberry PowerBar Gel
Net calories burned:  742

Walked 10.8 miles. Got Lost in Golden Gate Park. January 22, 2011.

Went sightseeing in Golden Gate Park.  I wasn't planning on walking 10.8 miles but got lost along the way.  At one point, I was so famished, I downed 1 nice, warm and soft pretzel with mustard from the Annie's Hot Dogs and Pretzels cart near the de Young Museum.  The pretzel was delicious.

Here are a few pics from my sightseeing adventures:

The Conservatory of Flowers.

The Music Concourse Band Shell.

The California Academy of Sciences.

Rainbow Falls with the Prayerbook Cross near the top.

Walked 10.8 miles.
Guestimate gross calories burned:  592
 
I have no idea how many calories the pretzel contained, but I am pretty sure I am still ahead.  :)

15% off Round Trip Airfare Southwest Airlines* and Visa Signature Credit Card.

I know many of my Marathon Maniac and Half Fanatic running peeps can use an airfare discount any which way they can get to their numerous events.

Here's one:

Valid for 15% off Wanna Get Away Round Trip Airfare*

and Visa Signature Credit Card

Valid for Visa Signature consumer cards only.  One code available per card for the length of the promotion.  One time use and for a limited time only.  Purchase must be made between January 20, 2011 and April 30, 2011 for travel January 20, 2011 thru June 1, 2011.  There are also Blackout Dates outlined in the Terms and Conditions.

You MUST register and MUST have an email addie to participate. 

For more info. and/or to register for this promo, click here.  (NOTE:  You might have to refresh the page after you click here.)

Safe travels!!!