Mel's Drive-In: Pay $10, Get $20 Worth of Burgers, Drinks and More

Sometimes, I want a juicy burger, some fries and a nice milk shake to wash it all down.

Good thing there is a juicy deal at several Mel's Drive-In restaurants.  There's a Pay $10, get $20 Worth of Burgers, Drinks and More deal currently on.

Yummy!!!

Some fine print:

1. May 29, 2011 is the last day to purchase this offer.
2. Expires Aug 30, 2011 (This is the last date for this offer to be redeemed at a restaurant location.)
3. Limit 1 per person, may buy 2 additional as gifts. Limit 1 per table, 2 per table of 5 or more.

This offer is valid at the following locations:

• Civic Center
  1050 Van Ness Ave.
  San Francisco, California 94109
  Get Directions
  
  
• SoMa
  801 Mission St.
  San Francisco, California 94103
  Get Directions
  
  
• Cow Hollow
  2165 Lombard St.
  San Francisco, California 94123
  Get Directions
   
•   Laurel Heights
    3355 Geary Blvd.
    San Francisco, California 94118
    Get Directions

To get in on this deal, do the following:

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

Happy dining!!!

Free T Shirt Running Challenge: Divis or Shut Up with Fleet Feet San Francisco. Multiple dates in 2011.

Who wants a free T shirt?

OK. For those of you in San Francisco who loves to run, you can possibly earn a free Nike T Shirt thru the Fleet Feet San Francisco Divis or Shut Up Challenge.

Do you have what it takes?

The course is on Divisadero, going from Lombard to Broadway and back.

The time limit:  30 minutes

The course is steep and a toughie, but you DO NOT have to complete all your laps on 1 date.  You have multiple dates to complete the challenge.

The minimum number of completed laps to get a FREE Nike T is 5 full laps.


You may want to mark your calendars.  Currently, the listed challenge dates are as follows:

1. June 2
2. July 7
3. August 4
4. September 1
5. October 6
6. November 3

For those who don't like hills, you might want to take a pass at this one.  The course is very, very, very steep.

For more details about the challenge and on what other items you can earn during this challenge, click here.

Good luck!!!

Brooks Run Happy Tour Bus Continuing to Make Its Rounds. Many 2011 Dates and Locations.

The double decker Brooks Cavalcade of Curiosities tour bus is continuing to make its rounds.  I believe everyone who shows up wins a prize and gets entered into a trip for 2 to any 1 of the 2012 Rock 'n' Roll Marathon or Half Marathon.

For those shopping for running shoes, there are also gait analysis treadmills and equipment on the upper deck of the bus.


I know a few folks around the following tour stops, so I listed them:

5/26	A Runner's Circle (Griffith Park) - Los Angeles, CA 3216 Los Feliz Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90039 5:30-8:30pm
5/27	A Snails Pace Running Shop - Brea, CA 1040 E Imperial Hwy Brea, CA 92821 1pm-6pm
5/28	Movin Shoes (Pacific Beach) - San Diego, CA 1892 Garnet Ave San Diego, CA 92109 10am - 3pm
5/30	Running Center - Carlsbad, CA 2584-B El Camino Real Carlsbad, CA 92008 11am - 4pm

6/3	Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon & 1/2 Marathon Expo 11am - 7pm
6/4	Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon & 1/2 Marathon Expo 9am - 5pm
6/8	Run with Us (Rose Bowl Stadium) - Pasadena, CA 1001 Rose Bowl Drive Pasadena, CA 91103 2pm-7pm
6/10	Sports Basement - San Francisco, CA 610 Old Mason St San Francisco, CA 94129 4pm - 7pm
6/11	Fleet Feet - Roseville, CA 1850 Douglas Blvd Roseville, CA 95661 12pm - 6pm
6/12	Fleet Feet - Sacramento, CA 2311 J Street Sacrament, CA 95816 11am - 5pm

6/18	Portland Running Company - Portland, OR Conway Transportation 2055 NW Savier St Portland, OR 97209 8am - 12pm
6/23	Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon & 1/2 Marathon Expo 11am - 7pm
6/24	Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon & 1/2 Marathon Expo 10am - 7pm
6/29	Super Jock 'n Jill - Seattle, WA 7210 E Green Lake Dr N Seattle, WA 98115 3pm - 7pm
6/30	Fairhaven Runners & Walkers - Bellingham, WA 1209 11th Street Bellingham, WA 98225 3pm - 7pm

Each of the tour stops are unique.  Some might have runs scheduled to go along with the bus tour; some may not.  I would give the location you want to stop by a ring if you want to know more details.


Also, there are way many more tour stops for me to list, and new stops might be added to the tour.  If you don't see a location near you, please click here to see a more complete listing.

Have fun and Run Happy!!!

Uneven Running Shoe Wear.

The Asics Gel Nimbus 13 (May 2011) recently was released in some running shoe stores, which means the 12 and the 11 would get marked down.

I wanted an excuse or 2 to buy another pair of running shoes.  Since I have been wogging marathons recently (March - LA Marathon; April - Western Pacific Marathon; and May - BMO Vancouver Marathon), I finally took a look at the bottom of my shoes to see how they were holding up.

I was surprised...well, actually more shocked...at how uneven the wear was in the heel area.

Heel on right shoe (left side) is noticeably more worn compared to the heel on the left shoe.

With the way the right heel is being worn down, it won't be long before I have to get a new pair of running shoes.  So, yes, I better go buy new running shoes.  :)


What does the bottoms of your running shoes look like?

Are your running shoes wearing out evenly?

Windy Outside Means Another Gym Day. May 23, 2011

Ridiculously windy outside as a storm system is moving in.

Went to the gym.

1 hour and 40 minutes on an elliptical
35 minutes thru a series of weight machines
1 bottle Orange Vitamin Water downed

Net guestimate calories burned:  938


Note to thyself:  Down some form of breakfast before heading to the gym; felt sluggish.

You Can Be Like Kara... FREE* Shipping on Phiten USA Orders. Promo ends: 5/31/11

Goucher that is.  For those who don't run, Kara Goucher is a famous and popular long distance American runner.  She is a member of the Nike Oregon Project.  Her blog can be found by clicking here.


Anyhow, I have an Edge x30 necklace and love my necklace.

Some MLB baseball fans have been telling me that they have been eying the Tornado necklaces.

To browse or start shopping, click here.

*FREE standard shipping via UPS is available on website or phone orders of $35 or more from 5/20/11 thru 5/31/11.

Happy shopping!!!

Tinker Bell 1/2 Marathon Now Offers Men's Sized Shirts. Event date: January 29, 2012

Registration for the run Disney 2012 Inaugural Tinker Bell 1/2 Marathon opened to much fanfare last month (April 2011).  Many of my friends and I were disappointed that only Women's sized long sleeve shirts were available to participants.

But now, Men's shirt sizes are listed as available in their new event FAQ section.  (See Q: re: if Men are allowed to participate in the event.)

If you need a change, I would definitely contact them to update your shirt size.  Because come Expo Friday and Saturday, no one wants a shirt that doesn't fit them, especially after paying over $120 plus pesky Active.com fees to register for the event.

I tried combing thru their website and came away with the email addie: disneysports@trackshack.com for those who want to update their proof of time for the event.  If you need to update your shirt size, I would definitely email them to see if they are able to update your shirt size also.

Happy running!!!

8 Miles. May 21, 2011

8 miles @ 1:46:04

Cold and windy.  I tossed a bunch of hills into the mix..  It was so cold that I had problems moving my hands near the end.

Downed:  1 Strawberry Banana GU and some Accelerade

Net calories burned:  638

Groupon Redemption: 1 Large Pizza at Domino's Pizza. May 19, 2011

I finally made it in to redeem my Groupon for a Large $8 pizza at Domino's.  I originally blogged about the Groupon offer back here.

I have been pretty busy with work and haven't been able to get there until the last day to redeem.

Domino's Pizza

Any noids in here?

Cheese, Ham and Pineapple.

The crust tasted like garlic bread and was too thin for my liking.  For the price, I am not complaining.

25% Off Clif Shot Bloks and Gels at REI during the REI Anniversary Sale. Sale ends: May 30, 2011.

My next event has me going around in circles for 6 hours next month, so I better go get some more Clif Shot Bloks..

I am in luck as Clif Shot Bloks (and gels, too) are 25% off at the REI Anniversary Sale going on right now.  I believe the sale ends on  5/30/11.

25% off Clif Shot Bloks and Gels during the REI Anniversary Sale

Also during the REI Annivesary Sale, REI members can get 20% off 1 full-priced item (applies to most items in the store with some limitations).  Click here to get to the 20% REI members coupon.

If you're not an REI member, becoming 1 is simple and easy.  You can join and get the 20% off discount off of 1 full-priced item on the same day.  Click here to learn how to become an REI member.

To start shopping online at REI.com, click here.

Happy savings!!!

Fleet Feet San Francisco Sunset Run Benefiting Japanese Tsunami Relief Efforts / American Red Cross. May 19, 2011

I went to the Fleet Feet San Francisco Sunset Run benefiting Japanese Tsunami Relief Efforts / American Red Cross.

The event is an untimed, no bib, social run of 5 miles in the Marina to Hopper's Hand and back.

The proceeds went to charity, and participants receive a tech tee.  I believe this year the sponsor is Adidas, so everyone received an Adidas tech tee.  I registered at the early registration fee of $10.

There were also some raffle prizes, and after the run, there were some tunes, bagels, fruit and water.

Here are a few pics from the event:

Folks picking up their Adidas tech tee at the Fleet Feet San Francisco tent.

Raffling off raffle prizes.

Hopper's Hands is the turn around point.

Hopper's Paws is for the dogs who also ran.

Post run, there was a DJ spinning some tunes.

The raffle prizes included the following:

1. Adidas shoes (multiple winners)
2. Tickets to see the World Champion San Francisco Giants (multiple winners)
3. Half Marathon Training Program with Marathon Matt
4. An Entry into the Boston Marathon (qualifying times NOT required)

Although I didn't win anything, I had fun and schedule permitting, hope to participate again down the road.

There are 2 more Sunset Runs benefiting charities remaining for 2011.  They are as follows:

• JULY 21 at 6:30pm (Benefiting Students Run Oakland)
• AUGUST 18 at 6:30pm (Benefiting Ethembeni School)

For more info. about the Sunset Runs, click here.

Hope you can make it!!!

7 Miles, An Elliptical and Some Weights. May 19, 2011

I felt like I did a little of everything today throughout the day and evening.  Sometimes you have to squeeze little things done here and little things done there.

Activities for the day:

1. 2 miles walked while doing errands
2. 5 miles running at the Fleet Feet San Francisco charity run, benefiting Japanese Tsunami Relief/American Red Cross
3. 35 minutes on an elliptical
4. and 35 minutes weights

My legs still felt tired from the Zazzle Bay to Breakers 12k I had done 4 days ago during the 5 miler and on the elliptical, but I got in the mileage and the minutes.

Guestimate calories burned:  1,350

Papa John's Pizza Special: Pay $13 for XL Pizza and 3 It's It Ice Cream Sandwiches.

Pizza and It's It.  What a combination?

Pay $13 get an Xxtra-Large Pizza with up to 7 toppings and a 3 Pack of It's It ice cream sandwiches at Papa John's Pizza (up to $36.28 value).  I think my wallet is drooling just thinking of the money saved on this deal.

XL Pizza with up to 7 toppings and 3 It's It for $13.  What a deal!!!

Some fine print:

• Expires Nov 19, 2011 (This is the last date to order your pizza and It's It ice cream sandwiches.)
• Limit 3 per person. Limit 1 per order. Carryout only.
• Limited quantities available or offer ends end of May 19, 2011, whichever occurs first.  Personally, I wouldn't think twice about this deal and just buy before the deal sells out.  (This is the date the offer must be purchased if you want in.)
• 40 is the tipping point for this offer to become valid.

The offer is valid at the following locations:

1.  San Francisco

69 Cambon Dr.

San Francisco, California 94132

Get Directions

2.  San Mateo

9 W 43rd Ave.

San Mateo, California 94403

Get Directions

3.  Mountain View

571 W El Camino Real

Mountain View, California 94040

Get Directions

4.  San Bruno

735 San Mateo Ave.

San Bruno, California 94066

Get Directions

5.  San Leandro

2198 E 14th St.

San Leandro, California 94577

Get Directions

To get in on this deal, do the following:

1. Click here.
2. Make sure you are in the Groupon San Francisco location.
3. You may or may not have to look on the right side of screen under "More Great Deals Nearby."

Happy dining!!!

Blogger is Now Working. Hurray!!!

My modem died, and I had to suffer without the Internet for about 1 week.

And, when I got my Internet back, Blogger wasn't updatable.  But, it's now up and working.  Yippee!!!

Walked 2.04 Miles. May 4, 2011

Walked an easy 2.04 recovery miles while on some errands today.

My right knee feels much better.  It wasn't happy with me after the 2011 BMO Vancouver Marathon this past weekend.  My quads are still a bit tight, but they are going the right direction.

I will probably foam roll and use The Stick on my legs later.

Guestimate calories burned:  120

My 6th Marathon Completed Snippet: BMO Vancouver Marathon, British Columbia, Canada. May 1, 2011

I trekked across our northern borders and competed the 2011 BMO Vancouver Marathon in British Columbia (Canada) over this past weekend.  It was my 1st international marathon.

The course was much hillier than I had expected but very pretty.

Currently, I am in photo editing hell and expect to be there for about 1 week using software I am not as familar with.

Gym Day. April 26, 2011

Very windy outside.  Went to the gym.

45 minutes on the elliptical and 35 minutes thru a series of weight machines.

Downed:  some Orange Vitamin Water

Net calories burned:  599

Run for the Dream Half Marathon Discount, Williamsburg, VA. Half Marathon Event Date: May 22, 2011

Someday, I would like to run in the Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon during the Labor Day Weekend.  If you have the same aspirations and are looking for warm up Half Marathon or even goal event, you might want to consider the 1st Annual Run for the Dream Half Marathon on May 22, 2011.

Run for the Dream is an inaugural race benefiting An Achievable Dream, a K–12 school dedicated to supporting low-income children, and Wounded Warriors, assisting the severely wounded of the armed forces.

Run for a Dream features a Half Marathon event and an 8K & Fun Run.

Some fine print:

• For $22, you get one registration, which includes a cotton T-shirt, for the 8K run/walk on Saturday, May 21, at 8 a.m. (up to a $45 value).
• For $40, you get one registration, which includes a technical T-shirt, for the half marathon on Sunday, May 22, at 7:30 a.m. (up to an $80 value).  (4 hour course limit)
  
• The last day to purchase this offer thru Groupon is April 27, 2011.
• The redemption expiration varies depending on whether one registers for the 8K or the Half Marathon distance.
• Limit 1 per person, may buy 5 additional as gifts. Valid only for option purchased. Registration required. Not valid for resale.
• Limited quantity available.
• 10 is the tipping point for this offer to become valid.

To get in on either 1 of these 2 deals, do the following:

1. Click here.
2. Make sure you are in the Groupon Hampton Roads (VA) area.
3. You may or may not have to look on the right side of the screen under "More Great Deals Nearby."

Good luck on your event!!!

Gym Day. April 24, 2011

Morning:  Rainy.  Afternoon and evening:  Windy.  All of which = gym day.

1:40 hour elliptical and 35 minutes thru a series of weight machines.

Downed:  1 bottle Orange Vitamin Water

Guestimate calories burned:  1,141

Domino's Pizza: Pay $8 for 1 Large Any Topping Pizza. Valid in multiple locations in the lower 48 states.

Sometimes, I do carb load on pizza before an event.  If I can save a few bucks on the food bill, that would be awesome.
 
Those who love pizza are in luck.  Domino's Pizza is having a special of $8 for 1 Large Any-Topping Pizza (up to $20 Value).


Who loves pizza?

 Some fine print:

1. Expires May 19, 2011.  (This is the last day you can order and redeem for the pizza.)
2. This offer must be purchased by April 20, 2011.
3. Limit 3 per person. Limit 1 per order. Must order online.  You can not place your order in stores or over the phone. Must provide email address upon redemption to receive unique PIN and URL; you will not be added to Domino's mailing list. Carryout only. Valid at all US locations except those in Alaska or Hawaii. Not valid with other offers. Tax not included.

To locate the nearest Domino's Pizza, click here.  (Valid at all US locations except those in Alaska or Hawaii.)

To get in on this deal, do the following:

1. Click here.
2. (NOTE:  This is a multiple locations promotion.)  I know if you select Groupon San Francisco as a location, this promotion would appear.
3. You may or may not have to look on the right side of screen under "More Great Deals Nearby."

Happy dining!!!

Out: Virus downed computer. In: Old partially working computer.

I was blind.  Now, I can see.

A virus knocked out my computer.  I was offline for almost 1 week.

I am currently usuing an old partially working computer and playing catch up.

Computer is Down. April 13, 2011

My ancient computer caught some malicious virus.  It's so old I was not able to get anti-virus protection.  :(

If you don't from me that often, that is the reason.

Gym Day. April 12, 2011

Windy today; a storm system is moving in.  Rain is expected tomorrow.

52 minutes on the elliptical and 35 minutes thru a bunch of weight machines.

Guestimate calories burned:  625

2011 Nike Women's Marathon Registration is Now Open (LOTTERY).

The long wait is over.  Registration for the 2011 Nike Women's Marathon is now open.

The lottery registration period is open during the following period:  April 11, 2011 at 9 am PDT to April 22, 2011 at 11:59 PDT.  No need to register on the first day, but I wouldn't wait to register on the last day either.

For those of you who already have a GROUP ID, you still need to register for the lottery if you want to win a slot in the race.  Having a GROUP ID by itself won't get you into the race.  Your group can have a mix of different distances; for example, 1 person wants to run the Marathon, while the other person wants to run the Half Marathon.

Event date:  October 16, 2011
Where:  San Francisco, CA

For more info. and/or to register for the lottery for a chance to get into the Marathon or the Half Marathon event, click here.

Good luck, everyone!!!

Krispy Kreme Donuts: $8 for 2 Dozen Glazed Donuts Offer ($16.98 Value), San Jose / Mountain View, CA areas.

If you love Krispy Kreme donuts and are in the San Jose - Mountain View areas, you are in luck.  There's a Krispy Kreme donuts offer of $8 for 2 dozen of their glazed donuts.

A nice glazed donut and a cup of milk usually hits the spot!!!

Some fine print:

• Expires Aug 13, 2011 (Groupon must redeemed in-store by this date.)
• Offer must be purchased thru Groupon by April 12, 2011
• Limit 1 per person, may buy 1 additional as a gift. Limit 1 per visit. In-store only.
• 30 is the tipping point required for this offer to be valid.
  

Valid in-store at the following:
Krispy Kreme

2146 Leghorn St.

Mountain View, California 94043
Get Directions
 

To get in on this deal, do the following:

1. Click here
2. Make sure you in the Groupon San Jose, CA area
3. You may or may not have to look on the right side of screen under "More Great Deals Nearby"

Happy dining!!!

Krispy Kreme Donuts: $8 for 2 Dozen Glazed Donuts Offer ($16.98 Value), San Francisco / Daly City, CA areas.

If you love Krispy Kreme donuts and are in the San Francisco - Daly City, CA areas, you are in luck.  There's a Krispy Kreme donuts offer of $8 for 2 dozen of their glazed donuts.

Nothing beats a glazed donut and a nice cup of milk!!!

Some fine print:

• Expires Aug 13, 2011 (Groupon must redeemed in-store by this date.)
• Offer must be purchased thru Groupon by April 12, 2011
• Limit 1 per person, may buy 1 additional as a gift. Limit 1 per visit. In-store only.
• 50 is the tipping point required for this offer to be valid.
  

Valid in-store at the following:
Krispy Kreme
1575 Sullivan Ave.
Daly City, California 94015
Get Directions

To get in on this deal, do the following:

1. Click here
2. Make sure you in the Groupon San Francisco, CA area
3. You may or may not have to look on the right side of screen under "More Great Deals Nearby"

Happy dining!!!

PowerBar Gel - Gel of the Month (Select Flavors) at REI.com at $0.79 each.

I was looking for something else at REI.com, when I noticed selected PowerBar gels were designated  the "Gel of the Month" and are going for $0.79 each.

The gel flavors going for $0.79 each are the following:

1. Vanilla (no caffeine)
2. Green Apple (1 x caffeine)
3. Double Latte (2 x caffeine)

To browse and/or shop at REI.com, click here.

Happy dining!!!

Gym Day. April 9, 2011

I finally caved in and went to the gym.  It was very cold and very windy today.  While I was on the elliptical, I saw tree branches waving like crazy outside in the wind.


I did the following:

1. 1 hour and 35 minutes on the elliptical
2. 35 minutes on a bunch of weight machines

Downed:  1 bottle of Orange Vitamin Water.

Guestimate net calories burned:  990


It has been a while since I went to the gym.  My legs seem to be in better shape than my upper body and midsection.

In addition to being protected from the outside elements, it was also nice to watch the World Champions SF Giants play against the St. Louis Cardinals on 1 of the gym's TV's.  I found out after I left that the Giants won, 3 - 2.

I'll wog on outside another day when it is not as windy and hopefully warmer.

Tax Day $5 Off at the Crocker Galleria (Facebook Coupon), San Francisco, CA. Valid ONLY on: April 15, 2011

The dreaded April 15 is creeping up, and no doubt Uncle Sam wants money out of your wallet.  With April 15 coming up, a few places try to give us poor taxed souls a break.

On April 15, the Crocker Galleria is offering a $5 Facebook Coupon valid at the following:

1. 360 Gourmet Burritos
2. Anderson Baker
3. Chaat Cafe
4. Chili-Up!
5. Fountain Cafe
6. New Asia Asian Cuisine
7. Niji Japanese Grille
8. San Francisco Soup Company
9. SoGreen Frozen Yogurt
10. Sorrento Catering
11. Tully's Coffee

NOTE:  You must spend a minimum of $6, not including taxes and tips.  Must present coupon at time of purchase.  Not to be combined with any other offers.  And, 1 coupon per customer.


I read somewhere that it has to used around lunch time, but the coupon somehow doesn't mention it.


To get a coupon, do the following:

1. Click here.  (Note:  It goes to Facebook.)
2. Then go to: "Celebrate Tax Day at Crocker!"
3. Click on "Coupon."
4. Then, print coupon.

For more info. on the Crocker Galleria, click here.

Good luck on the taxes!!!

Rock 'n' Roll Series Expo Tour Stops.

With the rise in event registration fees, saving money any which way you can is not a bad idea.

For those who like the Rock 'n' Roll Series, often if you sign up at an event expo, you can save the usual $10 off, possibly get a promo T (limited supply) and possibly avoid the pesky Active fee.

To see where some of the the Rock 'n' Roll Series Tour stops are, click here.

Happy savings!!!

Free FRS Performance Pack with $3.95 Shipping + tax. Nothing to cancel.

I somehow stumbled upon a free FRS Performance Pack offer.  You just pay the shipping + tax, if any.  Noting to cancel.

The pack includes the following:

1. soft chews
2. low-calorie powder
3. FRS Healthy Protein Bottle
4. FRS Energy Bottle

I would say that this is a pretty good deal.

To get in on this deal, click here.

Product Review: Green Apple PowerBar Gel and 8 miles. April 6, 2011

8 miles @ 1:44:00

Downed:  1 Green Apple PowerBar gel

Green Apple PowerBar Gel.

It didn't taste very sweet and wasn't very salty.  I thought it was an OK flavor.  There was a slight apple aftertaste.  Perhaps, if I blend it with the Vanilla flavor, I'll almost have a apple a la mode flavor.

Net calories burned:  820

Product Review: Raspberry Cream PowerBar Gel and 8 miles. April 4, 2011

Warm, humid and breezy.

8 miles @ 1:45:01

Downed:  1 Raspberry Cream PowerBar gel (no caffeine)

Raspberry Cream PowerBar Gel.

Tastes like Raspberry Cream.  This is the first PowerBar gel I tasted where it didn't taste as salty.  It reminded me of cream soda but without the fizz.  My only wish was for this flavor is for PowerBar to offer a caffeinated version.  This one is a very yummy gel.

Net calories burned:  812

2011 Nike Women's Marathon Registration Lottery Isn't Open Yet, but the Website is Now Up.

Although the lottery registration for the 2011 Nike Women's Marathon isn't open just yet, their website is up and running.  So, if you are thinking of registering for the lottery, which opens on April 11, 2011, you might want to look over some FAQs, registration info., course map, etc.

The event date is October 16, 2011 in San Francisco, CA.

Click here for the website.

Product Review: Vanilla PowerBar Gel and Wogged 8 miles. March 31, 2011

Mini-heat wave here, but I made it out the door for my 1st wog post LA Marathon.  It definitely was warm and humid.

8 miles @ 1:45:36

Downed 1 Vanilla PowerBar Gel (no caffeine).

The gel for this wog.

The taste reminded me of cotton candy.  Because it was warm and humid, I was glad it had 200 mg of sodium.  Personally, I still prefer the Strawberry Banana PowerBar Gel with caffeine instead.

Net calories burned:  746

Groupon Los Angeles: A Runner's Circle, Pay $25, get $50 in Running Gear.

Recently, I wogged to a marathon PR at the LA Marathon.  One of the things I didn't get a chance to do was visit A Runner's Circle in Los Angeles, CA. 

Whatever running gear I didn't get on the visit that I didn't make, you can now pay $25 and get $50 worth in store.

Need running gear, anyone?

 Some fine print:

• Groupon must be purchased by April 2, 2011.
• Expires Jul 1, 2011 (Groupon must be redeemed in-store by this date.)
• Limit 1 per person, may buy 2 additional as gifts. Limit 1 per visit. Valid in-store only. Not valid with other offers.
• 25 is the tipping point for this Groupon to become valid.

The store is located at the following address:
A Runner's Circle

3216 Los Feliz Blvd.
Los Angeles, California 90039
Get Directions

To get in on this deal, do the following:

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

Happy savings!!!

2011 Giant Race Registration Opens at 10 am on March 30, 2011. Event date: August 27, 2011

Who doesn't want to run into a baseball or football stadium during an event?

Well, for the 2011 Giant Race, you can not only run into the stadium, you can finish the event there and enjoy the post event expo inside AT&T Park, home of the 2010 World Series Champions San Francisco Giants.

I heard you also get a finisher's bling and a Tim Lincecum bobble head doll, with the bobble head doll being on limited availability.

On the event menu for 2011:

1. Half Marathon
2. 10k
3. 5k

Registration is scheduled to open at 10 am on March 30, 2011.

To register and/or for more info., click here.

Good luck and hope to see you at the ole ballgame!!!

2011 Fleet Feet San Francisco Sunset Runs Benefiting Charities.

The Fleet Feet San Francisco Sunset Runs benefiting charities are back for 2011.

What:
5 mile fun run (no timing and no bibs)

Where:
Start/Finish at the Marina Green, near the Monkey Bars.  Heads towards the Golden Gate Bridge, thru Crissy Field to Hopper's Hands and back.  (This event will NOT meet at the Fleet Feet store.)

When:

1. May 19 at 6:30 pm (Benefiting Japanese Tsunami Relief - Red Cross)
2. July 21 at 6:30 pm (Benefiting Students Run Oakland)
3. August 18 at 6:30 pm (Benefiting Ethembeni School)

How much?
$10 + pesky Active.com fees or $20 for day of event registration


Some Nitty Gritty :

1. The event is capped, so if you snooze, you might lose.  In the past, these events have sold out, so register early.
2. Pre-registration closes 2 days before each event.  Once it closes, you can only sign up at the event.
3. Day of event registration starts at 6 pm and ends at 6:30 pm.

Each participants gets a technical T shirt.  There are also raffle prizes, a DJ and some nibbles.


For more info. about the Sunset Runs, click here.

For more info. on Fleet Feet San Francisco, CA click here.

Happy running!!!

Uh Huh Her Concert, San Francisco, CA. March 29, 2011

Twas 10 days after the 2011 LA Marathon, I went thru an endurance event of a different kind.  It was a limited seating general admission concert for Uh Huh Her, an independent rock/new wave/electropop band.  I haven't gone to a limited seating general admission concert in a while, so no telling how my legs would react.

Where:

The Great American Music Hall, est. 1907.

To see:

The marquee.

The dark lighting was a challenge for my camera, but I managed a few pics.

The opening act:  Diamonds Under Fire.

Camila (center) of Uh Huh Her made a guest appearance during the opening act.

Leisha of Uh Huh Her on keyboards.

After the show, Uh Huh Her signed some autographs and greeted some fans.

Camila (left) and Leisha posed for this pic.

Mini Background on Uh Huh Her
Leisha Hailey might be more known as "Alice" on The L Word.  Previously, she was in the bands, The Murmurs and then Gush.

Most recently, Camila Grey was part of the live band on tour with American Idol winner, Adam Lambert.  She was in a band, Mellowdrone, and has worked with a variety of artists, including Dr. Dre, Busta Rhymes, Kelly Osborne.


I enjoyed the show.  Thanks to Uh Huh Her for stopping by San Francisco on their tour.
 
I believe Uh Huh Her is on tour thru June 2011.  For more info. about their tour, click here.  (Note:  The link goes to Facebook.)

For more info. on Uh Huh Her, check out the following links:

http://www.uhhuhher.com
http://www.twitter.com/uhhuhhermusic
http://www.myspace.com/uhhuhhermusic
http://www.youtube.com/uhhuhhermusic

Thanks for reading.  And, drive home safely!!!

2011 Nike Women's Marathon Registration Group ID is Now Open. March 28, 2011

The 2011 Nike Women's Marathon Group ID is available as of today, March 28, 2011.

Before getting a Group ID, I suggest you get into a group huddle with those you want to participate with and decide who wants to be Group Leader.  It takes a minimum of 2 persons to make a group, and your group can have have a mix of distances.

Regular registration prices are the following:

1. $150 Full
2. $130 Half

To get your Group ID, click here.

NOTE:  All runners, including those in a Group or an Individual, must come back to register for the lottery when the lottery registration period opens during the following:

 
Online Random Registration Lottery Period:

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

I'd also mark the registration lottery period of Monday, April 11, 2011 to Friday, April 22, 2011, in your calendar to make sure you come back and register for the lottery.

For more info., click here to get to 2 articles:  1) NWM: FAQs and 2) 2011 Registration Information:  Nike Women's Marathon. 

It won't be a long now.

Knowing When to Fold: 2011 Oakland Running Festival. March 26, 2011

I made a trek to the Oakland Running Festival (aka Oakland Marathon) Fitness and Health Expo today. The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon (RnR) folks were at the expo, and I wanted to register for an event, taking advantage of their $10 discount and get a promo T.

When I arrived, there was a long line of people waiting outside the expo hall, trying to get in.  They were trying to register for 1 of a variety of Oakland Running Festival events, including Marathon, Half Marathon or 5k.  Only the Team Relay was sold out.

I went inside the expo and looked briefly around before making a beeline to the RnR booth.  I filled out the registration form for the RnR San Jose Half Marathon, getting a $10 discount and a promo T.

2011 RnR San Jose Half Marathon promo T

I walked around a bit more before ending up at 1 of the registration tables near the front.

The temptation:  registration forms

My legs had recovered enough from last weekend's LA Marathon.  They are ready to run another Half Marathon tomorrow.  My hand was itching and wanted to reach inside my bag for a pen to fill in the registration form when, lo and behold, I saw the following sign:

The stop sign

The price of $110 for the Half Marathon was too much for me.  It made me put my wallet away quickly.

I then milled around the expo some more.  It's a pretty small expo.  At one point, a volunteer thought I was a race participant and attempted to hand me a goody bag.  I declined.

Goodie bags.  The angel in me declined.  The devil in me says, "Yes, take one."

I got a pic of a couple Oakland Raiderettes.

Oakland Raiderettes were in the house!!!

I also got a pic of some running super heroes.

Dane Rauschenberg (left), Epinephrine Pup and Endorphin Dude

Some of the memorable vendors included the following:  Pasadena Marathon, Giants Race, GEICO, Urban Cow Half Marathon, GU, Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half Marathon Series, FRS, Go for It Sports, Power Balance, Oakland Raiders and Sprint.

I had fun at this year's expo.  Sometimes, you just got to know when to fold.  Perhaps another year, I'll run in an Oakland Running Festival event.

Good luck to those running!!!

7 Miles. March 24, 2011

1st post LA Marathon outing on legs.  Lots of errands today.

The LA Marathon was 4 days ago on March 20, 2011.

Walked 7 miles @ 2:20:00

Guestimate calories burned:  420

------

The night before, on March 23, 2011, I foam rolled and used The Stick on my legs.  My legs definitely loosened up afterwards.

2011 Bay to Breakers 12k Registration Reopens after Selling Out. Event date: May 15, 2011

The 100th Zazzle Bay to Breakers 12k announced it was SOLD OUT.

Then later on, they reopened registration by saying another 5,000 entries were available.

At this point, if you want in, better get on the ball.

For regular registration, click here.

Good luck!!!

20% off for REI Members. Expires: April 10, 2011

It's that time of the year again.  No, not Spring, but REI is offering a 20% discount to their members.  The discount is only available off a full priced item.  And, of course, certain limitations do apply.  To see what the limitations are, click here.

If you're not a REI member, to become a member, the 1 time membership fee is just $20.

For the 20% off coupon/code, click here.

For more info. and/or to shop, go to REI.com.

Happy savings!!!

Free* Britney Spears Event, San Francisco, CA. Event date: March 27, 2011

Earlier there was controversy over Britney Spears performing in The Castro in San Francisco.  Many merchants in the area had feared losing business, as well as possible crime and crowd control issues.  Probably to their relief, the organizers, citing rain, has moved her performance indoors into the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.

Britney Spear's performance at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium is scheduled for:  Sunday, March 27, 2011

She is performing several songs to coincide with the release of her upcoming album, "Femme Fatale."  Her performance is being taped for Good Morning America (GMA).

Her taped performance is scheduled to air on GMA on Tuesday, March 29, 2011, from 7 am to 9 am ET/PT.

Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster, starting on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 9 am Pacific time.

*The tickets are free to attendees, but there is a Ticketmaster surcharge.  The event is a General Admission event.  Limit 2 tickets per person, and everyone must present a printed ticket to the event for admittance.

For more info. and/or to obtain tickets, go to Ticketmaster and search for "Britney Spears."

Good luck and hope you enjoy the show!!!

My 2011 LA Marathon - Snippet. Event date: March 20, 2011

The weather was brutal during the LA Marathon.  The rainy downpours were at times torrential rain.  The winds were strong and often were 20+ mph.

I has some bad miles along the way but finished very strong with a new PR on the marathon distance.

I'll try to put together a longer recap as soon as the pics come out.  I left the pic taking to the course photographers as I didn't want to damage my own camera.  I am hoping that a pic or 2 might be good enough.

I was very humbled by the brave volunteers and course spectators who supported the event.  They went thru a different type of endurance challenge supporting the event in such rough weather conditions.

2011 LA Marathon, Runner Tracking and Some Words of Advice Using Runner Tracking

Recently, the 2011 LA Marathon announced that a runner tracking feature would be available to alert friends and family the progress of a participant in the race via email, Facebook and/or twitter.  The instructions and instructions from other runner tracking systems I had seen all lack a few words of caution which I will share with you.

From experience, runner tracking does not always work.  In 2009, I participated in the Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Francisco, CA.  The event offered a fee based runner tracking service.  Some participants loved the idea of alerting their family and friends their progress and signed up, while on the other hand, family and loved ones attempted to or used the updates to move from one spot to another during the event trying to catch a glimpse of their participant go by.

What was a great idea melted down during the event.  Some participants reported the runner tracking failed to track them during the middle of the event, while others reported that they were never even tracked from the very get go.

Although refunds were given, some family and friends of participants were emotionally shaken over the runner tracking meltdown during the event.  They had thought something bad had happened to their participant on the course.  In addition, unfortunately in my area, there has been 3 deaths during half marathons in recent years, including 2 at the 2009 Rock 'n' Roll San Jose Half Marathon, so some loved ones were more concerned than had these deaths not occurred.  Hopefully, there has been no deaths during events in your area.

So, if you use a runner tracking program during an event, please do tell your loved ones that technology may or may not always work and that something bad may or may not have happened to you on the course if the technology fails.  I have signed up for runner tracking for the 2011 LA Marathon, and I already told my loved ones the aforementioned words of advice.



For more info. about runner tracking at the 2011 LA Marathon, click here.  (It opens a press release in .pdf.)

Pay $25 for $50 Worth of Running Shoes, Apparel and More at Athens Running Company, Athens, GA.

If you are in need of running shoes, apparel and more in Athens, GA, you might want to take advantage of this pay $25, Get $50 deal at Athens Running Company.  It is valid for running shoes, apparel and more.

The Saucony Kinvara is just one model of shoes Athens Running Company carries.

Some fine print:

1. Groupon must be purchased by March 20, 2011.
2. Expires Sep 21, 2011 (Groupon must be redeemed in-store by this date.)
3. Limit 1 per person. Limit 1 per visit. In-store only Must use in 1 visit. Tax and gratuity not included. Not valid with other offers.
4. Minimum of 10 persons in for this deal to be tipped, or made valid.

Athens Running Company is located at the following address:
367 Prince Ave., Suite 2

Athens, GA 30601

It is a part of the Bottleworks Shopping Center.

To get in on this deal, do the following:

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

Good luck on your running endeavors!!!

6.06 Miles; 70% Chance Rain for the 2011 LA Marathon. March 16, 2011

Lots of errands today.

Walked 6.06 miles @ 2:02:00

Guestimate calories burned:  333

-----


70% Chance Rain for the 2011 LA Marathon

Currently, in taper mode for the LA Marathon.

Lots of folks seem very nervous as the weather is now listing 70% chance of rain during the upcoming event.  Seems to be lots of marathon newbies and newbies to being out and about in the rain going into that one.

Fortunately, for myself, I've been rained on before.  If anything, the rain tends to keeps things cooler, and folks tend to go faster compared to a sunny day.

Rain or shine, bring it on!!!

Pay $25 for $50 Worth of Running Shoes, Apparel, and More at Running Room.

Sunny spring is around the corner.  Let's save a few bucks in running shoes, apparel and more at Running Room.

Pay $25, Get $50 Worth of Running Shoes, Apparel and more at Running Room.

Some fine print:

1. Groupon must be purchased by March 15, 2011.
2. Expires Sep 17, 2011 (Groupon must be redeemed at a store location by this date.)
3. Limit 1 per person, may buy 1 additional as gifts. Limit 1 per visit. Valid only for location purchased. Not valid until 3/18. In-store only. Not valid for sale items, electronics, training programs, events or gift cards. Non-transferable.

Valid at 1 of the following locations:

• A

  Minneapolis

  2801 Hennepin Ave.

  Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408
  Get Directions
   
  
• B

  Burnsville

  14635 County Rd. 11
  Burnsville, Minnesota 55337
  Get Directions
   
  
• C

  St. Paul

  1068 Grand Ave.
  St. Paul, Minnesota 55105
  Get Directions
   
  
• D

  Woodbury

  109-7455 Currell Blvd.
  Woodbury, Minnesota 55125
  Get Directions
   
  
• E

  Maple Grove

  11639 Fountains Drive
  Maple Grove, Minnesota 55369
  Get Directions
   
  
• F

  Eden Prairie

  582 Prairie Center Dr., Unit 225
  Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344
  Get Directions
  

To get in on this deal, do the following:

1. Click here
2. Make sure you are in the Groupon Minneapolis/St. Paul area
3. You may or may not have to look on the right side of the screen under "More Great Deals Nearby" to see this deal

Happy savings!!!

2.05 Miles; Run Got Cut Short: Upset Tummy. March 14, 2011

I wanted to get in 5 miles.

When I started out, I was OK.

Within 1 mile, my tummy became upset.

By the end of the 1st mile, I knew 5 miles wasn't going to happen.

2.05 miles @ 0:28:20

Calorie burned:  205

-----

Afterwards, I ended up with diarrhea and even tossed my cookies.

Was it the Chipotle burrito?  Was it the cup of milk?  Or, ?

8 Miles. March 12, 2011

Easy 8 miles @ 1:46:13.  Afterwards, I was thinking maybe I didn't go easy enough.

Downed 1 Vanilla Bean GU

Net calories burned:  761

6.01 Miles. March 10, 2011

Dashed from here to there and then some.

6.01 miles @ 1:14:57

Calories burned:  728

6 Miles. March 8, 2011

Breezy.

6 miles @ 1:19:51

Calories burned:  714

ASI Photo Sale: 13% Off in Honor of St. Patrick's Day. Expires: March 26, 2011

The luck of the Irish is with us, runners.  Another event photography discount in honor of St. Patrick's Day.

Some of the larger events which ASI photographers are at include the following:

1. any of the Disney events
2. Little Rock Marathon events
3. Rock 'n' Marathon series
4. 13.1 Marathon series

13% off
Code:  shamrock13
Expires:  Midnight on March 26, 2011 (I believe Fort Worth, TX time; to avoid disappointment, I'd get your order in early.)

To get in on this deal, click here.

Happy savings!!!

Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Registration is Now Open for a Limited Time. Event date: December 4, 2011

2011 RnR Las Vegas Marathon and Half Marathon

Date:  December 4, 2011, Sunday
Start and Finish Locations: Mandalay Bay
Course:  TBD

	Half Marathon	Marathon
Start Times	5:30 PM*	4:00 PM*
Time Limit	4 Hours	4 Hours, 30 Minutes
Course Capacity	N/A	5,000

*tentative

Exclusive Limited Time Registration:

• March 8th at 5:45pm (PST) through March 10th at 5:45 pm (PST).
• Register for $121, the lowest price of the year.
• Registration will go dark from March 10th at 5:45 pm (PST) until May 31st at 12:00 am (PST).

Good:
The price came down to $121.

Bad:
4:30 for a Full is draconian.  Very unlike RnR as most of their events have usually been generous.


Currently, I'm on the fence:

1. $121 is still pricey.
2. I am more a fan of the Mouse than Sin City.

For more info. and/or to register for the 2011 RnR Las Vegas, click here.

Decision, decisions...