Nike+ Women’s Half Marathon

This weekend, I virtually participated in the Nike+ Women’s Half Marathon. I ran it down along Sunset Beach, Bolsa Chica Beach, Dog Beach, down to Huntington Beach and then back. It was much different than the Long Beach 1/2 I did the weekend before. When I started, I knew it was going to be more difficult because it was just me, running by myself. Oh and a disclaimer for all you Clif Shot Blok lovers out there. I proclaimed my love for them on my last post, but for the half, I tried a new flavor, Pina Colada. It was absolutely the worst taste ever, and I literally thought I threw up in my mouth. So warning, try Pina Colada if you think you’ll like it, but don’t depend on it!

The first three miles, in my head I kept thinking, okay, you can do this. Once I got to mile four, I realized, okay, you’re already four miles out, you might as well keep going… which shows you how bad I am at math. 13-4=9 more miles to go. I should have been saying this at the ten mile mark, not the four mile mark. Around the eight mile mark, I started to get tired, but I knew that it wouldn’t be that bad, and I just made sure that I never stopped, because I knew if I stopped I wouldn’t be able to get going again.

Speaking of the ten mile mark, once I got here, I was thinking, OH MY GOSH WHEN IS THIS FREAKING GOING TO BE OVER! At the Long Beach 1/2, I was excited, all the people were starting to gather, and it was a definite mood booster. The birds were not cawing for me lined up on the beach path, it was just my Nike+ and me. Finally around mile 12 I was starting to be relieved that the end was near. I didn’t work incredibly hard but there was this older woman in front of me that I kind of paced off of for a while.

She was the cutest thing EVER and I tried my hardest to keep up with her, but she was always like 10 steps ahead! Annoying! She turned around though before I made it back to the starting line and she was so cute. I hope to be like her when I get older, and have her speed! Sheesh louise!

The weather was a little bit chilly, but nice for a long run, and there weren’t as many people out as there usually are on Saturdays. Here is a picture on my way down to the beach.

The fog was rolling in over the sun. It was pretty gorgeous and even when the fog was in, it burned off rather quickly. I synced my run with the Nike+ website, and still got an email that said remember to sync your run this morning. I swear the Nike+ website is the WORST around… so now I must wait patiently for my box to arrive with my finisher goods! I can’t wait to read about the Nike+ marathons. Unfortunately I don’t have my mile splits for my 1/2 that I did, but I finished in 1:58. So a minute off my last time, which was good.

This morning I signed up for the San Francisco 1/2 Marathon and I got in the first race, so I’m super excited. You guys got me all freaked out that I wouldn’t be able to get in, but alas, I’ll be up there soon racing with all you! I just have to sign up for a few more races and figure out my schedule.

This week I am taking the week really slow and day by day, I might hit up the gym to get ripped like Jillian from the Biggest Loser, but not really too much running, to give myself a break. Hope every one’s races went well! and here is a picture from the Long Beach race.

I know I look fast, but I’m not, it’s an optical illusion!

P.S. Funny Story: After the LB 1/2 I was napping while the boyfriend was watching football, and I guess in my nap, I told him in my sleep that I really wanted Taco Bell! Who does that!

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Better yet..

So I didn’t realize how sore I was until Monday evening. I was SORE. Like hold on to the wall when you sit down to go to the bathroom sore, grimace every time you get off your duff sore, don’t touch my legs or I’m going to kill you sore. Yea, it was pretty bad. I was starting to wonder if I was going to be able to do the half this upcoming weekend. If it wasn’t for the last two hard miles I put in at the 1/2, I would have been totally fine, but yea, the 6:15 mile killed me. I stretched, and decided that Tuesday morning I was going to go out for an easy jog.

Well at 6:00 in the morning it’s freezing, and I hate, nay, loathe being cold. And my freezing is around 50 degrees, I know I’m a baby. So I bundled up in my sweatpants from Wal-mart (extra classy with the elastic around the foot) and my Cal Sweatshirt I got on sale from Kohls for five dollars, put on the hood and tied it down good so that it wouldn’t slip off. (I guess I’m not that Chic, I just looked homeless) and went out.

WHY DIDN’T ANY OF YOU TELL ME TO DO THIS EARLIER! Maybe it’s just me but when I came back home, I was feeling 10,000 times better. My medical knowledge things that because I was super warm on my run, it warmed up my muscles and made them feel better? Yea, I lack a lot of medical knowledge. Now I’m feeling better and ready for the weekend, I just hope it’s not bone chilling cold or the beloved “santa ana” winds decide that they need to gust up some more fires over here.

So besides giving my race report I forgot to report on the Long Beach goodie bag. Oh wait, that’s right, there’s nothing to report because it was horrible! What were they thinking. The only thing I got out of the bag was some Clif Blox, (which I’m addicted to now and can’t seem to get enough, they are like gushers for adults, I’ll write more later) and a free chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-a (another great place I’m addicted too, try it if it’s around you) but seriously, it was the lamest thing ever. The t-shirt is pretty cool, but now I’m into being warm and it’s cold out, so a small little dri-fit isn’t going to cut it unless I make a trip to the gym to get my swell on with the rest of the meatballs there. Okay so not everyone at the gym is a meatball, but maybe my gym is just special that every guy in the weight section is ripped out of their mind and seemingly wearing tank tops that expose most of their body.

Today I found this super cute watch. Yes, another Coach Product, but hello, pretty much the cutest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.

It’s called the Coach Lexington Watch and is a super pricey item at $398. It features a pink snakeskin band and mineral crystal face with Coach’s logo. If you weren’t sold at pink snakeskin, how’s this for a reason to buy: Coach will donate $100 of every sale to breast cancer research.

If you haven’t heard of Emergen-C, you are missing out, and they have also gone out to support Breast Cancer Awareness by adding a new flavor, Pink Lemonade to their many already delicious options.

Their website put it best, Pink is not usually associated with power, but that was before Emergen-C got a hold of it. We’ve packed a yummy pink lemonade flavor with 1,000 mg of Vitamin C, plus energy boosting vitamin B, along with minerals and electrolytes. 50% of all Emergen-C’s Pink’s profits are being donated to the Keep A Breast Foundation. (http://www.keep-a-breast.com/) I’ve personally bought a box of this stuff and it’s delish, Emergen-C is AMAZING when you are getting a flu bug or sniffles, just drink four packets and you’ll feel so much better. You can also get free samples on their website if you want to try out the Emergen-C family of flavors.

Smashbox Cosmetics also has a Pink Power Palette out right now.

The limited-edition set includes two portable mirrored palettes, each with three eye shadow and lip color shades, plus a mini double-ended brush. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Young Survival Coalition, an international nonprofit network of survivors and supporters dedicated to the issues unique to young women and the fight against breast cancer. Super cute, for those times when you know, you aren’t running and actually have to look presentable! You can purchase them here.

Lastly, I found this sheer pink color by OPI called Pink of Hearts.

It’s OPI’s second exclusive Pink of Hearts Nail Lacquer. The 2008 Edition is a full-of-life light pink. In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, OPI will make a donation of $25,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. To support research and treatment in Canada, OPI will make a $5,000 donation to Rethink Breast Cancer. Chic, chic, chic, and can be found at most beauty supply stores and places that sell nail polish.

So now I guess I’m already three days away from my next half. Should go well, but I am trying to go for 1:55ish this time. Also, these were the races I’m looking at for the upcoming months. Anyone have any interest in any of them, or have experience with them?

December 13th, 2008 – Rose Bowl Half Marathon and 5k

Feburary 1, 2009 – Surf City Half Marathon and Half Marathon

March 29, 2009 – Wine County Half Marathon and 5k

May 3 – OC Marathon Half Marathon and 5k

July 26 – San Francisco Marathon and Half Marathon

I’m only really set on the Surf City, Wine County and the San Fran, but the other ones would be fun. Can you tell I’m addicted? More cool stuff Friday!

xoxo

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