Fun Photo Friday - kid stuff, #SFM2013 stuff, random stuff

1. I've been attending "graduations" for the last two days. Apparently it's a Thing to celebrate graduating Kindergarten, 6th grade (elementary school), and 8th grade now? That's new to me.

Kindergarten...

I know. Can you handle the cuteness?

2. And 6th grade....

3. #1 spent the day at Knott's Berry Farm with her friends (it was a school trip, I'm not just randomly cool enough to send her to a park on a school day).

Unfortunately, no pictures of her. But here's a giraffe selfie.

4. While I was playing in San Francisco last weekend, The H hung up my new Allied Medal Hanger, and reorganized them!

He's great. I guess I need to register for some marathons to fill up that hanger....

My next hanger purchase, I believe, will be one of Allied's new Magical Design hangers.... maybe... this one?

Magic, it's true.

5. This kid sure has the pinchablest cheeks ever.

Brooke is the cutest. A bunch of local friends/bloggers had dinner a few days ago at a local mall.

Pam, Janae, Kristina the non-blogger, me, Skinny Runner, Faster Bunny, Striding Mom

6. While in San Francisco for 36 very short hours (womp), I spent a couple hours working the tech center at the expo....

And watching all the runners leave their mark on the SFM #SF4BOSTON banner.

The expo this year felt MUCH better than last year - more space for everyone and the vendors.

I spy BicBands!

7. At the expo, I finally got to meet some of the other Ambassadors, and attend the SFM tweet up.

Ambassador Meg, me, my favorite/weekend host Renee, and Ambassador Courtney

 The Uniform of Awesome... 

Court, me, Alisyn, Meg, Elise

So much sparkle!

8. One of the best things about running the first half, is I got to finish the race early in the morning, pick up my delicious finish line goodies....

...and hop on the transport buses down to the finish area to watch the marathon and second half finishers coming in. I love spectating - racing PLUS spectating in the same race?? Fantastic.

I was able to see my friend Sandy from BicBands finishing her first full marathon strong...

I also got to see a few other SFM Ambassador's finishing - check out their recaps...
Paulette PR'ed in the 2nd half
Alisyn helped pace Paulette to that awesome PR
Meg finished crazy fast in the hilly 1st half
Average A tried to be stealthy about running fast, but she destroyed the marathon
Chris nailed an insane PR in the full
Janey ran the full
and Krissy LOVED her first SFM experience

San Francisco Marathon First Half - Race Recap

Last year, I fell in love with the San Francisco Marathon. It was my redemption race - my second marathon after a freaking awful debut in Seattle. 

I knew, immediately, that I wanted to run this race again. I was excited to be selected as an SFM Ambassador a few months later, but honestly, I would have run even without the ambassadorship. 

There are some races that are just GOOD. You can tell they're put on FOR a runner, with a runner in mind. The course is well thought out, the details are nailed. SFM is one of those races.

The San Francisco Marathon is historically held in mid/late July. It was moved this year to accommodate America's Cup; next year, it is back on schedule for July 24th, and early registration is now open (link HERE).

The event offers several different races - the full marathon, first half, second half, and a 5k, plus a kids race as well. 

And the challenges - I cannot pass up a challenge, which is how I ended up running the first half this year. The Half it All Challenge (for runners completing the 1st half and the 2nd half in consecutive years), the 52 Club (runners who have completed the 1st half, followed by the 2nd half, followed by the full in consecutive years), and the LA/SF Challenge (runners who have completed the LA Marathon plus SFM, in any order, in consecutive years). 

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I talked last week about how I didn't really have a goal for this race. I was not feeling very confident in my endurance. I know the speed is gone for now, since I'm barely running, and most certainly not doing speed work. 

I was hoping to drag myself in under 2:30, and actually planned on carrying a camera and taking as many pictures as I felt like taking (spoiler, I crushed both goals).

As an ambassador, I was incredibly lucky to have access to the VIP area in Perry's on Embarcadero, just steps from the start line. Starting in wave 5 at 6:02, I got to Perry's around 5:15, and was able to have some breakfast, some coffee, and hang out in the warmth until my start time. 

Around 5:45, I headed out to drop my bag (bag check is SUPER easy and well organized - every truck was labeled clearly, and after the race, I literally just showed the volunteer my bib, and they handed over my bag within 2 seconds. Everything was put away neatly), and made my way to the back of corral 5. 

We started right on time, and unlike last year, it was SUNNY. It was still cool, but the not a cloud over the Embarcadero. It was really, really lovely.

I would argue that the first half is the tougher half, elevation-wise...

I would also argue that it's more scenic. Don't worry, I have plenty of pictures to back up my claim.

Ummmm. the pictures. 

Like I said, things went pretty well for me. I wore my iPod, but never turned it on. I wore my Garmin, but never paid attention to the pace. I just... ran. And looked around. And snapped pictures.

That was, in fact, exactly my thought at that moment.

Some things crossed my mind, like I noticed my quads were achy. I noticed my ankle didn't hurt. But afterwards, I couldn't really remember thinking about anything. 

I spent about a mile being really confused about how much farther I had, because I can't do math while I'm running (that's a lie, I just can't do the math ever). For awhile, I calculated that I'd probably be coming in around 2:40-2:45. Eventually, my math caught up to me, and I realized I had 2:30 within reach. Easily. 

I ran comfortably, and easy, and... man. It was just NICE. I walked plenty of the uphills, like I normally do because I'm the laziest and don't train, but otherwise? I felt.... good. 

I remembered from last year that I felt the aid stations were too far apart sometimes, so I carried my handheld, and it worked perfectly. The aid stations were never crowded, I just like more hydration. 

Tangents aren't really my thing, I guess, because I ended up running 13.25, in 2:27:45.

The really interesting thing about this (to me, I really know it's not that fascinating) is this:

Well. That's some pretty consistent pacing. 

Especially for someone who claims to be really terrible when the course is running uphill.

Compared to last years instant crash and burn....

Last year, the first half felt HARD for me. I was legit considering quitting at the half. This year, I finished the first half 8 minutes faster, and it felt EASY.

Interesting. And, not bad, me.

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I don't think I can say enough how much I love this race. It's beautiful. It's so well managed. Every single volunteer I encountered was friendly, helpful, and FUN. I think that's really what I like - everyone there seems to really be having fun. 

Can't wait for next year. Anyone in for the second half? It's downhill.....

I'll recap the rest of the SFM trip separately later this week. 

Closing: You should run this race. Really.

San Francisco, I love you.

And your coffee.

And your pretty buildings.

And all your pretty bridges.

And the best race course ever.

I had a GREAT time in SF. Marathon weekend there is just magical. So many runners, so many friends, a really WELL run race... it's just great. It was a bright, sunny, beautiful morning. Perfect. Just... perfect.

The race was interesting for me - I haven't run a half (besides Disney races) in over a year. I haven't run a race without Becka in, like... Gosh. A year. I was unsure of my fitness level. I pretty much went in with very little expectations regarding my performance, and was pleasantly surprised. Recap to come!
Brace yourselves now, because I took over 100 pictures on the course....

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Plan for the week.... maybe.

Last week I was very lazy! Actually, I feel like I was very busy in the evenings last week, and I'm not sure why? I can't remember anything specifically that would make me feel that way. Weird.
Monday: Nothing
Tuesday: Yoga sculpt, tank top arms, core (40 minutes)
Wednesday: 3 miles easy
Thursday: Nothing
Friday: More Nothing
Saturday: Travel, worked the expo for a few hours, and walking SF surely counts, right?
Sunday: 13.25 miles (I am terrible at tangents)

I am an expert at the taper?

This week:
Monday: Easy walk/jog to shake out some achy quads.
Tuesday: Cross training
Wednesday: 3-4 miles easy
Thursday: Cross training
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Trail run with The H!
Sunday: Unsure. Rest? Easy run? Eh.

Now comes the time in my "training" where I have nothing really coming up.

The next race I'm registered for is July 11, race #2 in the Renegade Summer Trail Run series. It's a 5 mile trail run, and I'm not exactly racing it.

After that is Race #3 in the series on August 1st, and then nothing until Dumbo Challenge Aug 31/Sept 1.

And possibly some fall plans that I'm not quite ready to pin down/talk about out loud.

There may be some trails in my future. We'll see.

#NotEatingAllTheThings - Week 6. Frozen Crap I've been Eating for Lunch (review)

Previous recaps here, here, here, and here.

I have FINALLY undone the Weekend of Gluttony damage, plus some. So... essentially, I'm back to the lowest weight I can recall before I got super lazy, from back in December.

Loss this week: 2.9lbs. As it turns out, apparently the key to this is watching what you take in, and exercising.

Who knew.

E from Running with Bling commented last week......

It's true, they are NOT great for me, nor are they particularly delicious (most of the time).

Believe me, I'm under no illusions that I am making a healthy choice by picking these things up. However...

1. I have to prioritize where I spend my time, and often, the time that I'm at home, making lunch doesn't necessarily make the cut. These are fast and easy.
2. It's certainly less expensive than eating out daily.
3. I do not think that they will kill me dead if I eat them for one meal a day, a few times a week. The majority of my diet otherwise is fresh, whole foods that we cook at home.

With all that in mind, sometimes - for me - it's a compromise I'm willing to make.

And just in case you ever wondered, "Man, that picture looks pretty good, I wonder if it's as delicious as it photographs!", I present my review of The Frozen Crap I've Been Eating For Lunch, ranked from least delicious, to most.

The Frozen Crap I've Been Eating For Lunch

1. Healthy Choice Crustless Chicken Pot Pie

In fairness, I don't like cooked carrots, nor do I like peas. Obviously, this was a poor purchase on my part, as both are clearly pictured on the packaging (WHY, me?!). The dumplings (well, "dumplings") were rubbery and weird. The chicken was fine. The corn was... corn. The sauce stuff was okay. But since I don't like half of the other stuff, this gets a 2/10 from me. {unfairly rated}

2. Campbell's Mexican Style Chicken Tortilla

I know, not frozen, but still something pre-packaged. Eh. Not delicious, but not AWFUL. Kind of flavorless and watery? Despite have a billion mg's of sodium, really tasted like it could have used some salt. Also, I have a serious salt-tooth, so maybe it's just me. 3/10.

3. Healthy Choice Golden Roasted Turkey Breast with stuffing, green beans, and cherry/blueberry "dessert".

I actually picked this strictly because it was fairly low cal, and it was birthday cake day in the office, so I was eating lean. It was OKAY. It honestly tastes about as great as it looks, but I love stuffing in all forms, so this earns a little bit of an extra point. 4/10.

4. Trader Joe's Reduced Guilt Chicken Breast with Pablano Sauce, with barley and corn risotto

I don't remember too much about this, so I am assuming it was not offensive? The sauce was DELICIOUS, but the "risotto" was not so much with the risotto, and more with "some stuff sort of creamed together". 5/10

5. Lean Cuisine Ranchero Braised Beef with chipotle mashed sweet potatoes, this is an AWESOME picture.

 

This was surprisingly good. The beef was... you know. Frozen/Microwaved beef, but the sauce was pretty good. And the sweet potatoes were great. I'd totally buy this again. 7/10

6. Trader Joe's Shepherds Pie

I've had this a few times, and I like it. The potatoes are a little watery, and it's never as filled as the picture pretends it is, but everything in it is pretty tasty. It's packaged as 2 servings at 180 cals each, which I find DUMB, because... hello, it's one tiny bowl. Not shabby for 360 cals, and it actually kept me full for awhile (unlike everything else so far...). 7.5/10

7. Amy's Mexican Casserole Bowl

This was pretty good! I added a ton of hot sauce, and that made it even more delicious. It was not terribly filling, though, so only 7.5/10. Womp.

8. Evol Chipotle Chicken Mac & Cheese

Delicious. Tiny, tiny portion for a LOT of calories (400+, if I'm remembering correctly?). I likely wouldn't buy this again, because I was starving the rest of the day, but it was GOOD. 6/10, only because of the portion size/calorie ratio.

SFM "Training" Recap - PFTW

Coming out of Eugene, I had 5 weeks until SFM (First Half). I initially planned to take a full week off, then run low mileage, rebuilding a bit of a base (that I let lapse during Eugene training - it really takes a special amount of DUMB to let your base slip during marathon training).

Because I am dumb and lazy (and, actually legit unwell for a week), this is what happened:

 

What I was actually SUPPOSED to do, were weeks averaging 20-25 miles.

 

I didn't do that.

 

My longest run since Eugene has been 8 miles - I did 8 hilly trail miles about 3 weeks ago, and 8 miles yesterday. I didn't die, and I didn't feel like I couldn't go on, so I will probably not die during SFM (1H). It will likely be slow, and that's okay - the first half is beautiful, so I plan on carrying a real camera, and enjoying it.

 

 

 

Vague-goal: Take pictures, enjoy the scenery, and maaaaybe 2:30ish?

 

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Last week....

 

I did some stuff, that wasn't running!

Monday: 20 minutes Yoga Sculpt from YogaDownload - this is a flow series with weights incorporated. It was HARD for me, because I have the weakest arms EVER. Followed by 10 minute tank top arms that Kim reccommended. Who knew arm circles would be the end of me.

Tuesday: Rest

Wednesday: Repeat of Monday - yoga was slightly easier, probably because I knew what to expect. Arms were still so hard.

Thursday: I RAN OUTSIDE, IN THE MORNING. 4 miles progression (10:40, 10:40, 10:16, 9:35 - I did not realize I was still capable of a solid sub-10 for any amount of time. Who knew?). After work cross training - the 10 minute tank top arms, followed by 10 minute core, and 10 minute butt and thigh. Apparently, the ony thing weaker than my arms, is my core.

Friday: Rest

Saturday: Does tandem biking with 4 other people count? If it's really hilly, does that count more?

Sunday: 8 miles - 4 easy with (ex-neighbor) Will, 4 miles at "goal" pace. Felt not bad!

 

 

This week....

Monday: Cross training (probably repeat last week's yoga/arms), plus that terrible 10 minute core
Tuesday: 3-4 miles easy, with strides?

Wednesday: Repeat cross training

Thursday: 3-4 easy in the am, Cross Country meeting for #1's high school team!!!

Friday: Rest

Saturday: Travel to San Francisco!!, do some expo working, meetup, Ferry Building for coffee

Sunday: 13.1 of the most scenic miles ever.

 

 

If you'll also be in San Francisco this weekend (LUCKY YOU!), come see me in the Tech Center from 9-11 Saturday, and at the SFM Meet-Up/Tweet Up at noon! Details here: SF Marathon Meet-Up/Tweet Up.

Wordless Wednesday - Gabby is plotting against me.

Part 1: this fantastic piece of artwork came home from school yesterday.

Part 2: Followed by this scenario a bit later in the evening....

If I go missing, you know where to start investigating....

#NotEatingAllTheThings - This is not a fun experiment (Week 5)

Last week was recovering from the Weekend of Gluttony. I ended up down 2.5 for the week, BUT I'm still up 1.5 from pre-Weekend.

Honestly, I did NOT think that 2.5 days of Gluttony could do that much damage. I did not think that it would take two full weeks (at least??) to un-do.

This puts me almost right back where I was when I sarted this "game", you guys.

While it was delicious, I suppose it's not really worth it. What a hassle!

I feel like maybe my next experiment will be "These Microwave Meals are NOT as Advertised!!"

I was lacking in the exercise front, for sure, and that would have probably helped knock out some of the extra Weekend weight.
Tuesday: 4 miles outside, easy pace (didn't FEEL easy)
Wednesday: Nothing
Thursday: Arms and Core
Friday: Nothing
Saturday: 4 miles to loserville*
Sunday: more Nothing

*I intended to do a long run, since San Francisco is coming up in less than 2 weeks. The H wanted to run with me (HOORAY!!), so we set out bright and early for a 10 mile loop on the same trails I did a few weeks ago (where it was glorious and the best run ever).

Before we got to 1.5 miles in, I needed to stop for a walk break. I felt off - struggling to breathe, head kind of tight and fuzzy, just no bueno. I did this off and on until I hit about 3.5, and decided there was just no way I was finishing this run. I was dizzy when I ran, and it just was not working out. I sat on a bench for awhile. Tried to run a little bit more. Nothing. We walked home.

We did see this little guy, though?

It sucked, man.

I guess the good thing was, that my legs felt fine? Lame. I don't know if it's allergies, or just a cold, or what, but it's currently kicking my butt.

So.... there's that.

I'm hoping the head funk clears away - normally I run through head colds, but it's tough when I'm dizzy - long enough for me to get in a few more runs before SF? I guess I'm just really glad I'm only running half.

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Plan for this week
Monday: 20 minutes yoga with weights (what), 10 minutes arms
Tuesday: Run 3-4?
Wednesday: Run hopefully/cross train
Thursday: Run in am/#1 end of year awards ceremony in pm
Friday: Cross train
Saturday: Run long FOR REAL
Sunday: Rest?