Run All The Races

I figure that if I want to keep up with this running thing, I should sign-up for more races, right? I mean really, it totally makes sense? I swear that I’m going to be following some kind of training plan that is affixed to my refrigerator for the rest of my days.

So if you are wondering where I’m going to for vacation this year, besides Yosemite, it is probably race-related. Race-cations are my new vacations. Now if I could get the rest of my family racing…. And somehow I need a rich relative to pay for all of these racecations. Anyone want to volunteer?

So far, my race agenda for the rest of the year is as follows:

Baker To Vegas

As of now, I’m an alternate for our Baker To Vegas Challenge Cup Relay Team. We have a co-ed team, and I’m not as fast as I want to be. I was trying to get under 9-minute miles, which I could probably do if I pushed myself. But I have way too many other races to do this year.

OC Half Marathon

The OC Half Marathon will be my third race in the Beach Cities Challenge. I started the Beach Cities Challenge with the Long Beach Half in October {my first half marathon}, did my second race in February, Surf City, and The OC Half will be my third and final race.

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon

This will be my second year running Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon. I absolutely loved this event last year. It was so fun running at night through all of the parks at Walt Disney World. I will also be completing the Coast to Coast Challenge, because I ran {trotted/walked/ran} the Tinker Bell Half Marathon in January at Disneyland.

and just because I’m really really crazy….

Space Coast Marathon & Half Marathon

I will flying to Florida, two weeks after the Wine and Dine Half to participate in the Space Coast Half Marathon. I blame Krissy for promoting the awesomeness of this race.

but really, this race is all about the bling…race bling = awesome medal for finishing the race!

Space Coast Marathon Big Bang Series

Yes, the race re-designed their medals. And they also added a 3-year finisher and 5-year finisher medal, starting in 2013. How awesome are those medals? My husband actually encouraged me to sign-up for this race after I showed him the “Big Bang Series” graphic. I blame him!

So if you are wondering what I will be spending all my spare time doing….running!

Wordless Wednesday: Pretty as a Peacock

My son and I went to Irvine Park a few weeks ago with some friends. I love going to Irvine Park because it has so many peacocks just wandering around. I have a little joke with friends that 2012 was the “Year of the Flamingo” and 2013 is the “Year of the Peacock”.

This peacock was way too friendly today. It walked right up to me.

 Welcome to “Angry Julie Monday’s Wordless Wednesday Linky”!

If this your first time here, HELLO! I do a link-up every Wednesday! Post a picture(s) and link back to it here. Wordless Wednesday is a great day to post an awesome picture that “speaks” for itself, no words needed.

Be sure to check out Wordless Wednesday Link-Ups at these other sites also:

Project AliciaBetter in BulkCrazy About My BaybahDear CrissyFive Minutes For MomLive and Love…Out LoudSarah HalsteadParenting By DummiesSeven Clown CircusThe Divine Miss Mommy

Also, Lindsey from The Pleated Poppy does “What I Wore Wednesday” every week with a great big link-up.



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A Year of Running

Several of my friends did races {running} this weekend. I hadn’t signed up for any special St. Patrick’s Day themed races because I couldn’t find any that sounded really awesome. I could have run a St. Patrick’s Day half marathon if I live in another state, because there were several occurring yesterday.

But just because I wasn’t racing, didn’t mean that I couldn’t dress-up my run for the occasion. I put on some funky green socks, my green Team Sparkle Skirt, and my green Team Sparkle visor for my training run around my neighborhood.

No race for me today. But that doesn't mean that I can't do my training run in a green @runTeamSparkle skirt and fun socks? This is kind of an anniversary run of an anniversary run for me! #teamsparkle

I don’t usually wear my Sparkle Skirts out on my neighborhood runs, so I got “lots” of attention while running. With my work schedule, I try to fit in my runs when I can. Because I had missed some mileage in the past few days, I was doubling up, and attempting to do six miles. I ended up doing a little over five. I was ok with the five, because it was starting to get a bit warm outside while I was running. Along the way, I had several people wish me “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” and even had someone scream at me from a car….cough cough…Heather!

Running on St. Patrick’s Day was somewhat of a RUN-niversary! Looking back to 2008-2009, I was running frequently, and doing about a race a month. And then work stress, and odd schedules changed things. I slacked on my runs, and workouts. And basically hit bottom. I had done some 5K runs here and there, but I really didn’t “train” for them.

Finished the @bookthatevent #leprechaun5k earlier. A picture of @according2kelly, me, and @elisewallace in our @runTeamSparkle skirts.Kelly, Me, and Elise

Last March, I signed up for the Leprechaun Leap 5K in Tustin. My friends were doing it, and I got super excited to dress-up for the race. It was raining when the race started, and I ran slow. At the end of the race, I looked at my finish time and was overly saddened. I finished at almost 40 minutes. Looking back at that photo above, I am still overly saddened. I looked like a mess. And probably felt like one too, I can’t remember.

After that race, I decided to start running and working out again. I had to “hit bottom” to realize that I was blessed with really bad genetics and an awful metabolism. I gain weight super easy. I know that I have to work out to maintain/lose weight. There is not really an option. But life does get in the way sometimes, and then I get lazy. I finished the month of March 2012, with 15 miles clocked in at the gym. At the end of April 2012, I had 75 miles logged into my DailyMile account. Each month, I began accruing more and more mileage.

Life Is Better When You're Running

In May, I decided to sign-up for my first half marathon, The Long Beach Half Marathon, which was occuring in October. My friend, Casey suggested Hal Higdon’s Half Marathon Training Plan, and I plotted all of my runs out on a calendar. I completed the LB Half without dying, and since that race, I’ve completed three other half marathons, a few 5K races, and even my first 10K race.

A Year of Running

I want to seriously thank Team Sparkle {Kelly, Carrie, and Elise} for all of the motivation and inspiration. These super fast crazy girls make me want to do more, and run faster! I want to give a bit of credit to my all the running gear that I have acquired. It is sorta taking over my house.

Enough rambling now, I thought I would post a March 2012 to March 2013 comparison. I’ve only lost about 15 pounds from all of this crazy running. But obviously, you can tell that I’ve acquired more muscle, etc.

Proof is in the photos!

March to March Comparison, Running

Yes, I’m still training for more races. After I figure out my calendar this week, I’ll write a post with my upcoming races, etc. because people always seem to ask. Also, I have no idea what I’m even doing tomorrow, let alone, racing…

A Year From Now

Wordless Wednesday: Just Jump

I bit the bullet last week and purchased some of my race photographs. I loved this one taken at the end of the Tinker Bell Half Marathon in January. Even though the race pretty much sucked for me, I got a great photograph out of it!

Tinker Bell Half Marathon 2013

 

Welcome to “Angry Julie Monday’s Wordless Wednesday Linky”!

If this your first time here, HELLO! I do a link-up every Wednesday! Post a picture(s) and link back to it here. Wordless Wednesday is a great day to post an awesome picture that “speaks” for itself, no words needed.

Be sure to check out Wordless Wednesday Link-Ups at these other sites also:

Project AliciaBetter in BulkCrazy About My BaybahDear CrissyFive Minutes For MomLive and Love…Out LoudSarah HalsteadParenting By DummiesSeven Clown CircusThe Divine Miss Mommy

Also, Lindsey from The Pleated Poppy does “What I Wore Wednesday” every week with a great big link-up.



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Race on the Base 10K Race Recap

I have a new totally snobby motto for running races now. I won’t run a race unless there is a medal. My old motto was that I wouldn’t run a race unless it was a timed chip race. The prices of races are going up, and I feel like a t-shirt isn’t enough for my money. I am addicted to race bling!

My friend, Monique mentioned that she was signed up for the Race on the Base 10K. I didn’t immediately sign-up because I wanted to see how I felt after the Surf City Half Marathon. I knew that the race fit my qualifications since it was time chiped and it had a pretty rad medal!

Carb loading for Race on the Base 10K tomorrow. #raceonthebase

The night before the race, I had spaghetti from Haus of Pizza. Which is one of my local favorites for Italian food. I probably go there once a week. Their antipasto salad is my favorite, but I needed to carb load before my race. And my stomach would have been a hot mess if I had salad for dinner.

I got off a little early the night before the race so that I could get some rest. Which is totally funny, because I never ever fall asleep before midnight these days. After laying out my race outfit, I finally feel asleep for a few hours.

Who's gonna rock Race on the Base in her @runTeamSparkle camouflage skirt today??? Me! #raceonthebase #teamsparkle

Wide awake, and ready to run. I put on my camouflage Team Sparkle skirt. In case you are wondering, yes, I do have a Team Sparkle skirt for every occassion. I counted my skirts recently, and I now a proud owner of ten sparkle skirts.

I also wore my Brooks PureFlow2. This was my second race wearing my PureFlow’s, and without a doubt, they are here to stay. Prior to buying these shoes, I was a diehard Saucony Kinvara 3 runner. I decided that I needed to try something that was still minimal, but had somewhat of a wider shoe box. My Kinvaras always felt a bit rigid, and I have more movement in these shoes.

Race on the Base

We had to leave super early because Los Alamitos was about 30 minutes away, plus the parking is somewhat of a hassle. The race is on a military base and every car has to be let in. We found a parking spot and made it to the starting line a few minutes before the race started. Luckily, Monique had picked up our race packets and bibs the night before.

Race On the Base Course Map

The start of the race was a bit narrow and I got held back for awhile by a bunch of “walkers”. Obviously, they were not taught proper “race etiquette”. After pushing my way through, with several other runners, I was able to step up the pace. This is a super flat course, and I was going at a steady pace {my slow as molasses pace}.

As we moved on from the 5K runners, I got a bit sad. I knew that I still had another 5K {3.1 miles} left to run. I have run 6.2 miles before, obviously…but a 10K race was a bit strange to me.

Race on the Base 10K 2013
I passed Monique on one of the loops and she captured this photo of me running at about mile 4. I was still going strong with no problems. It was getting a bit warm outside, plus the sun was glaring on the asphalt.

I completed the race in a sub 11-minute time, of about 10:45ish pace. I was ok with my time as I was just trying to finish without hurting myself, or getting sick. I’m proud to say that I did not have any race curses that day, yippee! I survived the race, injury free!

Race on the Base 2013

Monique were able to get a photograph together post-race, after I handed my camera to someone. It was hilarious watching her {the woman} try to use my camera. It is a simple point-and-shoot digital. But hey, we got a decent photo together!

Race on the Base 10K Finisher! Got tons of compliments on my @runTeamSparkle camouflage skirt! #raceonthebase #teamsparkle

I also had Monique take a photo of me with my iPhone so I could ummm, you know, Instagram it. Giggle….

And after running all those miles, the parking, and the crowds…I screamed that it was time for breakfast! So we headed out towards our next destination = FOOD!

Post-race meal today. Belgian Waffle with Raspberries.

Of course I was a total glutton, and ate a Belgian waffle with raspberries for breakfast. It was so good. I’m never hungry after running usually, but I was super hungry after that 10K.

After eating breakfast, I headed home, took a shower, and a long nap. My family was gone for the day, so I had some peace and quiet. Of course, later that afternoon, my doorbell wouldn’t stop ringing. The feral children of the neighborhood kept coming over to see if my son was home.

Race on the Base Bling and Team Sparkle Skirt

And of course, the bling. I love the medal for the race. It was so shiny and pretty. They even kept the plastic cover on the medal when they handed it to you at the finish, so that it didn’t get scratched. I took a photo of it with my camouflage sparkle skirt.

Race Notes: It was a great race. Get there early because traffic and parking backs up. The race shirt was a long sleeve technical tee. It was black, and did not have an obnoxious design, which some races do. The course was flat, somewhat boring, but it went fast. It would be a great race if you wanted to get a 5K or 10K PR. The medals are awesome, and you got a choice of catered food for breakfast! This was my first time doing the race and I would do it again.

Wordless Wednesday: Dog Camouflage

The other day I was getting ready to pick up my son from school. I had our dogs running around in the front yard, so I went to get them. My one dog, Bruiser was happy and wagging his tail at the front door. My other dog, Wolfie was missing. I was panicing a little. I started looking around our front yard. I finally heard some rustling in the bushes. She was hiding out under some bushes. Because of her coloring, and the bushes, she was camouflaged.

I thought my dog somehow escaped from our front yard. I then found her in the planter. Dog camouflage!

 

Welcome to “Angry Julie Monday’s Wordless Wednesday Linky”!

If this your first time here, HELLO! I do a link-up every Wednesday! Post a picture(s) and link back to it here. Wordless Wednesday is a great day to post an awesome picture that “speaks” for itself, no words needed.

Be sure to check out Wordless Wednesday Link-Ups at these other sites also:

Project AliciaBetter in BulkCrazy About My BaybahDear CrissyFive Minutes For MomLive and Love…Out LoudSarah HalsteadParenting By DummiesSeven Clown CircusThe Divine Miss Mommy

Also, Lindsey from The Pleated Poppy does “What I Wore Wednesday” every week with a great big link-up.


Link Up Your Wordless Wednesday Post:


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Surf City Half Marathon Race Recap

At the beginning of February, I ran the Surf City Half Marathon in Huntington Beach, CA. This was my 4th Half Marathon. I had run Disney’s Tinker Bell Half Marathon two weeks prior to the Surf City Half Marathon.

Surf City Half Marathon Race Expo

The Friday before the race, I went to the race expo with my friend and co-worker, Monique. We got to the expo right when it opened and there was quite a long line.

We eventually made our way in to get our race bibs, shirts, and other goodies. I walked around the expo, and ended up buying a tank top. We made it around the entire expo and found Surf City’s own version of the step and repeat. I love their ocean/surfboard and race medal set-ups.

Unfortunately, I had to walk most of the Tinker Bell Half Marathon due to my knee buckling on me because of an injury to my psoas. The next day {Saturday} prior to Surf City Half, I made a visit to an awesome chiropractor/physical therapist. He was able to diagnose my problem and instructed me about stretching out my leg. He then applied some KT Tape for precautionary reasons and sent me on my way.

Irony. Knee injury taped with @kttape after physical therapy & @runnersworld "Injury Prevention Special" issue which came in the mail yesterday.
After leaving physical therapy, I came home and rested for awhile. And read my most current copy of Runner’s World, because, why not?

I then went to work for a few hours as I was only working a partial shift. After work, I went to Wahoo’s Fish Tacos for some pre-race dinner fuel. I got a kid’s chicken bowl and some chips + salsa.

Pre-Race Dinner at Wahoo's Fish Tacos for Surf City Half Marathon
After eating, I went home and showered. I noticed that the KT Tape on my knee was starting to peel. So I headed over to my KT Tape specialist, Kelly’s house. I needed a re-application to my knee. I brought some pink KT Tape Pro with me, because it would match my race outfit, of course!

I showed up to Kelly’s with some frozen yogurt from Yogurtland as a bribe! It worked. She did a great job taping my knee. My knee wasn’t hurting at all. But I didn’t want to take the risk of something happening while I was running.

I then went home to sleep, because I had a VERY early wake-up. I can’t remember what time I woke up exactly, but it was sometime in the 4am time range. Eeek!

@AngryJulie ready to run Surf City Half Marathon 2013

Hey look at me! Wide awake at umm 6-ish in the morning and ready to race! Monique and I carpool’ed. We found Casey and Jenn amongst the race chaos before the race started.

I chose to wear a Team Sparkle skirt for race day. I wanted to wear one of their newer designs, a pink/yellow/black cheetah print Team Sparkle Skirt. I wore my Lululemon run shorty shorts {no longer made, boo!} underneath the skirt. I wore a Nike sports bra and a Lululemon black cool racerback {crb} on top. I switched out my plain black visor at the last minute for a pink Team Sparkle visor. And I wore my brand new Brook’s PureFlow 2 running shoes to race in. I totally committed a race sin also, because I had bought my Brooks the week before and had only worn them 2 times, but they felt fine. I had my Garmin 310XT ready to go on my wrist, along with a Nathan Hydration Belt around my waist. I have to ALWAYS run with water because I take a daily medication that dehydrates me and gives me cotton mouth.

Monique and I before Surf City Half Marathon

Monique and I were able to get a photo together before the race. There are some official race photos of us together, but they are super pricey. So unless a discount code comes along, I’m not buying any.

We then got into the corrals {sections} to start the race. We didn’t really go with our predicted pace times. We pushed up to the front groups because otherwise, it would be FOREVER before we started. I’m glad that we started right away because it was super hot at the end of the race and I would have been dying from heat stroke.

Great photo of me by @caseyruns when I was trying to post a photo on @Instagram at the @lovesurfcity 1/2 Marathon yesterday. I couldn't get any cell service. #surfcity #teamsparkle

Photo via Casey.

But oh wait, I need to send an Instagram out before the race starts…Ya that didn’t happen. I had barely any cell service the entire race. I heard a ton of people complaining about the cell service after the race. Not that the race management company could do anything about the service. But unfortunately, many people tried to run with Internet-based music apps. I made a music playlist prior to the race based on the music from this post I did. Everyone complimented me on my music along the way. I don’t wear any earbuds while running, so the music just blasts out.

Race: We started running on PCH then we turned on Seapoint right before mile 3. It was a nice change of pace cause running PCH was boring…While we were taking a little 3 mile detour {part of the course though} from PCH, we ran downhill, then uphill, then around, then downhill again. I was able to pick up some speed before mile 6.

We then continued down PCH until mile 8, where we did a u-turn. I seriously thought it took forever from mile 6 to mile 8 turn-around. And then we keep running on PCH. On my way back to the finish line, I noticed a ton of injured people. I saw ambulances on their way. I’m not sure what type of injuries had occurred, but I had never seen so many medics working on people at a race.

At about mile 11, the sun was glaring, and it made me a bit nauseous. I’m pretty sure it was the salt in the air, the ocean view, and the sun glaring at me. I think my usual mile 11-13.1 wall. But I kept going on.

I finally finished the race and I grabbed a water, and my medal of course. I had to sit down for a few minutes because I felt icky. I eventually got up and walked to the finish line photo area. After that, I met up with some friends while I waited for Monique.

After I found Monique, we took some photos and then started walked towards my car. I still didn’t feel quite right, so I asked if I could sit down for a few minutes.

Umm ya, post-Surf City Half Marathon

And then this happened…

Monique left to fetch me some water to drink…and came back with the medics a few minutes later. They advised me that my color did not look right. I said that I felt queasy and just needed some water. They hooked me up to heart monitors and tested my blood sugar, which came out fine. They suggested that I go to the hospital but I refused.

So eventually, I made it back to the medical tent via Huntington Beach Fire Department, and got some water. I sat there for a few minutes drinking water while Monique went and got my car. She ended up driving us back to my house.

I had Monique stop on the way home for some Gatorade, which I slowly drank. I felt like I needed to dry heave/throw-up but I couldn’t. When I got home, I drank some water slowly, and then some Coke. I seriously felt a ton better after resting and drinking the sugar/caffeine.

Later that night, after resting, while my husband had 15 people over for a Superbowl Party, I ate some carne asada tacos and felt 150% better.

Surf City Half Marathon Finisher's Medal 2013

When all was said and done, I realized that I had PR’ed {personal record} the race by at least 7 minutes from my fastest time. I had no issues during the race, but rather post-race. Stacey the BFF told me that I have a race curse because SOMETHING always happens. And I qualified for Half Fanatics!

Half Fanatics

I qualified for Half Fanatics by completing two half marathons {Neptune} within 16 days. I’m Half Fanatic #3607. I also completed race #2 of #3 for the Beach Series Challenge Medal.

So as of right now, my next half marathon will be the OC Half Marathon on May 5th. I’m sorta having a hard time training right now because my work schedule changed and I’m not used to running during the day. But I am training!

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