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!

Please don't hit me..

So I think I need to make a shirt, with reflective lettering that says, "Please don't run me over," or even, "Please don't hit me." I swear I'm going to die by getting run over by a car on one of my runs.

Last night I was crossing the street and the lady inched out to make a turn. I tried to make eye contact but she was looking the other way so I paused. She kept inching forward and then I was almost directly next to her car and she looks at me shocked that I'm basically standing at her window and then I can just see the "Oh my gosh, what do I do, do I go, do I backup, where does she go" going through her mind. Thanks. Thanks a lot. Other than that cars have always been out to get me I think.

Anyways, I told you all about the one good thing in the goodie bag from the Long Beach 1/2, which were the Clif Shot Bloks. Let me just tell you, these guys are AMAZING and actually tasty, especially compared to the Gu products.

I ate a few before my race, and a few after and really felt like they gave me back what I was missing. Sometimes I feel that Gu doesn't do enough for me, it gets me going, but after that, there's not much there. I felt like not only did these bloks taste good, (shocking! something that tastes good?!) but they were easily edible and I could definitely see them becoming an easy go-to for my longer runs because they replenished me. They have the consistency of a big gusher and can be a little bit sticky. I wouldn't leave them in a warm area.

The primary ingredient for the bloks is brown rice syrup which provides easily assimilated carbohydrates for working muscles. Both products also provide the mineral salts known as electrolytes. These electrolytes allow electrical impulses to travel properly throughout your body, permitting normal bodily function. When you sweat, you start to deplete your electrolyte stores and experience potential performance decline, so it's best to help replenish them through food and fluid intake. There are 6 BLOKS to a single serve package, so one package provides 200 calories. They also come in a variety of flavors that include Cran-Razz, Black Cherry, Cola, Margarita, Lemon Lime, Pina Colada, Strawberry, and Orange, and at Run Junk, they are only $1.95, when normally they are $2.25.

Also, this is kind of sad, but I found out that Wal-mart is having a .97 cent shipping on all 'active wear'.

Someone asked me about the elastic cuffed sweatpants I have, and LOVE, and they are on sale at walmart.com. A two pack of pants for only 8 dollars! Also it's better to get them online because you can get the right size. They come in five colors and have pockets! I love them! Also they have plain sweatshirts that are only 6 dollars. Both are perfect for my morning jogs and keeping me warm well into the winter! Go check out Walmart for more deals.

So I have my 2nd half this weekend. Don't expect much of a race report, unless you want to know how my long training run went. Out on my run this morning, I ran past a local high school. Hearing their band in the morning puts some extra pep in my step and I ran an easy four miles. I was thinking again on my run, what if I can't finish the 1/2, what if I want to stop, but I realized, I didn't want to stop before, and I can finish, I did it just last week! I never thought I would be running such long distances and being able to enjoy it, but I am thankful for the enjoyment I get from running.

Also I found this jacket off Sports Chalet, and it's super cute and looks just like my Zella Jacket I love.

It's a New Balance Cocona Run Woman's Jacket that is normally 69.99, and is on sale for 39.97.

It's suppose to really keep you warm and yet dry during your runs because it's crafted using Cocona™ polyester, a fabric made from coconuts that naturally helps protect against odor and harmful UV rays. Interesting and a good price! Order your jacket here!

Good luck to everyone racing this weekend! As the guy who helped me run my last two miles really pushing myself said, keep your head down and just go. :)

Here is a pumpkin I carved last night. Spooky I know.

Before

After, and remember. This is freehand... no tracing!

And on that note.. I'm done posting! ha ha! Have a good weekend