a healthy balance

http://www.runlikeadiva.com/ Half Marathon Series

I stumbled upon the Run Like a Diva half marathon race today in San Francisco and the whole time people were confused if I was part of the race or not. Since I was separated from the pack, people looked at me pondering if I was the first…or just the last runner lol! One of the photographers was going crazy when I ran by because he thought I was the leader HA yeah right not at my long-run slow pace and not-so-hardcore looking running clothes. Volunteers asked me if I was a “diva” and I was like…Noo.. Looks like a fun race though!

Safe running essentials: cell phone, ID, reflective clothing. Just got a handheld Nathan water bottle for $8 instead of $18-21 at TJ Maxx lol.

Pictures from 5k Color Runs are so awesome! Has anyone participated AND have photos they want to share? 

Check out http://thecolorrun.com/locations/ for Color Run near you! 

I always carry water with me on any run over 4 miles and during all hikes. Your body functions better when it’s hydrated so keep taking in small amounts of water throughout your workout. When I go on long runs (ran 14 miles yesterday), I drink about 1 liter of water and staying hydrating keeps my body and mind going strong. You’ll feel more motivated, refreshed, and stronger if you keep hydrated during any workout (especially if it’s outdoors). I also have a water belt and running water bottle that I’ll post about soon! 

Happy Monday everyone, start the week with vigor! 

P.S. Yeah, I know you’re jealous of my amino acid water bottle ;-) 

Hi everyone! 

Before running or beginning any type of exercise, I quickly but deeply stretch major muscles including hamstrings, quads, hip flexors, calves, and my Achilles tendons. My PE instructor calls it “shocking your parts,” since we’re only holding the stretch for about 15 seconds and just activating our muscles. After a workout is a better time to develop flexibility and really stretch. I also find it helpful to stretch my feet too. Before you run, take a minute to flex and point your feet to warm-up the plantar fascia muscles. Do you ever feel tension or a strain at the bottom of your feet when you are flexing your feet going up a hill or running on the slanted side of a curb? I had a couple strained foot muscles and starting my run out with some toe-flexes and points has helped (Something I learned in dance class!).

So before you start any exercise: 

1) Shock your parts aka activate major muscles (the ones that would take a really long time to heal if they were injured) 

2) Warm-up those feet

Cheers,

Geraldine 

Pretty much what I’m thinking half the time during morning runs…Sometimes it turns into a debate. I had 12 miles to decide what’s for breakfast and I still hadn’t made my mind between blueberry pancakes or oatmeal…I decided on oatmeal, greek yogurt, and frozen berries because of the high water content. Gotta re-hydrate after a run! 

Just registered for Bay to Breakers, the classic San Francisco cross city race! It’s a 12k happening on May 20, 2012! I think it’s about time I take part in one of California’s traditions =) Can’t wait to see all the crazy costumes (or lack there of…) and groups! I have an out fit in mind, but it won’t be outrageous ;-)

If anyone has done this race and has advice on getting around, meeting family at the end, and ways to beat the crowd, PLEASE let me know.

I have 3 hill running routes I do a week. This is at the top of the most challenging one! #weekendwin

This is such a cool Asics ad! I agree 100%. Most of the time I’m not running for speed, but for exercise and time for myself. I value the time I have to sort out my problems, obligations, and to think about my goals. When I have lots to do in a day, I wake up a little stressed, but then calm down by thinking to myself, “It’s okay, I’ll plan it all out on my run.”

One time, a guy asked me, “So what do you listen to while you run for hours?”

Me with a smile verging on creepy… “I listen to my thoughts.” :)

What do you get out of your system & off your mind while exercising?

I may be need clothes like Lucy Activewear for cold weather running next year depending on where I go to medical school. I’m enjoying everyday I can run in a tank top and shorts in California right now…even in December. We have it too easy here in on the Best Coast. 

I love how I can roll out of bed, put on my running shoes and clothes, do some forward bends and neck rolls, and be out the door exercising! No commute to the gym, no fuss, no special equipment, and no extra showers. (I love Bikram hot yoga, but man do I hate showering twice in a day!) 

• Overall: 600 out of 6104
• Women: 166 out of 4006
• F 20-24: 8 out of 177
• Finish: 1:47:47
• Pace: 8:14

Last Big Sur post, I swear. 

Big Sur Half Marathon Recap

I don’t think I could love running as much as I do without ever running along the coast. I’ll miss you La Jolla, CA <3 

10:15pm night before: Sleep (hydrated, but did not carb-load or eat more than usual) 

Race Day

4:30 am: 70 mile car ride to Monterey, CA

5:00 am: Cliff Bar (Peanut Butter) then went back to sleep 

6:30 am: Got my bib number 5747 FTW! Then I went to the bathroom, and did some stretches and a warm-up consisting of forward bends, half-moon poses, lunges, hamstring stretches, and jogging. 

6:45 am: Lined up in corrals. COLD! But I didn’t wanted to wear longsleeves or tights b/c I’d get hot while running.

7:00 am: Race starts! 

Mileage Mentality 

Strategy: I made 5 miles and 10 miles my benchmarks. Then, told myself that the last 3.1 miles would be a free-for-all…meaning do whatever I feel like doing. 

1-4 miles: The first few miles of a run are hardest for me when my legs are tight, but I told myself, “Push through the first few miles to warm-up your body faster.” I started to catch up the group ahead of me and could see that I was passing people. I wanted to start strong. 

5 miles: Reached my first goal! Took a water cup and walked while I took sips. 

6 miles: The elite runners are already heading back! I was inspired to pick up my pace even more. 

7 miles: Frustrated. I saw the first corral start heading back and thought the turn-around point must be near…but nooo it was not until mile 8! I was mentally tired at this point.

8 miles: FINALLY made it to the turn-around point!! Surge of speed!

10 miles: Made it to my 2nd benchmark! Only the 3.1 free-for-all miles left! I was less stressed at this point. Water and walk before I kick-off the last part of the race. But now, how do I want to run my last 3 miles?

11 miles: Decided to pick up the pace because I had enough energy. Saw a friend from my San Diego running group! 

12 miles: Slowed down a bit to relax and told myself to give the last mile my all.

13.1 miles: I didn’t want to cross that finish line unless I knew I had given the race my all. Done. Bunion hurts, shoulders sore, plantar fascia kicking in. Ate the free food they gave us (bagel, banana, strawberries, raisins, minestrone soup, 1/2 cookie). I don’t normally eat bagels. 

So…who actually read until the end? haha Thanks for reading people and may the fitness be with you.