See Jane Run Entry Giveaway

A few months back I was researching races in the area when I stumbled upon a deal for the See Jane Run half marathon that I couldn’t pass up. A flat half marathon for $50? Yes please! So I convinced a few friends to join me and nearly forgot about the whole thing.

Then, as I was perusing the SJR site I accidentally (read: excitedly) signed up and was anointed a See Jane Run Ambassador! I was incredibly honored to be invited into a group of amazing runners and pumped about the shwag I’d get to model (sometimes it’s all about the shwag).

On June 8th I’ll be rockin’ the half marathon with Maggie and my lovely friend Katie will be kickin’ ass in the 5k.  And today I have three race registrations and I want to invite YOU to come run with us. Come on, you know you want to…

I’ve never run the race before, but here are a few facts to entice you. There will be champagne and chocolate at the end of the race to celebrate. Yes, I said it, there will be chocolate! It is also a (mainly) Janes only race, and there is guaranteed to be an amazing amount of team spirit to help your fellow runner finish strong. And if that isn’t enough, I promise a few too many high fives, at least one hug, and some (borderline inappropriate) support.

There are two ways you can enter this giveaway:
- Leave a comment about which distance you’d like to run and your main goal for the race (this doesn’t necessarily mean time)
- Tweet about this giveaway (include @seejanerunsport and @RunningJewess), then leave a comment to let me know

I’ll be picking the three lucky ladies on May 21st at midnight. Already registered? Let your friends know about this chance so they can join you.

Looking forward to running and rocking with you in Alameda!

Running Q & A

I’ve been incredibly busy these past few weeks with school, attempting to find a job, and puppy sitting.  Things have been stressful, but I’m doing my best to learn how to manage that stress (today that means consuming a lot of chocolate). I’ve also spent a lot of time thinking and writing about my running career (for a class) so I thought this was quite fitting. This post was stolen from Miles For Thought who originally took it from Olive to Run, and I’m sure it originated even further back then that…

1. How long have you been running?

I was talking to someone about this recently and realized that I’ve been running since high school (10th grade) to get out of gym class. I’m embarrassed to admit this, but at one point I quit the volleyball team because I couldn’t keep up with the 0.9 mile run they did before practice. It was too much for me. But two years later I was jogging 5ks on the treadmill.  Since then I’ve worked my way up and won’t ever stop!  (I hope…)

2. Why did you start running?

In our high school the option was to take a gym class in school or use an outside activity to fill the requirement. I chose to go to the local YMCA with a friend and work out to avoid the options in school. We always started with cardio which is when I found my way to the treadmill.

3. What is the furthest distance you have ever run?

Technically I believe it is 26.57 miles. Not all marathons are marked the same, so I actually did a bit more than the typical 26.2. I’m hoping that I can work my way up to a 50k in the future.

4. What is your best running memory?

Crossing the finish line of Boston. I’m pretty sure I was in tears that I was able to finish it (I’m a crier). I was so nervous the night before and finishing it was a great win for my confidence as a runner.  That and when I recently PRed at the Oakland Running Festival.  It felt great to power through to the finish line and give it all I had.

5. What shoes do you run in?
 

I’ve run in Brooks Ravenna for the past five years. Recently I went to a store and they recommended I try a new shoe. I’m a bit skeptical but am giving the Asics Gel Nimbus 14 a shot (and wearing my Ravennas on the side).

6. What are your favorite and least favorite distances to run or race?

Half marathons are my favorite distance. I really get into my stride by mile four and if I can keep my pace then I know I’m in for a great race.

Hmm, don’t actually have a least favorite distance. I know that marathons are tough, every time I hit mile 16 I’m questioning why I signed up for the full, but that doesn’t mean I dislike it that much.

7. Do you have a running partner?

My father and I used to run together, but now we are on opposite coasts.  In Ohio I ran frequently with my pace leader, she was a great motivator to push further (and talked me into running my first half and first full).  At this point I don’t have a running partner but would love one.

8. What is your favorite place to run?

At this point I’ve just been running around campus.  I do enjoy going into San Francisco and tackling all of the obstacles that it offers (coughhillscough).  I imagine this will change as I’ll be moving in two short months.

9. What is your favorite running accessory?


I don’t think I could live without my iPod shuffle.  That extra boost of pop music can really keep me going and motivate me to push until I make it home.

10. Do you like outdoor or indoor running?

There is no question about it, I’m an outdoor runner.  California has near perfect weather all year around so there is no reason to run inside.  I can handle the “bad” days with chilly temps and rain, so much nicer than the frigid Ohio winters.

11. What is your favorite time of the day to run?

Right around dusk or early morning before the sun is too high.  A 7pm run is ideal as long as I’ve fueled and hydrated properly throughout the day, although it means I’m ravenous by the time I return home.

12. What races have you run?


Too many to count?  I’ve run four full marathons – Boston, CIM, Big Sur, and San Francisco.  Nine half marathons, several random distances in the form of trail or relay races, and more 5ks than I can remember.

13. What music do you listen to when running?

I’m a big fan of obnoxious pop music. I’ve been known to thank Britney for helping me through a race, anything along those lines really keeps me pumped up. I also enjoy Rock My Run mixes because they put together some great beats.

14. What is the hottest or coldest weather you have ever ran in?

I recall one morning in Ohio when I left the running store in 4°F. It was brutal! A few miles in we had icicles in our eyebrows. But I was a pace leader and it was my duty to be out there helping others, so I was there and didn’t whine too much (as I can recall).

15. What are some other exercises you love?

I love ultimate frisbee and dancing.

16. Are you currently training for something?

I always consider myself to be in training. At this point I am looking forward to the See Jane Run half in June and then I’ll hopefully do another full in November.  (Stay tuned for your chance to win an entry into the race!)

17. What are your current or future goals?

Run a marathon on each continent. Although I might settle for a half marathon on each…  I want to travel the world and think it would be great to run everywhere I go.

18. Advice for new runners
?

Don’t be afraid of how fast or slow you are going.  Don’t let anyone discourage you based on your appearance, speed, technique.  Just suit up and go.  No one can deem you a runner and no one can take that away from you.  Enjoy yourself.

California made me crunchy…

It is official, I moved to California a year and a half ago and I’ve become a hippie. This isn’t totally surprising, I’d already been playing ultimate frisbee for years and, well,  it was about time… These days I thoroughly enjoy my flip flop weather and the ability to commute via bike. Haven’t gotten into hooping quite yet, but there is still time.

With becoming more one with the earth, I’ve changed up my breakfast routine. Instead of random cereal or oatmeal,  I’ve been enjoying my greek yogurt and Cascadian Farms granola every morning. In fact, I have to talk myself out of having it for dinner some days (like right this moment!). This breakfast combination leaves me completely satisfied from 8am until lunch unlike other things I’ve tried. It also improves the taste of cottage cheese if you want a high protein kick.

I’ve tried most of the Cascadian Farms granolas, and although I thought the dark chocolate almond would be a quick favorite, I gravitate toward the maple brown sugar. Seriously delicious. I find myself looking for excuses to munch on it. Isn’t everything better with some maple?  (Maple bacon scones are one of the greatest gifts to mankind.  Trust me on this and if you are in SF, then I’ll direct you to some!)

If you haven’t yet, also check out their new crunchy granola bars. The taste is similar to Nature Valley’s bars, but the ingredient list is significantly shorter. They also come in some other great flavors. Looking forward to getting my hands on the oat and cocoa!

What granola do you enjoy devouring? Have you tried Cascadian Farms?

Note: Cascadian Farms has sent me several products to sample over the past few months. But let me be serious, I loved their granola long before they offered to send me any.

 

Because of Boston

I never thought of myself as a runner
I don’t have a runners physique
And I move rather slowly
Even though I had completed numerous 5ks and short races
I was just dabbling, I was a jogger
I thought, “After I finish my first half, then maybe I’ll be a true runner”
But I completed my first half, and I was still the same
So I thought, “Maybe after my next half, then I can call myself a runner”
I completed four half marathons in six months
But I remained the same
Then I got a golden ticket and began training for my first full
In April 2011 I slowly but surely crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon
And it was as I crossed that finish line that I was forever changed

I am a lot of things
I am a daughter
A sister
A friend
I am a student
A designer
An engineer
But if you ask those close to me about my defining attribute
They will tell you
I am a runner

Wordless Wednesday – Recent Adventures

I’m incredibly fortunate to have ridiculous friends that drag me on outlandish outings. In the past month and a half I’ve taken part in some fantastic events. Here are a few picture highlights!

Showing our support by rockin’ out to 90s music

Riding a bull in the middle of Ragnar, disregard the ridiculous face…

Preparing to rock the Tough Mudder

First things first, hop into this pool of ice!

And of course the chaos that was our Red Dress Run

What are some of your recent adventures?