See Jane Run Entry Winners!

Congratulations to Cece, Jen (jrfishx2), and Amy Krazy!  You lovely ladies will be rocking at the See Jane Run next month! I know you will kick serious butt.

To all the others who were interested in joining us, here is a 10% off coupon to register – SJRSFAMB13 It would be great to run with all of you!

If you are going to be at the race, please drop me a line so we can have a run-by-hugging at some point. And so we can clink glasses as we celebrate another race done well.

How is your training coming along?

I rocked a 10 mile run with Maggie on Saturday, followed by another fun 5 miles that afternoon (I’m an overachiever). Looking forward to some cross training this evening and another 4 miles in the morning. If I can knock out 11 miles this weekend, I think I’ll be set! Not sure if I can PR as I had initially hoped, but I’m thrilled about running with a sea of great females. That, and I love chocolate (who doesn’t?).

Happy running!!

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.