Do running tights or leggings look good on anyone?
Recently Lucy Activewear sent me a pair of their tights/leggings to try. I have been a fan of Lucy for a long time – but to be honest, I didn’t have any of their active wear. Up to this point, I owned some of their everyday items like this wear-anywhere-shirt (doesn’t wrinkle; totally awesome for travel):
And, a shirt/jacket (not the exact one I have, don’t think they sell it anymore!):
These leggings are multipurpose - for any kind of workout, from running to yoga. The day I wore them it was cold out – about 25 degrees. The tights seem lightweight, so I was worried my legs might be cold, but they weren’t. The tights are true to size (following Lucy’s size chart), but being a compression item, you can expect them to be tight. The material, made of mostly nylon with some lycra thrown in, is extremely soft and stretchy. The fabric is called Powermax, which allows for maximum compression and moisture management.
I don’t know about you, but some tights can be very restrictive. These are not that way and allowed for easy and comfortable movement. As with all Lucy clothing, the quality is exceptional.
Because these are in essence leggings, not tights, I felt kind of “naked” and was more comfortable wearing shorts over them (my way of saying the girl parts were a bit too outlined for my taste – there’s a name for that that kinda rhymes with “gamble show”).
Be aware that they are not your typical running tight material, and truly do feel more like a legging. That said, many reviewers on the Lucy site used them for running purposes.
Where do you buy your running tights? What is your favorite brand?
So many running apparel items look the same. The designs start to run together. YMX by Yellowman deviates from the norm and brings us some colorful, playful patterns that are lightweight and performance material.
I already own a couple of Yellowman things, like the one pictured here (purchased through the Athleta site – they sell several Yellowman items):
I wore this shirt on a very early morning that started out cool (58 degrees) and climbed up in temps by the end. I wore the arm warmers for about half of the workout, then just tucked them into the pocket in the back of the shirt when it got hot.
Material/Performance: Very lightweight, comfortable and silky fabric. 88% Polyester 12% Spandex. The fabric is Madkool – a patented product that is supposed to help regulate your body temperature and provides 30+ SPF. Lighter than typical running shirts, the fabric is thin, in a good way. It wicks the sweat just like a typical performance shirt, but I’ve never had a shirt with such thin and silky fabric.
The arm warmers are the same material as the shirt. While they provide some protection from the wind, they would not give you much protection from cold temps.
Design: Funky, unique, attention-getting. Arrow of paradise.
Price: $69.99 for shirt and an additional $32 for the arm warmers. Ouch. Great quality shirt, but this is steep for a running shirt and I don’t know many people who spend over $50 on a running shirt (but I could be wrong). As for the arm warmers, such a fun addition to the shirt, but with how thin they are, I personally do not think they are worth the price.
Overall: Very comfortable performance running shirt with a splash of style! While the thinness of the fabric is perfect for the summer months, it will likely not provide much warmth as it gets cooler. Would be a great layering piece, however.
Want one? YMX by Yellowman has one of these running shirts with arm warmers to give away.
Tell me what the top priority is for you when shopping for running apparel. Design? Performance? Price? Style? Brand name? +1 entry
FB, twat, blog about this giveaway + 1 entry
Giveaway ends Friday. Open to US only.
SUAR
Fine Print **YMX by Yellowman provided me with a running shirt as well as the one for the giveaway. I paid nothing for them. **Winner will be chosen by Random.org on Friday September 5.
Women (and men) have that bothersome thing called hair that gets in their face, gets dirty and can be an overall hassle. If my face wasn’t so ugly I would just shave my head. But, since I cannot do that, I spend my days with my locks in a pony tail or stuffed into a hat.
I was happy to agree to do a review for Active Headbands because they promised me the bands would not slip. Plus, the product is super cute. I have a fairly skinny head (must be all those head push ups I do), and I have a lot of trouble with bands staying in place when I work out. Hence, I never wear them. I selected two bands to try out, the black and white polka dot and the floral.
I am hoping the headband detracts from my pointy nose and wiry neck.
I pranced and jumped around the house in them trying to get them to slip, but they wouldn’t, so I decided to put one to the ultimate test and take it on a nice ten mile run.
I suspected that the band would do what all of my bands do and start to slide off my head about a mile into the run. Nope. This band stayed in place the entire run; I never had to mess with it. There is a small piece of elastic in the back that regulates the size of the headband and keeps it snug. I think they looks kind of sassy and chic, n’est-ce pas?
If you want to look like a real jock, you could wear them like a true headband (kind of like Ryan does on the No More Bacon blog).
There are so many fun prints and styles to choose from including glitter and animal prints. They range in price from $8.99 to $10.99.
Active Headbands wants to give away a $50 gift card to one lucky winner. To enter (leave comment for each):
Follow the Active Band blog HERE (mandatory) +1 entry
“Like” Active Headbands on FB HERE(mandatory) +1 entry
Follow my blog if you don’t already +1 entry
FB, blog, twat about this giveaway + 1 netry
Tell me how you usually keep your annoying hair off of your face +1 entry
Giveaway ends Monday, July 11. Active Bands is also offering a major discount of 30% off of your entire order if you use the code “suar30.”
SUAR
Fine print: Active Bands gave me the headbands free of charge in exchange for my honest review. They also provided the $50 gift card. I paid nothing for any of the items.
*Please do not let the dorkiness of the models and their poses distract you from how cool the shirts are
1. Women’s tech/performance tee – $34.99
The print has a distressed look because runners are tough and go through a lot and sometimes get distressed and cry.
When looking at the price keep in mind that not all tech shirts are created equal. This is a high quality tech shirt from Alo or New Balance (I’m still deciding on the brand). It is 100% polyester. It is available only in white (for now), with a crew neck. Print is reddish/pink with a turquoise runner on the side, running from the back of the shirt around to the front.
Sizing: XS, S, M, L, XL.
2. Women’s casual, every day burn out tee – $32.99
I LOVE this shirt. It is perfect for wearing to the grocery store, to drinks with the girls or to drive your kids to the 15th baseball game or piano lesson of the day. It is the softest cotton/poly mix with a feminine fit and capped sleeves. The brand is Bella.
It comes in S, M, L, XL.
3. Men’s tech/performance tee - $37.99
This is 100% polyester from Alo with contrast stitching. Back panel is in gray.
Comes in XS, S, M, L, XL.
I am now taking pre-orders for the shirts.
These are just the preliminary shirts. There will be more designs and styles offered in the future.
Please note that when ordering on the “store” page the colors lo0k more vibrant than they really are. The true colors are represented by the pictures in this post.
Shout outs! Thanks to Nuf Said Advertising for their help with the logo stuff. Shirts are being printed by Family Fan Club, a local business specializing in custom apparel and gifts.
If you want to order a shirt please go to the “store” tab at the top of this page. I will take pre-orders for the next ten days and then will have the shirts printed, to be available as soon as possible (do not know the exact date, but will let you know when I do). All shirts have a $5.00 shipping charge.
Please contact me directly for international orders.
It’s true I’m not much of a fashionista or clothes whore. I spend a lot of time in PJs and workout clothes that need to be washed. I dress sort of nicely when I have to go on a home visit for work. Or if we’re going somewhere social where I might be seen by living things other than the dog. Other than that, I pride myself on looking like crap most of the time.
However, every once in awhile there is an occasion that warrants special clothing. A wedding. A funeral. A prom. Prostituting.
You know where I’m going with this.
I’ve got my Boston Marathon outfit picked out. At least version #1. This could change depending on weather, personal taste, etc. I am reserving that right to deviate at the last minute. I plan on having throw away clothes until it warms up. Then I will unveil the threads.
Like it? If I can’t run fast at least I can run pretty. Lord knows I’m going to be out there long enough. Hopefully I will not shart in this most lovely of skorts. No guarantees.
One of these days I am going to do one of those nude runs like the Bare Burros 5K. Then I won’t have to worry about an outfit. This is Southern California’s only naked run. The course follows remote dirt roads and trails through the hilly terrain of California's badlands, with the start and finish within the family nudist park. This is a clothing optional event, although very few of the runners are clothed.
Okay, maybe not. That’s sounding just a bit weird, even for me. Would you ever do a race naked?
Got anything fun picked out for your next race?
Off to sleep. Got my big 15 miler in the morning. Wish me luck. I can’t believe I’m finally back to running that far!!!!
PS: My dear friend Clair is a contestant to be a new Yoga Journal model. Take a look at her blog HERE and vote for her if you feel so inclined. She is an awesomely inspirational person who is getting her yoga teaching certification. I know you’ll love her as much as I do.
Outside PR spoiled me with some great new running gear this month, all made by Pearl Izumi. I have never been so color coordinated in my life.
First there were the shoes:
Synchro-Float IV ($110). Weighing in at 10.4 ounces, this is a lightweight stability shoe. It has been updated from previous versions to include springier cushioning in the heel and forefoot for “more energy-return with each step and a smoother overall ride.”
I have to be honest. Coming back from an injury, I wasn’t crazy about the idea of getting a pair of shoes delivered to my doorstep without having been able to try them on first. Shoes are so damn personal! I think ordering shoes online is challenging to say the least, and that’s why I never do it unless I have worn the shoe before.
However, I took a chance because I like to live on the edge. Oh, and free shoes are good. I requested these shoes based on their description and got them in a size 9, one full size larger than my regular shoe size.
Before doing anything in these shoes, I had my PT evaluate me on the treadmill wearing them. Once she gave me the thumbs up, I was off and running.
I like to be very honest in my reviews and give the good, bad and the ugly.Yet, I couldn't find the bad and the ugly no matter how hard I tried. From the moment I put on these babies, it was comfort all the way. The fit was true to size, the cushioning was ample but not overdone. The toe box is generous for my right foot bunion, but not bulky. And the shoes breathe, which means you’re feet aren't sweating as much as your balls.
Of course the true test comes with testing the shoe in action. I have now run at least five times in these shoes (totaling about 30 miles) and have walked at least ten miles. They are lightweight without being wimpy. They are supportive without being bulky. The heel height is moderate, unlike some shoe models you get with a very elevated and thick heel. Bottom line, they are comfortable and have performed well for me on the road, the trails, the bike path and the treadmill.
I trade off wearing these with my Mizuno Wave Inspires and I have to say I’m actually preferring the Pearls.
While I don’t buy shoes based on how pretty they are , I do dig the look of these babies (wow, check out how bow legged, I am. Can’t even touch my knees together if I tried. Anyone have a shoe to correct that?)
Then there were the Infinity Split Short ($40.00) and Infinity In-R-Cool Top ($45.00):
Shorts: Size small. Perfect fit. At 5’5” and 110 pounds I had initially ordered the extra small. They were like a speedo on me, so I exchanged for the small. Very short, but I like ‘em short. The zippered pocket in the back is a nice touch so you can carry gels and condoms. There is a small slit on the side of the short that makes you run faster. Very comfortable, breathable and true to size.
Shirt: Size small. Perfect fit for my 34B size. Comfortable, with R Cool technology to keep you optimally cool. There are fancy screen print designs on the back with reflective elements.
This is all high quality running gear. Pearl has been around for 60 years and continues to perfect their shoes and apparel to meet the demands of the competitive and recreational runner. Yes, it is pricey, but no more so than any other reputable running gear brand. It’s solid stuff that won’t disappoint. For cheaper prices, consider visiting the Pearl Izumi Outlet online. Most sale prices are 20% off.
Now for the outtakes. Ridiculous as usual:
Now go get your Pearl on! (and don’t look at what time I posted this. Shut up and be an insomniac!)
She also threw in a thong for good measure. You didn’t think I’d show it in the flesh, did you? Sorry, no backside view available on this one. Even I have standards.
Stacia, a hot Colorado mom of three and athlete started Twist a couple of years ago with another mom-friend. The pair wanted comfortable and unique workout wear. Twist specializes in tie dye assortments (yoga wear, workout pants/shirts, running stuff, kid stuff, etc.) in bright and sassy colors. The shirt above is made mostly of bamboo. It is seriously the softest shirt ever, yet also stretchy because it has some spandex in it too. I love spandex especially on well endowed men, but that’s another post.
Why bamboo? It is…
naturally green, ecologically friendly
sustainable
requires no pesticides and little irrigation
regenerates naturally in 50-60 days and is fully biodegradable
shirts are breathable and cool, naturally antibacterial
they are odor resistant (my fave aspect)
they are non toxic (if you plan on eating it, it’s okay) and provide UV protection
Twist wants to give away a bamboo running shirt to one of you! You can have your pick of the litter and can specify color(s) and your style (racer, short or long sleeve). Here’s an example:
To enter, leave a comment for each:
Visit the Twist website and tell me which shirt you would choose (mandatory) + 1 entry
Become a follower of this blog if you’re not already + 1 entry
Facebook, blog, Twitter, etc. about this giveaway + 1 entry
“Like” Twist on Facebook HERE and leave a comment letting them know I sent you + 1 entry
Don’t forget you need to visit the Twist website to enter. Giveaway will end Friday, March 25.
Good luck friends!
SUAR
Fine print:
Twist provided the giveaway running shirt as well as the shirt sent to me.
Somehow I’ve been talked into doing a running clinic one week from tonight at a local health club.
My audience will be comprised of about 25 “fitness runners” and/or those looking to compete in organized races. I will be discussing:
Injury prevention (I should be a rock star at this one by now)
Running gear (thongs and g-strings of course)
Nutrition (lots of fiber and Mexican food before races)
Stretching (make sure you get the “taint”)
Race strategies (don’t train, just wing it)
Pooping in bushes
I really wish you could all be there for my dog and pony show.
I’ve got a pretty decent outline for the event, but want to tap into your knowledge. Each and every one of you – please take a minute to answer:
If you were attending a running clinic, what would you most want to learn about?
As a runner, what is your best tip?
You guys are a wealth of information!! I can read until I’m blue in the face, but real life experience is where it’s at. I can only draw on my personal adventures, which include crapping in trees and farting my way around local running trails. I’d love to hear what you have to say.
I was happy to find a $14.99 white Champion running tank at Target yesterday. I am always in need of white tanks due to the frequent soiling of the underarm area which turns a putrid shade of yellow.
I like the tanks with the built-in bras. I find that support is enough for these small girls I call my boobs.
I got home and tried it on and thought…really? Seriously? WTF? WTH? What’s wrong with this picture (besides the book)?
What you are seeing is through BOTH the tank and the built in bra. You didn’t think I’d show my nipples, did you? No, I don’t want to add another sport’s bra under this, so I’ll be taking it back.
Who knows what book this is?
Ever been let down by a piece of running clothing?
Things are definitely looking up. Even Lucky, the three legged, one eyed, ball-less dog knows it (at least he hasn’t yet lost his tongue). I am not a professional photographer, but clearly I should be.
My week:
Monday: Ran 5.35 miles (run 10 mins, walk 2 mins) Tuesday: Rest + 1 hour of PT Wednesday: Ran 5.5 miles Thursday: Swam 2100 yards Friday: Ran 4.1 miles Saturday: Will bike 90 minutes Sunday: Will do 90 minutes hot yoga
What is a girl to do when she can finally run again? Get new shoes.
All you minimalist shoe lovers, I see you cringing. I’m not ready to go there yet. These are actually the shoes (Mizuno Wave Inspire 6) I have been in for awhile now, including running very successfully in them pre-injury (BQ). I was told during my gait analysis that they are a good fit for me. Since I have increased my cadence I am working on moving towards a more mid foot strike and I can do that in these babies.
Plus, they have a lime green color in them and that reminds me of margaritas and vodka tonics and that makes me happy. And, the shoes were reduced from $100 to $53 (Running Warehouse), so I have an extra $46 to spend on margaritas in Costa Rica next week.
Can you freaking believe I am running? I am still pinching myself. Four months from yesterday I was diagnosed with my hip stress fracture and could barely walk. This week I ran 14.95 miles and I’m going to round that up to 15 miles because I deserve to round things up after the hellish past four months.
I am here to tell you that if you are injured, it will get better, but you have to be very diligent about your recovery. Strength train. Stretch. Do any and all cross training that is safe for your injury. Eat well. Sleep a lot. Cry when you need to, but don’t stay there long. Persevere. Know it is temporary. Have goals and meet them.
I sent my Boston or Bust training plan to my exercise physiologist and doctor to review. I wanted to make sure of two things:
This plan was conservative enough to not hurt me
This plan would prepare me adequately so when I run in Boston I won’t be comatose on a stretcher with my hip in a plastic bag at aid station #6.
Basically, I max out at 24 miles/week with my longest run being 13 miles. And, then there is shit load of cross training. Feedback from the exercise physiologist was informative:
“I think this plan looks very good, I would encourage you to continue with walk breaks throughout your runs, especially your long runs. I think a 9 minute run, 1 minute walk or 14 minute run 1 minute walk would serve you best for your training and the Boston Marathon itself. I think 13 miles is adequate for a long run for you as well.
I’d encourage you to lengthen some of your non-running workouts in order to do some workouts in the 3-4 hour range. The purpose of these longer workouts is to prepare your body to exercise for that duration. I think you’d be better served to add duration to your cross training than to add more running.
If it doesn’t bother you, you could also add in a longer walk or hike. The Japanese and Korean style marathon training programs typically include a lot of long walks to build up time on the feet with a low impact activity. I think some 45-90+ minute walks or relatively flat hikes could be a good addition so long as they don’t bother you. I would have you do any long walks on Mondays in place of or in addition to water running/swimming.”
I was especially interested in the Japanese/Korean style of marathon training. This was new information for me.
And, as if it couldn’t get any better, tonight is my birthday party, so if you could be there I’d appreciate it. Ken sent out an Evite saying, “Leave the kids at home and come celebrate all things Beth!” Guess that means we celebrate running and bodily functions and social work and Athleta and mothering and drinking coffee/wine and blogging and hot baths and Dean. But not hot baths with Dean, unfortunately.
Don’t get all carried away. Today is not my birthday. It’s Tuesday, 2/22. You can save your birthday wishes for then when I remind you again.
One final perk of the day. Got this email today from a reader. It was simple and to the point:
“I sneezed so hard I pooped a little. Would that be considered a snoop?”
I am the queen of odd jobs: blackjack dealer, 7-11 cashier, French language translator, dishwasher in the college dining hall, caterer (that was so short lived I barely remember it except for a few failed cakes). If you want to sound nice, you can call me well rounded or a Jacquelyn of all Trades. If you don’t want to be nice, call me non-committal and indecisive.
I’ll be honest in stating I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up (since elite running is out). After getting my MSW 15 years ago I started doing adoption/foster care work for social services, and that’s where I sit today. People always say, if you could do anything what would be your dream? ‘Cause if you know that, then you will magically know where to direct your desires and energy and it will all come together.
I want to be on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). I want someone to teach me how to dance for real, not just that white woman hip shifting I do at weddings. I want to have a fake tan that’s even and wear those skimpy dresses. I want to dance the tango with someone hunky, even if they get an erection. That’s what I want.
Speaking of erections, when middle school girls say they have it so much harder than boys, what with periods and breasts and mood swings, I always want to shake them and say, “But what about those unwanted hard-ons that boys have when they’re slow dancing with girls?!!” That’s got to suck. Does it, boys? (Don’t even get me started on wet dreams).
Probably DWTS is not in my near future. Maybe they will have a blogger edition and I will get picked. Along with Running Man Wannabe and one of those really fit girls with a food blog. What a great mix we would make. I will, of course, have to sign a legal contract promising I will not crap on the dance floor or in a judge’s lap. I for sure will do a better job than the ‘Hoff.
What do YOU want to be when you grow up?
This weekend I am entering the realm of another “job not related to my field.” I was asked by SkirtSports, inventors of the running skirt and makers of all types of sassy and practical running, cycling and triathlon wear, to represent them at an open house. I’ll be going to Genessee Mountain Fitness (in the foothills west of Denver) to sell/show clothing and talk about the mission of the company. I will get paid in clothing. Specifically, this clothing (don’t worry, no weight on the left leg/bad hip. Crutches are nearby):
I really dig these skirts with the capri tights underneath (all one piece).
Being paid in clothes is good. That just takes out the middle man step of getting paid in money then going and spending it on clothes. This stuff is not cheap.
I think this outfit will go very well with crutches. I will assure everyone that the clothing did not cause me to get the crutches. I did that all on my own.
I will wear this clothing all day, everyday, even though I can’t run. I will wear it so that I can look like a runner even if I can’t be one right now. I will wear it until it has pit stains and dandruff and mustard marks. I will do this in honor of running.
Sorry about the last teaser post, but I’ve got so much to share and so many photos…needed to break it up. Plus, I’m behind with work stuff and house stuff and it’s all I had time for at the moment!! Oh, how I wish I could just blog the days away, and do little else.
Now that I’ve written this novel, you better read the whole damn thing. Go grab a beer, smoke, vibrator, whatever will keep you focused.
Before I get started on this long and drawn out journey, I will answer what you all want to know. Did I crap myself? No. In fact, not so much as a skid. My stomach behaved better than it ever has on any run. And let me tell you, this was actually the longest run I have ever been on in my life, including the marathons. It took us 4:35 to cross the finish line for a total of 20.85 miles. This is actually a pretty respectable time for this race! I will say I did not pee from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Can I get a shout out for DEHYDRATION!? But I am alive. And I don’t even hurt today!
So, when we left off, Dean and I had just crossed the start line. He told me a bit about the course and how the last four miles were pretty brutal since it would be scathingly hot by that time and it was a gradual climb to the finish. Brutal for him means deathly for me. He suggested conserving a bit for the first half, which was fine by me. It was a single track, straight up. People were walking parts of it. It wasn’t until we got on a wider straightaway that we found our stride. Dean kept telling me to lead the way and set the pace. Being very new to trail running, I knew this would be a long and challenging day for me.
Some of you with the eagle eye noticed I wasn't wearing trail running shoes. Yep, that’s right. I only found out about this race a couple of weeks ago. I’ve never been a trail runner or worn trail shoes. I bought some, but they didn't work out and I simply did not have time to break in any others. If I was going to be a rookie on the trail, I was going to do it up right in my Mizuno Inspire road shoes. Hell yeah!! I also didn’t have a fancy hydration pack, poles, compression socks, dirty girl gaiters or any of the other stuff the cool kids were wearing. I probably would have gotten picked last on the gym team that day. And beat up later.
The race format is that you run with a partner and you stay with that person the whole race. No running ahead if you’re feeling stronger. You’ve always got your partner nearby. That meant that for the whole race Dean had to slow to my sorry-ass pace. I know there were times when he really wanted to take off, but he just kept saying he was having a great time and enjoying not racing for once. I wonder if he rolled his eyes behind my back. Except he never was behind my back. He did comment once that it was harder to run “this way” (meaning slow – occasional walking up the steep parts) because he had a tough time settling into a cadence. I personally messed up Dean’s cadence. I might have to get that made into a bumper sticker.
After running uphill for what seemed like a very long time, I looked at my Garmin. 2.19 miles. Are you freaking kidding me? The trail was very sandy making it hard to get your footing. The sun was heating up and the route was exposed with very little shade. This part of the state is quite arid with cactus and sage along much the of the way. We climbed and climbed and climbed. Dean and I talked about all kinds of stuff – training, marathoning, jobs, Greece. There was a lot of time to just shoot the shit. Probably around mile five I forgot that he was DEAN and not just another person. The conversation drifted to our families, future goals, etc.
When I got really winded and tired he would start telling me stories about races he’d run. It was a good distraction. Dean’s stories are not like most people’s stories. If you talk about running the Hood to Coast Relay (197 miles) on a 10 person team, he talks about doing it solo. If you talk about running in heat and sand he talks about running hundreds of miles in the Sahara desert through knee deep sand and 125 degree temperatures over several days. And winning. His legs and overall muscles were also a distraction. I had a lot of time to watch these body parts on the trail since he was in front of me. He is one BIG ASS muscle.
The climb to the first check point at mile 7 was a bitch for me. Very steep. I simply had to walk parts of it. At this point I was mentally in the toilet. I was tired, hot and psyched out about having so far to go. It was freaking 92 degrees! But I didn’t come to this race to bitch and complain. I knew I could do it. I just had those moments you have in a race where you feel kind of hopeless and discouraged. I continued to take my electrolyte tabs, which I think saved me in the end.
At the top of the climb was the blessed check point. I poured water on my head. I drank GU Brew and took in some GU Chomps. I realized that Dean had not been drinking anything on the trail and very little at the aid station. I think he had a half a banana. I asked him about it. He said he doesn’t drink much when he runs because he doesn't feel the need for it and doesn't sweat a lot. WTF? Here I am sucking on my Camelbak, huffing and puffing, pouring sweat. This guy really is superhuman. Believe me when I tell you that. He is also one of the nicest people on the planet. He was kind, patient, easy on the eyes. Overall he exuded great energy. And muscles. Did I mention muscles?
The next few miles were a breeze. Mostly downhill, no sand. Then we started the up and downhills that would take us to checkpoint two at 14 miles. I had some tough moments along this part too, but once I hit the half way mark, I started to perk up. I love being just beyond the half way mark!! It is when you are closer to the finish than to the start. When you can taste the end.
The rest of the miles ticked by in a haze of conversation, gunning up hills, and sweat. At the last aid station I had some Coke (as in cola. I already did my cocaine that morning) – something I’ve never done, but with only 4 miles to go I didn’t give a shit. If I puked or crapped, so be it. A volunteer poured ice water down my back. Dean suggested stuffing ice into my sports bra like he’s seen some elite women do. Since I’m so elite, I did it too. If only. I have to give a shout out to the support along this race. The nicest and most helpful people. When you came into a check point they would ask what you needed and take over from there – filling your Camelbak, getting you e-caps, you name it. They were a real energy booster!
I only farted loudly once and it was when he was telling someone a story about the Big Sur Marathon. I don’t think anyone heard it.
Coming into the finish:
Call me fist pump Beth. I’m so cool:
BFFs:
Pointing at my boob:
The guy in the white sunglasses is running with Dean on Stage 2. Check out that bicep:
Sitting in the river post race. SO cold – better than an ice bath. I bet those guys’ balls were shriveled to nothing:
Pus anyone?
Told you it was hot. Gross. I came home and poured this into my salt shaker:
At the camp for the race. Tent city. I was glad to be going home to my bed:
My biggest fan. Couldn’t do any of this without him!
The kids getting ready to try the Gore-Tex wind and water proof gear in the rain/wind booth:
With the kids at the end. He was so sweet with them. Signed their shirts and books, told them he wanted to run with them if they ever came to San Francisco:
A HUGE thanks to Gore-Tex, Outside PR (Kelly and Devon - we love you!!) and Dean for giving me such a great day. And the schwag ain’t too bad either (Timex watch, gloves, jacket, tech shirt, coffee mug, shoe warmers/driers, handheld bottle, Salt Stick tabs, GU stuff, trail running book, running hat, gear bag):
Lessons learned:
The studs who do all six days of this race are insane. Maybe I can be like them someday
Dean is all that. ‘Nuf said.
You can push through about anything. As they say, your body wants to give out long before your head. Let your mental strength take you through the tough times. Know that you will hit peaks and valleys. Don’t let the valleys make you stop or quit. The peak is just around the corner.
Keep taking risks. Continue to do that that which makes you uncomfortable. Continue to live fully! Feel that fear and do it anyway.
Run with someone much faster and stronger than you (I recommend Dean K). You will push yourself way harder and the sheer humiliation of being slow will keep your ass going.