Pre CIM Race Report

Tomorrow is the California International Marathon. I am participating in the relay race with the work team I put together. This year we began focusing more on fitness and running at work and what a surprise - I took it upon myself to put together not one, but two teams for the race! In the beginning I wasn't even sure if we would have one team so I was really happy with the fact that non-runners signed up and trained for the race. It really was a great office bonding experience and tomorrow it all comes together. 

I made training plans, sent out emails and coordinated the teams. Tomorrow will be the true test of how well we work together. Hopefully we can find each other at the exchange points! I have faith that this is going to be a great race. This year, my third time running the relay, I will be running through the finish and I am excited about that! Look for me on course! We'll be in the fun shirts pictured below so cheer for us as we run by - or virtually on Twitter and Instagram!

Yesterday - at the packet pick-up and runner expo I had some fun checking out the booths and finding this giant shoe! How many people could sleep in this? It's huge! Is Bigfoot racing tomorrow? In all seriousness, it was great marketing and the shoe definitely drew traffic to their booth. I also saw my Nuun Hood to Coast van driver! Unfortunately, I couldn't make it to the CIM Tweet-Up at the San Francisco Marathon booth today, but I am looking forward to meeting my fellow ambassadors soon. 

Are you running or racing this weekend? Perhaps your racing the CIM? If you are give me a shoutout and I'll look for you on course. Good luck and happy running! Remember to layer up - it's going to be a cold one tomorrow, 25 degrees, yikes! 

~Karen

Please Santa, I've Been Really Good This Year!

Please Santa?! I've been really good this year! All of these items can easily fit on the sleigh, and if not - a gift card will always do!

It's time for another wish list! So here goes...my top gifts for this Christmas season! They all seem to have the same theme with Nike Running products at the top of the list!

Nike Element Shield Max Running Jacket $250

What can I say? Strategically placed stretchy panels, waterproof finish, wind blocker, waterproof zipper, mesh inserts and an adjustable hood with removable face gaiter. And the best part - long sleeves and thumb holes!

Nike Lunarglide 4+ Shield Running Shoe $120

I love my Lunarglide 4's! I can't get enough of them, but they just didn't stand up to the elements this past Sunday for the California International Marathon. My problem, I didn't have the Shield version! This shoe has a weatherized mesh on the upper to keep rain out and your feet dry and running strong! It also has a reflective upper and a glove like fit. I truly do feel like I am running on clouds when I have this shoe on. 

Nike Slouchy Sphere Women's Training Hoodie $100

I am always cold! This shirt is the perfect combination of heat and style. With cozy insulating fabric and a slouchy neck that can be pushed up or down, it's perfect for keeping the elements at bay. With a longer length and thumbholes to keep the sleeves from riding up, this shirt has it all! 

Nike Women's Pro Hyperwarm Shield Tights $60

The panels on the front create a wind and water barrier, keeping you dry and comfortable during your runs. Also, the fabric is warm and sweat wicking so you can focus on your run and not on your pants. The double waisted band is comfortable and stays put too. Yes, I need these!

Run The Edge iPhone Case $12.95

My phone needs to be protected during all my fitness activities, and what better way to do that than to have a phone that is a constant reminder of what I want to do? Run, run, run! Thank you to Tim Catalano and Adam Goucher, authors of the amazing running book, Run the Edge, for selling this great stocking stuffer (hint, hint!).

Stay tuned for more of my wish list's leading up to Christmas and share with me your top gifts! 

Puddle Running!

December has arrived and I have one month left to reach my goals for this end of the year and set new ones for 2013. Today was my last planned race until 2013. It was the California International Marathon Relay event. I ran the 7.6 mile second leg of the race and it was one of the most challenging races I have run because of the weather. It was a TORRENTIAL downpour this morning with winds gusting at 29 miles and above. I was soaked before I even started the race. I wore proper gear, wind and water resistant pants, my Nike rain coat and water resistant gloves, but my feet were soaked!

I think my shoes weighed an extra 10 pounds each by the end of the race. I should have invested in LunarGlide 4 Shield's before the race. By the time I realized the weather would be so wet, I could't find the shoe I wanted in town and there was no way to ship it to myself quick enough. Once I was off and running I barely noticed the rain. It was actually almost nice because it kept my body cool as I ran. It was in the high 50 degrees so I was warm enough.

I bounded through puddles all morning long and felt a bit like a child; leaping carelessly through water 2-4 inches deep and dodging other, much deeper puddles. I kept a steady nine minute mile pace and was happy with my time considering the weather. It was a great experience and now I truly feel like a #wind and #rain warrior.

 Well Earned Finisher's Medal!

A warm shower, hot Chai tea and being snuggled under a blanket while writing this are just some of the perks of my post race relaxation. I might head out for a little shopping later this afternoon, when the weather clears up.

In other news, I am leading the Athleta run club every Sunday at 9am. If you're in the Roseville area, come out and join me! I can hardly wait to lead my first running club and consistently help others share the joy of running. It truly is a blessing to be able to work with an amazing group of women runners.

This last week I finally caved and entered the lottery for the Nike Women's Marathon in Washington DC! I have no idea how much this is going to cost, where to stay, who to go with, or how I can afford it, but I just WON'T miss this race! It on my birthday, APRIL 28, so I really don't see how I can NOT go? I will get in, I will have a blast, and I will PR. Those are my goals for 2013.

How are you staying active in December? Have you ever had a race that was ruled by the elements? How did you handle it?

Monday Fun-day!

Monday is always a tough day for me because it marks the end of my weekend and the beginning of a new week of work. I enjoy how much activity I get to do on the weekends and I do not look forward to going back to my desk job. Today was a very good Monday. First, the Nike Training Club app came out with new workouts and rewards from top athletes. I have been looking for a way to up my training and this came at the perfect time. I can't wait to do all the new workouts, especially Alex Morgan's new "Explosive Power Workout." 

Today also involved running basketball tryouts for the high school girls team I coach and seeing what they can do on the court. I enjoy seeing their constant improvement and helping them learn new things and grow as players. It's great to be around their energy and to share my love of the sport with a new generation.

I also found out today that I will be leading a running group in the near future. I'll be sure to keep you posted when I know more of the details, but it is going to be a lot of fun! Stay tuned! 

My next race is December 2 and I will be racing on a relay team in the California International Marathon. I am excited for this race because the energy level is always so high and the course in scenic and quick. I have gotten a little out of my training schedule but I will be back at it this week and training hard to be fast on course. 

How was your Monday?