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

Taking Time to Enjoy the Forest

I love the city and running on paved sidewalks. I like the hustle and bustle and this time of year I love running past holiday decorations. I don't get to hike or run in the forest very often, but I did have the chance last weekend. My family and I piled into my Jeep and headed out on a twisting, single lane road full of potholes. I wish that I was closer to the Redwoods, I would go there more often, but instead I cherish the times I get to go. I love the smell of crisp, fresh air and the sound of the path beneath my feet. This particular Redwood grove can feel like your personal forest. When you stop to listen it is peacefully quiet. Dare I say it is where I imagine some scenes from The Hunger Games taking place. Katniss would do well here with her bow and arrow.

Imagining I Have Super Human Strength

There are so many good places to run and to pose for photos. I could imagine an awesome running photo shoot happening here. It's the perfect place to capture brilliant green hues and have trails all to yourself. There is beauty here and signs of a fire that ripped through the forest years ago. What is amazing is that the trees survived. In fact, some of these Redwoods have been here for thousands of years and their trunks are huge! It's a humbling and inspiring place to visit. 

The Family Photo

It doesn't look cold in the photo, but it was! Which brings me to my Athleta shout-out. I was so glad I thought to bring my Athleta Downalicious Jacket! This jacket is so lightweight and yet has such good insulation against the cold. Also, did you notice the fun side zip to give it some extra style? It's the perfect jacket for winter. If you're looking for a great jacket for heading out in the cold or an afternoon hike in the woods, this is it. It would also make a great Christmas gift!

Athleta Downalicious Jacket

The Redwoods are just one of the places I like to visit in Northern California. Since I get to go so infrequently, they will always have a special place in my heart. On May 4th, 2014 the Avenue of the Giants Marathon and Half Marathon are taking place. Listed by Runner's World magazine as one of the most scenic courses, I plan on adding this race to my must do events! Anyone want to join me? You can't ask for a better view than running through towering trees and the temperature is always great! The registration fee right now is only $60 for the full marathon and $50 for the half marathon. Register early before these rates go up! 

It may be the Oregon girl in me, but I love running through trees and exploring new forests. I can't wait to go back soon.

Your Feet Have a New Best Friend in the Mizuno Wave Rider 17

The following post is sponsored by Fitfluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno. 

The day before Thanksgiving a special package showed up at my door from Mizuno Running. As a member of the FitFluential community I get the opportunity to try new products from time to time and share my opinion with my readers! On Wednesday morning, as Thanksgiving preparations were in full swing, a shoebox containing the new Mizuno Running Wave Rider 17 arrived. I am always ready to try new shoes and I was ready to run. I wore tested them around the house on Wednesday and Thursday morning took them to the lake for their first run! 

Thursday morning was a gorgeous day. I dressed for a cold morning run but quickly warmed up. The Wave Rider 17's performed really well on their first three miler. According to Mizuno, the shoes are created for a neutral runner with just enough cushioning to perform well at high mileage training. I felt great during this run and barely even noticed the shoes on my feet. If they weren't so fun and bright to look at I might not even notice them on my runs. I would definitely consider using these for my next half marathon training program - I just have to find a race to sign up for!

The shoe weigh's in at 7.4 oz (varies by size) and has a midsole with incredibly lightweight and resilient cushioning. I noticed that it was very responsive both on the cement path and on the packed dirt trail around the lake. The sole has deep flex grooves that offer optimal flexibility and cushioning and seemed to work well on multiple surfaces.

They also seem to have caught the eye of the male population as I was asked on a running date by a complete stranger. So ladies, if you're looking to find a man perhaps these shoes could also play matchmaker? You could turn shoe love into true love. Too much? Honestly, the shoes look great and everyone wants to look good while they run. I know that it makes me faster when I feel like I look the part. These shoes definitely gave me confidence and they can do the same for you, especially in a bright fun color like I received. Don't be afraid to make yourself visible on the road. Bright colors are fashionable and keep you out of harm's way. Mizuno also did great with color combinations on the Wave Rider 17 so you are sure to find one to fit your style and personality. 

 

If you are looking for a shoe that will stand up to the pressure of running hard miles while offering you a smooth ride the Wave Rider 17 may be for you. They release on December 5th, so you can pick up your very own pair in just a few short days. These would also be a great shoe to put on your Christmas list or gift to your favorite runner! You can never have too many running shoes so go ahead and tell Santa you've been a good girl (or boy) this year and add them to your list. 

When you snag a pair be sure to let me know what you think in the comments below or share a picture on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #WaveRider17 and spread the word. Keep the #mezamashii running spirit of Mizuno alive with the Wave Rider 17 this holiday season.

Five Tips for Staying on Track During Winter Running

Fall has arrived and that means that it is time to bring out the winter running clothes. As an Oregon native I am prepared for anything the weather throws at me. Boots, hats, scarves and a winter running wardrobe for any condition is something that keeps me lacing up my shoes and heading out the door through the cold winter months. I actually find that I run faster in the winter. I wish summer running had the same effect, but I tend to melt in the sun. Winter just suits me better! I love layering up for fall and today was no exception. 

This afternoon, I went for a short three mile training run and layered up in Hyperwarm tights, running vest, long sleeve top, Nike Free's and my GPS watch. This outfit kept me toasty warm and not too hot so I could focus on speed instead of my core temperature. When looking for winter running gear be sure to get something that is breathable, fits well, wicks sweat and also keeps you warm. Athleta and Nike are my go-to brands for winter running gear. 

Every year sportswear companies like Athleta, Nike, Under Armour, and Adidas come out with new products to protect us from the elements. I really have no excuse not to exercise during the cold winter months. Plus, I have a reason to do a little shopping for myself as the seasons change. If a new pair of running shoes or tights will get you out on the street then they are a great investment. 

Here are my top five tips to keep you on track with your fitness goals during winter training:

1. Buy the right gear. Get a pair of lined running pants or rain proof shoes so you can't use weather as an excuse.
2. Find a workout buddy to keep you on track! If someone is counting on you then you are much less likely to skip a workout, even if it is cold outside.
3. Sign up for a race or a class at the local gym. If you have something you are training for you will be more motivated to put work in. 
4. Plan your workouts the week ahead so that you know how to budget your time. This one is important, especially with the holidays coming up. Make a schedule of your workouts and stick to it!
5. Reward yourself after a certain amount of successful workouts or when you reach a goal. Maybe you get a massage when you stick to your workouts for three weeks, or perhaps you get that new sweater your were eying at the store. Whatever your reward - treat yourself to it when you reach a goal.

Staying on track with training in the winter and during the holidays is hard. Chances are you will miss a workout, but if you follow my five tips for success, you should be able to keep up your fitness strong during the winter months.

It's Turkey Trot Season!

Happy Thanksgiving week! I started the week off with a trail race this morning. I ran the Ukiah Turkey Trot. It was a 3.5 mile out and back course that ran along Lake Mendocino. It was a chilly morning and I had to bundle up more than usual to stay warm. You can see my warm race gear below.  

My Athleta and Nike race gear

I haven't been running too many trails lately so I wasn't sure what to predict as far as time goes. The 

course itself was challenging with a lot of rolling hills. It was an out and back loop and I kept a pretty good pace in relation to my training. I finished to cheering locals and enjoyed hot beverages and scones at the finish. One of the girls from the running group invited me to yoga after the race and I decided to try my first hot yoga class.

I have always been terrified to try hot yoga. I sweat enough in yoga class without extra heat added. I braved it today, partly because I needed to stretch my tight muscles and partly because I didn't want to let my friend down. Surprisingly, it wasn't as bas as I thought it would be. I do still prefer regular flow yoga and if given a choice, I'll stick with yoga in a cooler room. I am proud of myself for giving it a try though. 

What do you think? Are you a fan of hot yoga? Do you have any Thanksgiving races coming up? Let me know!

Pretty Muddy is Returning to Sacramento

Usually I don't plan my races too far in advance. This coming year I plan on really sticking to a race schedule and planning my training around it. Not only will this keep me on track and motivated, it will also save me money on race fees. Yes - signing up early for local races can save you a lot of money. One race that I plan on doing this year is the Pretty Muddy Women's Mud Run in Sacramento on May 3, 2014. 

What is the best part about signing up for this race (other than the fact that it's a super fun race just for women) is the fact that it is 50% off! For a limited time, the first 200 participants to sign up can register for a huge discount. You can sign up for only $34.75, which is a great price for a mud run.

Mud runs are great events to let yourself loose to just enjoy a run. You don't have to worry about time or pace. You just have to worry about having fun and getting pretty muddy! This event is specifically focused on women, so grab your girls and take a day to enjoy yourself in a fun exciting mud and obstacle course. 

I hope I see you in Sacramento. Come get muddy with me!

The Reebok Spartan Race World Championship is Coming!

Coming up on December 7th is the Spartan World Championship! It will be broadcast live on NBC Sports from 4-5pm. The Spartan Race series has always appealed to me because of what it represents. The Spartan series provides a way for anyone to challenge themselves to push past obstacles and fears. I am all about someone taking fear, looking it in the face, and accepting the challenge it represents. Reebok Spartan Races are more than just events - they are life changing moments where you can become the person you always wanted to be. They provide a platform for ordinary people to become extraordinary.

Why am I excited about this race? I was signed up for my first Spartan Beast Race in October, but due to injury after running a marathon the week before, was unable to participate. I fully plan on taking on the Spartan Beast challenge this coming year. Until then, I am going to learn everything I can about becoming a Spartan and cheer on those who are at Spartan Races around the world. The Spartan World Championship race will be inspiring, motivating and riveting to watch. Who knows, maybe someday I'll even participate!

We all have the chance to become more than we are and to constantly challenge and better ourselves. The Spartan Race series has taken the best of endurance races and created a culture that defies odds, pushes barriers and creates champions. Don't believe me? Check out the video below on the journey someone goes through to become a Spartan. 

Do you want to challenge yourself? Do you want to get your office together for a challenge that will bring out the best in them and increase camaraderie and self-esteem? Is your running group ready to take a step in a new direction? Then sign up for a Spartan Race today! And if you want a free race entry it's your lucky day! I've teamed up with Spartan Race to give one lucky reader a free entry to ANY Spartan Race in the continental US! Just enter in the rafflecopter giveaway below! Can't wait to see if you have won? Sign up with this link and get 15% off registration! Good luck and Warrior On!

a Rafflecopter giveaway