Coming in 55th

Happy Tuesday.  I am totally slacking on keeping up and updating (I am in the midst of a job change/promotion and move), especially with my fun exciting trail run I need to tell you all about!

So, I signed up last minute for the Rock it Racing O'Neill Regional Park 5k in Trabuco Canyon.  Honestly, I got a flyer on my windshield from the prior Spooky 5k and decided, what the hell, I'll give it a try.  So I signed up and prepped my flat runner for the early Saturday morning run.

I decided to take the Nathan hydration belt because honestly I didn't know what it would be like to run a trail run and with it being a small event I didn't know what to expect.  It always comes in handy, but it wasn't necessary this time.  Also notice the Saucony trail shoes vs my standard road shoe.

I arrived and saw a nice close group of runners gathering around the start area.  We started off on pavement and that quickly changed.



Apparently I find it necessary to stretch.  Especially my calves because they have a tendency to tighten up on me with ALL THE HILLS.

The race offered a 10k and 5k course.  I opt'ed for the 5k run, since this was my first trail event.  It was a good choice :) We started out flat...

And then that quickly changed to a big incline change but it offered the most amazing views of south Orange County. *Side Note: Check out the guy in the Snail's Pace tee.  He's jazzed to be there.



The first 1.5 miles-ish, were almost all completely uphill.  I did a fast hike, since running this wasn't going to happen.  At the half way mark, you headed down hill, and that's where I took the lead in running and putting the work and pace in.

It was a solid mile/ 1.5 mi downhill and flat to the end, which make it a fast and fun run to the finish line.



I had a really fun time getting outdoors, starting off the weekend right and trying something new!  Overall it was a great experience and I really enjoyed it.  I have to say, the incline and course was tough, but it was a great way to slow down a 5k, enjoy the moments and take in the view.  I will definitely be looking into joining Rock it Racing for another trail run (if my schedule allows for it!).  Hope to see you all out there and joining me next time!

How I Finished My First Tri

Lets first start by saying I didn't make it to my Lexus LaceUp run in Ventura.  Wouldn't you know, I set my alarm for 4:45am, but it didn't go off - because it was set on a M-F alarm.  And with it being Saturday, it didn't go for it.  So I woke up at 6:00am and accepted my defeat that I wouldn't make the 120 mile drive in time to arrive by 7:45 (including picking up my packet).

So, at least the run was free (see previous post, I won free entry).  So being bummed I missed the run, I was all prepped to go, I decided to sign up last minute for the Renegade Race Series Terrifying 10 Miler event - however I would be running the 5k.  I decided to run some errands and hydrate as I drove around doing stuff.

 

 

So I just took Flat Jessie, that was all laid out for Ventura and just stuck with it for the Spooky 5k!

 

The event was held at beautiful Salt Creek Beach.  I used to frequent the beach when I lived a little closer to the south side of Laguna Beach.  I mean, that view.

 

 

The 3.1 miles was a little grueling as the first half was completely uphill!  But then it was a little gratifying running downhill at the turn around point!  As a side note, I swallowed about 63 little white bugs that were flying all over the course.  I almost gagged and barfed for about a quarter mile.

 

 

Well I finished the run, and wouldn't you know, I completed a Thanksgiving Turkey Triathlon!

 

 

Turns out the medals didn't get shipped in time, so they made due with giving out other medals (I'm guessing from previous runs or upcoming runs?) Apparently they will be shipping out the actual 10 miler, 10k or 5k medals.  So that's awesome.  Also, the Halloween run included costumes, so this one was my favorite - and props for running in that costume + pushing a stroller!

 

 

Overall it was a good, small scale event.  I had a great time, loved being able to sign up last minute (for under a bagillion dollars for last minute sign ups) and it was fairly well organized.  I enjoyed my run and it was a great start to my day / end to the weekend!

 

 

How was your weekend?  Did you run this course or the RnR LA or any other event this weekend?  Did you swallow 63 bugs?

Waking up at 5am. Help!

Well wouldn't you know, I won a free race entry to the Lexus LaceUp Ventura run this Saturday!  I entered their Halloween costume contest via their Facebook page and submitted this little gem from 2010, of me and my little lady for her first Halloween.  I thought I would be funny and turn her into a little sushi.  I mean why else do we have kids, but for our own entertainment?

So I ended up winning the "she was the most awesome of them all" vote - more like the pity vote.  There were three winners - top two with the most votes, and a third was by their choice and lucky me, they found my little sushi baby most entertaining!

So I was lucky enough to win a free entry to the run this weekend!  Score!  It's a mere 120 mile drive from me (yikes) and starts at 7:45am!  I also need to pick up my packet before the run, so I need leave my house by 5:00am.  Which means, I should have been in bed an hour ago.

Anyway, the LA Kings are playing so that means I am staying up. #GKG

Also, I wanted to share with you my awesome new bracelet my BFF Ashley had bought and sent to me - I love getting packages in the mail!  Unfortunately we live a few hours away from each other which makes it hard to get together.  I am lucky that she is so thoughtful to send me a little something to remind me she's always with me.  I call it our BFF handcuffs lol

Lastly, are you aware of the Beats by Dre, Beats 1 Run this Sunday?  Yeah, I wasn't aware either, until it was too late to take part in the "actual" event.  There are four events happening all around the world.  It is connecting the world together to run at the same time - all locations are happening simultaneously all playing the same music on course (or listening on your phone / music player) playing that same station.  They will also be broadcasting some voice memos you send in for everyone to hear.  I mean, how cool is that!?  I LOVE the concept connecting runners from all around the world together.

So I signed up for the My City, run.  Which basically just means I will be running at the same time as everyone else, however, I will be running it locally but listening to the same broadcast station.  I believe you can still sign up and Beats will be sending you a tee shirt for participating.  Also, they are asking you to IG your photos with the #Beats1Run hashtag to share your running journey.  As a side note, its a 5K, so it is a fun little run anyone can join.  Visit HERE to sign up and join me Sunday as well!  I guess I should go to bed now, or at least lay here and fake it until its 5am!

Will you be joining me Saturday in Ventura?  Are you gonna sign up for the Beats 1 Run on Sunday?  Have any better plans than me?!

Lexus LaceUp Irvine

 

How was your weekend?  I had a great weekend, kicking off the Lexus LaceUp Running Series on Saturday in Irvine, Ca.  The event offered a 5k and 10k course.  I didn't want to over commit, with a recent busy life change, so I decided to sign up for the fast, fun, 5k!

As always, I laid out Flat Jessie for the run, my basic, comfortable favorite running gear:

We arrived just before the race began and fell into place.  The event set up was really organized and nice.  It wasn't overly crowded but it was well organized and well laid out.  We were off to a great start - I left the gate forgetting to sync my watch, so it was slightly off during the whole run!  Here's an awesome picture of me staring at my wrist trying to sync the gps lol

The 5k course was pretty fun and easy to run with just a few short hills that included incline and decline areas.  Overall it was a fun easy course (unlike that killer RFAC run around Fashion Island last month).

I started to approach the finish line and my handsome photographer had already finished, so he was awaiting my arrival to take some epic photos of me finishing :)

 

 

 

 

Woohoo! Finished!





 

It was a great small scale event!  The registration included a tech tee, the great run, awesome medals, a free lunch and a Sierra Nevada beer!  I mean, it was well worth the cost of the event, I would highly recommend attending any of the other southern California events - Ventura, Palos Verdes, and Riverside!  If I am available I will be signing up to run one of their other events!

 

After the event we headed over to the OC Auto Show for a few hours to check out the new 2016 cars - viewing the new Lexus cars at the event gave us the extra push to attend.  I love checking out the new cars and had a great time!  How was your weekend?  Did you run the LaceUp event or visit the auto show!?

 

 

Race for the Cure 2015 + The Beach

So I completed my third annual Race for the Cure, Orange County September 27th.  I had been introduced to volunteering for the Race for the Cure through my former life as a sorority girl in Zeta Tau Alpha.

So, I laid out my gear in prep of the running day, as usual.

The Race for the Cure 5k was the first official race that I had signed up for, three years ago.  It holds a special place in my life because breast cancer has changed the lives of friends, family members, and others in my life.  I find the women inspiring and uplifting and love to support these strong women and supporters.

This year I ran in celebration of my Aunt Sandee, also known as Boppee, and my BFF Ashley's grandmother Phyllis.  Both have fought, survived, and are thriving after their BC diagnosis.

I had my wonderful man with me, supporting me, waiting for me to finish up the run, and out collecting the cool swag :)

I was also able to meet up with my friend Krista, and some of her other friends who all run this race every year!

It was hot as hell - seriously I felt like passing out.  And clearly forgot to put on sunscreen!

After that, we went home, spent the afternoon relaxing and took a little walk to the beach, which is always fun and relaxing.  How did you guys spend your weekend?  Were you there as well, did you go to the beach too?

Disneyland Half Marathon 2015

Well, the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend is over (insert crying face).  I love how fun and exciting the Disneyland and Run Disney events are for everyone!  The event brought in over 29,000 people over the weekend, 29 THOUSAND! 29,000 runners, families, friends who all took part in the magical running weekend!  Of that, 15K of them were running alongside me in the Disney Half Marathon on Sunday, which was amazing, of course. 

If you have been a part of a Run Disney event, you'll know that you are required to pick up your packet before race day - there are no race day pick ups.  This, to me, only adds to the excitement and fun of the whole run-tastic weekend.  The Run Disney expo is always really great, with the biggest and best vendors that always have something fun going on, giving away, and selling to all the excited runners in attendance.  I went on Friday afternoon to pick up my bib and check out what was happening during the expo.  I love to check out what everyone is selling, new dress-up running trends, and grab a cheer sign or two! 



Lets cut to Sunday morning: I had laid out "flat Jessie" all ready to go the night before, any guesses who I'll be?

I was up early getting myself together, grabbing something to eat and drink to get a little nutrition in me before the long run.

 

The half marathon started bright and early, at 5:30am.  At this time, it is still dark outside, so it feels extra early!

One of my favorite parts of running the Disneyland events are all of the photo opportunities with characters, behind-the-scene areas, and volunteers / cheerers/ spectators.

 

 It was really great to see all of the Disney employees out there cheering us on, along with the other local spectators and local cheer teams / bands!  I have to give Mouse Planet a special "Thank You!" for the personalized sign, red vines, and sponge!  It was awesome to see a sign out with my name :)





It was also a really cool experience running through Angel's Stadium!  How awesome is this, getting to run on the field and have a huge crowd cheering you on!?

 

I was lucky enough to have Mike and my daughter there cheering me on, taking a blurry picture or two as I ran by!

 

 

It was a really awesome run, that was well organized, super fun, and a great time!  This was my first 1/2 marathon and I loved every mile!  I would definitely recommend this run to any seasoned runner, or first-timer who is ready to tackle on all 13.1 miles!

How was your Labor Day weekend?