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?

Winner, Winner, Wine for Dinner

So last weekend my babe and I went to check out the AVP (Beach Volleyball) Championships down by the Huntington Beach pier.  Since it is just a short walk away, we took a little stroll (both days, actually) to check out the semi-finals and women's finals.

We spent some time in the scorching sun (slathered in loads of SPF), watching these awesome athletes play their hearts out.  It was really fun, inspiring, and entertaining to watch.  I had a great time - and it made me want to get out there and play.  For about 5 minutes, then I got over that idea :)

 

The event was really awesome, lots of great vendors set up with giveaways from Natures Valley - seriously I have granola bars for the next year, Food Should Taste Good chips, and Barefoot Wine.  We had a great time wandering around and meeting all the different vendors.  We always like to take advantage and find new favorite snacks, new, cool apps to use, or products we can't live without!

We got suckered into one of those "Guess How Many" games from Barefoot that made you sign in via their website to guess how many balls were in the wine bottle.  Mike guessed 206 (I think?) and I guessed 216.  To my surprise, a few days later I got an email saying that I won and my guess was correct!  Awesome!

Just a couple days later I received my prize.  A really handy cooler, towel, glasses, and a bunch of other fun little things.  Thanks Barefoot!

Were any of you there last weekend?  What's the coolest thing you have won?

US Open of Surfing Weekend; HB, Ca

This past weekend was the final weekend of the 2015 Vans US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, Ca.  Luckily the bf's house (AKA our "beach house") is just a few blocks away.  This is also where I often run along the beach to get the gorgeous scenery and perfect overcasty weather in the mornings. 

I went for my normal morning run and got in a great 5 miles Saturday morning.  The crowds were crazy, as expected, but nothing I haven't seen before, and nothing I couldn't manage to run around!

After my run, and a hearty breakfast, we decided to throw on some sunscreen and head down to check out the festivities.

 



There were a few vendor tents set up, a huge pop-up Vans store with exclusive merch, tons of giveaways, and of course, seating to watch the surfing or skate / BMX competitions.  We first checked out the store, which had a ton of cool merchandise.  Next we stopped off for free food - awesome!

Before heading off, we took a seat in the stands to watch some skate practice and enjoyed the events.

It was blazing hot and quite frankly, I was ready to go back home and relax for the rest of the afternoon.  Overall it was a super fun event with tons to do, lots of people watching, and who doesn't love free food.  Yay!  Congrats to all of the amazing athletes and winners!