Don’t Call Us “Mellow Yellow”

September 4, 2013 by beewhobabbles

We’re painting the month yellow here at Scoot A Doot, and we’re off to an incredible start. I am so inspired by my chicks and our friends who’ve joined our team. It’s only been three days, and already we’ve run, walked, skipped or jumped over 145 miles! We’ve also raised over $600. IN THREE DAYS. I’m completely bowled over by the support for this cause, and so thankful that I know wonderful people, who know other wonderful people. (And I’m sort of lost with the words over this. Truly.)

When we decided to participate in the Million Mile Run, we weren’t sure what our goal would be. Teams are supposed to run 100 miles, collectively, and right away, we knew that we’d surpass that with ease. Some of us are training for long distance races, one of us is running her way through Napa this month, and one of us walks as her primary mode of transport. We’re a pretty ambitious bunch though, and since our mindset for this event was “Go BIG or go home,” we each set our sights on an individual goal.

BEC:

My goal is 13.1 miles for the month. I’m hoping for more but i wanted a workable goal and I’ve done a half in a month before so that seemed good.

This will be achieved primarily through walking, although i am restarting C25K, so there will be some running.

Because my phone died, and my replacement phone is on backorder, I’ll be using the local high school track as my mileage guide, and logging my time manually in Runkeeper. And once my phone gets here, I’ll be all about my Runkeeper and Couch to 5k training apps.

JESS:

I typically walk about three miles a day, so I know I can hit 90 miles by the end of the month without any problem. My secret goal is 100 miles – still doable but it will definitely require more effort. I’ll be stoked if I hit that!

To achieve it, I plan to keep doing what I’m doing: by walking around the city as much as possible. Once I’m back to 100% health (summer colds are the worst!) I plan to run on the weekends as well.

I’ll be tracking miles with My Fitbit One, of course!

MER:

My miles for the Million Mile Run will be taking place during gym warm up (I usually average two prior to an hour of strength/cardio) and while my kids are at school. I’m going to try to streak as much as my schedule will allow this month and get at least a mile a day because, really, why not? The weekends will be dedicated to long runs.

I usually use my Garmin or just general knowledge to track my miles (I do my quarter mile stretch prior to the gym sans watch). However I’m getting a Fitbit within the next couple of days so perhaps I’ll use that to track my mileage. I’m excited to play with a new gadget and there’s really no better way to break it in!

VIC:

The Million Mile run happens to fall into my schedule at the same time I ramp up my mileage as I prepare for the NYC Marathon. As I look at my training schedule, I see that my long runs alone total more than 60 miles in September. So – I’ve decided to set my goal for 100 miles. I think my training should bring me pretty close, if not over the century mark. I was already nearly 1/5 of my way to my goal on Sept. 1, as I run an 18-miler in Watertown, NY.

I plan to run 4-5 days each week, with a little cross-training of swimming or spinning thrown in. Now while I do train with a Garmin (forerunner 210, folks!) I typically am lax about downloading said information into a fancy spreadsheet, but I do write my mileage, pace and time on my weekly running log. Now don’t laugh, but it’s all kept in a weekly pocket calendar from Target’s dollar spot. It’s old school, but it works for me.

BROOKE:

As for me, I plan to run 75 miles this month. I’m at the beginning of my training for Wine and Dine, and 75 is slightly over the planned mileage, but I’m going over on most of my runs already anyway. (Sorry, Hal Higdon.)

Cross training will be walking with my family or hanging with Hannah on the elliptical (does that count?), and all miles will be tracked by my trusty Garmin.

I’m sporting my yellow today (good thing I have a lot of it!) and I can’t wait to see how much we run- and raise- to help support children’s cancer research.

Please donate if you’re moved to do so. Thanks.

Have you ever done a running streak? What are you currently training for? Tell me how much you love your FitBit (my mom has a birthday soon and I’m eyeing it for a gift!) What yellow clothing do you have in your closet?

Run Real with SKORA

September 3, 2013 by scootadoot

You might have heard the buzz about SKORA on Twitter or seen the many Instagram pictures of the shoes from diehard fans. The Chicks originally heard about SKORA shoes from our friend, Evelin. Naturally we were intrigued by the idea of minimalist shoes and were stoked when Vic and Mer were chosen to give the shoes a try!

We plan to try them throughout the month of September before writing a full review but here are our first thoughts.

Vic’s SKORA FORM

Vic: I am really excited to give them a whirl. So far, I’ve only walked/run about a half-mile in them and I LOVE how light they are on my feet. But it’s a very different feel than I am used to. I wonder if I will be faster when I run in them? I sure feel snappier!

Mer’s SKORA CORE

Mer: Thanks to the rainy New Jersey weather, so far I’ve only been able to try these on the treadmill. I did a mile walk to start before racking up two additional miles on the first day and three the second. Honestly, I can’t wait to get these outside. I really like how I’m able to feel more of the ground when wearing them and I also appreciate how my feet have the opportunity to spread with each step.

We’re both looking forward to logging some quality miles in our SKORAs! We’ll keep you posted with a full review in a couple of weeks!

Have you tried SKORA shoes before? Ever try barefoot running?

We were provided with the shoes from SKORA. All thoughts and opinions are our own.

Picture Pages: The Color Run NJ

September 3, 2013 by Meridith

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urSPH95DHng&w=480&h=360]

Sport Hooks: A review and giveaway

September 2, 2013 by vfreile

I love to organize. Just ask my husband.

I make piles and lists. Lots of lists. And as you know, I also collect some goodies in baskets.

A few weeks back, I shared some photos of a few of my favorite medals. Then, many of you were kind enough to share some photos of YOUR special medals.

Last month, I received an beautiful medal rack from Marcey at Sport Hooks. The five-hook rack is stunning, and made of a heavy medal, so I am absolutely loving how durable it is.

My new medal rack, freshly-installed by yours truly!

That’s right! I found our drill and used it for the first time – all by myself – to install the rack. It literally took about a minute. Easy peasy! The lengthy process for me was deciding where it would go. Once up, I decided to display some of my fave medals — the rest remain in ye ‘ole medal basket.

Part of what I love so much about this rack is the woman behind the design. Marcey is a runner like you and me — though she’s a marathon maniac, having run 86 marathons since 2000. Now that’s an incredible accomplishment! Let’s give Marcey a huge hand!

As she collected bling in the past decade, Marcey said she realized she needed a medal display that was both functional and stylish. Thus, Sport Hooks was born!

Sport Hooks by Heavy Medalz has been in business for seven years and offers 1-hook, 3-hook, 5-hook and 10-hook displays. Her designs transcend all sports — running, swimming, triathlons, gymnastics, dance, martial arts, softball, golf. The list goes on and on!

Click here to see Individual sport medal rack options.

And click here to learn about the team sport medal rack choices.

And the company also makes some unique medal racks, specifically for IRONMAN triathletes and fans of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, as well as runDisney fans! Others have inspirational quotes or distances.

All of her displays are quality and beautiful conversation-starters.

Here are a few of my faves:

Ironman 5-hook medal display

RnR 5-hook medal display

Chasing Boston? Then this rack is for you!

Sport Hooks has generously offered one of you lucky Scoot readers a five-hook medal rack of your choice! Any sport, any style. Can’t beat that! To enter, click on the Rafflecopter pic below. Giveaway runs through Sept. 11.

Click the pic to enter

Disclaimer: I received one Sport Hooks medal hanger for review. All words and opinions are my own. Giveaway prize donated by Sport Hooks.

“Chick on Chick” – Episode V – All Eyes on Vic!

August 30, 2013 by camoozle

Are you ready for the scoop? I’ve got the goods on our Chick Vic! This is the fifth installment of our “Chick on Chick” series aka the one in which Cam asks Vic a bunch of random yet very important questions. In case you missed all the action, click here to learn more about Jess, Brooke, Bec, and Meri.

“Vic”torious!

I first met Vic during the Merrell Down and Dirty Mud Run in Philly. We were both there to roll in the mud with chick Meri and I’ve been trying to get her in a Ragnar van ever since. Between chasing down homicides and running marathons, this chick knows how to have an adventure! We all know Vic’s an inspirational runner, but I wanted to get down and dirty with Vic. Really ask the hard-hitting questions, about important stuff like toenails and reality shows. So here’s the 411 on this top-notch reporter and superior pig roaster (which may or may not occur simultaneously).

Cam: First things first, how many toenails do you have?

Vic: “You know you’re a runner when….”
All of my toenails are on my feet. (There’s a sentence I never expected to write!) But only 6 of my 10 toenails can be described as normal. I’ve pretty much lost one toenail per marathon. My left foot looks great and the nails on my right foot, well, look stressed. I often paint them in the summer to hide how horrible they really are. I pretend it works, but I know it doesn’t. And I cringe when I get a pedicure. It’s rather embarrassing so I rarely go.

Cam: Gimme your Top 5 Bands of all time.

Vic: I love music, but am the girl who never knows names of bands, songs or albums. Don’t get me wrong, I can belt out a 20-year-old song with the best of them but if you ask me what it’s called and who sings it, I will come up blank pretty much every time.

So instead, I’ll tout my favorite all-time band, The Beatles. John, Paul, George and Ringo – I feel like they’ve been with me through many stages of my life. I have many albums, including the coveted Sgt. Peppers’ on LP, though don’t ask me where the coveted paper dolls went. The Beatles are tried and true and have stood the test of time. I can pop on an album and sing along… And I’ve been to Penny Lane, Abbey Road, Strawberry Fields and the famous Cavern Club. Too bad I never met Jude.

*Please Note*

Vic receives 1up for this response. I, too, claim the fab four as my most favorite band of all time!

Cam: What is your most cherished item in your closet? Besides your running shoes, of course…

Vic: I don’t really have one cherished item as I destroy clothes. I have skirts I wear often and one super flattering dress that makes weekly appearances in the summer months. One special item that’s been in my closet for 28 years, is hooded sweatshirt from my childhood. It’s an old swimming zip-up hoody from 1985. Yes, I still have it. Yes, I still wear it. Yes, I’ve tried to part with it more than once. No, I’m not giving it up.

Cam: If you could live in any era, which decade would you choose?

Vic: My husband and I chat about this often. I’d love to have seen what life was like in the 30s. I know it was amidst the Great Depression and World War II, but it’s also when the city I live in hit its stride. I’d love to know what Rochester NY was like in its heyday. It was a simpler time, and the downtown where I work was BOOMING. Plus, my father was a child in the 30s and I would have loved to have known what he was like as a kid. Would we have been friends?

Cam: Which superpower would you want?

Vic: I’d love the ability to transport myself in an instant. I want to travel across the country, or world, in a flash. I don’t get to see my loved ones as often as I like – my sister lives in Australia, my cousins are in Ecuador and my best friend and parents are a six-hour drive away. I’d pop in for dinner, family gatherings or emergencies and to surprise my loved ones.

Cam: Who are your heroes?

Vic: There are so many I could say, but I will go with a homegrown hero, Susan B. Anthony. An independent woman at a time in history when women toed the line, Anthony fought for equality. She was a key advocate for the 19th century women’s suffrage movement — and didn’t back down from a challenge. She voted in 1872, full well knowing she would be arrested for her action. She wanted to make a difference for others, to be heard. “Failure is impossible,” she said. I try to remember that motto any time I face a challenge.

Cam: Cast your perfect reality show.

Vic: Do I get to pick the people in it? I’m not a huge fan of reality TV, but if I could pick anyone from recent history to put into a room and interview, I’d round up Walt Disney, Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Thatcher, Steve Jobs and Bob Woodward. All incredible trailblazers in my eyes.

Trailblaze on, my friend! Do you have any questions for Vic? Do you also love the Beatles? Chat with us in the comments!

Chatting with Aga and ESPNW

August 30, 2013 by vfreile

Last week, I had a coveted weekday off. And what did I do? Lunch with a friend, shopped for groceries, and oh, I chatted with tennis pro Aga Radwanska.

Say what?

Yep, you read that correctly. Last month I won the opportunity to chat with Aga, through ESPNW’s 98 Days to Shine contest. Let me just say, I love so much about this contest. It combines my love of photography and with my love of sports.

But more than anything, this summer I’ve enjoyed watching how it gave women athletes a forum to showcase their strength, beauty, courage and determination, and to support one another.

My photo submission back in July depicted a hero, and I featured an image with Joan Benoit Samuelson, a pioneer in women’s distance running. (See below)

My prize was a spiffy ESPNW shirt, and a google hangout with Aga.

We’d been trying to coordinate for about a month, but everything came together late Thursday and with help from technology-savvy friend, my Google hangout chat with Aga moved forward Friday morning.

For those who don’t know much about Aga Radwanska, she’s a 24-year-old tennis phenom from Poland, who has taken the tennis world by storm. She’s currently among the female players in the world and was runner up to Serena Williams in in her first grand slam championship match at Wimbledon last year.

This week, Aga is playing at the US Open in New York. We chatted face to face – well, via computer screen anyway! I was armed with a listing questions, but knowing she was facing one of her biggest matches of the year, I asked her how she prepared for the big week.

Don’t be surprised: she relaxed! Aga and her younger sister Urzula, also a tennis pro, spent time in New Haven, CT. Aga said Connecticut was “nice and calm” and allowed her to take time off the court in the days leading up to her next Grand Slam match, in the hustle and bustle of New York.

“My biggest goal is always The Grand Slam,” she said. “Of course wherever you go you want I win.”

She’s quite proud of her accomplishments but knows hard work nets results.

“On one hand, it’s hard to get to the top, but it’s harder to stay there,” Aga said.

She trains hard. Aga said she spends about five ours each day training – two hours of tennis in the morning followed by 90 or so minutes of fitness training, then another 90 minutes of tennis each afternoon.

“It’s still fun, but sometimes it is hard,” Aga said. “You’re tired, exhausted, but you know you have to do it. Sometimes you just have to push yourself.”

We chatted about my sports history – swimming, rowing and running – and how they molded me int who I am today. We also chatted about her background, her love of exercising with her sister and how she prepares for the “big match.”

Spoiler: She tries not to think about an upcoming match, but instead listens to music before playing.

I also asked Aga about her image in the 2013 edition of ESPN’s The Body Issue. I you haven’t seen it, click here. To me, its such an incredible photographic feat each year and features images of elite athletes in the buff. Always tastefully done, the issue leaves me mesmerized by the athletes’ bodies, and inspired to improve my photographic skills and to head to the gym.

When asked to participate in the 2013 issue, Aga said she she needed to consider it for several days before accepting. She said she enjoyed the experience – and would do it again if asked. And, Aga said, she appreciated how supportive her family was of her decision.

Leading up to a match, Aga said she tries to put then task at hand out of her mind. Instead, she said, she plugs in and listens to music.

And as I write this, Aga’s US Open journey is well underway! Aga already won her first two rounds of play as she strives to win the US Open title next week. Her third round is today! Good luck Aga!!

Her advice to all aspiring athletes? Work hard. Set goals and work steadily toward those goals.

What questions would you ask Aga? Have you participated in ESPNW’s 98 Days to Shine contest? It’s not too late as it ends this weekend!

New (School) Year’s Resolutions

August 29, 2013 by bec2point0

Tell me I’m not the only one who makes these? I doubt it.

September is almost upon us, folks. And I, for one, couldn’t be happier. While I love the beach and family vacations and cookouts, every year I am blissed out beyond belief when I see the first signs of Fall.

I love cool weather. I love hot coffee (especially if said coffee is pumpkin flavored). I love baking things. And I love pulling on a hoodie and going out for a walk and coming home NOT SWEATY.

AND IT’S ALMOST HERE!

In addition to loving ALL THINGS FALL, I also love the feeling the new school year brings. It helps me to refocus and get things organized. When you have a full time job, two kids with school and activities and a September full of birthdays, organization is your BF4EVA. Seriously. I’ve spent the last three weeks printing out schedules for the fridge, creating school year contracts for my kids and looking at what needs changing.

I spent the better part of this summer being pretty lax in terms of diet and exercise. There were many nights where we hit Dairy Queen after dinner. Heck, there were a few nights where we hit Dairy Queen FOR dinner. And our Dairy Queen doesn’t serve actual food, so I think you can guess what dinner consisted of. I rarely cooked (in part due to the ridiculously disgusting heat that was July), I barely exercised (completely due to the ridiculously disgusting heat that was July… oh and also to an extreme case of the lazy), and I’ve been a pretty unorganized mess since June.

So, with Labor Day weekend coming right up, I’ve got a plan in place and I’m ready. (I’m SO ready, you guys). It’s time to get back to health and fitness. I’ve got a half marathon in 220 days. Heck, I’ve got an obstacle 5k in 8 days! And I’ve got a lot of weight to lose.

So, tomorrow I’ll be headed back to Weight Watchers. I’ve been paying for the monthly pass since June, but curiously, that alone doesn’t help you lose weight. WHO KNEW?

And Tuesday, I’ll be strapping on my running shoes and getting back out there. In the cool air. Looking at the pretty leaves. And enjoying the lack of ridiculously disgusting heat.

I’ll check back in a few weeks and let you know how it’s going. Wish me luck!

Disclaimer: This post was going to be filled with pictures of my schedule covered fridge and my basket of organic apples, but my phone died this morning. Sigh.

Do you guys make Fall resolutions? Are you sad to see summer go? Or are you like Bec, running around her yard, yelling VIVA LA AUTUMN?

Fall Running, Florida Style

August 28, 2013 by beewhobabbles

College football season begins this week, and for me, that means one thing: shopping. You all know I love to shop for running clothes, dresses, shoes…anything, really. (Even groceries.) My husband, as you can imagine, isn’t so fond of my affinity for spending money on fashion. But I’ll tell you a secret- if it’s in his team’s colors? If it’s to wear to the game? Suddenly, it’s okay. Gold sandals? “Of course, babe.” Black and white peplum top? “I don’t know what that is, but sounds good.” Golden yellow t-shirt? “Go Knights.” (And also, go yellow!)

On Monday, I went to the mall in search of some shorts to wear to this week’s game. I knew it was a long shot because I’ve received the latest J.Crew and Anthro catalogs. My coffee place is serving pumpkin spice lattes. I’m aware that in most parts of the country, it’s Fall. Still, I hoped. Until I spied the tables of corduroy skinnies and cardigans. Lace sweatshirts and jeans. And a lone sale rack with two pairs of shorts- not in my size or my color. Sad face.

I’m not sure why stores do this to Floridians. I’d like to wear lace and polka dot cardis, skinny jeans and boots. But we’re still feeling highs in the 90s. It’s soaking hot, as my daughter would whine (she’s already learning that we Floridians love to complain about our weather).

The soaking heat- emphasis on soaking- was quite apparent yesterday, as I scooted my doot on a mid-morning run. I know that some of you are already enjoying cooler temperatures, and some of those same folks are headed down here for Disney race season. I’d love to help you survive running in Florida. Here are some tips:

1. Accessorize. Hats and sunnies are your friends! I reached out on Instagram for sunglasses recommendations and ended up with these. Cute, a snug fit and my eyes are protected from the sun.

2. Chug-a-lug! Coconut water, Gatorade, nuun, old fashioned H2O: whatever you choose, make sure you drink up, and often. I’ve tried a couple of handheld bottles but the Amphipod is my fave.

3. Wear sunscreen. Find a good one that won’t run into your eyes (and let me know when you do, okay?). Protect your skin, prevent wrinkles and those weird tan lines from your sunglasses.

And speaking of tan lines…

4. Sport a tech t-shirt. It covers more skin than a sports bra or tank, so you won’t end up with a funny tan. I like this one because it’s a sweat-wicking fabric and super breathable.

5. Watch out for Gators. Obviously not at Disney, but if you’re running near a body of water down here, well, look out for them. When I say, “Go Gators”, I mean “Go away.”

Do you live in a warmer climate? What advice would you give for running in hot weather? Do you know where I can find some yellow shorts? And go ahead and shout out to your team here too. Go Knights.

Lemon is the New Pumpkin – Alex’s Lemonade Stand Million Mile Run

August 27, 2013 by Meridith

Way back when, summer was my favorite season. The break from school, swimming, the hot weather, family vacations and bonding time… I mean, what could be better?

While I still appreciate summer, I’ve really come to appreciate all that FALL has to offer. In fact, it’s moved to the top slot in the seasons list (sorry summer).

September is next week and while it’s still technically summer, we’re winding down with summer and preparing for the start of school. My kids are excited to meet their teachers and see their friends on a more consistent basis (I know some are already back in school in some parts of the country). The air conditioning has already been off more days than it’s been on this week and I’ve been breathing in the refreshing cooler air. Of course, the cooler air is also GREAT for running as well; it’s not so stifling and I don’t HAVE to get out there at 5:30 to run.

My favorite quarter mile stretch when you can actually see it!

I haven’t even mentioned pumpkin flavored treats. Because yes, I do love all the pumpkin flavored treats.

However, pumpkin is going to have to hold off just a tad bit longer because we Chicks are still embracing the LEMON.

Yes, that’s right, when we first heard about Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation hosting its inaugural Million Mile Run we knew we had to get in on the action!

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and we want to help spread awareness about a cause which we hold near and dear to our hearts. What’s the Million Mile Run all about? Are we all going to really run a million miles in September? Check out this video!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjZruV37FfY&w=640&h=360]

Throughout the month of September we’ll be logging our miles for the Million Mile Run. If you’d like to join Team Scoot a Doot and help raise awareness for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we would LOVE to have you. Fundraising is certainly encouraged but not mandatory; we want to spread the word and make a difference! EFF CANCER!

What else can you look forward to when you join us for the Million Mile Run?

On Wednesdays We Wear Yellow – pink might be where it’s at for Mean Girls but we’re Nice Girls here and we’re going yellow on Wednesdays. Join us and we’ll highlight pictures shared here, Instagram, Facebook, EVERYWHERE! (I don’t have much yellow in my wardrobe so this will be a particular challenge for me.)

Lemon-y Goodness – drinks, recipes, and whatever other good stuff we can find to share with you that has to do with lemon! Lemon juggling! Lemon bowling! Because lemon is the new pumpkin. We’re bringing lemon back, yeah!

Fundraiser Giveaway – while fundraising isn’t a requirement to participate, if you do and you’re the top fundraiser, we’re putting together a special little prize pack just for you.

You can register any time in the month of September but obviously the sooner you register, the sooner we can count your miles toward the goal. And bond. And make s’mores! And tell stories around the campfire.

Your miles count whether you’re walking, running, or skipping (if you’re skipping, please take a video because I want to see someone who is able to skip a mile). And since we know many of you are runners, walkers, skippers and jumpers, there’s really no better way to get involved.

So… what are you waiting for? Are you ready to get your miles on and spread the word about the Million Mile Run? Do you have yellow clothing you want to share with me on Wednesday? Join us with the #MillionMileRun and together we can make a difference!

http://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/115748

We Might Be Giants

August 26, 2013 by writeitdownjess

Or at least we were for one day when Mister Jess and I (and Bug, too, by default) ran The Giant Race 5K.

Somehow, despite the fact that the city of San Francisco is obsessed with their baseball team, I’d never heard of this event. But when my darling friend Val mentioned on Facebook that she’d signed up for it, I looked it up, decided it would be the perfect inaugural post-baby race to run, and signed right up!

It’ll be such great motivation to train! I thought. I’m going to be SO READY to run! I told myself.

Fast forward to August 4th and yeah, I hadn’t trained at all. Whoops! Needless to say, I was a little nervous about running 3.1 miles when I hadn’t run even one mile in well over a year. Add on to that the fact that Mister Jess was determined to run the whole thing without stopping and I was getting a little dewy underneath my Scoot A Doot t-shirt.

Sorry, you want me to RUN?

Ain’t no thing, says Mister Jess.

We got to the start line in front of AT&T Park (where the Giants play, of course) about ten minutes to 11am when the race was expected to start. Knowing nothing about this race previously, I was wholly unprepared for just how many people were there.

There were thousands upon thousands of racers dressed up in orange and black, sporting Giants gear, ready to run on behalf of their beloved baseball team and Project Open Hand, a very worthy cause the race was raising money for. We ended up at the back of the crowd. The early bird gets the better spot and all that, which was fine by me due to the whole not training for the race thing. I was happy to start in the caboose.

Nervous smile! BOB cameo!

Because there were so many people, it took us forever to get to the actual start line and once we officially began racing we were barely walking, never mind running.

This is easy! I thought. For about two minutes.

But then people started dispersing and spreading out and, you know, running. Mister Jess looked at me and said, “Ready?”

Apparently it was not a rhetorical question, so run we did.

The course went from AT&T Park down the Embarcadero toward Pier 39 and then looped back to finish at AT&T Park. It’s certainly one of the prettier courses I’ve run, although I think you’d be challenged to find a course in San Francisco that doesn’t have some kind of scenic eye candy. We ran along the bay, past the Bay Bridge and the various piers, bobbing and weaving through the crowd with our BOB and a straight passed out Bug.

I was already feeling pretty fatigued less than a mile in, but Mister Jess was a great running partner, encouraging me to keep running even if I needed to slow my pace. Despite the fact that he hadn’t trained for the race at all, he was running next to me like we were on a walk in the park. Annoying, but forgivable since he was keeping me motivated.

By the time we reached the halfway point, though, I was really feeling it and had to slow to a walk. Disappointing and probably completely in my head, but I was tired, sore and parched. We turned back toward AT&T Park and walked until I got my bearings and breath back. After a few minutes, I was ready to pick up the pace again. The natural competitor in me (buried deep down, but it’s there!) didn’t want my finish time to be too skewed.

Yep, loving life.

It had been so long since I’d run a race that I completely forgot about the rush. You know the rush: when you’re less than a mile from the finish and you’ve got spectators cheering you on, saying things like, “you’re almost there!” The endorphins kick in and suddenly there’s that burst of energy and you’re like, “I’M ALMOST THERE!”

Add on to that the fact that we could hear cheers coming from AT&T Park where people were waiting to welcome us across the finish line and I had a renewed sense of what I like to call Hell Yeah.

Experiencing the rush!

Hell Yeah!

What’s around the river – er, stadium bend?

If you ever want to cross a race finish line on the hallowed ground of a major league baseball field, then The Giant Race is for you. Mister Jess is a big sports buff, so when we got here:

And here:

He was pretty geeked out. And even though I barely know the difference between a touchdown and a home run, I have to admit that it was awesome running onto that field and seeing people cheering for us from the stands. It gave me a tiny taste of what it must be like for the Giants to play there. It was a truly unique experience that I wouldn’t have been able to get anywhere else, and definitely a race moment I will remember forever.

Another thing I’ll remember forever? Getting my first medal!

I’m done!

And I’ve got a medal!

My boys!

After we’d crossed the finish line, grabbed our medals, and took off our time chips, we went to hang out in the grass for a few minutes. Bug was less than impressed with his first experience with grass (pssh, city kid).

Two eyebrows are worth a thousand words.

Hmm. Can I eat this?

After soaking up the atmosphere we packed it up, packed it in, and left the park to feed our hungry bellies. I was nowhere close to PRing, but I finished the race and ran the majority of it, so I had to pat myself on the back for a job well done.

Overall, this was a very well organized, super fun race with a unique finish line experience. As soon as we were done, I turned to Mister Jess and said, “we’re doing this again next year.” If I can’t be a Giant all the time, at least I can every August!

What’s the most unique race course you’ve ever run? When did you get your first medal? Tell me about it in the comments!

Scootadoot

fitness, food, friends, fun