Bay to Breakers-- The Good, The Bad and the Naked Truth

When I found out that I would be in San Francisco the weekend of the Bay to Breakers race, I decided I wanted to run the race.  When I registered, I discovered they not only offered the 12K distance, but you could also add an extra 3K, called the Breaker Bonus, which included a free beer and extra medal. Extra medal? Sign me up!

Overall, I had the best time at Bay to Breakers.  Here’s the good, the bad and the naked truth about my experience.

Start Line!

The Good

Prior to running this race, I didn’t think I’d ever want to travel to a race for a distance less than a half marathon, however Bay to Breakers changed that.  I had the best time.  There are so many things to love about this race. 

Bay to Breakers really is one big party!  It starts in the corrals where we tossed tortillas in the air.  I’m not sure where the tradition originated, but it was fun.  The costumes were so much fun too—some were basic and some included full face make-up with a little bit of everything in between.  And the runners weren’t the only ones in costume—the spectators brought their party game too. 

Even the race mascot runs the race

The course took us through the streets of San Francisco, through a gorgeous park and along the ocean as part of the Breaker Bonus.  Even with the Hayes Street Hill, I really enjoyed the course.  It never felt boring—not only did the race have entertainment, some spectators were DJ-ing music for us too.  Like I said—one big party!

I know that a race doesn’t just happen—it takes the work of a lot of people, many who are volunteers.  And all the volunteers for the race were awesome.  From the ones at the race expo, to the ones in the finish line they were are so friendly and genuinely seemed happy to be there. 

Almost to the Finish 

Leading up to the race, the weather was a bit chaotic and the night before, thunderstorms were predicted.  Not only did that alter my race outfit, it also alter some times of the race activities.  Bay to Breakers did an awesome job of communicating to the runners and doing everything they could to ensure that we would be safe in the weather conditions. 

And those thunderstorms they predicted?  Other than about 15 minutes of rain before the race even started, it was a beautiful day.  All the extra layers I wore to stay dry and warm were lost during the race and we finished with sunshine and blue skies.  It was perfect running weather!

Will Run For Bling

The Bad

I can only think of one bad moment from today’s race.  At an aid station, I grabbed the Ultima and it was lemon flavor- I’m not sure if it just wasn’t mixed right or it was the flavor, but it definitely wasn’t what I was expecting.  I like Ultima, but I don’t think the lemon flavor is my jam.  And if that’s the only bad thing I can find with today’s race, I call that a major win!

The Naked Truth

Now to the nitty gritty.  Part of why the Bay to Breakers race is known for being one big party is that some people run it naked.  Yes, you read that correctly.  Naked. 

I knew this going into the race.  But knowing it and actually seeing it are two separate things.  I saw my first naked runner about a quarter mile into the race.  It was like an “Oh!” reaction—then after that, it wasn’t as weird.  Kudos to those runners for being comfortable in their own skin.  I’m not sure if it’s something I could ever do, but it definitely adds to the party of the race. 

Someone asked me how many runners ran naked—I don’t know a percentage, but I know I definitely saw runners in the double digits and if you’re in to statistics, I saw more men than women running naked.

One of my #runmigas, Uyen

I can’t remember the last time I had this much fun at a race.  I got to run with friends, run through a great city and party at one of the oldest footraces in the United States.  Would I run it again?  Absolutely!! I think everyone should run it at least ones to experience it. 

What’s the most fun race you’ve ever run?

Until next time, happy running.

Jenn13.1

2018 Holiday Gift Guide for Runners

It’s the most run-derful time of the year!  And I’m back with another holiday gift guide for the runners in your life, but this year’s has a little bit of a twist. If the runner is anything like the ones I know, they have everything.  So instead of focusing on things for the runner in your life, I’m focusing on experiences for the runner in your life.

Running Tours

If you’re like me, there are many places in your city that you have yet to explore.  One of my favorite ways to explore a city is by running and so many places have running tours that will give you a different perspective of where you live.  Here in San Diego, StepXStep running has tours through various neighborhoods, each with their own history.  Another great thing about running tours—they don't just need to be local.  Is your runner traveling? Find a running tour for wherever it is they go.  Not sure where to start on finding a running tour?  Check out your local running store for suggestions.

Self-Care

Running is hard.  It’s hard on your feet and legs.  It can be hard on your spirit. Like most runners, I will tell you that no matter how hard it is, it’s also one of the best experiences.  And one way I love to keep it a “best experience” is with a little self-care.  For me, that’s pedicures.  So think about a gift certificate to your runner’s favorite salon or spa.  They don’t like pedicures? Find out what they do like—maybe it’s massages, cupping or acupuncture.  And these things aren’t just for runners—you can join in on the fun too! 

Notice the black toe nail. 

Beer Tasting

Okay—so this isn’t running related, unless you consider it carb loading.  But sometimes we forget that runners like to do things besides run.  For me, beer tasting is one of those things.  And it can be fun—I’ve been traveling a lot this year and have discovered local breweries almost everywhere I go.  If the runner in your life doesn’t drink, try visiting local eateries during a restaurant week or create your own by visiting neighborhood restaurants and ordering appetizers.  Try visiting places you’ve never been to but have always wanted to try.

Bitter Brothers Brewery

“Afoot and Afield -San Diego County”

Yes—I know I said I wasn’t talking about things in this year’s gift guides.  But as Mick, an advid hiker and trail runner,  from Lynx Running said, this book is a “gift with the possibility of exploration.”   The San Diego edition of this book offers over 200 outings—how fun would it be to go through the list and check them off with your family and friends as you complete them.  Each trip gives you mileage, difficulty level and will let you know if it’s dog friendly.  It can be fun for everyone! (Don’t live in San Diego? I found other location versions on Amazon.)

As we venture into the “Season of Giving,” I hope that we all consider that giving doesn’t necessarily mean things.  I won’t lie—if someone wants to gift me a Garmin Fenix, I will gladly take it.  But what would mean more to me is someone gifting me their time.  Spending time with me, whether it be doing something I love or something we both love, and the memories hold more value than any item every could. 

What are you hoping to receive this year?

Until next time, happy running.

Jenn13.1

WIN Sports Detergent

When you run seven days a week, you have a lot of laundry and let’s be real—running that much makes for laundry that doesn’t always smell that great.  So when I had the chance to try WIN Sports Detergent, I said “Yes, please!”

According to their website, WIN Sports Detergent “contains special ingredients that other detergents lacks to remove” the oils that synthetic fabrics attract from your skin. 

I will be the first to admit that I don’t like doing laundry and I don’t always separate my clothes the way you should when you do laundry?  The lights, the colors, the running clothes, the work clothes—all in one load.  Because of this, I’ve been a little hesitant in using sports specific laundry detergents, but when I saw that the ingredients on WIN worked best with synthetics, I knew it would be safe since most of my work clothes are not cotton or plant based materials.

After using WIN, it was love at the first load.  Not only did my running clothes smell fresh, my every day clothes did as well.  I’ve been using WIN for about a month and I’ve even used it for my bedding and towels.  The Original Fresh Scent is scented enough to smell “cozy” but not too strong that it’s overwhelming.  I have a strong sense of smell and sometimes fragrant products are too much for me, but this is not the case with WIN.  There is an unscented/dye free detergent available if you prefer that.  The only thing I did not like about the detergent was the bottle—the pour lid has a cap under it, so it has a “double lid” and the excess detergent gets on the lid if you do not wipe of the pouring cap before placing it back on.  But overall, the wasn’t a big deal and isn’t enough for me to not like the actual product.

Will I continue to wash all my clothes together? Yes.  Will I continue to use WIN Sports detergent? Yes.  It’s a WIN win.  If you want to try it, you can use the code WINSWPNK to save 30% on your purchase through the end of November.

Do you use a special detergent for your running clothes?  If so, what do you use?

Until next time, happy running.

Jenn13.1

I received a bottle of WIN Sports Detergent through my relationship with Sweat Pink and Fit Approach.  All opinions are my own.

Run Streak: Two Years

Two years, 104 weeks, 730 days.  That’s how long I’ve been running at least a mile everyday.  They say time flies when you’re having fun and that's definitely true!  How has it been two years already?!  When I finished my first year, I didn’t have a plan.  I knew I would keep running, but figured I would stop eventually.  But I haven’t stopped.  I keep running and without a doubt, I wouldn’t have made it through the last year without these things: 

ProCompression Socks

If you follow me on social media, you’ve seen me #KeepItTight with ProCompression on a regular basis.  It’s safe to say we’re exclusive—I wear them when I run, when I travel, when I work and when I’m not running (there are times I even sleep with them!).  Not only do they make all the fun designs, the graduated compression helps me with muscle fatigue and muscle recovery.  I won’t lie and say my legs are never tired—let’s be real, I run every day.  But I know without a doubt, my streak wouldn’t have lasted this long if I didn’t wear my Pros. And it’s a lot more fun to run with all the colors- you know my favorite is #TwoPairDontCare. 

Purpose

As an athlete for Team Run Far, I am reminded every time I run that I am running for something much bigger than me.  There are days I struggle, when I don’t want to run, when I wonder if the streak will end and I try to find every excuse not to run.  Then I am reminded why I run—each day 22 US Military Veterans take their own life and leave behind loved ones, many times children.  Those children are why I run. By raising awareness for Run Far, I am helping provide scholarships to the children of US Veterans who have taken their own life through the Sergeant Sean Northcutt Scholarship.  So on those days I don’t want to run?  I run for them.  

The Trails

If you follow me on social media, over the past year you have seen me transition from road running to trail running.  When I first started trail running—I was petrified.  What if I fall down a mountain?  What if I get bitten by a snake?  What if I get lost?  But now I embrace all those things I was petrified of. I’ve fallen.  I’ve seen snakes (but by no means want to get bitten by one!) And getting lost? It’s my favorite thing to do!  Being out on the trails gives me a sense of peace I don’t find with road running.  It makes me feel like me, a self that doesn’t need explanation.  The trails are where I find balance when it doesn’t seem possible. I still enjoy a good road run and know they have a place in my training.  But life is definitely better with some dirt beneath my feet. 

The Running Community

I am blessed to know some amazing runners through social media and in real life.  But beyond being amazing runners, they are also amazing people.  They inspire me everyday and their continued encouragement and support is everything.  Not a day goes by that I don’t get a message from one of these people, whether it’s with a silly joke or with a “you’ve got this!” Life came at me pretty hard this past year and I am beyond grateful for the love and support that has surrounded me—words truly can not express how much it has meant to me. 

A run streak isn’t for everyone—I started in 2016 with the plan of running one month and just kept going.  It isn’t always fun, but the fun days out number the un-fun ones.  I still don’t like the amount of laundry it creates but love coming up with new running outfits.  Some days I run the one mile, most days I run more. It’s a balance and now the question is what’s next?  My new goal is 1,000 days- only 270 days to go!

If you’ve ever thought about doing a run streak, go check out Pinkcupcakegirl on Instagram and see how you can be a part of this year’s #StreakingWithTheCoolKids—it starts tomorrow! 

Until next time, happy running!
Jenn 13.1 

What is Run Far?

"An arrow reaches it's destination only after it's been pulled back"

If you follow me on social media, you’ve seen me rock gear that says “Run Far.”  From bracelets to tank tops to trucker hats, I have Run Far with me on most of my runs.  Recently, I’ve been getting questions like, “So how far do you have to run to be a part of Run Far?” or “So, you’re all Ultra Runners?”  Though it’s true that I am an ultra runner, Run Far is so much more than that.

Run Far has my heart.

So What Is Run Far?

Run Far is a registered 501©(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide scholarships to children of US Military Veterans who have taken their own life.  The statistics real—an average of twenty-two Veterans commit suicide each day.  Those Veterans leave behind family, often times children.  Often times when suicide is the cause of death, survivor benefits are voided.  But the financial responsibilities still exist for the families and part of that is education costs.   Run Far strives to make sure those children are not forgotten.  

Who Is Run Far?

Run Far isn't just a group of people who like to run far.  Some of us run 5Ks, some of us run 200 mile races, some of us swim, some of us bike and some of us participate in obstacle course racing.  Some of us run everyday, some of us run once a month.  We all have different backgrounds, different goals and different interests.  But the one thing we all have in common is the desire to make a difference in the lives of those left behind.  Run Far isn't one person-- it's a collective.  It's you.  It's me.  It's us.  We are Run Far.

With Run Far Athlete Missy

The Sergeant Sean Northcutt Scholarship

Earlier this year, Run Far awarded it's first Sergeant Sean Northcutt Scholarship.  Scholarship recipient Hannah Kershner shares her story in the video below.  In February, I had the joy of meeting Hannah.  She is definitely someone who is going to make a difference in this world.

Why Run Far?

I've always believed that things come into our lives for a reason and sometimes it's better not to question the pull you feel towards something.  This is how it was with me for Run Far-- as I first learned about the organization and continued to learn about the organization, I knew I wanted to be involved.  It was just something that felt right.  The cause gives my runs more meaning-- no matter how much I may struggle, I am reminded that the run is for a greater purpose than me.  That purpose gets me through every time I struggle. With Run Far, I have found my why.  I am grateful everyday to be involved in the organization- not only for the support it gives to the families of Veterans but also the support we give each other as a team.  My dream is that one day, there will not be children who need Run Far but until that day, I will continue to Run Far.  

How Can You Help?

There are several ways to help Run Far and it isn't always just about the money. You're continued support and encouragement is everything.  You can also support the organization by rocking gear and spreading the word using the hasgtag #WeAreRunFar.  If you would like to make a financial contribution, you can click here and make a donation. 

Run Far also has a fun virtual race coming up-- run, walk, bike or swim 22 miles in 2 weeks. For $22.00, you get a print at home bib and certificate of completion, a limited edition Run Far shirt, a Run Far bracelet, stickers and a virtual goodie bag.  How awesome is that?! And what's even better-- it's for all abilities!! Registration opens Monday, May 7th! (Don't worry-- I'll make sure y'all see the link to register) 

What gets you to Run Far in your life?

Until next time, happy running!
Jenn13.1 

Runner's High Herbals Review

Last month, I participated in an Instagram giveaway hosted by Missy and I won!! My prize? A prize pack from Runner’s High Herbals and it was full of so much awesome!  I’ve heard great things about their products and I couldn’t wait to try them. My prize pack included:

• Super Herb Plus+
• Chill AF Muscle Rub
• Bee Healed!
• Heel the Sole
• Wildcrafted Pinon Salve
• Peppermint in the Pines Lip Balm
• Super Herb Oil Blend
• Stickers
• Cinch Bag

The first thingI did when I received the items was open them and smell them.  I am super sensitive to smell – if a product has a smell I don’t like, it is definitely a deal breaker for me, no matter how amazing the product might be.  These all smelled amazing!  I love earthy and natural smells- these products have just that.

Each product is designed to do something different and I gravitated towards using the ones that aide in muscle recovery with anti-inflammatory and pain relief ingredients. My favorite has been the Super Herb Plus+ stick-- I used it post runs on the areas where I sometimes have muscle cramping issues.  Let's be real-- I'm on a run streak and sometimes my legs get tired.  I try to be proactive in maintaining my recovery and remaining injury free.  I'm not a medical professional and can't honestly say if this has medical benefits.  But I can tell you that it's not hurting me and I'm happy to add it to my recovery and training process.

Another one of my favorite products has been the Peppermint in the Pines lip balm.  I love a good lip balm and you can never have too many.  It left my lips feeling hydrated without feeling waxy.  It also passed my "on the run" test-- I've had lip balms melt in my running pack when I'm running and this one didn't do that!  

After one of my long runs, I had a small flare up of the tendonitis in my foot-- I used the Super Herb Oil Blend with my other recovery methods and loved it!  The mix of arnica flowers and turmeric have an amazing smell and it wasn't too oily. It's also easy to use in a convenient roller bottle.  

I can't wait to use the rest of my products when I need them.  I love the simplicity of the Runner's High Herbal packaging but in that packaging comes an amazing product.  Sometimes less is more and that is definitely true with these.  

Have you used Runner's High Herbals products? What do you use to help in your recovery?

Until next time, happy running.

Jenn13.1