The Green Girl 'Tagged' - 11 Random Things

The Green Girl was thoughtfully 'tagged' by Lauren from Lauren on the Run and Kate from See.Kate.Run for a random meme.

Thank you, Lauren and Kate!

Rules

1. Post these rules.
2. You must post 11 random things about yourself.
3. Answer the questions set for you in their post.
4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
5. Go to their blog and tell them you've tagged them.
6. No stuff in the tagging section about you are tagged if you are reading this. You legitimately have to tag 11 people.

I'm going to go ahead and break these rules by choosing to ignore the last three.

11 Random Things About The Green Girl

1. I'm running the Rocky Road Marathon in a couple of weeks to try and qualify for the Pikes Peak Marathon by running a sub-5:30.
2. I'm running the LA Marathon next month to raise money for Tumani for the Future.
3. I don't own a television, couch, desk, chairs, or a table. I only have a bed and a punching bag. (Jill from Run With Jill will attest to this.)
4. I'm scared of all animals. I don't want them to touch me.
5. I've been 35 states and 14 countries.
6. I'm obsessed with forest camouflage.
7. I'm obsessed with duct tape.
8. I'm obsessed with forest camouflage duct tape.
9. Pretty much my entire life is documented in photographs.
10. My biggest guilty pleasure is chocolate covered gummy bears. I'm not a big fan of chocolate and I don't like gummy bears but combine the two and I'm all over it.
11. My dream is to participate in a race with my niece, Jade.

Questions from Lauren from Lauren on the Run

1. Short shorts or long shorts? Long shorts
2. How do you recover from a tough long run? Hot shower and a nap
3. Favorite brand running shoe? New Balance (it's the only brand that fits my small, wide foot)
4. Longest distance ever run? 26.2 miles
5. What would you do if a rattlesnake coiled up to strike a couple feet from you? Start screaming and sprint in the opposite direction
6. For women – do you wear make-up? For men – do you remove hair from anywhere other than your face? For special occasions
7. Do/did your parents, guardians, siblings, children run? Nope, only me
8. How many days is your longest running streak? No idea. I try to alternate running days.
9. Would you rather run in extreme heat or extreme cold? Extreme cold
10. If you had to watch the same movie ten times in a row, what would it be? Buzz Lightyear of Star Command
11. Vanilla or Chocolate ice cream? Swirl

Questions from Kate from See.Kate.Run

1. Where were you born? Portland, OR
2. What is your favorite way to relax? A long runs
3. What is something you did as a child that you got in trouble for? I tried to make applesauce in the microwave and the apples caught on fire
4. What was the BEST race you ever ran and why was it the best? Long Beach Marathon 2011 because in one race I crossed two items off my Running Bucket List - outrunning Mr. Green Garmin's battery life and running a sub-6 hour marathon.
5. Which do you prefer - ocean or mountains? Mountains
6. What is the furthest you have ever traveled from home? Not sure. I tried to look at a map but I can't tell which country is furthest from me.
7. What is your favorite restaurant? Los Compadres
8. Would you rather be able to teleport or be able to turn invisible? Teleport

9. What is your favorite body part? My core
10. What is your favorite song to workout to? Summer 2010 by DJ Tiësto
11. Would you rather run trails or the road? Trails

Happy Chinese Lunar New Year 恭喜發財

The Green Girl wants to wish everyone a happy and prosperous Chinese Lunar New Year.

According to Chinese astrology, our universe consists of five basic elements: Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth. It is said that everything in the universe, including humans, has a relationship with these five elements.

The Chinese believe the Dragon is a special zodiac sign because it is a mystical being rather than an earthly animal. The Dragon is karmic sign which means karma will play a big role in our lives this year.

Like last year's sign, the Rabbit 兔, the Dragon 龍 is said to be Wood. Wood rules the Eastern direction, and governs the season of Spring. Ruled by the planet Jupiter, the color of this element is Green.

2012 is a Water year. This means Water will nourish the Dragon's fixed element, Wood. This will bring good luck and make dreams come true.

It is said that more babies are born in Dragon years than any other zodiac sign.

According to the Chinese zodiac calendar, ever since 1996, the year element has been in a destructive relationship with the fixed element of the animal sign. This has been the longest unfavorable period in the 60 year cycle of Chinese Astrology. The year 2012 is considered lucky because it's blessed not only by the lucky Dragon but also the end of that destructive cycle.

This is a significant year for me because I was born in the year of the Dragon. I believe this will be the year that I learn to let go and allow myself to dream.

First Annual Unofficial Rose Parade Bandit Run

The Green Girl joined the Sole Runners for SoCalRunning.com's First Annual Unofficial Rose Parade Bandit Run.

The Rose Parade is an annual event held in Pasadena on New Year's Day but if New Year's Day falls on a Sunday like this year, it's held on Monday instead.

The 5.5 mile Rose Parade procession begins at South Orange Grove Boulevard and Green Street and then heads east on Colorado Boulevard. The parade ends by turning north on Sierra Madre Boulevard and stopping at Villa Street.

The Unofficial Pasadena Rose Parade Bandit Runners

Coach Steve extended an open invitation to all runners for the unofficial event.

The unofficial start for our Bandit Run was just east of the parade route. We seeded ourselves according to our anticipated float arrival times and headed west on Colorado Boulevard in our respective, informal pace groups.

Spectators camped out along Colorado Boulevard for the Pasadena Rose Parade

Since curbside viewing space for the Rose Parade is available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis, adventurous spectators camped out up along the route starting at noon the day before.

We received mixed reactions from the camped out spectators.

Spectators camped out for the Pasadena Rose Parade

Some of them enthusiastically cheered us on while others were incredulous.

Quite a few hopped out of their sleeping bags and happily joined us but when they discovered we were planning on running the entire parade route, they expressed their disbelief and then promptly dropped back.

Sole Runners with the Rose Parade floats

For me, the experience could best be described as running a race with lots of spectators and not a lot of runners. But a race with fire pits. Which makes it hard to breathe at times.

Celebratory giant marshmallows, tortillas, and silly string were splattered across the ground.

The Green Girl posing with the Trader Joe's Rose Parade Float

As I ran down the middle of Colorado Boulevard, I felt liberated. It was the perfect way for me to run in the New Year.

When we reached South Orange Grove Boulevard and Green Street, the floats, marching bands, and equestrian units were all lined up in preparation for start of the parade.

Xbox 360 + Kinect Rose Parade Float

I was thrilled to be able to view the elaborate flower-covered floats up close.

I couldn't resist posing for a picture with my beloved Trader Joe's Fearless Radio Flyer float.

Post-parade, I learned the floats are dismantled and the flowers are recycled as plant matter and potpourri.

Odd Fellows and Rebekahs 'Shining Knights Still Exist' Rose Parade Float

About a half hour before the start, we headed back down the parade route.

Colorado Boulevard was bustling with activity.

Street vendors were selling souvenirs, cotton candy, and bacon-wrapped hot dogs.

B-2 stealth bomber flying over The Rose Parade

The B-2 stealth bomber flew overhead as we were running back.

We all stopped to stare at the ominous aircraft in the bright blue morning sky.

It was the perfect ending to the First Annual Unofficial Rose Parade Bandit Run.

The Unofficial Pasadena Rose Parade Bandit Run Finish Line

The theme of this year's 123rd Rose Parade was 'Just Imagine'.

I was inspired by the theme because I tend to put limitations on myself because I'm so deeply rooted in facts. I struggle with the concept of dreams. I'm going to make an effort this year to allow myself to 'just imagine'.

The Green Girl's Secret Blogger Santa Gift

The Green Girl received her Secret Blogger Santa Gift in the mail yesterday.

Before I reveal what I received from my Secret Santa, I would to express my gratitude to Jill from Run With Jill for organizing the 2nd Annual Holiday Blogger Gift Exchange.

When I got home from work, there was a small, brown box waiting for me with a return address but no sender name.

The Green Girl's Secret Blogger Santa was Marcia from The Studly Runner.

I quickly ripped the package open to find a fabric sack adorned with sequined winged dragonflies sitting in a nest of shredded teal paper.

In a tiny pink envelope marked 'GREEN GIRL!', Marcia from The Studly Runner revealed her true identity.

The Green Girl's Secret Blogger Santa Gift from Marcia aka The Studly Runner

I loosened the drawstring to reveal a bag of Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews and a beautiful dragonfly necklace tucked inside.

Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews are actually one of the few sports nutrition options that don't upset my usually ironclad stomach.

Bronze 26.2 Dragonfly Necklace from Nana Smith Designs

The bronze dragonfly hangs from a chocolate brown leather string. The subtle 26.2 engraved on the edge of the piece brought a smile to my face.

Marcia purchased this unique piece of jewelry from Nana Smith Designs.

Nana Smith Designs specializes in 'Organic Style Handmade Jewelry' with inspired by marathons and triathlons. An organic pouch is included with each jewelry purchase.

Thank you so much, Marcia, for the thoughtful running-related holiday gift!

The Green Girl Visits The Zombie Apocalypse Store

This weekend, while in town for the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, the Green Girl visited the The Zombie Apocalypse Store in Las Vegas.

I discovered this store a month ago when I was out on a run just off The Strip. When I saw the storefront, I thought I was dreaming.

In the event of a zombie attack - 3 steps for avoiding infestation: 1. Avoidance 2. Termination 3. Disposal

As I entered the building, the owner, Mike Monko, and his wife extended a warm welcome and mentioned I'd just missed Max Brooks.

I was disappointed I didn't have the opportunity to meet the zombie authority but I assured them I would return in a month when I was back in town for the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon.

Certified Zombie Pathogen Free Jerky

I am obsessed with disaster preparedness and post-apocalyptic survival. I attended Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training so I can help respond in the event of an emergency.

The Zombie Apocalypse Store carries military MREs (Meal, Ready-to-Eat), emergency water filters and pouches, zombie ammunition, stun guns, slingshots, knives and swords, target practice items, books, and other survival supplies.

Zombie News Report

They also sell novelty posters, bumper stickers, signs, and t-shirts featuring the walking dead.

Zombie news is appropriately broadcasted constantly at The Zombie Apocalypse Store.

If you need to hone your shooting skills, they have a wide variety of zombie targets to choose from.

Bleeding Zombie Target

For serious zombie killers, they sell three-dimensional zombie targets that actually bleed.

I commented that I would have a hard time shooting something that cost me $79.95 but the owner's wife pointed out the fact that I could keep the used target as proof of my zombie sharpshooting.

Opposite the three-dimensional zombie target display, they had a selection of exploding target mixes.

Exploding Target Mix

They also carry backpacks containing emergency essentials.

As I perused the store, I exchanged survival strategies with the owners. One can never be too prepared.

They also asked me what other items I would expect to see in a zombie apocalypse store.

Zombie Killer and Zombie Annihilator Bullets

Although they sell .45 caliper hollow-point Zombie Killer and AK-47 Zombie Annihilator Bullets, they don't carry firearms.

I would recommend The Zombie Apocalypse Store to survivalists, theorists, zombie fans, and anyone who is interested in outliving the undead.

Zombie Killing Swords

1. Organize before they rise!
2. They feel no fear, why should you?
3. Use your head: cut off theirs.
4. Blades don't need reloading.
5. Ideal protection = tight clothes, short hair.
6. Get up the staircase, then destroy it.
7. Get out of the car, get onto the bike.
8. Keep moving, keep low, keep quiet, keep alert!
9. No place is safe, only safer.
10. The zombie may be gone, but the threat lives on.

Max Brooks, The Zombie Survival Guide