8.29.2011

The Green Girl's Tour DaVita Packing List

The Green Girl is starting her packing list for Tour DaVita.

As a germaphobe, I'm struggling to be as minimal as possible considering I'll be spending four nights in a tent and sleeping bag that that will be provided. Our facilities will be portable showers and toilets and we've been asked to use biodegradable personal products.

The Green Girl's Packing List

8.19.2011

27th Annual IDEA World Fitness Convention Expo

The Green Girl attended the 27th annual IDEA World Fitness Convention Expo at the LA Cenvention Center last weekend.

The event was coined as 'the world’s largest and longest-running fitness education experience' and featured over 300 sessions in personal training, group fitness, cycling, mind-body and specialty areas such as nutrition and career development.

There was a fee to attend the seminars but the expo was free to the public.

I wasn't sure what to expect but I really liked how almost all the booths were interactive.


Indo Board Balance Trainer booth
A representative at the Krankcycle introduced me to the Kranking Training System. It's essentially a stationary bike that you pedal with your hands but with independent crank arms for greater variety of movement.

I tried balancing on an Indo Board Balance Trainer.

There was an entire section dedicated to Zumba. I discovered there is Zumba-specific clothing.


TRX booth
I was invited to do a workout at the TRX booth. I'd heard a lot about TRX suspension training so I was excited to try it out for myself.

I really liked how my core was engaged in almost every exercise.

At the end of the workout, we were challenged with a push-up contest. I somehow managed to squeeze out 30 push-ups while suspended.


Batuka booth
I watched energetic dancers demonstrating Batuka. I learned the name 'Batuka' was derived from the Brazilian Batucada, which is a festive and vibrant gathering of people enjoying music, rhythm, and dance.

I spent some time spinning and leaning from side to side on RealRyder indoor cycling machine.

The RealRyder was designed to mimic a outdoor bike with an articulating frame that allows it to steer, lean, and feel like an actual road bike.


Crunch X-Pert Pole Fitness booth
I watched a Crunch X-Pert Pole Fitness demonstration but didn't try it out for myself.

I'd have to say my favorite workout device was the Core Fitness Roller.

The Core Fitness Roller combines rolling, balance, and resistance. You can stand, sit, or lie down on the roller and use the resistance bands.


Core Fitness Roller
They had me do some basic bicep curls while standing on the roller and I liked how my core was engaged as I did the exercise. I also did some exercises while lying on the roller.

Since balance and strength training are definitely my weak areas, the Core Fitness Roller really appealed to me. I also liked how it can double as a regular foam roller.

When they demonstrated how the unit was completely self-contained, I got even more excited. They simply removed the the end cap, removed the transport strap, pulled the extension arm and the Variable Resistance Module (one unit) from the roller, and then slid the extension arm with VRM into the hollow core of the roller.

Once everything is packed inside the unit, there's a convenient strap that allows you to carry it on your shoulder.

I'm seriously considering investing in a Core Fitness Roller.

8.12.2011

Headlands Hundred Pace Report


Team Hector bibs courtesy of Kerri
Along with four other Sole Runners, the Green Girl helped pace fellow Sole Runner, Hector, at the Headlands Hundred ultramarathon this past weekend.

This was my first pacing experience and I wasn't sure what to expect. After studying the course description and reading online race reports, I struggled with my packing list.

The Headlands Hundred course consisted of a 25 mile trail loop and alternated in a 'washing machine' manner so the runners would switch directions each time they reached the Start/Finish.

There were a total of four aid stations throughout the course: Rodeo Beach (Start/Finish), Muir Beach, Tennessee Valley, and the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point.



The runners had to complete the first 50 miles solo and then at the halfway point, their pacers could join them.


Struggling to set up the tent at the windy Tennessee Valley aid station
While we waited for Hector, we set up a tent at the Tennessee Valley aid station and then went and grabbed some dinner at the local Dipsea Cafe.

Barb was in charge of logistics so she scrutinized the course map and constructed the Team Hector game plan.

After we ate, we went to the hotel to start getting our stuff together for our respective legs before we headed back out to Rodeo Beach.


Hector and his Team at Mile 50
When Hector arrived at the halfway point, we were all impressed by how good he looked.

He stopped briefly to sip some warm soup from a paper cup, change his socks, and re-apply petroleum jelly to his feet before the first pacer, Natalie, headed out with him into the darkness.

Barb, Michelle, and I headed back to the hotel to try and get some shut eye while Kerri waited for Hector and Natalie at Muir Beach.


The Green Girl's view as she waited for Hector at Vista Point
Once Natalie returned to the hotel from her leg, I headed out to Vista Point.

I ultimately decided to go with capri leggings, a thermal top, Zensah Arm Sleeves (for additional warmth), my Sole Runners t-shirt, a lightweight hoodie, and a windbreaker. I taped my right arch for extra support and slipped on my Dirty Girl Gaiters.

Pacers are not supposed to eat or drink from the aid stations so I knew I had to have everything on me to sustain me. I had 2 liters of water in my Nathan Intensity and 8 ounces of sports drink in my Nathan Sprint. I had 2 Soyjoys, 2 Honey Stinger Organic Waffles, 2 packs of orange caffeinated Clif Shot Bloks, and a Trader Joe's squeezable apple sauce.

I tried my best to stay warm in the car while I waited for Hector and Kerri. I napped and got out of the car to stretch my legs from time to time.


Running behind Hector in the heavy fog
When they arrived, Hector quickly drank some soda and then we headed out. The fog was damp and heavy but we knew the sun would be coming up soon.

I was immediately impressed by how well he was doing. He was in good spirits and looked strong.

We ran through a section that Hector had nicknamed 'the rainforest'. The ground was sopping wet and we had to really watch our footing to avoid slipping. Running through puddles was unavoidable.


Hector giving a thumbs-up
It was comforting to see some light coming through the fog.

We really picked up the pace through a flat, grassy field.

We just made the 24 hour cut-off back at Rodeo Beach.

Instead of Kerri taking the next leg, a friend of Hector's, Elva, arrived and she offered to run with him back to Vista Point. Another pacer, Janet, also joined them.


The Green Girl trying to keep warm in the tent at Tennessee Valley
I was dropped off at Tennessee Valley where I did my best to stay warm for the next few hours. Every once in awhile, I'd get out of the tent and jog around the parking lot.

Eventually, Barb, Kerri, Michelle, and Natalie joined me and we all waited for Hector.

Team Hector cheered loudly as Hector, Elva, and Janet arrived. Hector made a quick pit stop before I joined him on the next leg.


Hector, Janet, and Elva
The fog finally began to clear and it warmed up considerably.

I tucked my compression sleeves in the hydration vest pouch, tied the hoodie around my waist, and slipped my windbreaker into the elastic bands across the back of my pack.


The breathtaking view from the course
Significant portions of the course were really challenging - I'd never run on such technical terrain before.

I mentioned I would probably not be able to keep up on the downhills so I let them know they could go ahead and I'd catch up with them. I've always been a strong uphill runner but really weak downhill.

Hector commented that I needed to engage my core and Elva worked with me as I went down some fairly steep hills.


Hector and Janet
Before I knew it, I was flying down hills! I was absolutely giddy with excitement. I kept telling them I was a whole new runner - all thanks to Hector's Headlands Hundred.

I can honestly say this was the most challenging thing I have ever done in my life.


Hector's Headlands Hundred belt buckle
I have a tremendous amount of much respect for Hector not only as a runner but as a human being. He is truly an inspiration to me.

It was a team effort and I am proud to say that Team Hector got our man to the Finish Line of the Headlands Hundred!

8.04.2011

The Green Girl's Headlands Hundred Packing List

This weekend, the Green Girl will be part of the pacing crew for a fellow Sole Runner, Hector, at the Headlands Hundred up in Sausalito.

The Headlands Hundred course consists of a 25 mile trail loop. The direction alternates in a 'washing machine' manner.

I want to make sure I have clothing to keep me cool but also warm clothing if/when it gets cold. I also want to make sure I have enough nutrition to sustain me.

This list is a work in progress. I'm still struggling to decide what I will/will not take.

The Green Girl's Packing List

Duffel Bag
Nathan Intensity Hydration Backpack

8.03.2011

The Beach Babe Bicycling Classic Tour Report

The Green Girl and Lexa made their touring debut at the Long Beach Beach Babe Bicycling Classic along with fellow Sole Runners, Isabelle, Kathleen, and Miyuki.

The 38 mile route started at The Queen Mary, went along the Shoreline Bikepath, through the Peninsula and Naples, through Seal Beach and Sunset Beach and then turned around at the Huntington Beach Pier.

The ride was created by women for women and it was evident in the thoughtful touches throughout the tour.


PACE 'Chillin' ? mph
The event started off with welcome activities that included a raffle costume contest.

At the start, the riders seeded themselves based on their anticipated speeds.

We quickly identified our section by the 'PACE 'Chillin' ? mph' sign.


PACE 'Sizzling' +17 mph
When I realized each rider went down the starting chute solo, all my fears about taking out other cyclists like dominoes were assuaged and I relaxed.

The course was well marked with Beach Babe Bicycling Classic signs and there were also plenty of volunteers directing traffic.

About 10 miles into the tour, at Eisenhower Park in Seal Beach, we stopped at the well stocked rest stop for some refreshments and snacks.


Sole Runners having lunch at the Beach Babe Bicycling Classic medals
I'm a very food motivated Green Girl so the tour highlight for me was the lunch at Zack's at the Huntington Beach Pier.

We got to enjoy turkey sandwiches, salad, and fresh fruit with ice cold lemonade before we headed back to the start.

When we got to the Finish, we each received a Beach Babe Bicycling Classic medal.

I dropped Lexa off at the Bicycle Valet and then we all sat down and enjoyed the live entertainment while we ate some more food.


Sole Runners with our Beach Babe Bicycling Classic medals
They handed out more raffle prizes and thanked all the participants for attending.

The event was extremely well organized and they were clearly prepared for riders of all abilities and experience.

Now that Lexa and I have some tour riding experience, I am feeling more confident about next month's Tour DaVita.
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