7.31.2013

Allied Medals Display Giveaway Winner

The Green Girl is thrilled to announce the winner of the Allied Medals Display Giveaway.

The winner is fellow Team Superhero ambassador, Whitney Sheperd!

Thank you to all the participants and a big congratulations to Whitney!

Whitney, please send an email to giveaway@therunninggreengirl.com to claim your prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


If you'd like to save 10% off an Allied Medals Display purchase, simply use discount code 'TRGG'.

7.21.2013

Allied Medals Display Giveaway

The Green Girl's 'The Running Green Girl' Allied Medal Displays Medal Holder
The Green Girl loves her 'The Running Green Girl' medal holder from Allied Medal Displays and is thrilled to announce Allied Medal Displays is giving away one medal display to a lucky winner.

(This is my first time using Rafflecopter for a giveaway, so please let me know if you encounter any issues.)

To enter to win your very own Allied Medal Displays medal hanger, simply log into the Rafflecopter widget below.

You will have two options for logging into the Rafflecopter widget:
  1. Log in via Facebook - choose this option and a pop-up will ask for permission to access Facebook details. Rafflecopter needs to access email addresses via Facebook in order to contact winners.
  2. Use your email - leave a name and email address. Your email address is PRIVATE and I will not share or publish it anywhere.
Good luck and thank you
for taking the time to enter this giveaway!


Winner will be announced on Thursday, August 1st!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you'd like to save 10% off an Allied Medals Display purchase, simply use discount code 'TRGG'.

7.18.2013

The Green Girl's Allied Medal Display Review

The Green Girl loves her Allied Medal Displays 'The Running Green Girl' medal holder.

I won the medal holder a couple of years ago in Erin from See Mom Run Far's Big Fundraising Giveaway.

Allied Steel Fabricators Laser Cut Bicycle
The Allied Medal Displays are manufactured by a family-owned business, Allied Steel Fabricators. The company's motto is 'Old World Craftsmanship with Modern Day Style'.

Allied Medal Displays offers a wide selection of running-themed medal displays in addition to other sports and hobbies.

One of my favorites is their 'Run the USA' hanger.

Allied Medal Displays 'Run the USA' Medal Display

I worked with Joel Exe from Allied Medal Displays to create a customized 'The Running Green Girl' medal holder.

Allied Medal Displays offers displays in 13", 18", 22", 26" or 30" widths. You also have the option to expand your medal display by adding rows.

Allied Medal Displays Size Options

I didn't need a high capacity medal holder because I don't hold onto all my medals. I just keep the ones that I like the most so the single row hanger was adequate.

I sent Joel a link to my blog, and he sent me an initial design concept that exceeded my expectations.

I let him know I wanted the letters to all be lower case, I'd prefer a sans serif font, and asked if I could add a bib number to my mini me. He replied that my mini me was only 2" and it would be difficult to add that level of detail.

Joel incorporated the changes I'd requested and sent back an updated proof. It was perfect.
The Green Girl's 'The Running Green Girl' Allied Medal Displays Medal Holder Proof

A week and a half later, I received an email from Joel letting me know they had my display cut, grained and ready to ship.

My medal holder arrived in a long, slim box. I appreciated Allied's effort to minimize the shipping footprint.

Getting ready to hang up my 'The Running Green Girl' Allied Medal Displays Medal Holder
The medal display looked even better in person. My mini me was adorable.

The steel medal display shipped with a hardware packet that included ¼” plastic nylon spacers that force the holder to sit off the wall by ¼”.

This buffer protects the wall from the display and gives you the space to easily slide the medal ribbons on and off once the holder is mounted.

The Green Girl's 'The Running Green Girl' Allied Medal Displays Medal Holder
I decided to center the medal display on my bare wall. I leveled and marked the wall with a pencil before I drilled the holes.

Once it was installed, I took a step back to admire my awesome new medal holder.

I decided The Green Girl needed to be green so I snipped a piece of bright green shipping tape and stuck it on my 2" mini me's stomach.

The Green Girl's 'The Running Green Girl' Allied Medal Displays Medal Holder
I absolutely love and adore my Allied Medal Display medal holder.

I would recommend Allied Medal Display without hesitation. I was impressed by their exceptional customer service and attention to detail.

Joel also demonstrated their commitment to continuous improvement when he asked me for feedback on the packaging and shipping.

I'm one happy Green Girl with an awesome 'The Running Green Girl' medal holder.

If you'd like to save 10% off an Allied Medals Display purchase, simply use discount code 'TRGG'.

7.16.2013

Costume Party Run Half Marathon Race Report

Costume Party Run Half Marathon Medal - The World's Largest Half Marathon Medal
The Green 'Team Superhero' Girl ran the Costume Party Run Half Marathon dressed as Buzz Lightyear last weekend.

Last month, I announced I had been selected by the Superhero Events Super Crew to be a Team Superhero ambassador.

As a member of Team Superhero, my responsibilities are to represent Superhero Events at endurance events, spread the word about Superhero Events through social media, distribute flyers in my hometown, and volunteer at Superhero events.

The Costume Party Run Half Marathon World's Largest Half Marathon Medal
The Costume Party Run included a half marathon and 5k option. The courses started and ended at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.

Half marathon finishers received the 'World's Largest Half Marathon Medal' - a giant Costume Party Run 6" 45 record with a mini disco ball in the center.

Instead of a race shirt, at the bib pick-up, all participants received a Costume Party Run Half Marathon Trucker Hat featuring a disco ball with headphones.

Costume Party Run Half Marathon Trucker Hat
Saturday night, I stayed in the Gaslamp Quarter and took the Trolley light rail system to Qualcomm. It was convenient because the trolley station was in the parking lot of the stadium.

This was my first time dressing up for a race so I put a lot of thought into a costume that would be comfortable to run in.

Egg and Bacon at the Costume Party Run Half Marathon
Ultimately, I went with an inflatable jetpack that I attached to my Nathan Intensity Race Vest bungee cords, a solid white shirt, a purple Bondi Band, and lime green Zensah Calf Sleeves.

Near the starting line, I saw my friend, Busta Groove. She was dressed as Wonder Woman. That turned out to be a popular costume choice among the female participants.

I was in the porta-potty line when the race began so I had a late start.

Costume Party Run Half Marathon Runners
The morning was humid and I started sweating immediately.

As I headed out onto the course, I met up with a fellow Team Superhero ambassador, Wilmer, dressed as the The Cat in the Hat. I couldn't help but think about how hot he must be dressed like that in the humidity.

The course looped out and back from the stadium on Friars Rd. so I got to see all the faster runners in their fun costumes coming back as I was heading out.

Faithful Costume Party Run Half Marathon Supporter
One faithful spectator cheered us on from the center divider in the road.

There were a lot of running Batgirls, Batmans, Robins, Supergirls, Supermans, and Wonder Womans.

I also saw creative costumes like bacon and eggs, a tube of toothpaste, and a scantily dressed guy in an unidentifiable costume.

At one point, I spotted a fellow Buzz Lightyear with a matching inflatable jetpack running in the opposite direction. We raced towards each other and I tried to snap a quick shot of him but it turned out to be too blurry.

Misty Diaz being interviewed at the Costume Party Run Half Marathon Finish Line
I caught up to another Team Superhero runner, Misty Diaz, on the course.

Misty, a runner with spina bifida, was dressed as Batgirl and running with bright pink walking canes.

Misty's mantra is Winston Churchill's 'Never, never, never give up'. Her energy was contagious as she yelled and cheered on fellow runners.

Superheroes at the Costume Party Run Half Marathon Finish Line Party
I saw fellow Sole Runner, Scott, on my way to the finish. He was dressed as Batman.

I got tired the last couple of miles and stopped to walk a few times. I could see the finish across the parking lot but it seemed to far away.

Right before I approached the finish, I slipped on my Buzz Lightyear gloves to complete my galactic outfit.

The Green 'Buzz Lightyear' Girl at the Costume Party Run Half Marathon
Photo Credit: Busta Groove
The finish line was a giant costume party. Costumes became more elaborate now that the running portion of the event was over.

Race director Ken's alter ego, Michael Blackson MoonRunner, congratulated all the runners on their finish and posed for pictures.

Team Superhero at the Costume Party Run Half Marathon
Photo Credit: Lorrie Mancillas
It was fun to see so many superheroes walking around with their colorful capes.

I was pleased that my foray into the world of costume running as Buzz Lightyear was a success.

'To infinity ... and beyond!'

7.05.2013

Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock and Skin Review

Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock
The Green Girl purchased the Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock for Lexa because of the smaller form factor and positive ratings/reviews.

Lexa's 43 cm frame is too small to accommodate a U-lock so I was looking for a solution that would be easily carried in my Nathan Intensity Race Vest.

Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock Product Information
  • Product dimensions: 3.25” x 5.5” (8.3cm x 14cm)
  • Product weight: 2.15 lbs (0.98 kgs)
  • 13mm hardened MAX-Performance steel shackle resists bolt cutters and leverage attacks
  • Reinforced cuff over crossbar and cylinder for added security
  • High security, disc-style cylinder
  • Bent Foot™ shackle design for ease of use
  • Center keyway defends against leverage attacks
  • Anti-rattle bumpers reduce noise during transport
  • Rotating dustcover protects cylinder
  • Includes new Transit FlexFrame-U transportation system which allows for versatile carrying
  • Protective vinyl coating
  • 3 stainless steel keys – one lighted with high intensity LED bulb & replaceable battery
Lexa secured with the Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock
Online research indicated a combination of a U-lock and a braided cable lock or dual U-locks were the most secure solutions.

After reading endless reviews, I was comforted to learn this U-lock could not easily be compromised by bolt cutters or hacksaws. Admittedly, an inexpensive angle grinder could cut through any U-lock on the market - you just have to hope the potential thief isn't carrying a spare angle grinder in their back pocket.

Pros
  • Small form factor - 3.25” x 5.5” (8.3cm x 14cm)
  • Reasonable weight/protection ratio - 2.15 lbs (0.98 kgs)
  • Mostly positive ratings/reviews
Cons
Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock and Kryptonite Mini U-Lock Color Skin
I purchased the Kryptonite Mini U-Lock Color Skin because I wanted my U-lock to match Lexa and because I read the skin added protection against scratching the bike frame.

The Kryptonite Mini U-Lock Color Skins fit all Kryptonite Mini U-Lock (EV & KLS2) models with both 3" (7.6cm) and 3.25" (8.2cm) crossbars.

Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock original and replacement skin crossbar/dustcover
The shackle skin tubing is 17" (43.1cm) long and will completely cover up to a 7" (17.8cm) Kryptonite Mini shackle length. The Color Skin Kit includes shackle and crossbar covers and replacement dustcover parts.

I learned how important it is to perform the installation in a certain order after I mistakenly slipped the crossbar cover on before sliding on the replacement dustcover.

Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock
The dustcover will not slip on the crossbar once the skin is on. I had to use a green rubber jar opener to pry the sticky skin off. In the process, the green from the jar opener transferred onto the skin and the crossbar became a faint, fluorescent green color.

Kryptonite Mini U-Lock Color Skin Installation Steps
  1. Unlock the U-lock so the crossbar and u-shaped part of the lock are separated
  2. Slide the original orange Kryptonite skin and dustcover off the crossbar
  3. Put the clear replacement dustcover on the crossbar
  4. Align the hole in the crossbar skin with the hole in the crossbar and slip on the crossbar skin
  5. Remove the original Kryptonite covering on the U-lock portion - I used a kitchen knife/rubber jar opener and wiggled it around until I could yank the remaining tubing off with my hand
  6. Trim the replacement vinyl to the same length as the now removed U-lock covering - I did not replace the mounting bracket since Lexa's frame is too small to accommodate the lock so I factored in the lack of bracket in my measurement and I used regular scissors
  7. Slip the now trimmed U-lock skin onto the U-lock - I did not use bike lube or heat up the cover but it took some serious muscling to force it on
  8. Attach the crossbar to the U-lock and make any necessary adjustments
Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock
The entire process took me over half an hour because of the additional time spent yanking the skin off the crossbar so I could slide the dustcover on.

I felt it was worth the effort because I am happy with the final result.

Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock
I took advantage of Kryptonite's Anti-Theft Protection at no additional cost by sending in a copy of my bike receipt with the understanding that it will only be honored if the U-lock is left behind by the bike thief.

The Kryptonite website offers suggestions for How to Lock Your Bicycle. This is important because many bicycles are stolen due to faulty locking techniques as opposed to a compromised lock.

Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock
If weight and size were not a consideration, I would have opted for a larger U-lock so I could lock Lexa's wheel with the frame.

With my current Mini U-lock, I will feel reasonably confident that Lexa is secure when I have to make short stops.

In the future, for longer rides when I have a larger cycling pack, I will invest in a cable chain to pair with the U-lock for additional security and peace of mind.



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