The Green Girl's Marathon Splits

The Green Girl finally got around to analyzing her Athens Classic Marathon kilometer splits.

I have to admit that I made a mistake when an hour and a half into the race, I decided to switch Mr. Green Garmin to Interval mode. In this mode, I was not able to see my total distance or even my average time because it only showed the statistics for the current interval.

The thing that surprised me the most was the fact that my pace was much more consistent than I thought I was. Aside from the 19 minute kilometer when I sat and waited for my fellow Sole Runner, Miyuki, I ranged between an 8 to 15 minute kilometer. I also thought I got increasingly slower as the mileage increased but that doesn't necessarily appear to be the case.

Km	Time	Total Time	Pace/Km	Miles
1	10:31			0.62
2	10:39	0:08	0:08	1.24
3	10:48	0:17	0:09	1.86
4	10:57	0:26	0:09	2.49
5	11:06	0:35	0:09	3.11
6	11:15	0:44	0:09	3.73
7	11:24	0:53	0:09	4.35
8	11:33	1:02	0:09	4.97
9	11:42	1:11	0:09	5.59
10	11:51	1:20	0:09	6.21
11	12:01	1:30	0:10	6.84
12	12:11	1:40	0:10	7.46
13	12:26	1:55	0:15	8.08
14	12:34	2:03	0:08	8.70
15	12:45	2:14	0:11	9.32
16	12:56	2:25	0:11	9.94
17	13:04	2:33	0:08	10.56
18	13:15	2:44	0:11	11.18
19	13:25	2:54	0:10	11.81
20	13:34	3:03	0:09	12.43
21	13:48	3:17	0:14	13.05
22	13:56	3:25	0:08	13.67
23	14:06	3:35	0:10	14.29
24	14:15	3:44	0:09	14.91
25	14:25	3:54	0:10	15.53
26	14:36	4:05	0:11	16.16
27	14:45	4:14	0:09	16.78
28	14:55	4:24	0:10	17.40
29	15:06	4:35	0:11	18.02
30	15:17	4:46	0:11	18.64
31	15:28	4:57	0:11	19.26
32	15:47	5:16	0:19	19.88
33	15:56	5:25	0:09	20.51
34	16:05	5:34	0:09	21.13
35	16:15	5:44	0:10	21.75
36	16:24	5:53	0:09	22.37
37	16:34	6:03	0:10	22.99
38	16:44	6:13	0:10	23.61
39	16:53	6:22	0:09	24.23
40	17:04	6:33	0:11	24.85
41	17:14	6:43	0:10	25.48
42	17:23	6:52	0:09	26.10
42.2	17:26	6:55	0:03	26.22

The Green Girl Is Home From Greece

The Green Girl is back home - safe and sound.

I had an amazing time in Greece. The ancient ruins were more breathtaking than I could have ever imagined. I ate a glorious chunk of salty feta cheese with every single meal and tasted the most tender lamb chop I've ever had while watching the sun set in Santorini.

Locals dressed in their best came out to cheer us on while children offered olive branches as 88 countries were represented at the Athens Classic Marathon. I was able to add a Greek flag charm to my bracelet to symbolize the completion of another marathon.

I took pleasure in meeting runners from all over the world as we exchanged race stories. I met a Canadian by the name of Jeff who shared his Istanbul Marathon experience with me before he went for a swim in the Aegean Sea. Much to my delight, I discovered I still know French when I encountered a French couple on my way to the Ancient Thira.

My thousands of pictures are in the process of being uploaded. I'll work on gathering my thoughts for my race report this weekend.

The Green Girl Is Ready For Greece

The Green Girl's bags are all packed and she is ready to join the rest of the Sole Runners in Greece.

My free loaner Verizon Wireless global phone arrived yesterday and all my contacts have been transferred.

I have 16 gb of memory just waiting to be filled with glorious shots of Greece.

I got a pedicure and my toes are painted green blue.

I have Cheetos to snack on.

My outfit for tomorrow morning is already laid out.

My alarm is set and it's time for the Green Girl to go to bed.

καληνύχτα

Sole Runners First Winter Season Run

Sole Runners ChiRunning Body Looseners by Betty

The Green Girl attended the first Sole Runners Winter Season run yesterday.

As I pulled up, I spotted Jay from Tri2Trive. We chatted as we headed towards the group.

It was drizzling out so I opted to leave my camera behind in the dry trunk of my car. Luckily, one of the other Sole Runners, Betty, managed to snap some shots. I let her know I'd be stealing them for my blog.

Since it was the beginning of a new season and we were welcoming a number of unfamiliar faces, one of the mentors, Matt, provided everyone with an overview of the Sole Runners training program.

Sole Runners Post-Run Standing Yoga by Betty

As we moved into the body looseners, all the mentors were asked to come up so I moved to the front to face the group. One of the mentors explained that instead of stretching, ChiRunning recommends a set of exercises called body looseners that are designed to loosen your joints and open your body.

After that, we headed out for a short, damp run.

When the group got back, another mentor, Heather, did an outstanding job leading us in standing post-run yoga.

Janey, Jackie, Coach Nancy, Denise, and Me

For lunch, I met up with some SparkFriends from SparkPeople at Lala's Grill for some Argentinian food.

Everyone was in town for the inaugural Los Angeles Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon.

I was grateful for the opportunity to catch up with my friends. I hadn't seen Coach Nancy since the SparkPeople 'Spark Your Life' Convention last year. The last time I saw Denise was at the San Francisco Half Marathon the year before. I was also thrilled to be able to see Janey before Jackie and I left for the Athens Classic Marathon.

Jackie, Me, Leah, Felicia, Coach Nancy, and Maria

After lunch, we headed back to the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel to wait for more SparkFriends, Felicia, Leah and Maria.

Leah is the leader of the San Diego SparkTeam and I'm the leader of the Long Beach SparkTeam. One of these days, our groups are going to get together and do a joint activity.

Because I am a hungry Green Girl, I joined the carbo-loading dinner at California Pizza Kitchen and even partook in the actual carbo-loading before I wished them the best of luck and headed back home.

The Green Girl Is Proud To Be A Sole Runner

Sole Runners shoe keychain made by Mostly Even, Sometimes Odd

The Green Girl had the opportunity to be a cheerleader at the Long Beach Marathon today.

The Sole Runners kicked off Saturday morning together at the Expo. Coach Steve gave us some last minute encouraging words of advice and we took a group picture. Afterward, Michelle, Rozie, and I stopped for some breakfast together.

Later on in the evening, Michelle, and I joined Alice from HefferBlog, Glenn from The Running Fat Guy, Jay from Tri2Thrive, Mags from Run Happy, Penny from Planet Ynnep Running, Penny's dad, and some other runners at La Parolaccia for some carbo-loading.

I gave Michelle a Sole Runners shoe keychain made by Mostly Even, Sometimes Odd on Etsy as a good luck charm before the race.

Starbucks cappuccino waiting for Richard at Mile 13

This morning, in preparation for my cheerleader duties, I crammed as much sports nutrition as possible in my Nathan Speed 4 hydration belt; packed bite-sized peanut butter and jelly sandwiches; brought frozen Zico coconut water and electrolyte water in a cooler; picked up the Starbucks cappuccino I had promised one of the Sole Runners, Richard; and posted myself at Mile 13.

I watched in awe as the elite runners sprinted by. I cheered on Sole Runners and strangers. I screamed loudly in support of all the pace groups.

P from Adventures of an Average Athlete and me

I watched as Boston qualifying dreams were shattered when runners realized at the halfway point that they would not make it in time.

P from Adventures of an Average Athlete spotted me and I attempted to snap a quick shot of us together. (For the record, I hate arm's length shots.)

Rad Runner Girl

Speaking of arm's length shots, I saw Rad Runner Girl.

I gave her some electrolyte water and attempted to run with her for a bit but her pace was too much for me and I had to tap out after a few blocks. I left a bottle of coconut water with her husband for a recovery drink.

Jessica 'Wabbitz' stopped to wish me good luck in Athens.

Jessica Aniac Wabbitz

Before I knew it, Michelle had reached Mile 12 just across from Mile 13 so I quickly grabbed the remaining bottles and headed out with her.

My friend, Jackie, caught up with us on her bike after completing the Bike Tour. She was kind enough to bring a container of fresh sweet pineapple slices and some extra water.

As the miles got longer, Michelle commented that the Sole Runners tent would probably be long gone but I reassured her that it would still be there for us to help keep her spirits up.

Jackie on her bike

Around Mile 23, one of the Sole Runners, LeAnn, called to check in on us. I let her know we still had a few more miles to go.

When the Finish Line was in sight, Michelle asked me to go ahead so I could get a shot of her crossing. I ran as fast as I could and as I approached the Finish, Sole Runners started cheering loudly.

As I crossed over the Finish, I politely declined the medal explaining I was simply a cheerleader and got into position to get pictures of Michelle. Just then, someone mentioned if I still had runners coming that I would have to ask them to hold a medal because they were being put away. I started yelling violently to please hold some medals as I started snapping pictures of my friend.

Michelle receiving her Long Beach Marathon medal

They did hold some medals and, to my relief, Michelle got a medal as she crossed the Finish.

After congratulating Michelle, I hurried back to the medal area to make sure they had enough medals for the three remaining Sole Runners who were still out there.

As soon as we spotted the last three Sole Runners, we all ran out onto the course and surrounded them with cheers and smiles. One of the mentors, Mariela, chanted encouraging words through a megaphone.

Running in the last Sole Runners - No Sole Runner is ever left behind

As we walked the 'newly' marathoners to the Sole Runners area, I suddenly realized the Sole Runners tent was the very last tent standing. Coach Steve had refused to take down the tent until the very last Sole Runner had crossed the Finish Line.

In addition to running the marathon himself, Coach Steve made sure every last Sole Runner completed the race - no matter how long it took them.

The best coach in the world, Coach Steve

And it wasn't just Coach Steve, other Sole Runner mentors and Sole Runners hung around for the back of the packers.

I became so overwhelmed with emotions that I started crying. I was so proud of Michelle and the emotional and mental fortitude she displayed today. I was so inspired by all the first time marathoners who ran 26.2 miles for the first time in their lives today.

I am so proud to be a Sole Runner and to be a part of the best running group in the world.

The Green Girl's Athens Classic Marathon Playlist ♪

The Green Girl isn't planning on listening to music during the Athens Classic Marathon but this playlist will be there for her if she needs it.

Some of these songs are here for sentimental value rather than because I think they are necessarily conducive to running.

The Green Girl Is Ready For The Παναθηναϊκό στάδιο

Last night, the Green Girl attended another Sole Runners Athens Classic Marathon dinner at George's Greek Cafe.

The organizer, LeAnn, printed and handed out copies of The Green Girl's Athens Marathon Packing List.

LeAnn also invited a former Athens Classic Marathon participant, Salvador, to speak to us and answer questions about the race.

Salvador was extremely informative and helpful. He said he felt the race was well supported and the locals were friendly and welcoming.

He described the prodigious race finish in the white marble Panathinaiko Stadium, Παναθηναϊκό στάδιο in Greek, but warned us that the marble can be slippery.

I enjoyed chatting with the other Sole Runners. We compared our travel preparation techniques and talked about our training. We commiserated over each other's aches and pains.

A number of us discussed how we are going to take advantage of a service that will allow us to drop stuff off at the expo and pick them items back up at designated kilometer aid stations. I mentioned I am going to pick items that will be 'nice to haves' but not critical because I am one of those 'worst case scenario' Green Girls.

After completing my last long run this past weekend, I am feeling good about this race.

I've been feeling some posterior tendon tenderness on both feet after my long runs but I've been able to manage the posterior tibial tendonitis on the right side with icing and taping.

Once the marathon is over, I plan on cutting back on mileage and placing more emphasis on the posterior tibial tendonitis exercises to strengthen both sides.

The plantar fascia taping seems to have done the trick and I no longer have sharp pain in random locations on my right foot. I still plan on getting taped one more time before I leave just for good measure.

I am thrilled to report that the knee exercises prescribed by Dr. Sebastian Gonzales from P3 Sports Care have cured my inner knee pain. I can't believe a little exercise with some resistance could make such a difference.

Now that I am feeling comfortable that my body is ready, it's time for me to start packing and mentally preparing myself for the journey.

I am really looking forward to crossing the finish line in the historic Panathinaiko Stadium and adding a Greek flag charm to my bracelet to symbolize the completion of another marathon.

Ελληνικά!

The Green Girl Won A Little Stick Blog Giveaway

The Green Girl won her very first blog giveaway and wants to thank Chasing Atalanta for her awesome Little Stick.

I've been coveting the Travel Stick for awhile now because I swear by my Sprinter Stick but I wanted something more compact to take with me to the Athens Classic Marathon. The Little Stick is absolutely perfect and will be that much easier to stash in my carry-on.

The Green Girl's Athens Marathon Packing List

The Green Girl's list is still a work in progress but I wanted to go ahead and post it after a few people asked me exactly what I'm packing.

A few days before I leave, I will take my luggage out in front of my apartment and spray the outside of it with OFF! Deep Woods DEET. I will allow it to dry for a couple of days before I put all my stuff back in. This is my attempt to keep bed bugs from infiltrating my suitcase.

The Green Girl's Packing List

Luggage

• Slippers
• Pajamas
• Pillow case
• Socks
• Underwear
• Sports bras
• Swimsuit
• Flashlight
• Clorox wipes
• Belt
• Phiten discs
• Instant ice packs
• Mr. Green Garmin
• Mr. Green Garmin charger
• Mr. Green Garmin heart rate monitor
• iFitness Belt
• Road ID Ankle ID
• Sole Runners baseball cap
• Kool 'N Fit
• Throwaway sweatshirt
• Sole Runners shirts
• Long-sleeved white shirt
• White t-shirts
• Grey t-shirts
• Black capris
• Jeans
• Grey cargo capris
• Black windbreaker capris
• Navy blue Dickies capris
• Blue REI capris
• Grey REI capris
• White Sole Runners Hoodie
• North Face Venture Raincoat
• Jelly Belly Cherry Extreme Sport Beans
• Honey sticks
• Honey Stinger Cherry Blossom Organic Energy Chews
• Trader Joe's Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels
• Salt packets
• Trash bags
• Network cables

Toiletry Kit

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Microban Standing Toothbrush Holder
• Plackers Dental Flossers
• Olay Daily Facials Cleansing Cloths
• Dickinson's Witch Hazel Daily Facial Towelettes
• The Body Shop Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser
• Body wash
• Razor
• Shaving cream
• Antiperspirant/Deodorant
• Citrie Shine Mist
• Facial moisturizer with SPF
• Sunscreen
• Q-tips Cotton Swabs Pack
• Travel comb
• Travel brush
• Spare hair elastics
• Bondi Bands
• Daily vitamins in individual zip bags
• Poo Pourri
• Toilet seat covers
• Clorox Disinfecting Wipes To Go
• Tide Travel Sink Packets
• Shout Wipes
• Bausch & Lomb Pre-Moistened Lens Cleaning Tissues
• Giovanni Peppermint Surge Sanitizing Towelettes
• Feminine products
• Spare zip pouches
• Safety pins
• Eyeliner
• Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Suede

Medication/First Aid Bag

• Allergy medicine
• Sinus medicine
• EpiPen
• Diphenhydramine
• Ibuprofen
• Pseudoephedrine
• Loperamide
• Day/Night Cold Medicine
• No-Jet-Lag
• Bandages
• Sunscreen
• GONE Insect Repellent Bands
• Sports tape
• Bodyglide
• Peaceful Mountain Muscle Ice

Backpack

• Nathan Speed 4 hydration belt
• Bottles for hydration belt
• Gatorade powder for hydration belt
• Mobile phone charger
• Digital camera charger
• Power adapters
• MP3 player
• CCNA ICND1 Official Exam Certification Guide
• Travel handbook
• Grey Sole Runners Hoodie
• Sole Runners Jacket
• Eagle Creek Comfort Travel Pillow

Purse

• Passport
• Plane ticket
• Travel information
• Print-out of all contact information
• Camera
• Spare camera battery
• Mini tripod
• Mobile phone
• Sunglasses
• Diphenhydramine
• The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Facial Blotting Tissues
• Sea to Summit Pocket Soap Leaves
• Bath & Body Works Island Margarita Anti-Bacterial Gel
• Giovanni Peppermint Surge Sanitizing Towelettes
• Lip balm
• Travel toilet paper roll
• Bondi Bands
• Pre-printed address labels for sending postcards
• Moo Mini Cards

Coto de Caza Half Marathon Race Report Plus

Along with two Sole Runners, Barb and Miyuki, the Green Girl did the Coto de Caza Half Marathon yesterday.

The race followed the same route as the Rockin' The Coto Trail Half Marathon I did back in August.

Like most Charlie Alewine Racing races, this one was capped at 25 runners. The course was on horse trails in the gated community of Coto de Caza in Orange County.

Barb was concerned that her beloved dog, Sassy, would get eaten by mountain lions and I'm sure the 'BEWARE' sign did nothing to alleviate her concerns.

Charlie reassured us that we would be just fine as long as we stuck to the horse trails.

When we arrived at the Starting Line, it was still pitch black outside. I stared up at the sky and admired the constellations. My favorite has always been Orion, The Hunter.

As we headed out, we were grateful for the cool October morning.

Barb, Miyuki, and I stayed together for the first half of the race. We chatted and lauded the beautiful scenery.

I felt really good. My right calf was a little tight starting out but it loosened up within the first few miles.

As we looped back from the halfway point, it started warming up.

As a girl who doesn't do well with heat, I started melting. I walked the last couple of miles. It was hot and I also needed to conserve energy because the three of us were going to run another 7 miles to get in 20 miles for the day.

We crossed the Finish Line, took a bathroom break, refilled our bottles, and headed back out there.

It was so hot that the only way I could keep myself going was to tell myself I could stop for a walk break at the next shade. I also decided to put on my headphones and listen to some music.

I felt like the hills were making themselves steeper and longer as I trudged up them. At one point, I just stopped and stared up at dirt incline. I was too tired to take another step so I took a picture.

Needless to say, despite the scorching sun, Barb, Miyuki, and I managed to get in our last long run before the Athens Classic Marathon, and we got a cool medal along the way.

Sole Runners First Annual Charity Meet-n-Greet

The Sole Runners held their First Annual Charity Meet-n-Greet at McKenna's On The Bay last night.

Non-profit organizations were invited to set up a table and speak about their cause to our running group.

Representatives from Arts Council For Long Beach, National Marfan Foundation, and Real Medicine Foundation attended the event.

I represented the Angelman Syndrome Foundation.

I explained the Angelman Syndrome Foundation is a charity that is close to my heart because my niece was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome.

I described the genetic disorder and the characteristics including developmental delay, happy demeanor, speech impairment, arm flapping, and drooling. I shared how she is non-verbal but can communicate using augmentative communication devices and some American Sign Language (ASL).

I mentioned how I'm running the Athens Classic Marathon to raise money for the Angelman Syndrome Foundation. All the money that is donated will be used for research. I love my niece but I hope scientists can find a cure so there wouldn't be any more children born with this disorder.

I discovered that the Arts Council For Long Beach created a We Love LB Arts! campaign to recruit Long Beach Marathon participants to choose the Arts Council For Long Beach as their charity recipient. The money raised would be distributed to both community-based and school-based arts programs.

We Love LB Arts! volunteers will be at the marathon showing their support and showcasing local art.

I learned that Marfan Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects connective tissue and typically attacks the heart. The syndrome is not easily diagnosed and often goes undetected. Diagnosis is usually made by a medical geneticist or a cardiologist because this disease often attacks the heart.

I was really impressed by the Real Medicine Foundation. The organization operates in 15 countries in four continents by establishing mobile and stationary health clinics. The fact that they employ regional staff really resonated with me.

As a bleeding heart Green Girl, I've taken courses on the sustainability of support and aid to Third World countries and I am aware of the obstacles encountered when trying to implement lasting improvements.

I really enjoyed the First Annual Charity Meet-n-Greet. I was truly inspired by the philanthropy of the organizations and the volunteers.

Be the change you want to see in the world. Mahatma Gandhi

The Green Girl's Latest Nathan Speed 4 Hack

The Green Girl loves her Nathan Speed 4 hydration belt.

My first Nathan Speed 4 got me through my very first marathon. I had used Goody StayPut Thin No Slide Color Headbands to secure the bottles and keep them from popping out.

In between the bottle holders, I had added a small pouch to carry my camera and another to hold a spare pair of socks and BodyGlide.

Eventually, I had to replace my hydration belt because despite the fact that I didn't lose any pounds, my waist became smaller and the large was too big.

Believe it or not, the medium was smaller and there was no longer enough space between the bottle holders for the pouches. Disappointed, I settled for stuffing the pouches into the front bottle slots.

This solution has worked well for me but lately, as I've increased my mileage, I've been struggling to fit enough nutrition in my belt for the long runs. I'm a hungry Green Girl and I eat a lot.

I also realize sports nutrition tends to be more compact and portable but I'm just not a huge fan of gels and gus.

I mulled over this issue and then it came to me - I could add some elastic loops to stick additional snacks in.

I took another one of the Goody StayPut Thin No Slide Color Headbands and cut it into quarters. I folded over the edges of two elastic segments and sewed them to prevent fraying. Once the edges were secured with my sloppy stitches, I looped the piece through the side of the bottle holder and sewed it together.

I rotated the elastic to hide the messy connection.

All things considered, I'm pleased with the outcome.

I'm grateful to Goody for making headbands that almost match my hydration belt and I'm glad my new loops match the elastic I added around the bottle holders.

I am anxious to try out my new fangled hydration belt on my next long run.

This solution is making me feel more confident about carrying all the nutrition I will need for the Athens Classic Marathon.

Sole Runners Athens Classic Marathon Kick-off Dinner

The Green Girl attended the Sole Runners Athens Classic Marathon Kick-off dinner last night at George's Greek Cafe.

Debra and Julie from Cartan Tours, the travel agency handling our reservations, joined us for the dinner.

We started off by going around the table and doing informal introductions. We discovered there will be three first time marathoners and we all cheered them on.

Before handing out the travel packets, Julie went over some of the high level details and answered our questions.

It's tempting for me to want to participate in a lot of the day tours because I want to see everything but I am restraining myself because I want to conserve my energy for the big day. Jackie is of a similar mindset so it works out well since we are traveling together.

A few runners sipped on bottles of Marathon Beer as we compared travel plans and training schedules. I was thrilled when Coach Steve mentioned he will be doing early morning yoga classes.

The day before the race, a bus will drive us along the marathon route. I have mixed feelings about this as I'm one of those people who avoids looking at course maps prior to races.

We spent some time pondering what we might expect from the expo.

In our travel packets, we received an informational booklet, travel vouchers, food coupons, and a lightweight Cartan Tours duffel bag.

I can't believe the marathon is next month. It really started to sink in for me last night as we were all sitting there talking.

I need to focus on staying healthy, take care of my right foot, and be cautious of my left knee.

The Green Girl's Sunday Long Run

After missing our Saturday morning Sole Runners run, Michelle and I went for our long run Sunday afternoon.

Instead of staying on the Shoreline Pedestrian Bikepath, we went over the bridge towards the Queen Mary.

Right before we reached the famous ocean liner, we managed to actually run through the Japanese Classic Car Show.

We looped around the grounds of the Queen Mary before heading back to the bridge.

When we looked back at Downtown Long Beach, we couldn't help but admire the majestic skyline.

The afternoon was warm but we both found in comfort in the knowledge that the weather would be cooling off soon.

Shortly after we passed Shoreline Village, we decided to run on the sand for a change.

It felt good to run on a softer surface for awhile.

We eventually returned to the bike path and took a turn down the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier as the sun began to set.

My right foot felt really good up until mile 8 when I started feeling some soreness in the arch. I concentrated on landing as softly as possible and kept going. My left hip felt good but the inside of my left knee was a little twitchy until I put the patellar strap on.

I am going to continue getting my foot taped and hope for the best.

I've been feeling a great deal of apprehension about my right foot and being able to complete another 17 mile run has done wonders for my confidence.