Sole Runners at the Long Beach Marathon

The Green Girl and Moses Waweru joined the Sole Runners for the Long Beach Marathon.

Coach Steve kicked the race weekend off with the Sole Runners group picture in front of the Long Beach Convention Center.

Moses Waweru with the STARTS runners before the Kids 1 Mile Fun Run

Before heading to the race expo, Moses went over to the Aquarium of the Pacific Kids 1 Mile Fun Run to show his support for a group of school children who were participating in the fun run as part of Long Beach's Grace United Methodist Church's Yes We Serve STARTS youth organization.

Moses Waweru with the STARTS runners after the Kids 1 Mile Fun Run

STARTS stands for 'Soaring To Achieve, Reaching To Succeed'.

The non-profit organization provides afterschool activities such as art classes, dance and sports instruction, theatre training, and tutoring for underprivileged first through third graders.

After cheering the SMART runners on the course, Moses congratulated the finishers on a successful race.

The Green Girl test drove her dream car, the Beetle

After the Fun Run, we headed over to the Long Beach Convention Center for the race expo.

The highlight of the expo for me was the opportunity to finally test drive my dream car - a Beetle. Except it wasn't lime green.

Coach Steve leading the ChiRunning Body Looseners

Pre-race Sunday morning, Coach Steve led all the Sole Runners through the ChiRunning body looseners.

Before the runners headed to their respective corrals, the Sole Runners formed the traditional Sole Runners pre-race team huddle.

Coach Steve leading the Sole Runners pre-race team huddle

Once the race started, we headed over to Mile 6 to cheer the Sole Runners as they ran by on the beach path.

In addition to the Kids 1 Mile Fun Run, Marathon and Half-Marathon, there was also a Run Forrest Run 5k which started shortly after the marathon and half-marathon.

Moses Waweru at the Run Forrest Run 5k Starting Line

Moses finished the Run Forrest Run 5k in 15:20.

After the 5k, I headed out onto the course to cheer on the back of the packers.

Other support Sole Runners were out there, including Coach Steve, making sure all our runners were okay.

Sole Runners Charlie, Moses Waweru, and Coach Steve

The Sole Runners tents didn't go down until every last Sole Runner runner had crossed that finish line.

It was the end of another successful season and Long Beach Marathon for the Sole Runners.

Silicon Valley Turkey Trot 10k Race Report

The Green Girl ran her very first turkey trot when she ran the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot 10k Thanksgiving morning.

The race benefited the Children's Health Initiative of Santa Clara County, the Housing Trust of Santa Clara County, and Second Harvest Food Bank.

Silicon Valley Turkey Trot 10k Course

The race took place Downtown San Jose with the Start and Finish near the HP Pavilion.

The morning was chilly but not as cold as I'd expected. There was a 50% chance of rain but there was only a light drizzle when my dad dropped me off early for the last minute bib pick-up.

The Green Girl waiting to pick up her Silicon Valley Turkey Trot 10k bib

From experience, I expected delays due to the wet conditions.

Based on the number of registration tables, tents, and signage, they were prepared for a lot of runners but there weren't enough volunteers when I arrived to process the runners in a timely manner.

The Green Girl's Silicon Valley Turkey Trot 10k bib

I appreciated the shirt pickup option at the finish so I didn't have to deal with bag check.

After pinning my bib with attached timing chip on my shirt, I headed over to the Costume Contest.

A giant corn on the cob accidentally bumped into me and apologized profusely as she explained how difficult it was to walk around as an ear of corn. She ended up winning the Costume Contest 'Non-Holiday' category.

A family of Angry Birds won the Costume Contest 'Team' category

There were lots of Indians and Pilgrims. I saw a Turkey toddler.

A family of Angry Birds won the Costume Contest 'Team' category.

I saw Sour Cream and Chives walking around. Someone asked them if they were looking for Mashed Potatoes and they admitted they were lost so they were directed to their missing main dish. That cracked me up.

Silicon Valley Turkey Trot 10k Course

I laughed even harder when I saw Thanksgiving Dinner. I couldn't imagine walking even a single mile with that spread around my waist.

After I was thoroughly amused by the costumes, I headed to the porta-potties. There were many rows of porta-potties conveniently located all around the Start/Finish area.

Silicon Valley Turkey Trot 10k Starting Line

I alternated between ChiRunning body looseners and porta-potty visits before I headed to the Starting Line for the 10k. The 5k had a later start time.

The corrals were self-seeding so I lined up near the 10-11 minute per mile sign.

The race took place on flat city streets. There was only one downhill and one uphill - right at the end.

I focused on quick foot turnover and relaxing my body. It was the first time I ran a race where participants actually moved to the right when they slowed down. The race etiquette made a big difference because I wasn't forced to weave in and out.

I started feeling the fatigue around Mile 4. I dug deep and pushed.

As I was sprinting towards the Finish Line, I realized there was a serious runner jam. We all came to a complete stop before we could even cross the mats.

Mr. Green Garmin 01:06:44 Finish Time

I decided I'd go ahead and stop Mr. Green Garmin while I was waiting.

I was thrilled when I saw I'd actually finished in 01:06:44.

When I finally strolled across the finish mat along with the sea of runners, I realized I would be able to calculate just how long it took to actually step across it once I got my official Finish Time since I'd stopped Mr. Green Garmin.

Silicon Valley Turkey Trot 10k Finish Line

Unfortunately, when I went to get my official results, they only showed my Mile 4 time, 41:58 (10:30 pace). I immediately assumed there were just too many bibs crossing the mats at once though I wondered how a bib attached to my short body could have been missed.

I was a little disappointed but the lack of official timing couldn't take away from my happiness.

Subsequently, I learned this happened to a lot of runners so we were instructed to send our results to the timing company to have them manually entered. I submitted Mr. Green Garmin's numbers and now my 10k PR is official!

Sole Runners Active Recovery Run

Coach Steve talking to the Sole Runners

The Green Girl joined the Sole Runners for a Saturday morning active recovery run yesterday.

Coach Steve builds active recovery weeks with lower intensity and volume into our training schedule to give our bodies a chance to repair and refresh.

Coach Steve leading the ChiRunning body looseners

For my active recovery week, I cut back on my workouts and didn't double up every day. I also made a conscious effort to stretch as much as possible.

After the usual announcements, Coach Steve went through the ChiRunning body looseners.

The order of the body looseners are from the ground up so we always start with the ankle looseners.

Sole Runners heading out for an active recovery run

Before the Sole Runners head out, we always get into our ChiRunning stance by lengthening our posture, leveling our pelvic floor, and then leaning until we fall into a run.

Since it was an active recovery week, we all ran for an hour before we did our post-run yoga.

Following the run, I attended Coach Steve's Advanced ChiRunning Training for Mentors class. The session was extremely helpful and we learned a number of advanced ChiRunning techniques.

When I was first introduced to ChiRunning, I was unable to incorporate the concepts into my running form.

I wasn't until I signed up for a two hour private ChiRunning Workshop with a ChiRunning Certified Instructor, Coach Steve, that it all came together for me.

I can honestly say attending Coach Steve's workshop transformed my entire Running Green Girl life. It inspired me to join the Sole Runners and ChiRunning has significantly reduced my injuries and recovery time.

I would recommend his Southern California ChiRunning Workshops and Retreats without hesitation to anyone who is interested in learning proper form and techniques.

The Sole Runners Colored Band System

Sole Runners technical shirts

The Green Girl helped distribute Sole Runners technical shirts at the registration table at Marina Vista Park this morning.

I also received a second blue mentor shirt.

As I was registering one of the new members, she asked me how long I'd been with the Sole Runners and I surprised myself when I realized I'd been training with the group since 2008.

LeAnn going over the Sole Runners banding system: green - half marathoners, yellow - full marathoners

After Coach Steve's announcements, LeAnn explained the Sole Runners banding system.

Colored bands were distributed for participants to attach to their hydration belts.

Green indicates you are training for a half marathon and yellow means a full.

Sole Runners doing body looseners

The mentors also verified emergency contact information had been provided for each Sole Runner before they received their training band.

Coach Steve led the ChiRunning body looseners before we all headed out.

By the time we started running, the morning had warmed slightly but thanks to the marine layer, it was still comfortable and not too hot.

Coach Steve leading the Sole Runners

I ended up running with a new Sole Runner, Veronica.

She mentioned she had never run far enough to reach the beach so it became our goal to get her to the ocean on this run.

I was so proud of her when she not only made it to the beach but also managed a negative split on the way back.

Mentor George leading the Sole Runners in Hillbilly Yoga

Post-run, Mentor George led the Hillbilly Yoga.

I love that Hillbilly Yoga not only has unique pose names but is flexible enough to allow the names to evolve.

More than one Hillbilly Yoga pose has been renamed based on a suggestion from a Sole Runner.

Under Armour Rain. Sleet. Snow. Wind. Brave the run. shirt

On my way home from the run, I stopped by Sports Authority to look at capris.

I spotted the Under Armour Rain. Sleet. Snow. Wind. Brave the run. shirt I'd been admiring on other runners at races.

It was on the sale rack so on impulse, I made the second running shirt purchase of my life.

Now, in addition to my Run Run Run shirt, I have this awesome new shirt!

Sole Runners Saturday Morning Marina Vista Run

Sole Runners Summer Season registration

The Green Girl helped with the Sole Runners Summer Season registration at Marina Vista Park before the Saturday morning run.

With summer training already in progress, I was pleasantly surprised by the volume of new registrations.

Sole Runners doing body looseners

Since it's still early in the season, Coach Steve welcomed all the new and returning Sole Runners.

Coach Steve proceeded with some running basics and then he went over the ChiRunning body looseners that we do before every run.

New Runner's High owner speaking to the Sole Runners

The new owner of our local running store, Runner's High, also spoke to us briefly.

He let us know Runner's High is now matching competitor prices and the store has extended their return policy so if a shoe doesn't work for you, you can return it regardless of when you purchased it - within reason.

Sole Runners heading out for the Saturday morning run

The marine layer clouded the sky as the Sole Runners headed out for our run.

I started off running with a couple, Brian and Stacey, and their friend Rose Ann.

After awhile, Rose Ann and Stacey fell back, and Brian and I went ahead.

As we ran, Brian explained how he and Stacey had started running.

Mentor Matt leading the post-run yoga

I'm always fascinated by personal running stories.

We ended up doing 8.55 miles. It was one of those comfortable runs where you take it easy but you feel satisfied at the end.

When we returned to Marina Vista Park, Mentor Matt led the post-run yoga.

It felt really good to stretch out on my yoga mat.

Wrigley River Run 5k Race Report

The Green Girl did the Wrigley River Run 5k on Saturday.

The proceeds from this local race go to the Long Beach Neighborhood Foundation (LBNF) to support programs for at-risk city youth. Some of the Sole Runners are members of LBNF so a group of us went out to support the race.

Sole Runners at the Wrigley River Run

I'll be honest, the Green Girl went into this race with something to prove to the Wrigley River Run.

I was determined to not let Wrigley River Run history repeat itself - I would not go out too fast and I would do everything in my power to PR.

This week, I really pushed myself on my morning runs in Denver. I was convinced the short-term high altitude training would pay off.

Coach Steve leading the Sole Runners body looseners

Pre-race, Coach Steve warmed up all the Sole Runners with ChiRunning body looseners.

The 10k started an hour before the 5k and runners who could finish the 10k in time had the option to run both.

I cheered on the 10k runners as they headed out onto the course.

Before the 5k, Coach Steve and I discussed my race strategy. He told me to really focus on Mr. Green Garmin and pace myself from the start. His confidence in me was comforting.

Wrigley River Run 10k start

Two minutes into the race, Mr. Green Garmin let me know I was down to a 9:01 minute mile.

I immediately took a deep breath and slowed down. I focused on the ground directly in front of me and blocked out everything else.

The first mile felt great but fatigue started to set in on the second mile and by the time I reached the halfway point, I was fighting the urge to puke.

I had hoped to maintain a more consistent pace but I was all over the place. I would slow down to a 12:30 and then realize I needed to hustle. Then, I'd look at Mr. Green Garmin again and I'd be back at at 9:00 minute mile.

The Green Girl at the Finish Line

I gave that race everything I've got.

At the Finish Line, Mr. Green Garmin said 34:22. My PR from 2008 was 34:48.

Since the race wasn't chip timed and I didn't start in front, I had my doubts it would be an official PR but when the results were posted, my time was 34:41.

I had PR'd by 7 seconds!

Sole Runners Bolsa Chica State Beach Run

The Green Girl led her first Sole Runners run yesterday at Bolsa Chica State Beach.

Our running group is officially on a short hiatus between the winter and summer training sessions so only a handful of runners showed up.

One of the Sole Runners, Katie, helped us remember all the body looseners before we started our run.

Just as we were heading out, some friends from The Misfits running group ran by and we chatted briefly.

The beach path between Bolsa Chica and Huntington Beach is filled with vivid memories of training for my first marathon.

It was a chilly morning with an overcast sky.

As my feet fell into a steady rhythm, I listened to the soothing roar of the waves.

The ocean was spotted with surfers. I watched in awe as the foamy waves would completely envelope a surfer for seconds at a time.

I thought about how lucky I am to have so many beautiful places to run.

By the time we reached our turnaround point, the Huntington Beach Pier, the sky had cleared and the sun was starting to warm the air.

Sole Runners Run and Sanrio 50th Anniversary

Long Beach Shoreline Pedestrian Bikepath by Betty

The Green Girl joined the Sole Runners for a drizzling Saturday morning run this morning.

Coach Steve started us off with the usual updates.

We did body looseners before we split up - some Sole Runners stayed behind for a ChiRunning lesson with Coach Steve.

Sole Runners are ready for Storm Watch 2010

I wasn't sure how heavy the rainfall was going to be so I wore my North Face Venture rain jacket just in case.

As it turned out, the rain subsided long enough for us to get our run in.

It was a surprisingly beautiful morning. The sky was almost completely obscured by the heavy cloud cover. The effect was eerily stunning.

After my run, I headed up to Barker Hangar for Sanrio's 50th Anniversary celebration, Small Gift Los Angeles.

Map of Small Gift Los Angeles

I entered the hangar through a rainbow adorned with Sanrio characters.

I was thrilled to see a giant inflatable Keroppi head hanging from the ceiling.

I walked past Kaitlyn's Sugar Land concession stand to the Craft Area where Hello Kitty sand art was being created.

I went by the Mobile Food Court to the Arcade where I spotted a Japanese Crane Machine filled with assorted Hello Kitty dolls.

I almost squealed out loud when I saw the Keroppi chair on the Ferris Wheel.

There was a Sanrio penny smushing machine but unfortunately, there weren't any Keroppi coins.

I stopped by the Ticket Booth to purchase tickets to play the Carnival Games.

With my tickets, I played games and got a picture of myself superimposed on a map of Keroppi's home, Donut Pond.

I was surprised to see Beard Papa had partnered with Hello Kitty but I was even more amazed to see a Yogurtland offering Keroppi-branded Plain Tart frozen yogurt.

The Art Gallery was filled with unusual images of the various Sanrio characters.


One of my favorites was a painting entitled 'Mount Rushmore Conquest', by Norma Christmas.

Paul Frank also contributed to the gallery with his ode to my favorite frog, 'Squaroppi'.

In the center of the celebration was the Miniature Golf Course.

Around the perimeter of the golf course, they had display cases featuring Sanrio character collections.

I briefly considered visiting the Small Gift Pop-up Shop but quickly lost interest when I realized the line wrapped around the hangar.

The highlight of my visit to Small Gift Los Angeles was finally meeting Keroppi.