Second Annual Unofficial Rose Parade Bandit Run

The Green Girl and her friend, Janey, joined the Sole Runners for the Second Annual Unofficial Rose Parade Bandit Run.

The Rose Parade is an annual event held in Pasadena on New Year's Day (unless New Year's Day falls on a Sunday and then it's held on the following Monday).

The theme of this year's 124th Rose Parade was in honor of Dr. Seuss' book, 'Oh, the Places You'll Go!'

The Unofficial Pasadena Rose Parade Bandit Runners

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 start for our Bandit Run was just east of the parade route.

We casually seeded ourselves based on running speed and headed west on Colorado Boulevard in our respective, informal pace groups.

Spectators camped out 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.

The majority of the businesses along Colorado Boulevard boarded up the front of their stores with wood for protection. Some stores saw this as an opportunity and transformed their window reinforcements into billboard advertisements.

The Green Girl, Janey, and Sole Runner Mary at the Rose Parade

The experience is best described as running a race with lots of spectators but not a lot of runners.

Unfortunately for us runners, the weather was unseasonably cold so there were a lot of fire pits. Which made it nearly impossible to breathe at times.

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

Beverly Hills Pet Care Foundation Rose Parade Float

On occasion, our heels would stick to the ground as we ran down Colorado Boulevard.

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.

China Airlines 'Cycling Through Paradise' Rose Parade Float

According to the Tournament of Roses rules, 'each float must conform to certain regulations in the areas of height, width, length and thematic design and the entire surface must be covered using a variety of flowers, seeds, bark, leaves and other natural materials.'

I was in awe of the level of detail the float designers were able to achieve using only regulation materials.

The 'Destination Cars Land' Rose Parade Float

I'm a huge Pixar fan so my favorite was the 'Destination Cars Land’ float.

It featured Lightning McQueen and Sally racing above the 'Welcome to Cars Land' sign along with Flo’s V8 Cafe and Cozy Cone Motel signs.

The Second Annual Unofficial Rose Parade Bandit Run was the perfect way to kick off the New Year.

Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.
Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss)

Manhattan Beach Yuletide 5k Race Report

The Green Girl and her friend, Janey, ran their very first race on the sand at the Manhattan Beach Yuletide 5k Saturday evening.

The Manhattan Beach Yuletide 5k is the sister race to the annual summer Manhattan Beach 5k.

The Manhattan Beach 5k takes place each June and coincides with the Summer Solstice, the longest day of sunlight for the year. The Manhattan Beach Yuletide 5k was scheduled for the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of sunlight for the year.

Manhattan Beach Yuletide 5k at the Manhattan Beach Pier

A solstice occurs when the part of the Earth’s equator that faces the Sun is tilted at its highest or lowest point. The day of the Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year and the Winter Solstice is the shortest day.

The solstice provides an extremely low tide, creating ideal running conditions for on the hard-packed sand.

Sunset at the Manhattan Beach Pier

The Manhattan Beach Yuletide 5k consisted of a 5k run/walk on the sand and a Little Elves Dash.

Each participant received a cotton t-shirt and a glow necklace. The timing chips were conveniently attached to our bibs.

Christmas Tree at the Manhattan Beach Pier

The evening was unusually cold and on occasion, a raindrop would fall. The sunset faded into the horizon as the runners shivered and waited for the race to start.

The Manhattan Beach Pier glowed with holiday lights which reflected on the dark waves and the wet sand.

Manhattan Beach Yuletide 5k Starting Line at the Manhattan Beach Pier

Spectators lined the pier from above and cheered us on as we started the race.

In the darkness, you could see the fluorescent glow of the necklaces moving along the beach.

The course was an out and back loop along the water. The well-packed sand was the perfect surface for running since it was just like running on a dirt trail.

Manhattan Beach Yuletide 5k Mile 1

Volunteers shined bright lights on the mile markers so they could be easily seen.

I had so much fun running on the beach. The Manhattan Beach Yuletide 5k was the perfect race to get me into the holiday spirit.

Really Big Free Half Marathon Las Vegas Race Report

The Green Girl did the inaugural Really Big Free Half Marathon Las Vegas at Lake Mead National Recreation Area at the beginning of this month.

This race was the brainchild of the io events race management company. The strategy was to offset the registrant costs to the race sponsors.

A refundable deposit of $50 was required during registration.

Really Big Free Marathon Las Vegas Starting Line at Lake Mead National Recreation Area

According to the Really Big Free FAQ, all runners who crossed the Starting Line with their timing chips will be refunded in the form of a $50 check four to six weeks after the event.

Fellow Sole Runners Barb, Kerri, and Sandy, also participated in this race.

Sole Runners Sandy, John, and Barb at the Really Big Free Marathon Las Vegas Starting Line

We arrived at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area just before sun rise to see Kerri off for the marathon.

We quickly discovered the fortuitousness of already being there for Kerri's early marathon start when the half was delayed due to logistical parking and traffic problems.

Really Big Free Marathon Las Vegas Half Marathon Starting Line

At one point, the race organizers even announced there was a possibility the race could be cancelled.

The course was along the scenic rolling hills of the River Mountain Loop Trail.

I went into this race undertrained and without any expectations since I'm still dealing with the Achilles tendon bursitis (retrocalcaneal bursitis) in my right heel.

The course was along the scenic River Mountain Loop Trail

To avoid aggravating my heel, I started off easy and maintained a steady jog throughout the race.

The slower pace enabled me to relax and enjoy the beauty of Lake Mead.

Since the course followed the River Mountain Loop Trail, it was easy to follow and all crossings were clearly marked.

Sole Runner Barb taking a post-run dip in Lake Mead

The aide stations were well stocked with water but there appeared to have been a shortage of sports drink.

At the finish, a number of runners took a post-run dip in Lake Mead in lieu of an ice bath.

I really enjoyed the inaugural Really Big Free Half Marathon and look forward to participating in future Really Big Free events.

Update: As of Friday, January 4th, 2013, the following message appears on the Really Big Free Half Marathon Las Vegas Race website:

This is the hardest message we have ever written.
You would think that business is business but THIS business represents years of real blood, sweat, tears, memories, and sacrifice. The past year we’ve pushed ahead with the attitude that failure is not an option, emotionally vested in a business and industry that has slowly realized it is not as recession proof as was once touted. Our emotional commitment to our races blinded us to some serious problems such as significantly increasing race organization costs, increasing regulatory red-tape, declining participation numbers, sponsorship cut-backs, and our burgeoning debt.
We forged ahead, investing in the races waiting for the economy to improve, sponsors to follow through on their promises, and for there to be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel – yet the reality is, at least for us, there is no hint of glow coming from the path ahead. Aggregate participation numbers have been significantly down for the past year and numbers going forward look even worse. And it’s a struggle many race organizers our size are sharing. At this point, our credit cards are maxed out… and with some vendors having been paid and others still waiting we find ourselves in a tough spot with our backs against the wall; we’re broke, and we’re facing a dire and unfamiliar situation that appears to have only one solution; after nearly 7 years of organizing races, we’re closing our doors. This closure means the cancellation of the Really Big Free Series.
As for refunds - we're working on it and we hope to have a time table available in the coming weeks.
For those of you who have supported us through the years we are so grateful – we wish we could push on; we’ve poured our hearts into this company and the prospect of not organizing races is just heartbreaking.
See you down road,
~Karen & Richard
#########################
You may email us at contact@ioevents.com / or call our office at (928) 855 - 4887.

Run Like It's Recess 5k Race Report

The Green Girl ran the Run Like It's Recess 5k this morning at El Dorado East Regional Park along with a number of Sole Runners.

The Run Like It's Recess event featured a 5k run/walk, 1k kids run/walk, and 50-yard Toddler Run.


The race benefited a local school, Newcomb Elementary.

The morning started off with some light drizzles but the sky cleared up as the race start approached.

Run Like It's Recess 5k backpack, shirt, and goodies

The event was well staffed with volunteers and the late registration process went smoothly.

I wasn't expecting a goodie bag so I was thrilled when I received a green Run Like It's Recess backpack containing a race shirt, an anti-bacterial gel from the LBS Financial Credit Union (the bottle fits the holder on my Nathan Trail Mix belt), a Newcomb Elementary water bottle, and a Naked Juice berry blast lip balm.

The Green Girl and the Sole Runners before the Run Like It's Recess 5k

I went into this race without any expectations. I'm still struggling to build up mileage without aggravating the Achilles tendon bursitis (retrocalcaneal bursitis) in my right heel.

Before the race start, they warmed up all the runners with some upbeat music and exercises.

Run Like It's Recess 5k pre-race warm-up

As we crossed the Starting Line, my body felt good so I immediately fell into a brisk pace.

I managed to do the first mile in an even 9 minutes but I couldn't maintain that pace beyond Mile 1.

I slowed down significantly on the second mile but continued to try to push myself.

The Green Girl's 5k PR 32:53:55

I wasn't able to make it to Mile 2 without a walk break. I tried to catch my breath and pull myself together before I started running again.

I dug as deep as I could for the last mile and really engaged that ChiRunning lean.

I couldn't believe it when I got to the Finish Line and the clock read 00:32:xx.

Run Like It's Recess 5k Finisher Pancakes

According to Mr. Orange Garmin, I finished in 32:52:55. I unofficially shaved almost two minutes off my 2011 Wrigley River Run 5k time of 34:41.

As I exited the chute, Coach Steve congratulated me on my PR and advised I keep moving since I was breathing so hard.

Mixing the Run Like It's Recess 5k pancake batter

Fresh pancakes complete with strawberries and whipped cream were served to the finishers.

I was pleasantly surprised and pleased with my performance today. And grateful that my Achilles wasn't aggravated.

For the past few months, I've been working with a personal trainer, Chris from Beach Cities Mobile Fitness, to correct my biomechanical running issues through strength training.

It was nice to see that work paying off. Even though I'm not in good running shape, I was able to run a pain-free 5k today and unofficially PR by almost two minutes!

LA Marathon Race Report

The Green Girl ran in the City of Angels at the LA Marathon along with Angel Runners, Jason and Timothy.

The Angel Runners are a group of runners who are raising money for the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST).

I was also running for Tumaini for the Future to raise money to provide educational opportunities for underserved school children in Moses Waweru's hometown of Nakuru, Kenya.

The LA Marathon 'Stadium to the Sea' course started at Dodger Stadium and ended at the Santa Monica Pier.



After volunteering at last year's race, I was prepared for the possibility of inclement weather. My strategy was to retain as much body heat as possible until the start of the race. I had on a couple of throwaway layers and my North Face Venture Raincoat.

Dodger Stadium

I parked in Santa Monica and boarded a 5:00 am shuttle to Dodger Stadium.

Runners huddled around the perimeter of the structure to keep warm.

When Jason and Timothy arrived, I learned porta-potties are called 'Porta-Johns' in Michigan. Crazy.

After, the Porta-John visit, we migrated towards the crowd assembled around the Starting corrals.

The Green Girl was also running for Tumaini for the Future

Once the race started, we easily merged and crossed the Starting Line.

The three of us had never run together and we had very different ability levels (I am of course the happy back of the pack Green Girl), but we managed to quickly fall into a comfortable, easy pace.

Sole Runners Coach Steve interviewing Angel Runners Jason and Timothy Video: LA Marathon 2012

A few miles in, Sole Runners Coach Steve ran by and interviewed Jason and Timothy about their LA Marathon training and fundraising for the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST).

At Mile 9, my friend, Janey, surprised us with three bottles of ice cold Dr. Peppers.

It was a beautiful day and the temperature was absolutely perfect. The course was clearly marked, well supported, and the quintessential Los Angeles experience.

Angel Runners Jason and Timothy

The conversation came easily as the miles flew by and more often than not, a remark evoked laughter.

My favorite sign said 'Your training lasted longer than Kim Kardashian's marriage.' That made me giggle.

The Dr. Peppers started wearing off around Mile 17 and the World Famous Sole Runners Mile 18 Holistic Aide Station could not come soon enough.

The World Famous Sole Runners Mile 18 Holistic Aide Station

Much to my satisfaction and relief, Jason and Timothy agreed that the Mile 18 station was everything I'd hyped it up to be.

After chugging my second glorious Dr. Pepper of the day and stuffing my face with The Green Girl's Famous Salted Potatoes courtesy of my fellow Sole Runners, I headed back out with Jason and Timothy.

Around Mile 21, I admitted I was feeling jittery from consuming two Dr. Peppers in a single day and Timothy commented that my speech had sped up considerably.

The runner who sweated Mickey Mouse

Somewhere around Mile 23, I saw the funniest thing I'd ever seen in my entire running life.

A runner a few yards ahead of us had somehow managed to sweat in the shape of Mickey Mouse head on his back. I started laughing hysterically and struggled to piece together the words to share my discovery with Jason and Timothy. I never knew I was capable of running while doubled over in laughter.

I sprinted up to him to snap a picture and other runners around us started laughing, too.

Angel Runners Timothy, the Green Girl, and Jason at the Finish Line

When we reached the Finish, we each put our hands together to create angel wings with our fingers to show our support to the angels as we crossed the mats.

We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another. Luciano de Crescenzo

Redondo Beach St. Patrick's Day 5k Race Report

The Green Girl celebrated her national holiday by running the Redondo Beach St. Patrick's Day 5k.

The race benefited the local Saint Lawrence Martyr School Educational Foundation.

Race registration and packet pick-up took place in a tent behind the Village Runner store.

The Green Girl at the Redondo Beach St. Patrick's Day 5k

Rain was forecasted for the weekend so I'd slipped my mobile phone into a zip baggy and I had my green waterproof camera tucked in my iFitness Double Pouch Belt.

The morning was chilly so I had on a green long-sleeved running shirt under my cotton shamrock race shirt.

Redondo Beach St. Patrick's Day 5k Starting Line

As we waited at the Starting Line, drops of rain started to fall. A few runners mumbled that they were anxious for the race to start.

My race strategy was to take it easy since I had the LA Marathon the next day but I somehow managed to do my first mile at about a 9:30 pace.

A rainy Redondo Beach St. Patrick's Day 5k

Despite the rain, I warmed up quickly so I took a walk break in the second mile to remove my a layer and tie it around my waist.

As I was rounding the last loop, I spotted a fellow Sole Runner, Steve.

The rain had tapered off by this time and the sun was starting to come out.

The Green Girl with fellow Sole Runners, Kathleen and Steve

We ran together to the Finish Line where his wife, Kathleen, was waiting.

May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.
Irish Blessing

The Green Girl's Virtual Run for Sherry Arnold

The Green Girl participated in the Virtual Run for Sherry Arnold which was held across the world on Saturday, February 11th.

At 6:30 am, on January 7, 2012, Sherry Arnold, went for a run in her hometown of Sidney, Montana. When Sherry never returned home, her husband reported her to the police as missing.

By 3:00 pm hundreds of volunteers were searching for Sherry. Only one clue was found, her right running shoe.

Her body was never found but a man confessed to her murder. Sherry had been abducted a mile from her house.

The Green Girl and her niece, Jade, honoring Sherry Arnold's memory with the Virtual Run for Sherry Arnold

I had never met Sherry Arnold. The incident hit close to home because I'm a runner.

I'm also a female who goes on the majority of her runs alone. And admittedly, mostly at night. Sherry vanished in the early morning.

I quickly discovered she was the cousin of one of my fellow running blogger friends, Beth from Shut Up + Run. Way too close to home.

Honoring Sherry Arnold's memory during the Virtual Run for Sherry Arnold

Sherry, I managed to get your bib on my niece, and then I ran to honor your memory.

Death leaves a heartache
no one can heal,
love leaves a memory
no one can steal.
Irish Headstone

XTERRA Boney Mountain 21k Trail Run Report

The Green Girl did the XTERRA Boney Mountain 21k Trail Run at Point Mugu State Park in the Santa Monica Mountains on Sunday, January 8th, along with a number of Sole Runners.

Buses at Paraiso Town Center

XTERRA coined this event as the 'Grand Daddy' of their eight race trail series.

Registration, bib pickup, and parking for the event was at the Paraiso Town Center. School buses transported runners to the starting area.

Coach Steve and the Sole Runners

The early morning sky was a beautiful shade of royal blue. The air was crisp and wind gusts sent chills through my body.

After being shuttled to the base of the mountain range, I met up with Coach Steve and the Sole Runners.

XTERRA Boney Mountain 21k Trail Run Starting Line

As we assembled in the starting chute, the race director offered a rather ominous verbal overview of the course and terrain.

Nervous laughter erupted throughout the crowd and then before I knew it, the race had started.

The Green Girl and Mentor Isabelle at the XTERRA Boney Mountain 21k Trail Run

My race strategy was to take it easy and enjoy myself.

One of the Sole Runners mentors, Isabelle, also had a similar plan in mind so we ran together.

The terrain was technical so we ended up walking more than we'd expected but the slower pace was welcomed as we were able to appreciate the breathtaking scenery along the course.

Sole Runners Brian and Stacey with their cowbells

Sole Runners Brian and Stacey rode their mountain bikes out onto the trails to cheer us on with their cowbells.

The trail varied from open fields to narrow paths to single track portions but was clearly and consistently marked.

The race was well supported with aid stations and medics stationed along the course.

View from the XTERRA Boney Mountain 21k Trail Run

The weather conditions were ideal. The cold morning had warmed into a bright, sunny, but not overly warm day.

The skies were clear enough to afford us a view of the city in the distance.

Towards the end of the course, we crossed a shallow, rocky creek.

Shallow, rocky creek

We balanced carefully on the rocks to keep from stepping in the mud.

As we approached the Finish Line, Sole Runners cheered loudly for us. Brian and Stacey were there, cowbells in hand.

The race officials let us know they'd run out of medals but would send us one in the mail. I assured them it was not a big deal.

The Green Girl carefully balancing on the rocks across the creek

The post-race party was held at Coach Dianne's house.

Along with Coach Steve, Coach Dianne leads the Newbury Park Sole Runners training group.

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves as we indulged in fresh fruit smoothies, pizza, and delicious Mediterranean food.

Coach Dianne's house

Coach Dianne's backyard overlooks the Santa Monica Mountains so we were able to gaze out at the trails we'd just covered as we were eating.

Trail running is good for the Green Girl's soul.