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)

Blog Action Day 2012: Tumaini for the Future

Blog Action Day was founded in 2007 to bring together bloggers from different countries, interests and languages to blog about one important global topic on the same day.

The Blog Action Theme for 2012 is 'The Power of We' to celebrate people working together to make a positive difference in the world.

Tumaini for the Future

The Green Girl met a Kenyan runner, Moses Waweru, last year at the 13.1 Chicago Half Marathon.

Moses is originally from Nakuru, Kenya. He currently resides in the Midwest in Wisconsin.

When Moses visited Nakuru last September, a local school teacher reached out to him.

The teacher explained the parents of the school children in her class could not afford the tuition and consequently, she had fallen behind on rent, and did not have money to purchase ugali (cornmeal) and tea to feed the students.

Moses vowed to do everything in his power to help this teacher keep her school and continue to provide an education for these children.

Moses Waweru with the Tumaini for the Future school children in Nakuru, Kenya

As soon as he returned to the US, he transformed his vision into Tumaini for the Future.

The future home of the Tumaini School

Tumaini means Hope in Swahili.

Moses founded the non-profit organization Tumaini for the Future to provide educational opportunities for underserved youth in his hometown of Nakuru, Kenya.

When Moses spoke to the school teacher, he discovered the ugali and tea served at school is sometimes the only nourishment the children get.

Unloading the Tumaini School building materials

Tumaini for the Future needs your support. $100 US donated to Tumaini for the Future will feed all of the Tumaini school children for an entire month.

Tumaini for the Future is also raising money to build a new school which will be called the Tumaini School. The goal is to raise $10,000. The land and some building materials have already been purchased.

Sole Runners running for Tumaini for the Future

Tumaini for the Future has no administrative overhead so 100% of your donations will go directly to the Tumaini School.

Tumaini for the Future has partnered with Coach Steve Mackel and his running group, the Sole Runners, to help spread awareness.

Sole Runners donating used running shoes and clothing

The Sole Runners also collect used running shoes and clothing for Moses to take back to aspiring runners in Kenya.

Please help celebrate and make the Tumaini for the Future dream come true by spreading awareness to your family and friends.

Phiten Titanium Necklace X30 Winner

Phiten Titanium Necklace X30

The Green Girl and Coach Steve Mackel are pleased to announce the winner of the Phiten Titanium Necklace X30 Giveaway.

There were a total of 26 entries submitted via blog reply or email. The winner number 17 was randomly selected based on results from random.org.

Congratulations to the winner, Elle from eat run sail!

Please send your mailing address to giveaway@therunninggreengirl.com.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in this giveaway and help us celebrate the ING Runner's Nation ING Class of 2012.

Phiten Titanium Necklace X30 Giveaway

The Green Girl and Coach Steve Mackel are pairing up to host a blog giveaway to celebrate the ING Runner's Nation ING Class of 2012.

The ING New York City Marathon ING Runner's Nation is a virtual community for runners.

The group is open to everyone and is not limited to participants of the ING New York City Marathon. Coach Steve and three other running bloggers are the official Hosts for the interactive ING Runner's Nation.

Coach Steve is giving away one Phiten gift set that includes:

• 1 Phiten Titanium Necklace X30 red and black checkered necklace
• 6 Phiten Titanium Discs
• 3 Phiten Titanium Tape Strips
• 1 small Phiten Titanium Massage Lotion

Phiten Titanium Necklace X30

Phiten necklaces and apparel feature Phiten's Aqua-Titanium which is composed of micro-titanium spheres that are absorbed into fabric like dye.

The Phiten fabric is permeated with the Aqua-Titanium and is capable of emitting energy to effectively control the body's bio-electric current to improve the alignment of the body's positive and negative ions.

According to Phiten, their Aqua-Titanium products can improve your circulation and reduce muscle stress based on the theory that stiff muscles and fatigue may be caused by distruptions in the flow of your body's bio-electric current.

If you would like to celebrate the ING Runner's Nation Class of 2012 and have a chance to witness the benefits of Phiten's titanium technology for yourself, here's how you can enter this giveaway. Please note that each entry may be submitted in a reply to this post or via email to giveaway@therunninggreengirl.com:

• 'Like' the ING Runner's Nation on Facebook
• 'Follow' ING Runner's Nation on Twitter
• Share this giveaway on your blog
• Retweet this giveaway using hashtags #ingclassof2012‬ ‪#ingnycm‬ ‪#ingnation‬.
• 'Friend' Coach Steve on Facebook
• 'Follow' Coach Steve on Twitter
• View Coach Steve's Tips on 'Warming Up and Cooling Down'

The deadline to enter this giveaway is Saturday, August 11th, at midnight Pacific Time. The winner will be announced on Sunday, August 12th.

Good luck to everyone!

ING Runner's Nation - ING Class of 2012

The Green Girl's running coach, Steve Mackel, has been chosen to be an ambassador for the ING New York City Marathon ING Runner's Nation ING Class of 2012.

The ING New York City Marathon ING Runner's Nation is a virtual community for runners. Coach Steve and three other running bloggers will be the official Hosts for the interactive ING Runner's Nation.

The RNG Runner's Nation Hosts were chosen to represent the diversity of the running community.

According to New York City Marathon officials, 50% of the marathon participants are from outside of the US.

Coach Steve from SoCalRunning.com is the Coach. Monica from Run Eat Repeat is the Foodie. Dave from Run Like A Clydesdale is the Clydesdale. Jen from Mad Cool Fitness is the New York City Local.

The ING Runner's Nation ING Class of 2012 hosts: Monica from Run Eat Repeat, Dave from Run Like A Clydesdale, Jen from Mad Cool Fitness, and Coach Steve from SoCalRunning.com

The running hosts recently spent three days in New York City filming footage for the ING Runner's Nation web series.

Coach Steve will have the opportunity to share his some of his expertise and personal experiences through weekly webisodes.

In addition to offering support and advice in the ING Runner's Nation forum, Coach Steve will also train 50 ING Runner's Nation runners virtually through his Sole Runners training program.

Behind the scenes: Coach Steve from SoCalRunning.com filming a yoga segment

Coach Steve is currently training for Mt. Baldy Run-to-the-Top, Malibu Triathlon, Berlin Marathon, Long Beach Marathon, and the ING New York City Marathon.

If you see Coach Steve at any of these races, stop by and let him know you're a friend of The Running Green Girl.

Here's Coach Steve's introductory video:



If you would like to join the ING Runner's Nation, simply 'Like' them on Facebook or 'Follow' them on Twitter using hashtags #ingclassof2012‬ ‪#ingnycm‬ ‪#ingnation‬.

If you would like to follow Coach Steve, you may 'Friend' him on Facebook or 'Follow' him on Twitter.

Wrigley River Run 10k Race Report

Wrigley River Run & Tadpole Trot

The Green Girl did the Wrigley River Run 10k on Saturday, June 2nd.

The proceeds from this event benefited the Long Beach Neighborhood Foundation (LBNF) to support educational and athletic events and programs for local youth.

Wrigley River Run sponsors

My running group, the Sole Runners, was one of the race sponsors.

The event consisted of a 10k run/walk, a 5k run/walk (with an official stroller start), and a 1k Tadpole Trot.

The 10k started an hour before the 5k so runners who could finish the 10k in time were given the option to run both races.

Sole Runners at the Wrigley River Run

Wrigley River Run 10k

The route went through the residential Wrigley district of Long Beach with one switchback up and back down the concrete Los Angeles riverbed.

The course was well marked and there were many enthusiastic volunteers to guide and cheer participants.

Sole Runner LeAnn heading up onto the Los Angeles riverbed

I've been dealing with Achilles tendon bursitis (retrocalcaneal bursitis) in my right heel so my strategy was to take it easy and listen to my body.

The switchback nature of the course enabled me to cheer on Sole Runners who were racing towards the Finish as I was still heading out.

Wrigley River Run 1k Tadpole Trot

For me, the 1k Tadpole Trot is the highlight of the Wrigley River Run.

I love watching the kids sprint from the Starting Line.

The overall male and female winners of the 5k and 10k races were awarded gift certificates for a pair of shoes from Road Runner Sports.

The top 3 male and female in 14 age categories received medals.


The top male and female for the combined 5k/10k received trophies.

Wrigley River Run Medals

A number of Sole Runners, including Coach Steve placed in their respective age divisions.

Despite achieving a Personal Worst for the distance, I had a really good time at one of my favorite races.

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

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.