The Green Girl's 100 Things in 2014

The Green Girl was inspired by the Day Zero Project's '101 Things in 1001 Days Challenge' to start her own challenge of attempting to complete 100 things in 2013.

Ultimately, I fell short of 50% completion success by accomplishing 48 out of 100. For 2013, I'm rolling over some outstanding items and removing others from the list.

My focus for 2014 is personal growth, introspection, and local exploration.

The Green Girl's 100 Things for 2014 - [019/100]

1. Answer the '50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind'
2. Cultivate a new, positive habit
3. Do something outside of my comfort zone
4. Learn 10 new, useful keyboard shortcuts [10/10]
• + Left/Right/Up/Down Arrow To move window
• Type 'wo' in Start Menu To Launch Word
• CTRL + Backspace Delete previous word
• ALT + . In Outlook To field to open address book
• ALT + K In Outlook To field to Check Name
• ALT + L In Outlook To field to Reply All
• CTRL + 1, CTRL + 2, CTRL + 3 In Outlook to switch between Mail, Calendar, and Contacts
• CTRL + D In Excel to duplicate the cell above
• CTRL + L In Notepad++ to delete line
• CTRL + L or F6 In Firefox go to Address Bar
5. Take a course on UNIX basics
6. Take a course on Jenkins
7. Update The Running Green Girl's 'About'
8. Update The Running Green Girl's 'About Angelman Syndrome'
9. Get technical certification
10. Get trained in mountain search and rescue
11. Attend a self-defense class
12. Attend a gun/firearms training class
13. Learn to tie 10 useful knots [00/10]
14. Learn how to sharpen a knife without tools
15. Start a fire with a flint 09.23.2013
16. Start a fire with common household items
17. Make a camping stove and boil water on it
18. Open a can without a can opener
19. Learn 10 new survival skills [00/10]
1. How to boil water using hot rocks 09.20.2014
20. Make a travel carry-on friendly survival kit
21. Transmit via ham radio
22. Add 10 items to bug-out bag [10/10]
• Sawyer MINI Water Filter 01.17.2014
• Corona Razor Tooth Folding Saw 02.24.2014
• EZ Towels 03.20.2014
• Aquamira Water Treatment Drops 03.26.2014
• Krave Jerky 03.27.2014
• Snow Peak Titanium Green Spork 03.29.2014
• Primus Gas Canister 03.29.2014
• Patriot Pantry 72 Hour Kit 04.01.2014
• Ultralight Backpacking Canister Camp Stove 04.02.2014
• Emergency Zone Emergency Sleeping Bag 04.02.2013
23. Get a Dremel tool
24. Get a Camelbak M.U.L.E. NV 01.10.2014
25. Get a new carry-on luggage
26. Get a 'going out' outfit
27. Try a new cuisine
28. Roast a whole chicken
29. Grind flaxseed
30. Get a garlic press
31. Go fruit picking
32. Eat at 5 places featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives [0/5]
33. Go to the beach with Jade 05.20.2014
34. Go trick-or-treating with Jade 10.31.2014
35. Spin a penny with Jade
36. Make an obstacle course for Jade
37. Make homemade paint for Jade
38. Make a necklace using colored straws with Jade
39. Make a balloon rocket for Jade
40. Make cloud dough for Jade 05.12.2014
41. Make goop for Jade 05.15.2014
42. Ride BART with Jade
43. Find natural odor 'removal' solution for Jade's car seat
44. Get mole check 03.27.2014
45. Get wisdom teeth removed
46. Get a facial
47. Spend a day at a spa
48. Make a scrapbook
49. Volunteer at an assisted-living or retirement home
50. Replace conventional candles with natural alternatives
51. Replace air fresheners with natural alternatives 01.04.2014
52. Try out 10 uses for vinegar [10/10]
• Boil and combine with baking soda for clogged drains
• Add to laundry to remove bad odors
• Combine with baking soda to remove stubborn carpet stains
• Use in place of alcohol for cleaning
• Remove grease stains on stove
• Clean the refrigerator
• Disinfect cutting boards
• Remove hard water/minerals stains from ice cube trays
• Use with raw rice grains and shake to clean the inside of a bottle
• Clean toothbrush holder
53. Organize bathroom cabinet
54. Organize the kitchen pantry
55. Organize bedside table drawer
56. Clean out garage
57. Salvage or repurpose an item instead of throwing it away
58. Dispose of eWaste 01.05.2014
59. Organize or digitize photographs
60. Consolidate contact information
61. Put pictures in frames
62. Learn how to use manual features/settings on camera
63. Document a day in the life of a Green Girl in pictures
64. Mark all the places I've visited in my 1000 Places To See Before You Die book
65. Go an on overnight ride with Lexa
66. Drive along Historic Route 66
67. Visit the Skinny House
68. Visit The Time Travel Mart
69. Visit The Great Wall of Los Angeles
70. Visit the Lake Shrine Temple 01.05.2014
71. Visit Noah Purifoy Joshua Tree Outdoor Museum
72. Visit Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch
73. Visit the abandoned Griffith Park Zoo 07.04.2014
74. Visit the Watts Towers
75. Visit the Leo Carrillo State Park tide pools
76. Ride Angel's Flight
77. Visit San Pedro's Sunken City
78. Visit the Venice Canal Historic District
79. Visit Joshua Tree
80. Visit the Salton Sea
81. Visit Salvation Mountain
82. Visit East Jesus
83. Visit Potato Chip Rock 01.11.2014
84. Visit the abandoned Nazi Camp
85. Go trail running at Santa Anita Canyon
86. Go trail running at Claremont Hills Wilderness Trail
87. Go trail running at Echo Mountain
88. Go trail running at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
89. Go trail running at Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon
90. Go trail running at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area 03.29.2013
91. Go trail running to Paradise Falls
92. Go trail running to Escondido Falls
93. Go trail running to Etiwanda Falls
94. Go trail running to the Bridge to Nowhere
95. See a movie at the Electric Dusk Drive-in
96. Go whale watching
97. Learn to pitch my tent 09.05.2014
98. Go camping 09.05.2014
99. Go paintballing
100. Go stand up paddle boarding

Run Woodstock Freak 50k Race Report

The Green Girl completed her first ultramarathon when she crossed the finish line of the Run Woodstock Freak 50k.

Run Woodstock was a hippie-themed weekend of peace, love, music, tie-dye, camping, and run­ning at Hell Creek Ranch in Pinckney, MI.

In addition to 5k/10k, 5 mile, full/half marathon, 50k/50 mile, and 100k/100 mile races, there were also optional activities such as hiking, hula hooping, yoga, and even 'natural' (sans clothing) runs.

Run Woodstock at Hell Creek Ranch

Fellow Sole Runner, Sarah, and I joined the Angel Runners at this event to raise awareness and money for the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST).

FAST provides grants and fellowship programs to encourage research aimed at finding a cure for Angelman Syndrome. The organization also provides education and advocacy services.

Jimmy, Jason, and Sarah setting up F.A.S.T. Island at Run Woodstock

We arrived early afternoon on Friday and started setting up our campsite.

In honor of the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics, the Angel Runners coined the term 'F.A.S.T. Island' in reference to our camping area.

Dawn and Jason's angel, Reece, even joined us for the Run Woodstock weekend, along with his sister, Bella.

Angel Reece at F.A.S.T. Island at Run Woodstock

Angel Runners Jimmy and Timothy were registered for the Hallucination 100; Jimmy was running for Reece and Timothy was running in honor of his niece, Kyla.

Sarah and I had signed up for the Freak 50k. Dawn, Jason, Jay, Krishna, and Jimmy's girlfriend Sarah, were pacers for the 100 miler. My friend, Kelsey, had a Run Woodstock Weekend Pass so she could participate in the 5k/10k and the 5 miler.

Angel Runners starting the Hallucination 100 at Run Woodstock

The Hallucination 100 started at 4 pm so all the Angel Runners followed Jimmy and Timothy to the Start Line to see them off on their 100 mile journey.

I stopped by the Run Woodstock Trading Blankets. Runners had left race shirts, magazines, sports nutrition, some homemade baked goods, and even a hydration belt. I ended up grabbing a Mulligan's Metric Marathon shirt in exchange for some snack bars.

Run Woodstock Trading Blanket

At the Run Woodstock store, I purchased one of last year's colorful long-sleeved tech shirts for $5.

At 7:30 pm, Sarah and I threw on our headlamps and headed out for the Far Out 5k. We were hoping to be able to run 3 races in the course of the weekend.

The Run Woodstock Course Map Click here for full-sized map

We cheered Jimmy and Timothy on through the night until we retreated to our respective tents to catch some shut eye.

Sarah and I set our alarms for a 5 am wake-up call for the 6 am Freak 50k and Peace, Love, and 50 Mile race start.

The 50k course followed a 16 mile loop with aid stations every 4 miles. A portion of our loop overlapped the Hallucination 100 route so we would be able to see Jimmy and Timothy out on the course.

Since this was the first time Sarah and I were going beyond the marathon distance, our plan was straightforward and conservative.

The sunrise at 6:46 am over the Run Woodstock Freak 50k

We agreed to take it easy the first loop; return to camp at Mile 16, make any necessary wardrobe changes, re-fuel, and re-group; and then head back out for the second and final loop.

Since we had the option to return to camp at the halfway point, we didn't bother with dropbags out on the course.

The sunrise at 7:28 am over the Run Woodstock Freak 50k

It was dark when we headed out into the woods for our initial loop but in the first hour the sky gradually brightened with the rosy glow of the sunrise.

The morning was cool but humid so I immediately started sweating profusely. Every few hours, I popped a couple of Succeed S! Electrolyte Caps.

Run Woodstock 'Grace' Aid Station

Every four miles, there was a well-stocked aid station with enthusiastic, friendly volunteers and options like caffeinated carbonated beverages, sports drinks, water, salt, chips/pretzels, salted potatoes, candy, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, Nutella sandwiches, and instant chicken noodle soup.

Run Woodstock 'Ritchie's Haven' Aid Station Dead Bag Zone

At 'Ritchie's Haven' Aid Station, dropbags could be retrieved and, when no longer needed, left in the Dead Bag Zone.

The porta-potties were well stocked and maintained. It was a pleasant surprise to enter a fresh, nearly empty porta-potty late in the day.

Run Woodstock 50k/100k and 50 mile/100 mile split

The routes were well marked with brightly colored flags designating the respective races.

Signs with bold lettering were also thoughtfully placed along the course. Forks in the road were marked along with big stop signs preventing you from going in the wrong direction.

Sarah, pacers Krishna and Jay, and Jimmy

The course terrain varied but the constant forest cover offered the runners a reprieve from the sun.

Some parts of the trail were hard packed single track while other portions were sandy. The loose sand aggravated my Achilles tendon bursitis so I opted to walk those sections.

Paved road portion of the Run Woodstock course

The course consisted of some rolling hills but nothing overly technical.

Between the wooded sections, there were short segments over gravel roads.

We encountered a number of mountain bikers on the gravel road who were participating in mountain biking race that crossed our course. We marveled at the faulty logistics.

Sarah and Jimmy crossing over a wooden bridge

One especially beautiful section of the course took us over a wooden bridge through bright green foliage.

As the leaves brushed my legs, I silently hoped that my cute lime green Zensah compression sleeves would protect me from any potential poison oak.

The course was also along an equestrian trail so there was an abundance of horse manure.

Muddy portion of Run Woodstock Freak 50k course

My least favorite portion of the course was a giant mud pit a few miles away from camp that could not be easily bypassed. We somehow managed to slip and slide our way across it.

When we got back to camp, I quickly chugged a glorious Dr. Pepper and ate a handful of pretzels.

Temporary rain refuge at the Run Woodstock 'Grace' Aid Station

We were saddened to learn Timothy was forced to drop from the 100 miler to the 100k after struggling to go 66.6 miles but we were proud of him for running further than he'd ever run before.

Out on our second loop, we sought temporary refuge from a brief downpour under the 'Grace' Aid Station tent at Mile 20.

Sarah running the Run Woodstock Freak 50k

When the rain let up, we headed back out onto the trail. The moisture cooled the air but added to the mugginess.

Exhaustion set in for both of us at the same time. I glanced at Mr. Orange Garmin and realized we were just short of a marathon at 26.1 miles.

The Green Girl and the Pink Girl at the Run Woodstock Freak 50k finish

Refusing to yield, Sarah and I hunkered down and did our best to maintain a steady pace.

The sun was just beginning to set as the F.A.S.T. Island crew cheered us on at the Finish Line of our very first 50k.

We received our peace symbol finisher medals with the tie-dye ribbons and Sarah received a miniature hippie Volkswagon van for placing fifth in her Age Group.

The Green 'Run Woodstock Freak 50k Finisher' Girl

Krishna, Jay, and Jason warmly congratulated us on our accomplishment.

From the finish line, I uploaded a picture of me standing proudly with my peace sign medal to my Facebook timeline and texted a copy to family and friends.

Sarah and I learned Jimmy was out on his final loop with pacers Dawn and Sarah.

I showered in the camp facilities, changed out of my muddy sweat-soaked clothing, and had some dinner before it was time cheer Kelsey at the Trip­pin’ ​10k.

This was Kelsey's first post foot surgery race so I was thrilled to see her finish strong in the top 10.

Pacer Sarah and Jimmy finishing the Run Woodstock Hallucination 100

After the Trippin' 10k, Jay, Jason, Kelsey, Krishna, Reece, and I waited near the finish for Jimmy.

We were bursting with pride when we saw Jimmy and pacer Sarah approach. We screamed and ran alongside them to the Finish Line.

For completing the Hallucination 100, Jimmy received a peace sign medal, a Hallucination 100 running hat, and a belt buckle.

Pacer Sarah, Jimmy, pacer Dawn, and Angel Reece (with Jimmy's finisher medal) at Jimmy's Run Woodstock Hallucination 100 finish

In the finish line area, Jimmy ceremoniously gave his Hallucination 100 finisher medal to Reece to symbolize the run Jimmy did for the young angel.

We accompanied our 100 mile Angel Runner finisher back to F.A.S.T. Island and gathered around the warmth of the bonfire.

Pacer Krishna enjoying his first s'more

We celebrated a Run Woodstock weekend of firsts.

Sarah and I completed our first ultra distance race. Pacer Jay, Jimmy, and Timothy ran further than they'd ever run before. Pacer Jason ran 16.6 miles in the middle of the night for the first time. Pacer Sarah did her first trail run. Pacer Dawn did her first night trail run. Kelsey completed her first post-surgery race. And pacer Krishna tie-dyed and ate his first s'more.

Kelsey at the Run Woodstock Flower Power 5 Mile Finish Line

In the morning, Kelsey headed back out for the Flower Power 5 Mile race. I had hoped to do a third race but my right Achilles was tight and I decided against navigating another 5 miles of trail.

While Kelsey raced, we packed up F.A.S.T. Island.

I want to thank the F.A.S.T. Island Angel Runners from the bottom of my heart for an unforgettable weekend of peace, love, music, tie-dye, camping, and running.

The Green Girl is a Ragnar Ambassador

The Green Girl is proud to announce she is a Ragnar Relay Ragnar Ambassador for 2014.

I participated in my first Ragnar Relay last April when fellow Sole Runner, Sarah, talked me into joining her So Cal team, '12 peas in a pod'.

Before I participated in my first Ragnar, I had no idea what to expect so I did searched online for tips, best practices, and other advice.

Since I'm a professional packing list maker, I compiled my inaugural 'The Green Girl's Ragnar Packing List' based on my research findings.

One Ragnar and I was hooked. It was so much fun!

This year, I did Ragnar So Cal again, and then I did my first out-of-state relay, Ragnar Madison Chicago.

I am looking forward to sharing my Ragnar love and offering up my professional packing lists and tips.

What is a Ragnar Relay?

A Ragnar Relay is a multi-person road or trail race with a route that is divided into 36 legs of varying difficulty and distances between 3-11 miles, with designed exchange points. The teams consisted of 6-12 individuals split evenly into two vans.

For teams of 12, Van 1 contains runners 1-6 and Van 2 contains runners 7-12. Van 1 Runner #1 begins at the starting line. Once the race starts, Van 1 goes to the first exchange point where runner #2 will prepare to run. Runners from Van 1 continue to run in order up to exchange point 6; this is the first major exchange in the race. At exchange 6, Van 2 should be waiting. At this point, runner #6 from Van 1 will hand the slap bracelet off to runner #7 from Van 2. Then, Van 2 continues along the race course rotating runners until the next major exchange point, exchange 12, where they will hand off to Van 1 again. This pattern continues until the Finish.

What is a Ragnar Ambassador?

The Ragnar Ambassador responsibilities are the following:

• Wear Ragnar branded gear and run/volunteer in at least 5 races
• Wear Ragnar branded gear and run with club/store twice a month
• Spread the word about Ragnar through social media

Ragnar Ambassadors receive:

• Ragnar Ambassador branded gear
• One Free Individual Entry into local 2013 Ragnar Relay
• 1st shot at being part of local Ragnar SWAT (SWAT manages the race on race weekend)
• Discounts on Ragnar Gear at Ragnar events

Team Superhero Presents Six Flags Running

The Green 'Team Superhero' Girl is thrilled to announce that Superhero Events is joining forces with Six Flags Theme Parks to present the Six Flags Running race series.

Six Flags Running race registration will include admission into the theme park, and other cool perks like brunch in the park.



The Six Flags Running race series will feature:

• Saturday, December 7th, 2013 - Six Flags Holiday 5K at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, CA
• TBD October 2014 - Six Flags Frightening 5K at Six Flags over Georgia in Atlanta, GA
• TBD October 2014 - Six Flags Frightening 5K at Six Flags Great America in Chicago, IL
• TBD 2015 - Superheroes & Villains Half Marathon at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Southern California
• TBD 2015 - Superheroes & Villains Half Marathon at Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari in Jackson, New Jersey

The series begins Saturday, December 7th, 2013, with the Inaugural Six Flags Holiday 5k at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, CA.

Celebrate the season by running in your Santa hat, ugly Christmas sweater, elf ears, or reindeer antlers as you jaunt through the Holiday in the Park decorations.

Registration is currently open for the Inaugural Six Flags Holiday 5K in Vallejo, CA, and if you register by Thursday, September 5th, you will save $5 on your race entry.

Inaugural Six Flags Holiday 5k registration includes:

• Beautiful holiday themed Finisher’s Medal
• Holiday decorated Tech T-Shirt
• Awards & Costume Contest
• Lunch in the park picnic area
• Theme Park Admission Ticket Included
• Exclusive theme park ride time with just runners (before park opens to the public)
• Registration Discounts for Season Pass Holders

For more information on the Six Flags Running race series, be sure to:

'Like' Six Flags Running on Facebook


'Follow' Six Flags Running on Twitter

Awesome 80's 5k Race Report

The Green 'Team Superhero' Girl ran the Awesome 80's 5k this weekend.

As I mentioned earlier this year, I was 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.

Rose Bowl

My Madonna tank and lace fingerless gloved friend, Janey, and I arrived at the Rose Bowl a few hours before the race to help with bib pick-up.

Our table was responsible for bib numbers 1 through 400.

Janey thoughtfully pre-stuffed safety pins and twist ties into the goodie bags in preparation for the runners.

Awesome 80's Sunglasses

Each participant received a bib, a timing chip that was to be returned at the finish line in exchange for a Darth Vadar medal, a goodie bag, Awesome 80's sunglasses, and a race shirt.

OneFitJam! Jam & Be Fit! provided 80's themed entertainment for the event.

Star Wars characters, C-3PO and R2-D2

It was so much fun to see the creative costumes as runners picked up their race packets.

We saw Chewbacca, Storm Troopers, C-3PO, and R2-D2, Star Wars. Race Director, Sabrina, was Princess Leia.

In addition to all the 80's character costumes, there was a also sea of runners wearing tights, leg warmers, leotards, and headbands/scrunchies - in all shades of neon.

Back to the Future DeLorean

I couldn't help but wonder how many runners were wearing authentic 80's garments and how many made a last minute trip to American Apparel for this race.

The Back to the Future costumed runners must have felt right at home with a DeLorean parked in front of the Rose Bowl.

Ghostbusters Stay Puft Marshmallow Man and Ghostbuster

We saw Marty McFly and marveled that he was running 3.1 miles on a warm day with a wig and an orange vest.

We also saw the entire Ghostbusters crew along with the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. The Ghostbusters carried inflatable Proton Packs on their backs.

Runner dressed as a Rubik's cube

My favorite costume idea was the Rubik's cube.

The 5k route circled the Rose Bowl Stadium. The course started out with a gradual incline.

Instead of a band, the first group of entertainers were doing burpees. I was impressed they were going all out with their workout on the blacktop.

Out on the course, we saw quite a few Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles running. Cowabunga!

The Green Girl posing with a Storm Trooper

My left calf was tight and I had to take a few walk breaks due to cramping. In the last mile, I even stopped to stretch on the grass.

I was most impressed with the authentic-looking Storm Trooper costumes. I had to stop and get my picture taken with one of them.

The Green 'Team Superhero' Girl's Awesome 80's Sunglasses and Darth Vadar Medal

Race director Ken's alter ego, Michael Blackson MoonRunner, was at the Finish Line congratulating the finishers and posing for pictures.

I had a lot of fun and was proud to represent Team Superhero at the Awesome 80's 5k.