Long Beach Marina Sunday Morning Blogger Run

After this morning's weekly Long Beach SparkTeam walk, the Green Girl met up with Chris from What I Run Into and Rad Runner Girl at the Shoreline Pedestrian Bikepath.

I met Chris on the course of the San Francisco Half Marathon. I was running and she happily ran up beside me to ask me if I was The Running Green Girl. I was flattered by the recognition and felt like a mini-celebrity.

The morning was overcast and chilly - the Green Girl's ideal running conditions.

We headed out on the beach path towards the Shoreline Village.

The conversation came easily, as it always seems to when runners are among other runners.

We followed the loop around the Shoreline Aquatic Park with the Queen Mary in the distance.

Chris will also be doing the Disney Princess Half Marathon so the three of us chatted about the upcoming race.

After we all parted ways, I grabbed a bite to eat and then decided to take advantage of the weather by getting some additional mileage in.

I had gotten a few more miles in when it started to rain. Cars splashed past me as I ran along the edge of Shoreline Drive.

I'm grateful for running and all the opportunities running has afforded me like meeting other awesome runners like Chris.

Sole Runners Run and Monthly Social Brunch

The Green Girl joined the Sole Runners for a run this morning at Marina Vista Park.

After all Sole Runner announcements, Coach Steve congratulated all the Buffalo Run runners on completing a challenging race. The course starts at sea level, climbs to a 1600 foot elevation, and then returns to sea level.

I had on a brand new pair of my favorite running shoes, New Balance 1012's. The first run in an unworn pair of shoes is always exciting.

As we headed out for our run, the marine layer dampened the crisp morning air. The cool morning satisfied my penchant for colder temperatures.

I was thrilled to see Mags from Run Happy. We chatted as we ran together.

She had just done the Disney World Half Marathon so she gave me some pointers for the Disney Princess Half Marathon next month.

After the run, we did some Hillbilly Yoga let by Mentor George.

As one might imagine, Hillbilly Yoga poses may look familiar but the terminology is very different from what most of us are accustomed to. For example, one of my favorite poses, Shavasana, is referred to as 'Possum Pose' in Hillbilly Yoga.

Sole Runners Monthly Social Brunch at Hof's Hut by LeAnn

After some Downward Facing Hound Dog and Possum Pose, we all headed to Hof's Hut for the Sole Runners Monthly Social Brunch.

It was a really good time with some filling food and great conversation.

Shane's Inspiration Universally Accessible Playground

After the Green Girl's trail run yesterday, she headed up to Griffith Park to visit Shane's Inspiration Universally Accessible Playground.

I'm on the committee to organize the first Angelman Syndrome Foundation National Walk here in the Los Angeles area.

The Walk always takes place the third Saturday in May. This year, it will take place on May 21, 2011 in various locations across the nation.

The Los Angeles walk will take place at Shane's Inspiration at Griffith Park near the Merry-Go-Round between the Los Angeles Zoo and the Griffith Park Los Feliz park entrance.

This is my first experience with event coordination. Unlike the majority of races attend, the walk is not the focus.

I started off by jogging around the perimeter of the park to get an idea of the surrounding area. I liked how our section will be away from the main thoroughfare.

We had to take into consideration the characteristics of individuals diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome when choosing a location:

• Nearby parking
• Wheelchair accessible
• Convenient restroom facilities
• Shade because overheating often causes seizures
• Safe location (away from traffic, bicyclists)

Once I made my way around, I traced the path of the two mile walk.

The path was a lot hillier than I would have liked but the entire route was paved and there were lots of trees protecting me from the sun around the Merry-Go-Round. The section between the Starting/Finish Line and the Merry-Go-Round was along the parking lot and offered little to no shade.

The bathroom facilities were respectable for a public park. The stalls were well stocked with toilet paper and even had toilet seat covers.

Shane's Inspiration was a beautiful playground consisting of what appeared to be four separate play areas combined into one. As a universally accessible playground, all the segments featured wheelchair ramps and ample railings.

I snapped endless pictures of the park to help me paint a picture in my mind as I start putting together the plan before I headed back home.

The Green Girl's Sole Runners Palos Verdes Trail Run

The Green Girl joined the Sole Runners for a trail run this morning in Palos Verdes.

Coach Steve started off with the usual updates and then he called up a couple of Sole Runners, Rose Ann, and Mentor Sara.

They were among a number of Sole Runners who participated in the 13.1 Los Angeles Half Marathon last week.

Unfortunately, when Rose Ann arrived at the race, she realized she had left her socks and shoes back home. Mentor Sara saw how distraught Rose Ann was and when she discovered they wore the same shoe size, she offered to swap with Rose Ann.

After talking through the situation with Mentor Sara, Rose Ann finally decided she would go ahead with the race sans running shoes.

Coach Steve captured footage of Rose Ann running the race in her Crocs.

Mentor Sara's actions and Rose Ann's gutsy decision made me proud to not only be a Sole Runner but to be a mentor for such an incredible running group.

Today was my first run in a blue Sole Runners mentor shirt. I felt so official.

It was a beautiful morning for a run. I admired the contrast of the clear sky above the deep blue hues of the ocean.

As I started out on my run, my legs felt strong. It was one of those runs where your body skips that warming up period and you feel good from the start.

The terrain was fairly technical so I had to really concentrate on my footing - especially on the steep downhills. Interestingly enough, I found focusing on the trail to be incredibly therapeutic and I actually felt my entire body - even my shoulders - relaxing.

On my way back, I paused and just stared out into the seemingly endless waves.

I wished I could bottle up the euphoria from my run and beauty surrounding me and share that with everyone who asks me why I run.

The Green Girl's Manhattan Beach Pier Run

This evening, the Green Girl went for a run on The Strand.

I arrived at the metered beach parking lot just as the sun was beginning to set.

As I started out on my run, my body felt good. I was pleased that my calves were somewhat loose for a change.

I made an effort to focus on relaxing my body - especially my shoulders. Lately, I've been noticing how much harder it is for me push my body when it's overly tense.

I headed south towards the Manhattan Beach Pier.

At the end of the concrete pair is a circular building housing the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium. The aquarium is open to the public and admission is free.

I ran behind the building to the edge of the pier to catch the last glimpses of the blazing sunset over the dark ocean waves.

On my way back, I discovered my muscles had relaxed and I was able to pick up the pace.

By this time, sections of The Strand were enveloped in complete darkness and my eyes cautiously scanned the pavement for uneven footing.

I relished every second of my run tonight.