Rad Runner

Running is such a giveing sport

2012-02-09T18:51:00.000-08:00

Running gives me gifts like this:

No one can buy that gift of beauty, motivation, and mind altering goodness so damn early in the morning...

Life in the big city has been BUSY, life moves 10x's faster, weeks fly, my body is tired, I'm trying new work outs, but running is always there.. and it plays such a prominent part, I love its strong reliablility, and I love sharing the gift of love for running with others!

Things I've been up to...

-Starting a RUN CLUB

-Becomeing a Race Ambassador for Pasadena Marathon

-Getting in some hardcore sun! (LA is warmer then Long Beach :)

-Training with lil sis AND a bunch of co-workers for the up and coming LA marathon in MARCH!

Tell me, what have you been up to?

xo-Rad Runner

Los Angeles 13.1 Race Recap

2012-01-25T20:51:00.000-08:00

Alright, it's been long enough and I have had MORE then enough time to ponder about my past race and exactly what happened, and still after almost 2 weeks I am still a little dumbfounded...

I won an entry to the L.A. 13.1 race, I ran this same race in January 2011 with my BRF (Best Running Friend) see last years entry here.

But this year.. this year was different.. for so many reasons,

1. I ran this race alone,

2. I won an entry and registered only a couple weeks before the race (Rad never does this people! I am a planner!)

3. I live in L.A. now.. opposed to Long Beach thus I am now much closer to the start line and the area itself is far more familiar!

4. I've been training, but not myself, I'm running with my little sis to prepare her for the LA Marathon, I've been training some co-workers for their first full marathon, while I have been coaching other co-workers on running more then 3 miles! This has been a great experience, it's let me pack the miles in with no attention to myself and this can be a good thing! (note this "good thing" means I have not been serious about training for this LA 13.1 race!)

5. I have been attending Spin class at LEAST once a week, the endurance KILLS and its amazing, I know for a fact the endurance I build in class carries out on to the race course.

6. And last but not least, I let go, I distinctly remember how fast I went at the beginning of this race last year, so when mid and end race came by I was dying, I was ready to finish I was ready for the end-and dude, last years race was WAY flatter...This time I just ran and focused on being happy and totally enjoying myself.. I even played Debbie Downer with myself for a total of 2 minutes while I was on the course, I debated on how to post about the race (that I hadn't even yet finished) I was getting my words ready to state that I hadn't PR'ed but that I had a wonderful time, and that I smiled a lot and how BEAUTIFUL the new course was.... But alas, I killed it by an 8 minute difference from last years race, a 6minute PR and a SUB 2 Half Marathon, 1:55:58 (not that its memorized or anything..)

My new thing at the end..

I mean the mouth open and the "OH" face ain't no new thang, but pointing to the medal.. I think that started in San Francisco Marathon.. Actually maybe a little earlier, I think it may have started at the Pasadena Marathon when I met up with Mr. Rad..

any-whoo, the real treat:

Astro Burger, Veggie burger and Small Fries, dude, amazing, I said no to a cupcake, and came here. Nuff' said.

What did I like about the race?

- THE NEW COURSE! it was beautiful, far more amusing then the past course, I will run this race again due to the pure beauty, ocean scenes, down the Venice boardwalk, past happy on lookers, rowers, and seagulls...

-Very happy participants, many newbies- this was a good thing they were so excited and you could feel it in the air, and I love being the person to stick out the high 5 when they need it.

-Enough water stations to remind me to sip from my own watter bottle, I probs only stopped 2 times the whole race, and they were exactly where I needed them.

-THE COURSE! I know I already said this, but theres like a 1.5 mile DOWN hill finish! I mean really? It was not as flat as last time, but I liked it.. the uphills made the downhills that much sweeter!

No like-y:

- The waste smell at mile 9/10ish, the smell that we the runners could taste, I think we literally ran past a waste facilities.. I gagged.

-Late start, due to overbooking of "premium parking" small streets and cars backed up for a half hour.. Like I said I am a planner, and luckily I was not one of the poor souls who paid $20 in advance for VIP parking who was stuck sitting in their car waiting to obtain their premium parking spot next to the start line.. This confusion and unpoor planning led to a 25minute delay.

-Expo, wait, what expo? 13.1 doesn't believe in those.. and goodie bags, they don't believe in those either, thats ok, but don't WASTE a bag to stuff my shirt in.. Hand me a shirt and my bib and send me on my bag-less way!

Overall, it was a great race, its getting better and I will run this again!

XO-Rad Runner

P.S. Do you live in LA? Or near? I am starting a run club on Feb. 1st! (thats next week!) email me if your interested on the deets!

Yummy, Pretty, Rad Things PART 1

2012-01-15T18:03:00.000-08:00

In no particular order, I wanted to share some pretty aWesome things with you:

A recent discovery- Samuel Adams Black and Brew... A Beer that tasted like coffee?! AMAZING, this is amazing, a treat beyond treats, if you like the taste of coffee, you need to jump on this wagon like a kid on a trampoline.

As for pretty things, check out this work of art and nature:

With a little help from man, and a nature appreciative artistic eye, we have ourselves an awesome arrangement, I kinda want to make one of these! I mean, Cactus buddies are SO HARD to kill, you almost have to do it intentionally, they'd make a great gift to!

And then we have the "Rad" I ran a half marathon today.. "L.A. 13.1" I ran this same race last year and PR'ed but the course was terrible and I swore I would not do it again, BUT the course changed, and the race was gratis, so I ran it again, and I won myself a 6 minute PR and a sub 2 finish time? WHAT? Did this really happen? Let me hit the hay for tonight and wake up to see if I am still dreaming... Stay tuned for Part 2.

xoxo- RAD RUNNER

Preperation in bits & pieces..

2012-01-10T23:11:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I made a drive to mom and pop's house to visit them and to drag, err I mean happily offer run lil' Rad to revisit her double digit mileage runs to prepare for LA Marathon in March.. We hit the trails, thanks to her great planning we conquered some hills and some major sun, this will deffinetly help on race day!

She ran a great pace and didn't tire, I can feel the greatness this training season is going to hold, LA Marathon 2o12 is going to FREAKING ROCK, and I cant WAIT!!!!!

Oh, and I added these puppies to the family, Brooks Green Silence, my first official pair of Brooks, I do love my Mizunos, but these pippies had great reiews, and were lighter, LIGHTER then my Mizuno Mushas! Stay tuned for a personal review... I plan on working them in this weeks training runs, and wearing them this weekend for my LA 13.1 race in Venice ;)

I hope everyone out there in the universe is doing great and is starting a great begining to a great new year!

P.S.

Happy Birthday Mr. Rad, (1.11) I LOVE YOU, to many many more love and happiness and healthy birthdays

xoxo-Rad Runner

It's already so sweet!

2012-01-02T17:54:00.000-08:00

Alright, day 1 of 2012 was a bit mellow, Mr. Rad and I never really seeked any huge overcorwded clubs full of strangers and drinks that would later exit our body sooner then later.. But this year we headed over to a friends small sweet gathering, andI enjoyed myself a lot and bam, I was magically tired ALL day on January 1st 2012!

Fast forward, to January 2, 2012, there I was at 7:30 am laceing up my shoes for my first official run of the year:

After a brisk run, I headed to spin class...

It was time I kicked my own ass, and brought in the new year with a bang! Oh, and who was sitting next to me at spin class (note there were only 6 people in class, apparently everyone else in L.A. was busy watching the parade) but Nicole Kidman wasn't! Just sayin... I overheard her say she was a runner, I should have said something, but I was in class for me, and I kept it that way.. and or I was a total baby and didnt know what to say.

After I got all sqeaky clean, the Mr. and I headed out for a day of sun and fun, it's January 2nd and I believe the temputure reached 85 degrees... A total need for a sweet cold treat, I opted for a ice cream filled cupcake (HEY I worked hard!) when we walked in the cute girl behind the counter wished us a happy new year and told us they were having a cupcake social, she then handed me a mini cinnamon apple cupcake, for FREE, it's gonna be a good year folks.

XO-XO Rad Runner

Out with the old in with the NEW 2012 Baby!

2011-12-31T19:21:00.000-08:00

Dude, here comes Rad Runner 2012, a new and improved, motivated, trail running, city running, L.A. living, fashion lovin, people helping, high fiveing, cupcake loving kind of girl.. WATCH OUT!

2011, was full of PR'S, some awesome creations of some great running friend relationships, up's, downs, new home, and everything in between.. I'm ready for life, and I am running right out of 2011 and am sprinting with excitment to 2012.

To a insanley amazing wonderful year we all will have in 2012, full of LOVE, LIFE, RUNNING, HEALTH, and WEALTH in this beautiful year that we in only minutes will now call our own.

XOXOXOXOOXO-

RAD RUNNER

Christmas on a budget means....

2011-12-21T13:19:00.000-08:00

Christmas on a budget means lots of homemade bakeing tricks and a little creativity!

It also means I need to ammuse myself and others I love with free fun... Like finding creepy pictures of Tammy Faye, and her fabulous album "We're Blessed"

It also means looking for the best lite house in the neighborhood, and I think we found it... I almost fell apart laughing.. This house is humongus, and they had enough money to put up all these lights, but they only hung 1 "Ho" wonder if they even get it......

It really is the simple things in life, I cant wait for this weeked to come, time with family, nice long chilly runs, and fireplace time.. I love it all.....

What are you doing to be creative?

-XO Rad Runner

My neighborHOOD is so cool! (and a winner)

2011-12-16T10:25:00.001-08:00

My neighborHood is so cool, even Santa Post's art! If it wasn't for running, I would have NEVER come across this master piece!

A winner! I'm sure your all coming back to my blog to find a winner for the IFitness Belt Giveaway, random.org picked # 10 Rose from Eat, Drink and be Meiri

her comment:

Rose @ Eat, Drink, and Be Meiri said...

3. What is your favorite Holiday

SWEET?!

My mom makes these apricot sticky buns from scratch every Christmas morning. They are delicious, and will always taste like Christmas to me.

So Thants that! Thank you to everyone who entered! If you don't have an IFitness belt I deffinetly reccomend checking them out, if your the touch and feel type of buyer (which I totally am!) find out if they will be at your next major expo! Happy weekend everyone!!!

XO-Rad Runner

A Very Very Wet Invigorating Run

2011-12-14T11:58:00.000-08:00

Thats the after picture... Me completley alive, and a little numb, but completley alive and happy.... I suppose I should have taken a picture of myself before with my anti-run face when I didnt "feel" like getting drenched.. Inside I knew I'd have so much fun, but it was just actually leaving the house that took about 1/2 an hour? After slowly getting dressed, putting my phone in a plastic baggie and headed out, I began my journet of beauty:

Thanks running, and nature, your the bestestest... You let me think about EVERYTHING, good, bad, pretty, ugly, you let me appriciate the smallest of small things, you let me step outside of myself and see the WHOLE PICTURE... you tell me it's ok when I am hesitant, you tell me to push forward, and to just roll with it. I love the runs that stand out, the ones where it seems like the world stops, and I could run forever, and then my thoughts kind of flat line and there I go one foot infront of the other with no other thoughts..

Geeez, maybe I should have named this entry, "Dear Diary" hu?! Any ways, I really do love running that much, and this rainy run reminded me of it.

P. to the S. don't forget to enter the IFitness Belt Giveaway HERE if you havnt already! it ends tommorow!

XO- RAD

IFITNESS GIVEAWAY WAY WAY WAY WAY

2011-12-08T18:32:00.000-08:00

Bam, Your Choice, Merry

Holiday Christmas Fun Fluffy

TIME!

Time and time again I talk

about my love read(obsession)

for my IFITNESS belt, and the

miracles it works, pretending it

doesn't even exist on my body

when I am running a simple

26.2 miles...no chafing, total comfort, the pouch

that holds everything,

the none bouncing wonder.... I love this

running essential as much as I

LOVE my Garmin,

and as a runner, YOU KNOW

how important that can be..

Almost as important as oxygen

(almost).

For Christmas Time, IFITNESS

and Rad Runner Girl have

teamed up for a sweet

giveaway, one lucky winner

will score a double pouch

IFITNESS Belt of his or her

choice...

Now for the important stuff..

"HOW IN HOLY SNOW MAN

LAND DO I GET MY HANDS

ON A WINNING TICKET?!"

Easy enough.. follow the

instructions below...

You can enter a total of (4x's)

by answering each question

below, you can answer 1

question for one entry or

answer all 4 for a greater

chance at winning!

** Please leave a separate

comment for each answer...

1. What are you thankful for

this Holidayy Season?

2. What do you use to store

your money/keys/i.d. when

you run??

3. What is your favorite Holiday

SWEET?!

4. Last but not least, have you

been NAUGHTY or NICE this

year and why?

All entries must be received by Wednesday December 14th,

the winner will be announced

on December 15th!!

XO-RAD RUNNER

Dear Santa,

2011-12-04T18:10:00.000-08:00

I am READY:

Dear Santa, I have a new obsession, but its a healthy one....(kinda)

I really like eye pleasing digital sports watches... I've had the blue one for years, then I saw pinky and friend on sale and I adopted them, and now I think they need more friends...

I would also like entry to this race for 2012, I WILL BE RUNNING THIS RACE with Lil Sis Rad, make no mistake about that...

I oh so so so so need another pair of these dudes: Mizuno Musha's are only amazing!! They weigh like -7 ounces and helped me PR this year. I love them.. But not as much as I love you.

On an unrelated note, I would like a pair of these.. a bit out of sequence, but thats ok, I dont want to be to predictable :)

P.S. Get ready for a happy time useful, RAD giveaway this week... It's Juicy I promise!

xoxo- Rad Christmas Runner

A little bit of everything, and a whole lot of Rad

2011-11-28T22:01:00.000-08:00

I really have been running, I swear, with the move and the new city and a new job, my lack of computer time has been pretty high (not such a bad thing really when you step back and really really think about it) but I do miss ya, and I miss the idea of looking back and seeing a consistent story.. But like I said, I am running, see I even wear running skirts when Im standing next to gigantic Ice Cream Cone while holding my dog...

Pre Thanksgiving dinner = runnning with little Rad,

I surprised her with a very very hilly 7 miler, we didnt do to much talking the first half of the way because the elevation gain was around 950 feet.. but it sure was beautiful

and if we keep this up our next marathon together LA MARATHON 2012 will be an amazing one!

Later in the weekend, I found a season.. (can you believe that? I found a season in CALIFORNIA?!)

Oh.. and I also found a huge Christmas tree with little trashcan ornaments.. Odd?

I really do love love love Christmas time.. and cant wait to find decorations on my run to photograph to share with you all..

I ALSO CANT WAIT TO SHARE A GIVEAWAY with you all in the coming days!

sTaY TuNeD-Rad Runner

Santa Barbara Marathon Recap

2011-11-15T20:09:00.000-08:00

Yep, Marathon #6 completed... In 2010 I ran my first marathon ever, and I LOVED IT, every scream of every muscle, every bit of self doubt, every bit of runners high, every bit of talking to strangers in the best of times and at the worst of times.. I'm hooked for life..

So here we are same time a year later and I am on Marathon #6, and the passion only burns hotter!

So here I give you the Santa Barbara Marathon recap, with some fun ranting side notes...

eNjOy:

Long Long Long ago, when I was (10 years old) some one called me a "city girl" I cried, and ran to my mother, I thought it was a bad thing, years later, I embrace it and know it's the truth, thanks to running I've been able to appreciate the simplicity of nature.. So when I signed up for Santa Barbara Marathon I had 1 expectation.. NATURE, i.e. Trees, clean clean air, and green land.

I headed to Santa Barbara with my own personal support crew my dad and my little sis! When I arrived to the expo, I noticed that the packet pick up was dead quite, and there were not very many marathon runners, maybe a little over a thousand marathoners? We all anticipated rain, so there I stood with my little lonely bib, asking what I was doing in this teeny marathon, I'd never run a marathon with such a small number of participants, I had images in my head of me and maybe one other runner finishing in the rain. the end... what had I done???

It rained all day and all night before the marathon, fast forward to marathon morning 5am, no rain, my Dad is amazing and had packed ponchos, rain boots, trash bags, and umbrellas, be we didn't need a thing! :) Super dad and best sister ever dropped me at the start at o'dark thirty and surprisingly I was shoved into a nice WARM high school gym!

I thought the race directors had just been super mindful of the foul weather that had been planned but I later found out that they do this every year! How amazing, a big clean warm gym to stretch in, and lots of bathrooms on campus= AWESOME (+10 pts.)

When I headed outside to the start I again fell into the uncertainty I had experienced just a day before....

Yep this is 15 minutes before start time.. Really? Where are the 20,000 people I am used to? What am I doing? This whole clean air, small town, little race thing, was so minimal it was almost overwhelming, WHERES MY MOMMY!?

I made my way to the start, and watched the wheelchair division take off, (one single awesome dude named Eric, who was competing against himself in fact) this was the first wheelchair participant to ride the SB Marathon, since the history of their existence, pretty awesome!

In no time, it was my turn to run, it took me awhile to get warmed up, the first couple of miles were fast but pain full, my bones were cold, my shines hurt, and then I told my self to shut the hell up. At that point, I sucked in the clean air, noticed the trees, the squirles and the rolling hills that surrounded me... From that point on I felt amazing by mile 13 I knew I was going to fast and hadn't seen the 4:00 pace group pass yet.. I was feeling almost to amazing, obviously I had overdosed on clean air? see below.... (it's obvious)

By the time I met "the only elevation gain" at mile 23 (aka the hill that NO ONE RUNS, THE ONE THAT GOES ON FOREVER AND EVERYONE WALKS) I had slowed down.. but with the gathering and storage of all the insanely positive energy that spectators and volunteers passed out, I found the power within to continue to smile for the cameras, thank the volunteers and start running.. When you get to mile 24.5 you turn a corner and BAM theres the ocean.. it's magical, almost fake its so beautiful- for the lack of better words. I apologize for the lack of pictures, but due to the lack of rain I really wanted to pull out a PR, even if it meant a 5 second PR..

When I reached mile 25 there stood my Daddy and Lil Rad, dear god it was awesome..

The gift of a downhill finish, and family right there, a little sister to run me the last mile in, and sunshine, almost unbeatable..

Lil Rad and I ran right down to the finish lap and then she let me go, I gave it all my might and ran my heart out to the very last step... A new PR of 4:31:55 yep a whole 2 minutes! Considering the lack of training, and surprise rolling hills through out the race this was amazing..

With combination of love, clean air, will, and the pure embracing of all things running (letting go and just running) this race was a successful one, at mile 18 I even pulled a "jump in the air mouth open, hands in the air" picture.. Lets see how that came out when the pro photos come out.. Lil Rad also got in on a mile 25 pro photo..

Lastly the Santa Barbara Marathon some how gathered the NICEST runners I've ever encountered at a race, I will be back, and I'm going to talk about it until next year.

Xo-Love Rad Runner,

YOUR CITY GIRL

A day late, but no less ammusing..

2011-11-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

Living in the middle of crazy town aka the City of L.A. is amazing, it allows you to touch every base all in the same night, I played a trick or treater and found an amazing haunted house with Mr. Rad in a neighborhood filled with residents that have more money then they know what to do with.. (the haunted house included cops, and about 25 security guards?) scary right?

Before that we roamed the streets near home in West Hollywood for the "biggest halloween parade on earth" just a couple winners:

Oh yes I did...

I love clowns, cant you tell?

This dude was Awesome, I said "please pretend like your gonna eat my face or something" but he heard "please put on a sexy seductive face and pretend like your at a Hustler Photo Shoot"

I bring you a Breast Exam, Sheasuse-(Jeasuse's Uncle) and some random dudes face.. They were just excited I asked to take a picture..

And I bring you my favorite dude of the night...

We saw this guy while looking for parking in West Ho, then later in the night I FOUND HIM! I have no idea what he was other then awesome and very glittery and probably cold, but this fine specimen was kind enough to take a picture with little old Rad Runner..

P.S. what the hell is up with my face? I am OBVIOUSLY the creep...

P.P.S. I have been running I swear, P.P.P.S. I have a marthon in a WEEK. WHAT?

SANTA BARBARA MARATHON

HERE I COME!

To an insanley radtastic weekend.

-XO Rad Runner

Happy Pre Halloween!

2011-10-30T18:08:00.000-07:00

I ran right past this sweet poster and loved it soooooo much I may or may not have ripped it off a phone poll down the street.

These people DEFFINETLY won the house decorating award..

This house was so real it was almost to real to get excited about. After quickly snapping a picture I quickly ran off in terror (no seriously)

Then I ran past this... A trick rather then a treat I think...

BE safe out there, and flaunt those costumes (your wearing one right?) Now I need to go iron mine for work tommorow, that alone is scary-me with an iron?!

xO-Rad Runner

3 Fun Facts...

2011-10-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

When your out running you see stuff like this, something you'd probably NEVER notice when your driving, and LA is full of art like this.. Thanks to the art and the artist who put it there, dull moments are hard to find on a 20 mile training run these days...

Fact: "The best thing to hold onto in life is each other"

Another Fact..-Murals change as fast in LA as a kid grabs for candy on Halloween.. So expect to see a lot of it on this here blog I'm bringing back from hibernation..

Fall time is here, Halloween is days away.. I've changed my costume in mind about 3 times I'd say... But I may have a winner... WHAT ARE YOU DRESSING UP AS?!!?!?!?!?

XO-Rad Runner

Nike Women's Half Marathon 10.16.11

2011-10-17T21:04:00.000-07:00

Wow.. it's been a little over 24 hours since completing the NWM 1/2, and its been even longer since I have written a post.. My feelings were mixed about the race, my time has been consumed elsewhere, no where near a computer screen, but only momments ago, the clouds in my head parted and it ALL BECAME VERY VERY CLEAR...

I had no choice to drop EVERYTHING I was doing-to jump on the computer and document the simple yet oh so powerful lessons this race taught me... and the simple pleasures it reminded me of.

So here we go...in no particular order...

Friends are amazing, especially BRF's..

Matching Audrey Hepburn costumes totally help you get amped at 4:30am to run insane hills:

Life is beautiful and it's a total gift, good day or bad day, never forget it:

Drinking a beer and eating a cupcake IS NOT going to kill me before race day... :

BFF'S remind you of the fine dining neccessities to carbo load...

There's a patern that some of you might be catching on to here... Can you see it?

LET IT GO, to all you competitive kids out there (ME!) especially if your only competition is yourself... Relax, sign up for a "fun run" make a weekend of it, drop a PR demand, let go of your coral goal, your garmin time, your ipod, and everything in between that may distract you, it's a totally diffrent world, going into this NWM 1/2 I wanted to PR, but I didnt really train, and neither did the rest of my ladies, we'd heard horror stories of massive crowds and wall to wall women all out on the road to get that Tiffany's Necklace.. I was unsure of my goals for this race up until the announcer shouted "GO" and 11 minutes later we stepped over the startung line.. at this point, I was running to be happy, I was running to be with friends, to have a good time, to be health, and to be the one, the only Rad Runner...

P.S. the expensive necklace at the end only furthered the enthusiasm to reach the end..

This amazing Rainbow Eye'd girl let me pretend like I was a pro (only for a short part of the race.. i.e. DOWNHILL)

The up hills were bruttle, in my case, on race day ignorance was bliss when it came to the mountains we were climbing, and the 22,000 women well, they helped me steady pace for most of the race...thanks ladies...

Again, take a second, find a race, and name it your "fun run" let it all go, forget all of your race rituals, habits, and demands, be free and just RUN....

*Note, Nike Women's is a great run to do it..

XoXo-Rad Runner

Jesus, you deserve your very own post...

2011-10-09T18:19:00.000-07:00

The things I see in LA while I am out running.. I tell ya people.. really, it's amazing.

Granted I'm amused easily, this town has kept me grinning, honking my horn and continuously finding new jewels.. I've snapped flicks and thought "my blog!" and still I've neglected this wonderful outlet, I'm still finding my groove in the city, but here I am writing today right?

With Nike Women's 1/2 coming up next weekend, with my favorite rainbow eyed runner Alyssa, and my angel of glory savior Courtney (from my SFM fall) I have a fast week ahead, only to be flying out next Friday for perhaps the GIRLIEST weekend of the year! WOOT!

To lOve, rUnning and all thinGs RAD,

have an amazing week..

To Be cOntinued...

xoxo-Rad

Home is where

2011-09-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

Home is where.. the running shoes rest

(this is what my dad says.. He is so smart, I want to print the quote and frame it..)

I've been gone.. yes I know, but lifes been so crazy, BUT Mr. Rad and I and the little Pup are OFFICIALLY is LA now! Hip Hip Hooray! Iv'e wanted this for so long!

With the move came some changes, thanks to the influence of work.. I am toTALLY incorporatting yoga into my workout routine so now I play "Rad Runner" most the time and "Rad Yogi" Part time..

I have finally taken part in the art of street fruit, its awesome, you always see it in the city (while driveing, but I am fortunate enough to live in a sweet area where I can RUN or WALK to tons of places) and I finally bought a bag of fresh fruit (with a little salt chili, lime love) and its WAY CHEAP-SCORE

Whats in the bag you ask?? Oranges, Watermelon, HoneyDew, Cantaloupe, Mangos, Jicama, Pinapple and cucumber.. BAM

Running.. (huge sigh) I love it.. But I feel like I havnt been doing it enough.. but the minute we moved up here, I got a NASTY (Read: Horrid cough, Snot filled head and nose, sad achy body) flu.. So, I took a little time off, and have been incorporating some nice 4 mile runs into my busy routine.. along with the art of yoga, its pretty awesome, I tink my body is going to thank me very soon for the rest, and balance that yoga will bring to running.. Sweet art on a run:

I'm suprisingly quickly finding myself comfortable in the new hood'

I will report back soon, you awesome people..

Whats NEW with you?

-Xo Xo Rad Runner

Between the Nook and Cranies of time..

2011-09-05T21:26:00.000-07:00

I found space... I found a couple hours and a couple minutes (litteraly) to run the Disneyland Half Marathon this weekend.. Yep.. somehow with all this:

quickly happening, I found time to bust my butt this weekend and pull a PR out of the complete unknown cranie of the universe, I dont know how it happened

really I don't.. The begining of the run was a little difficult..

and the weather started to warm fast..

But I figure, I was just so excited to run, and not be packING that

I ran my heart out...

More on this later.. With better pics, I swear...

To a wonderful week!

Xo-Xo RAD RUNNER

Bye Bye Long Beach...

2011-09-01T19:41:00.001-07:00

This past Thursday I went for a nice 11 mile run, I found a small window of time, to focus on me, and the town I have lived in for the past 5 years, so many things have happened here.. most importantly to this little blog of mine.. I started running seriously.. I found my zen zone and jumped in full fledge...

Running has made me an all around much happier person, I've met some really awesome people, formed amaZing relationships with some sweet rainbow eyed people, became healthier, became far more appreciative of the small things (LIKE NATURE and NOT THE MALL) and If I fall and the pavement eats my skin I think its "Totally awesome!" and I'm not a sad little pile of tears worried about my foe modeling career..

I ran my very first marathon here in Long Beach.. But its time to bid adieu

With high fives, and stars in my eyes I'm off with Mr. Rad and my little dog Louie to conquer a whole new chapter.. A new career, a new town, a new home, and a new running scenery (which I am TOTALLY excited about)!!!

Wish this kid luck, and stay tuned for random updates that may or may not make any sense..

Even though the next couple weeks are going to be completely chaotic, don't worry because I will be running the whole time to save my sanity, starting with the

!!DISNEY HALF MARATHON THIS WEEKEND :)!!

( Coast to Coast Medal here I come!!)

-P.S. Thanks Long Beach.. K.I.T.

XOXOXO-Rad Runner

Thanks..

2011-08-29T16:49:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who rocks and reads this blog.. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, life got well..

BUSY

And I had to put some HARDCORE focus skills into action, and even though I pride myself with my multitasking skills, this search, needed every ounce of attention..

So for the past, who knows how long, while training for marathons, visiting photo booths,

working and enjoying summer and eating cupcakes filled with ice cream, Mr. Rad and I have been on the hunt..

But I believe the hunt is over.. and I am SO VERY EXCITED TO TELL…

This little city girl is moving TO THE CITY, LA to be exact.. with a completely new career in hand, and a whole other way of living in a fast city in the other hand, life is taking on a major change, and even though I stand still completely terrified of all things unfamiliar to come, I know I can do anything, so with that…

LA HERE COMES RAD RUNNER

P.S. (I know Iv’e lacked on the postings, the giveaways, and even the comment love, but I PROMISE soon enough in my new humble abode, I will sit back and catch up, post away, and give away some goods)

P.P.S. I SERIOUSLY cant wait for the blog party before the Disney ½ this coming weekend! AGHHHH It’s the only thing keeping me SEMI-sane..

XO XO RAD RUNNER

Life Vomit..

2011-08-24T16:06:00.000-07:00

Yep.. Life has been vomiting all over me, hard core, its happy puke, (oxymoron?) I will disclose the crazy stuff that's going on.. oh so soon.. Thank goodness for running though, my brain may have exploded if I didn't have such an extremely beautiful outlet to sweat and release.. Speaking of beauty, I saw this while out running the other day

OH OH! In other fun news!! While playing "Coach Rad" this weekend, "Cathy the 5K Killa" (stripped shirt) came up to my neck of the woods to run a 5k.. It was nice and gloomy, and it was a first time race for these race directors.. They "accidentally messed up on the start time" thus we had an hour to kill, so we ran 2 miles before the race, then we ran the race, AND then I invited Cathy to run more if she was up for it after the race, so we tallied 2 more points on the mile chart, for a total of 7 miles, a total MILE PR FOR CATHY! How exciting is that?! I loved being there for the look on her face when I showed her the 7mile display on the Garmin, I think I might get this girl to run a half next year???

I also met some really awesome peeps at the race too!

Taylor, who hadnt run a 10k in 8 years! and ran it in 1 hour flat (totally awesome!)

Bonnie, a fellow marathoner, I cant wait to run with in the WAY near future..

and

Anita who apparently lives right around the corner from me and used to run in her 20's and hasn't run in "Lord knows how long"

I cant wait to give you the Rad details. I hope all is well,
P.S. I CANT WAIT FOR THE BLOG MEET UP and the DISNEY 1/2 WOOOOOOT!
P.P.S. did you know.. that "Woot" is now an official word in the dictionary? Ya really, is that insane?

XO XO-Rad Runner

Mr. Rad's Creation...

2011-08-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, while running around in LA, Mr. Rad wanted to play with his camera and some sweet editing skills, so naturally,

he played photographer, and I played Runner/Girl infront of camera..

Enjoy!

xoxo-Rad Runner

Follow me to random town!

2011-08-15T15:16:00.000-07:00

Cool kids run on Friday nights, 8:00 is a late night.. that’s cool right?

I would like to have these sweet Adidas, please and thank you.. (They also come in highlighter orange, I like those too!)

While out and about at the grocery store, I noticed these errr ehhhh gahhhh “works of art”

* Please note we were at WHOLE FOODS, which is what I am guessing "UF" stands for on the "Fries"

I guess the you really don’t need art skills to work in this bakery!

*********

Who’s running this sweet race in a mere 20 days!?!

It took me a second to get excited after San Francisco Marathon, I’ve been running nothing but fulls lately, it’s a whole other mindset, I was actually kinda bummed (for a millisecond) that it was a half and not a full, then I woke up, and remembered halfs TOTALLY rock! I look forward to meeting a lot of blog buddies in REAL LIFE, and running a great race! To help amp myself up, I put together a little training schedule, works like a charm!

Have a rockin week
XO-Rad

Winner Winner....

2011-08-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

(Vegetarian Chicken Dinner that is....) Thanks folks for entering the Summer Sweet Giveaway of Gu.. The Winner of the prize pack of yum town goes to... Entry #12 (thanks to random.org)
ANGLEA!!!
Email me your mailing info and I will pop this package of goodness fuel in the mail! Thanks for entering, and know that the "Pancakes for dinner" the night before a race, seems like a marvelous idea.. maybe I should try this? Me thinks, YES!

In other WINNER NEWS... no more sad broken June #2....

(even though she was totally AWESOME!)
I want to introduce you to JUNE #3!!!

Isnt she the cutest? I paid a $60 fee to replace her for a new unit... Thanks Garmin that could have been a race entry! But, the memories of June #2 and our fall(s) will be in my heart forever..

Have a great great great weekend!
XoXoXo-Rad Runner

Your TOTALLY a Runner when..

2011-08-07T21:47:00.000-07:00

Your TOTALLY a runner when your dear sweet coupon loving mother in law calls you on Saturday morning at 8a.m.

(while your out on your long run of course)

to inform you that one of her favorite coupons site's is selling a half marathon in April of 2012 for half price... YEP your totally a runner when something this rad is

NORMAL....

Looks like I'm running the

Hollywood Half Marathon Here I Come! (in 2012)
a true city girl I tell ya'.....

Have a surprisingly awesome week!

Xo-Rad

Oh PS

ENTER THIS

is you like free stuff's!

GU GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-08-05T08:33:00.000-07:00

I thought it was chocolate ok?
In total celebration of all things great, accomplishments, time with family, the sunny weather and good looking race photos (if I don’t say so myself…) I’m hosting a giveaway of my favorita (Spanish for favorite) Yummy Gummy Chomps from GU!

I’m giving away (5) Individual serving packets of Peach Tea Chomps (5) Blueberry Pomegranate Rocatane Gu’s and (1) bottle of Peach Tea Electroyte Drink Tablets to make the summer last THAT MUCH LONGER!

All you have to do: (You can answer all questions or be picky like me and answer a few, each answer is worth a separate entry, *Please leave a separate comment for each answer, it boosts your chances of winning I promise)

1.Tell me how you fuel!

2. Become a follower, if we are already friends, tell me, and you still get an entry!

3. Tell me what your favorite race is

4. Tell me what your doing this weekend that you may or may not be excited about (I’m nosey ok?)

* GIVEAWAY END ON FRIDAY AUGUST 12th! so enter NOW!

I hope you all have a SUPER Sweet weekend!

xoXOxo –Rad Runner

San Francisco Marathon 2011 Review and a NEW SCAR! WOO HOO!

2011-08-02T21:35:00.001-07:00

Ok, lets get this over with.. I know your all going to scroll down until you find this "scar"

Bam, June Garmin #2, shattered, and damaged quite badly, along with both my knees, less then .01 miles into the 26.2 SFM run that took place, this past July 31st, 2011..

I HAVE NO IDEA what happened.. We have all seen it before, an unfortunate dance between some poor souled runner and the pavement, down I went, I don't know if I tripped, got pushed or was just so excited to start the race that I threw myself down on the ground..

But Lord knows it hurt, a couple runners fell on top of me, and my freshly heeled knee from a road rash I gave myself last week, opened right up...

BUT!

This amazing girl:

Was by my side, she pulled me up, and I kept running, Courtney is a god send, and totally rules, We ran together for a good 10 miles, and I pulled myself together quickly, God forbid any photographers at the start line catch me with a tear in my eye...

So lets Rewind... Shall we?

This Beaut. picked me up from the airport and the Marathon Madness BEGAN!

Off to the expo we skipped with smiles on our faces..

We tried on sweet threads.. and ate a million samples of cliff bar Mojo bars, and gu chomps..

The next morning we joined the Lululemon gang for the glorious shakeout run,

It was marvelous, and pretty packed on a wonderful perfect weathered morning, 2 miles, and some stride techniques took place.. along with some new friendships with awesome ladies! Running rules, so many runners are just so happy, the excitment and enthusiasm and positivity is so contagious it makes me squeal!

Check out the cutest little water station Lulu set up at the Shakeout run on Saturday..

On Saturday Grandma went to bed at 9pm, I was knodding out at 7:30 it was pathetic, but perfect all at the same time.. Sunday morning I awoke totally and completly enthusiatic, and ready to run!

While waiting for the start of the race, I was pretty proud of my fresh Marathon Maniac Jersey

I was approached by a couple fellow Maniacs, I felt like a total cool kid :) Along the course of the race, I bumped into a handful of Maniacs, all with pushing words of encouragement, this group ROCKS!

I also saw these 2 hot mamas before the race.. (Friends I met at the shakeout run)

So, there it was, the begining of the race, the gun went off, and I went down, it was terrifying and mind altering all at once, whatever may have been asleep in my body was awaken, I jumped up and began to run, allowing the rocks on my legs and blood to hold tight for the next 26.2 miles..

I managed a good time for the first 13 miles or so, and after that, my tummy was well, way upset.. 2 bathroom trips in the next 13 miles.. it was lame, but it was what it was, despite the hurdles, I was only off my Marathon P.R. by 6 minutes.. so I know I trained well for, " The Race That Even Marathoners Fear"

I managed to love the sh*t out of the San Francisco Marathon, at mile 15ish I was running along and heard "Rad Runner?" as I looked to my right I was lucky enough to meet a fellow blooger!

Jackalope!

He looked awesome and strong we chated for a mil-a-second and wished eachother luck, the little interaction kept me going through the 4 miles or so of Golden Gate park!

Later in the park another runner ran up to me and said "Hey arn't you that chick that took the spill at the start? How you holding up? How's the Garmin?" I responded with, "Yep that was me!Oh, and the Garmin is dead.." he came back with "Well you are a warrior and that garmin is your trophy you win" I smiled a humonguous smile and took pride in my fall at that point ;)

Around mile 18 and 25 or so, I almost shed a tear, a feeling inside totally overwhelmed with love for the sport of running and everything that comes with.. The excitment, the struggle, the friendships, the support from strangers, the challange, the adrenaline and the pure insanity of the whole thing..

I crossed the finish line knowing that I hadn't P.R.ed but I knew in my heart I was that much stronger, I left San Francisco with new scar's, a SWEET new story, and even more love and respect for running then I came with..

Some post Marathon Pics:

My BRF (Best Running Friend) Awesome A..

This treat actually settled my stoomach, what do you know.. Maybe I should have taken part of the keg party in the middle of Golden Gate Park while I was running? I could have avoided the tummy probs!

My lil B.Q.'er and Awesome A...

The most stylish shwag I have EVER recieved..

Post Marathon Pedicures, YES PLEASE!

And insanley huge metals and matching sweet sweatshirts... That read "Worth the Hurt" on the back. the official SFM logo..

Please note, that the minute I ate the pavement at the very begining of the race, I was determined to run the rest of that race with a smile, so I could sport this sweatshirt knowing that I did everything I could to deserve it...I Love it all..

XoXo-Rad Runner

Cheers to 3 years!

2011-08-01T21:56:00.000-07:00

On August 1st, 2008 Mr. Rad and I tied the knot ..

Today, August 1st, 2011 I came home from a quick trip to San Francisco after participating in ONE OF THE BEST MARATHONS (San Francisco marathon-duh) anyways I came home to this:

Swoon

Magical, purely magical, just like this past weekend.. Love rules, and so does running..

Runner talk: No P.R. but a pretty sweet marathon start story and new scars to prove it!Stay tuned...

XOXO-Rad Runner

SFM on the mind, and so little else!? & a Time Warp!

2011-07-27T14:53:00.001-07:00

Really? A mere 3 days away from SFM, where is time going? WHO CARES! I’m PACKING MY BAGS AND HEADED TO San Francisco! I even had a running related nightmare the other night.. I was boarding the plane and forgot to pack my running shoes! When I woke up -thanks to my barking, breakfast thirsty little buddy Louie:

I quickly mental noted to make a PACKING LIST,

Last night I even began the packing process, ya so, I don’t leave till Friday morning, I’m a little organized ok?

I will be taking THIS:

On my trip, my new Nook!!!, given to me as an early Anniversary present by the one and only Mr. Rad! He couldn’t wait for me to have it(He gave it to me on July 23^rd and our anniversary is on August 1^st! He even bought me a hot pink cover for it, so awesome.. he FREAKING RULES)

What’s the first book I bought for it??? A RUNNING BOOK OF COURSE!!! WHAT ELSE?!

I love this book so far, first off Dean is on the cover-SWEET! and secondly its a bunch of way inspiring stories from runners of all sorts, what a way to get amped! (Not that I need any help in that department)!!!

I'm really having a hard time focusing on anything else other then whats to come this weekend!

I really cant believe that a year ago at this time I was getting ready to run SFM 1/2, I feel like I am even more excited now, than I was then.. I also hadn't EVER run a marathon, and here I am noteing down marafun#5.. I love running more and more..

Check out this awesome Time Warp!

A give away is in the midst, I PROMISE..

Stay tuned for more insane running rantings, a review of this amazing race, and positivity!

IF YOU ARE IN SF AND SEE ME SAY HIIIII!!! GOOD LUCK TO ALL YOU AWESOME PEEPS THAT ARE PARTICIPATING IN THIS MAGICAL WEEKEND!!!

I love running did I already say that?

The End.

XO-Rad Runner

Whats Cooler Then....

2011-07-25T08:48:00.000-07:00

Hello Kitty at Yogurtland?? (Yo-GURT-LAND) pronounced: Fun-tastic time with self serve fro-yo machines, and 1,000,000 toppings..
Wait, guess which one is mine..
I WILL TELL YOU WHATS COOLER (by just a tad):
AND THE FREAKING FACT THAT ITS LESS THEN SEVEN FREAKING DAYS AWAYYYYYYYYYYYYY!

XOXO-Rad Runner
P.s. OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG I am so FREAKING EXCITED!!!!!

Lovely DAY

2011-07-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

REMEMBER:

This is just a reminder, to myself, and to everyone

TO LOVE EVERY SINGLE DAY,

good or bad, we are here, no one knows for how long, or what will happen, we see things running, that we don’t always see otherwise, while out yesterday, running in a quite neighborhood, I saw a HUGE suburban carelessly switch lanes and run right into a guy on a motorcycle, sending him flying.. I stood there playing wanna-be traffic director, I waited until he got up lifted his bike off himself and stood there in shock.. People came out and helped the guy, cars were moved and life went on.

A reminder that everything we have is pretty awesome.

So that’s Rad Runner’s tip of the day..

XOXO –RAD LIFE LOVING RUNNER

Artsy Fartsy Monday

2011-07-18T07:22:00.000-07:00

Quick time Monday, on the artsy fartsy stuff I saw out and about this weekend, both running, and out on the town:

Out running I saw the best yard sale sign EVER, who needs details and kind words? PFF! Those are so yesterday!
Rad art in LA on Melrose.. (yes those are real umbrellas awesome hu?)
Melrose Ally..

The last one isn't really artsy, BUT, I do love it... Rad little sister picking out shoes for Cross Country, what a little super star!!
Lastly, I think I OVER hydrated during a late in the day 13 miler yesterday, have you ever done this or heard of it? It was HOT, and I had a BIG H20 bottle that I continuously filled, I felt fine, just a little slow because of the heat, but then I got home and puked water 5 times?! Eeeek!? Am I an alien?

TO a Healthy Happy Week!
xoxo- Rad Runner

Simply beautiful darling..

2011-07-13T21:06:00.000-07:00

While out running I saw this sweet art on the ground:

I also saw this awesome dude, who was safely (see helmet) blasting older MGMT tunes, while rideing in the bike lane... I laughed and probably swalloed a bug I was so ammused.. (DO YOU SEE THIS PEOPLE? THERE IS A HUGE SPEAKER BUILT INTO HIS BACKPACK) I should have ran faster to see where he got it from!

A truly sincere smirk of pure enjoyment and bliss after relization-

that running on the path, above the beach path, where less pedestrians wonder upon is the WAY TO GO!
I love pedestrains, and children on their wobbly bikes, preteens on their scooters, and wild dogs alike, but running with little to no obstacles every once in awhile rules..

XO XO-Rad Runner

Matchy Matchy Road Rashy??

2011-07-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend was my last 20+ miler before the awesome race we all know as the

SAN FRANCISCO MARATHON (coming up on July 31st..)

I was ecstatic to see that at the begining of my 23 mile run, the sun was hideing and the overcast skys were in full affect!

I ran and ran and ran some more, happily watching the miles go by, staying cool, and upbeat the whole gosh darn way..

My run was going so well! I wore my newest pair of mizunos again and I LOVED them more this time then I did a couple weeks ago when I completed my 22miler, they are so light and smooth I feel I may have spoiled myself..

I tried to run at a decent pace, I wanted to enjoy every single minute of my run, I need to take it easy the next couple weekends, because SFM will be here in no time! So I embraced every single minute, it was a truly zen experience (for the most part)..

There was even a point mile 15 or so when I totally chanled my inner Karno

and I imagined running in the middle of nowhere down some random long, never ending road.. ha ha ha and this was at mile 15..

At mile 16 or so the sun decided to shine with all its glory, which was totally fine with me because I was in such a good mood, as long as I stayed hydrated I'd be fine!

AND THEN

This big ugly totally uneven sidewalk appeared out of no where, like a big old lame-o, I swear I was in total runners la la land, and BAM

FLY, FALL & ROLL (not to be confissed with stop drop and roll which is usually an action taken by choice..) I ran 5 more sweaty happy hardcore miles with my new road badge, and it even matched my shoes and my shirt! How about that? NOTHING WAS GOING TO RUIN MY RUN!

I hope you all have a sweet week!

P.S. Watch out for those evil uneven roads!

Xo Xo Rad Runner

Recent Rad Runs..

2011-07-05T15:59:00.000-07:00

Recently, I ran RIGHT PAST THE SET of this show...
I saw this first:
Knowing that I don't live in Miami or any where near, I slowed my run down, looked around the semi vacant parking lot, and then realized that they had been filming Dexter earlier that day! One of the crew members approached me and told me to take some pics.. So I DID! I didn't see Michael C. Hall (Dexter) but that's ok, I was way sweaty, and I probably didn't smell like flowers (not live ones at least)..

After a nice sweaty run this weekend I showed my body and the weather some love with a little TLC...

Gosh I LOVE SUMMER....

Summer means, getting up earlier then early on the weekends, for runs, it gets hot!! (I forget this apparently!)

While running this weekend, I realized I only have 3... THREE more Sundays before the SAN FRANCISCO MARATHON!

Holy hot dogs, this is huge!

Have a sweet short week all you rock stars! And stay hydrated for Pete's sake!
xoxo-Rad Runner

Things Rad Loves Latley:

2011-06-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

My VISOR! OMG, why didn't anyone tell me earlier about the magic of the visor? These things RULE! Especially in the summer!! I feel so pro in this thing! See pro face while running, shot taken by yours truly..

Purple Nail Polish and FREE SAMPLES of Gelato?! What who does that? Whole foods on a speacial day! What a way to end a run-with a huge "sample of gelato" Lets call that a small! 1/2 Coconut 1/2 Carmel and Sea Salt, just incase you were wondering..
PEACH TEA GU CHOMPS are freaking awesome, like a mouth full of summer on a warm day.. Who doesn't like the sound of that? (Summer tastes like a mild peach iced tea, with a breeze on your head, the light sun loving your skin ever so gently and a touch of sugar.)

These dudes:

and this song....

PUMPED UP KICKS

* I am aware that this is not the "official" video but I like monkeys ok..?ok then..

WHAT ARE YOU LOVIN' LATLEY? PLEASE SHARE!

XO XO- Rad Runner

P.S. I Love you/Summer on the cheap!

2011-06-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

No, really.. I really really do love you Palm Springs, you are the official start to my summer.. This is the 3rd year in a row my bestie and I make a girls trip to good old Palm Springs, to start our summer off in style, and we are pretty good at keeping it cheap! (Yes we love 110 degree weather!)

A sweet hotel...

Last years bathing suits, polka dots and strips NEVER go outta style ladies..
Free tanning
There is a zoo, in PS! the hours are really weird at THE LIVING DESERT, but on their website you can find coupons!

Seriously, all this girl needs is pie for dinner on occasion and a photo booth, and I will smile this big..

I debated bringing my running shoes to play Dean K. for like 2 miles, but I got really sick before we left to go to P.S. so I played it safe and did nothing but rest in the sun! (Not a bad deal really...)

This summer is gonna be...
I can feel it!!!!!!!!

With SFM, Family in town, Hard core training, sun rays, the Disney Half Marathon, preperation for Nike Womens 1/2, and so much more I have got my plate FULL.. Bring it!!!!

Oh ya, and the new addition to my cool kicks family:

Meet my MUSHAS! (Mizuno Wave 3 Musha Unisex!)

I've been eyeing minimal shoes, and even though these pupies are considered stability (what?!) they weigh nothing, and are pretty thin! This is the closest Ive gotten to minimal.. Ive only ran up to 5 miles, they feel amazingly light, its kinda weird, but this weekend will be the true test of distance, are they marathon ready??

Have a sweeeeeet weekend!

xo xo Rad Runner

I could'nt stay away

2011-06-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to focus on so many things at once, the path I am currently paving still has loads of bricks to be laid.. But apparently I just couldn't stay away.. I mean, this little blog of mine is all about running, and life, and even when I try to buckle down where do I end up?

RUNNING!!!!!!

So I might as well continue to amuse you and bring you the latest and greatest sweet thoughts that cross my little running obsessed mind....

I WOULD LOVE to try ALL of the shoes below...

With all of the training Ive been doing and the training to come before the San Francisco Marathon, I KNOW I'm going to be in the market for some new kicks..

Mizuno Wave Elixr 6:

Wave Rider 14:
Super Duper Minimal Shoes, Hattori from Saucony:

Not only do I need some new kicks, I lost my hat, the same hat that got me through my MM voyage.. So I am looking for one of those too :)

A recent discovery, thanks to Awesome Pants... :
GU PEACH TEA CHOMPS!
They are just subtle enough for this antsy race eater.. By flavorful enough too! Ive heard that the other flavors rock to, so I have just enough time and long runs scheduled to do a bit of testing before the Marathon of hilly love..

Ok, ok, back to the paving... and 16 fresh weekend starting miles tonight! Have a sweet weekend everyone!
XOXO-Rad

Course

2011-06-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

Rad Runner has ran off to look for a new course, but will be back soon, y'all keep them legs moving and come back now ya' hear!

Much Love,
XOXO- Rad

Pasadena Marathon 2011

2011-05-16T08:58:00.001-07:00

Marathon #4 done and done,

Oh Pasadena Marathon how I love thee, you were full of some of the nicest most positive runners I’ve encountered yet, you had some of the best volunteers I’ve ran past, and your hills, well your hills have only built more confidence in my own running abilities..

13 miles in the rain, and 13.2 more in the sun, with a slight comforting breeze, down tree lined streets, up hills with close to no end straight to the finish line for a vintage looking medal.

Yes Please, over and over again, oh and a really awesome marathon shirt ? The Cherry on top, oh oh, and the fact that I had this to look at the WHOLE RUN:

(This was a great constant reminder of why I was running 2 marathons so closely together…)

I met a man right before the start of the race, his name was Dale, I wiggled my way to his yellow shirt …

tapped him on the shoulder and said “I hope you have a great race, I’m here to run and become a MM” his response:

“Oh! How cool you will do GREAT! To be a maniac you must be certifiably crazy, and when your friends say IVE NEVER MET ANYONE LIKE YOU! YOUR CRAZY, you can tell them there’s a whole group of us!”

The minute that race began, the clouds opened up, it was LA MARATHON ALL OVER AGAIN, (ok a little less harsh, but it was raining no doubt about that!) But this time I had no little Rad by my side, and to make matters a bit more challenging..

*ON Saturday morning, I went for a 2 mile warm up run, tripped over a curb and landed really weird on my poor foot, I’ve done it before, on the same foot, on the same curb on that very same street… I thought I was doomed, but after ice, advice, elevation, a wrap and a little prayer or 20, I ran just fine the next day..

(me getting wrapped below..)

On the down hills I had to hold back, that’s when I could feel it the most, and by the end of the race my shoe was REALLY tight, but I made it, I would have crawled across that finish line… But 4hours and 45 minutes later I officially qualified to enter the insane asylum of marathon maniacs…

Water Stations: Plenty

Support: SO AWESOME (from volunteers and neighbors alike! The enthusiasm never ran out)

Over all runner attitude: 105%

Weather: Hardcore Rain and shine

Course: Pretty, Challenging, and Awesome, oh and HILLY

ok, ok, bad example this picture is totally flat, but its pretty aint it?

Goodies: Shirt= awesome, medal sweet, the bag didn’t have many items, but every item in there was something that would be used, coffee, olive oil, Vaseline..

Poopers: Plenty of em, here, there and almost everywhere

Marathon Detoures Awesome:

I really appreciate the challenges that the last 2 marathons brought, I would run Pasadena Marathon again in a heartbeat, OCM not so much, but both races were totally different, and I wouldn’t have changed a single thing.. Each race is a beast of its own, and a whole new memory…

I HAVE to give total props to Mr. Rad, for helping me have such a great race weekend, he is my rock, my love, and my personal photographer saaaaaweet! AND thank you to the friends and family that were totally supportive through acommplishing such a huge step in my little Rad journey through running hood, Awesome, you know who you are. And Fam's I love ya like I love running.

Holy Crap, I just ran 2 marathons in 15 days :) What will I do next?

XOXO-Rad

I'm a BIG KID NOW!!!

2011-05-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

I am totally eligible to join this group:

(I hope they think I'm cool enough) I ran 2 difficult runs, one with a mental problem (ORANGE COUNTY MARATHON) and I ran the other race with an injured foot, through numerous hills, 13 miles of rain but with a smile THE WHOLE ENTIRE WAY.. More details to come on the Pasadena Marathon stay tuned...

XO-Rad Runner

The Beginning...

2011-05-13T10:46:00.001-07:00

Dear Marathon # 4:

HERE I COME, with open arms, positive thoughts and nothing but excitement for you! Rain or shine, I will be there, threats of huge hills won’t keep me away, they only make me want you more, I am counting down the minutes until we meet, and create a wonderful memory together. The beginning…

I am so damn excited for this weekend’s race, after my not so enjoyable time at the OCM, I want to play again, with a different game face, (the same ending would be TOTALLY FINE) but the run itself is what I find most important this time, I want to be happy – and with the beauty of Pasadena it will be hard to feel otherwise.

A Super Duper Wonderful Awesome Friend of mine sent me this yesterday:

I knew by showing you this picture of her masterpiece you would catch on to my goal: to become a MARATHON MANIAC this WEEKEND…

She is so damn AWESOME, she is the same one that sent me this before the OCM race:

A week ago I would have gone on and on about how excited I was about my journey to Maniacism but today, I am excited about the race, and if and when it gets hard at any point while I am playing the game (running) then I will think, “YOU WANT TO BE A MM” I feel like my focus has changed in the right way.. This is what being a MM is all about right? Loving what you do?

My only debate now what to WEAR?!

Have a wonderful MAGICAL weekend!

XO XO- RAD

Iv'e done it before & I will do it AGAIN!

2011-05-09T13:24:00.000-07:00

bLuRRy much?

No, just plain ghetto fab. Folks!

A glimpse into the happier miles of last weeks OCM..

Come on.. I know 85% of you take pictures of your official race photos with your phone from your computer screen.. 4x6 for $24?!-Thats a down payment on a race!!Hell thats even a full entry fee for smaller races!!

It's been a whole entire week since OCM and Iv'e calmed down a bit...and Iv'e also realized that it could have been a whole lot worse..

see HERE

Also included in this this race: A unofficial mile marker messing dreadlock bum?! No One ever mentioned this in the race freebies!

In other news....

PASADENA MARATHON IS IN 5 Days and something HOURS !!

I have marathon #4 headed my way.. So Iv'e been taking it extra easy on my legs, so when I went for an 8 mile run this past Saturday I was ecstatic to see that the weather decided to take it easy on me:

The result:
a happy Rad and a very mellow run.. The cloud coverage was perfect, none of this 80 degree love from the sun.. Its seems that I may have been a tad "to happy" about the gloomy scenery though.. My personal weather man just informed me that he see's rain scheduled for this Sunday...

REALLY!?!?!

No bigs, Iv'e done it before and I will do it again if I have to.. It'll be a cupcake walk right? RIGHT????

XOXO-Rad