July 1, 2014

Checking in with ultra-momma Sarah Evans

I first spoke with Sarah Evans earlier this year after seeing that she totally smashed her marathon PR (and qualified for Boston) a mere four months after having a baby.

Inspired and intrigued, I asked if I could pick her brain, and my interview with her continues to be one of the most popular KineticFix posts to this day.

Six-plus months have passed since then, and we have yet to coordinate trail running schedules (one day!), although we do connect every so often over social media to root each other on.

So I figured it was about time for us to catch up on life, running and our shared love for getting lost on the trails…

KineticFix: How has training been going since we last chatted?

Sarah Evans: Training has been fun and one of the things that has remained consistent and steady in my life.

Since the first of the year I’ve ran several races, including a PR (personal record) at the Kaiser Half Marathon in February (1:33:40), a 35k on my (34th!) birthday in March and a fun 5k (tried to break 20 min; not quite there yet!) with my mom in April, culminating in my first Ultra (a 50k) this month!

I’ve continued running, cross training with cycling and have been including a lot more yoga and HIIT (high intensity interval training), boot camp-type workouts to my regimen instead of the boring, slow strength training that I did in the past.

I also decided to resign from my job as a medical device rep at the first of the year to stay home and raise my daughter for the time being. Since then I’ve studied for and passed/received my personal training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and I’m also going to take classes to become a certified run coach next month through Road Runners Club of America.

So I’m really exploring other opportunities in the sport that I love while still being able to stay close to home with my baby girl.

KF: Wow, you’ve sure been busy! So can you share your latest tips for maintaining a workout schedule with a increasingly-active baby girl?

SE: With having an ever-changing and super-active baby, running has continued to remain my outlet and my ‘me’ time to get out in the early mornings before the day gets hectic (or exhausting!).

I still maintain my Sunday mornings with my friends on the trails; those are my 3-4 hours that are an unspoken religion to me to get out solo, so my husband is very supportive of that routine. But I’m also finding more time to run with my daughter in the BOB stroller, since she’s becoming much more aware, active and awake for longer periods; it’s a time we can spend together and I can start sharing my love of running with her!

During a typical weekday, I’m awake around 5:30/6am to get in a run or a spin on my bike before my daughter wakes up (at 7am). Twice a week I get until 7:30am to go on a longer run if I want, and my husband gets up with our daughter. It gives me some extra ‘me’ time and my husband gets some of those precious morning minutes that are so sweet with a baby. It’s a great compromise and schedule that we have worked out!

On those mornings, I know I have a chunk of my training done for the day, and then me and my daughter can enjoy the morning together taking a walk, playing in the yard or at the park. Then I will add on small/additional ‘workouts’ throughout the day.

That’s what I think is important for many busy women and moms to realize: You don’t need a full hour or two a day to work out. Just add it in little by little throughout your day! I keep resistance bands, my yoga mat, foam rollers, some small hand weights, ankle weights and an exercise ball out in our living room all the time (hey it eventually blends in with all the toys!).

While my daughter is laughing at her reflection in front of the mirror, practicing crawling or working on developmental skills with some toys, I can get in 10 minutes of core work, leg and butt exercises, lunges (during which I will hold her for extra weight!), you name it. I also have 10-20 minute ‘bootcamp’ or total-body workouts I’ll do, where each exercise is done for one minute.

It’s easy to stop those workouts, if needed, in the middle and pick them up later in the day. And when my daughter takes a nap, I’ll fit in a 20-minute yoga session in between dishes, laundry, taking a shower and preparing her meals. It is truly the small things you do throughout the day that add up.

Another way I also stay active with a 10-month old baby is by walking (or many times run!) when I do errands. We jog the mile to the grocery store or run/walk the 1.25 miles to the park, all instead of driving the car. We spend a lot of time outside, so that automatically lends itself to being active, in fresh air and staying fit.

And how I maintain my workout and training schedule is truly planning my weeks in advance. This works especially well when you have a training plan for a race mapped out, then you already know what will be running weeks/months in advance!

I will put the entire plan into my calendar, marking down what mileage or workout I need to do and on what days. Then when I look at my week on Sunday evening, I already know whether I need to carve out time early in the morning, during a ‘lunch-break’ (for me that may be nap-time) or sometimes later in the evening.

This helps because just as I’ll schedule a lunch, a meeting or an appointment with someone, I also schedule my run (or any workout, spin, strength, core work, etc.) It’s important to make that meeting with yourself, and this way it’s really difficult for me to miss a run or cross training workout because it’s pre-scheduled into my day!

KF: All great ideas! Speaking of getting active in the great outdoors, you’ve entered ultra territory, too. Why the step up to longer distances?

SE: I am competitive, especially with myself, and I’m always looking for the next challenge. I found myself wanting another hurdle to overcome (as if having a baby or my come-back from breaking my foot two years ago wasn’t enough!).

I had recently broken my personal records for the marathon and half-marathon within four and six months, respectively, post-baby — so I thought an Ultra (starting off with a 50K) would be the natural next step. Pair that with my absolute LOVE of the trails, and it seemed like a no-brainer.

There’s a big difference going from road runs with speed to the long, slow pacing of a trail ‘ultra’ distance. It taps into a different part of yourself and your spirit, and it seems to exceed a certain fitness level and delves into mental strength…but I like that new challenge!

I’m hoping that this isn’t my last Ultra. The community that surrounds the trails and ultra-running is very unique, open and friendly, and I love the feeling I get from getting dirty, sometimes lost (I think you can relate!) and being out in nature.

KF: Oh, yes! I like to say that if there’s a way to get lost, I’ll find it — especially on the trails. What’s next on your list, and can you share your game plan for getting there?

SE: I’m looking forward to kicking it up a notch and getting back into speed work and intervals when I start training for the Chicago Marathon, which I will be running along with my mom for her first marathon! This was also my first marathon in 2008, so I am looking for another personal record and Boston Qualifying time.

I’ll create my own training plan; I enjoy researching and finding new workouts to add to my runs and being my own coach. There’s not the pressure of answering to a coach, but I’m also my own worst critic, so I do a pretty good job at keeping myself in check!

I am also working out the details of registering for the 2015 Boston Marathon (with my last marathon qualifying time) and then trying to get into the Boston to Big Sur Challenge next April where you run back-to-back marathons, six days apart, on opposite coasts of the country. And I’ve always been a big fan of The North Face Endurance Challenge, so that could possibly be another 50k (or dare I say 50 mile!?) opportunity.

On the exploring and fun side, I have a deep desire to also run Rim to Rim (and maybe Rim!) in the Grand Canyon, so I may be putting together a group for late next Spring.

All of these races really are just a celebration for the running that I do on a daily, weekly basis. I don’t run just to race, the races just seem like a great opportunity to add on challenges to my running, which I still do purely for the freedom, joy and love of it.

I am very excited to share this passion with my daughter and possibly run a race with her one day, as I am doing with MY mom this year! I am also very lucky to be able to spend time at home with my daughter in her first year of life and to start to use my personal training and coaching certifications for my own knowledge and to share with my friends and family who seem to enjoy picking my brain for advice and input in their own active lives.

Now, as I look at my plans for the next year, there seems to be a lot going on. But in the end, it’s done for the fun of it all, to spend time on the trails with my running crew and to celebrate our training with races…not to mention coming home to my husband and daughter and going out for Mexican!

It’s the easy, simple things sometimes 🙂

Special thanks, Sarah, for taking the time to chat. Can’t wait to follow along on your adventures over the next year — and hopefully hit those trails with you soon!

Posted in Endurance, Exercise, Fitness, Inspiration, Interview, Motivation, Personalities, Pregnancy, Running, San Francisco, Trail Running, Ultramarathon
5 Comments

June 29, 2014

Fave Fix: Tieks ballet flats, take two

Work hard, train hard, wear flats.

That might as well be the active gal’s mantra — well, at least here in San Francisco.

Why? We walk. Everywhere. And then there are the hills.

So it probably shouldn’t come as a surprise to me that Tieks has been one of the most consistently-searched terms on the site since I did my first post about ’em last fall.

No, the company didn’t send me a free pair to review. I bought ’em myself after reading some glowing recommendations elsewhere in the blogsophere.

Ok, and maybe Hubby had hit his limit of me attempting to configure date-night outfits around sneakers, too.

But, regardless, they’ve become my favorite “dressy” footwear…so much so that I requested a second pair for a recent birthday.

Because I won’t bat an eye at crazy endurance events, but ask me to wear heels, and it’s GAME OVER.

KineticFix is on summer vacation, so I’m revisiting some of the most popular posts in the meantime!

Posted in Fashion, Fave Fix, Favorite Products, San Francisco
2 Comments

June 27, 2014

Win an entry into the 2014 Nike Women’s Half Marathon

Hey, runner friends! How would you like to race to support lifesaving blood cancer research this fall at the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in San Francisco?

Team in Training (TNT) has partnered with our friends at Fit Approach to offer one FREE entry to the 2014 Nike Women’s Half Marathon. Opportunities as unique & powerful as this only come around once in a while!

Team in Training is a race training program that also serves as the main fundraising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer.

Over the past 25 years, TNT has raised more than $1.4 billion to support LLS’s mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the lives of patients and their families.

Each mile you run will impact the lives of loved ones across the country.

In exchange for raising funds, TNT provides four months of marathon training with world-class trainers as well as clinics on nutrition and injury prevention.

Not to mention, you’ll get to run the Nike Women’s Half Marathon with 25,000 new friends through the iconic streets of San Francisco…

Enter today…and good luck!

Learn more about Team in Training

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway

Posted in Community, Events, Giveaway, half marathon, Inspiration, Nike Women's Marathon, Philanthropy, Running, San Francisco
2 Comments

June 25, 2014

StitchFix Shipment No. 2 Review

If you still haven’t heard of StitchFix, you gotta check it out (and, no — they don’t pay me to say that; I’m just a fan).

It’s a personal styling service for women where you fill out a profile and receive a handpicked “Fix” of five clothing items and accessories unique to your taste, budget and lifestyle. Buy what you like, return the rest. It’s as simple as that.

After my first Fix, I was intrigued. And after my second? I’m officially hooked.

Knowing that it takes a cycle or two to get to know specific style and sizing preferences, I wasn’t shocked when I kept only one of the five items the first time around.

But after providing detailed feedback on what fit, what didn’t, what I liked, and what I didn’t, my StitchFix stylist absolutely nailed it this latest package.

First was the Gilli Gabbiey Sleeveless Maxi Dress in Teal Green ($74). Love the color, the style, the fit and how comfy it feels. A keeper, and this will be so great for summer travel!

Next was a pair of Margaret M Duboce Straight Leg Jeans in White ($108). White jeans are tough enough, let alone when you’re pairing a straight leg style on an athletic body. But I’m glad I went against my initial reaction of, “No. Way.” and tried these on. Success!

Third was the Alternative Apparel Welch Tie Dye Print Button-Up Tank in Light Grey ($74). Another style that I might not have chosen for myself off the rack, but the fit was great and Hubby loved it, so my decision was made.

After that came the Pomelo Alan French Terry Asymmetrical Zip Cardigan in Coral ($74). The shape is very unusual — the zipper zips on the side, and the neck drapes into a cowl — so I think it’ll make a fun layering piece for travel.

And, finally, came the Pomelo Moni Stud Detail Tile Print Top in Black ($58). This was the only one I was wavering on, but the fit and details worked well — plus if you keep all five items you get an extra 25 percent off the entire order — so it was a no-brainer.

Add said and done, I purchased the entire shipment, and I’m thrilled with how Becca (my stylist) did. In fact, I even requested her again for the next shipment, which I’ve scheduled for September.

Next time around, I requested some fresh items for fall. And I’ll be updating my personal Pinterest page, which she said she used as inspiration. Can’t wait for the next one!

Want to try StitchFix? Use my referral link to fill out your style profile and get started.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I simply love the service and think it’s fun to share my experience. I pay for Stitch Fix on my own. If you sign up for Stitch Fix using my referral link, I will get a credit…thanks!

Posted in Fashion, Fave Fix, San Francisco
8 Comments

May 28, 2014

If at first you don’t succeed…

…trail, trail again!

That was the theme this past weekend as Hubby and I tried to squeeze in one last trail run before my 50K on May 31.

Our first attempt was on Saturday morning in Marin. We’d done the Tennessee Valley Trail once before, but ended up cutting off about two miles because A) navigating trails is never easy, and B) if there’s a way to get lost, I’ll find it.

So this time we were determined to hug the coastline and reclaim those lost miles. No matter what — even if it meant going down a single-track trail that slowly disappeared into thick brush.

Long story short? Some of that “brush” we were wading through turned out to be poison oak.

Combine that with four snake sightings, plus something hissing at me under a rock (my guess is snake no. five), and Hubby and I high-tailed it back to the car and called it a day after two miles.

But not before stopping to pick up the skin-saving miracle called Tecnu. We slathered ourselves in it head-to-toe, and so far so good…

Cut to trail attempt, take two, on Sunday where we decided that a 13-miler around Lake Chabot — the scene of my 30K this past February — might be a better option.

The poison oak and another snake sighting (yup, both are all over right now) turned out to be only minor annoyances, though, as compared to another factor that reared its ugly head: heat.

Our “summer” — i.e. foggy, barely 60-degree — days have definitely softened us. Despite drinking all the water in my vest, I was still super dehydrated by the time we finished (but my fueling was good, as you can see — thanks, Hubby, for catching me mid-mouthful).

Although we both spent the remainder of the day trying to re-hydrate — seriously, we couldn’t get enough water — it was a great reminder going into my race to drink more frequently.

In fact, experts say that performance is impaired when you’re dehydrated by as little as two percent of body weight…and we experienced that firsthand when we both started dragging in the later miles.

But working out the kinks aside, you can’t really complain too much when you’re running with these kinds of views.

After all, as one fellow trail runner said to us in passing, “It’s just another horrible day in paradise, isn’t it?”

Happy trails, friends!

Posted in Endurance, Hydration, Reflection, Running, San Francisco, seasonal fitness, Summer, Trail Running, Training, Ultramarathon
2 Comments

May 18, 2014

Celebrating SF: Getting a little “Dirty” at this year’s Bay to Breakers

There was no better way to cap off a picture-perfect week of summer weather here in Northern California than with a race that’s so quintessentially San Francisco: Bay to Breakers.

If you’re not familiar with it, B2B is the oldest consecutively run annual footrace in the world (since May 1912). Quirky and boisterous, the event is quite literally interwoven into the fabric of the city as the course weaves through it — a true reflection and celebration of life between the breakers and the Bay.

Coming Full Circle

The first and only other time I ran B2B was a few months after I moved to San Francisco from Boston in 2005, so this year’s run was special for two reasons: First, Hubby and I got to run it together this time; and second, we figured it’d be a fitting way to celebrate as our time here comes to a close (more on that soon…stay tuned!).

As a total newbie almost a decade ago, I was expecting your usual footrace…but was instead greeted by flying tortillas at the start line and a crazy array of outfits — from elaborate team costumes to full nudity (rollerblades and top hat optional) — not to mention fun traditions like a group of runners dressed as salmon “swimming upstream” (against the flow of traffic).

This time around, I knew it’d be a tamer affair because there was a no-tolerance policy for alcohol or wheeled floats. But Hubby and I were still excited to partake in the festivities with a few of our friends and 40,000 other ~~runners~~ revelers.

The Race

Because the 12K race starts near the San Francisco Bay, a few blocks from The Embarcadero, and runs west through the city to finish at the Great Highway where breakers crash onto the Pacific Coast’s Ocean Beach, the logistics can take some work.

But with my 50K coming up in just a few weeks, we decided to kill two birds with one stone and jog from home to the start, do the race, then jog/walk home from the finish to make it our weekend long run.

The race started about 25 minutes late, but — in true B2B fashion — did not disappoint.

From the costumes, the people-watching and the photo ops (see below; I’ll spare you the rest of the shot), we were three miles in before we knew it.

By the time we were about halfway, the crowds started to thin out a bit — or rather, the runners separated from the rest of the pack.

Word to the wise: This isn’t a PR-friendly race! Expect to do a lot of bobbing and weaving, but that’s the whole point — to go slow and savor every moment.

I’m not even sure what our finish time was (update – 1:37:45), and guess what? I don’t care!

It was such a blast to do a race like this for a change, complete with stops to say hi to friends, bathroom breaks, scenic detours and picture taking.

Speaking of…this was one of my favorite scenes of the day. This family’s costumes were a fan-favorite, and the kid up front was just hamming it up!

The Attire

Although there’s a whole contingent of racers for whom it’s customary NOT to wear pants for B2B, that was one tradition I was ok ignoring. Instead, I wanted to take the opportunity to support a local brand: DDCC (aka “Dirty Diana’s Clean Clothes).

I first spoke to owner/designer Diana Mitchell last fall when she was in the midst of her Kickstarter campaign. Since then, her business has been going like gangbusters, so I thought it’d be fun to create a B2B outfit around one of Mitchell’s most popular styles — the Fly Girl Capris — and check in with her to see how things are going.

Not only did the capris perform beautifully (and that’s not always an easy task when you throw in a tutu and lots of miles), but they were comfortable, breathable and — best of all — flattering. On a side note, Mitchell also ran in today’s race, so it was the perfect time to catch up!

Kinetic Fix: Last time we chatted, you were raising funds on Kickstarter to launch the line. You reached your goal (congrats!), but can you give us an update on where you’re at & what you’re doing with DDCC now?

Diana Mitchell: Thanks, Jen! The post-Kickstarter production was a success with most of our rewards shipped on time. We’ve been receiving awesome feedback and requests for new products, which I was able to incorporate into the Fall 2014 collection. While the spring line was launching, I was designing and fitting fall, and shot the sample line for our lookbooks.

I’ve also been working on growing the wholesale side of the business in order to expand the customer base and get the product in more cities. We were picked up by several Dailey Method locations, who like to feature women-owned and -made in USA lines. It’s been great to see people reacting to and loving the products, and it’s exciting to see the business continue to grow.

KF: So feedback has been good? I know you’ve been hard at work, testing the line on the streets & studios of San Francisco.

DM: Everyone loves the V Capris. Customers constantly tell me they can no longer buy pants without a zipper pocket, either because they store their phone in it while lifting weights, or their keys/id while out running.

They also go crazy for the V wasitband and love that it’s anti-muffin top. The Bustier Bra is a big hit for yoga and for wearing every day, and our Obi Cover-Ups have been flying off of the shelves due to the cute design and crazy softness!

KF: I don’t doubt it! So let’s talk design because you’ve nailed it – I’m particularly loving the anti-muffin top waistband and slimming seams on my capris. What was the inspiration there?

DM: I’m 50% Greek, and I like to say that it shows 100% in my love handles. Normal waistbands with elastic often pinch and create an unflattering, spill-over-the-sides appearance, which you can see even on skinny models. I regularly struggle with finding the motivation to work out, and if I put on something that makes me feel ugly that’s it!

As soon as I experienced a crossover waistband, I felt more confident and inspired to work out, and knew all of my future pants would have to incorporate that design. There are so many obstacles for women when it comes to fitness, and I truly believe that feeling and looking good in what you’re wearing shouldn’t be one of them!

KF: I completely agree. Switching gears…time to pay it forward: Where are your favorite places to work out in SF & why?

DM: For me nothing quite beats running outside. I love seeing what’s going on near my house and beyond and keeping in touch with the seasons while getting some fresh air. Glen Canyon Park near my home was recently made over, and I love doing my short runs on the trails there and then adding in some hill running through Diamond Heights.

For Yoga I follow my favorite teachers, Ana-Mari Hamada and Cynthia Bates, who teach at the Abode of Iyengar, the Iyengar Institute and the Yoga Tree Potrero, respectively. Ana-Mari was my first yoga teacher, and her warmth and intuitiveness cannot be matched. Cynthia has has a no-nonsense teaching style while still being playful and fun. I love going to both of their classes.

I’m always on the hunt for new workouts, though, and I’m hoping to try out the Dailey Method soon, as I hear great things about their classes!

KF: So one final question: What’s next in terms of both your work and workout plans?

DM: For workout plans, I plan on running the City Beer Runs 5k’s monthly, and will be doing the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in October. My goal is to get under 2:00, so I’ve got my work cut out for me since I have trouble running for long periods without hills.

In terms of DDCC, we’re just starting to order fabric and gear up for our fall production. You can look forward to our popular items offered in fall/winter colors, along with new products based off of customer requests.

I’m also producing a new zip-up hoodie, which is a big deal since that is the first product that DDCC launched. You can expect that line to arrive in August/September this year, and we’ll be planning some fun events, trunk shows and giveaways!

Want to see more of Diana’s designs — and read all about her running adventures? Check out the DDCC site here.

Posted in Community, Events, Gear, Race Recap, Running, San Francisco
4 Comments

May 8, 2014

Fave Fix: My must-have gear for trail running

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from the past few months on the trails, it’s that running off the roads is a whole different beast than running on ’em. Aside from the obvious terrain and elevation challenges, it requires a new approach — from gear to strategy to fueling — to get from Point A to Point B, especially when we’re talking ultra-distances.

Because of that, I wanted to share an inside look at how I’m planning for my first ultra marathon — the Canyon Meadow 50K — at the end of the month. See below for what I’ll be wearing, eating, drinking and using to help me recover when all is said and done…and (fingers-crossed) run 🙂

– Feet First: The Brooks Cascadia 8 came highly recommended from several trail runner friends due to its traction and responsiveness, plus it was my favorite of all the brands and styles I tested at San Francisco Running Company. I like to buy my running shoes a half size up to allow for feet to swell, and I may add a Superfeet orthotic insole for a little extra support.

– Keeping Cool (& Chafe-Free): I love a trucker-type hat with breathable mesh and a wide brim to block the sun. And under my technical, sweat-wicking t-shirt, I’ll be wearing a Coeur Sports Checkmate Sports Bra, which has anti-chafe seams that are perfect for long race days. On the bottom, I’ll pair the Lululemon Groovy Run Short with CEP Progressive+ Calf Sleeves to promote circulation and protect lower legs, plus Balega Blister-Resist Trail Socks to try to keep my feet from getting too torn up.

– Accessories & Extras: Because I’ll be in and out of the sun, I’m slathering on Banana Boat Sport sunscreen and wearing Tifosi sunglasses, which adjust automatically when exposed to UV rays. Electronics-wise, I’m taking my Jaybird Bluebuds bluetooth headphones and am hoping for an early birthday present (hint hint, Hubby) — the Garmin Forerunner 910XT — to help me track mileage and stay on pace. I’ll also use the easy-on, easy-off Fuel Belt Race Number Belt and apply ample amounts of TriSlide to avoid hot spots.

One of the most essential items on the trails, though? A good hydration pack, which not only allows you to carry and consume water between aid stations, but also makes it easier to have other essentials — such as fuel, extra clothing, first aid items, etc. — at your fingertips throughout the race.

Focus on fit and function; you want something that’s comfortable, compact and efficient so you have everything you need without extra bulk. My favorite is the 2013 Trail Runner Magazine Gear of the Year Award-winning Ultimate Direction Jenny Women’s Ultra Vesta, which is made specifically for women with an adjustable fit.

No more water bladder slapping against your back here; the Ultra Vesta’s front strap-mounted holsters offer quick, immediate access to twin 10-ounce water bottles, which are concave against the body and positioned higher on the chest to keep from bouncing against…well, you know.

Besides all the pockets for my cell phone, gels, keys, etc. there’s also a main rear compartment that will accommodate a 70 oz. reservoir (sold separately) for longer treks. And, believe it or not, there’s even an ice axe loop, two trekking pole loops, plus reflective accents for low-light visibility, making this a virtual Swiss Army Knife of packs for all kinds of outings and conditions.

So what am I planning on putting in the pack while running? Well, hopefully not too much…I’m aiming for that delicate balance of being prepared between aid stations (which are usually very well-stocked) and not over-packing, which will fatigue me more quickly.

– Ward Off Hanger: What’s been working well in training runs is a mixture of PocketFuel for sustained energy, Salted Caramel Gu Energy Gel for a quick hit of sugar and Bonk Breaker energy bars for something more “food”-like. And, of course, Gin Gins Candies from The Ginger People and good ‘ole TUMS to help keep my stomach settled.

– Quench Thirst: I’ll fill my water bottles with Osmo Nutrition Active Hydration for the first leg, and I’m aiming to drink every 10 minutes or so throughout the day. Ideally, I’ll refill the bottles at each aid station, most likely with a mix with water and whatever electrolyte drink they’re providing on the course.

And although the first goal of the day is to cross that finish line in one piece, setting myself up to recover well comes in a close second. The body takes quite a beating over the course of 30-plus miles, so it’s key to remember a few things to aid with muscle repair and regeneration.

– Refuel and Rebuild: Immediately after finishing (while hitting up the post-race buffet!), I like to mix a packet of Vega Recovery Accelerator in a bottle of water. It’s an all-natural, plant-based recovery drink mix specifically developed to replenish energy and electrolytes, reduce inflammation, muscle and joint pain, support immune system and protein synthesis, and reduce recovery time. Then when I get home, I mix up a recovery smoothie made with Osmo Acute Recovery for Women, a banana, almond milk and ice for an extra boost of nutrition.

– Relax and Recover: Finally, one of my favorite post-race treats is a hot shower followed by an afternoon nap in compression gear, which helps reduce swelling and just plain feels good on tired legs. I’ll usually layer Coeur Zipper Tights with Vim & Vigr socks and elevate my legs to start the healing process and make it easier to get out of bed and maneuver around the next day.

What’s your favorite gear to get you through those long trail runs?

Posted in Ambassadorship, Endurance, Fave Fix, Favorite Products, Gear, marathon, Racing, Recovery, Reference, San Francisco, Training, Ultramarathon
6 Comments

May 2, 2014

Fave Fix: Retail therapy is a cinch with Stitch Fix

I’ve been meaning to check out Stitch Fix for some time. Last spring, I was at the salon when I overheard a few women raving about the personal styling service. It sounded A) fun and B) convenient. But I wasn’t totally convinced I needed it because I like to do my own shopping (i.e. the thrill of the hunt!).

Fast forward to this past March, though, and I was home when my sister received her shipment. I watched her experience a whole new kind of thrill to get a package with five items that had been handpicked for her by one of the company’s personal stylists.

Ah, but it’s probably pricey, I thought.

Actually, no. The styling fee is $20, which you can use as a credit towards your order. And if you keep all five items, you get an extra 25% off everything.

Hm, the clothes are probably either too expensive or I won’t know how to wear them, I figured.

Nope. You can pick your ideal price range, but items are $65 on average. Plus, each item comes with a card of styling tips on how to dress it up or down.

Ok, sounds good in theory, but there’s gotta be a catch — shipping’s probably a pain in the butt, right?

Wrong again. Returns are free…and easy. Just place unwanted items in the provided prepaid envelope, and drop it at any USPS mailbox.

Well, shoot. Officially out of excuses — and in desperate need of “real” clothes since I wear workout gear 99% of the time — I figured it was time to check it out. So I signed up, filled out my style profile on the site, and a few days ago my first fix arrived!

Did I mention I’m terrible at surprises? I did sneak a peek at my account ahead of time, so I totally knew what was coming — a dress, sweater, shorts, maxi skirt and necklace — just not the exact styles and colors.

Everything arrived neatly folded, and included in the package was a note from my stylist, Jennifer, with some comments about why she chose what she did, as well as styling cards with a few suggestions for wearing each of the pieces.

She nailed the color profile; I had mentioned in my comments that I was looking to update my wardrobe with some basics for spring and that I wanted to see seasonal hues.

Of course, I had an initial reaction to each piece, but I decided I’d withhold judgment until actually trying everything on. After all, this is all about broadening your fashion horizons with the input of some outside help, so it’s best to keep an open mind!

First up was the Finnegan Roll Cuff Denim Short ($58). Honestly? I may or may not have wrinkled my nose when I first saw them…yellow is not my go-to color, and I’m super picky about shorts. But, after trying them on, I was immediately converted. Great fit, great style, and in bring color to help me spruce up my look for spring. Awesome!

Next was the Rowson Colorblock Striped Sweater ($58), which was pretty and soft and almost perfect…except that the fit was just a tad baggy around the stomach and waist. Otherwise, everything else about it was spot-on; I love where Jennifer was going with the stripes up top to give me some extra width in the shoulders.

Third was the Leighton Metal Bauble Necklace ($34), which I’m wearing in the third picture. It’s a versatile, neutral piece that I could wear with a lot of outfits. But I already have a few necklaces that are similar to this style. Plus for that price, I’m looking for more special statement jewelry, not basics.

In that same picture is the Dawn Jersey Chevron Print Maxi Skirt ($58). I don’t have many maxi skirts, and this one is a nice bold pattern that can be dressed up and down. Jennifer suggested it as a great piece for brunch with the girls, which I loved. The fit, length and style were all terrific, too, but the material was just a little thin for my taste.

Finally, I tried on the Regina Cut Out Shoulder Sheath Dress ($138), which I had the highest hopes for in this particular fix. I mean, who doesn’t love a funky, bright dress for spring?! But, as you can see, it’s probably just one size too big, so into the return bag it went.

The final verdict? I’m keeping one of the five items — the shorts — and am calling my first brush with Stitch Fix a win.

Why? Two reasons: First, a good pair of shorts is notoriously difficult for me to find (kudos to Jennifer for nailing it). And second, shipments should get more and more accurate every month with feedback, so I gave detailed comments and can’t wait to see what she picks for me in the next round.

Ready to try Stitch Fix for yourself? Feel free to use my referral link to fill out your style profile and get started!

Posted in Fashion, Fave Fix, San Francisco
20 Comments

April 8, 2014

HITS Napa Olympic Triathlon: Week 7 training & Rock ‘n’ Roll SF Half Marathon recap

We’re in the home stretch!

Last week was the final full week of training before Hubby and I tackle the HITS Napa Valley Olympic triathlon this Sunday, April 13. It was also jam-packed with fun — namely the LUNA Chix Summit and the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Francisco Half Marathon.

Here’s how the week shook out, plus a recap of the race.

Week 7 Olympic Distance Training Plan – planned & (actual):

Swim 60 min. (40-min. pool swim with speed work)
Bike 90 min. / Run 25 min. off the bike (55-min. spin class/25-min. run on treadmill)
Swim 60 min. (30-min. run)
Track workout (track workout with LUNA Chix team, 2.5 miles total)
Rest day (30-min. walk)
Long bike, 35-50 miles (20-mile bike ride to Sausalito)
Long run, 9-12 miles (13.1-mile RnRSF Half)

Adam Shane, owner of the Barry’s Bootcamp San Francisco (coming this May!) asked me to help pace him on Sunday since the Rock ‘n’ Roll race would be his first half marathon. It was a point-to-point race, so our crew Uber’ed over in a few different cars and met back up at the Beach Chalet near the race start.

It was crowded, but well-organized. Hubby made his way to our assigned corral (two) because he wanted to try to get a PR in his second half marathon, but since I had decided to run this one for fun, I hung back with our group and we made our way into corral four.

Before we knew it, the gun went off and the corrals were being released one by one. We knew ahead of time that it was a hilly course, so no one was super shocked when, almost immediately, we started winding our way up the streets.

We took it easy, though, and kept a conversational 9:30-10:00 minute mile pace as we enjoyed in the great views (the weather couldn’t have been better — clear and mild with a light breeze) and made our way over toward the Golden Gate Bridge.

I was especially pumped to run into one of my favorite workout buddies, Pavement Runner. We took the obligatory selfie and chatted for a few minutes as we jogged along with his group. They were a roving party, playing music, taking pictures and starting impromptu dance parties!

I knew my job was to get Adam to the finish, though, so I caught back up with the Barry’s crew and checked in to see how he was feeling. Luckily, he was getting a major second wind around mile seven, so he decided to push the pace and go for it for the last six miles.

As you can see, we had a picture-perfect day on the bridge, but it was pretty crowded, so we ended up losing each other in the mix. I figured I’d either catch up with him further along or he’d continue to push for a strong finish, so I put my headphones on and just ran by feel at a comfortable pace.

By the time mile 10 rolled around, the flat portion was over, and it was back to the hills…and they were no joke. Yeah, I’m in decent shape from triathlon training, but I’m learning that it can mean something quite different than being in peak half-marathon-racing shape. My legs and lungs started revolting on the back-to-back inclines.

So now it was just a mental battle — my body was capable, but my mind was second-guessing my fitness level. So I knew it was time to reach into the bag of mental tricks and set a goal on which to focus for the remainder of the race.

I hadn’t been tracking my time closely, but after spotting the clock at mile 11, I had a feeling I could pull off a sub two-hour finish if I maintained my pace and gave a kick at the end. I refocused (and spotted Adam about 100 yards ahead!) before bringing it in for the final push downhill to the finish. Final time 1:59:44.

The best part? Reuniting with everyone at the finish and hearing their race recaps. Adam rocked a sub two-hour finish in his first half, Hubby nabbed a new PR, Vivi ran a strong race, the November Project was out in full force, and Brian (aka Pavement Runner) also stopped by to say hello.

And coming in a close second as the best part of the day might have been the post-race stop Hubby and I made at Philz Coffee…seriously, the Dancing Water roast is nothing short of amazing.

Stay tuned for week eight…and RACE DAY!

Posted in Cycling, Events, half marathon, Race Recap, Running, San Francisco, Swimming, Training, Triathlon
15 Comments

February 22, 2014

Race Recap: Chabot Trail Run 30K

As a fitting follow-up to last weekend’s ‘ride of firsts,’ today was a ‘run of firsts’ at the Chabot Trail Run in Castro Valley, Calif.: First longer trail race, and first 30K distance in the books! And as I sat recovering on the couch and sorting out the day’s events, I decided it’d be best described as equal parts exhilarating adventure and happy coincidence.

But, to back up for a moment…Vivi, my running partner in craziness crime, and I signed up for the event on a whim (although she did talk me down from the 50K, thank goodness), thinking it’d not only be a nice change of scenery, but also a good way to give our legs a rest from the roads, as well as a perfect proving ground race to test our trail mettle.

We arrived to the start area about 45 minutes before the 8:30 a.m. gun time and managed to snag the last parking spot (good race karma, we decided) before picking up our packets, hitting the bathroom and swinging back by the car to drop our sweats.

By the time we did all that, we could hear the race organizers lining people up, so we jogged over to the start.

After giving a few last-minute instructions, the event director started the final countdown, and we were off!

The first mile or two was on paved roads around the lake, so we eased in at a conservative 9:00-mile pace. Then the pavement gave way to dirt and we got onto the good stuff…a bouncy footbridge followed by soft trail.

Now, about that happy coincidence: Vivi had put out a call on Facebook the previous evening to our November Project friends about the race, letting them know we’d be running and inviting them to join in to pace us or cheer us along.

We figured it might be too last-minute to have anyone take us up, but a little ways into the run we heard someone come up behind us and say, “Are you Jen and Vivi?”

Enter Molly, whom I nicknamed my Race Angel for the day! She’s training for the Boston Marathon and had a 19-miler on the schedule for the weekend, so she figured she’d kill two birds with one stone and grab some miles while gabbing with some fellow runner gals.

In yet another testament to the amazing running community, we all immediately started chatting like old pals…and the miles flew by because we were so immersed in conversation.

Before we knew it, we had tackled the first of four major climbs (walking the steep parts because I wanted to heed my ultrarunner friend Jamie’s advice to conserve energy) and hit the first aid station.

And, wow. They should call these mini-buffets instead of aid stations. It was like a mirage in the desert, such an amazing spread with all kinds of items, both healthy and not-so-healthy. Huge kudos to Inside Trail Racing for really taking care of us runners.

With my sweet tooth, I thought I would have to restrain myself around all the candy, but I actually wasn’t craving it at ALL. In all my pre-race hydration focus, I ended up making a rookie nutrition mistake (more on that later), so I grabbed a PB&J sandwich square to stay on the safe side.

And then we were off again!

Over the next few miles we met up with a super-nice woman named Leslie — a mom in her 50’s who had taken up ultra-running and was doing the 50K as a wait to train for her upcoming 50-miler.

That’s the great part about these longer distances; not only are they so much less crowded that road races, but you can run alongside people at a slower pace and actually have some great conversations along the way.

I think (hope?) people enjoyed running with us, as well. We were having such a great time being out there, laughing and taking it all in, that we must have served as some interesting on-course entertainment!

Despite the intermittent climbs, our spirits stayed high as we alternated jogging on the flats and small rolling hills with walking up the steeper areas.

I also tried to stay on top of my hydration and fueling, which was Leslie’s main advice, taking sips of Osmo Nutrition Active Hydration and nips off my PocketFuel every mile or so.

After we had done another four miles (~10 total), we came upon the second aid station. By this time, my stomach was starting to feel a little grumbly (Note to self: My big mistake was to eat salad for lunch the day before the race – never again, as it didn’t set well).

I tried a combo of boiled potatoes dipped in salt, along with a Dixie cup of Pepsi, which helped. And then we were off again!

The third and final aid station before the finish was about four miles away (~mile 14), and we were still feeling pretty strong at this point. So strong, in fact, that a fellow runner commented on how upbeat we seemed as we hiked up a steep hill.

She identified herself as a triathlete by training, and said that her half Ironman races were much easier than the 30K distance, which made me very happy to hear in light of my upcoming April Olympic distance!

We made good time to the final aid station, and I grabbed more Pepsi and salted potatoes, filling the flasks in my Ultimate Direction Jenny Ultra Vesta (ok, I may have gotten it for the name, but it’s such a handy and comfy vest for long runs) with water mixed with the Tailwind electrolyte drink that they had on the course.

By this time, we were out of the wooded areas and running in full sun, along dirt paths through some really beautiful scenery (another benefit of trail events).

We kept commenting on how lucky we were to have such good weather, too — it was a perfect 65 degrees.

About 15 miles in, I remember telling Vivi and Molly that I couldn’t believe how good I felt.

Admittedly, we were undertrained for the race — I was hoping to get 14-15 miles the weekend we attempted the Double Dipsea last month, but the weather never cooperated, and we called it a day at 10. So we were attempting 18+ miles, having completed only a 12-mile “long” training run in advance of the race.

Well, apparently I provoked the running gods by saying that — and it turns out they’ve got a wicked sense of humor. No sooner did I utter those words than the wheels started slowly coming off, and thus began a gradual unraveling over the next few miles.

I forced myself to keep sipping and eating small amounts, but every incline got tougher as the accumulated climbing of the day started to take its toll. Our solution? A few photo opps as we made our way slowly toward the finish (i.e. chances to rest for a minute, catch our breaths and bring our heart rates down).

With a mix of jogging down straightaways and walking up inclines, we slowly ticked off another mile and saw a sign that indicated we were a mile away from the finish. Heartened, we picked up the pace to bring it home. But at the end of that mile, when the finish line was nowhere in sight, I hit the mental wall.

We figured we couldn’t have more than another mile, and Vivi got her second wind, so she ran ahead while Molly hung back and kept me distracted enough to keep going despite my rebelling mind and body.

When we turned the final corner, saw the finish line and noticed that the clock was under 3:30 (Vivi and I were thinking we’d aim for under 4:00, but would thrilled with 3:30), it was enough to give us that final boost to get across the finish. Final time: 3:23:21.

And then the feasting began!

On the way out of the park, we ran into a woman who races with her Dachshund. He had completed the half marathon today, and he’s training for his first marathon later this year — so, of course, we had to get a shot with the impressive little guy and his bib (yes, he was officially registered for the race).

Leslie (our new ultra hero from the race) had also mentioned that it was her rule to make a new friend during every event — so between her, Molly and our new four-legged mascot, we not only met but happily exceeded that goal for the day!

And I’ve just got to share something that Vivi and I saw on our way home over the Bay Bridge that gave us a laugh…

This furry fellow was also enjoying himself today, catching some rays and taking in the views from the sunroof.

There certainly is something to be said for taking on another round of firsts. You never know where it’ll take you — and who you’ll meet along the way.

Happy running and racing, friends!