Strength Training 10/31/11

My ass got kicked by arms & shoulders today. Not sure if its cuz I'm in a rush, or if its because I didn't take jack3d or whatever, but I didn't finish, I'm beat. I am running late, but thats not the primary reason I didnt' finish. I'm just beat.

I'll do a full session, including ab ripper, when I get back.

But this is how I felt:

I was tired, I didn't want to do anything but goof around and or lay down and just be silly. Its okay tho. I just really want to break through the plateau. I want to loose 10 more pounds by the end of this year, totally do able if I get serious about it. Going to be tougher since it is the season of food and indulging. But totally do able!

Anyway, have to jet. I don't even want to take a protein shake since my workout was so half assed and since I want to drop more weight, I really am in that bad mentality of "don't eat anything if you don't have to."

Sigh!

Short Jog & Laundry

I jogged a mile today. Just a bit over, didn't really bother for time but I wanted to make sure I kept pace at the hills and didn't walk. Its not the insane hills, but its up hill none the less. I'm not sure if its related but my left instep is in pain, not as bad as the 13.1 miles, but it was in pain. Kinda sucks, its something I have to watch out for. All those tendons at the top of the feet feel so crackly for a lack of a better word.

Anyway, just threw my work out/running clothes in the wash

I bought that the other week and I'm hoping it makes the life of my workout clothes longer.  Supposed to be gentler than regular detergent. I had a coupon so it came out cheap so if it doesn't work, its all good.

Anyway, time to get back to real life and training. I'm looking for a half or two before the Hollywood Half! If I can improve and run a sub 2:30 half with confidence, maybe, just maybe I'll do the Pasadena full! But I won't be so sad if I choose to do the half instead. I've come far from where I began and I'm proud of that.

Manipulating Metabolism

I know this is a predominantly "running" blog, but for those who are new here, I started to run because I wanted to drop some weight.  That didn't work, running became addicting [and was hunger inducing] and while I still want to drop weight, I love running and run for much more than creating a calorie deficit.

Anyway, one thing I was taught was to learn how to speed up [manipulate] my metabolism. Instead of just loosing weight, learning to manipulate my metabolism would allow me to get to know my body a lot better. It would also involve strength training, which I love love love!!! So lately, I've been insanely hungry. I haven't ran a serious run for a week- I just had my hilly half last Sunday, and I'm debating about doing a trail half tomorrow [I'll see tho, trails take a different toll on my body, I'm kinda scared, but I want to do a Halloween Run & get a finishers!] but I haven't done any serious runs since then. But I've been so hungry.

I've been nursing a bag of Pumpkin Spice Hershey's Kisses- so good. Eating Pumpkin Spice Ego waffles with Nutella or Almond butter and just eating not as clean as I'm known for! So I'm really surprised that I'm still loosing weight. For the longest time, I've stuck with 1200 calories as my daily intake- I know, so very very very bad, even when I was training for my first half marathon. And now I'm anywhere from 1800-2000 calories and to me it feels like I'm binging, but I'm still dropping weight.

For breakfast, I had this:

Thats four egg whites, a handful of shredded chicken breast, jalapenos, & cheese "omelet" with cholula [I love spicy foods!] with a Pumpkin Spice Waffle and 1/3 of Justin's Maple Almond Butter. In contrast, I'll normally have an Ezekiel toast with a wedge of cheese, which is 115 calories. This one is a kicker for me, that breakfast is heavy!

So this whole metabolism thing is working. Weight lifting, increasing protein, drinking green tea. All those things are adding up and helping. But I think I did myself a disservice by only eating 1200 calories a day for such a long time. I've been teeter-totting from weight to weight and I'm trying not to obsess so much about numbers, I just want to get out of the teeter-totter stage. I know I can do it, I have a goal to drop at least 10 more pounds by the end of the year, then its time to evaluate.  I have an idea in my head of what I would like my weigh to be [120-130 pounds] but according to people [both doctors & normal people] that would be really low for my height, 5'6.5". So I'm just taking this by feel. One "weight bracket" at a time.

But yay. Even though weight loss has taken a "back seat" to running, it really hasn't.  Haha. Running is really just fun and its not something I do to drop weight, its beyond that. Loosing chub is a proverbial cherry on top while improving my running!

Happy Saturday everyone!

Goals for Half Marathon #3

• Not be sick.
• Not be on that girl thing.
• Sub 2:30- 2:45 if I find one with in this year.
• Look half way decent in a race photo. Just decent enough to maybe, just maybe, I'll want to fork over $20 for a wallet size instead of screen capping it.

As a photographer myself, I have an open letter to all race photographers:


Dear Race Photographer,

We are running. Hard.  The last thing we think about are pictures.  So a couple of days after our race when we get notifications that our pictures are up, we usually make a face. We cringe. We shiver. We want to look good, but we know that is almost an impossible task while running 13.1 or 26.2 miles. I really only know of professional athletes that run in well lit stadiums and one other "normal" human being who likes and looks good in their race photos.

Can you help the rest of us out?  As a photographer myself, may I suggest a few things?

• Shoot from eye level.  Most of the time I see you guys sitting on the ground in a lawn chair covered by an umbrella. Everyone with a Facebook knows that eye level or above is more flattering. I know you have to see our bibs and be out of the way, but I know you can make all that happen too!
• Have a sign 100 yards away, or even just 10, that there is a photographer coming up.  Some people prefer to have their hair down in photos. It keeps people from looking too much like their younger brother.
• Don't take pictures of people eating should be very common knowledge.  It doesn't matter if its at a wedding when a guest is scarfing down some prime rib or at a race when I'm runners are downing their GUs like its their only lifeline.
• Shoot faster! We all hate em, but we love looking at em. We don't like it when we are being blocked by another runner that is pretty far ahead from us.  Fast shutter speed! Use those auto function sof your $1,000 digital camera if you must.

I think that is about it. Its a pretty hard task to take upon yourself, but I know that you are up to it. As comrades in the photography world, I know we can see [and hopefully take pictures] eye to eye that we just want our clients to look and feel their best.

I'm looking forward to seeing y'all in my next half.

Love,
Catherun

eye of the tiger!!!

PS. This was at mile 6/7, in the hills because the reservoir is behind me. I'm on my 2nd GU, Peppermint Stick is so yum, and I swear my shirt wasn't tucked in. I had to get to my SPI Belt which was under my pink shirt. I was walking cuz theres an aid station right in front of me to my right and I needed water for my GU & if you recall, my knees were giving me trouble around this time.

I've shown you guys my worst right after a solid P90x session but this picture oh man. Its the best one out of all the pictures taken >.< Sad huh? Notice I didn't even put any up from my first half. It was that bad.

Morgan Hill Marathon + Half

How do I even begin?

Morgan Hill Half was something else, I mean compared to the only other half I've ever done, its sister the NorCal Half. First of all NorCal was flat as a pancake:

Green is the elevation, and blue is my time. Isn't it sad how I can't manage to negative split? Anyway, FLAT as a pancake.

Morgan Hill, as the name implies, however, is not as flat as a pancake.  

So before I get into the nitty gritty, lets do a quick re-cap of my day.

I got home at 1 am and couldn't sleep till 2 am.  Life, as we all know, happens.  Anyway, I got about 3 hours of sleep and I was still running late.  I didn't have time to eat.  I took a plastic spoon, stuck it in a jar of peanut butter, grabbed a teaspoon and stuck the whole thing in a zip lock bag.  That, ladies and gentlemen, was my breakfast. I drove out to Morgan Hill, a place I've never been too while drinking my water and hoping for the best.
The sunrise view was awesome

Ignore the blur, just admire the sun coming from behind the hills!

I got to the venue and found parking and quickly got my stuff together. I'm so glad I got my duffel bag full of essentials ready because I was running so late.  I did bring with me my Lunarglide +3, but I ran with my Lunarglide +2.  I also ended up wearing my white long sleeved compression tee under my pink tech tee.  It was so cold! It did get pretty sunny during the tail end of the run, but I was so cold during the run I wish I had two layers of compression tees on.

For my actual run, I had my SPI Belt with my phone, camera (that I didn't use), mp3 player, keys, & 4 GUS (2 Chocolate Outrage & 2 Peppermint Stick). Its amazing what can fit in my SPIBelt. I went to the actual start line and was, as expected, anxious an nervous. I've never been to Morgan Hill, I don't know how "hills" will play a part in this. There were elite runners galore and it was a crowd of 2,200 runners. I'm so glad Pasadena was my first ever race event because I would have been intimidated with 2,200 had I not ran Pasadena.

Anyway, I didn't really stretch. I go there ran a few things to get my GPS watch synced up and that was that. Next thing you know it was time to self seed and I seeded myself in the back. Not for lack of self confidence, but for the convenience. It helped that I had to walk to the start because it calmed me down.

Off we go.

Miles 1-3
I'm freezing! its so cold! But this is cool! I'm running again! I can't believe it. I must be some sort of crazy because the longest ran I've ran since NorCal was 3 miles. This seems to be hurting more, maybe its the hills.  What? Why does my mp3 player die on me on mile 3? I charged you all night?! Oh look! The 3 hour half-marathon pacer! What was my goal? To finish? I know I'll do that, so lets try to beat my 3:08:47 PR! Just keep her in your sight and you'll be okay.

Miles 4-6I have no music. This is kinda fun. Hey, I haven't seriously walked! This is pretty good. Your endurance is growing Sang! Keep at it. Where my 3:00 pacer?! Am I that far behind? OH WHAT?! Who is in front of me ::squints:: OMG! The 2:45 pacer! I can so do this, lets sub 3 hours! And omg, the hills have arrived. This is crazy. Mile 5 volunteer isn't very encouraging! But oh my gosh. Lets sub 3 hours. Its fine to walk just run more. Hey, friendly people to pace and talk with. Hi new friends! Is that a dead snake? I've seen roadkill, a dead snake, and a dead bird!

Miles 7-9
I asked my new friends if there were more hills. They said were on them.  This is the craziest part of the run, highs and lows and lots of climbs. My knee! My freakin knee! Mile 7 what did you do to my knee ::tears:: I can't give up now but I really want to. Commence silent prayers and quiet tears.  Mile 8 was spent in agonizing pain. I want to give up. Can I get a medic? But no. Kept going. What is that I hear? Is that angels? OH NO! Its PARTY ROCK! Mile 9 volunteers are blasting Party Rock Anthem and shuffling! Lets do this!!!

Miles 10-12
Pain, pain, pain. Slowest of all my miles. I'm in insane pain. Inner part of my knees are screaming in agonizing defeat.  My glutes are tight and so are my hammies.  Thank God for compression socks, my calves are okay. Oh crap, I lost 2:45, wheres 3:00? Oh man. Shes right behind me. NO!!! I'm almost there I can't give up! I have the salty face swag going on right now but I'm freezing! Oh man! Lets do this!

Miles 13
Lets push through this Cat! Lets push through this!!!

Mile .1
OMG.

FINISH
I got my medal, my water, and this ice cold towel. Give me some FRS and green TEA! Oh look, burrito! I want a piece. Bananas! FOOD! Give me food! I'll eat anything! I can't believe I ran all that on a teaspoon of peanut butter and 3 GUs. I'm crying tears of joy and jubilation!

Before I reveal my time, lets go back to the beginning. So heres the elevation chart for Morgan Hill just to give you all an idea. Its not anywhere near the toughness of San Francisco Marathon but compared to my only ever half marathon, its a dozzie:

You see the difference?

Anyway. I ran that half with my heart and my feet and apparently my glutes.

My official time:

2:57:11

I officially shaved off more than 10 minutes from my previous PR. That includes the hills, the not eating breakfast, being sick amongst other female issues.  Ten freakin' minutes! With only two runs in between the two halves: a one miler and a 3 miler.  10 minutes.

I mean for sure, now I can't walk, and my gutes hurt and I'm about to foam roll right now, but 10 minutes? 

My next scheduled half is the Hollywood Half in April of 2012.  Too far for me, so I'm looking for more.

I. Am. Addicted.

I know that 13.1 will be my magic number. I want to do a full, but right now, 13.1 it is. From 5k to 13.1. Mentally during the run I was at peace. The distance was no issue and I wasn't thinking about how agonizing it was, until mile 8 when my knees totally seized on me. But I ran through it. I was crying, I did say there were tears right, but I ran through it and pushed through. 10 freakin' minutes.

There is my finishers medal and my series medal! I'm so happy. In major pain but super happy. I surprised myself at how I've improved my endurance and now I know the importance of speed & hill work.  Now, hills  are probably my favorites! Keeping at it, not walking, hills = improved leg muscles & better cardio workout. Its a win win!

I was in so much pain that on the way home, I kept on wanting to take my foot off the gas and curl up. It was so painful driving back. I had my cold towel on my knees as "ice" because I forgot to bring my ice, running late in the morning remember?

Anyway! That was half marathon #2! I want to do 2 more by Hollywood Half, thats the plan anyway. But we shall see! Right now, I everything from my waist down hurts. My glutes, hip flexors, and hammies especially. But it is so worth it! So worth it!

Here is to more miles. More half marathons. More full marathons. More training runs. More hills. Keep on running everyone!

... because running marathons or half marathons or even 5ks doesn't mean you run 26.2 or 13.1. or 3.1 miles.  for runners, they would have ran 300 or more miles even before reaching the starting line.

My Essentials

My essentials for Sunday. I have decided to bring out my Lunarglide+2 instead of my 3. I've been wearing them lately and they are pretty comfy and now I can say I used both for half-marathons and will have a good comparison.

Rockin' the pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Thought pink shorts might be over kill but I do have them should I change my mind.

Pre-Race Anxiety

I can't sleep. I'm pretty anxious about this run.  I'm pretty scared about the hills so if I beat my PR, even by a minute, I will be super happy and my confidence will probably jump to an all time high! I'm thinking about so many things for the run.  To wear my CEP compression sleeves or not? Lunarglide+ 2 or 3? I'm actually thinking about taking my Saucony Kinvara 2.  (I also want to buy the Saucony Cortana to try em out. Supposedly like Kinvara with a little more cushioning.) What shirt am I going to wear? What shorts? Do I wear my running tights? How cold is going to be? And just so many things. I've never been to Morgan Hill except in passing and I'm debating if I want to go to the expo to check out the actual place since I've never been there, but it is pretty far from me. 

If that picture looks familiar, it should.

I did pick up my packet from a local running store today. I got my bib, shirt, & the oh so ever present cinch bag. Haha! I have more cinch bags from the last six months than my entire life thus far! All from racing events.  I'm so excited. The shirt is awesome. Its from K-Swiss and its not that typical slick & shiny material for a running shirt. Its 100% poly but its textured! Its also one of my favorite colors, blue! It has the principal sponsor's company name on the back, but I don't mind. They are a local company and I love supporting local companies.  So excited!

I'm also confirmed for this:

Like that "!Double" by my name?! I do too! That means I completed the series and I get my series medal! I'm so damn excited!!! They have some awesome bling. They are adding another race to the series next year and I'm thinking about completing all three for another medal, but it means I have to do all three next year.  Its only two this year. So while "series medal" seems a little over kill, I'll take it!

While at the store to pick up my packet, I wanted to buy another pair of CEP Compression but in sock form. I wanted the pink ones but they only had the sleeves in my size.  I can't believe how expensive they are. I really want to wear my sleeve but I wanted the socks. I did find their Injini's were a lot cheaper than retail! I didn't buy any. I ended up buying two Clif Bars, pumpkin & peppermint stick, a mini pink Blender Bottle for my protein shakes, & laundry detergent made specially for workout clothes. I spend so much on my clothes, I want to make sure that they retain their wickness ability and their coating and stuff.  I had 10% off because of the event so it was all good! I just wish they had the CEPs! If not, I'll have to wait for a sale. Hopefully this upcoming season of sales is kind. I've been needing new clothes because as my friend put it, I'm "disappearing" and a lot of my clothes, workout & normal life,  don't fit anymore. Its a blessing, but up to now I'm still wearing the same clothes!

Anyway! I should try and sleep. Going to go for a 3 miler to stretch out the legs for Sunday!

DO OR DIE!

Signing My Life Away

This just happened a little over a month ago, remember this?

Now that your memory is refreshed, does this look familiar?

I always feel like I'm signing my life away when I fill out the waiver forms for races. Even more so for Morgan Hill because as the name implies, there are hills.  Not San Francisco Status, but there are still hills. Packet pick up today! Debating if I should drive out for the expo on Friday & Saturday but its a long way from me. The pick up is in a local running store.

So anxious, scared, nervous, but really excited.  I haven't had a run longer than 3 miles since my last half a little over a month ago. My lungs and leg muscles had a really long rest period, time to get things rolling again.

PS. SO EXCITED for the double medal. Seriously, I love running for the bling! Also, thats not my address, I obviously wouldn't put that up.

Rest

Usually by this time I'll be done with my workout, laying on the floor and cooling down after cooling down.

Right now, this is my view

Spirit of the Marathon loading on Netflix and a bowl of oatmeal with frozen blueberries drizzled in honey, my favorite.

I have this weird thing where I will wake up after four hours of sleep. I usually don't knock back out unless I'm super tired of I'm in vacation, and I guess last night I was neither super duper tired- just tired, or in vacation.  I slept pretty early, for me that means anytime before 3 am, but I still woke up 4 hours later and I couldn't sleep.  But I woke up sore.  I forget that for me when I do P90x arms & shoulders the soreness doesn't kick in till a couple of days later.  The push ups? Thats like after the first one, haha! But I woke up and my entire upper body was, and still is, sore.  I was thinking of doing yoga, but I remembered this quote:

Activity isn't always progress; sometimes it's just activity. Rest is always rest

-Bob Goff

Bog Goff is neither a runner or a P90x-er. But he is one of the most inspiring person I know.  He does a lot of philantrophic work and really has a heart after the people. If you want to learn more about him, "Friend" him on Facebook or add him on Twitter.

Anyway, was thinking about that quote and how its true.  As a runner, I love being out there and running.  There are days when I don't want to be out there, there are days when I have to push myself to be out there, but I love it.  Same applies to working out, I always feel the need to be busy.  To be doing something, anything just to be out there.

But there is truth in that: activity isn't always progress. Sometimes when we do something (run too much, work out too much, or other things that isn't related to fitness) we can be doing more harm than good.  This quote is a great reminder that a little down time is a good thing.  That recovery time is necessary so we don't waste all our hard work. Its also good for the mind. 

I'm a type of person who will run to get her mind off things, and my mind has been on a lot of things lately.  I'm learning that running to resolve those things isn't a bad thing, but endorphins doesn't replace rest.  The peace of mind that comes after running doesn't replace an honest talk.  Resolution doesn't come after mile 10, but it comes when we learn to face it head on.  So while I still run to get my mind off things, I also rest to get my mind of things, with the knowledge that neither those two things alone will resolve anything, but they sure help me a lot. Resting to get my mind of things for me is like watching Spirit of the Marathon; it always gets me bawling, and its inspirational movies like this that make me happy, gives my legs a rest, & still motivates me like I'm training.  Have you seen the movie? Its on Netflix. I dare you to watch it and not get inspired! But its true, rest is a big part of training.

Sure its just yoga, but I know my body will appreciate this rest from working out and that means I'll be fresher for my hilly half this weekend.  I could have been like "screw it" and worked out my arms & shoulders again and be miserable this weekend and actually didn't help myself since my  muscles didn't have enough time to recover. So I think this morning's alternative is a very good thing. Oatmeal, blueberries, honey, & Spirit of the Marathon.

Strength Training 10/18/11

I seriously wish there was an alternative to push ups, like eating sushi or something .

I hate push ups, but I love them?

Dang.

Its like eating sushi from cheap places. You take the risk of being in pain, food poisoning, because you love it so much.  Not that I can't do them, "I presently struggle with push ups." I can do them okay, just not fast or in high quantities. I sweat like crazy too.  Sweat drips down from my face when I do push ups. I also hate dive bombers. Question.  Does any body else have "crackly elbows" when they do push ups? And a crackly spine when they do ab ripper? It worries me, more on my spine cuz I pinched a nerve on my bottom spine and its prone to getting pinched again. It hurts when it gets pinched!

I would rather do an hour of ab ripper than push ups.

MAYBE.

Obviously, today was chest & back for P90x. I really need to get a pull up bar.  I think that will help build upper body strength way better than the bands could.  Plus the band I'm using, which is already doubled up for max resistance snapped today. It snapped in the clip so I fixed it but still. I'm scared of the band snapping into my face.

Anyway, nothing like a good work out for some endorphins. I did a half assed ab ripper too. I'm just exercising in the morning to amp up my metabolism.  I'm not going into over drive because of that half on Sunday that has hills.  I was reading blogs about the Nike Women's Marathon and a lot of them talked about the hills! Registration opens today for the San Francisco Marathon and I wanted to do the half it all challenge, but now I'm scared of the hills! The Morgan Hill Half I'm running has hills, not as bad as SF, but it has a  hill halfway through. I hope I sub 3 or at least beat my PR of 3:08. I'm not sick this time around and I'm not on my period, and hopefully won't be, so I should be able to, even with the hills. Goal? Sub 3! Preferably 2:45.

I shall leave y'all with this:

Its a nod to a Disney movie. Haha. My imagination runs wild on endorphins and my work out mat made a perfect ca____!

Motivational Monday: Lets Get It Started

I'm done! Well, with the P90x part and the planks. I did like ten burpees and decided it can wait. My core hurts and I drank my protein shake and as always, the clear headedness that follows any serious workout is on overdrive. In my world, that means its time to share!

First of all, thanks to all the people who message questions.  Its those messages that make me smile tho. Like that "planking" message and messages that are questions!

I'm not a fitness guru, all I know is what I do, but one question that pops up once in a while is:

How do/did you get started? How can I get started?

I personally got started with running. I've always liked running. I played soccer but to be honest, I get frustrated really easily, even with myself, so a team sport was something I didn't pursue past middle school.  Running can be done alone or with a group, so to me it was perfect.  However, I didn't really run for serious until May of 2011.  Along with running, I also did P90x.  What I hated was having weak upper body strength!  Its not like I'm a gymnast but I hated not having that and P90x was something that I figured could help with that.  I also read up a lot and with the help of a friend was able to just learn more about strength training and just the basic science about it.  This was all around the beginning of 2011.  So thats how I got started.

How can you get started?

You don't need much. I'll show you what I use.

For running, all you really need are good, solid, running shoes.  Don't wear Chucks, don't wear basketball shoes, don't wear flats, and please, please, please don't wear flip flops.  Get some solid running shoes.  If you can't tell, I'm a big Nike fan girl.  I have shoe reviews right here. But for the link phobic, it boils down to my two favorite shoes. Long distance running: Lunarglide +3 & for short distances: Saucony ProGrid Kinvara 2.  Protect your legs! Please don't be afraid to invest and try out running shoes.  I have spent a good amount on my running shoes and some I use more than the other, but I don't regret it.  My legs are something I'll have with me for life, they carry me on my runs, I want them to be protected as much as I can.  For running, that is all you really need to start.  As you push on, you might find you want some dri-fit gear: socks, shirt, shorts, etc.  But thats when you push on.  Some people hate running and I wouldn't want you guys to invest a lot of $ into something you hate, but if you end up loving it, you'll know what you need. If not, talk to me, I love talking gear!

For P90x/Strength Training, I have a little bit more than shoes.  First of all, I can just say a $30+ a month membership to a gym. But I'm cheap, and a lot of people I know either don't have $30+ a month for a gym or have a $30+ month gym membership but don't go.  So, I'll show you what I use at what I dubbed my "Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle Gym," a.k.a. my living room.

Free Weights: 8 & 10 pound free weights.  It may seem low, but I'm not trying to bulk up here.  In the beginning I was struggling with 8 pounds. Right now, I'm on 12-15+ reps for the 8 pounds. Its time to move up soon, but I notice my form suffers at 10 pounds.  Foam Roller: you don't really need this for strength training. This is more for stretching and untangling muscle knots, but it never hurts to foam roll! Resistance Bands: when I began, like I said, 8 pound was a struggle.  I hardly use my bands now, unless its a sub for the pull up bar, which I need to buy.  But the bands help if you're beginning or intimidated by weights.  I liked them when I needed them, but I'm always slight terrified of them snapping on my face. Work Out Mat: if you're fine on hardwood, you don't need it, but I like cushioning and this saved my knees when I did push up on knees.  I also like it for cool down when I lie on the floor and think. Jack3d: this you really don't need but it's saved my lazy ass so many times. Jack3d is a pre work out that helps you focus. I would just be careful with it. I'm lucky that I had someone who knew what they were doing help me out when I began with jack3d because I would have been terrified to try it otherwise. I'm also highly caffeine sensitive so I had to learn what works for me. Some days its one dose, some half.

Igor: Igor is my laptop. Work Out Plan: your pick! I use P90x. I used to do Insanity but since Insanity is mostly cardio, I've swapped that out with running.  P90x is strength training. And I love it. Shaker Bottle: for your post work out protein shake! I already drank mine, obviously. Music: your choice! You can click on that to see my Spotify profile. I usually listen to spotify or long mixes, an hour or more long.  Music helps to motivate or push through when I don't want to keep going. Either that or it distracts me and I just end up dancing ;-)

Thats what I used to get started. And I think thats all you really need. But I believe the most important thing ever that you need is:

I'm more than glad to help, I'm more than happy to answer questions, but the greatest and most important gear you need is really just YOU!!!  In the end, you will be putting in the miles.  You will be putting in those reps. Not me, not anyone else, but you.  Trust me, its amazing how running has built up more than my leg muscles.  How P90x has given me more than upper body strength. I don't put all the credit on those, I know God loves me perfectly.  My confidence, my belief in myself, my strength, all has grown as I keep on pushing myself in running and working out, and also knowing that I'm perfectly loved. Its a mental thing as much as it is physical.  Its being proud of something that you know is for you and by you. Its a-ma-zing.

So to those people who messaged over the weekend, go you! I'm surprised at the amount of messages.  Were the planets aligned this weekend that people wanted to "start" their workout regimen? Is it the impending onslaught of holidays, a.k.a. food time?  I'm not sure but for those of you guys, yay! Keep going.  Get those running shoes, get those weights and bands. Or just get yourself and get out there and just do it!

"Taper" Week

"Taper" because really, I didn't train for this upcoming half.  In true cat fashion, its do or die. I have my preference of what I want to happen, but its do or die!

Been doing a lot of strength training lately. I want those muscles!!!  I haven't been super strict with my eating, and I'm surprised I'm still dropping.  I credit the muscles and the green tea. My metabolism has been on over drive. 

I'm pretty scared about this upcoming half, but I don't think the anxiety and anticipation goes away.  But I'm also nervous cuz this is a lot hillier compared to the NorCal half! I mean a lot. NorCal was flat as a pancake.  I just want to break my PR even with the hills.  But if not, its okay. I'll enjoy the run.

I haven't actually worked out yet, I'm waiting for jack3d to kick in.  I'm not making that mistake of double dosing because I'm impatient.

I have a lot for today, I want the workout and the endorphins:

• P90x
• Shoulders & Arms
• Chest & Back
• Burpees
• Planks
• Foam Rolling & Stretching
• 3-5 miles in the PM on the dreadmill

I'll see about that double P90x. I'm being ambitious but I really don't want to do all those pushups, even if I know I should, and I still don't have my pull up bar.  I'm just trying to mix it up. I can't afford to get my body used to Shoulders & Arms. I need to get on that pull up bar STAT!

Have a strong day everyone!

PS. Someone asked me about planks. It was a serious question but I needed the laugh. Haha. I figured people would know but no, its not this plank:

its this plank:

And since were at it, burpees are not 16 sets of burps, but this:

This one is burpees to shoulder press, but you get the pciture.  As you can tell, I'm a big fan of Nike.

I Sleep At Night...

I sleep at night knowing that I've given 100% in every single thing that I do and I never question it.

-Lindsey Vonn

Half Marathon #2

Looks like my decision has been made.

Thanks to a kind soul and the networking powers of Facebook, I have a free, to me, entry to my 2nd half marathon!  Its going to be the Morgan Hill Marathon! They had posted that it was close to selling out and I had commented a sad face.  Like I mentioned, I wasn't sure if I was going to be out of town or not, but it looks like I either will be right after my half, or not at all. Its up in the air, once again.  Anyway, a kind soul said that she can't run the half anymore since she had to start taking certain medications that prevented her from doing so.  She transferred her spot to me and tada! I saved $75! This is part of a series and my first half was part of that. So while I'm super bummed that I'm not sure if I can get out of dodge, I'm excited for this:

Series medal on the left and the half-marathon medal on the middle! The course is hillier than its sister, The NorCal Marathon, and to be honest, I haven't ran much or "trained" for this one since the NorCal Half almost a month ago, but we shall see how it goes. I'm just hoping to beat my previous time and break 3 hours. I'm such a weak runner.  I think I need someone to get down in my face and yell at me to push it. When I ran a 5k and I paced with somebody, I blasted my PR!!! I need to update my PR thing to the right!

Did I mention that this is next Sunday? I'm so not prepared, but I'm super duper looking forward to it. I'm excited to run again. Then I have Hollywood Half & Pasadena to look forward to on April & May of 2012.  I'm excited to run in So-Cal, especially Pasadena where it all began.

Keep on running!

PS. I realize that after I finished the NorCal half, I wasn't able to take a finishers photo! And there isn't a picture of me crossing the line because I was behind two friends!!! I didnt' get the finishers photo because it was freakin' hot!!! They were handing out ice cold water bottles wrapped in towels- those towels are epic- and I ran faster than I did during the half to get me one of those.  It was THAT hot! I look like a hot mess in my pictures too. But oh well! A hot mess from running is a very good thing!

October Is...

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!!!

sweaty swag right after today's p90x session!

Rockin the pink sports bra!!!

As some of you know, I hate cancer.  My grandpa is a lung cancer survivor and I know a lot of people around me who had cancer and also survived in a way we didn't want, but I know they are in a better place.  I hate cancer so much. 

Here are fact sheets, I found online

>>CDC Fact Sheet [PDF]
>>Breast Cancer Fact Sheet
>>World Health Organization Cancer Fact Sheet

I read through a lot and I just picked three that I liked, but in all of them there is one running theme: you can't really determine who will get cancer, but in all of the sheets I read, a way to lower your risk for cancer, breat or any type, is to maintain a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, and stay active! In all of the fact sheets, it was all there; all these experts can't be wrong can they? 

A benefit that I never thought of when I first started to "keep active," I put " " because lets face it, I have lazy days, is getting to know your body.  The more self aware you are in terms of your own physical body, the more you know if something is wrong or off. I never thought of that in the beginning but knowing my body means I know when to rest, I know when I can push it, I know when something doesn't feel right, and just so many other things.  I'm still getting to know my body because I feel like I'm going through puberty all over again while on this journey, but I believe its super important to know your body.

Just wanted to give a nod to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  You can never bring too much awareness to something that affects so many people and so many lives.

Lets all give a big middle finger to cancer!!!!

Strength Training 10/12/11 & Random Running Babbles!

Want spidey tingles?!

YOU GOT IT DUDE!!!

Had 2 Scoops of jack3d and I seriously never learn. I'm really caffeine sensitive. I don't drink soda and coffee- I love coffee I just don't make it well and don't find myself at a coffee shop enough. The most caffeine I get is from tea, green tea. And I only have jack3d like 2-3 times a week so I don't cycle off jack3d. Today, I had one scoop, waited 15 minutes and decided to have another one.  It wasn't a mistake, it was just spidey tingles galore. Even my ears were tingling! Also I couldn't focus till about halfway the workout. I had to force myself to concentrate. Which is really the point of jack3d, to focus you. Anyway, I love this stuff! I need to finish my jar so I can try another flavor.

I did shoulders and arms. I really need to buy a pull up bar. I'll probably buy it with in the month.  Right now my biceps hurt.  Just my right. I kinda slacked off on stretching so thats probably it. I know my right hand is stronger than my left too.  I feel bad for my left arm, but what you gonna do? Can I use a heavier weight for my left arm only? I'm also beginning to love chair dips! I hate those things.  Back when I first started I'll do like five. Now I'll blaze through 15. One thing I also notice is that I get light headed weight lifting. I really need to intake more iron. I think I'll eat nothing but spinach for a week. Be Popeye for a week and see if it helps my blood count. to rise.

Another thing I need to work on both in running and P90x is pacing! I don't want to "pump" iron, I'm not sure where I got this idea from and I'm not sure if its right or wrong, but doesn't "pumping" increase muscle size as opposed to slow lifting? Or just reps? I do 12-15, and I'm about to move from 8 to 10 pound weights! I think I'm wrong on the "pumping" vrs "slow." I think its all about reps. Yeah, reps.  I don't want to increase bulk. I want lean muscles. But I'm a girl, so should I worry about bulking up?

Anyway, I was on Google looking up if my theory on "pumping" vrs "slow" lifting, and I found an article on running and weight lifting.  I don't want to link it because it made me sad.  It talked about how both are for and against each other.  I love running! I love P90x! I love both! So I don't want to give up one or the other.  It talked about how too much muscle mass is just weight that your body (knees, joint) has to carry while running and how to balance both.  It did say that both is do able, just have to give a take a bit from both. Since I'm dropping weight anyway, I'm not too worried about my joints.  I'll drop weight and gain muscle for now, and when I'm satisfied with that, I'll evaluate if I have to loose muscle to be an efficient runner. I don't think I'll ever be an elite, but I want to do well!!!

Speaking of elite runners, I watched the start of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon with the elites and watching them gave me goosebumps.  The way their bodies are so efficient in running. Its crazy! Like seriously, I was in awe! I want to meet Kara Goucher! Shes running the Nike Women's Marathon and if theres a meet & greet in the expo, I'm thinking of heading to the city!  As I was watching I was thinking about something super random.  I'm not going to be one of those parents that pushes their kids into something, but I swear as long as I have some influence, or a lot of, in their lives, I'm going to "lead" them into running.  I'll let them run around barefoot, have mini 3 yard races as soon as they crawl, then 10 yards when they walk and just have fun with it. If they want to stick with it, good, if they don't, well, at least I tried. Maybe we can have the first well known Fil-Am elite runner!!! Haha!  I don't want to live my dreams through them, I just want them to know how fun it is. Runners are some of the friendliest people I know and seriously, I want them to be kind. Okay, enough psycho babble! Its the endorphins talking!

Have a strong day everyone!

Run 10/11/11

I was determined to do at least 3 miles today. Get out there cover at least 3 miles. Run, walk, roll, hope, skip, worm through 3 miles.

I was all dressed with my new compression tee under my NorCal Half shirt:

I'm loving that compression tee! Its from Target's C9 workout collection and I was originally going to Target to pick up an Iron Gym- I have to start doing pull ups soon, my bands aren't cutting it and if I want to improve, I need to move up from bands to the pull up bar, but I ended up finding these in the clearance section for $11.xx. I got a white one and a purple one. I put in a lot of money into this running thing, but health care is also expensive! I didn't pick it, the Iron Gym, up because all the boxes were opened, and I'm picky like that. Anyway, so I was all ready then THIS happened:

View from the floor. I was all ready, even had my phone in my SPI belt.

I slipped. Two steps outside my room, I slipped on our notoriously slippery wooden floors. I'm wearing my running shoes, Lunarglide+2, so theres traction there and I slip.  I did some damage to my left knee which was in pain and its the knee that loves to act up but I decided to go out there.  I said on my Twitter last night that somebody shoot me in the face if I don't get a run in, and that somebody was gona be me! Anyway, went out there to just be out there. 

It was cold to begin with but dang compression tee made it feel like I was running while being hugged by a teddy bear! I was sweating buckets. Reminder that I'm anemic so I get cold easily, so I needed that compression tee! It was 74 according to the school's electronic billboard, but to me it was like 50, so for me to sweat means that compression was doing some work keeping me warm! I love it! And I don't get get dark! Oh man!

I'm not back to where I'm at, but I acknowledge that its really a mental thing. Someone just offered their spot to me, I can "legally" transfer it to my name too, on a half marathon that I was debating on doing the 23rd of this month, for free. I'm not sure if the transfer is free or if shes letting me have her spot and registration, but thats $75 I don't have to pay and its part of my series. I was supposed to be out of town, and God knows how much I need to see my other family, but if everything pulls through, it looks like I have my other half! My goal? Sub 3 without much additional training. If anything, I've gotten "worst" since the NorCal Half! I'll see if thats solid, cuz if not, I need to book my ticket! Haha.

Anyway, running, I love you.

Thank you for helping me bring sexy back!

Someday, my mp3 will bust out SEXY BACK while I pass this street! Someday!

You Know You're A Runner When...

Power Food & Post Race Depression

First of all, its getting cold! I love this weather but I have no running pants or normal sweat pants that fit so I'm cold. Another sign of the times? Itchy throat & a cold!  My power food for this season?

HONEY!!! I've always used honey as "cough drops," and itchy throat medicine.  I was reading random articles online and I ran into this article >>Honey: The Facts from Runners World UK. It talks about how the sugar content of honey [glucose vrs. fructose]  is beneficial as a fuel source for energy source for runners.  Anyway, its just another justification for my honey obsession. It has to be organic tho.  If I over think things and analyze what honey "really" is, I'll start to get all shivery. The "organic" label helps my queasiness quotient go down a bit.

Moving on from my love of sweetness in the form of honey...

Lately I haven't been as motivated to run.  I feel like its purposeless.  I can't get myself motivated to loop the park. I really want to run at least 5 miles. I was supposed to do it to today but I wasn't motivated.  After running the NorCal half, I just haven't been motivated.  I would rather strength train. I've been going crazy on P90x but not at all for running.  Every time I leave my room, my running gear stares back at me with puppy dog eyes waiting to be used.  As I was reading articles, I also ran into this >>Post Race Depression and also this >>The Blues: Post Race Depression. Note that I didn't run a full marathon, I ran a half. Even so, I thought I was just going crazy or lazy. This is why I like to share life, because now I know I'm not going crazy, and that I'm not alone! 

Personally, I think I just need to officially sign up for a race event, not a 10k or a 5k, but at least a half. I have a paid for voucher for the Hollywood Half next year in April but I still need to officially register.  I know for a fact I also want to do the Pasadena next year. Pasadena means a lot to me for various reasons, being the nostalgic person that I am, I would love to be able to do Pasadena yearly.  Pasadena is in May.  Those two events are far away tho.  I have a possible half the 23rd of this month, if I chose to stay in town; I have a planned trip to SoCal.  Aside from that, I have no other half planned.  One thing going for me is the 3:00 hour time limit for the Hollywood Half. I know for a fact I can do it, but I would love to be sub 2:30. I wonder if I can shave 38 minutes off my NorCal time?  I know I can sub 3 because during my NorCal run I was sick and one of the things only girl runners face, my period.  I don't plan to be either on the Hollywood Half.  I think I'll find a half between now and then and hopefully sub 2:45, so I'll be confident for a sub 2:30 for Hollywood Half.  I know thats slow compared to a lot of people, but its mine! See, just talking about it is motivating me to run.  I'm pretty sure I just need to be registered for an event to light a fire under my legs. Running has admittedly gotten to be lonely for me. I don't mind running or training alone, I don't want to slow anyone down, its being able to talk to someone about all this to someone who will be like "I GET IT!" Thats why I share life, I love company.

Running is one of those things that I really love and I'm still trying to understand.  Its like getting to know a friend and to do so, you have to push yourself over and over.  And just when you think you've pushed yourself and know running, you realize that you're on a whole new level and have no choice but to keep on pushing. Keep on running, keep on improving.

Its crazy.

But I wouldn't have it any other way.

26.2

Foam Roller!

I get really sore muscles and tight knots in my legs after the longer runs, and even short ones.  One thing that helps, besides stretching- which I recently incorporated- is foam rolling!

Left the plastic on, so Asian of me!

When I first started seriously running, which was only last May, I was clueless about foam rolling, but now I feel all pro when I foam roll because its like I worked so hard, I need to foam roll!  Even if it hurts a bit (since I bruise easily, if I over do it, I'll bruise,) it helps a lot more! Its like getting a deep tissues massage while working out your core.  It feels so darn good.

I was going to take pictures of different ways to foam roll, but seriously, I tried. Here is the best picture.

It can be pretty awkward to take pictures of yourself in different foam rolling positions. And its hard to do it via webcam without looking like a complete fool. And I'm wearing my pajamas because its cold here!  And this set of videos by Runners World does it a whole lot better!

>>How To Use A Foam Roller

I usually use it on my it band, hammies and adductors.  But seriously, if you get tight glutes, it helps so much! Combine this with stretching, since I don't normally stretch, I feel a lot better after working out or running. I just feel limber. And it works out your core because if you watched the videos you'll be able to tell that theres a lot of balancing in there too. If you have a personal masseuse, go for it. If you don't, get a foam roller!

In other non-foam rolling news, I really need to log a run that is more than 5 miles. Its getting colder here tho. I'm debating getting running pants but I want them semi-compression and last time I bought compression gear, I wore it once and lost inches and now it doesn't compress. Nike running pants/capris run $60+ and I don't want to buy and have it not compress or fit after a month or two. So expensive! Its getting cold tho and I only have one pair of work out pants that I can use for running but it won't last long. Time to hit up Ross!

Heres to speedy recovery for all!

Stretch It Out

How cat spent her Friday night?

Oh wait, wrong picture

I've been stretching like crazy for the past couple of days. Making up for lost time I guess. I'll be darned if my hip pains have gone down a significant amount.

Maybe thats why its important to stretch. 

My IT band has also been benefiting from stretching.

Debating about doing a 5k or going out of dodge tomorrow.

I can't wait to run an event again tho. Thats a big itch waiting to be scratched.

Food Friday

Breakfast

Thats the nasty Yoplait Plain Greek Yogurt. I really like Chobani or Fage or Dannon a whole lot better. I just wanted to eat it so I can get more in a different brand. Thats one container at 120 calories and about 60, maybe 80 calories worth of frozen blue berries. I don't really trip too much about the fruits because berries are really good for you.  So for about 200 calories, its not a bad breakfast. Haha.  I wanted to drizzle some honey in there but I don't have any more.  Going to go grocery shopping today to stock up on my healthy foods! So that means a lot of vegetables, a box of quinoa, frozen berries, yogurt, and other stuff. Maybe I'll go to Whole Foods! I don't like shopping there but I can eat there. Their stuff is crazy expensive! Haha. I just want a sandwich from there. Really, what I wanted for breakfast was Ikea breakfast. But yeah, the yogurt will do. At least it was high in protein!

Go muscles go!

PS. Yeah, I'm wearing that white tee again. Its cold here.
Have a good day everyone!

Strength Training 10/06/11

First,

This is what I do when I'm waiting for jack3d to kick in.  I listen to music and dance/pretend run around. I was showing someone what I think I look like while running while my power song was playing. I know I look like a hot mess and not all quirky like that in real life tho.  I was dancing around and I slipped in my living room. The floor is particularly slippery this morning!

Anyway, I was all ready to do this because I was planning on doing chest & back which involves my least favorite thing EVER- pushups.  So in the beginning I was like

COME AT ME BRO!!!

Then I was doing warm ups and dancing around and then I actually started chest & back and then after the warm ups and like 20 minutes of the actual work out I was like

YOU GOT ME BRO!  I give up.

I hate pushups. So bad. I kept on going anyway. Haha. It was so half assed I'm thinking of either going running in the rain or doing another set at 10/10:30. I need to motivate myself to do this. I had my cheat day yesterday because it was my riends birthday and I seriously need to work out. I had hella sushi, cheesecake & cookies. Well I had hella sushi and some cheesecake and cookies. I need fiber. I have a feeling I "gained" a lot of weight cuz I didn't have fiber. TMI, yes. But its the truth. YOU NEED YOUR FIBER!

Anyway, I've been having pain in my hip bone area. Its been hurting a lot. I'm not sure why but its been hurting a lot.

See where my right hand is? That area on both sides. It sucks. It hurts like my hip bone is bruised but I'm not sure why. I bruise easily tho. I wonder if being anemic has something to do with that. Anyway, I'm glad that I'm back to being pale in this cold weather. Or as pale as I'm about to get anyway. I'm so dark.

Okay dokay! Time to do a non-half-assed round 2 of chest & back or go for a run or another set of muscle groups. I suck at P90x. I need someone to correct my form.  I suck at dive bombers, flip-grip triceps kick backs and pretty much everything for P90x.

I do want to try P90x2 tho! I'm so excited for that! I'm almost more excited for P90x2 than MW3. Or maybe at the same level. I'm not sure yet. Haha.

Have a strong and beautiful day!

PS. I almost want to take a dance class for workouts. I need to switch up my P90x and running. I think I'm starting to get bored especially since I can't really run outside anymore. Its past drizzles and into hard core rain!  But I know I need my strength training!

Running & Strength Training 10/04/11

I woke up today and this greeted me:

So I decided to go out and run/walk/jog for 15 minutes. Not set distance or pace, just get out there in rain and in the cold and have fun for 15 minutes.  So I laced up my Lunarglide +2, shoes I don't mind if they were to get dirty or wet.

It was cold and I'm trying to be careful with my immune system because its on the weak side right now so I wore some long socks. I love my long socks.  They keep me warm. These aren't my compression socks. I actually took them from my brother, they were his soccer referee socks. Haha. They are big and loose but they keep me warm.

This also greeted me outside

Loving those clouds! It was just a light drizzle when I left and it actually stopped during my run.  But man, I love this weather. As much as I want to stay under my warm blanket and just sleep in, this weather is begging for a run or just some outside time.  Plus I want to get summer body read. So excited for this summer. Don't ask why, I don't have any solid plans, but I know things will fall together. I have a feeling I'm going to be in SoCal a lot, again. I want to take up surfing or something in the water. I'm terrified of sharks, NorCal beaches are shark territories, and drowning but I haven't seen a shark yet or drowned.

Anyway, I did 15 minutes worth of stuff. I actually logged just a mile but it was more than a mile. My time was dismal, but like I said, I wasn't focused on that.  When I was about to turn the corner home, this started playing:

And of course when Sandstorm starts playing, the legs start pushing! Sprinted the last few home and when I got home I was sweaty like heck.  I love power songs.  I have so many that pretty soon my running/workout playlist will all be power songs that I'll just have no choice but to run like hell all the way through! I also always forget that no matter how cold it is, if you put in honest work, you'll be hot. I wore my over sized long sleeve white tee again over my compression tank (+ sports bra = compressed to the max = sweat) and damn. I was sweating bullets.  I love this white tee. I have no clue where it came from, I just found it. Its a guys tee too and I feel like I'm drowning in fabric when I run but its so comfy.

Theres my favorite white tee and my pink in ear ear buds! You guys know how much I rock pink when I run or work out! Ignore my chapped lips. I always get chapped lips during the winter and no amount of chapstick, EOS, BurtsBees, Vaseline can fix it. Its annoying as hell but its what I got. Is there such things as prescription chapstick?

Got home and decided that I have time and energy to do some P90x! Took jack3d, by the way, I can't wait to finish this jar so I can try new flavors, and did some arms & shoulders.  I know I've been doing arms & shoulders forever but I really want to work out my arms. I should do my other upper body work outs tho. I know it all works together but damn, I want my arms to lean out.  I'm also kinda annoyed at my legs.  This is going to sound stupid complaining but I'm loosing a lot of fat from the mid section, which is great. Don't get me wrong its great but I was hoping to loose a good amount from my arms and legs too. Legs I'm not too worried because I run, but my arms. I know they are shrinking because my clothes tell me so and I have muscles and I'm getting stronger and my tape measure tells me so, but damn. I want to "be there" already.  I just need to remember that most of the fun is in getting there. It takes work, but not gonna lie, its hella fun.

Heres some fun proof:

PROTEIN SHAKE POWER! Haha! Yes I love my crazy facial expressions too. I'm one of the most animated person you will ever meet. I'm a walking cartoon! Or so I've been told, I just wear my heart on my sleeve and apparently my heart is very crazy 8-)

Anyway, this girl and her over sized long sleeved & white tee will see you soon! Love you guys!

Have a strong day!

Craziness brought to you by endorphins & the natural crazies <3

Runner Girl Issues

Happy Sunday everyone!

I'm in the process of organizing my room and just putting all my running gear together and I realized something

There is my white board & cork board filled with randomness. I'll also make a post about my schedule. I could use some help ironing out the details. Anyway, look at the cork board. Something very girly- and even more so for runners.

HAIR TIE galore! And of course my head bands. Don't think you can ever have too much. Girls are always lending out and borrowing hair ties and forgetting to return them. We wash them, loose em, put em down somewhere, use them to fix random things and maybe theres a hair tie heaven somewhere. But when we really need em, we seldom find them! Its even more of a necessity for runners!  And in true catherun fashion, in different colors to match whatever shoes or clothes I wear!

Haha. Once I'm done with everything I should be able to take a picture of all my running gear, which is quickly accumulating! Including all the cinch bags from all the events! Haha. I never thought I'll own more than one cinch bag, but now I have three just from events. SoyJoy, MuscleMilk, & Dodge R&R! LOLs!

Here is another one of my growing "collections,"

Woot! Really bright sports bras!!! And once again, in different colors. The new one "blue" one is actually more teal.  These ones are from Target and for less than $20 (sports bras are damn expensive! The ones from Nike are $40 for the cheapest ones.) they do the job. I do double up tho. My boobs hurt easily. One day, I'll splurge for a Nike one, but seriously, C9 works pretty well!

And heres another one!

TECH TEES!!!  I love tech tees! I don't prefer to wear cotton tees anymore when I run. I like that they keep you dry and its just such a useful thing to receive from races.  The top one is pink, the lighting in my room is dismal and I don't have Adobe Photoshop on my laptop.  So I have pink, maroon, & red! I wore that Pasadena tech tee so much i have sleeve tans from it! But its all good! The Nor-Cal tech tee is really big on me even if they were gender specific sizing but its good when I need something more loose to run in.

I think thats it, I should really go back to cleaning! Haha.