Long Beach Half Marathon 2017 Results

Hello! I ran the Long Beach Half Marathon this morning! And I’ve been following along with the Chicago Marathon and a few other races I saw mentioned on Instagram. Let me know how you did!

Report in on your Run or Race on @RunEatRepeat Instagram (on my daily Run Report for 10.9.17) OR share a link in the comments below.

13.1 Notes from the Long Beach Half Marathon:

1. Before I went to the race expo I did a mini-meal prep. Well, if making a huge batch of salsa chicken counts as ‘mini meal prep’.

2. I hit up the expo yesterday. It was the most gorgeous day! I didn’t need any running gear or fuel so I was in and out fairly quickly.

3. On the way home I hit up Trader Joe’s for carb-loading essentials. (And some non-essentials like rose and Pumpkin O’s cereal.)

4. When I got home I discovered Vegas knocked over the trash!! He found the package from the chicken! Busted.

5. I spent the evening meal prepping to run… and by that I mean eating multiple meals in preparation to run.

6. Then I set my alarm for bright and early! And I woke up bright and earlier than my alarm was even set!

I did the usual pre-race stuff… iced coffee / Spark  / cereal / bathroom / sunblock / selfies…

7. Surprisingly getting to the race was easy breezy! I don’t know if less people ran the LB marathon / half marathon this year or if the route I took was that much better than before but there is usually a lot of traffic AND it’s hard to find parking race morning. This morning it was super easy.

I hit the bathrooms and got the start line with about 15 minutes to spare.

8. The LB race is flat in my mind. I always think running at the beach means it’s super flat. I picture the bike / walking paths along Long Beach and Santa Monica and Huntington Beach – those are all super flat paths that go on for miles (and I love it)!

But there are some hills on this course. There are a few overpasses in the beginning and there are a few turns too.

Tip: Stay alert while running around sharp turns or windy paths – sometimes other runners will try to run the tangents or cut over and not see you or bump into you.

9. It was nice and overcast for most of the race. Someone said it was a little humid but I didn’t notice.

10. There is a donut hole stop around mile 10. I never stop here because I’m usually trying to get into the zone at this point. Oh, and when I’m running a full marathon I usually do fuel every 5 miles so I would usually already be eating the fuel I needed.

Tip: I usually do Margarita Shot Blocks at Mile 5 & Mile 10 and Clif Mocha Gel at Mile 15 and then decide when I want to do at Mile 18-20… it depends on how I’m feeling.

11. I wasn’t feeling GREAT today. I didn’t feel bad necessarily… I just felt kinda slow and heavy. And I felt out of breath – as in out of shape and like I normally feel like walking up stairs. This could be from a few different things…

Possible reasons I felt out of breath at the race:

a.) I’m out of shape.

b.) I’m in shape but was tired.

c.) An alien kidnapped me and stole one of my lungs last night while I was sleeping.

d.) I overthink things and this is all in my imagination.

e.) I was going too fast for my current fitness level.

f.) No one cares, stop making lists.

g.) I’m a sleep walker… but I walk to the local liquor store and buy a pack of cigarettes in my sleep.

h.) I need to re-freaking-lax

i.) I was tired or not recovered from my last run.

12. Run and done!

I finished with a time of 1:45: 41 and 8:04 pace. (Unofficial – official times will be released by tonight per their website.)

13. After the race I went by the Beach Cities Challenge Booth and got my special medal.

You get an extra fancy medal (it’s both extra AND fancy) for running all 3 of the Beach City races. This includes: the Surf City Marathon & Half / Orange County Marathon & Half / Long Beach Marathon & Half. You can do the full or half marathon – just have to do all 3 in a row.

(Surf City is in Huntington Beach and Orange County runs through Newport Beach.)

It’s a HUGE starfish medal that opens like a locket!

.1… Then I headed to the Sole Runners booth. The Sole Runners team is coached by Steve – who has coached new and seasoned runners to do the Long Beach Marathon and LA Marathon for years. But more importantly – Steve and all the SRs are super sweet and fun.

The nicest and 2nd most run out of all of them is Leann! I love her. (The 1st most fun is Steve.)

And I think Leann is the sweetest out of the whole group. She organized the post-run tent and it had so many awesome food and drink options. My kinda victory lap!

Now that Long Beach is done they’ll start training for the LA Marathon. If you’re in the area and want a running group – check them out here – Sole Runners Marathon & Half Marathon Training.

Now you tell me what you’ve been up to! I’ll post a run report tomorrow on Instagram where you can share your victories and victory laps!

Question: What was the BEST part of your weekend? Did you race?

Did you have an epic victory lap (post-run meal)?

The post Long Beach Half Marathon 2017 Results appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/10/08/long-beach-half-marathon-2017-results/

Podcast– Last Minute Race Day Tips

Hello! Today’s Run Eat Repeat podcast is all about those Last Minute Race Tips you want to check and double check two or three days before your race. Good luck to everyone running the Chicago Marathon and Long Beach Marathon & Half Marathon this weekend! Get it done!

Last Minute Tips Before Your Race – Half Marathon / Marathon / 10K / 5K

1. Check the Race Day weather. Note the weather at the start / mid-race and finish.
2. Lay out all your race day gear. Do a check from top to bottom that you have everything you’ll want on your body including fuel in your Armpocket or fuel belt and other non-clothing items.

3. Plan Race Day logistics: Getting there / Parking / Locating the Starting Line / Meeting with your family and friends / Post-race Plan / Packing things you’ll want for after the race…

4. Rest and relax. You are probably not going to sleep that well the night before the race. Just expect that so it doesn’t add to your stress.

Try to get enough sleep the nights leading up to that. And rest a little more than usual – sit down, rest your legs.

5. Set your goals. Go over your race strategy. Are you going for a PR? Is this a new distance? Do you have a goal? Will the weather affect your goals?

Consider your fitness, training, health, taper and the weather… and then set your goals. Make an “A” goal – the BIG one, a “B” goal – something you’d be happy with and a “C” goal – something you can go after if race day isn’t perfect.

6. Visualize victory. Sit down. Take a deep breath… let it out… repeat a few times. Relax. Visualize the race. Visualize yourself passing each mile…one by one… Picture yourself running the last mile… You get to the finish line strong… You cross it with a smile.

For more check out this – > Half Marathon and Marathon Race Day Checklist

 

 

RER Favorites for this week:

1. Positive posts sharing love, information and resources to help people in Puerto Rico and Las Vegas.

The shooting in Las Vegas is heartbreaking, scary and unbelievably sad. I have friends there. I love Vegas – hello, my cat’s name is Vegas. I go there a few times a year. And it turns out a few people from my church were at the concert. I don’t want to feel helpless so I’m sharing some info on small ways to do something….

I’ve been following Bethany Frankel on Instagram and she is in Puerto Rico helping the people there get food and resources. They are living in a complete disaster area after Hurricane Maria and Irma.

She shared this link if you want to donate: Operation B Strong

Fast Company shared How to help Las Vegas shooting victims right now

CNN shared more ways to help Las Vegas shooting victims here too

You can contact your local elected officials here … tell them I sent ya… or tell them your thoughts on guns, public safety, mental health services, dark chocolate vs. milk chocolate…

 

Um, there’s not an easy breezy way to transition from that – so I’m just going to roll with more frivolous stuff and mention my other faves…

2. I watched the latest Jim Gaffigan stand-up comedy special the other night when I was a little down and it made me laugh. Lauging feels good (even if it’s home alone with your cat and a lap full of crumbs).

 

3. The seasonal Gingerbread Protein Bars are back!!

They are only available for a limited time and will probably be sold out before the season ends. I’m such a sucker for anything seasonal! Can’t wait for the holiday protein powders to come back too!

The Lemon Ice Box Cake protein powder will be gone soon too!

And… Thank you for following and listening and hanging out with me here and all over social media. I love you. I really appreciate that you have the whole internet world to check out and you spend some time with me.

Question: Do you think a redhead invented gingerbread?

The post Podcast– Last Minute Race Day Tips appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/10/06/podcast-last-minute-race-day-tips/

Mini First Aid Kit for Runners–Must Have List

Hello! Today we’re putting safety third first and talking about the absolute MUST HAVES you should always keep handy in case of a running emergency. And in this case I mean – ‘running emergency’ as in something happens during a run and you need first aid NOT ‘running emergency’ as in you had a super stressful day and need to get out and RUN asap before you have a melt down.

Anyway…

This list just has the basics, which means it should be small and easy to keep in your gym bag or car. It’s important to have these things easy access when you need them. Then if you need more care you can get home or to the doctor or urgent care center (or some other place that helps when you feel injured or sick).

 

This mini first aid kit is broken down by common running injuries or emergency situations.

In the case of a serious or life-threatening emergency call 9-1-1. And when you get home take the next steps to help whatever issue you encountered out on the run.

I have my runner first aid kit in a small plastic zip bag but a gallon size plastic zip-lock type bag would work too.

Mini First Aid Kit for Runners

Cuts / Scrapes – Anti-septic // Bandages with anti-bacterial or healing properties // Wound Cleanse Kit // Bandages specifically for knees (I need these because the last time I fell it was super hard to find a bandage to stay on my knee and I had to hit up CVS for something like this)

First Aid // Bandages // Wound Kit

 

Knee Bandages

Blisters –  Blister Cushions // Moleskin

Most of the time blisters aren’t that big of a deal in terms of seriousness of injuries go – but they can get worse and HURT a lot if you don’t take proper precautions to prevent and treat them.

Sprains / Strained Muscles – ice pack // athletic tape // compression wrap // acetaminophen
Comfort Wrap  // Kinesiology Tape

Cramps and/or Dehydration – Water //  Salt tabs // Electrolyte tabs like Orange Mix

Stomach issues – Anti-diarrhea <- this is also something you want to have with you whenever traveling to a race!

Keep something like this Stomach Relief  in your first aid kit, travel bag and pre-race bag if you tend to have a sensitive stomach.

Allergic reactions – If you have a known allergy make sure you have any necessary medication on hand at all times. If they’re seasonal allergies you should have some sort of Allergy Relief option.

CVS Health has recently launched a line of dye free options for both kids and adults.

Extreme weather – space blanket // extra visor or hat

Pre-existing issues – if you have any medical conditions that require medication or a reoccurring injury that requires specific first aid, make sure to include that in your kit too. Know your body and what it needs to stay healthy and running strong!

Bonus Tip: Make sure your Emergency Contact person is under ICE aka “In Case of Emergency” in your phone and/or noted in some way.

When we’ve been running for a while (or really doing anything!) it starts to become easy breezy and casual so things like dangers or safety precautions can slip our minds. This is just a lil reminder to make sure you’re prepared – hopefully you won’t need this stuff! But you’ll be happy you have it in case of emergency (or for when you fall 3 times a year like clockwork – is that just me?).

ALWAYS be smart and safe. Pay attention to your surroundings and if you have any sort of accident or issue- treat yourself kindly and take care of it.

 

Question: Do you have a first aid kit in your car or somewhere easily accessible? 

 

Note: This post is sponsored by CVS all opinions expressed here and on RunEatRepeat social media are that of the author and do not represent CVS.

The post Mini First Aid Kit for Runners–Must Have List appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/10/05/mini-first-aid-kit-for-runners-must-have-list/

The Top Pumpkin Yogurt Reviews

I ate all the pumpkin yogurts in the world in an effort to bring you a thorough review. Okay, maybe not ALL the yogurts in the entire world as I only shopped around my local Orange County grocery stores…. But if someone wants to fly me to every capital city around the world I’d happily go on a pumpkin yogurt tasting tour.

Anyway. I have a round up of the usual suspects… they’re not all Pumpkin Spice yogurt but along those lines.

The review includes: Greek Whips / Noosa / Chobani / Trader Joes / Yoplait

I’m sharing some thoughts on each in no particular order… Well, I do have a #1 favorite that I note.The nutrition info for each is below too.

Trader Joes Greek Nonfat Yogurt Pumpkin – This one is super thick – probably the thickest out of all of them. The most mild in flavor and sweetness.

Chobani Pumpkin Spice Blended Greek Yogurt – This one is in the middle in terms of thickness, sweetness and flavor. It’s not super sweet, spicy or thick. This is probably the best one if you kinda like pumpkin but for sure like yogurt.

Yoplait Greek Whips in pumpkin pie cheesecake – light fluffy texture. This is the opposite of what you think Greek yogurt would be since it’s light and fluffy. It’s very sweet, but I don’t think it’s too much. This one is my favorite! It’s not typical Greek yogurt and lower in protein but I like pumpkin yogurt as a treat and am not super worried about the nutrition info.

Noosa -The pumpkin part of this yogurt almost like pumpkin pie filling. It’s pumpkin pie on the bottom, not mixed like all the other flavors. It’s very creamy and sweet – the most like a dessert.

Yoplait Light Pumpkin Pie – This isn’t Greek yogurt so it’s thinner in consistency. Sweet with a mild level of pumpkin pie spice flavor. There is a little bit of an artificial taste to it. I wouldn’t get this one again.

Here is the nutrition info for all of the pumpkin yogurts I tried this lil go ‘round.

Overall:I think Noose and the Whips one are the best. TJ’s and Chobani are good but I’d get them after the other options.

Question: What’s your favorite?

The post The Top Pumpkin Yogurt Reviews appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/10/03/the-top-pumpkin-yogurt-reviews/

Podcast–How Bloggers Make Money

Warm up… It’s October! I’m excited because I love Fall Running and there are so many races…

And in random news… Black hole of cell service??

Today’s main podcast topic

I’m answering questions on how bloggers make money. But I want to share a disclaimer – I’m not an expert on … well, really anything (except being a redheaded Mexican). So check with the IRS, your accountant and other official resources to know what laws and rules apply to you. There are resources below for more information but always do your own research on important things like finances, health, safety.. etc.

How do Bloggers Make Money

1. @runningduck Random but if you are “paid” via product, do you have to declare the value of that product (retail or wholesale) for taxes? Do you solicit companies or are they recruiting you for promotion? I really enjoy your feed – it’s a nice mix of product, personal, and fun. Keep it up!!
For bloggers –

Do you need to disclose things companies send? And other tax tips and info can be found on Katy Widrick’s post ‘Do I have to disclose’

2. hungryrunnergirl Does Vegas get paid?

@acinthe808 @hungryrunnergirl I think Vegas should get some kickback…or paid vacation somewhere.

@runeatrepeat @acinthe808 @hungryrunnergirl Vegas always eats too fast and then barfs. So I feel like we’re even.

 

3. @strick51 Do you know what your yearly income is with and without products? Especially shoes and things that you really do use and therefore don’t have to purchase? I’m just curious what the approximate pay grade is for a full-time blogger. Thanks!

I found some websites with information how much bloggers make….

How Much Food Bloggers Make via the Huffington Post

How Much Money Do Bloggers Make via The Sits Girls

4. @tcashsymbolI’m curious how much YOU have to reach out to THEM to get a sponsorship? What percentage contact you first??

5. @sammynystrom What is your biggest source of revenue? How do you gather the traffic to your site?Now – Sponsored posts and instagram.

Right now it’s sponsored posts and sponsored social media.

It used to be ads, then it was  brand partnerships.

I also make some money from Advocare (that’s the company that makes the 24 Day challenge and Spark – probably the two main products I use from them).

And I think it will continue change.

6. @mylittlerunnergirl Was making a living your intent or did it just evolve into that? If it was your intent, were you really fearful of beginning? @runeatrepeat

7. gt4313 I’d be curious how consistent the pay is for successful bloggers such as yourself. Are some months wildly different, which would make it hard to plan or budget? I think that part would make me nervous. You seem to rock it, and I love your “not fancy” spirit with it.

 

More resources:

10 Tax Tips for Bloggers

Tax Tips for Bloggers via Turbo Tax

Podcast Awards for the Week…

1st – My mom for talking to me on the phone while I cook and clean and do other boring stuff

2nd. Live video! Saves time and it’s fun (and random)

3rd. Pinterest

If you have a question for me call the Run Eat Repeat Podcast line at:  (562) 888-1644

Please leave a rating on the show in your podcast app and subscribe to the show. Thank you

Follow me on  ->>  Instagram  //  Facebook  // Twitter here.

Thank you!

Question: What gets your 1st place  award today?

 

Disclaimer: Information shared on Run Eat Repeat – website, social media and by Monica are not intended to substitute for any official, legal or medical advice.

The post Podcast–How Bloggers Make Money appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/10/03/podcast-bloggers-make-money/

How To Make Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix and Other Stuff

Today I have some awesome life hacks and tips and tricks for making pumpkin spice everything in the most lazy way possible. But first prayers for Las Vegas and everyone impacted by the mass shooting.

Vegas is holding onto me tonight. It’s sweet… but I think it’s more of a power play.

Speaking of that lil gato… he’s covered in cat hair!!?! I wanted to wash him to get all the cat hair off.

But I think he shrunk in the dryer! Oh well, maybe I can feed him less now.

JK. He jumped in there when I wasn’t looking. Tricker!!

Let’s go through all my tips and life hacks for today…

How to Figure Out Where to Hang a Mirror:

1. Buy mirror.

2. Cut out piece of paper or cardboard the same size/shape of the mirror and tape it to wall to see how you like it. Leave it up there for 24 hours so you can see it as different times of the day.

3. Have a friend come over and casually ask if that mirror placement is good ‘Feng Shui’

4. Proceed to Google it and find out it is NOT good Feng Shui to put a mirror facing the door.

5. Start from square one and find another spot for mirror even though your Grams would have said “No que la feng shway!” and dismissed this entire thing.

 

How to relax on a Sunday night…

1. Get wine and a heating pad.

Note- get a real heating pad not this 99 cent store mumbo jumbo

2. Drink wine. Put heating pad somewhere on your body that feels good.

3. Catch up on Mad Men (or whatever show you’re binge watching)

Also… is anyone watching it right now? I’m on the part with the firm trying to get Jaguar and all the stuff that comes along with that (hello the Joan thing!). Anyone?

 

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix… or Pumpkin Spice Anything really…

1. Get a food you want to make Pumpkin Spiced

2. Sprinkle Pumpkin Spice seasoning on it.

3. Eat. Repeat.

All you need = Cinnamon Chex and Pumpkin Pie Spice

Question: What’s your ‘How To’ for today?

The post How To Make Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix and Other Stuff appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/10/02/how-to-make-pumpkin-spice-chex-mix-and-other-stuff/

Running Tips Round Up Form

Hello! How’s it going? Happy October!!

I’m doing a round up of Running Tips and Motivation – if you have running advice to share please put it in this form. I’ll share the best tips on Instagram and tag you. (If you don’t use Instagram – that’s totally fine too, just tell me in that section.)

Running Tips and Motivation Round Up

In running news… I ran a solid 12 miler and 11 miler this weekend. My back to back efforts should be longer – next weekend for sure!

And I saw this on my run Friday… or should I say Fry Day!

I’m giving away a race entry for two different Lexus Lace Up Races on Instagram right now! Check it out and enter if you want to c’mon down and run.

Race Bib Giveaway

Check out my Instagram for TWO giveaways for upcoming races!

Here is the Lexus Lace Up Palos Verdes Race Giveaway

 

Here is the Lexus Lace Up Riverside Race Giveaway

*The Giveaway is on Insta not in the comments here.

 

I did a live video of Facebook and Instagram today. Hopefully I can keep it up!

(This is from my video on Thursday at my parents’ house.)

In the video I talked about my September Goals…

October Goals:

1. Run a strong half marathon. Take note of time/fitness/recovery

2. Wear invisalign when I’m at home all the time unless I’m eating.

3. Go SUP

 

Don’t forget to share your best running tip or motivation here: Running Tips and Motivation Round Up Form

Question: What are your October Goals? How’d September go?

The post Running Tips Round Up Form appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/10/01/running-tips-round-up-form/