No more secrets - I'm pregnant!!!

The word is finally out (thank goodness because it was hard to hide much longer) I'm pregnant! 4-months along with twin boys. I'm sure they'll provide plenty of isms for the blog world.

You can check out my new blog at:
http://mommiesontherun.blogspot.com/

Running in circles

Because I didn't get off work until it was dark out today, and I don't want to forge a new path in the dark and rain, I went to the gym for a treadmill run instead. Consensus? I don't love the treadmill. The pounding on a semi-solid surface didn't help my ongoing knee problems. Also, the indoor running in circles made me realize even more why I like to run - I like to be outside where I can get fresh air, where I have to think about my world (not that of the gym or what's on TV), and where there's dirt and branches to duck.

Treadmills aside, I do like the elliptical every now and then - it's a nice way to turn body and mind off and just gooooooooooo.

I fall to pieces

This morning walking to work I dodged rain and roof water slides as I wove through Broadway's remnants from the weekend. Rounding a tight corner (and just missing a man walking out of a cheap hotel) I came to a grate where I ATE IT so hard. Ouch!!! Another man was walking by and he turned - in what I thought was a random act of kindness - to blow smoke in my face and then keep on walking. Nice.

Side-note: "I fall to pieces" is from an old country song. My mom's cousin once told us a story of when he was dancing with the Austin ballet and did a performance on a unicycle to this song. When cheered on for an encore, instead of wheeling perfection, he spun around and promptly fell into the orchestra pit.

The physics of running

Yesterday during our Sunday run we started talking about form - there are many pointers for runners:

• Knees up
• Chi run
• Move arms like you're beating a drum
• Breath like your tummy is a balloon
• A million more

Running Times has a good run-down (heh) on what you're body should be doing:

Running through the rain

I love the rain - I love listening to it as it beats on the windows and being curled up with a good book. I also love running in the rain and this weekend was perfect for that! Saturday I met up with the GGRC'ers for a good muddy hilly run - the best kind.

The route:

• Started at the Warming Hut
• Up to the bridge
• Along the water
• Across the planks and into the park
• Up along side the golf course
• Down through Presidio
• Back to the Warming Hut along the water

Tonight we met up for the Lulu run and the rain stopped just long enough to give us a clear skied run - we must have good running karma because we haven't been rained on once since we started the group.

Skunked

Running to Queen - great
Getting on the road early enough to have the whole thing for myself - rad
Tiny raindrops falling just as I was getting too hot - awesome
A skunk running in front of me as I crest the Ft. Mason hill - not cool

I've got a lot of work to do

7x7 Magazine recently published "The Big Eat SF: 100 Things to Try Before you Die."

I've had the highlighted - still have a looooooong way to go.

Photo by Stefanie Michejda, Joe Budd, Sandra Silbereisen, courtesy of Piperade, Ed Anderson, Aubrie Pick

1. Roast chicken and bread salad at Zuni

2. Coffee-rubbed pork shoulder at Range

3. Carnitas taco at La Taqueria

4. Spicy crab and grits at the Front Porch

5. Chasu ramen at Katana-Ya

6. Burger with fries at Slow Club

7. Shaking beef at the Slanted Door

8. Morning bun at Tartine Bakery

9. Tofu soup with kimchi at My Tofu House

10. Baja-style fish tacos at Nick’s Crispy Tacos

11. Pork sugo with pappardelle at Delfina

12. Salt-and-pepper squid at Yuet Lee

13. Soup dumplings at Shanghai House

14. Beef brisket at Memphis Minnie’s

15. Oysters on the half shell at Swan Oyster Depot

16. Katsu curry from Muracci’s Japanese Curry & Grill

17. Tea-leaf salad at Burma Superstar

18. Salumi misti plate at Perbacco

19. Tuna tartare at Michael Mina

20. Chicken pot pie at Liberty Café

21. Pizza margherita at Pizzeria Delfina

22. Vietnamese roasted pork sandwich at Saigon Sandwich

23. Beer sausage with sauerkraut and grilled onions at Rosamunde Sausage Grill

24. Blue Bell Bitter from the cask at Magnolia Pub

25. Loaf of bread straight out of the oven at Tartine (bonus: sliced while still warm and slathered with Brillat- Savarin cheese from Bi-Rite, down the block)

26. A classic gin martini at Bourbon & Branch

27. Papaya salad with salty crab at Sai Jai Thai

28. A Gibraltar at Blue Bottle Café

29. Spaetzle at Suppenküche

30. Laughing Buddha cocktail at Cantina

31. Pan con chocolate with sea salt and olive oil at Laïola

32. Pupusas at Balompie Café #3

33. Prime rib at House of Prime Rib

34. Yellowtail collar at Oyaji

35. Salted-caramel ice cream at Bi-Rite Creamery

36. Dry-fried chicken wings at San Tung

37. Rotisserie chicken at Limón Rotisserie

38. French fries at Hayes Street Grill

39. Pierna Enchilada torta at La Torta Gorda

40. Cheeseburger at Taylor’s Automatic Refresher

41. Pho ga at Turtle Tower

42. Fried-shrimp po’boy at Brenda’s French Soul Food

43. Mint julep at Alembic

44. Cannelé at Boulangerie Bay Bread

45. Galapagos cocktail at Absinthe

46. Chips and salsa at Papalote

47. Ceviche at La Mar Cebichería Peruana

48. Angels on horseback at Anchor & Hope

49. Ginger snaps at Miette

50. Giant pretzel with mustard at The Monk’s Kettle

51. Maccaronara with ricotta salata at A16

52. Fried brussels sprouts at SPQR

53. Garlic soup at Piperade

54. Spiced-chocolate doughnut at Dynamo Donut with a Four Barrel coffee

55. Milk-roasted pork at L’Osteria del Forno

56. Caponatina with burrata at Beretta

57. Goat stew at Kokkari Estiatorio

58. Absinthe daiquiri at Jardinière

59. Huarache with cactus salad at El Huarache Loco

60. The Brass Monkey at Little Star Pizza

61. Crab soufflé at Café Jacqueline

62. Shrimp-and-chive dumplings at Ton Kiang

63. Meatballs with grapes at Aziza

64. Paper masala dosa at Dosa

65. Crispy eggplant at Jai Yun

66. Pig parts at Incanto

67. Sand dabs at Tadich Grill

68. Irish coffee at the Buena Vista Cafe

69. Licorice parfait at South

70. Omakase menu at Sebo

71. A Fernet at R Bar

72. Arancini at Ducca

73. Popovers with strawberry butterat the Rotunda

74. Corned-beef sandwich with Gruyère at the Sentinel

75. Fried green beans at Coco500

76. Chicken hash at Ella’s

77. Eggs benedict on the back patio at Zazie

78. Chilaquiles with a fried egg at Pastores

79. Onion strings at Alfred’s Steakhouse

80. Apple fritter at Bob’s Donuts

81. Chicken curry at Punjab Kabab House

82. Fried chickpeas at Piqueo’s

83. Sweet-potato fries with banana catsup at Poleng Lounge

84. A margarita at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant

85. Pulled-pork sandwich at Roadside BBQ

86. A cheese slice at Arinell Pizza

87. Fresh spring rolls at Out the Door

88. Buckwheat crepe and a French cider at Ti Couz

89. Lamb schawerma at Truly Mediterranean

90. Slow-cooked egg at Coi

91. Albondigas soup at Mijita

92. Bacon-wrapped hot dog from a cart in the Mission (preferably when you’re drunk)

93. Seven courses of beef at Pagolac

94. Mango with chile, lemon and salt at Doña Tere’s cart

95. 3 a.m. bowl of caldo verde soup at Grubstake

96. Baby-coconut ice cream from Mitchell’s

97. Sesame balls at Yank Sing

98. Basil gimlet at Rye

99. Clam chowder at Hog Island Oyster Co.

100. Cheese course at Gary Danko

Packing pains

We're getting ready for our move on Friday (we're moving into a 2-bedroom just over the hill in North Beach) and the packing brigade is well under way. In fact, Saturday we managed to make a sizable dent and have most of our clothes/dishes/etc. in boxes. So much stuff is packed, in fact, that I can't show pictures of the box chaos - so, instead, you get pictures of our new apartment...

The front of the building:









The kitchen:









Either our room or the living room:









Views!

To tell or not to tell?...

We've all had those instances where we're with someone who has a giant something in their teeth. So here's the age old question - do you tell them, or wait for them to look in the mirror to figure it out themselves? I think the hope with doing the latter is that it'll be less embarrassing for the food-endowed-tooth person. No way! How would you like to walk around with food in your mug all day knowing people have been staring and not saying anything?

Take it to the next level - the stranger. Do you tell or not? Here are some circumstances to think on:

• Price-tag lady - yesterday I saw a label clad woman walking down the street with dressed up men on either side (co-workers?) talking about the "posh life." As she walked, the red Lohman's clearance sticker kept flashing before my eyes - from the bottom of her shoe. Posh life my right foot. To tell? Or not to tell?
• Lettuce teeth server - I frequent a place called "Mixt Greens" for an over-priced salad lunch too often. One day, a server had some mixed greens in their teeth (oddly enough, the green matched that of my spinach salad). To tell? Or not to tell?
• Booger boss - let me preface this with my boss is perfect in every way (and reads this blog from time to time) but what would you do if your boss had a giant boogy? Take it to the next level - what if they had a biggun and were going into a Board Meeting just after talking to you about a project that would require all weekend long work? To tell? Or not to tell?

Share the road! Bikes and cars can be nice in SF ... or can they?

Today riding home from work I got into an ... altercation. I was on a "share the road" street when a car started honking at me. When I stopped at a light I looked left and a guy in a HUGE silver truck with his wife and kid in the passenger seat rolled down the window and yelled:

Guy: "You're not allowed to be on the road! Bikes can't be on the road."

'Um' ... I thought, just over the weekend the front of the newspaper proclaimed California a biking state and the streets all over the city have bike lanes and share the road signs.

Me: "You should read the CA driver's laws again - bikes can be on the road."

Light turned green and we both went off. Next light, I pulled up and stopped and asked the guy to roll his window down.

Me: "Sir, can I get your plate number? Seems you forgot to put it on your car."

A long pause.

Guy: "This is a new car."

Me: "Oh, OK. Still mad about bikes on the road?"

Guy: "I just couldn't get around you" (I had been weaving around the trolly coming into my lane.)

Me: "Oh, where should I have ridden?"

Guy: Silent ... light turned green and guy drove off.

Two things - first, don't ever yell at someone in front of your child. Ever. Second, if you're going to yell or start an on-the-road battle, know the laws!

On the road again

I wasn't able to run all week because I could barely feel my feet let alone stand on them. Those orthodics really did me in. Today, though, I woke, looked at all the empty boxes around our house waiting to be filled, and wanted to procrastinate. How's that for motivation to get running again?! I only made it for a 3-miler, but it felt great. A bit eerie, though - the city was dead quiet this morning (I was running at 8am).

Tips to get going again:

• Think of something you need to do, and procrastinate doing it by running
• Get your running clothes on - it's tough to go back to bed in spandex and running shoes
• Scan Runner's World and Women's Health and Fitness magazines
• Think of the great brunch you'll make post run
• GO!
  

After a marathon

This is hands down the funniest video I've seen in a while ... and so true! I've seen it posted in a few places and couldn't help but post here.

Who designed that??

Riding home from work today I was "Sunday biking" - in other words, I was going at a glacial pace taking in the sites - namely, the tourists and San Franciscans. A few years back San Francisco got voted worst dressed city - I love this city, but I'm afraid I have to agree.

Here are a few of the culprits:

• The off-the-shoulder sweater: if clothes were designed for function and style, was this was designed for big-headed women?
  
• The shoulder pads: I swear, I saw some and I really hope they don't make a come-back. I remember the old blond joke "Why did the blond wear shoulder pads?" The answer? Nodding head side to side with ears hitting shoulders "I don't know."
• The boyfriend jeans: Matt made the best comment on these last night, "So, are those for girls with no boyfriend to wear and pretend they have a boyfriend? Weird."
• The gladiator sandals: I know people love these but I don't get them. The tan they render is awful, the comfort factor minimal, and the style points negligible - they look like nice shoes a dog got ahold of and tore up.

Gosh, 83 plastic surgery visits and I could be a Rivers!

What I learned in grad school, I could have learned in the Kaiser half

Running always gives time for thinking. This weeks half marathon gave me lots of time for thinking (1:39 to be precise) and again my mind turned to work. I find it ironic how many ties running has to the workplace. Why the irony? I run to turn "off" of work - to give my brain a break.

Winding through the streets of the Golden Gate park and around the Ocean, my mind wandered to workplace politics and I found some interesting ties with races.

• Those who start further up, have a better chance of finishing first

I started the race with Linz and Brett - we started at the 8-min per mile mark because we weren't planning on sprinting out in the beginning and we knew we waned uneven splits (slower in the start, faster in the end). After the gun went off, it took a good 2-minutes to even cross the starting line - because we started in the middle of the pack, it was a slow start and seemed to slow down all the way to the starting line - then the crowd picked up. Apparently people don't think the "race" starts until you cross the starting line. Because of this slow start we had to weave around groups of runners and walkers who clearly did not plan to run 8-minute miles thus stalling our races even more.

(Side note, even though I started with the 8-min group, I ran 7-7:30s. Not too shabby.)

In the workplace, if you're lucky/smart/good enough to negotiate a good job and salary right out of school, it's easier to "move to the front of the pack" in the work place. You can negotiate better "jumps" when you switch jobs in both title and salary. You're automatically looked upon as a "higher up" which gives many advantages including having an easier time running meetings and managing up, down, and side to side.

• Backup plans can hold you back - running with money in your shoe hurts!
  

Not wanting to deal with a 50-minute bus ride to the start of the race, we taxi'd over to the start line. Having no pockets and no-where else to put my cash, I stashed it in my shoe. Matt was going to pick us up (he did) but I wanted extra money in case he forgot or didn't make it. Hence, the backup plan in my shoe. BIG mistake! 3-miles into the run the cash wad was rubbing the skin off my foot. 6-miles into the race my foot was a bloody mess. I wonder if they'll still accept the cash when I go to purchase shoes?

In the workplace, if you're always thinking of an "out" or a backup strategy, you're likely not going to execute on the job at hand as well. There are many examples of this but let's take the careers in general example - if you're always looking for another job for a "backup" you're likely not focused on the job in front of you. Even if you are focused, you're either a scared nilly and not performing to par because you're second guessing, or you just don't care as much as you should. Work doesn't have to be the passion in life, but it should be something you enjoy and aren't always second guessing.

• Don't run someone else's race - it slows you down

The last 4-miles of the race were painful - after emerging from the park's shade and beauty, we ran along the ocean. Two miles up the ocean towards the zoo, then 2-miles back. The back leg was the WORST. I kept looking at the oncoming runners wondering where my friends were, how the other runners felt, what our times were, how people trained - you get the picture. Then I saw a man collapse coming in the oncoming runner traffic and I nearly stopped in my footsteps. He had a crowd around him and an ambulance came in minutes, but I started feeling so much for him that I forgot my race.

(Side-note - I think helping people is more important than winning. But when the ambulance is there, there's not much else you can do).

In the workplace, if you're constantly helping others complete their job because they can't or they have some reason that you need to help, you're "running their race." On the same point, if you're always looking at someone else's job and thinking "I want to do that" you're both a) not doing your job as well as you could, and b) not going to "do that" because you're not proving you can do what was already tasked for you. Believe me, I've seen it happen.

• If you think you can go faster or do better, go faster and do better

In running we all try to pace ourselves or hit certain mile or race marks. I was shooting for a 1:37, which I unfortunately didn't get, but I was shooting for this because I've hit it before. The first time I ran a half marathon I was going for a 2:00 - about 4-miles in I thought I could go faster, so I did. Low and behold, I nailed a 1:37. The point is, don't slow down or stick to a slower pace because you think that's what you're supposed to do.

In the workplace the same rule applies - namely, if you're trucking along just getting "good enough" done because that's what's expected, but you know you can do "better than great" - then do it! Don't hold yourself back because other peoples' expectation is that you can't do better - prove them wrong.

• If you're a walker, don't get in the runners lane - same thing goes for the other way around

The one thing that always kills me in races is walkers in the runner's lanes. I know, this sounds like it's going against the point above but it's different - often people "walk" races - just to walk them, not for time. These are the "walkers" who are supposed to be on the right side of the race lane and they're not thinking of going faster, trying to go faster, or wanting to go faster. They're walkers. As such, they should stay to the left - otherwise, they're putting the races of all those around them in peril just because.

In the workplace, there are people who think "good enough" is OK and who just want to slide by on this logic. That's fine! It's not for me, but it's fine. That said, if "good enough" is OK, don't push it on co-workers. Don't try to hold them down to "good enough." This staying pattern doesn't excel companies, doesn't excel individuals, and certainly won't get you to an IPO or bought (not that I'm wishing or anything).

Curious how I learned all this in 1:39 during Kaiser? I started with the wrong group and got held back from the get go. I ran with a backup plan and got a bloody painful foot because of it. I dodged walkers nearly ripping my groin (again!). All in all, though, I had a good time.

Netiquette: Say in email as you would say unto others

I typically don't write about work here, but this was too good to pass up. Today, a conference coordinator forwarded me an email and included another person from the same conference staff. I scrolled down through the email and saw another "Amber" from the same conference staff that I'm sure was the intended recipient. OOPS!

The email was making fun of a presenter (an exec from a huge software company who shall remain nameless) for asking for an extension. The cc'd party, replied continuing the poking fun. I felt like I was eves-dropping, but the reality is they brought me into this one so I replied all noting that I thought the exchange was funny but I was sure they meant to include another Amber.

The moral? Don't make fun of people in email. If you're going to, make sure you're sending the email to the right people - auto-fill can kill you sometimes.

TIART: Why Don't They Get It? The Marathon Explained.

What is it that attracts us to the marathon? What is so special that we give us so much and run for so long just for the pleasure of yet running more on the big day Why do we do it over and over? How do you explain the mysterious pull of the marathon? Why do you run marathons?

The very first man to run a "marathon" died at the end. 26.2 miles was a true test of strength. Then again, he was naked, shoeless, and didn't have water stops, GU, and live music every few miles.

I was first "attracted" to marathons in college when my roommate and I made life-long goal lists. We set a goal to run a marathon before we graduated and ran the Bend Oregon marathon in 5:45 (pretty slow considering it was all down hill). We wanted to do it just because a marathon seemed so foreign and outrageous.

Last year I decided to run another marathon - this time it was to see if I could. I started running again as a New Year's resolution and the resolution stuck - I was addicted. So I wanted to see what my mind could do. I remember a phrase from a long time ago - "the mind tires before the body" - marathons are the true test of this notion. 13miles? Fine - difficult, but do-able. 20miles? Hard, you start wondering why. 26miles? A true test. 26.2? Why in the world did they add the .2 - why couldn't Marathon be closer to Athens? The finish line? Total accomplishment.

People are ridiculous

I think that people can be a little nutty for free stuff sometimes. Last week, because of a lawsuit against the big makeup companies, Macy's Nordstrom's, Saks, Neiman's, and more had to give free full size products including Chanel, Vera Wang, etc. to anyone who came to the counter and asked. This caused mayhem in San Francisco - Union Square was packed with people waiting fore free stuff. I heard one woman in line note that she didn't even know what she was in line for! I guess some people see a line and think it must be good.

I am surrounded by amazing people

Today is a big day - it's my mom's "big" birthday, and Matt's final test day for his architecture license. They amaze me.

My mom has accomplished so much (and will accomplish much more) up to this "big" day:

• She was one of George Lucas's first employees and has had many jobs over the years within Lucasfilm, including about 10 years running the Lucasfilm Publishing Department
• She now runs JAK Films Book Publishing Department where she has edited and had published 2 great books to date
• She's an accomplished artist as shown by a great turnout at her art show Saturday
• She has traveled the globe and maintained friends around the world
• She inspires me every day through good thought and action

Matt is in the home-stretch - knock on wood he passes:

• He has passed every architecture test to date
• Once, while at DSA, another architecture firm tried to recruit him because he was that good
• He has designed beautiful schools around the South Bay
  

Oh where oh where has my Garmin signal gone?...

Yesterday it took every bit of motivation to get me laced up and out the door but finally after flipping through Runner's World and Triathlon magazines, I did it. Stepping out I turned my Garmin on ready to wait the precursory 1min warm up ... 2min passed, 3, 4 - finally it was 8minutes before my Garmin found a signal and was ready to go. Eesh! Talk about a motivation kill. Impatience aside, I wound up making it for a nice 5.5mile run up and down the hills of Pac Heights - I think it was the frustration that pushed me along.

Never too old to try something new...

When walking to lunch today (to buy the most expensive sandwich I've ever eater - goodness I'm a sucker for a chicken, bacon, turkey melt) I came across two isms - one good, one gross:

1. Girl on bike: On Chestnut I saw a group of spandex clad guys all cheering and rooting someone on. At first I thought it was another biker-car altercation with a crowd, but no, it was much nicer - one of the bikers was teaching a 30-something woman how to ride. You could tell it was her first attempt by the shaky way she stood on the bike and reluctance to pick up her feet. Good luck stranger trying to ride a bike!
   
2. The "poison" apple: Still smiling from the bike scene, I came across ism #2 - a Christmas wreath (people are still putting their crap on the corners) decorated with fruit and flowers. Upon closer inspection I saw one of the apples on the wreath had a huge bite taken out of it - a real bite, not a faux bite. The worst part? I couldn't tell if the apple was fake or real.

These street isms (more the first than the second) have inspired me - maybe I should try something new today ...

I feel hope

Change? Bring it on!

It's pretty amazing watching the inauguration. The crowds incite feelings of hope for me more than anything. I think Obama and his family are amazing - strong, happy, and powerful - and the reaction of people around them is even more amazing. That's what gives me hope.

Another Monday, another Lululemon run

If you're like me, you took full advantage of the beautiful weekend we just had to laze around (well, scratch that, I did do a race on Saturday but then Sunday was full of lazing) so what a better way to kick off the week than a Monday fun run at Lululemon?!

Come join myself (now officially dubbed "Captain Amber" with PacWest - I dig it, I want a name badge) and friends from the area for a 2 mile run, 4 mile run, or 5 mile run (further if you're feeling motivated to fare the dark). Here are the courses I'm thinking:
2-3 miles:4-miles:

5-miles:

Race day! PCTR Pacifica 21k

It was a PERFECT Bay Area day for a race. This morning I rose early (too early for a Saturday if you ask me, but you gotta do what you gotta do) and met up with a group of GGRCers to head out to Pacifica.

Side note, Pacifica is actually a cute little town. No downtown really (except for the strip mall with Safeway and Denny's) but great views.

After parking we found we had less than 5min til race time so we ran to the ladies (again, you gotta do what you gotta do), got our numbers, and dashed to the starting line. After instructions were given (orange ribbons, left at orange stripes, to pink ribbons, etc.) we took off. The first 3 miles of the race were a ridiculous climb - 3 miles up and then more miles of switch backs. After that a quick turn point at the very top and then rambling down the rocky steep slope. The downhills are definitely my boogy man/scary part. I took it a bit slow on the downs but thanks to the San Francisco hills the ups felt great.

I wound up coming in 33rd overall and 1st in my age group - woot! A perfect way to start trail race season.

After the race 13 of us GGRCers made our way to Denny's for a deliciously greasy breakfast and good gossip.

Running with baggage

This morning I woke at 5:45 to meet Linzy and Brett for another early morning run and found an SMS on my phone saying they were canceling (text sent at 11:30pm - way past bedtime). Bummer. I was up so I decided to run anyhow. I loaded up with pepper spray, my light, iPod, and keys - seriously, I was running with quite a load. I'm glad I had the light - San Francisco is dark in the morning!

After lacing up and making it a block down I started getting the heebies with all the movement on the sidewalk (bodies shifting in their sleep). I made it to the water and then rounded Ft. Mason - cresting the hill I smelled a familiar stink ... SKUNK!!! Oy. Thankfully the wafting smell missed me and I ran on and finally made it back home before the sun even approached the horizon.

Bus Tales - oooeeeooo!

No, not as rad as Duck Tales, but close. Last night Linz, Matt and I made our way to the Castro for dinner at Zach's (Linzy's and my old roommate). We walked / bussed / and metro'd to get to the Castro - a true adventure for me (and honestly, I would've rather walked the whole way).

On the bus ride back we enjoyed a real ... treat. We were on one of the long San Francisco buses - you know, the one with the elbow in it? With no seats and limited standing room we got stuck in the elbow. One stop after we boarded a walking bar got on - I mean really, this guy wreaked of shots / beers / you name it. He too made his way to the elbow where he perched against the hard pole on the side (you'll know what I mean next time you take an elbow bus). Standing there, the bar man started to wiggle his bum a little - odd - then, at every turn he'd shout "weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!" Apparently bar bum man liked the elbow.

I must admit, trying to balance as far away from bar bum wee man was quite a workout - I wound up contorting myself into a figure 8 and leaning way off to the side. A nice stretch, actually.

Lululemon / PacWest Fun Run Day!

Another Monday, another run day. As if working off the frolics (yes, I said frolic) of the weekend weren't reason enough to run, the Lululemon/PacWest fun runs are now going weekly and are a great chance to meet new people and, more importantly, hang out with yours truly. If you're in the city tonight would love to see you at Lulu for the weekly Fun Run.

Details:

Where: Lululemon on Union St.

When: 6:30pm

How far: How far do you want to go?

Why: Do you really need a reason to run?

Hope to see you there!

Saddle Run

A perfect day in the city for a perfect run! Today I enjoyed the "Saddle Run" - here's the course:

• Start at the Warming Hut at Chrissy Field
• Up to the Golden Gate bridge and over
• Up into the Marin Headlands to the Saddle
• Back down

The bridge was crowded with tourists, but not too terrible. All in all, gorgeous run!

Early morning running in San Francisco

Today Linzy, Brett, and I made it out for a brisk (and I mean brisk in the OMG friggin cold way) run at 6am. When my alarm first went off at 5:45 I thought I was dreaming - that is until Matt nudged me practically pushing me out of bed to turn off the cricket sounds (yes, I wake up to cricket sounds).

We met in front of Aquatic park and set out from there. It's amazing - San Francisco is like a different city in the morning. In the Bay were two bobbing blue lights - turns out it was two people swimming laps. Nuts. As we made our way up to Ft. Mason we saw a hoard of red flashing lights flashing towards us - some training group with 30+ people were running by and each runner had a light strapped to their chest (the reindeer of runners). Weaving down to Marina Green we came across more groups doing lunges, squats, running sprints, and more. Mind you, it was pitch black still so I'm thinking these were fitness freaks/runners - they may indeed have been homeless trying to get warm, but let's stick with the runner concept.

"Normal" San Francisco presented itself at 8am when I was walking to work - buses were packed, people in suits were speed walking fervently trying to finish a cig, shoe shiners were selling shinings, and the bike crew were filling every coffee shop. Walking home from work yet another city emerged - this one presented packed bars (it is Thursday after all), the same suits puffing new cigs, and a new crew of worker outers.

Breaking in my UA Running Shoes

I am loving my new Under Armour running shoes. I wore them to walk to and from work today (opted out on the run and did Bar Method instead - I swear my butt is an inch higher) and they're so comfortable! Typically when I walk my feet point out like a duck - not cool - but the support in the UA running shoes really helps.

On the UA note, I'm so excited because as a Captain for PacWest, I get to be an Under Armour "Ambassador" - this means I get to test the clothes on runs (oh happy day), and provide feedback. In fact, the entire PacWest Captain and Coach team are Ambassadors - rad!

PacWest just kicked off 2009 with a great lineup so the timing on the UA shoes and gear couldn't be better. Now, on top of the running, biking, tri, and BootCamp training programs, PacWest is offering an Elite Triathalon Team (I hope to qualify someday), yoga for runners (I'm telling you, yoga and running go hand in hand), and training programs around a ton of cool races. If you've been waiting for the New Year to get in gear, PacWest is offering a ton of easy (well, easy to show up, tough but rewarding to sweat through) ways.

I'll tell ya, the more I run, the happier I am. The more I run the more I get into the running community in San Francisco which I must admit is my favorite "community" around.

Running support - nope, not a bra

Lately I've been trying to improve my time - end goal, Boston (although I do have some time here). The funny thing is I've been doing this by lowering miles and upping cross training including biking and yoga; both, I have found, help tremendously but are incredibly hard! My favorite yoga for now is Hatha - moving yoga - I'm loving the Rodney Yee DVD series. I'm also a big fan of the "Hot Yoga" at Crunch - it's not as hot as Bikram, but the increased heat does make me a bit more flexible.

Yoga Journal published a good article on the benefits of yoga for runners:

Although yoga and running lie on opposite ends of the exercise spectrum, the two need not be mutually exclusive.

By Baron Baptiste and Kathleen Finn Mendola

During the course of an average mile run, your foot will strike the ground 1,000 times. The force of impact on each foot is about three to four times your weight. It's not surprising, then, to hear runners complain of bad backs and knees, tight hamstrings, and sore feet.

The pain most runners feel is not from the running in and of itself, but from imbalances that running causes and exacerbates. If you bring your body into balance through the practice of yoga, you can run long and hard for years to come. Although yoga and running lie on opposite ends of the exercise spectrum, the two need not be mutually exclusive. In fact, running and yoga make a good marriage of strength and flexibility.

Read full article ...

Runner's World offers up a few good pre-run yoga stretches and an easy to follow video.

THE POSE: PIGEON (I love love love this pose)

TARGETS: Lubes leg and hip joints while softening surrounding muscles

THE POSE: FAN WITH BONUS SHOULDER STRETCH

TARGETS: Unties legs and shoulder tension while building core and back strength

THE POSE: LOW LUNGE VARIATION

TARGETS: Lengthens calves and hamstring, stabilizes knees

Read full article and watch video ...

Under Armour Running Gear: the new "it" for training

I just got my first pair of Under Armour running shoes (don't get too excited to shop - they don't really come out until January 31st, 2009) and I'm already hooked.

You probably know of Under Armour as "that company that sells tight clothes." I was already a huge fan of the running tanks because they breath ... OK, they look pretty hot when running, too. This is the first time Under Armour branched into running shoes - UA, welcome!

When I first tried the shoes on I have to admit, I was a bit thrown - I typically hate shoes with the built in sock or sleeve but somehow UA did it right. Actually, I know how - the way the laces are made you can tighten or expand the toe (I have wide feet so I "let it all out.")

Welcome Under Armour to my Boston Marathon training wardrobe - glad to have you on board!

Customized Nike Running Shoes - Perfect for Boston Marathon

I am digging the Nike customizable shoes!

These are in our wedding colors (although the colors looked much less 80s throw up with the flowers and candles).

I want I need I have to have!!! Wait ... that doesn't match my New Year's resolution "be financially fit." Ah to dream...

Best post-run snack

Another Monday, another Lululemon fun run. Tonight's was a great run up to the Presidio and then down along the water - my running buddy and I talked dreams, goals, and where we want to be in 5-10 years. He promised me in 5 years he'd be rich and famous - I said I wanted to pre-order 5 stocks gratis.

Back home after the run I was greeted by an awesome dinner from chef-hub-es-Matt - chicken, salad, and sweet potato - yum! But after dinner came my real favorite post-run treat - gummy bears and pretzels - delicious! Seriously, I think you can't make a better snack than that combo ... unless maybe you dipped the pretzels and gummies in chocolate?...

The nerve of that perve!

My IT band is hurting again so I opted for the gym today instead of a run. Tom Petty blasting through my iPod, trash magazine in hand, I was perfectly oblivious walking down the street (the music and mag didn't make this walk any different - normally when I'm walking around on my own I'm not paying much attention to the passers by). Out of the corner of my eye I saw a man stop, look, then smile. Having just blown someone off yesterday (I was on a run and some guy stopped smiled and waved - after I kept running 10-steps past I heard "Amber Taylor! Amber Taylor!" Turns out he was one of the usuals from the Lululemon run group) and not wanting to be rude again, I stopped, turned, and smiled. What I saw made me want to puke. The guy looked me up and down like a lamb chop, then stared right at my no-no-zone smiling a huge dirty grin.

WTH!

Pervy pants pervy pants keep your eyes to yourself!

Needless to say, I shook my head, turned, and walked on - quicker this time than before.

Trying to motivate: Top reasons to run

I worked from home today which means it's 4pm and I'm on the couch still in my PJs (but I have been very productive - think new SEO strategy, customer reference program referrals, touchpoint analysis ... you get the idea). Since I've gotten into and stayed in cozy mode, rallying for a run is extremely difficult.

My first rally attempt? Runner's World "101 Kicks in the Butt."

Top three "kicks"?
1. CREATE A BLOG where you post your daily mileage, then give out the Web address to your friends and family.

Hah! Done.

2. MAMA, GET A NEW PAIR OF SHOES. Two-time Olympian Shayne Culpepper puts new gear she receives as an elite athlete to good use. "It's fun to break in a new pair of shoes," she says. "Sometimes that's enough to get me excited."
Do Jimmy Choos count? I think Matt would say "no."

3. RUNNING COMMENTARY "Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp, or are you going to be strong today?'" --Peter Maher, two-time Olympic marathoner from Canada

I'm working hard on this one.

OK, off I go!

Running article: "Running on the Shoulders of Giants"

(image from RunningTimes.com)

Sometimes when I'm trying to motivate for a run I browse running magazines - online pubs are great because while I subscribe to Runner's World, I can't afford to subscribe to all the mags I love.

Today on RunningTimes.com "Running on the Shoulders of Giants" is headlining chronicling one runner's ongoing proximity to and inspiration from "the great" distance runners of our time.

Reading the magazine I thought to my groups - GGRC, PacWest, and the Lululemon running group - there are a smattering of "new" runners, some incredible distance runners (some I think are nuts for the distances they trek), and all incredible runners. I think I get to run with the great runners of time, too. They may not grace the covers of magazines or be showcased in posters (actually, the head of PacWest is postered all over San Francisco (well deserved) but you get my drift), but they are the greats who lace up and head out to run.

The article goes on to suggest some recovery and training tips which are always useful - sometimes you know how to recover or train but you need to actually be reminded of how to do it.

Love at first click - Tretorn

As a marketer I'm always looking at "cool" websites and branding techniques. Today when I was site surfing ... OK, I admit, online shopping, I dove a little deeper into the Tretorn site and love it! I guess it helps that I love the goods, too.

Check it out: http://www.tretorn.com/

I'm impressed that they were able to work the almost fully flash based site work in Firefox as well as IE - kudos Tretorn. There are a few floopy design things (like dropdown overlay problems) and the online store not really aligning with the online flash site (no women's clothes on the flash site), but hey, no-one is perfect.

Goods I'm loving today? The Svea Patent W - perfect for post-run comfort - and the Mane sunglasses - hands down, best shades for the city - they're stylish but not duchey.

Race lineup

There are so many great races coming up this year - I can't wait! Here's a list of some local fun goodies (you can find more on runnersworld.com, active.com, the PCTR website, or the Envirosports website):

• 1/4/09 Lake Merced 4.5 M
• 1/11/09 PCTR Angel Island Trail Run (I heard that all the trails are finally re-opened - yay! I'm planning on doing this one for my first trail race of '09)
• 1/17/09 PCTR Pacifica 9K, 21K, 30K, 50K
  
• 1/18/09 Waterfront 10M
• 2/1/09 Kaiser half marathon (I'm planning on doing this with Linz and Brett)
  
• 1/25/09 Windmill 10K
• 2/7/09 PCTR Woodside 10K, 17K, 35K, 50K (another breathtaking view)
  
• 2/22/09 Embarcadero 10K
• 3/7/09 Envirosports Marin Trails 10K, 20K
• 3/17/09 Envirosports Romancing the Island 12k, 25K
  
• 3/21/09 Pirates Cove 8K, 20K, 30K, 50K
  
• 3/22/09 Fort Point 12K
• 4/5/09 Golden Gate Park 10k
• 4/11/09 Muir Woods 25K (this is a gorgeous race!)
• 4/19/09 Marin County Marathon and half (GOTR and Marathon Matt teamed up to do a training program for this one which is excellent)
• 4/20/09 Boston Marathon (I'm signed up and CAN'T WAIT!!!)
  
• 5/17/09 ING Bay to Breakers 12K (I'm already working on my costume)
• 7/19/09 Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon (Linz and I did this in it's inagural year and have been running almost ever race since)