Tag Archives: friends

2013 Running Goal

I’m not a hard-core runner, but I do run and I enjoy it.  I thought it’d be cool to give myself a mileage goal to achieve by the end of the year. So here goes, my 2013 running goal is:

500mi goal image 2

That breaks down to about 10 miles a week, give or take. I’m pretty sure to some this is an easy feat, but to others it’s not. This is a milestone, and I plan to reach it by the end of the 2013. Who’s coming with me?!

Who’s in?!  I’ll post updates here and there on where I’m at with mileage, and just about my running progress in general.

To keep track and stay on-point, I’ve downloaded a couple apps on my phone. I received recommendations from friends and other folks online but I couldn’t decide which one to go with, so I’m starting with two and we’ll see how they work out.  Both apps are free and available for both Android and iPhones. In addition both apps can be used to track and map mileage, set, track and achieve fitness goals and to connect with  friends via the applications with sharing capabilities to social network sites like Facebook and Twitter. So, the apps I got are

Both are very similar and so far there are things I like and dislike about each of them. In my Running Goal Updates you’ll also hear I’m liking/disliking the apps.

Need motivation? A while back I had a blog post with a bunch of running quotes. You can find them HERE.
And my favorite running quote is:

RunningCheaperthanthearapy, Quote, image

Recap of SkirtChasers 5K

Last weekend, my friends and I ran a 5k at an event called SkirtChasers. It began as a group of 7, but the day of the event we were rolling 5 strong.

One of the things that attracted us to the event was that it was marketed as a Singles event…lol. Whatever motivates you right?! The idea was, ladies start the race first and 3 minutes later the men start. It then appears as if all the men are chasing the women. The race ends at a Block Party featuring food, entertainment and bar. Niiiice one.   Singles are encouraged to wear stickers implying whether they are single or attached..etc etc.

The event took place at Tempe Beach Park, great location in downtown Tempe.  The temperature was a high of 77 degrees, but sure felt like it was in the mid 80′s.  Gotta love the weather in February. (Febrero es loco).

Thankfully we got there right before the crowds hit. So we were able to check in, get our packets and people watch for an hour. The diversity was quite interesting.   The event being called SkirtChasers and the idea was women wearing skirts, none of us wore skirts.  Many other people did though..including men.  There were people dressed up, almost in costumes, with wigs, tutus etc. and other just had tees or tank tops with notes such as “Catch Me if You Can“, “Call me for a good time“, some guys had their phone numbers written on their back, etc.

The Course

The course was flat as advertised, but there was quite an incline during the first half.

We all started the race together, but immediately took to our own speeds, finishing sporadically.  Below is a pic of all of us after the race. It was so hot, or at least it felt like it. I remember getting to halfway mark where volunteers were handing out water. I took one sip then threw the rest of the water over my head and chest.

The pic below is the two Michelle’s.  (myself and my friend Michelle) She finished in 27 minutes and I was behind her at 29.24. Both of us were happy with our times. Michelle did great..it was her first race and she did it in 27 minutes – Go Michelle!  My goal was to stay under 30minutes and I just made it.  

My goal for the next 5k is 27 minutes and some seconds.

The event registration came with 2 drink tickets and 1 meal ticket. The beer garden had Four Peaks beer, Barefoot Wine and food from Macayos.  I forget exactly which beer I got, but it was goooood. Oh my gosh, so good. It was a light beer and just perfect.  The meal ticket included a chimichanga with chips n salsa.  On a scale of 1-10, ten being good, the food was a 2.5.  I don’t have much to say about the food. I’m not a fan of Macayo’s as it is, but I do think they could’ve done something other than a chimichanga. The beer line was long as expected, but it wasn’t too bad as it gave another opportunity for people watching. After we used our drink tickets we were ready to bounce. Looking at the bar line and  feeling the heat from the sun made us realize we just wanted to go an actual bar and sit down. We walked down Mill Ave a few blocks to a place called Canteen.  We hung out there until about 8pm before calling it a night.

All in all, I’d say it was a great day. We didn’t meet any hot single guys, but after talking to everyone, all the girls said they had a good time. If I had to choose my favorite part of the day, it would be (okay, I have three favorite parts) (1.) the drive to the race chatting with the girls (2.) the last 20 seconds of the race when the finish line is right in front of you and you gain that extra ounce of energy to finish strong and (3.) hanging out at the bar afterwards.

For some of us, we were trying to beat an existing race time, or stay consistent with current running pace, or it was a first race. Each of us committed, followed through, and even pushed ourselves within our own limits...and we had fun. To me, that is what matters most.

Fitness Should Be Fun

Fitness should be fun!

When I came across this event called Skirt Chasers, I couldn’t help but rally up some friends to sign up.  It’s a 5k … but more. Here the info directly from their website:

The Race
A Skirt Chaser. Literally. Women start first, while men wait in anticipation for three LONG minutes. Once the men FINALLY start the chase is really on! What happens next is just over 3 miles of anticipation: Will the gals be caught? Will the guys get the thrill of not only the chase but also the win?

The Block Party
The Block Party features live music, games and a happy hour atmosphere with food and drinks. The sexy fashion show is a highlight- it features the latest Skirt Sports products and proves that the most gorgeous women are feminine and athletic! Awards will follow.

Single? This is your opportunity to flirt with like-minded athletes. We’ve even created stickers to signify those who are looking to meet someone – so you can flirt without opening your mouth!

Partnered up? You should make a bet – Winner gets a sexy back massage. Loser has to do the dishes for a month. The point is, a little competition adds spice to your relationship!

What Else is Special About the Skirt Chaser 5k? As part of your entry racers have the option to buy a skirt (well, technically we were thinking the skirts were for the women) for a song – just upgrade when you purchase your race entry! WAY cooler than a tee. Way sexier too!

Sounds cool huh? There are many elements of this event that I am drawn to. First the fact that it is 5k. (I plan to participate in more races this year) This is the type of brand in which I believe in their philosophy. They say, If you look good you feel good.  Can I get a What-What?! I’ve seen this to be true, especially for women, and even more true when working out. How often have we opted to not go to the gym, take a yoga class or go for a run/hike because we feel like we don’t have the right clothes/shoes, or what we do have is too old, etc etc. Having sometime nice to wear, or something we feel decent in, gives us a psychological and motivational push. Also once we do get into a fitness routine and begin to see the benefits, we feel better.
This company is so on point, and have developed a fitness apparel line based on that, and have moved to creating fun, fitness events that appeals to all types of people.

I have recruited six friends to do the 5k. I think it will be fun. I’m looking forward to recapping the event for you!

Create a Vision Board

A Vision Board is a collage of images, words and ideas that represent what we want. It’s been said that when we visualize what we want it gets the process going to actualizing those thoughts/ideas/goals.

I’ve been wanting to make a Vision Board for quite some time but never got around to it. Finally I sent an email over to a few friends and invited them over for a Vision Boarding party.  The gathering was  a success. It’s always fun to be around friends, but to do something together that involves goal-setting creates a different dynamic and it was awesome!

Have a Vision Board party of your own. Decide on a date and about 7-10 days out, send a short invite to a few friends. Ask them each to bring a stack of old magazines, a pair of scissors and drink/snack to share.

I provided poster boards and glue sticks. ($6 total)  Food and drink is always good, so I asked everyone to bring a snack or drink to share. I prepared a fun salad bar with various toppings and dressing.   Fun was had by all!

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Night Hiking at Squaw (Piestewa) Peak

Check out this view
 Being atop any mountain is wonderful.  At night it’s twice as nice.

Last night was my first night hike and definitely won’t be my last. We went to Squaw or Piestewa Peak mountain, located off of 24th Street & Lincoln.  My friend Leanne hikes and goes on backpacking trips often, so when she asked me to come along I was so excited. I had my flashlight in tow, but I wore my running shoes and I freakin slipped three times when we were coming down. aaaah.

Other than that – the hike was fun, peaceful, beautiful and a good time. We were able to catch up and just hang out. This pic shows me to left and Leanne to the right.

We hiked the Summit trail, which is 1.2 miles to the top. The beginning of the trail is pretty simple  but the higher up you go the trail becomes thinner and steeper making it slightly difficult. Going up is always easier than going down. For me, at least.
So back to me slipping three times. Oh my gosh, I’m pretty positive that I manifested that whole episode. I was so worried about slipping and possibly becoming one of persons who had to be rescued by helicopter – that I was soley focused on that when we were coming back down. The shoes definitely played a factor, but I think if I wasn’t thinking about slipping that it may not have happened. I also scraped my arm. (sad face)

Squaw (Piestewa) Peak is a great mountain. The Summit trail (the most popular) is extremely steep but it’s a great workout. You can feel it in your glutes and quads.  I’ve noticed that weekends at Squaw Peak are very, very busy. Tons of people. (tons of shirtless guys too!)  I recommend this mountain to anyone. They have various trails with varying levels of difficulty.  Check it out. Even try a night hike if your up to it. I don’t recommend going alone. Please take a flashlight as it’s very dark.