Zooma Texas 2015

 I have been pretty loyal to running Zooma races. I ran the first Zooma in 2007 in Annapolis. I have run a Zooma race every year since that time. My first race report was Zooma last year. The Texas course is tough ... hot, hilly. But, there is no way I wasn't running Zooma again this year. It's a "must-do" race for me. It's fun. Very women-centric. This year they had a girlfriend special and Sorority Girl and I signed up together and we each got a discount.

Both of us were able to get off work a little early and drive to Bastrop. The race is held at the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort and we wanted to get in and settled. I have turned Sorority Girl into an INKnBURN FANATIC and we were both dressed in INKnBURN kits for packet pick-up. Lace is the new spring line and it's really kind of sexy. Robot is an older design that is no longer available. Great traveling gear. As usual whenever I wear INKnBURN, got tons of compliments. I handed out lots of ambassador cards. We checked in and headed to packet pick-up. Always a little nicer and female-centric swag. Tech shirt without a lot of logos. Feetures socks (my fav). Journal. Mini-toothpaste from Tom's. Athleta reusable shopping bag.  They had a few exhibitors and Sorority Girl bought a Silpada necklace. I have realized that my head is not meant for hats and I knew it would be sunny. I was hoping for a visor and found one with the Zooma logo. Wish it weren't black, but needed a visor. Sorority Girl also schmoozed the Feetures rep and we were able to score some of their new compression socks. Promised to wear them for the race.  (They were super comfortable. No blisters. No swollen cankles. And no sore calves. Win!!!)

 We got settled. Had some dinner at the resort. Sat in the hot tub and prepared for morning. They had some temporary tattoos, so what the heck ... put one on my wrist. I don't usually take pics of my race-day set-up ... but a bunch of FB friends were posting their "flat mamas" for the following day, so we did too.

 Why do races start so early? Alarm went off and we both groaned. After rolling out of bed, we mixed up some oatmeal and stumbled to the start line. We were both dressed in new INKnBURN Ryu. We had just received these tops earlier in the week. I wore Ryu Blue Tech T and Sorority Girl was in Ryu Green Singlet. I think they pair fantastic with Bloom Shorts. I always feel pretty special in INKnBURN. We got lots of compliments. A few people recognized the design. And, it's not just pretty ... they are so comfortable. Like wearing sweatproof silk. And sure ... orange shorts with pink compression socks and green Hokas? Oh well ... at least no one can accuse me of being too matchy. The resort Llamas were available for gentle neck scratches. Don't scratch too high on the neck, they don't like that. No spitting, that's good.

 Before we knew it, we were starting the "race." It seemed so much smaller this year than previous years, but the Austin 10/20 was the next day and I suspect a lot of people were doing that. Both of us had been on injured reserve and we planned to go super easy. Set intervals to 3-minute-run, 2-minute-walk. Remember, last week I was DONE at mile 9 and wasn't sure how my hip strength was going to do on the hills. It went OK at first. Better than last year. At least I didn't lose the walkers in the first 10 minutes. And yes, it was hills, hills, and hills.

Buuutttt ... somewhere around mile 6, the intervals turned into 3-minutes-walk and 2-minutes-run. Then, it rapidly turned into mostly walk. Good thing we were just out for a long, leisurely Sunday stroll. Yes, the Bluebonnets were in full bloom. And yes, I lollygagged and took pictures of flowers.

 

 Mile 7 and my favorite picture. I had been looking for this barn. I just love this barn and this tree. It feels so Wizard of Oz to me. I had to get another picture this year to match last year.

 I have to say, all along the course, the volunteers were AMAZING!! When we strolled past, they cheered like we were running with the lead pack. About mile 9, we encountered a dog and pet him. He tried to follow ... oops, but we found his home and he trotted back to his yard.

Mile 10 and we are back on resort property. Yes, I got distracted by ponies and longhorns.

 The rest of the course was on the golf course and I was completely mesmerized by the trees this  year. The leaves haven't started filling in and for some reason, the skeletons of branches were just beautiful. This part of the course was flat. Thank goodness. We were very happy that we started passing people and felt a little more spry to do more running than walking. We were especially happy to pass the girl who was leisurely strolling with a PURSE slung over her shoulders. We checked, yes, she was wearing a bib. She had been ahead of us the whole race. A PURSE?!?!?! Were we really THAT leisurely?

 

 Finally, as we started, Sorority Girl and I finished ... together. So, last year was my PR for slowest half marathon EVER!!! I was happy that I did not set a PR this year. I was a whopping 2 minutes faster.

 We picked up our medals. Thanks volunteers who stayed out there until we were done. I have to admit, I LOVED when Zooma medals were charms on little silver chains. I don't need big medals. I am glad, though that they have detachable charms still to keep the charms going. But ... no chain for the charms. Aaaannddd ... I'm too lazy to take the charm off and find a chain for it. Also sad that the 10K and 5K don't get charms on their medals. This particular race is really tough with the hills and the heat comes on quickly despite the chilly start. I really want the charm. I know ... silly. I have to think long and hard about this race in the future. If I am going to keep doing Zooma halfs, I may have to start traveling. Wine Country?

 After finding some food, we found the really important things ... Barefoot Wine. YUM!!! And the cups change color with temperature change. YES!!! The little things that amuse and excite me. OK ... probably will see you next year.

Little Lace Box March 2015

Little Lace Box is a newer subscription box for women. It's curated for women by three sisters and isn't really described as a "lifestyle" box, but curates their boxes around particular themes. They used to be a monthly box and that changed after the March box. They had some challenges in February with production and distribution due to weather and dock strikes and the like. I think because of their popularity, they grew really fast and it has been challenging keeping up. After March ... the subscriptions are going to every other month ... six times a year. I had an annual subscription ... so it extends it out 20 months for the remaining 10 boxes. No complaints.

You can purchase a bi-monthly subscription for $59.99. 3 boxes over 6 months for $149.97. 6 boxes over 12 months for $269.99. If you have a recurring subscription, you can email them to suspend subscription for any reason and then resume when  you are ready.  I purchased mine when the annual (12-box) subscription was $383.90 ($31.99/box). Shipping is between the 20th-23rd each month and they bill monthly just before shipping.  If you like items you receive and want more, they have an on-line boutique where you can purchase more. For every dollar you spend in the boutique or on the purchase of the box, you get a loyalty point.  50 loyalty points is one dollar to spend in the boutique.

Shipping is between the 21st and 23rd of the month. I was very anxious for arrival and was a bit grabby when my husband handed me mail. This month was about sunshine and rejuvenation after a long winter.

First up: Cali Baronessa Torocco Shampoo & Conditioner: Some people received the Olivia line with olive oil. I'm really glad I received the Torocco line. OMIGOSH!!! This smells edible. The blood orange scent comes through. Supposed to be good for all hair types. This works nicely in my thick, curly, frizzy hair. So, it's a win. Retail $31.99

Next: Kate Spade Water Bottle: If you look in my cabinets, and much to the chagrin of my poor husband, you will see that I love water bottles. I carry one with me all the time. This water bottle is different from the others. It's real glass and has a rubber gripper sleeve. I probably wouldn't take it with me on a run or to the gym. But, it makes me feel a little fancy at yoga and at work. Retail $29.99.

Third item in the box: All-Natural Urban Spa Sea Sponge: This is actually a pretty dense sponge. I have some angst about it because I try to avoid all animal products and sea sponges are technically animal. But, I haven't heard that they have a nervous system, so I'm on the fence. I also don't object to most insect products, soooo.... And it is sustainably harvested which is another important factor when I think about animal product use. I think I'll keep it. Retail $13.99

 Finally: 12"X12" Gallery Wrap Mounted Canvas Print: OK, I will admit it ... at first I was underwhelmed. I wanted a "thing." This requires thought and effort on my part. But the more I thought about it, the more I LOVE IT!!! It's personal. I get to put my own personal spin, my own favorite picture. I thought about the Kukaniloko Birthing Stones in Hawaii. But, I'm going to Africa in September. I'm saving my code (which is good until the end of the year) for a safari picture!!! Yes, I love the canvas wrap print. It will be one of a kind, all my own, and special. The unique discount code was emailed to me and I think (haven't confirmed) that it's in my account. Retail $51.99.



 Verdict: For 31.99, the box contained $127.96 worth of items. So ... points for value. And, I thought it was beautifully curated. I love the theme. You really can tell that the sisters put a lot of their heart into the curation. It feels very personal ... to them and to me. I am so glad that I subscribed when I did and I will continue. I don't mind that the boxes are now bi-monthly because it is obvious that they put a lot of thought into the curation. It's not filled with products that were sent to them for marketing purposes.

Next box: Nonna's Kitchen. I love that they write what feels like a personal note explaining the thought process behind the curation. I can't wait until April.

(These are my personal opinions. I have no affiliation with the product and receive no compensation for my reviews)

Alamo 13.1..The Best Little Half in Texas

Because I’m such a big fan of local races and, especially the organized races of Purpose. Race. Events, I had signed up for Alamo 13.1 long before I started prolotherapy. 

I had prolotherapy session #3 9 days before the race. I swear I have been religious about physical therapy, but I feel like that hip is getting weaker, not stronger. I asked the doc and he said it was not unexpected. (I love doc double-speak and do it all the time myself.) For 3 months, we have been poking little holes in my gluteus medius tendon and injecting inflammatory agents. Of course, my gluteus medius was not firing properly. It was not working so that the tendon wouldn’t be strained while it heals and regenerates. Something about my butt being smarter than my head …

Anyway, let’s keep going. I know races require volunteers. Purpose. Race. Events volunteers have always been great and in the week leading to the race, there were a few messages on Facebook and email asking for volunteers. I wrote and said I would volunteer for packet pick-up on Saturday. It was raining cats and dogs and Packet Pick-up moved indoors in La Villita.  I met the organizers and was just as impressed as always. They are really really nice people who care about individual racers. They really summed it up when they said they appreciate the support because they are all racers themselves and want to make their races “special.”  I wore my INKnBURN Amigo and Lace Capri because it seemed appropriate. I was given my volunteer shirt and wore it over Amigo. Before I put on my shirt, I did get lots of compliments ... as usual ... on my clothing. 

 I was assigned the final stop and bag check-out. Simply my location made me a sort of de facto information booth which was sort of fun. I tried to answer questions … or find answers … or just give support and advice (and platitudes). I got to meet lots of really nice people. Several folks came from Austin. A few people were in town on business and thought this would be fun. One couple traveled from Oregon just to do this race. I ran into a doc from SAMMC (she came in 4^th in her age group), Coach J, IronMama Bel, and Amanda –another  INKnBURN ambassador who was visiting from Arizona. It was funny … I recognized her at a distance because I noticed, and coveted, her shirt. I checked Facebook to confirm it was her. Small world. I also picked up my race number and sweet swag.  Always a nice Technical T-Shirt without logos. And, always a nice bag … this time the half-marathoners were given a small lightweight duffel.

Set up on Saturday night. I knew it was going to be a lonelier run than usual. The Accountant was sick. Sorority Girl was sick. But, PowerBroker was still going … we have different paces, but she would be fun to follow and she would hang back with me a bit. Heather was running. We have similar pace, but she is steady, where I’m all over the place.

 

Sunday morning, the alarm went off at 5 AM. PowerBroker texted 5 minutes later to cancel. It’s been a rough week. So, I drove down town, found parking, and walked to the Alamo. Took a few fun pictures. Said "Hello" to IronMama Bel. Met up with Heather. Amanda zoomed by us. 

Before the start, we were told about the purpose of this race … support of Trisomy Awareness and some inspiration. A prayer was said. The racers sang the National Anthem. There was a musket volley followed by a cannon blast to start the race.

 I seeded near the back and figured I would follow my usual plan … start slow and get slower. As I passed the start, there was Karina hanging out on the Bike. Lifetime Fitness Bike Club was providing support and she was the sweeper. Shout out and keep going. The first mile and we had circled back to the Alamo. The community was out cheering on runners. Just after the first mile, we had our first water stop and then the 5K split off. After that we had water stops about every mile. I always carry my own, so not really important to me, but important to other people.

Between Mile 2 and 3, we crossed a bridge and had a spectacular view of the city. Until this time, we had been running past beautiful old homes in cute neighborhoods. After this, I knew the biggest hill was behind us and there shouldn’t be much elevation change for the rest of the run.

Somewhere around Mile 3ish, we entered Brackenridge Park and did some running along trails and paved paths. Alongside the Golf Course. Through beautiful tree-lined paths. A variety of waterfowl just hanging out at the lake. Oh … and a wee bit of mud that was covered with rugs, but still soggy. In this area, there were a few sections of two-way traffic, so it was fun to see the leaders coming back a bit. At least at my pace it didn’t get congested. The bike support was encouraging with shout-outs and they did make space for the oncoming runners to make sure the speedy folks didn’t get slowed down by the turtles.

 Mile 5 and the 10K split off. The sun was starting to come out and … remember the rain from yesterday …well, that meant humidity today. As we crossed over into University of Incarnate Word, we stopped a bit to let some of the traffic thin out. I didn’t mind at all … forced rest!!! Nice run through the campus and we didn’t do the really big hills. Then another forced break to cross back to the Park.

Honestly, this is worse than usual. I blame
prolotherapy and weakened gluteus medius.
And, It really hurts right now.

Then it hit. Mile 9. Since Gluteus Medius is taking a break, Gluteus Maximus and Minimus and Piriformis were working harder. They revolted. No more lateral support and my left knee kept hitting my right knee and the pain in the butt was real. I remembered some words from my doc “…..blah blah blah …. don’t push …. blah blah blah … impact … resistance …. blah blah blah … Tendon Rupture …” My run was done. I was going to walk it in from here. Yes, demoralizing. Passed a guy who was suffering more than me. Said he had been doing great until Mile 7 when his knee quit and he was walking it in, too. Despite walking, I still passed a few folks and many passed me.

Mile 11 … Riverwalk is always lovely to run along. The flowers are in bloom and smell great. Heather caught up to me. We talked a minute and she kept going. She was pacing now exactly as she had targeted from the beginning. That girl is steady.

Mile 12 … Black Girls Run had the most encouraging, enthusiastic, energetic water stop. There were a couple of guys I had seen earlier with the funniest signs. “If you were a vegetable, you would be a cutecumber.” “The guy behind you is checking out your butt.” First time I saw them, I said …”He better be checking out my butt” because the new lace Capris from INKnBURN are awesome. He said “fo sho.” This time, another runner was passing me and I asked … “were you just checking out my butt?” He stuttered and blushed, so I think the answer was “yes.” We were then back up on the street and a girl I had been close behind for the last few miles was on a stretcher, crying, being put in an ambulance. I don’t know her. But, I almost wept for her/with her, too. 

 Finally … I see the Alamo and the finish line. I am not going to walk the finish chute, so I kick up a bit for a final run. OUCH!!! MY ASS REALLY HURTS!!!!

Agony!!

Happy to be done!!!

Thanks for the medal and the water. No thanks for the Chocolate Milk (but I’m sure other people appreciated it). Heather was a minute ahead of me. We said our congratulations. Her boyfriend had been finished for a while. He was so cute and attentive taking care of her. Went to get some food. Yes to the fruit boat. Yes to the Baked Potato ….they gave me mine plain as requested. No thanks to the Pizza, but I wanted it. Then a slow meander to my car. Along the route to my car I saw a few final runners coming in. Karina told about how much she was inspired by those final runners who “Fought to the Finish.”  I’m really ready to be done now. And, if you have read this far, you are too.

Yes, I will share my shame

 

Just a few final notes …

See how much happier she looks than me?
I think she's famous for her cheesy grin.

1.   My INKnBURN didn’t fail me. Comfortable in the sloggy humidity. Really fast wicking. And cute enough to get attention. Amanda wore the full lace kit and got lots of comments. But, she’s so stinking cute that she gets a ton of attention anyway.

2. I love the Purpose Wall. People wrote messages of the purpose of their run.

3.   Although I didn’t stay, I love that the organizers have a raffle at the end of the race … after the final runner … for CA$H!! It keeps folks hanging around to support those final finishers. Here is an amazing Blog Post about the final finish line experience. Trust me, it's worth the read and far better than anything I could have written. Now I regret that I didn't stay for the finish. 

4. Congratulations to Amanda and IronMama Bel for sub-2-hour PRs

Thumbs up all around for “The Best Little Half in Texas.”  And, thanks for the free race photos. 

Aaand ... Purpose.Race.Events has a new race planned this year. Sign up for the Masquerade Half at the JW Marriott on Halloween. What a great way to show off your running costumes. And they are having a Masquerade Ball in the evening. Super cool!!!