A Very Special Weekend

I almost didn't do my speedwork today because I wasn't sure I could sneak it in my hectic day.  Good thing I felt guilty and ended up doing it. Haha!  Just finished my workout and I am composing this post while I'm resting/catching my breath.

I am soooooo excited for this weekend because my sistahs are coming over!  They are not my sisters by blood.  They are actually Mike's sisters, which makes them my future sisters-in-law.  Yes, we are VERY close and I love them so much.  I have not seen them for a very long time.

Cherie (far left) is a very famous actress back home in the Philippines.   
Elaine (far right) is a bada** tennis player from Northern California.   
Maricar (2nd from the left) is a sweet prep school teacher back home too.
And that's me (second from the right) with short hair ... I'm a runner... soon to be triathlete.  Woot! Haha!

Cherie and Elaine are arriving tomorrow and I am BEYOND excited!  Unfortunately. Maricar won't be able to come so the Sex and the City ladies will not be complete. =(  I still dream of the day that all four of us will be together again in one place.

But, before they arrive tomorrow, I will meet up with my newly found bike group.  Excited about that as well since I will finally get to ride on the main road!

It's gonna be a weekend of laughter, love, wining and dining, watching the Oscar's, and loads of FUN!

Wishing you all a lovely weekend!  Nothing like spending it with your loved ones. =)

Check out this giveaway by Sefa - http://ssfitexpress.blogspot.com/2011/02/s-swag-giveaway-and-oh-yeahday-54-core.html

What are your plans for this weekend?
Do you also get along very well your sister(s)-in-law?

Posts you might have missed this week:

The Daniel Plan 

3 Things Tuesday 
 

3 Things Tuesday

This post is two days early. Just can't wait until Thursday to share it.  Yes, I am THAT excited!

1.  Just in case you missed it on my Facebook Page...last week I signed up for my very first Triathlon.  Woohoo!  It's the Redondo Beach Triathlon in June.  It's 1/2 mile swim, 6 mile bike and, 2 mile run.  I'm stoked! LET'S DO THIS!!! =)

2.  Since I got my bike, I haven't gone on the main road yet.  Too scared to go alone! So I found a bike club here in our area and I am joining them this Saturday morning for a short 10 mile ride.  I'm so excited to meet new friends and to learn from them.  I need all the help I can get!

3.  I've been working out twice a day for the past 2 weeks.  I do my bike, swim or run in the morning.  Then at night, I go to the gym with Mike where I can supervise his workout (READ: go all Jillian Michaels on him.  RRrrraaaawr!) while I do my own (strength training, lifting weights, or use the elliptical machine).  I love it!  I love that we can workout together...finally! =)

Anything advice for a newbie wannabe triathlete?

Do you workout with your significant other?

Posts you might have missed this week:

The Daniel Plan 

The Daniel Plan

World medical authorities Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Daniel Amen have joined together with our Saddleback Church to create this healthy lifestyle program called, The Daniel Plan.  I know you know these doctors, right?  if not, just click on the link to see a quick profile.

The Daniel Plan is the reason why my family has adapted a healthy lifestyle for the past few weeks -- we're eating more veggies and less meat,  we're exercising more, and mindful of what we eat.  We've been this way for quite some time already but even more so now.

As a result, we feel more energized than ever,  exercise has become a habit for the whole family (it just used to be me), and Mike and I each lost 5 lbs in one week among other things.

I wasn't so sure then if I wanted to do this.  I just thought I mostly knew everything about these things already - about the food choices I make, how to cook healthy meals, which food product is bad, etc. but ever since I started this plan I realized that I still have a lot to learn.  And everyday, as the The Daniel Plan website uploads more articles, info, and video interviews of these top doctors, I learn something new.

So my dear bloggie buddies, I would like to invite you to check out The Daniel Plan website.  We are already on week 5 but you can still catch up (Mike and I just started two weeks ago). There you will see the good food list, understanding labels, shopping list, best brain foods, vitamin supplements, and many more! You can also track your progress there as well.  I love it so much because it is the closest I could get to having these the amazing men as my doctor.  They personally designed this plan.  And it's FREE!

"The Daniel Plan is designed to help people adapt a healthy lifestyle through a comprehensive 52-week journey--not just another short-lived diet"

I truly enjoy the videos of the the 3 doctors.  I just learn a lot!  Example: Did you know the best/healthiest oil for cooking in medium to high heat is grapeseed oil (not olive oil because it will release toxins)?  You did?  Well, I didn't know that.  It's just one off the things I learned.

Before I end this post, I want to share with you the video that sucked me into this program - The video that convinced me and my family to join...

Click HERE and watch session 2 (video of Dr. Amen). After that, I just signed up and continued to watch everything and filled my brain with useful information which I passed along to my family.  And now I'm passing it on to YOU coz I wuv you guys! Haha!  Oh and I wasn't asked to or paid to post about this.  This is just the way I am.  When I truly believe in something, I share it.  Why keep a good thing all to yourself, right?

No but seriously, just check it out.  You'll never know what you might learn that can be very helpful for your health.

Happy Monday everyone! =)

Connect:
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/theDanielPlan
Twitter - @TheDanielPlan

BuildASign Winner & This Week's Roundup

The lucky reader who won the 50 bumper stickers of her own with however many designs they want from BuildAsign is...

Pink Hat Runner @ http://pinkhatrunner.blogspot.com/

Congratulations!  Shoot me an email to claim your prize! =)

Thanks to everyone who participated and do watch out for my next giveaway this week =)

----------------------------

End of the Week Roundup

Here's a roundup of the week's postings all in one place in case you missed any of them!

• My Race Recap & Review: Surf City Marathon 

• I asked, Why Do You Love Running? And you answered.

• A Review and Votes Needed!  Thanks to everyone who commented.

Gear Review and Giveaway: BuildASign Bumper Sticker & Magnet

I was contacted by BuildASign to test out two of their products - Bumper Sticker and Magnets.

They have a really easy design tool where you can customize everything.  "Design. Proof. Buy. In under 5 Minutes",  it says in their site!  I think it took me more like 5 days (or maybe more!)!  Totally my fault.  Just couldn't decide on a design.

They have so many products to choose from - car wraps, license plates, plywood signs, vinyl decals, flags, etc.  I already have a license plate design in mind. =)

Thanks to BuildASign, I was able to create some bumper stickers to giveaway to whoever wants them.  I sure hope some of you do!  You do love me right?  You can put them anywhere you please.  The bumper sticker I got from Molly is now on my wall where my race blings and bibs are. *hint* :p

Do let me know if you have your own sticker and I would like to ask for one.

So here are my bumper stickers.  I made different designs for male and female runners and triathletes with my favorite mantra and bible quote except for one...

 
Just let me know if you want sticker number 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. Shoot me an email with you name and address and I'll send it to you asap.

If you want a chance to create a bumper sticker of your own.  Join my giveaway below!

Giveaway

Thanks to Megan E. of BuildASign, one lucky reader will win 50 bumper stickers of their own with however many designs they want.

Please remember to leave a SEPARATE comment for EACH of the things below.  1 comment = 1 entry.  I suggest you do everything specified below to increase your chances of winning.  If you do all 11, that's 11 entries!

I will announce the winner this coming Sunday, Feb. 20.

Please remember to leave a SEPARATE comment for EACH of the things below.  1 comment = 1 entry.  I suggest you do everything specified below to increase your chances of winning.  If you do all 11, that's 11 entries!

Mandatory:

1.  Must be a FOLLOWER of my blog. I'm doing this because it's my way of thanking you for being one! =) Click the Follow button located at my right sidebar. And let me know that you are following already by posting a comment here like, "I am a follower" .  I am always happy to see new people following. = 1 entry

2.  Visit the BuildASign Website. Let me know which of their products you like most. Post it on my comments again. = 1 entry

Extra Credit
3.  Follow me on Twitter (@HotlegsRunner) and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry

4.  Follow BuildASign on Twitter (@buildasign) and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
5.  Like the Hotlegs Runner on FACEBOOK and leave a hi or any greeting on my wall or comment on anything posted on my wall.  Come back here and leave a comment here that lets me know that you did = 1 entry
6.  Like BuildASign on FACEBOOK, post on their wall saying Hotlegs Runner sent ya, and leave a comment here that lets me know that you did. = 1 entry
7.  Post the link to this giveaway on your blog, Twitter and/or Facebook linking back to here.  Let me know when you've spread the word. Leave a comment for EACH. = 3 entries
8.  Add me to your blog roll. = 1 entry 

9.  Answer this: What will your bumper sticker say?

Good luck!
Disclaimer:  I did not pay for these BuildASign Products  They were sent to me and in exchange, I post an honest review of it.  I was not compensated nor was I encouraged by the manufacturer to post a positive review.  This review is based solely on my experience with this product.

Posts you might have missed this week:

Race Recap & Review: Surf City Marathon

Why Do You Love Running?

A Review and Votes Needed

Let me start off by saying I love CSN Stores!  In case you haven't heard of them yet, it's like your one stop online shop for everything.  CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything like modern office furniture, shoes, jewelry, exercise and fitness stuff, and a whole lot more!

As you know, we just got our place so we are slowly decorating it - slowly converting it from a house into a home.  Some of the stuff we have here at home were purchased from CSN Stores. I have to say that their shipping was fast and all arrived in good condition and exactly as described on their site. 

You cannot possibly finish browsing through the CSN Stores site in one day.  They have so much to offer and so much too choose from!  That being said, I need your vote on something.  Let me know which I should purchase next.

1.  Dash and Albert Rugs - RDA060 - Woven Aquinnah Cotton Contemporary Rug
   - this is our living room's color palette.

2.  Simplehuman - kt1078 - Sensor Soap Pump
  -  I've always wanted this! =))

3.  Cory Everson - 2103KB - Kettle Bell Set with Storage Rack
  -  ok...ok...this is certainly not some sort of decor for the home but it does match our color palette!  Haha! There's also one for each family member. :p

So...which one do you think I should get next? =)

Why Do You Love Running?

In celebration of Valentine's day yesterday, I asked this question on my Facebook Page.  Thanks to those who answered.  I have to agree with them all.  Such great replies to a simple question...

"I would have to say I run to stay in shape. As I get older it is harder to keep the weight off. I do love running in the mornings when not alot of people are up and the birds are sing. It doesnt get any better that." - Penny Eckstein Frey


"It helps me love myself better! It releases my tension and stress and anxiety. I'm not a big crier--although I have strong emotions--I sweat my tears!! Its something I do for myself and no one else can do it for me and it really benefits no one but me. Which is important for a busy, working mom of 3 young kids. And it sets a great example for my 3 daughters." - Corinna Castillo


"I love running, because God gave me a natural gift, that I cannot squander. I use this gift to help inspire others in running, and to share my love for the volunteers and charitable foundations." - Friendy McFrienderson


"I love running because ... it gives me alone time to think & pray; I can compete against myself instead of others; I feel amazing when I finish a run!" - Heather Underwood


"I love to run because I love to feel my body in motion. I love the way that my success (or failure) is truely a reflection of my efforts, dedication, sacrifice. No one can take that away from me. No.One." - Gene Soboleski

"I love running because it makes me strong, it is challenging, it allows me to eat cookies and not feel guilty and I love seeing the progression throughout years of running." - Megan Fay


"I love running because it is my freedom. :) I can take time to think and relax and take care of myself. I love the way it makes me feel like I can accomplish great things, like whatever I set my mind too! :)" - Sara Phythyon Wyen


"it's my own version of stresstab :-)" - Teresa Gangan

"I love running because it's my time, a race against myself, and there are always different ways to challenge myself : )" - Molly Sleeper Baker


To my dear runner friends, may it be the kind of love that will never cease.  We are committed!  This is our passion. 

How about you? 

Why do you love running?  

Posts you might have missed this week:

Race Recap & Review: Surf City Marathon

Race Review & Recap: Surf City Marathon 2011

Aaaaannnnddd... more than a week after comes my Surf City Marathon Race Review and Recap!

We were 30 minutes early coz we wanted to get the closest parking to the start and finish line.  Unfortunately, a whole lot of other people woke up much earlier than we did and beat us to it.  That's alright.  I needed the warm up anyway.

# 1 LOVE - There were a lot of restrooms.  Yes!  I was able to use them twice before the start so once again, I didn't need to use it during the marathon.


Miles 1-2 Huntington Beach Pier and Main Street
The Start was right on Pacific Coast Highway between the ocean and the Hilton Waterfront Beach Hotel.  It was coooold! Brrr!  Gun start was at 6:30 and it was still dark as you can see...

We headed north towards the Huntington Beach Pier and Main Street.  I tried not to get all excited and maintained an easy pace. Must conserve energy.

Miles 2 -9 Huntington Central Park
# 2 LOVE - I have to say this is my favorite part of the course (I thought it was gonna be the oceanfront). We ran through the beautiful park, by the lake and was cheered on by lots of enthusiastic kid volunteers.  They were the best really! 


Miles 9-15 Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
We were back on the PCH and you can hear (and smell) the ocean.  It was still cold and a bit foggy.  Yey! halfway there.

Miles 16-25 Beachfront Running Path
Between these miles I realized that I was getting tired.  It was all mental from here all the way to the finish line.  I drew motivation from anything and everything I could see and hear right on the course - the beautiful ocean, the sound of the waves, the birds, the surfers, etc. (# 3 LOVE)  I even recalled words from you guys, my bloggie buddies, to get me going.

-  Jen telling me, "Suck it up, Buttercup!
-  Carina screaming, "Push!"
-  Emz assuring me, "You've freakin' got this!"
-  Jason reminding me, "Yes you CAN!"
-  James Franco lovingly uttering the words, "I believe in you!"

Wait? Whut? Huh? I'm starting to hallucinate!

It was getting really warm.  The sun was finally out and I...was...exhausted!!!  You can actually tell by looking at my photos.  I didn't even feel tired during my first marathon.  "Ok fine, maybe it wasn't a good idea to do my 2nd Mary just two months after my first. But I am gonna finish this and I will PR even if it's just a freakin' minute!", I thought.

looks like I fell asleep here! hahaha! :p

The Last Mile
Finally!!!  But it felt like 5 more!  That was the longest mile EVER.  But I had to dig deep.  Bring it on, Hotlegs!  I used the last mile to thank God for an injury-free run.  Tired, but thankful that I wasn't in any pain.  I started kicking it during the last 100 meters.  As soon as I could see the finish line, I started to sprint.  I was very tired but... I. WILL. FINISH. STRONG.  And I did.
 

I crossed the finish line at 5:17:10.  Ugh!  If only I went a little faster I could've done so under 5:17.  Darn those 10 seconds.  But it was still a PR for me.  It's just 2 minutes faster than my last but still a PR.

I'm giving this marathon a 5 HOT LEGS rating (perfect!)...



I really have nothing bad to say or complain about. Beautiful oceanfront course, cool weather, the best and most enthusiastic spectators and volunteers ever, numerous hydration stations, mile markers, post-race food, and the pretties/coolest medal I have so far!

Marathon #2...DONE!

More photos from the marathon HERE!!!

HAPPY VALENTINE's DAY!!! 
I have a question for you on my Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/HotlegsRunner Would love to hear from you! Kindly leave your replies there (not here).
Will feature replies in my blog post some time this week. =) 

Fuel Belt Winner & This Week's Roundup

Thanks to everyone who joined and watch out for my next giveaway this week!

And the winner is....

 

#30 Jason @ http://cooktraineatrace.com/

Congratulations Jason!

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End of the Week Roundup

Here's a roundup of the week's postings all in one place in case you missed any of them!

• Hey guys...I'd Like You to Meet Someone...

• Hodgepodge of stuff - 3 Things Thursday: Surf City Marathon Expo, Bike Fit, & a Party

3 Things Thursday: Surf City Marathon Expo, Bike Fit, & a Party

The title should really be "3 Things I Wanna Talk about This Thursday!"

Golly, this is post is almost a week old! Sorry! Been really busy and I haven't visited your blogs in a while. Will get to that later.

Expo

As you know, I just finished my 2nd mary last Sunday and the day before that was the expo.  It was supposed to be a bloggie meet up at the expo with Racing Dawn, Patrick and Chris K. Months in the making and I wasn't there!

Photo from Patrick's blog.  I should've been in it. Ugh!  *envious*

It was a busy day for me and I had to go to the expo early, pick up my bike (woot!) and go to my god-son's birthday party.  We were very late for that one!

Anyway, back to the expo...

We got there around 11am and there was a loooong line from the entrance to the parking lot.  "What? A line to enter the expo?  That's a first!", the lady behind me complained.  My thoughts exactly!  But, the line was moving pretty fast, so no biggie.

There were a lot of people inside but it wasn't crazy crowded.  Getting my race number and shirt (hooray for the correct size!) was a breeze.  Got some GU gels and a new visor from Halo.  

We were on our way out when I decided to have my photo taken on a surfboard.  Looks silly coz I was wearing jeans! LOL!

Bike Fit & Pick-Up
After that, we drove down to Newport Beach for my bike fit and well, to pick up my very first roadie. =)

I didn't bring my running shoes (duh!) but it's a good thing I had my shorts in the car and the shirt from the expo for my bike fit. George asked me to pedal really fast at one point and I was getting exhausted and a bit worried.  My thought bubble was, "Um, George, I'm running a marathon tomorrow."  Haha!

Birthday Party

We were late!  But our friends were still there and the birthday boy!  It was around 4pm already and we haven't had lunch yet!  Thankfully, there was still food too!  I practically wolfed down the chili and cornbread! Yum!

Just a photo of the cake. 

Dunno if my god-son's mom would allow me to post a photo of his son here.

Well those are the 3 Things I wanna talk about this Thursday.  I managed to put overdue stuff in one post! 0_0  Yup, that busy!

 

Hope everyone is having an awesome day! Promise to visit your blogs soon.  =)

More Photos:
Expo - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=49974&id=116925778329892
Bike Fit - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=49976&id=116925778329892

Posts you might have missed this week: 

Gear Review & Giveaway: FuelBelt

I'd Like You to Meet Someone...

I'd Like You to Meet Someone...

She's FINALLY here!!!

Isn't she preeeetty?! She's gonna have more PINK on her soon! For now it's just the handlebars. =)

I named her, "ISIS". Dunno why, really. She just looks like an Isis to me. That's pretty much how I name my furbabies. Haha!

Well, ok it must mean something.

How about it being an acronym for, "I SHOULD IDEALLY Succeed?"

Hmmm... How about... "I SHALL IMMENSELY Succeed?"

I think that's better. Sounds more positive! Wooh!..."Immensely!" Talk about pressure! :p

Can't wait to take her out for a ride later.

TRIATHLONS...here I come! =)

Wait!  What?  Huh? I need to train first? :p

Posts you might have missed this week:

Gear Review & Giveaway: FuelBelt

Gear Review and Giveaway: FuelBelt

I wanted to wear my Helium 4-bottle Belt from FuelBelt during my second marathon so I could review it properly. I was having some issues with the race number attachments but I'll let you know how I solved it.

But first, a quick description...

Helium is the most widely used hydration belt in the world. Helium is lightweight, comfortable and is standard equipment for runners of all abilities. We've put this belt through some of the toughest events in the world and it continues to outperform and deliver. When it comes to style and personalizing our Helium belts, athletes mix and match their belts with various bottle colors to create their own customized look and feel. Helium belts are available in a broad collection of Kona-inspired colorways.


Helium 4-Bottle Belt
Total Volume: 28oz
Colors: Surf Blue, Hibiscus Pink, Yellow/Black, Royal Blue, Black and Classic Red.
Sizes: S (27"-29"), M (30"-32"), L (33"-35"), XL (36"-38")

My Review

To be completely honest with you, I have been using another brand for more than a year now.  It's a 2 bottle hydration belt.  With my very first marathon last year, I really needed something that could hold more water while training for (and during) my marathon. Hence, the 4 bottle belt.

Why switch brands, you may ask?  I just noticed how more runners and triathletes (after watching Ironman Kona) used this brand and it got me curious.

They also have more color options.  For the Helium 4 Bottle Belt alone, they have 7 cool colors to choose from!  Clearly, they had me at PINK and black.  You know how I love my pink, right?

I don't pin my race number so I'm happy they had a race number attachment that you could just insert easily.  However, like I mentioned at the beginning, I somehow had a minor issue with this...

I have the smallest size for this belt type and I my high waist measures 26 inches.  So when I would attach the race number, it won't stay flat on my waist and it would fold. Check out the photo below to see what I mean...

Top shot

Ok, I know it's just that but I'm pretty obsessive compulsive about these things.  I like my number neatly placed flat on my waist.  This is just something I'm used to.  I was able to run my first marathon with my race number looking that way but it left my race bib all crumpled under the three layers I was wearing.  Another OC issue of mine, haha!

So, during my 2nd marathon last Sunday, being the McGyver that I am sometimes, I came up with a solution.  Instead of using the punched holes on the side of the number (which were far apart) where you insert the elastic chords... I used  2 safety pins and pinned them closer together on the race bib, then attached the race number attachments to pins.  Here's what I mean...

And now it's perfect!  Would be nice if FuelBelt could use clips on their race number attachments instead of the elastic chords with lace locks.  It's more versatile that way.  Especially for us petite women.  Just a suggestion.  =) But... I must say that I loved the reflectorized strips on the race numbers attachments.  Something my other belt doesn't have. *wink*

Now that I solved that problem, on to other features I love about this belt...

I loved that the pouch (Ripstop Pocket) is placed on the side of the belt.  Easier for me to reach for my gels that way, since I could actually see it!  The pouch on my other hydration belt was at the back.  The helium 4 - bottle belt comes with one ripstop pocket which can hold up to 3 gels.  So if you carry more than 3 gels or want room for more stuff (keys, phone, etc.), you can order another one which you can attach on the other side of the belt.

In fact, they have a lot of other accessories to add on or interchange - colored bottles, gel flasks, extra caps, etc.  They also have different water bottles.  Just check out their site to see what I mean.

So to wrap it all up, I just want o say that I'm the type of person who is afraid to go thirsty.  Even when I was a dancer, I was known to bring a big water jug to every dance class and rehearsal (which everyone drank from, by the way).  I cannot possibly bring that same jug with me while running (ha!)...and that's why I love my FuelBelt.  For sure I will be wearing this during all my long runs and marathons.

Giveaway

Thanks to Colleen R. of FuelBelt, one lucky reader will win a FuelBelt of his/her choice!

Please note that this is open to U.S. residents only. BUT, If you live abroad and want to have this shipped to a U.S. address of a relative or friend, then you are welcome to participate.

I will announce the winner this coming Sunday, Feb. 13.

Please remember to leave a SEPARATE comment for EACH of the things below.  1 comment = 1 entry.  I suggest you do everything specified below to increase your chances of winning.  If you do all 11, that's 11 entries!

Mandatory:

1.  Must be a FOLLOWER of my blog. I'm doing this because it's my way of thanking you for being one! =) Click the Follow button located at my right sidebar. And let me know that you are following already by posting a comment here like, "I am a follower" .  I am always happy to see new people following. = 1 entry

2.  Visit the FuelBelt Website. Let me know which of their products you like most. Post it on my comments again. = 1 entry

Extra Credit
3.  Follow me on Twitter (@HotlegsRunner) and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
4.  Follow FuelBelt on Twitter (@FuelBelt) and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
5.  Like the Hotlegs Runner on FACEBOOK and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
6.  Like FuelBelt on FACEBOOK and leave a comment that lets me know you already do. = 1 entry
7.  Post this giveaway on your blog, Twitter and/or Facebook linking back to here.  Let me know when you've spread the word. Leave a comment for EACH. = 3 entries
8.  Add me to your blog roll. = 1 entry 

9.  Answer this: My favorite hydration liquid is just plain old water.  What's yours?

Good luck!
Disclaimer:  I did not pay for this FuleBelt  They were sent to me and in exchange, I post an honest review of it.  I was not compensated nor was I encouraged by the manufacturer to post a positive review.  This review is based solely on my experience with this product.