Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Check Out These Cute Bottles. Plus, Where Should I Run?

This shit just got really real:

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Also today, something exciting and new came in the mail. I was so eager I had to sit on the floor and open the box without even changing out of my pajamas or fixing my hair for the camera:

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I have never tried this before, have you? There is a lot of science behind this stuff – and it is the “official sport’s supplement for the Ironman 2013 series.”

This is NOT a sport’s drink you chug while training. It is a liquid supplement you take 30-45 minutes prior to your workout (on an empty stomach). It is supposed to enhance the body’s ability to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate) which can improve performance and increase energy and recovery. They claim that it is a “safe and natural alternative” to dangerous stimulants.  You can check out the science behind the drink HERE. I haven’t tried it yet, so don’t ask me how it tastes or if it made me run a 2 minute mile.

I think the bottles are cute.

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Can someone come over and do something about my roots?

And, not just because they remind me of airplane bottles of alcohol. Speaking of airplanes, these babies are only 2 oz, so safe to take in your carry on – something I am doing because we leave for San Francisco in the morning and I have a week of workouts planned – thanks to Coach Sharpie who wants me to suffer somewhat on vacation. No, I told her, I will not swim from Alcatraz to the shore then run across the Golden Gate Bridge 49 times.

By the way, I have a long run planned for the weekend while in Monterey. Any suggestions where I can go? I’d love to run near or along the water as I NEVER get the privilege of doing that. I need to get 13-15 miles or so. And, while we’re at it, if you want to give me ideas for a run in San Fran, that would be good too. We’re staying near Union Square.

In case you think I have been neglecting Heidi with all of this training, please know she got a puppy latte today at Starbucks. I may not know where my kids are or if they came home last night, but rest assured, Heidi is well cared for.

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SUAR

38 comments:

  1. Monterey actually has a paved trail for runners, cyclists, etc. A lot of it is right near the water, or close to it. It's a great place to run, I ran my first half marathon there, have fun!

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  2. Wow. What exactly is a puppy latte? And congrats for entering the Ironman!

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    1. Starbucks gives these out free to dogs. It's just whipped cream in a cup. Hasn't given her diarrhea yet. Fingers crossed.

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    2. Our Starbucks does this too and my golden LOVES them.

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  3. If you want to run near the water in Monterey, it doesn't get much better than the 17-mile drive route. Cars have to pay a few bucks to do it, but I can't imagine they'd charge a runner more than $5 or so. Money well spent, though. It'll be chilly, foggy, and breezy, and you get all the best views and famous spots. Relatively flat except a few gentle rolls here and there. :-)

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  4. Puppy Latte - awesome! I have to move to the States!!! We're a bit behind here in Perth Australia! Good luck with the training! And you could fill the empty bottles with vodka for the return plane journey.

    Gilly :)

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  5. Monterrey - great place to run. If you google the "Big Sur HALF marathon" that route is amazing and beautiful and mostly along the water - it is really in Monterrey and not Big Sur.

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  6. Across the bridge in Stinson-do a Double Dipsea.

    And you really do need to swim at Aquatic park. Or not. Your gain or loss. It's a choice.

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  7. In Monterey there is a long path that will take you along the waterfront. It's easy to find throughout the town as it's a wide paved path along the water. If all else fails, start in front of the aquarium. You can take the path through Pacific Grove into Pebble Beach. Make the right hand turn into the Pebble Beach gate. Follow the path. It will take you out to the water view about 1/2 mile after the gate.

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  8. San Francisco Run... look up The Giant Race. The Race route is easy to follow and along the waterfront. You'll be able to replicate it easily. You can start (or run to) Giants Stadium and then run out to (or across) the Golden Gate.

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  9. I love running in San Fran! To avoid traffic lights, run from Union Square to the Embarcadero (through a few lights to get to the water.) Then run around the Warf through Ghirradelli and over the Golden Gate and return the same route. It is a little touristy, but fun. Round trip is a little over 14 miles. For hills, duck off the Embarcadero up to Coit. Even living in Colorado, these are some hills! Have fun.

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  10. San Francisco...From Union Square, you can run through the financial district and then along Embarcadero. You can go as far as Golden Gate. This is the Nike SF course. It's 1.5 miles one way on the bridge. OR... you could go to Golden Gate Park. In the San Francisco Marathon, there are 6 miles spent in this park. Nike SF goes through here too. You probably don't want to run from Embarcadero back to Union Square. Def look at some elevation maps! : )

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  12. One day I want to do a run in San Fran! Just because I want to see the city and what better way than to run! :)
    The bottles are cute, I am going to look them up!

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  13. Puppy latte!!! Who knew????
    I'd love to run SF...I think I'll put that on my bucket list :)

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  14. I was just in Monterey a month ago. Asilomar has a great beach and there are plenty of nice, non-heavy traffic roads that stem from it through Pacific Grove. And by all means take a break and visit the aquarium (or swim in it?). It is very well done.

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  15. Love the puppy latte!! Let us know how that energy supplement works!

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  16. I've never been to California, so I can't offer any suggestions on running there, but I did want to let you know that I'm excited to follow your training for Ironman. I start training this weekend for my first full marathon, and each time I read about one of your 8 hour bike rides followed by a 15 mile run or whatever, it makes my schedule look totally sane. Thanks! :)

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  17. Those look like Alice in Wonderland bottles.

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  18. Your kids are old enough to take care of themselves now. If they can't find the jar of peanut butter by now, things are hopeless. However, Heidi will always need you.

    I am looking forward to hearing how you mutate after drinking that sciency stuff.

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  19. I'm always a little skeptical of performance enhancing supplements. First because the science behind these things is usually pretty sketchy. But mostly because my GI tract is unbelievably sensitive. It never fails to surprise me what gets things going. At my house, IBS stands for "I'll be stoppin' ".

    You'll have to share how this one works.

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  20. Learn something new every time I read your blog; never knew Starbucks (or St. Arbucks, the cathedral of coffee as we call it) offered puppy lattes. What cool stuff to try, looking forward to hearing how it works for you. Have fun in SF, one of my favorite places to visit!

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  21. SF: follow embarcadero to Crissy Field, over and back GG bridge (very early am only otherwise too crowded) and back (Basically SF marathon course).

    Or take Lands End/Coastal trail between Cliff House/Lands End and Baker beach (naked boys) and further through Presidio and can include GG bridge there too.

    Or combine Lands End with Ocean Beach if tide is low - packed sand - info on conditions here: ob-kc.com

    Or combine lands end with GGP park (loop MLK-JFK, can add Panhandle 1.5 miles for bigger loop)

    Enjoy my beloved city!

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  22. Monterey has an awesome path that is north of the pier and is AWESOME! I'm not sure how many miles it goes but I loved it! PLus the weather - perfect!

    Whenever I'm in San Francisco I usually stay by the pier so I run along it and then north. It takes you up through a park and closer to the bridge.
    I'm so jealous!

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  23. I've run and ridden my bike along 17 Mile Drive (no entrance fee for either.) Views are spectacular, unless it is socked in with fog, which is possible this time of year.

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  24. Ditto what the others above have said about the Rec Trail in Monterey/Pacific Grove. It's great! But just my two cents - be careful if you decide to run on 17-mile drive in Pebble Beach. Since you run on the side of the road - this July 4th weekend will be packed with tourists and tour buses, and they often are busy gawking at the views themselves and may swerve too closely to the side where you are running. It gets dangerous with more cars on the road!

    For busy weekends, it may be better to head out on the opposite direction on the Rec Trail, towards Seaside (away from Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach). The path extends out past Seaside and Marina, and will take you all the way to Castroville. It's nice since it is a paved bike trail of its own, away from street car traffic. You will still be able to run along the water for much of the time if you start your run at Lover's Point in Pacific Grove. Keep in mind much of the Rec Trail will be heavily congested w/ bike trolleys, families, and baby strollers through PG and Monterey, and will thin out as you get closer to Seaside.

    Enjoy your run!

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  25. Heidi looks so happy to have received the supplements! She has a great smile! Wish I had some great running routes for you in San Fran, but all I ever do there is eat. If you can possibly work it in, you REALLY MUST go to Stella's bakery on Columbus Ave. in North Beach and have sacripantina. It's seriously the best thing I ever ate. I dream about that cake. Have a great time!!!

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  26. No ideas as to where to run but did want to share another treat idea for Heidi. Good Times sells a frozen yogurt and doggy bones treat for $1.25 called Paw Benders. Check it out, my dog loves them. I buy 5 at a time and store them for times when my dog deserves a special treat. Would be great for her after a run!

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  27. Good luck with your IronMan Training. I know you'll do great! I'm looking forward to tracking your progress. Here's a sight I use for running routes when I travel. They're listed by country and city. I noticed there are a few for San Fran: http://www.joggingroutes.org/p/routes-by-countrycity.html

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  28. So exciting! I hope those little bottles are filled with energy and power. So exciting to be running in Northern CA - at least you will have the scenery while you're pushing through those miles. Good luck and safe travels...

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  29. Ummmm.. Beth, this is Anon from CT again. I'm afraid the new ATP supplement is just going to increase your blood uric acid level. See this abstract, http://www.jissn.com/content/9/1/16

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  30. They have puppy lattes??!!? (Havent been to a starbucks in a long time.)

    I think I'd be nervous about that drink on an empty stomach. I don't know... just me.. I always have to be so careful about what I eat and drink before long runs.

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  31. I am hooked on your blog ( ya ya ya I know you have heard that before). I was researching on google "how to run effortlessly (or something like that), your blog http://www.shutupandrun.net/2012/06/want-to-run-effortless-and-injury-free.html was one of the first hits.. about your Chi running training you had. Since reading that, my running has changed dramatically!
    The best advise ever was your comment about being at the pool, running and having the life guard yell... WALK dont RUN. Now when I run, that is what drives me.... WALK dont RUN! Good luck in your iron(wo)MAN. Cant wait to read about it.

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  32. Monterey would definitely be my choice. Not sure about those supplements though. Do you really think they will improve your performance that much?? Well, I suppose you won't know until you try. Please let us know when you do, it will be very interesting to hear your thoughts, it seems that people have differing view here.
    Good luck in whichever race you choose :)

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  33. http://www.mtycounty.com/pgs-parks/bike-path.html

    We've rode our bikes on this path a few times, tons of fun. Rolling hills might be fun for you to run right?

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  34. So exciting! I hope those little bottles are filled with energy and power. So exciting to be running in Northern CA - at least you will have the scenery while you're pushing through those miles. Good luck and safe travels...and for more information please visit this link http://naturalgreencoffeebean.org/thanks

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  35. I ain't Ronnie Coleman or Jay Cutler, 2 tbsp supplement everyday is more then enough for me. The instructs on the back are meant for professional body builders and not the average Joe like me. I've been precautious in not over-doing anything.

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  36. Since I’ve started taking this dietary supplement I have no lack of energy and motivation. It contains isolated nutrients which are better than traditional products.

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