Race #9 and #11: Fund4Bling Virtual Races

Race 9: September Super Runner Half Marathon

With 2014 looming over me I realized I was three races short of my 13 goal and I was now in desperate need of finding some inexpensive races with some cool race bling. I immediately began searching for local inexpensive races when it dawned on me why not do another virtual race. I completed my first virtual race in May and I made a real spectacle of it. I invited a few friends, had a water station set up, and I even got them to hold up signs and take pictures. I got a race bib, a super cute medal, I chose the day and time all for half the price of an average race.

I found many random sites that offered virtual races some with great prices but not so great bling, some with great bling and not so great prices. A virtual race is designed for runners to choose their own race distance and course. The race is usually to be completed with a 2-4 week window and medals are sent via mail. Some virtual races require participants to post their race bib and time on their websites while others do not. Participants run when and wherever chosen which provides flexibility for busy schedules (such as mine).

While searching for races, I ran across a site called Fund4Bling.com which offers one or more themed races a month for varying distance of choice. A portion of proceeds fund national and international charities. Each themed race has a unique medal to match and they are sent in a timely manner via mail. I loved the site so much I decided to purchase three races with them. Race bibs are posted on their Facebook page and they can be easily printed from home.

The coordinator of Fund4Bling.com, Sandra is also very professional and accommodating she responds quickly to messages and works hard to please her customers. Fund4Bling also offers a 13 in 2013 promotion which awards runners who sign up for thirteen of their races with a free custom 13 in 2013 medal. My favorite part about this organization besides the cool bling is that they offer birthday races with a custom birthday medal for each birthday month. YAY!!!

Race 11: November 15k Cat in the Hat Race

I ran laps around my neighborhood lake path which is a little over 3 miles a lap. My only motivation during this race was seeing the same people recognize me lapping the lake. I felt like an athlete each time I passed a familiar face. I completed my 15k at 1:54 and my half at 2:38.

I didn't meet my time goal but I am glad I completed the run. Although, I love the glitz and glam of big hosted races like the Divas Half Marathon and the Nike Women's Half Marathon with their race expos, water stations, cheering bystanders, and motivational signs. I also enjoy the solitude and simplicity of running alone and still receiving an award which is what virtual races provide.

I love my medal it s heavy, it spins, and the Cat in the Hat is super cute. I ran early in the morning just before the Cali sun came beaming out. The beautiful lake is my go to running course. It is flat just like my knees love, it is full of friendly runners, and there are a lot of great spots to pick up food after.

I am blessed with a beautiful running course right outside my door. I look forward to my next Fund4Bling virtual race in December which will mark race #13 of my 13 in 2013 Challenge. I am so excited. Stay tuned for October's race #10: Nike Women's Half Marathon. 

P.S Race #10 wasn't skipped it's my October Nike Half Marathon Race coming soon...Stay Tuned.

Race #4: Fit, Fab, and Lean in 2013 Virtual Half Marathon

The Official Medal

As I continue to stick to my 12 Race Challenge I find that each one in it’s own way becomes more fun yet more challenging. I spent January and February training for this year of races which thus means I’d have to double up in some months to reach my goal of 12. Racing can be expensive and time consuming considering travel to each location. I completed the Divas Half Marathon in early May and now here I am 2 weeks later doing another. On a fluke while perusing the Black Girls Run Bay Area facebook page I seen a post for a virtual run. I had never heard of a virtual run before, so I instantly became intrigued.

My race bib

Virtual runs provide convenience and a bit of leniency for runners on the go who still want some structure, a medal, and desire a form of communal support. Similar to normal races virtual runs require people to sign up and choose their race distance. However, unlike other races runners can choose their own course be it on a racetrack, a treadmill, or in their neighborhood. Also, runners get up to 2 weeks to complete the race. Some virtual runs allow you to be apart of another race at the same time while getting run credit for theirs.

Pros

• Choose own course
• Run with friends or dogs without having to register them
• Easier to gather a support group
• Anytime desired (don’t have to wake up early)
• Don’t have to rush to packet-pick up
• Save money/half the price of normal races (average race is $75-$150)
• Still get a medal
• 1-2 weeks to complete

Cons

• No water stations
• No race shirt (some offer shirts)
• No sideline support or attractions
• No post-race after party
• Motivate yourself the WHOLE WAAAAY (13.1 miles)
• No professional photographers or cute photo booths
• No free treats from packet-pick up day
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  Pre-Race at Oakland's Lake Merrit

The pros and cons are pretty even so it truly depends on the person. I spent the first week of the allotted time trying to gather up 4 of my friends, to coerce each into running a 3 mile stint with me- yet it was difficult getting folks schedules to coincide. So, I eventually ran it alone. However, I did manage to gather a small sideline support group (with a sign and all) to sit on the lake and watch me as I ran past.

It was a nice run, I didn't train as usual being that I completed a half marathon 2 weeks prior. So, it got real at mile 8. Although, I didn't have a running group to motivate me, there were many familiar faces in the community offering support.

I would do a virtual run again however, I’d prefer to gather a group of friends or a running group together to help build motivation for when it starts to get tough, which is somewhere between mile 7 and 10.

I cannot wait to get my medal which is said to come sometime in mid-June. I will post it here once it comes. YAY!!!

Time: 2:26

Race #1: March 2013 Oakland Running Festival

On my way to the race

The Oakland Running Festival is a highly anticipated event. It is the absolute talk of the town. The entire week I couldn't stop talking about it and nor could anyone else. I spent January and February training for a year of races and finally, my first race was here.

I was beyond ready, well trained, ate a carb loaded pasta dinner, prepped my clothes the night before, and was ready to rumble. 

The course was full of support. There were cheerleaders everywhere with signs, music, whistles, and BIG SMILES motivating us the whole way. The course took us on a tour around Oakland to the good, bad, and the beautiful. There was a post-race party at Snow Park  swarming with sweaty, smiling, and sore runners listening to Blues music, drinking beer, and snacks while kids played in jumpers. The weather was amazing, the city at peace, and I had just completed 13.1 miles.

My time: 2 hours and 35 minutes

Tired at mile 12 but still smiling 

I rewarded myself with a manicure and pedicure and lunch at one of my favorite restaurants: Shan-gri-La. I deserved it.

The Terrace Room: Vegan Sunday Brunch

Nestled between downtown Oakland and the perimeter of Oakland’s Lake Merritt is the Lake Merritt Hotel which houses the Terrace Room Restaurant. This restaurant is known for hosting weddings, extravagant parties, holiday dinners, and my favorite Sunday Brunch. What I love most is the grand view of the Lake Merritt, bottomless Mimosas, and their new vegan brunch option.

The Terrace Room believes they are an upscale restaurant and I don’t mind pretending they are too, because the service is consistent and unpretentious. White tablecloths, silver cutlery, curtains, and a carpet that reveals how historical this place is - adds to the fine touches of this Oakland treasure. Here is where I bring the people I care for most.

My usual order was an Earl Grey tea with cream and sugar followed by pancakes topped with blueberries. After becoming vegan I frequented this place less for other places that offered a larger variety of vegan options. Yet, just last weekend a friend suggested this place and I agreed under the impression I 'd just order fruit as a social sacrifice.

Once we arrived I noticed the menu changed- still many great options for meat eaters and vegetarians- and YAY!!! one option for vegans: Vegan Tofu Scramble (with fruit on the side). I ordered it with fresh squeezed orange juice and everything was so delicious. 

I was full, satisfied, and I felt even better about this option over my usual pancakes and blueberries.The Terrace Room will again be among my top picks for  Sunday Brunch. 

Give them a try and come back share all about your experience. Happy Eating!!!

Portal Restaurant's Vegan Brunch

I visited Portal Restaurant for their Sunday Brunch and it was awesome. Great service, great prices, great music, great location, and an assortment of menu options. I got the fruit bowl with a side of granola this was the safest vegan option however, this is a great place for vegetarians. I ate on the patio which overlooked Oakland's Lake Merritt it was beautiful. I will be back.

Green Juice gets Swag