THE HUMAN RACE 2009

The Human Race 2009 is comming up on Sat Oct 24. This is an event where runners from all over the world will take part and run with a Nike+ tracking device whether that be and ipod, iphone or the sportband. I've already invited everyone I know in Hong Kong & Toronto on Facebook. Whether those whom I've invited will take part, it depends on the individuals. My only job was to inform them & I believe I've already done my part to help them keep healthy and be a part of such a big and exciting event.

RECENT NEWS

Disappointing world track championships for Canada
http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=cbc-sports_amateur_sp_anada_track-2000320158&prov=cbc&type=lgns

Big welcome home planned for South African runner in gender controversy
http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=capress-track_semenyas_return-247799435&prov=capress&type=lgns

Bolt gets piece of Berlin Wall—huge piece
http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/olympics/news?slug=ap-worlds-bolt-berlin&prov=ap&type=lgns

Usain Bolt
http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/top/gallery?search=Usain+Bolt

Can new technology help us run faster?

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-321--13216-0,00.html

Shoe Safety

What to wear & when to wear them or not to wear them!
Flipflops & crocks may seem comfortable, but may damage your feet in certain instances b/c they are too flat & every person needs shoes w/ at least a slight elevation. However, it is ok to wear them for short walks and on the beach.
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-323--13251-0,00.html

More Nike Gear

These fotos were taken at the NRL at the Nike Store.

These are tje Nike Zoom Vomero+ 4 Women's Running Shoes that I just got, but not from the Nike Store. Actually I got them from a friend who got them at a discount.

Vitamin Water

I really like vitamin b/c it tastes like juice, but w/o the high concentration of sugar, & it contains vitamins & minerals. Some brands taste better than others. I've purchased a brand that is available at grocery stores & drug stores that tasted kind of strange so I will not try that one ever again.

I like this one in the foto. It's a brand new product that just came out. You can see the ads in the latest running/sports magazines. I think it tastes ok, but I really like the bottle design. It's nice & big and is enough water for me to drink in one run & the liquid won't spill even when the cap is off. It's very conveninet. Another brand which I like for the taste & variety of flavours is GLACEAU. My favourite is the greentea, cranberry & pommergranate flavours. Orange is the least best tasting one especially if it's not chilled, but I still drink it for the vitamin C & calcium. Each flavour also differs in the nutrients/vitamins, so when you pick one you can either choose by the flavour or by what nutrients you think you need. It's very good for health conscious people like you & me. But vitamin water is still a bit pricey in general & I haven't seen them sell it in bulk anywhere yet.
How vitamin water works!
http://www.vitaminwater.com/

My New Nike Outfit!

I got all this nike running gear for free although a little effort was required. As to how I got them all, that is a secret. However, I got the clothes & the shoes on 2 seperate occasions.

-orange dryfit tank top w/ a built in bra & 2 pockets on the back for protein bars, gels or even ipod/mp3 player.

-brown dryfit stretchy capri pants w/ zipper pocket for ipod, etc...

-Nike Zoom Vomero+ 4 Women's Running Shoes

https://www.shop.runningroom.com/product_info.php?cPath=261_150_152&products_id=4465&languages_id=1

Has more stability for my feet.

Why I haven't been uploading my runs lately.

b/c i still have not purchased my own nike+ tracking system/kit yet. Now that the new sportsband is out, I'll get it soon. It's been a bit frustrating b/c although I did track my runs at the nike lounge, some technical obstacles happened. One time I forgot my nike+ login password and they were about to close so that was ok to me that I didn't get to upload it online. But several times, I think 4 so far when I did upload my runs but I forgot to check that it wasn't logged into someone else's account instead of my own & then I am not able to upload again to the correct account b/c you're only able to upload the same run just once. It is very frustrating why people don't logout of their own accounts right after they finish uploading their own runs. Next time if I do track my runs & upload at the lounge again I must not forget to make sure to log into my own account first which will ensure that it's not logged into someone else's account.

I can't wait to get my own nike+ tracking device, or else I'll never be able to complete any of my challenges. I still really want that 500mile tshirt.

Nike: Lunar Glide+

A Brand new advancement in Nike running shoes; a shoe that is suitable for all feet types: whether it's pronate, neutral or supernate. Some people may have unequal feet, eg. 1pronate & the other more neutral. So a shoe like this that works for all feet types will ensure that your feet gets the maximum support it needs. They come in both men's & women's. I know that for the women's there several different colours, but maybe not for the men's. But you can check at a sports store or online if you really need to know.
http://www.shop.runningroom.com/product_info.php?cPath=261_150_152&language_id=1&products_id=4591

Garmin Forerunner 310XT

Costs $439.99 CAD. A bit pricy. Not something I would buy unless I had some extra cash. But I'd image a professional runner would want this item.
http://www.shop.runningroom.com/product_info.php?language_id=1&products_id=4563

Nike+Sportband2

New and improved version after the first version was discontinued due to several flaws. Costs $79.99 CAD. Comes in yellow and pink so far and red will also be available in October. I'm actually really considering getting this as I do not want to purposely purchase an ipod for the sportskit. I already have nike+ compatible shoes and this pedometer watch bracelet is pretty convenient to wear and I also just want to continue tracking on my nike+ online account instead of signing up for some other product's website. Other pedometers are gps enabled but they are quite expensive and not convenient to wear around while running either.
http://www.shop.runningroom.com/product_info.php?cPath=171_405_434&language_id=1&products_id=4605

Pink Ribbon Apparel

Help find a cure for breast cancer! Available at Running Room.

Official Nike Running Blog

http://insidenikerunning.nike.com/

iPhone 3Gs Compatible w/ Nike+ Sportskit

The latest version of the iPhone is now compatible w/ the Nike+ Sportskit although the previous 2 generations weren't. So it's another reason to get the Nike+ Sportskit to track your runs if you plan to get the new iPhone. Or it's another excuse for yourself to get the iPhone.

Running Room 25th Anniversary & 20min Challenge

I just started running with the Markham Running Room last wednesday which was a 3k run in several groups depending on which level you are. Today was their 25th Anniversary so I recieved a free grey anniversary hat & a lot of people came out for the big group run 20min challenge. There was also a bbq w/ burgers & hotdogs at Milne Park. It was very exhausting & I was sweating like crazy, which I was very glad that I brought an extra tshirt to change into after. It was very nice seeing a bunch of people I haven't seen before & also those that I met just last wednesday. Some people brought their dogs too! There's a 20% coupon on the hat. However, it is only valid for several days.

July 15, 09

Sorry I haven't been updating this blog for a while, but doesn't mean that I haven't been running, although i did stop for a little while but picked it back up again recently.

I have been running at the NRL:Nike Running Lounge for several months since spring. I think it was in March. But anyway I just started running at the Running Room which provides a free run on wed nites & sun mornings. They also have some training programs/clinics that you can signup for but they are not free. I have been running with them for the past 2 consecutive wednesdays b/c I was quite busy and didn't want to travel all the way downtown just for a run and of course it's nice to meet new runners especially in my own area. But I will be back at the Nike Lounge soon, if not for wednesdays then for the other days.

Healthy Living Info from Heart&Stroke Foundation

http://www.heartandstroke.on.ca
http://www.heartandstroke.on.ca/site/c.pvI3IeNWJwE/b.3581659/k.C17E/Health_Information.htm
http://www.heartandstroke.on.ca/site/c.pvI3IeNWJwE/b.3581701/k.93CF/Healthy_Living.htm

Help keep kids active&healthy!

http://www.heartandstroke.on.ca/site/c.pvI3IeNWJwE/b.5109503/k.3FCB/Spark_Together_For_Healthy_Kids.htm?src=healthline

Thought I'd post this b/c it's a good cause. But I still don't know exactly what this program is. I just know what it's for.

I think it's a program to fundraise & use the money raised for active programs for kids. I don't know what fundraising activities there are to take part in, if there are any. I don't think they're organizing any runs/walks/marathons for it. So I don't know what you can do to help except donate money directly. But if you know how to & like to organise programs for kids, then you can apply for a grant to fund your program.

T.O. Women’s 5k–Saturday August 29, Sunnybrook Park

http://www.towomens5k.com/

More Running Links!

Runner's World
http://www.runnersworld.com/
Running Shoe Reviews to help you choose what's best out there!
http://www.runningshoeswizard.com/
The Best Running Shoes
http://www.runningshoeswizard.com/best-running-shoes.html

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Sunday, September 27th

http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=4216&contentId=16490&vrindex=0
http://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/

Nike Running Lounge!

Luckily we have one in Toronto & even better, it's all free!! All of the clinics are free in contrast w/ the clinics at The Running Room which is not free.

Don't worry! They don't try to push you to buy stuff because that is not their job. They don't work for the Nike store. In fact, the staff are very nice!

My favourite events are mostly for the Women's only nites which are on Wednesdays. Previously they had a yoga class, foot massage, and a pedicure event, just to name a few.

Originally the NRL-Nike Running Lounge was in Summer Hill & near Rosedale, not too far from Yonge&Bloor. But they have recently moved to Yorkville right at Bay&Bloor right infront of Yorkville Park and right outside the Nike Store.

So when you have time, check it out!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/nikerunnerslounge?ref=ts
http://www.martiniboys.com/Toronto/citystock/Gym/Exercise/727.html

They are open tues, wed, thurs nites & sat, sun mornings.

If you don't live in Toronto, don't despair b/c there may be an NRL near you. Just find out for yourself. So far I know that there's also one in Vancouver. But there's none in Hong Kong or Asia yet. I'm not even sure if there are any in the United States.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=608858223&ref=ts

Nike Shoe Warantee

http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/609760

Nike Running Tracker Software

http://runningtracker.tuxfamily.org/blog/?langswitch_lang=en

Brooks Running Shoes

http://www.brooksrunning.com/
http://www.runningshoeswizard.com/brooks-running-shoes.html
Brooks shoes is a leading company that has dedicated itself to the running industry. I've heard a bit about this running shoe brand recently and heard that it's also very good. I just know that Nike is good, Asics is good & Brooks is also good. However, I'm still sticking to Nikes for now. But I wouldn't mind trying these out.

Nike+ 500 Mile Challenge

http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/?l=all_challenges,1757918659
I heard that if you run 500miles or more in a year then you can get a 500 t-shirt from Nike. But I don't know how that works. I think you just upload your runs on nikeplus & when it reaches 500miles they'll automatically send you a t-shirt or perhaps you just need to ask them for one by email. But I am very far from 500miles. What's that in kilometres? I'll check that. I'm sure that I can do it if I really wanted to. So let's just see.

It's not like I have to have it, but it helps me set some goals. It'd be very cool to show off a tshirt like that to your friends, but at the end it's really for yourself, for your health, well being, goals, etc...

Other Useful Products for Running

Florescent gear for evening-late night jogs.

Deoderant-it doesn't make you sweat less, just makes you sweat in other areas instead of where you put this stuff. It's more like a sweat blockage guard. It's very good for the underarms & that's where most people use it b/c nobody wants sweaty undersarms especially the smell. But don't put it on your back b/c it's perfectly ok to sweat on your back, and don't put deoderant everywhere on your body either b/c you need your sweat to come out somewhere. It's perfectly normal & natural, as well as necessary to sweat.

Anti-blister & chafing stick-may seem like an extra, but if you do a lot of intense training/exercise & tend to get blisters a lot then this product is for you.

Protein Supplement

Protein to maintain muscle. It's necessary even if you are not a weight lifter as it is hard to get enough protein from a regular diet if you are not a major meat eater. Whey protein is pure protein & the easiest to absorb type.

More on Nike+ Sportskit & Pedometers

I'd recommend the Nike Sportskit in use w/ the ipod. This product has gained many positive reviews by techonological critiquing websites.

All about the Nike+ Sportskit on Wiki!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nike+iPod

Nike had also released a product that did not require an ipod to operate a year ago. That was the NikePlus Sportsband. However, that product was not as popular & had recieved less satisfying reviews by techies. I believed that Nike had discontinued & recalled the product from it's stores ever since. Now you can't find them at retail stores. But you can still find a few on ebay & perhaps some online discount stores. Is a good idea if you can get it for cheap! Then you can use a different mp3 player besides ipod.

There is also a product called the Nike+ Ipod Watch Remote which is basically a watch and remote control for the ipod, but it cannot be used alone but without the ipod. However, it does display your running details on the bracelet/armband when used in conjunction with an ipod & the sensored Nike+ Sports Kit. This item came out before the Nike+ Sportsband which was discontinued. This Watch is still available and has recieved favorable reviews.
http://store.nike.com/index.jsp?country=US&lang_locale=en_US#l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-1/pid-218268

If you don't already have an ipod & don't plan to purchase one, you can just purchase similar & less expensive devices/pedometers. Pedometers price range depends on the level of functions it provides, eg. heart rate, timer, speed, etc... You can get a watch w/ a built in pedometer. Nike also has sportswatches like that.
http://www.nike.com/timing/

Some pedometers provides uploading websites similar to NikePlus, but are probably less popular. Personally, I think that Nike provices more incentives & motivation. It just seems that much more cooler for some reason. But you don't have to go w/ the flow w/ whatever's the most popular. It's a personal thing. You can do your own thing!

I still haven't purchased either yet. The only ipod I've ever owned was an early generation prior to the first ipod nano. It was the "Ipod Mini." Sort of bulky, no colour & cost $300 back in the day. I probably should have waited a little longer. But back then I really liked using it, although it died just right after the 1yr warantee expired. So I'm kinda weary that if I purchase another ipod that it'll die after 1yr, so if I do purchase I'll certainly get 1yr extended warantee which the only option they provide. After 2yrs they'll probably have newer generation ipod anyway, so if it dies you just get a newer better one.

If I do get an ipod soon, I'll go for the nano or classic & that's the 2 I recommend too b/c the nike sportskit is the most compatible w/ these 2 devices & less w/ the ipod touch & totally does not work w/ iphone.

So in the end I may just end up using a regular pedometer, although I'm tempted to use my Nike Shox running shoes w/ built in sensor pocket specially made for the Nike sportskit. However, those shoes are pretty old & make rip apart soon & I may end up purchasing some other shoes brand or perhaps I may actually be that addicted to Nike, lol!

Actually I just learned that some pedometers have a builtin GPS which can track where exactly you start & end your run on the planet Earth. So I'm thinking of getting that in a digital wristwatch format.

What to Wear during your Runs!

FOR GIRLS!

HATS
I like to wear baseball caps & pull my ponytail through the back hole which has a nice tight hold on my ponytail.
Sometimes I prefer a visor hat b/c it allows my head to breath, but it doesn't provide the ponytail holding hole at the back.

SPORTSBRAS
I like sportsbras especially the really sporty, bright colourful ones, but I have not to this date worn one alone outside b/c I don't usually show off my belly. Perhaps I'll do it someday, when I do more ab crunches first, haha! I do have a grey sports bra currently but I wear it under tshirts & I prefer it b/c the straps never fall off as w/ regular bras.

TOPS
Usually I wear tshirts, but I do have a Nike tank top made w/ their special DryFit breathable fabric. I plan to get one or two more of these special tops b/c I just love the fabric & they're so comfortable. I saw a similar one at Walmart & it's not Nike but looks similar & I think it's similar if not the same kind of fabric so I may get it since it's cheaper in price, not necessarily quality, ok maybe just slightly.

SWEAT PANTS
Anything stretchy, comfortable & not too tight, I'll wear. I don't like those track pants we used to wear in grade school which had all those buttons on the sides which sometimes unbuttons by itself. But they did seem cool in the old days. I remember wearing shorts underneath during the summer time & when it felt too hot, i'd just peel the track pants off, lol. I usually wear long pants b/c I don't like wearing shorts that much, especially since the weather varies throughout the day. I may be buring one minute & freezing the other.

SKORTS
It's like a mini skirt/tennis skirt which has a built in part of shorts underneath so you won't accidently reveal your underpanties. I can't imagine running w/ one, but I'd love to play tennis w/ it. Perhaps I'll get one someday & try to run w/ it. Does anybody ever run w/ a skort on?? I wonder!!

HEADBANDS & WRISTBANDS
I don't actually use them to wipe my sweat off. I just wear them sometimes b/c it looks cool & sporty & gets me in the right mood to excercise. Makes me feel more energetic & more like a sporty person.

Twike!

Check out my Twike Page!
http://twiike.com/view-nike-plus-runs/941983436
It's a cross b/w Nike Plus & Twitter or a connecting site b/w the both.

I haven't done many uploaded runs b/c I don't have my own ipod&sportskit yet. I think that I will get them in the near future. I think I'll just stick to the Nike thing b/c I already started, instead of using some other brand & tracking website.

If you think this is cool, you can sign up right here!
http://twiike.com

My Nike Mini T!

Finaly got it! I think the first time I'll wear this will be on my bday which is on Fri, Yay! I love the DryFit stretchy fabric! It's so comfortable!

I'm planning to do other challenges as well in the future! Right now I'm really out of shape so I need a lot of hard work runnin, situps/crunches, pushups, lifting weights/dumbells.

May16/09

Whoo Hoo! Yes, I finally picked up my cool-T today! gonna post a pic of it soon!
but din't have time to run & also I'm not feeling quite well although the weather was pretty good in b/w the rain periods. Actually I didn't really get to run much this whole week b/c I was so busy organizing my home/stuff, cleanning, fixing things, planning. But at least I did walk a lot, but not as much as I should.

So next week I have to do more runs & I think I'll have more time for that since this week was so busy & I got a lot of stuff done. But then new things to do always come out of the blue, so i should watch out & eliminate the non-essentials & prioritize according to importance & urgency. & also I must arrange the to do order of tasks for their convenience of one another, eg. some things i can do @same time & some will help if i do some certain ones either/before another, etc...

nxt wkend: is my bday wk but i'll b quite busy so i won't really try to officially celebrate it, it'll try to have fun during the stuff/events it'll be at!
sat volunteer training session & then doors open toronto. will be fun, but very tiring, not the relaxing type of fun! but keeps me busy & fulfilled.
sunday picnic=relax--just chat w/ peops, eat & maybe get to take a nap.
ok so my nxt wkend won't b too bad afterall! most of the busy-ness will just b on sat.

as for prior mon-fri....i just know i got a lot of stuff, just dun wanna think about it yet, but it'll start planning in my mind while i'm in the middle of relaxing, maybe when I'm watching a movie.

Sporting Life 10k fotos & videos!

Track your Fitness Online!

Here's a link that lists several websites you can use to track your fitness activities & progress.
http://50plus.com/Health/BrowseAllArticles/index.cfm?t_offset=1&documentID=16456

Nike Plus!

Nike Plus is a website where you can track your running progress. It tracks your pace, distance, etc... But you will need an iPod & the Nike Sports Kit which is basically a reciever & a sensor device that acts together with your iPod. Through Nike Plus, you can set up personal goals for yourself. You can sign up for challeges & even make your own challeges & get your friends to sign up so you can try to beat one another for fun. All these things are great motivators! Even if you run by youself, you won't feel alone when you can see a whole network of people who also share the same passion for running & you can also communicate w/ other runners around the world on this website.
http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/
http://www.apple.com/ca/ipod/nike/

may 7/09

Blogging has actually taken up a lot of my free time lately. I know that it should feel more like fun than a chore. I know that I do need time to reflect so blogging is good if not necessary. however i will keep my blog postings as short as i can frm now on coz i need more time for exercise & run/train.

I'm very excited to get my free Nike Mini tshirt soon. they told me that it's already been made when i got there yesterday. however, they were packing up by the time i got there, so i'll have to wait until nxt time. i suppose nxt tues/wed. i sucks to think that i could have it already, lol. but it's ok, i dun actually mind too much. i'll get it eventually anyway. but can't wait to show all my friends.

originally i was supposed to only get it when i finish my challenge but i think it's b/c they said that whoever came out for the sporting life 10k event will get theirs automatically no matter how far they were in the challenge. but i wasn't that far from finishing it anyway. i was atleast half way through it if not more.

okie i'll post a pic up once i get it. but i dun think i'll run w/ it or even wear it often. it's more of a souvenir that i'll hang on a hanger in my closet coz i dun wanna ruin it.

Welcome!

I've just started running within the last 2 months. I haven't started training heavily yet, but I do plan to run a marathon in the near future. Perhaps the Aug 29 Women's one & then the Sept 27 Scotiabank one. There's also a Mississauga Marathon this comming Sat, but I'm a bit busy & unprepared for it & also it's a too far for me & I'm quite unfamiliar w/ Sauga.

The marathons I might do next. View the foto of the flyers above!
http://www.towomens5k.com/
http://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/

I've participated in the Sporting Life 10k this past Sunday. It was my very first marathon, although I wasn't actualy officially registered in it. But I enjoyed running with everyone just for the experience. I felt like I was really a part of it like every other running. I would have registered in it if I did have enough time to fundraise. & I wasn't too prepared for doing the real thing yet. Next year I'll register early & I'll get the medal this time! So please support me next year for the Sporting Life 10k where I will fundraise for Camp Oochigeas for kids affected by cancer.
http://community.ooch.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=199&frsid=390
Thanks 4 da Support in advance!! ^_____^

WHAT THIS BLOG IS ABOUT!
A girl's journey through her running adventures; from a typical lazy couch potato to building and training into a fit & athletic road-runner! Through this blog she will share her experiences & information about upcomming runs/marathons/races, will also include training logs, her race results, running advice/tips, the latest trends in running gear & technology & photos.