Event Schedule

Tinker Bell Half Marathon - Disneyland, Anaheim, CA
Sunday, January 20 
Benefiting the Anaheim Community Foundation. Sassy, feisty, and fun loving, Tinker Bell is the fairy we all know and love! Celebrate your inner Miss Bell at the half marathon full of pixie dust and Never, Never Land adventure. This is a half marathon celebrating female runners. While men are invited to run as well, the focus will be woman. What a fun way to run through the park! I believe Jackie & Michele were the only 2 to sign up for this race but supporters are encouraged to come out and cheer them on!
Go here to register: SOLD OUT!

The Color Run 5K - Dodger Stadium, LA, CA
Saturday, February 2 (9am)
The Color Run event is a unique experience focused less on speed and more on crazy color fun with friends and family. Color Runners come from all different ages, shapes, sizes, and speeds; but everyone toeing the start line has a blast. Whether you are a casual morning mall walker or an Olympic athlete, the 3 miles of The Color Run course will be the most memorable and colorful run of your life! Looks like we're going to have a nice turn out of Tacos at this event so sign up today. Team 5K & Tacos should already exist as a team for the 9am heat (it's $5 cheaper to register as a team member).
Go here to register: thecolorrun.com/los-angeles

LA Chinatown Firecracker 5/10K Run/Walk - Downtown, LA, CA
Sunday, February 24
2013 is the year of the snake, let's celebrate it with a run! This is one of the more challenging but fun races I've run in the past. Starting and ending in Chinatown with a great festive atmosphere, you'll need the push to get you up to Dodger Stadium and back. Entry also includes a free carbo-load meal on Saturday.
Go here to register: www.firecracker10k.org

Glendale News-Press 5K Downtown Dash - Glendale, CA
Sunday, March 10
A 5k run/walk through the heart of downtown Glendale, the Dash offers a fun, family atmosphere that takes participants down Brand Blvd, through the Americana and back up again. 100% of the proceeds from this event support GAMC Stroke Services for our community. Through community lectures, screenings and new technology for only Certified Advanced Primary Stroke Center in Glendale, we can help fight this deadly and disabling condition.  AAY! is also offering an 8 week training program for this race.
Go here to register: www.GlendaleDowntownDash.org

Pasadena Triathlon, Duathlon & 5K Fun Run - Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
Saturday, March 23 
A 'reverse' triathlon or a great 5k run around the Bowl. This event is for everyone: whether you are a beginner, an experienced triathlete or somewhere in between. I know a lot of people at a variety of fitness levels that have done this triathlon and loved it. Reverse order means you run, bike, and then swim. Also, the swim portion is in a pool so that should help those with anxiety about swimming in open water. If you're still not comfortable with the swim portion, go for the duathlon, a run, swim, run. There's also a 5K fun run option.
Go here to register: www.pasadenatriathlon.com

Event Schedule

Team 5K & Tacos
Event Schedule
Updated: 10.29.12

United Way Home Walk 2012 - Exposition Park, Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, November 17
Benefiting the many homeless of the Los Angeles area, this event is near and dear to many Angelenos, including Kobe Bryant. The race begins at 9:00am, but since it's a 5K walk AND a run, there's usually 4,000-5,000 people there, so arriving early helps avoiding parking and traffic snafus. Fellow Taco, Betsy, works for a key sponsor for the event, so registration is FREE for anyone who participates by joining the ACCO Engineered Systems team.  (That's why there is no T5K&T to join for this event). In the Partner Code area, enter ACCO2012 (all caps, no spaces) to activate the discount. If there's any help you can do with fundraising, it will be much appreciated.
Go here to register: www.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=1035947&lis=0&kntae1035947=A02E2272C801468E9B08D132CE86867A&supId=237584066&team=5263449
Team Name: ACCO Engineered Systems
Partner Code: ACCO2012

Malibu Spartan Sprint 5K Obstacle Course Run - Malibu, CA
Sunday, December 2
Many of the same team members that ran Tough Mudder SoCal #2, Thunder Buddies, will be running the Spartan Sprint. Described on their website as the world’s leading obstacle race series. It’s an event of pure primitive craziness that you’ll never forget! I'm sold. There is already a team created under Thunder Buddies so if you're in, join this team and invite your friends to do the same.
Go here to register: www.spartanrace.com/socal-obstacle-racing-spartan-sprint-2012
Team Name: Thunder Buddies
Password: mudder
Discount Code: gasrst001

Santa Monica Venice Christmas 5K & 10K Run - Ocean View Park, Santa Monica, CA
Saturday, December 8 
Benefiting Partners In Malawi – Transforming the face of HIV/AIDS in Malawi, Africa; and Harvest Home, a residential program for homeless women and babies. The Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run has a 5k and a 10k run that winds through the beautiful streets of Santa Monica and Venice, including a long stretch along the famous Venice Beach boardwalk. There are usually fantastic costumes and a very fun atmosphere surrounding this popular race.
Go here to register: www.christmasrun.com

Tinker Bell Half Marathon - Disneyland, Anaheim, CA
Sunday, January 20 
Benefiting the Anaheim Community Foundation. Sassy, feisty, and fun loving, Tinker Bell is the fairy we all know and love! Celebrate your inner Miss Bell at the half marathon full of pixie dust and Never, Never Land adventure. This is a half marathon celebrating female runners. While men are invited to run as well, the focus will be woman. What a fun way to run through the park!
Go here to register: SOLD OUT!

LA Chinatown Firecracker 5/10K Run/Walk - Downtown, LA
Sunday, February 24
2013 is the year of the snake, let's celebrate it with a run! This is one of the more challenging but fun races I've run in the past. Starting and ending in Chinatown with a great festive atmosphere, you'll need the push to get you up to Dodger Stadium and back. Entry also includes a free carbo-load meal on Saturday.
Go here to register: www.firecracker10k.org

Pasadena Triathlon, Duathlon & 5K Fun Run - Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
Saturday, March 23 
A 'reverse' triathlon or a great 5k run around the Bowl. This event is for everyone: whether you are a beginner, an experienced triathlete or somewhere in between. I know a lot of people at a variety of fitness levels that have done this triathlon and loved it. Reverse order means you run, bike, and then swim. Also, the swim portion is in a pool so that should help those with anxiety about swimming in open water. If you're still not comfortable with the swim portion, go for the duathlon, a run, swim, run. There's also a 5K fun run option.
Go here to register: www.pasadenatriathlon.com

RAGNAR SoCal - Huntington Beach to San Diego, CA
Friday & Saturday, April 19 & 20
Jackie and I are super super excited about this.  It's a 200 mile, 12 person relay from Huntington Beach to San Diego.  We are looking for a team of super excited and motivated people to commit to training and being a part of this amazing experience in April of 2013.  The average pace of the group needs to be an 11 minute mile but don't be too intimidated by this number, it can be worked up to over the next 8 months and faster runners will make up for us slower ones. There are a variety of distances you run, each runner completing 3 separate legs over the course of 2 days.  We will also need 2 van drivers and 3 volunteers. This is not limited to Tacos so if you or someone you know might want to join in, please let us know.  I think this is going to be one of those amazing experiences we'll never forget!
Contact Michele Ryan or Jackie Wheel if you are interested in being a part of the team.

Hansen Dam Sprint Tri

Finished my first triathlon this past weekend.  I wouldn't say I rocked it but my goal was to finish in under 2 hours and I did, just barely.  I really wanted to come in under 1 & 1/2 hours, which I think I can do, but it wasn't meant to be this time around.

I expected to be faster in the swim than I was but the bodies surrounding me prevented that.  I was faster on the bike than I thought I would be which was fun.  In reality, the run is what killed me.  In my mind I told myself just didn't have any legs left for the run.  I think I could have pushed harder though.  I ran my slowest 5K ever.

Some additional things I learned along the way...

• I ended up racing in a 2 piece tri suit and it worked out beautifully.  Plus it's basically bike shorts and a tank top so it can be used for other work outs as well.

• I wish I would have been more aggressive on the swim in order to get out of the pack, I know I was one of the stronger swimmers but I held back in order to be polite.  Need to look into the etiquette on this.
  

• Glad I had an extra small towel to dry myself off a bit before getting on my bike.

• Wish I wouldn't have bothered with my biking gloves as they really don't help me that much and they slowed me down in the transition area.

• I should have finished all the water in my bottle on the bike as there was only 1 hydration station on the run.

• Glad I had 2 extra water bottles at my transition area though.

• Forgot to put my socks out and therefore did the bike & run without them, didn't bother me during the race but I've got a couple of blisters now.  Lesson learned, double check you have everything you need during transitions, out of your bag before the start of the race.

• Get there as soon as the transition area is open to ensure a good spot.  People hoard space and as a first timer it was intimidating to squeeze in.

• Don't forget, the transitions are part of the race too!
  

In the future, I'll do more brick training to get my legs well adjusted to that bike to run transition.  In the future, I will mentally push myself to go harder because I know I can.  In the future, I will meet my goal of finishing in under an hour and a half.  Looks like there are going to be more triathlons in my future!

XOXO
-M

Event Schedule

Team 5K & Tacos
Event Schedule
Updated: 8.10.12

Hansen Dam Triathlon Sprint Distance - Lake View Terrace, CA
Sunday, August 19
This is going to be my very first triathlon and you should join me! The Sprint Triathlon begins with a 500 yard open water swim, transitions into a 11 mile road bike course, and finishes with a 3 mile trail run through the Hansen Dam Regional Park. According to their blog, The Hansen Dam Tri is perfectly situated for all multi-sport competitors. Whether you are a novice or professional triathlete, this fun, fast and competitive event is a fantastic race to participate in!
Go here to register: www.hansendamtri.com

Relay for Life's Fight Back Fitness Challenge 5K Obstacle Course - Downtown LA
Sunday, September 9 
Benefiting the American Cancer Society. Developed by my good friend, Danielle, the inaugural year of this event will prove to be fun and challenging. This is a 3 mile course (3 1-mile loops) along the dirt running path at LA Historic State Park. Throughout the course, there will be 15 Obstacle Stations set up for you to challenge yourself, and test your skills. These obstacles will be hosted by Fitness Trainers from around Los Angeles, and will feature elements of boxing, cross fit training, and boot camp drills. Participants will receive a check for completing each obstacle station along the course, and can skip any obstacles they do not feel comfortable completing.
Go here to register: www.RelayForLife.org/FightBackFitnessChallengeCA

The 11th Annual Kickin' Cancer 5K Walk/Run - Brentwood, CA
Sunday, September 30
Benefiting the Lynne Cohen Foundation for Ovarian Cancer Research. This is our annual team race, the one that started it all! Let's all put on our bright yellow team shirts and run/walk this super fun and family friendly course together. We had a huge turn out last year, let's try and do the same this year. I love this fast, out and back course including a super fun expo with lots of goodies afterward. Let's go TACOS!!!
Go here to register: www.kickincancer.com (make sure to sign up under Team 5K & Tacos)

Run For Your Lives, Zombie Infested 5K Obstacle Course Race - Vail Lake Village, South Temecula, CA
Saturday, October 20
Benefiting the American Red Cross. You guys, this is going to be amazing! Runners will navigate a series of 12 obstacles throughout a 5K course in an attempt to reach the finish line — all while avoiding zombies. That's right, ZOMBIES! All About You! Bootcamp has put a team together for the 12pm wave but feel free to join an earlier or later heat so that we can support each other and cheer each Taco past the zombie attack!
Go here to register: www.runforyourlives.com

Malibu Spartan Sprint 5K Obstacle Course Run - Malibu, CA
Sunday, December 2
Many of the same team members that ran Tough Mudder SoCal #2, Thunder Buddies, will be running the Spartan Sprint. Described on their website as the world’s leading obstacle race series. It’s an event of pure primitive craziness that you’ll never forget! I'm sold. There is already a team created under Thunder Buddies so if you're in, join this team and invite your friends to do the same.
Go here to register: www.spartanrace.com/socal-obstacle-racing-spartan-sprint-2012
Team Name: Thunder Buddies
Password: mudder
Discount Code: gasrst001

Santa Monica Venice Christmas 5K & 10K Run - Ocean View Park, Santa Monica, CA
Saturday, December 8 
Benefiting Partners In Malawi – Transforming the face of HIV/AIDS in Malawi, Africa; and Harvest Home, a residential program for homeless women and babies. The Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run has a 5k and a 10k run that winds through the beautiful streets of Santa Monica and Venice, including a long stretch along the famous Venice Beach boardwalk. There are usually fantastic costumes and a very fun atmosphere surrounding this popular race.
Registration opens July 1st: www.christmasrun.com

Tinker Bell Half Marathon - Disneyland, Anaheim, CA
Sunday, January 20 
Benefiting the Anaheim Community Foundation. Sassy, feisty, and fun loving, Tinker Bell is the fairy we all know and love! Celebrate your inner Miss Bell at the half marathon full of pixie dust and Never, Never Land adventure. This is a half marathon celebrating female runners. While men are invited to run as well, the focus will be woman. What a fun way to run through the park!
Go here to register: SOLD OUT!

LA Chinatown Firecracker 5/10K Run/Walk - Downtown, LA
Sunday, February 24
2013 is the year of the snake, let's celebrate it with a run! This is one of the more challenging but fun races I've run in the past. Starting and ending in Chinatown with a great festive atmosphere, you'll need the push to get you up to Dodger Stadium and back. Entry also includes a free carbo-load meal on Saturday.
Go here to register: www.firecracker10k.org

Pasadena Triathlon, Duathlon & 5K Fun Run - Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
Saturday, March 23 
A 'reverse' triathlon or a great 5k run around the Bowl. This event is for everyone: whether you are a beginner, an experienced triathlete or somewhere in between. I know a lot of people at a variety of fitness levels that have done this triathlon and loved it. Reverse order means you run, bike, and then swim. Also, the swim portion is in a pool so that should help those with anxiety about swimming in open water. If you're still not comfortable with the swim portion, go for the duathlon, a run, swim, run. There's also a 5K fun run option.
Go here to register: www.pasadenatriathlon.com

RAGNAR SoCal - Huntington Beach to San Diego, CA
Friday & Saturday, April 19 & 20
Jackie and I are super super excited about this.  It's a 200 mile, 12 person relay from Huntington Beach to San Diego.  We are looking for a team of super excited and motivated people to commit to training and being a part of this amazing experience in April of 2013.  The average pace of the group needs to be an 11 minute mile but don't be too intimidated by this number, it can be worked up to over the next 8 months and faster runners will make up for us slower ones. There are a variety of distances you run, each runner completing 3 separate legs over the course of 2 days.  We will also need 2 van drivers and 3 volunteers. This is not limited to Tacos so if you or someone you know might want to join in, please let us know.  I think this is going to be one of those amazing experiences we'll never forget!
Contact Michele Ryan or Jackie Wheel if you are interested in being a part of the team.

Tough Mudder SoCal #2

I never did post about Tough Mudder SoCal #2.  I did it last month with a team of 8 total, 2 of us being Tacos.  It was an amazing accomplishment that couldn't have been done without the team.  I just want to thank the Thunder Buddies for helping me cross that finish line, it's one of my greatest feats to date.  We had a couple of really great supporters out there taking photos and video of the event.  Check it out...

Schedule of Events

Team 5K & Tacos
Training & Race Schedule

SoCal #2 Tough Mudder - Snow Valley Mountain Resort, Running Springs, CA
Saturday, July 7 & Sunday, July 8
Benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project. This is an intense 10 to 12 mile obstacle course designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. There is an Aspect Ratio team registering for the Sunday event. It's going to be a grueling challenge but working together we can get through it! Go here to register: toughmudder.com

Hansen Dam Triathlon Sprint Distance - Lake View Terrace, CA
Sunday, August 19
This is going to be my very first triathlon and you should join me! The Sprint Triathlon begins with a 500 yard open water swim, transitions into a 11 mile road bike course, and finishes with a 3 mile trail run through the Hansen Dam Regional Park. According to their blog, The Hansen Dam Tri is perfectly situated for all multi-sport competitors. Whether you are a novice or professional triathlete, this fun, fast and competitive event is a fantastic race to participate in!
Go here to register: hansendamtri.com

The 11th Annual Kickin' Cancer 5K Walk/Run - Brentwood, CA
Sunday, September 30
Benefiting the Lynne Cohen Foundation for Ovarian Cancer Research. This is our annual team race, the one that started it all! Let's all put on our bright yellow team shirts and run/walk this super fun and family friendly course together. We had a huge turn out last year, let's try and do the same this year. I love this fast, out and back course including a super fun expo with lots of goodies afterward. Let's go TACOS!!!
Go here to register: kickincancer.com (make sure to sign up under Team 5K & Tacos)

Run For Your Lives, Zombie Infested 5K Obstacle Course Race - Vail Lake Village, South Temecula, CA
Saturday, October 20
Benefiting the American Red Cross. You guys, this is going to be amazing! Runners will navigate a series of 12 obstacles throughout a 5K course in an attempt to reach the finish line — all while avoiding zombies. That's right, ZOMBIES! All About You! Bootcamp has put a team together for the 12pm wave but feel free to join an earlier or later heat so that we can support each other and cheer each Taco past the zombie attack!
Go here to register: runforyourlives.com

Santa Monica Venice Christmas 5K & 10K Run - Ocean View Park, Santa Monica, CA
Saturday, December 8 
Benefiting Partners In Malawi – Transforming the face of HIV/AIDS in Malawi, Africa; and Harvest Home, a residential program for homeless women and babies. The Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run has a 5k and a 10k run that winds through the beautiful streets of Santa Monica and Venice, including a long stretch along the famous Venice Beach boardwalk. There are usually fantastic costumes and a very fun atmosphere surrounding this popular race.
Registration opens July 1st: christmasrun.com

Tinker Bell Half Marathon - Disneyland, Anaheim, CA
Sunday, January 20 
Benefiting the Anaheim Community Foundation. Sassy, feisty, and fun loving, Tinker Bell is the fairy we all know and love! Celebrate your inner Miss Bell at the half marathon full of pixie dust and Never, Never Land adventure. This is a half marathon celebrating female runners. While men are invited to run as well, the focus will be woman. What a fun way to run through the park!
Go here to register: espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/tinker-bell-half-marathon/index?page=tinker-bell-half-marathon

13.1 Done!

I am proud to say that I rocked 13.1!  It was one of the most rewarding accomplishments I have achieved on my road to healthy living.  Let me tell you though, it's been a long road getting to where I'm at today.

A year ago around this time I was over weight and under going surgery for appendicitis.   My doctor warned me that I needed to do something about my weight and so I got serious about my fitness.  I joined All About You! Wellness BootCamp and reintroduced Team 5K & Tacos to the world.  It was the best thing I could have done for myself.

Two weeks ago I was dreading this race, knowing I hadn't trained as hard as I had wanted to and race day was approaching all too quickly.  Race weekend came and I was still super nervous but with the support of my fellow Tacos I was also pumped and knew that I could do it, it was my race to run.  That was something I repeated to myself throughout the morning, run your own race.  And that is exactly what I did.

I kept a slower pace, never pushing my body too hard to make sure I had enough in me to make it to that finish line.  I stopped at every water station for a drink and used my GU as extra support.  It worked!  I managed to at least slow jog the entire hilly course.  It was amazing!  The atmosphere was a buzz with excitement and it was contagious.  It also helped to know that there were 4 other Tacos running this same course with me.  Not to mention Jackie, my team support, showing up multiple times on the race course with her bright neon sign cheering me on.  RUN MICHELE RUN!  It made all the difference in the world feeling that love.

My goal was to finish in under 3 hours.  I came in at 3 hours 7 minutes and 59 seconds.  This just leaves me with a new goal to reach, finishing my next half marathon in under 3 hours.  I had my finisher's medal engraved and it's now proudly hanging next to my other medals.  I can't wait for that next race.  I was so proud of myself, I never thought I could do it but you all proved to me that I can, we all can.

Thank you so much for the support.  Lots of love to you!

XOXO
-M

P.S.
If you ran this race, or any other, and would like to share your story on this blog, send it to me in an email and I'll publish it here for you.

Me & Summer, post race