Costume Party Run: Preparing For the Biggest Bling of Your Life

The moment you have been waiting for is just days away. Costumes, comedy, craziness, and the BIGGEST BLING around is waiting for you. Are you ready?

 

By now you should have completed your longest “long run."   Continue with your regular running program but there is no point in trying to squeeze in one last long run.  Your body will not benefit much and it will cause more stress on your body the necessary.  You have trained, gotten those miles in, and now it is time to relax! This week should be all about winding down and saving your energy for the big event. With the summer heat, is it crucial that you don't over do it. 

 

Do some mental preparations this week as well.  Start chanting your mantra, get those tunes on your iPod and keep that goal in mind. Be sure to look over the course and all of the race day details so that the day before and morning of can be spent stress free.

Carbohydrate intake should actually begin Wednesday or Thursday.  It is fun to carb load the day before but your body will benefit more if you start increasing your carbs days before the race and not the night before. Aim to increase your carbs by 60-70% and that doesn’t mean with beer which brings me to my next topic.

Keep your body hydrated.  This is one of the most important details especially with the summer heat. Drink plenty of water this week and try to avoid excess amounts of coffee, tea, and alcohol.  If you are planning on bringing a sport drink with you, experiment now so that you don’t have any upset tummy surprises on race day. 

 

Test run any of your new gear or apparel.  You have a costume, a new hat, hydration belt, etc. wear them during one of your easy runs this week.  You don’t want any surprises or wardrobe malfunctions while you are out on the course. If you don't want to go jogging around your neighborhood in your tights and cape (I don't blame you,) give it a test run on a treadmill.

Have a great week and try to contain your excitement for the big weekend!  We can't wait to see you in San Diego and look forward to giving you all the laughs, wackiness, and bling that you can handle.

 

Click here for final instructions.  

ENERGYBits Giveaway

The Hollywood Half Marathon Virtual Goodie Bag had lots of fun things for all of you to try out.  Hopefully, everyone took note of a coupon for a new product called ENERGYBits. 

These tiny “bits” have received their name because they give you enduring energy – both physically and mentally.  They have 64% protein and are beneficial for anyone who needs more energy and protein.  Sounds like the perfect runner’s food, doesn’t it?

ENERGYBits are made of 100% Spirulina algae.  This algae has been used by Olympic athletes for over four decades. Spirulina has the richest source of protein in the world (60%-70%) and is also rich in B Vitamins.  There is no other ingredient in this product!  No sugar, no caffeine, no GMO, no gluten, nothing artificial and nothing added.  That is hard to find.

There are endless benefits to taking Spirulina algae:

• Helps stop fatigue
• Helps stop hunger
• Helps with weight loss
• Helps stop cravings
• Provides physical energy
• Provides mental wake up
• Helps improve athletic performance
• Helps build muscle
• Helps lower cholesterol
• Helps lower blood pressure   
• Healthy high protein snack    
• Aids wellness and longevity       
• Great replacement for animal protein or greens       
• Helps strengthen skin, hair, nails and bones

Are you ready to give these little “bits” a try? They can be swallowed or chewed right before a workout and you will feel the results in your performance. One of our crew has tried them out (we wouldn’t endorse them without trying them) and felt more energized and ran a faster pace than she ever had before!

You can purchase ENERGYBits online.  Don’t forget to take advantage of the coupon from the Virtual Goodie Bag and enter the code “HOLLYWOODHALF” for a 20% discount.

ENERGYBits has generously volunteered to host a giveaway for THREE lucky Hollywood Half Marathon participants.  Each winner will receive two samples of ENERGYBits to try out for themselves! 

To enter the giveaway, go to ENERGYBits and find one thing that you like about the product.  Post a comment telling what that one thing is, along with your email address.  You must “like” us on Facebook to be eligible.

For extra entries please leave one comment for each of the following:

• “Like” ENERGYBits on Facebook
• Follow Hollywood Half Marathon on Twitter
•  Follow ENERGYBits on Twitter
• Tweet about this contest (tag Hollywood Half and ENERGYBits) and post the Twitter link with your comment.
• Share this contest on your Facebook page and post the link with your comment. 

This giveaway will end on Wednesday, April 22nd at 9 p.m. PST. Winners will be chosen at random using Random.org. Good luck!

Optimal Foods for Post-race Recovery

Are you ready to run?  Here are some tips on what foods to head for after you cross that finish line!

Runners often focus on what to eat before a run, especially if that run is a long distance event such as a half marathon or marathon. Even I get very conscientious about what I am going to eat prior to heading out for a run, no matter how big or small. 

What we often forget to think about is what we should be eating AFTER our runs. Runners can all agree that recovery is important but there are many variations as to what runners think will help that recovery.

Many will eat some type of carbohydrate-rich snack or guzzle a sport drink with the hopes that carbs are what the body needs to recover.  This is true to a certain extent.  Carbs are definitely important to restore muscle glycogen that you burned on your run.  Hydration after a run is also equally important so that you can replace lost fluids.

But one key component is missing in the recovery equation, and that is protein. Protein is essential in helping your muscle recover because they rebuild broken down muscle fibers.  Without adequate protein, your muscles will take longer to recover, and as many studies suggest, you will be more likely to suffer from burnout and symptoms of over training.

Although most athletes generally get consume enough protein, it is recommended that we intake 15-25 grams of high quality protein within the first hour or two after working out.

Active.com has chosen five great protein-rich foods to optimize recovery.

Non-fat or Low-fat Greek Yogurt (8 oz.): 22-24 grams of protein

This food has more protein per calorie than most other foods.  Plus, it is a viable option for those who are lactose intolerant.

Low-fat Chocolate Yogurt (8 oz.): 8 grams of protein

This drink provides a 3 to 1 ratio of carbs to protein, so it replaces both glycogen and amino acids needed for your muscles to recover.   

Cottage Cheese (8 oz.): 28 grams of protein

Cottage cheese is one of the most naturally-rich sources of the muscle-building amino acid, leucine. It is also a great option for athletes trying to lean up or lose weight.

Eggs (1 medium): 6 grams of protein

A medium egg has just over 6 grams of protein. It’s complete with all amino acids in the most digestible form.

Pistachios (1 oz./49 pistachios): 6 grams of protein

Pistachios make a nutritious snack and they are easy to take on the road. These nuts provide also contain potassium and sodium, two electrolytes lost in sweat.