Celebrate National Running Day With Superhero Discounts

How will you be celebrating National Running Day on June 5th? Going on a long run?  Running with a family member?  How about signing up for some of the funnest races around!  Now is your chance to get a superhero discount! Can't decide which race to run?  May we suggest you run them all?

Costume Party Run...Hidden Hills?

Are you wondering if the course for the Costume Party Run is flat?  Hot Dog Man will tell you!

Dressing Up For The Costume Run

The San Francisco Bay to Breakers is one of the oldest races in history that celebrates the human spirit. Since January 1, 1912, it had been one of the oldest running events where not only the serious runner participates. Each year thousands of costumed participants join with families, and weekend runners and walkers. As they make their way through the heart of San Francisco, energized by continuous bursts of live music, they are cheered on by thousands of spectators lining the route.

Since the inaugural Bay to Breakers, a number of costume-themed runs have popped up around the world. The London Marathon, has produced some of the best costumes as has runDisney events such as the Walt Disney World Marathon, Tinker Bell Half Marathon, and the Disney Princess Half. Other running events seem to evoke costumes simply based on the event date like many local Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, Christmas runs, and Halloween runs.

If running in an outrageous costume is on your bucket list, you don't want to miss out on the Costume Party Run. On July 7, runners will be coming out of San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium and running a half marathon or 5K in the whackiest costumes they can think of. Along with some crazy course entertainment, you will not want to miss this inaugural event!

Did I mention the medal?  Rumor has it that it will be one of the LARGEST medals in the country!

The Costume Party Run has chosen Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego and San Diego Youth Services. So get your costumes on because it's all for a good cause.

Here are some of running's WHACKIEST costumes. Can you top them? BuyCostumes.com is a great source for inexpensive costumes if you are looking for some inspiration!

Cruella and her Dalmations

Something's fishy!

Lady Lobsters

Snap, Crackle, and Pop!

Faces

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Nesquick will give you some speed!

Roadkill Rita

Inspired? REGISTER NOW!

TEAM SUPERHERO - Flying Over A City Near You!

The members of TEAM SUPERHERO have been selected! We received over a hundred applications and the choice was tough. The Super Crew was finally able to narrow the list down to select the runners that we felt had the best superhero powers. 

As part of TEAM SUPERHERO, the responsibilities are to:

1. Complete at least 10 endurance events during the year.
2. Spread the word about Superhero Events through social media. Blog, Facebook, Tweet,   and Instragram about all of our events. Interact with social media involving Superhero Events by commenting, “liking:” and retweeting postings from others.
3. Write one related post a week through social media about Superhero Events.  Use the #hashtag and @symbols: #superheroevents, #hollywoodhalf, #costumepartyrun, #awesome80srun, @SuperheroEvents, @HollywoodHalf, @CostumePartyRun, @Awesome80sRun
4. Distribute flyers in their hometown (local running stores, running groups, local races, etc.)
5. Inspire others through your race reports and photos.
6. Volunteer at a minimum of four Superhero related events a year.
7. Wear Team Superhero gear at other races and race related events. 

Thank you to all who applied and keep an eye out for the next application period.  Spots on this team are earned and we will consistently be looking for new superheroes!

A big introduction to our TEAM SUPERHERO members:  

Alex Ramoran                                                      Kiley Majeski            
Alisa Barraza                                                     Laura Gonzalez
Amanda Daley                                                     Lauren Espinoza
Angelica M Garcia                                              Lorrie Mancillas 
Ann Stenick                                                          Lulu Carter
Anthony Flores                                                    Mark Jones
BustA Groove (aka Maria Crawford)             Mary Fasang
Charlene Ragsdale                                              Megan Preovolos
Chris Ayangco                                                     Michael Agyin
Cindy Brough                                                       Misty Diaz
Coni Constantine                                                 Pam Medhurst
Dee Dee Urquhart                                               Ray De Anda
Flor Ulloa                                                             Robert Manon
Frank Garcia                                                       Rodrigo Ortiz                          
Gabby Rodriguez                                                Rolena Alvarado
Gregg Condon                                                     Rudy Carrasquillo
Gwendolyn Chapin                                             Sabrina Nwadike
Jackie Cardenas Luevanos                                Sonia Avila
Jackie Martinez                                                   Sophia Lontayo
Jason Burgess                                                      Terri Perez
Jeffrey Lemberger                                              Tim Lumpkin
Jennifer Stock Sprow                                        Tony Nguyen
Jenny Ison Wanland                                           Tyler Lucas
Jett Dunlap                                                           Tysen Lucas
Jimmy Nguyen                                                     Wendy Cerrato
Joe Spatafore                                                       Whitney Shepherd
Kelley Tenny                                                         Wilmer Javier Cerrato
Ken Nwadike                                                        Tiffiny Hargrave

Watch your local running events, Facebook updates, Tweets, Instragram pictures and Team Superhero jerseys to spot a member of the team! Go Team Superhero!

Any questions and comments about Team Superhero can be directed to the team manager Kelley Tenny at kelley@superheroevents.com. 

The Costume Party Run is 3 Months Away - Find Out How To Train

Maybe you just ran the Hollywood Half Marathon.  Or perhaps you wanted to run the half marathon but decided to run the 5K or 10K event instead.  Maybe some of you thought about running in one of the events but didn't train for it and missed out. 

Whatever description best fits you, the Costume Party Run is just three months away.  And this is just enough time to train for a half marathon.  So get those running shoes on, and start planning your costume.

To follow this training program, you need to have some base mileage.  What does that mean? That means you should already be running or doing run/walk intervals.  This program can also be followed if you just completed the Hollywood Half Marathon and are making the Costume Party Run your next half marathon event.

Mondays:  Monday should be your rest days.  Mondays are hard enough.  Rest is also critical for recovery and injury prevention so no matter how great you feel , be sure to rest up.

Tuesdays and Thursdays:  After a warm-up (light jogging or brisk walking for 10-15 minutes,) run at a moderate pace for 2-5 miles.  A moderate pace is a pace slightly faster than your long distance pace. Depending on where you are at with running will depend on how many miles you run.  For example, if this was your first 5K, start running two to three miles on these days.  If you just completed the half marathon, run three to four miles on these days.These runs should build on mileage so that you are running four to five miles two weeks before the Costume Party Run. 

Wednesdays:  In the beginning, Wednesdays should be rest days. As you get stronger and your runs get longer, use these days to cross train.  You might walk, bike, swim, or hike on these days.  Workout for 30-45 minutes at an easy-to-moderate effort.

Fridays:  Do a cross-training (CT) activity (biking, swimming, elliptical trainer, etc.) at easy-to-moderate effort for 30 to 45 minutes. If you're feeling very sluggish or sore on Friday, take a rest day. It's important that you're feeling strong for your Saturday long run.

Saturdays:  This is the day for your long, slow, distance run.  Start with running three miles.  Each week run one mile farther.  These runs should be at an easy, conversational pace.  Use the talk test.  You should be able to talk in complete sentences as you run.    

Sundays:  This is an active recovery day.  Your exercise choice should be at an easy pace.  You might go out for a quick, easy jog or a walk.  This will help loosen up your muscles after your long Saturday run.

If you follow this schedule, the Costume Party Half Marathon is well within your reach and we would love to have you! So start that training and register now! How can you turn down that Disco Ball medal?

This program is a guideline for runners who are at a beginner level or who have just completed their first half marathon.  As always, you should check with your doctor before starting any training program or if you have any medical conditions.

Win a FREE entry to the Costume Party Run

Want to win a FREE entry to the Costume Party Run?  Head on over to our Facebook page and caption this photo by leaving a comment.  The comment with the most likes by Monday wins.  Easy as pie!

Click here to go to the Costume Party Run Facebook page.

Staying Motivated Until We Meet Again

After having made such a big accomplishment Saturday, you may be wondering what's next. Maybe you run all the time and this race was just part of your routine. Or maybe you trained long and hard for this event, making crossing the finish line that much sweeter.

What keeps you running?

Whatever you see in your running future, it is important to stay motivated. Now that you have established a fitness base, you should be able to maintain it by running three days a week.  Try running three to five miles on two of those days and use the third day to challenge your distance. This will help you increase your distance to a longer event or, if you completed the half marathon, help you maintain your mileage. 

Think about signing up for another race.  We love those of you that have already signed up for next year's Hollywood Half Marathon (and if you haven't yet, you can register here,) but it is a year away. It is common for runners to use this as a strategy to keep them motivated. If you feel a little unmotivated, think about doing another type of race such as a challenge course or mud run, or sign up for a different distance.  Perhaps after running our 5K, a 10K sounds like a motivating goal. Maybe after just completing a half, another one sounds like too much.  Why not look for a 5K fun run in your local area.

Cross-training is also a good option.  Mixing biking, walking, or swimming will help give you variety but allow you to maintain your fitness level. And when in doubt, grab a buddy.  There is nothing like a partner in crime to keep you going. 

We are looking forward to our next event, The Costume Party Run, and hope to see you all out in full force.  Whether this is your next race or you have a few in between, don't let your hard work die.  Be sure to keep up the running and stay motivated until we meet again!

What Are You Doing After The Race? This Guy Is Gettin' Hitched!

There are a lot of things people want to do after running a half marathon.  Get a massage, eat a burger, and take a nap are all fairly common answers that we get from our participants.

This year, we have someone doing something a little out of the ordinary for a post-race activity.  He is getting married. Yup, as in walking down the aisle after the Hollywood Half Marathon.

Francisco Hernandez has been running since he was 14 years old with SRLA, (Students Run L.A.) and is now a volunteer with the program. He has run 18 L.A. Marathons, 3 Ultra-Marathons, countless 1/2 Marathons, including last year's Hollywood Half (go legacy!), 10Ks and 5Ks.

After the race, Francisco will be heading to Woodland Hills to meet his bride, Hillary Hazelton for their evening wedding.

Francisco and Hillary met at Union Station and although she was a little nervous to let him run, she knows that running is his passion and just couldn't stop him from his legacy status.  Hillary reports that once Francisco found out that both events fell on the same day, he was nervous to ask her but the lure of the legacy was too strong.

He just had to promise Hillary every single dance at their wedding.  Not a bad deal!

Good luck to Francisco (bib #472) and CONGRATULATIONS to him and Hillary on this special day.  Wishing you a lifetime of Hollywood Half Marathons and happiness.  Maybe you can name your first child after race directors Ken or Sabrina?

Tick Tock - One Week To Go!

Are You Ready?

The clock is ticking and the Hollywood Half Marathon is only one week away! The time is finally here for you to shine bright and be treated like a celebrity!

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.

If you are getting really itchy to get a good workout in, think about cross-training this week instead.  Go for a swim or ride your bike on the days where your energy is tempting you to have a good sweat.

You can do some mental preparations this week as well.  Many of you already have your mental game routine ready. Some people like to look at the course map to see details, gains in elevation, etc.  If you live close to the course, think about driving it so that it is familiar to you.  Read those race day instructions, print out your registration for bib pick-up and start making a list of things to pack for race day.

Despite all the hype on the carb loading the night before, carbohydrate intake should actually begin Wednesday or Thursday.  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.  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 with them now so that you don’t have any upset tummy surprises on race day.  Many runners like to get massages before a race, and if you are one of those people, do it before Wednesday.  They can be dehydrating.

Test run any of your new gear or apparel.  If 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.

Have a great week and try to contain your excitement for the big weekend!  We can’t wait to have you out at the Hollywood Half Marathon!

Behind the Scenes: Meet the Hollywood Half Pace Car

You can't have a red carpet event without some mean looking cars and the Hollywood Half Marathon is no exception!  We found a car that proved to be a perfect fit for the branding of the event and our company Superhero Events.

The car "Red Mist" was built specifically for the Red Mist superhero in MTV's "KICK-ASS".  Red Mist was played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse who most of you know as McLovin from the movie "Superbad."  This mustang features many custom upgrades including a one-off body kit developed by Rich Evans Design, a 550-horsepower 4.6 liter V-8 engine, custom made 20-inch wheels, and Lambo-style scissor doors.

"Red Mist" KICK-ASS Video Clip

The unveil video starred Race Directors Ken and Sabrina along with special guest Nadia Ruiz who is a professional runner and the First Lady of the New Year's Race.  Model/musician Sima Fisher and Indie Music Host and host of RunHollywood.com Jeff Dunlap, and Prince and Charles of PrinceCharles Entertainment were also on site.

In this video, Ken comes face to face with Michael Blackson played by body double Brian Simmons in a fun, 007 themed shoot.  All of which was filmed at Galpin Auto Sports Astin Martin Lounge.

 What better way to kick off the Hollywood Half Marathon. Let's all hope "Red Mist" evokes some extra speed as we run the red carpet!



BEHIND THE SCENES AT GALPIN

 

 

Be A Star At The Hollywood Half - Run on Us!

This year, the Hollywood Half is ready to roll out the red carpet. All participants, whether running the 5K, 10K, or the half marathon will be treated just like a star. Why? Because you deserve it!

There are so many wonderful stories that we have received about why people have chosen to participate in this year's event. Some people are dedicating their runs to others, such as those running with Team Run3rd.  Others are running to raise money for causes like autism, animal rescue, and cancer. This certainly makes our name Superhero Events even more fitting.

We are looking for a few more stars to run alongside those that are already registered. There are so many causes and reasons why people run - and we want to hear about them!

Do you think you should be a star? 
Tell us your story about why you want to run in this year's Hollywood Half on April 6th. Superhero Events, along with your help, will be selecting one lucky runner to receive a complimentary entry to the race. Are you already registered but know of someone who isn't?  Share their story and win them an entry!

Post your "Why I Should Be A Star" story in the comments section below along with your email.  Then help spread the word by posting the contest on Facebook and Twitter.  The more the merrier right?

On Saturday, March 30th, a star will be born when one lucky winner will be chosen to run the red carpet, on us, at the Hollywood Half. Good luck and start training because you just may be running a half marathon on April 6th!

All entries must be received by Friday, March 29th at 9:00 p.m. PST.

Hollywood Half - Just Around the Corner

Your chance to run down the Walk of Fame and through Hollywood is fast approaching! Superhero Event's next themed race in Saturday, April 6th and is is one that you don't want to miss.

What better way to tour the streets of Los Angeles than by RUNNING! This exciting event features a friendly 5K, and leisurely 10K, and for those of you that want real celeb status, a half marathon.  Participants are encouraged to come out dressed to impress - as their favorite celebrity. Who speaks to your inner Hollywood?

If running down the famous Hollywood Blvd. and Sunset Dr. isn't enough, the run will be raising money for the Los Angeles Youth Network and Convenant House California.  Although those at the official charities, there are many charity groups participating for their own cause. Team in Training, Autism Speaks, and run3rd will all be out there running with meaning.

Sean Astin, Andrea Barber, and Joey McIntyre were amongst the real celebrities who chose to ditch their normal red carpet way and take on Hollywood in their tennis shoes.  Who will be there this year?

The Hollywood Half is near capacity, so don't wait! Get your red carpet running fashion and register for this fun, themed race today.  You won't want miss out!

Check out the half marathon course preview!