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Re: Bubba Gump Shrimp Company's "Run Forrest Run" 5K Fun Run and Walk at California's Great America Reviews

guest — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 02:16:32 GMT

This was my first 5k, considering the cost is typical and the perks include free park entry. Signup was confusing right from the start..website says start time is 8:30, Active says 8:03. I registered for a team, and had to select FIVE tee-shirt sizes PER PARTICIPANT. (huh?)

Arrival at the park was smooth, but the tents were not labeled, so bib pickup was a bit of a hassle. Tickets to the park were in the schwag bag. Anywhere else, I imagine the bib itself would get you in and be marked off, rather than having to worry about where to carry the ticket or returning to the car.

The starting line was not clearly marked and was congested with people, benches, strollers...there were no corrals so runners were nearly tripping over kids and strollers. Starting at the parking lot and ending in the park would have been a more pleasant run. Perhaps there is the security issue, there, considering medal detectors at the entry (which were not used at the start of the race and people could easily stop the run early and just hang out in the park anyway?)

Race ended at the pavilion for food. Post-race food is always a happy thing..except for this event. I understand Bubba Gump's is a shrimp company, but they should understand the high population of vegetarian runners. They could have offered a salad without chicken or a pasta without shrimp, it would have been appreciated. A fast race followed by a day in the sunny park on an empty stomach is not so fun (and according to my brother, rides after the rich food is not so fun either).

Overall it was a worthwhile event..great when it's for a good cause, and $25 for race AND park entry is a great deal, especially when lines are this short. Not sure I'll do it again, though.

Re: Vibha Dream Mile 2010 Reviews

guest — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:12:31 GMT

I was pleasantly surprised by this race! It was very well organized with nearly no lines anywhere. Attendants assisting with parking right from the entrance, directed to waivers and bib pickup, stretching, and sendoff. Given the price I wasn't sure there'd be a tee shirt for participants with this one, but there was, along with a reusable goody bag. Even though it was small, there were people cheering us on. The post-race Indian food was delicious! My two minor complaints would be the lack of shade and the smell at some parts of the shoreline, both of which organizers have no control over. Great race at a great price.

Re: favorite running song(s)?

guest — Sat, 16 May 2009 03:19:18 GMT

My playlist is over 7 hours, but on my hard 20 miler last weekend, there were certain songs that made sure I kept running.

Kanye West - Stronger (That that don't kill me can only make me stronger)

Fort Minor - Remember the Name (10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure 50% PAIN...)

Eminem - Til I Collapse (Til my legs give out...I'm gonna whip thisxxx til my bones collapse...)

Eminem - Lose Yourself (If you had one shot...would you capture it..or let it slip?)

Kevin Rudolf - She Can Get (She don't stop..she can get it...don't quit, the way that she moves it...)

Kevin Rudolf - Let it Rock ...is just cool

Chemical Brothers - Galvanize (Don't hold back..cause you woke up in the morning with a mission to move)

ES Posthumous - Pompeii ...nice run beat with a choir that adds that desperation feel that O Fortuna has

All American Rejects - Gives You **** - Limousine remix (It gives you ****..)

There are SO many good ones though..

Re: favorite running song(s)?

guest — Sun, 10 May 2009 02:33:54 GMT

I can't believe I never thought of that.

Re: Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot Reviews

guest — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:01:39 GMT

People were offended by the labeling on the pace times, which left them switching corrals; off to a roaring good start when people move up because they're offended by being called speed walkers! Leave the numbers, ditch the labels.

The path started out okay but all the switchbacks were annoying, and probably easily cheatable. But really...cramming 3000 people onto a bike path, going both directions? Who thought this was a good idea? And then of course the tunnel mashup of 5 and 10kers at mile five. Horribly designed.

I also watched a man nearly eat pavement as there was what looked to be a piece of cable sticking straight up out of the road. Hard to see, major trip hazard, right there on the course. Watch your step on this one.

What I did appreciate was the finish, of simply being handed the bag and pick up the shirt. It was a holiday so I was happy to get home quickly rather than having to wander the area to collect all my free goodies with nothing to put them in.

Cool that the finisher's shirt is organic, although I felt the design was kind of ugly. Overall though? I won't run this one again unless they change the course. Too dangerous cramming that many people two directions on a path that narrow.

Re: Gel?

guest — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:16:31 GMT

I typically do my shakes pre-run actually...I know exactly what's in my stomach and that it won't upset me while I'm running that way. And it's convenient, I don't have to wait to digest before I can head out.

I use Isagenix shakes. http://www.isagenix.com/us/en/isaleanshake.dhtml

They go down smooth, no stomach troubles, and leave me feeling satisfied for a nice while.

Re: Gel?

guest — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:37:43 GMT

Hey Cyndi,

Glad you found something you like better!

Just a warning, the PowerBar flavors I have tried have all been very strong/concentrated. Not bad...just strong.

Lava gel is the same consistency with a milder flavor. Tropical Mango is yum!

Re: Gel?

guest — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:26:07 GMT

I think Gu does tend to be a bit thicker. You can squish the packages in the store and get a feel for which are thicker or thinner and sort of gauge the consistency that way. I like the thinner ones like Lava Gel and Powerbar but prefer to stay away from the thicker ones like Hammergel.

Good luck!

Re: Ipod Question

guest — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 17:49:40 GMT

Does the race have a website? Many have FAQs which will specify if iPods are allowed. From my experience, they often are not, however this does not seem to be enforced. On my 10ks I know at least one of them did NOT allow iPods...yet I'd say at least 60% of the runners used them. (I think supposedly it disqualifies you from placing, but they don't stop you from running with it?)

I do recall there being a recent switch in ruling about the iPods recently that may make them more acceptable.

But personally, I would recommend trying a run or two without the iPod (outside, I can't tell from your no big shakes comment if you train outdoors at all? Makes a difference), and then running the race without. All my individual runs I take my iPod with me...but on race day I just love being a part of the buzz and excitement of the race rather than 'in my own space' with the music. I can run with the iPod any day, so I like embracing the special qualities of the race and not using music. Especially when they have course bands, I want to hear them!

Re: Ipod Question

guest — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 03:22:46 GMT

Interesting, I don't believe I've seen any comments to that nature - just ones of encouragement. People cheer for the leads as they pass in an out-and-back, and I've had conversations with strangers as we stand around in corrals waiting to start. It's always been a sort of feeling of unity, knowing we're all in it together, and that most of us are there to beat our individual goals, not each other.

The only goading of competition I've seen was a single instance at our team track meet, along the lines of, "You can take him!" (and then he blasted me out of the water haha). And of course was all in good fun.