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March 2015

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Integrity Statement: I’m a proud member of the 2015 Rock ‘n’ Blog Team! In exchange for blogging about the 2015 Rock ‘n’ Roll events, Team members receive certain perks, including a limited number of free race entries. You can save $15 off any marathon or half marathon in the United States and Canada by using the code TRAINWITHBAIN. (Offer not valid on Las Vegas, sorry! I hope to see you there anyway.)

Two Bibs, Two Runs, Remix Fun!
Two Bibs, Two Runs, Remix Fun!

Since I ran the New Year’s Double marathons on December 31 and January 1, and then did the Disney World Marathon as part of the Dopey Challenge the next week, it seemed like a great idea to sign up for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona marathon the next weekend. (Why yes, I might be crazy.) After all, there was something important at stake: the very last opportunity to earn the Desert Double Down medal.

photo 2 (7)Actually I’d never really been to Arizona (other than a work trip to Lake Havasu City, and passing through the airport, which I don’t think counts). Since Arizona was the first Rock ‘n’ Roll event of the year and my first opportunity to run as a Rock ‘n’ Blog team member, and there was an Arizona Remix Challenge, and I could get the last Desert Double Down (since I ran Las Vegas), I REALLY wanted to run it. Then I managed to talk my friend Jackie into running it with me (because she’d just done the Dopey Challenge too, and clearly needed to run another marathon) and also let me crash at her place, I had to do it!

Jackie met me at the airport and we went straight to the Expo. Though I’m usually photographing everything, I managed to take just one photo with my camera all weekend. Impressive, right?

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Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona medals from 2015 to 2019 will fit together to make one big Arizona!

The Remix Challenge is two races, the 5k and then either the half or marathon, so we had to pick up two bibs. Fortunately there were no lines, so we each had two bibs and two tech shirts in hand pretty quickly. (I’ve actually never stood in line for more than a few minutes at any of the Rock ‘n’ Roll races I’ve done, except for Philadelphia.) We drooled over the cute race merchandise but didn’t buy any. Remember, we just did the Dopey Challenge the weekend before. (Read: we left all of our money with the mouse).

I like the way this race in Durango thinks!
I like the way this race in Durango thinks!

The rest of the Expo was fun. It’s a little bit like being at a runner mall, with games and prizes. We tasted some delicious sangria from P.F. Chang’s, the title race sponsor. The other big highlights for me included restocking Nuun (I’m a #nuunbassador for a reason!) and scoring the new Rock ‘n’ Roll water bottle design while discovering the “tropical” flavor might just be my new favorite; and trying out the R8 tool by Roll Recovery. I’m a fascia tool nerd, and even though there is essentially just one technique with this tool after trying it I had to have it. Peace out, my hammies are happy.

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Who could’t love that one snaggletooth??

We spent the evening chowing on Chipotle and lazing about the house, where I met the furry members of the family. Spotty kitty was a little too high-strung to become my new bestie, but her mother is the softest, friendliest, chummiest little furball ever. It broke my heart to learn her life started out rather terribly, and Jackie found her living in a dumpster all super skinny and with a litter of kittens. Poor dumpster kitty! I don’t see how anyone can be so cruel! I’m so glad little dumpster kitty found Jackie, as her life is immeasurably better now (plus she’s a total snugglepuss).

 

Kitty wants a belly rub
Kitty wants a belly rub

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The 5k had us up earlier than I like to be up, but not “Disney early” (which is around 3:30 or 4 a.m.). We’d decided to use this as a stroll; no need to over-exert or tire out before the marathon. The morning started out chilly and windy, but warmed up by the time we meandered across the finish line.

 

 

 

 

After collecting the 5k medals we had the opportunity to meet and greet some running greats. The Rock ‘n’ Roll series has had Meb running with us in various races through the last year, and this year even more racing greats are joining the races–with meet and greet opportunities before and after some races. Here’s just one:

Ryan Hall, aka the Surfer Jesus Runner
Ryan Hall, aka the Surfer Jesus Runner

Every good event ends with food, so we went to Snooze for brunch. (Read about them at http://snoozeeatery.com) The menu had so many tasty-looking options that I probably could have eaten there for a week. Sadly, I had but one brunch to eat. If you’re in the Phoenix area, you’ve got to try their Huevos Rancheros. Also, coffee. OMG, the coffee.

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I met a Box Troll! Who knew they liked road races??

From there we attempted to make the #RocknBlog #TweetUp. Unfortunately, since we’d enjoyed brunch for a little longer than maybe we should have, and decided to change into fresh clothes and throw on a little makeup so we didn’t scare people, we missed the whole thing. (We were only 45 minutes late…)

After fondling the new Heavy Medals, we headed over to the Arizona runner-bloggers meet-up. While I’m not sure about living in the desert–the morning-freezing to noon-frying to night-freezing temperatures might just be a bit much for me–I know I’d love to run with this crowd! After some initial meet-and-greet there was a raffle with some awesome prizes, from Nuun, SunRype, Girls Run Fast, StartLine Racing, and local yummy real food tasty treat HuppyBar. I scored $25 to Fleet Feet Sports Scottsdale, one of the generous sponsors of multiple #RunEatTweetAZ meet-ups.

AZ tweet up
Winners of the Fleet Feet Scottsdale gift cards. Image courtesy of Run Eat Tweet AZ.

Then groups of us headed off to lunch at the surrounding restaurants. The tweet-up had too many people to head to one place, so we split up a bit.

I feel like I spent Saturday eating…we got back to the house just in time to laze about a little, eat some dinner, and head to bed early.

Marathon morning came too soon (it always does!). There was an impressive amount of traffic trying to park at the finish line (which I think was also the start line for the half marathon), so much that the freeway was at a standstill. We opted to park a little further out, near one of the light rail stations. (I do have a major soft spot for quality public transportation.) The marathon start was MUCH smaller than I’d expected. I’m used to Rock n’ Roll events having thousands of people at the starting line, and volunteers trying to make sure you get into the right corral. The marathon starting line was very tiny, and there were basically no corrals. I was somewhat amused to see a runner in front of us wearing full make-up reapply her lipstick (really?) as we waited. It was chilly, and I had borrowed a toss jacket to keep warm.

Initially, I figured Jackie would finish about 90 minutes before me. The plan had been for her to take off and see what she could do, and for me to slug along with my 1-2 intervals. Only I left my Bia in California (so I had no interval timer or even timer-timer). Oops.

Photo of the next day’s newspaper

The race started off with music, cheering, signs, and all the crazy you’d expect for a marathon. The first few miles had a lot of people cheering, which surprised me since it was pretty early. Overall, given the smaller number of runners and the early start time, I’d say there was a decent spectator turn-out for the parade. One unofficial stop had some kids handing out chocolate, super cute! I stopped to pet a few dogs, and otherwise just kept motoring along. This was my second marathon in my Marathon Maniacs singlet, and I was thrilled to have so many fellow Maniacs pass by! (Part of the reason I bothered with Half Fanatics and Marathon Maniacs is that once you are a member, you’re never really alone at a race.) I also got several shout-outs to Orange Flower, which at least one person on course had seen both in Texas and at Disney.

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Orange Flower wears the Las Vegas Rock ‘n’ Roll medal

Around mile 12 or so I started tagging along with a runner whose watch was beeping intervals. The sun was up and so was the temperature! It wasn’t unreasonably hot–I mean, I knew I was going to run in the desert and all–but the ice at the aid station was a welcome sight. We chatted as we ran. Part of the fun of running is all the neat people you get to meet! Turned out I was tagging along with a runner chasing the 50 States Marathon Club–she’d already done about half of them!Somewhere around mile 18 or 20–let’s face it, all the miles around there are like the same mile over and over again–we ran into Jackie, who had found and befriended the sarcastic runners’ posse. She joined us for some miles of intervals (oh right, we were doing 25-55) and then we passed the unofficial beer aid station (two dudes, a cooler, and a sign that said “free beer”…bet you wish you were there, eh?). The intervals continued until…I’m not sure where, when we were temporarily too pooped to run as the beep went off. We shouted our goodbyes and continued rambling.

Per usual, somewhere between mile 22 and mile 24 I was 100% over this marathon. It was starting to get hot enough to feel hot, yet still not totally oppressive. What was totally oppressive was the hill that jumped into the course somewhere around mile 25. I’m not a fan of hills at any point, but it seemed really obnoxious to “hide” one right near the end!

Eventually we got over it.

The first of the four Rock 'n' Roll Arizona puzzle piece medals
The first of the four Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona puzzle piece medals

The finish line still had a cheering throng, even though all of the half marathoners had long since finished and the crew was already packing up some of the post-race festival that had been going on in the park. (I’m NOT slow, I’m cheap; I had totally maximized the value of that entry fee, thanks!) It was great to hit the finish line and collect a marathon medal! Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona did a great job with the finish line food, and there were still plenty of bananas, pretzels, water bottles, Gatorade bottles, Power Bars, fruit cups and other treats. If you are a speedy runner, you probably find this is always the case, but for those of us who have a more leisurely pace, we sometimes find the finish line food gone; at one race after I went through the chute and found nothing but bananas, I saw a runner who’d clearly finished quite some time ago with an entire backpack full of finish line food. Not cool. Don’t be that self-centered guy!

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURESHappy to have some snacks, it was on to collect the bonus bling: the Arizona Remix medal for each of us, and the last Desert Double-Down for me (since I ran Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas). Then we collected the marathon finisher jackets. These are lightweight, mesh-vented warm-ups, maybe even subtle bragging wearables for a summer evening with a mild breeze. I think it is a great touch.

The Remix medal is a spinner
The Remix medal is a spinner

 

After dogging it over to the light rail and shuffling to the car, we headed straight to In and Out. A milkshake and some french fries (aka salt transport devices) make the perfect marathon chaser!

 

 

 

 

 

Overall I really enjoyed the Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona marathon experience. I would definitely do it again–well, since I am thinking this marathon experiment is over, maybe I’d stick to the half. If you’re thinking of a trip to Arizona to run, this was a great time of year to be there. Nights and early mornings were chilly, but the days were not disgustingly hot. If you go, be sure to check out Fleet Feet Scottsdale, and hook up with the #RunEatTweetAZ community. It seems like there are a lot of running events even in the summer (just those start earlier or much later!).

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P.S. January is also the month of Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans! I didn’t get to run NOLA (this year, anyway) but here’s a great review from another member of the 2015 Rock ‘n’ Blog team: Through Heather’s Looking Glass

 

uforia opening

Uforia Studios is opening a shiny new studio in San Francisco, California TODAY!

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Not only are they hiring for the concierge team (see picture, above!), uforia is holding an all-weekend rock your sweaty socks off opening weekend party AND I’ve got a giveaway! Now that I’ve attended a class, I can tell you the word “concierge” is not just being tossed around here. Each guest tonight was met at the door, checked in via ipad, and personally escorted on a tour. I arrived late (remind me to pretend there isn’t ever parking in the City, okay?) and not only did I get help getting into class, the staff filled my water bottle so that I wouldn’t have to miss one more minute of class.  Cool right?  Oh and the best part was after class: we finished our cool-down, and in comes a Uforia Studios concierge with a tray of chilled, damp towels! It felt delicious to wipe the salty sweat off my face right away.

But back to the studio opening.

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Special discounts for Uforia Studios’ guests (and truffles!)

 

For starters, there is a special schedule for opening day, March 5, 2015. I’m going to I went to the 6:30 Hip Hop Club class. If you missed tonight’s classes, you can check out the rest of this weekend’s opening classes HERE. You might have missed the boat though–classes tonight were very popular!  Good thing the party continues during opening weekend, March 6-8. Did you know Friday has a class with a live DJ? True story.

 

 

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Revolutions ride at night

 

 

Test-drive the new Uforia Studios with not one but TWO FREE classes but you have to claim them during opening weekend, March 6-8! Use code TRAINWITHBAIN-FREE when you sign up. The schedule has a variety of Uforia offerings, including Revolutions, Hip Hop Club, and one of their signature sweat-fests, GRIT. Rumor has it they’ll have lots of treats, including shirt screening during the weekend, and I bet some of the Sweat Pink Ambassadors will be there checking it out.

 

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Cute right? (True confession: I have a water bottle collection.)

The studio has cycle shoes you can borrow, and promises to be fully stocked up on towels (which I can no confirm YOU WILL NEED). Pack a water bottle, or hope that they have enough on hand to sell you one. You’re going to need it. During my Hip Hop Club experience I guzzled my way through the bottle I’d brought and will definitely pack a larger one for next time.

#EmbraceTheSweat

 

 

 

 

Locker area, includes the loaner cycling shoes
Locker area, includes the loaner cycling shoes

The studio has lockers for your stuff (tonight, guarded by those concierges, since not all of the locks were installed). In addition to the FOUR separate bathrooms (nope, no lines!) Both levels (Hip Hop Club was in the main floor studio, Revolutions was downstairs past the lockers) had plenty of space for chatting before and after class, so you don’t have to worry about being packed in sweat like an oversalted sardine. Since Uforia’s Nob Hill location is still in build-out phase, the lobby and locker areas don’t have seating….yet. It’s coming.

Pay no attention to the sweaty woman in the mirror.
Pay no attention to the sweaty woman in the mirror.

Another nice touch: a vanity stocked with the things you desperately need for class, but will probably forget at least once. I try to keep a package of the towelettes you use to clean your face and remove makeup in my gym bags, since I tend to hit my workout after work. If I ever forget, Uforia has me covered. There are also cotton balls, deodorant (the spray kind, so sharing isn’t gross), q-tips, and hair ties. Don’t stress, just go get your sweat on!

After you try out Uforia (with one of those free classes I mentioned!) why not treat yourself to a class pack? For a limited time you can get a single class, 10-pack, or 20-pack for 50% off. Yes, you read it right, HALF OFF. This is the very best discount out there–even better than the pre-opening promotions, so feel free to spread it around. I’ve been warned that code expires on Monday (March 9) so don’t wait!  Just use code TRAINWITHBAIN when you purchase. (It’s easy to remember ’cause it rhymes. Need to get moving? Join the motivation TRAIN WITH BAIN. See?)

Uforia shirt

The welcome email I got reminded me to wear clothes I can bust a move in. (Let’s hope that moves are all I bust, since I’m pretty sure I will be your comic relief in that Hip Hop Club class!) I picked a tank top and capri leggings, but there were all manner of fashions in the room, from gorgeous leggings with shiny print to the kind of clothes I leave in the trunk of the car just in case I forgot my gym bag. Don’t worry, it wasn’t a fashion show (though I do wonder how our rockstar instructor was not drowning in sweat–he danced wearing a hat, long pants, and a jacket!!) If you’re in the market for some new workout duds, you can be among the first to peruse Uforia’s signature gear. Since you live in the Bay Area, you know you need some layers–summer’s coming up.

A few other tips about attending your first Hip Hop class:

  • Don’t wear the loosest clothes you own, you might shake them off! (That’s what they told me, I swear!)
  • Don’t be afraid to push the envelope, wear a hat, bandana or something that makes you feel a little more bad ass. (Now that I’ve tried it out, I can say you WILL feel bad ass at some time during class. There are floor to ceiling mirrors in the studio, and everyone spent class checking out how they were doing.)
  • Don’t hide near the back of the class, the best way to learn is when you can see the rockstar instructors in full view. (Yup, Uforia hires rockstars! I’m willing to hang out in the front where I can see my designated rockstar, I just worry about crashing into my classmates. Did I mention I have a hard time keeping right and left separate??)
  • Do smile while you sweat, and you will sweat–so don’t forget your water bottle!
  • Do harness your inner Beyonce – feel free to wear things that shimmer. (There was impressive shimmer on one guest this evening!)
  • Do wear your most comfortable shoes, high tops help to complete your look if you have them!  (I don’t…but I will be rocking some studio trainers again when I go back. Avoid running shoes if you can, especially if they have a thick heel on them; running shoes are meant to prevent side-to-side movements, and I’m anticipating we’ll be doing some in class.)
  • Finally, a very important tip: DON’T FOLLOW ME!!

If you are intimidated by a class called “Hip Hop” anything, here’s my advice: just go! Class starts with a warmup, and then you will gradually learn a set of steps. Gradually means you get ONE new move at a time, and repeat the sequence over and over again before you get another move. There was one step I left out about 80% of the time, but no one really noticed, and I was having so much fun I didn’t care. The play list for class was varied and high-energy. I asked my friend S what she thought of class, and she said she was surprised how much she enjoyed it, “it wasn’t like classes where you keep checking to see if it is over yet.” I agree. Even though I was terrified to be the stiffest, whitest-moving woman in class, I had a great time!

Checking out the schedule after class with Sierra
Checking out the schedule after class with Sierra

Speaking of signature gear–right? I was talking about clothes before I got distracted by Hip Hop tip tops and recaps?–to celebrate the opening of Uforia Studios’ Nob Hill location in San Francisco they are treating ONE lucky Train With Bain reader to a swag pack! The Uforia Swag pack includes: Uforia Studios signature gear, a Uforia Studios water bottle, and a FREE class for you and a friend. Giveaway only eligible to Bay Area residents. 

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