All set for Work and Play

Alison looking sporty AND professional in her versatile Wahine Sport cap sleeve top!

Adventures in a Penal Colony

I'm going off the beaten path to the steamy jungle discovering all kinds of cool flora and fauna.  Destination:  French Guiana.  Located next to Brazil and the setting for the book/movie Papillon and location of the French space agency where satellites are launched.  The limited extent of what I know about the place.  It will truly be an adventure of discovery. 

Marathon Expo Joy

I've worked so many expos selling activewear and accessories. Finally, I got to experience an expo as a civilian.  Walking around and seeing other booths and businesses, made me evaluate my own expo setup and strategy.  Sometimes we need to look through a different lens.  In my case, it was experiencing the event as a customer and not a vendor.  Very different perspective indeed!  It's fun on both sides and I missed not being a vendor.  Being a vendor and running a marathon the next day isn't usually talked about in training schedules :) 

Run Walk Run = No Pain Marathon

I'm an official believer in Jeff Galloway's run walk marathon plan.  Put it to the test last Saturday and completed the Santa Barbara marathon with a big smile on my face and walking away pain free!  So now I am totally addicted to marathons.  My goal is to enjoy the next marathon as much as the last one!

Cool Crisp Morning Runs in Arm Sleeves

Fall in Seattle has one of the best climates for running.  Cool and crisp, not frigid and frightening.  Of course, it helps that it has been relatively dry so far.  I've been perfecting my layering techniques and I think I've found the combination.  Short sleeve top with arm sleeves through October.  Long sleeve top over arm sleeves starting in November.  Give it a try. 

The joy of long (and slow) runs

For the past several months, I've been training for the Santa Barbara Marathon and will be running next weekend on November 12.  This will be my 2nd marathon.  Ran the Seattle Marathon in 1996 and swore that would be my one and only.  Done--I proved to myself  that I could finish.  Well, never say never.  And this time around I'm running for the pure enjoyment of longer runs.  Don't know if I'll finish this marathon any faster but I know that I will enjoy the moments more. 

Workout Whenever and Wear Whatever

Does that ever sound appealing? No need to rush to your favorite workout class. No need to vie for your machines or weights at the gym. Feel even more comfortable and wear whatever you feel like working out in. Fit2B Studio will satisfy all of the above AND provide you with an excellent workout. Check out www.fit2b.us for your online gym experience.

Cheers to Beers

Great running recovery advice found my friend Mary. Drinking beer after a long run. We tried it on Saturday and liked it!

http://www.active.com/running/Articles/Can-Beer-Improve-Your-Run-Time.htm?cmp=17-1-1060

Taking a running break, arghh

Last weekend's combo of 10 mile run followed by a weekend of backpacking, followed by 6 mile run on Monday did not do my left knee any favors. I'm learning and listening to my body and refraining from running for a few days. Hopefully this means I'm training smarter than in the past.

Summer Visited Today

Today was long run day ands in sunshine and sleeveless! My struggling legs could swear the route was longer than 10 miles. Just re-checked the mileage on Google maps and it was definitely more--10.1 miles. Darn, got some work to do.

Week 2 of marathon training

I'm following a marathon training program I found on www.marathon-training-program.com I chose this program mainly because of the 3 run/week commitment and designed for runners who just want to complete. I'd like to train more but that is not possible right now. I'm doing okay on the longer runs but not so good on any kind of speedwork. Have never enjoyed speedwork so hence, never do it and never run faster. Might need to get some help with that.

In Training?

Ran from Colman Park on Lake Washington through Seward Park yesterday. Approximately 10 miles. I'm in training for something but not sure of the goal. I would like it to be a full marathon in early November if the cards are right. A half marathon for sure. Will commit soon.

Sport Wallets at West Seattle Runner

You can now purchase sport wallets in a variety of fun colors and prints at West Seattle Runner. The store has a wonderful selection of running shoes, apparel and accessories for your fitness needs. And, the store is owned and run by local West Seattle residents, Tim and Lori. www.westseattlerunner.com.

Third times a charm

Headed out the door this morning for a run dressed in shorts and lightweight top. Lots of clouds and slight drizzle. Go back in house for rain jacket. Head out the door again and now we have more clouds and heavier drizzle. Go back in house for hat. Enjoyed a slightly damp but relatively warm "summer" run. No worries about overheating here in Seattle.

Peek Above the Gray

We are having summer teasers here in Seattle. We get lulled into thinking summer is finally here. Today starts out sunny. I actually needed sunglasses. By the end of the day, I am seeing gray skies and rain. Time to bust out some happiness prints and color. Just one of the many reasons I started creating colorful activewear.

Running and Catnapping

It happened again, napping with the cat. I went for a long slow run this morning, followed by lunch of course, and then the most delicious nap with my cat. One of my favorite ways of spending a Sunday.

Its' a mystery to me

How does one put on a wetsuit? I went swimming last weekend at Hood Canal which is in the Puget Sound. A little chilly. So I've got my full body triathlon wetsuit that took me at least 15 minutes to put on. People suggested body powder and olive oil. Haha. I finally hopped in ths shower. Yes, literally hopped since I had the suit on but only to my ankles and managed to put a wet wetsuit on. There's gotta be a more elegant way of doing this.

Adorable Poppies

Here's Bobbi looking even more adorable in her pink poppy print top on a hike!

Time to Swim

I hit the pool today for one glorious hour of swimming! I learned to swim as an adult and I still tremble thinking about open water swimming. It took me over a period of 10 years and 5 different swim instructors just to get the hang of swimming comfortably in a pool. Now I'm on a mission to overcome my fear of swimming in lakes and the ocean. Keep on practicing until the fear is wiped away.

Born to Run...wish I were

I'm currently reading and thorough enjoying "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall. He is an entertaining writer and the Tarahumaras and ultramarathon runners are truly fascinating. I don't think I'll start barefoot running or become an ultramarathoner anytime soon. But I am inspired to keep on running and perhaps a learn a few things from reading his book! I yearn to run great distances with a seemingly effortless style.

What will be my next race??

The experience of completing the North Olympic half marathon with no training and resulting in no pain just ALOT of stiffness after the fact has really encouraged and inspired me to focus on that next event. And to TRAIN for it this time. I'm so glad I threw aside concerns about finish time and just focused on running the event and having a good time.

Relax, Hike, Relax

Bobbi sporting her Wahine Sport top on the Wolf Creek Trail, Olympic National Park.

Another half, no training

Another North Olympic Discovery half marathon with no training. Yes, definitely do-able if your goal is completion with and not length of time. Very slow running felt relatively easy until mile 10 when my legs started talking back to me. However this experience has inspired me to get back on a regular schedule and possibly train for the next event.

See you in Port Angeles

Wahine Sport will be at the North Olympic Discovery Marathon Expo in Port Angeles this Saturday, June 3. On Sunday, this wahine will be running/walking in the half. Not sure how this will go. My long list of excuses include:
1. I just got back from 9 days in Hawaii which included 0 running miles.
2. I have jet lag from my 9 days in Hawaii (3 hour time diff)
3. I'll be on my feet selling all day on Saturday. '
4. I will probably be drinking wine after being on my feet all day Saturday.

Never mind all that. The slower I go, the more time I will have to enjoy the beautiful scenery and visit with the friendly people along the way.

Wallet Review at Run With Jill

I met with a wonderful fitness trainer and coach right here in West Seattle. Her name is Jill Bruyere and her business is Run With Jill Bootcamp. She has a great blog filled with lots of inspiration and practical fitness training tips. This week she is reviewing my sport wallets and giving away 2. Enter to win by going to www.runwithjill.com and post a comment.

Travel Wallet

I just returned from a trip to the southeast. Spent time hiking, kayaking, walking through tourist towns on and near Jekyll Island. The island is located halfway between Savannah, GA and Jacksonville, FL. I was on the go the whole time and my handbag only served to take up space. I wore my handy sport wallet the entire time to store ID, $$ and lip product. Even with the heat and oncoming humidity, the wallet was not uncomfortable or create added heat. Try it on your next vacation!

Spring skiing at its finest

Sunny, clear blue sky. No wind. No crowds. Riding in on a gondola. Lots of sun-softened snow on the ground. Spring skiing on Good Friday, Apri 23. What is there not to love!

If my cat could coach me...

I've written about being thrilled to be running again, even though it as at a shockingly slow pace and little mileage. I let life, work, business,injury and long list of other stuff get in the way of my running routine. My cat on the other hand never misses an opportunity to run in and out of the house as often as possible. By the way, I'm the door opener and closer and opener and closer... The only time she ever runs fast is when going through the doorway. But she is consistent and has maintained her speed and door crossing mileage.

Nature Takes Over

Overheard bits and pieces of scuttlebutt about my favorite ski run at Crystal Mountain. There was a huge avalanche last weekend that took out MANY of the trees and left the Bear Pits, Niagaras and Left Angle ski run with a mess of avalance debris. I don't really miss Bear Pits and Niagaras but definitely mourning over Left Angle.

The cat in the sweat shop

I run my business out of my home. Which means my product inventory is here as well in a separate room which I fondly refer to as the "sweat shop". Before you start thinking that is so un-pc, the reason for the name is that the room used to be our exercise room before Wahine Sport took it over. So now this is a supposed cat-free zone. Of course, cats can't stand a closed door and while I'm loading out my stuff for the Whidbey event tomorrow, my cat sneaks in there. For some reason she doesn't respond to me trying to shoo her out. Ooooh, how can you get angry at something so cute!

Whidbey Island Marathon Expo

I'm heading up to Whidbey Island tomorrow for the marathon expo. This will be my third, possibly my 4th year there. It's a smaller event in a wonderfully scenic location. The expo is a more personal experience. I have met a lot of great runners and I'm looking forward to seeing fellow vendors that I've met there in the past. www.whidbeyislandmarathon.com

I Can Run Again!

I'm thrilled to have completed a 3 mile run this morning. Running this past month has been difficult. The backs of my legs have not been recovering quickly from the excellent downhill skiing weekends. I fretted about never feeling like running again. It will take awhile to get my mileage and (gasp) my speed back up but I'm just glad to be outside and running again.

Napping with the cat

There's nothing like a Saturday run followed by a long nap with the cat at my feet. I've been skiing every weekend this winter and I've missed the run and nap ritual. My cat told me she missed it too.

Walking for Wine

Just got back from The Cask, local wine bar in my neighborhood. They have a fine selection of wines by the glass and beers. Having The Joe Ross band playing most Thursday evenings with the fabulous Ronnie Pierce is a plus. I love being able to walk to the bar (15 minutes) from home. Of course, I'm wearing my sport wallet!

Under a cloud

Ugh, I feel like there is a cloud hanging over my head today. Ever have one of those days? I don't know whether to blame the weather--it is actually very cloudy, wet and gray today. Or, If I'm just in a funk today. I'm heading off to pilates and hopefully that will cure the blahs.

Lift Pass Holder

Figured out another use for the multipurpose sport wallet. Keep your ski lift pass in your sport wallet. No need to worry about having it fall out of your pocket or leaving it behind in your other jacket. I take off my sport wallet at the end of the day with the pass intact and put it right back on the following weekend. Very helpful for forgetful me! p.s. this works for ski areas with RFID (radio frequency) systems.

Still hurting

I experience 2 epic days of skiing last Saturday and Sunday at Crystal Mountain. Deep powder skiing on Saturday and Sunday must've killed my legs. I am STILL tired. An attempt at running this evening turned into a slow slog walking back uphill. I am definitely experiencing slower recoveries. Why?

Focused on accessories

Wahine Sport is focusing on producing accessories that are functional with a lot of style for active women. We've got lots of new prints and colors for our sport wallet. Wear on your wrist while running, at the gym, traveling, clubbing, walking the dog or shopping!

Out of hibernation

Wow, I feel like a fog has been lifted. I have had a cold/flu (whatever) for about a month. Persistent cough that is annoying to everyone, myself included. Constant relapses or catching new colds. It was a struggle to keep up with my fitness routine. People would give me the evil eye at the gym when my coughing fits started. Every morning run lapsed into a sluggish walk back home. Why does 3 miles seem so long when you really just feel like climbing back in bed? Anyhow, I'm excited to be partaking in my fitness activities once again.