Christmas time & running from coyotes!

Robert and I celebrated our last Christmas as a unwed couple. I can't believe this time next year him and I will be Mr. and Mrs B! We had a wonderful holiday with our families and kept our tradition together opening presents & breakfast in bed on Christmas morning. It was perfect!!

Santa was extremely good to the both of us, and I'm so excited to ring in 2012. This past year was hard with us having to say good bye to my grandpa in February, so I'm ready for a healthy and happy 2012.

Another thing I'm ready to get moving in 2012 is my running. I have been lagging so much that I'm a bit ashamed of myself. I think with the time change and sitting in almost 2 hours of traffic every day to get home makes me lazy. I want to get out there when I get home, but I'm so tired that sleeping sounds better.

Coyote Creek Bike Trail, La Mirada Ca

Yesterday I got a email from Penny and a few text messages for my friend Jessica that put a little spark back in me. When I got home last night I changed my clothes right away and went for a nice 4 miler. Behind my house is a great new little trail that I ran for the first time. I've heard coyotes several times in this trail at night playing and barking, so I was little scared to go. I don't know much about coyotes. but I heard they're a little fierce if they feel threaten. Not sure if they would feel that way with a girl 5'2 running through their playground, but I wasn't going to take any chances. I took my ipod off so I can hear around me (just incase a coyote was hungry) and just enjoyed the quite of the water running through the riverbed. IT WAS AMAZING!!

Nathan Safety Light..I love this gadget for night time running.

I knew it was going to get dark while I was out so I decided to take my awesome Nathan safety light with me. I bought this last year and have realized when I wear it I get noticed more by cars. I clip it right on the front of my shirt or pants and make sure I have the most annoying flashing mode on. I can't express the importance of making sure your seen at night while your running. People don't pay attention while driving, so you have to make sure your safe!

My new favorite running partner!

Robert got me a nano for Christmas that is now my new running BFF!! I used to use my Iphone for music, but sometimes I just want to go out without wearing my Ifitness belt. So this little guy just clips right onto my pants and holds all my playlists! Amazing how a small 4 miler makes me want to get home today change my clothes and go for another 4 miler!!! I'll keep you posted........

I hope everyone had a wondeful Holiday and I wish you all the best New Year!! Bring on 2012!!!

Where have I been??!!!

WOW!! October is the last time I shared a race report or even posted on here! I’ve been so busy that I just haven’t had the time to sit and write anything. Lots of things have happen since then, and lots of exciting things to come. So I suppose I should share and get things up to speed!!

Let’s start with the month that pretty much took over my life OCTOBER!

I once again had an amazing time this year at Halloween Haunt as a makeup artist. This year was bittersweet for many reasons. I decide that this will be my last year as a full time makeup artist for the event. After 15 years I think that its time to hang up my haunt shoes. I know there are many other things out there for me, and it’s time to explore them as an artist. I’m also going to miss working with some of the best friends a girl could ask for. It’s always hard to explain the friendships that come from working only one month of the year with people, but believe me when I say they are all special and I’m a lucky girl! Not to mention if it wasn’t for this event I wouldn’t be engaged to the most amazing guy in the world. It was a wonderful time to say the least and I’m truly going to miss everyone….Next October I’ll be a married women on my honeymoon, so it’s definitely something to look forward to!

Some Spooky Fun Photos!

Before I knew it...it was November!

Robert and I took a trip to New York for the weekend mid November. I've never been so I was really excited to see a Broadway show, 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Statue of Liberty and all things NYC! Robert is lucky to work for a company that has a few apartments in the city, so we got to feel like true New Yorkers with our little place. I absolutely loved the hustle and bustle of the city and could totally spend more time there. I can’t even imagine how many miles him and I walked…we walked EVERYWHERE!!! The whole city was already decorated for the holidays which totally put me in the holiday spirit!

Our weekend in the Big Apple!

In a blink of a eye Thanksgiving was here and it was time to Turkey Trot. My my mom and I participated at the Long Beach trot, she walked her 2nd 5k, and I ran the 10k. It's such a great family event and I was so happy to have my mom there with me. I wish dad was there to, unfortunately he doesn’t get many holidays off so he was stuck at work. This race is always such fun and I really enjoyed just running it alone. I had my music going and I was just running enjoying myself. I’m still having pain with my shin area that only hurts when I first start running, then after a few miles the pain is gone. Not sure what’s going on, but I think it’s time to get a appointment with my A.R.T. therapist. I was contemplating only running the 5k, but as soon as I hit the turn around I decide to just keep going to complete the 10k. I forgot Mr G 2.0 that day so I have no idea what my time was, nor do I care. I was there to have a fun and that’s exactly what took place…FUN!! After the race we headed home to celebrate the holiday with my dad!

Turkey Trottin!

Now for December…

I know its only December 8th but so much has happen. Tons of wedding plans took place this week, and this past weekend we took a trip! Saturday we packed up the car and ventured out to Las Vegas with friends to run the Rock N Roll half marathon. A week before the race I came down with the worst flu ever, so I wasn’t sure if I was going to run or not. I wasn’t going to make a decision until last minute so I packed up my running gear anyways. We got to the expo in the early evening to pick up my packet and I can't tell you how frustrating this was! Not only did I never receive any sort of email with instructions like most races, but when we finally found the convention center there were NO signs on where to park, or where the expo was. We got 3 different employees give us 3 different ways to get the expo. It was a disaster! I got my stuff and left as quickly as possible!
When I woke up Sunday morning in the hotel unable to breath, I knew that running wasn’t an option for me. I’ve ran with the flu before and it was an awful experience. It was sort of a blessing in disguise because after reading the Rock n Roll Las Vegas Facebook page, the race was a disaster! Since I wasn’t running that day I had only one other goal which was finding Fern before she started her half marathon! After a few tweets and text messags I found her! YAY! She was ready to walk her little heart out and I made sure she knew that so many people were cheering for her!! I was extremely disappinted to hear that Fern was one of the thousands of people not to get a medal. I find that odd because it was a sold out event and I didn’t run, so that’s one extra medal. I’m sure I’m not the only person not to run that day, so who got our medals! I’m not race director or nor have I ever been involved in organizing a race, but if an event is sold out I would think that enough should’ve been ordered? No?....

Little Vegas Fun

So what does the rest of 2012 have in store for me? Well I'm going to keep my racing to a minimum and just focus on getting training in for LA Marathon. I have a few races in early 2012 that I really looking forward to..and I'm also looking forward to my wedding on April 13th! Can't believe that is only 5 months away..WOW! I also promise myself to keep my blog updated as much as possible. If I have a hour to sit and watch a silly reality show, then I have hour to write a race report or update here and there! Hope you enjoyed my super long post...I've also promised myself to shorten these =) HAHA!!

Thanks for reading!

Santa Monica 5000 - 10K

I totally forgot I had registered for the Santa Monica 5000 10k until I got an email with “race day information”. When I saw the date on the message I realized that I was registered for another race the same day..major registration fail! I decided to run Santa Monica anyway since I hadn’t run it before. I always like to try new races and most of the course went down the LA Marathon finish line stretch. I wanted to see what it felt like running down San Vicente and Ocean without rain and hail hitting my face!

The night before Penny sent me a text letting me know that she was going to join me at the race. I was excited to have someone there with me because lately my running has been beyond horrible…actually embarrassing would be a much better word for it. This summer has been a struggle to get my running shoes on and go out for any miles. I was hoping this race would give me that “spark” that I once had for running. This time of year is especially hard to get any running in with my hectic schedule. For those of you that have been keeping up with my blog you know that once a year during the months of September and October I’m a makeup artist at one of the largest Halloween events in California, Knott’s Berry Farms Halloween Haunt. For 25 nights my fingernails have permanent cream paint in them, prosthetic glue ends up in my hair, and fake blood on my clothes. Not to mention the lack of sleep that takes place between real job and fun making monsters job…so sleepy all the time! But I was determined to get my butt up in the morning and run this 10k. My gear was laid out and my alarm was set!

Sunday morning I met Penny at a park and ride so we could drive into Santa Monica together. She still had to register and I needed to pick up my goody bag, so we decide to get an early start meeting at 6am. The only way I can explain any race day or plans with Penny would be an episode of Laverne & Shirley. There are always laughs and lots of shenanigans that take place between the two of us.

When we got to the start line I actually had butterflies in my tummy. I knew this wasn’t going to go very well but I was willing to give it my all and run my little tushy off. We were finally on our way and I could feel my breathing was all off. I couldn’t take a nice deep breath like I normally can, and my legs wanted to stop by mile 2. I had 4 more miles to go and my body was like “Um what the hell are you doing” I looked at my pace and I was so disappointed, I was at 12 min miles and I could feel myself getting slower. Penny was trying to stay with me, but I knew I was holding her back so I told her to just go. She’s been do so well with her running and I didn’t think it was fair for me to ask her to stay with me. She also has Long Beach Half next weekend so she needed this run. I did a lot of thinking as I did a slow run walk past miles 3 & 5. I told myself that this non running business was OVER. I need to get back on the running train and get back on NOW. I had to push myself through a 10k..how sad! I once ran a full marathon and now I’m barely making it through a 10k…this was my lesson and it was learned!

When I hit the turn around I realized that it was a downhill, so I used that to my advantage and sped up a little. I made sure to keep it steady so when I hit the flatter area I wouldn’t be winded. I past up a few people that had past me up and I was actually enjoying the run. I had beat myself up earlier over how bad this race was going, but then I realize that moment that feeling I was having of running with my music pumping, the wind hitting me, and my legs feeling great was what this was all about. I told myself that this week I was going to start up again. Doesn’t matter if I do 2 or 3 miles a day, the bottom line is I’m doing something. I need to get my pace back, I don’t want to see 12 or 13 has my pace average. Funny how a little thing like a 10k can make you ponder so much, but it’s a good thing.

I saw the finish line in the distance and I was having major LA Marathon flashbacks. The last time I was running down this stretch I could barely see anything because of the weather. My dad was next to me telling me that “we’re almost done” and I remember thinking I just finished 26.2 miles! It brought the biggest smile to my face and I was proud of myself all over again. I hit the 10k finish with not the best time in the world but you know..its another finish for me.

After this weekend I decided that I need to do a few more small races the next few weeks, then come November 1st after all this Halloween madness is over I’ll up my mileage. I have a Rock N Roll Las Vegas in December and I need to be ready for it. I think this little plan will work for me. Starting off my small races will be the Run Forest Run 5k in Long Beach. I usually run the Half Marathon there but scheduling and lack of running has me at the 5k…see you all there!!!

A Hike with a Proposal!

So I’ve been neglecting my blog for weeks..its shameful, I know! I guess things have just been so busy this summer that I haven’t had a good opportunity to write. It could be because I really haven’t run any races since July 4^th. So not much news to write about, however last weekend something pretty amazing happen that I thought I would share!

I had no idea that my boyfriend of 2 ½ years had other intentions when I told him I wanted to go hiking up the Hollywood sign for my birthday. He introduced me to the trails when we first started dating, so I figured it would be something totally fun to do together. I’ve lived in LA all my life and have never been up the Bronson trail before. I never even knew there was a trail going up to the sign until a few years ago. I’d seen it in movies but didn’t think you could actually do that! So that was my choice of the day for the start of my birthday weekend. The Hollywood sign and lunch at a fun LA spot.

Robert and I have known each other as friends for a little over 9 years. We met at the Knott’s Berry Farms Halloween Haunt event back in 2002. As I’ve mentioned before I’m a make up artist, and Robert works as talent scaring guests throughout the park. It’s our job away from our adult jobs where we can have fun and enjoy one our favorite holiday. Back in 2007, we exchanged email addresses, and from time to time we would write each other. It was nothing to fancy just a “Hello, how’s life treating you” sort of thing. After doing this for about a year I realized that we had allot more in common and well…I was starting to fancy him!

Tickets from our first date!!

Monster Love!!!

Robert and I have always talked about marriage and I knew he was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I was being patient (somewhat) waiting for the day he finally asked me to marry him. Since we have a trip planned to New York in November, I honestly thought that it was going to happen then. Either way I was waiting and hoping that 2011 was going to be our year to get engaged.

The Bat Cave

We got to the hiking area pretty early in the morning so we could avoid the heat. There were 2 trails to hit, one to the Hollywood sign, and the other to see the Bat cave where they filmed the original Batman series. The geek in me had to see this cave that once had the Batmoble zoom out to save Gotham City!!!

View from the top of the sign!!

Now that I think of Robert’s actions during that day I remember him constantly tapping his pocket, and telling me he loved me over and over. It’s not unusual for him to do that, but that particular day he was a little more mushy then normal. He would stop at random hillsides, to which I thought he was just enjoying the view but what he told me later he was trying to find the perfect spot. When we finally got to the top near the sign, he wasn’t really paying to much attention to me when I was talking to him. He was looking at all the people around us and just not focused at all. I asked him one more time “Do you want to stay up here for a bit or head back down”? Took him a few minutes to answer and he finally decided to head back down. On the way down he was doing the same thing….being super mushy, and holding my hand as we walked. This is when I told him that my hands were swollen from the heat. He told me when I said that, he was worried the ring wasn’t going to fit HAHA! So 3 ½ miles down we finally made it back to the car.

We were doing our usual after hike clean up, changing shoes, getting rid of trash, and washing our hands. He was taking FOREVER to do this and I was getting irritated because I was hungry. He was also watching the people next to us get in their car and the guy walking his dog very closely. The longer they were around us the longer he was taking to clean up. He asked for one of the wipes I use to wash my hands which I thought was wired because he hates them. As I was turned away from him he started his speech “I just want you to know that I love you very, very much, your so wonderful and I want to marry you” I turned around and notice his face was starting to get emotional. He got down on one knee, and pulled the ring out of a Altoids box he had put the ring in since the actual box didn’t fit in his pocket. I was so excited that I yelled “SHUTTTTT UP”, then without any hesitation I said “YES”!! I don't know why but I asked if the ring was real, I was shocked to say the least! I couldn’t believe what was happening, the excitement I was feeling is so hard to explain. My hands were shaking and I couldn’t stop hugging him and screaming “WE’RE GETTING MARRIED”. There was a lady walking by us with her dog that must have thought I was bananas yelling the way I was!

My ring was in his pocket for hours!

Nothing hit me until we were driving away. I looked down at my hand then realized what really happen and I burst into tears. Robert asked me why I was crying and all I could say was “I get to marry you”!

My Twitter profile that day!

I will never ever forget that moment and the Bronson trail now has a special place in my heart. I can’t wait for the day I get to marry him. He makes me a better person and has opened my eyes to so many things. He supports me in everything I do and I’m so thankful to have him in my life! Not to mention the hours this man has spent waiting for me at finish lines HAHA! We don’t have any date set just yet, we’ve tossed around a few dates but nothing is set in stone! This proposal was beyond perfect for me and I wouldn’t have wanted it any different.

Thank you to everyone who sent messages via text, Facebook and Twitter! It meant the world to the both of us!

Vineman 70.3 by Bob Frein

Since my blog is mostly "I ran a race..oh look I ran another race" over and over I decided to ask my friend Bob if he would be interested in doing is Vineman 70.3 race report as a guest blogger. He was more then happy to help..so enjoy this great race report and don't forget to leave him a comment!

**Warning** This race report is rather long, so grab yourself a cup of your favorite beverage, sit back, relax and enjoy my Vineman 70.3 Race Report.

Let me preface this race report by saying that this was my first attempt at the half iron distance, I had previously done only Sprint distance triathlons. I decided last summer that I wanted to try a 70.3 race in 2011. After doing some research, I decided on Vineman as my first 70.3. I waited up until midnight on November 1, 2010 when registration opened and signed up...and got in

Let me preface this race report by saying that this was my first attempt at the half iron distance, I had previously done only Sprint distance triathlons. I decided last summer that I wanted to try a 70.3 race in 2011. After doing some research, I decided on Vineman as my first 70.3. I waited up until midnight on November 1, 2010 when registration opened and signed up...and got in!

Friday

We left Los Angeles at 5am and made it to Windsor by 12 noon. Since I wanted to get in a swim at the river before the race, we made the 15 mile drive out to Guerneville. Once we got down to the river, I put on my wetsuit and waded into the water. Temperature was very comfortable and I headed upstream. I decided to swim to the bridge and back (about 300 yds) and once I got to the bridge, the water was waist deep. I stood there and talked with a few other swimmers and headed back. I decided to do 2 more swims (both with and without the wetsuit) and we walked around Guerneville a bit.We headed back to Windsor, checked in at the hotel and then decided to go find a place to eat dinner.

Saturday

Tina and I went for an early morning walk around Windsor, eventually walking by the high school where workers were setting up T2 and the Finish line. After breakfast, we headed to the school for the mandatory meeting and packet pick up. The "meeting" was nothing more than a 22 minute video talking about safety and rules including "drafting" (remember that for later). I got my race packet, timing chip and t shirt and headed for the Vineman merchandise tent to buy some hats, etc. I had to drop my running gear at T2, so I found a spot I thought I could remember fairly easily and claimed my space. We left the school and headed back to Guerenville so I could drive the bike course. Just a few miles into the bike course, I noticed that the roads were not in great shape. These are lightly traveled, county roads and with California's current financial crisis, they don't get a lot of attention. I knew I was going to have to pay attention on the bike and dodge a lot of crappy road. The bike course has some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. During this time, I was munching on a bagel and noticed something in my mouth that didn't feel right...I broke a piece of tooth off. Fortunately, there was no pain and I didn't think it would affect my race. The course took about 2 hours to drive and once we got back to the hotel, we headed out for an early dinner, then off to bed.

Sunday - Race Day

We were up at 4 am, so we could be on the road to Guerneville by 5 am. We made it out to Guerneville just as T1 was opening. On the way in, I got body marked and luckily, my wife was standing next to me as I forgot my age. I found some space and started to lay out my stuff. I was going through a mental checklist and hoping I didn't forget anything. I got into my wetsuit and waited for my wave to be called. I was in the 5th wave and didn't have long to wait...before I knew it, I was in the water waiting for the horn to blow. My strategy in the swim was to start in the back to avoid the "washing machine"and take it easy. The horn sounds and I let the group go ahead of me. I start swimming at a nice, easy pace. About 200 yards into the swim, I am now in the crowd...WTF? How did this happen? Either, I was swimming fast or they were swimming slow, in any case, I didn't want to be on someones feet and get kicked in the face. I slowed my pace a bit and headed towards the shore a bit until I got some clean water ahead. At the turn around, the water was about knee deep and it was easier to walk the turn than to swim it. On the way back, there was a bit of a current that made the 2nd half of the swim a little quicker. Before I knew it, I saw the swim exit right in front of me...out of the water I went.

Swim - 41:24

T1

I grabbed a cup of water on the way in and decided to take my time. I didn't want to forget anything and I needed to pack up all of my swim items into the plastic bag so I could hand them to my wife on the way out. I saw Rebecca on the way out and stopped for a quick picture. I took the advice of every Vineman race report I read and ran/walked my bike to the top of the hill before getting on it. That was great advice!

T1 - 7:39

Bike

I started out at a comfortable pace while I got situated on the bike. I was really conscious of the drafting distance and I spent a lot of energy and time focusing on that. I made it to the first turn off which was pretty hairy and sure enough...someone had already crashed and was being tended to. The bike course was beautiful and I started passing people and increasing the pace while still focusing on drafting and potential penalties. About 20 miles into the course, a group of guys on tri bikes, basically forming a pace line, wheel to wheel, passed me and right behind them was a course Marshall. The Marshall didn't even bat an eye at them, so at that point, I decided to pick up the pace and not worry so much about drafting. Things seemed to be going well and I thought that a 3 hour bike was possible. I stopped at the last aid station for a potty break and then hit it pretty hard until Chalk Hill. It wasn't that it was that big or long of a hill, it was just at mile 45 and I was getting tired. I ate the last quarter of a PB&J sandwich (I ate 1/4 every 10 miles and supplemented it with Gu) and tried to pick up the pace for the last 10 miles. No such luck...I watched the 3 hour mark slipped by and then 3:15. I pushed hard the last couple of miles and reached the high school and T2.

Bike - 3:21:14 (16.70 mph/avg)

T2

It was quite a distance from the dismount line to the bike racks and it seemed like it took forever to run that distance. I racked my bike and emptied my run bag onto the grass. I sat down and put on my compression sleeves and shoes. I talked with another racer who offered me some sunscreen, which was a reminder to grab mine and apply it liberally. I put on my water belt and visor and headed out with a quick stop at the porta potty before leaving transition.

T2 - 8:09

Run

As I headed out on the run, I saw my wife taking pictures and seeing her smile gave me bit of energy that I desperately needed. The run course was made up of rolling hills (some challenging) and some flats. (I wish I would have driven the run course as well) The first 6 miles seemed to go very well, I hit every aid station (there were 12) and took on fluids and a gel. I also ate a few pretzels each mile from a bag that carried with me. The course was changed a bit this year, it ran around the perimeter of the winery and that was on dirt and gravel. By that time, the sun had finally made an appearance and it was getting warm. I started feeling tired so I started breaking down the last 6 miles by mile. I would run to the aid station, walk while taking on fluids and gels (about a minute or two) then run to the next aid station. It worked well and before I knew it, I was at the last aid station with 1.1 miles to go. My pace picked up a bit since I could sense the finish was near. I hit the finish chute and had the finish line in my sights. I crossed the finish line, hands raised! I finished!!

Run - 2:20:12 Finish Time - 6:38:38

I saw my wife behind the barrier and posed as she took a couple of pictures. The finish area had a lot op people mulling around and eating. Vineman puts on a pretty good post race meal (chicken sandwich, pasta salad, fruit, etc) all of which was fine and dandy, but how about some gatorade??? None to be found...they had water, iced tea and soda. I grabbed some fruit and a water and headed over to the transition area to meet my wife. I gathered my bike and we walked back to the off site parking lot where she had parked the car. Once back at the hotel, a quick shower and a beer and we headed out for some wine tasting. After all, we were in Sonoma and I could leave without wine tasting. One of my twitter peeps suggested Truett-Hurst Winery, so we decided to give them a try. They had some very nice wines, they specialize in Zinfandel's and syrah's. Since it was so late in the day and most wineries close at 5pm, we decided to go right to dinner. We tried KC Downtown Grill in downtown Windsor. Once back at the hotel, I decided to head down to the hot tub, where I sat and chatted with other racers about the race. It was interesting to hear what they thought about the race, course, etc

Since this was my first attempt at the half iron distance, I really didn't have any expectations other than finishing. In the back of my mind, I said I would like to come in under 7 hours, which I did. It was a great experience, one I will never forget, but the journey to get there was even greater. I have met so many wonderful and supportive people over the years. There are so many people I need to thank...my wife and family, my coach, my running/riding partners, my friends, my twitter/facebook friends, and A Runner's Circle family... I couldn't have done it without all of you....so from the bottom of my heart...THANK YOU!

So what's next you ask??? Nothing! Actually, I have the Disneyland Half Marathon on the schedule and that is it. I'm not going to do much the rest of this year, I need to give my body a break and I need to take care of things in my life that I have put on hold for the better part of the last year. In the coming weeks, I will sit down and figure out some kind of maintenance plan so I can try and stay in shape. I will also try and figure out 2012 as far as racing...at this point, I am leaning towards "not much", since I am shooting to run the Goofy Challenge in January 2013. I need to decide if I want to run the LA Marathon again, but at the very least, I will volunteer with Craig and his SRLA kids once again.

Oh yes...the broken tooth...I had it looked at on Tuesday morning and fortunately, it was only a wisdom tooth, but it was beyond saving and had to come out.

So there you have it, a great race report for something I don't think I will ever have the courage to do (never say never right). I followed Bob during his training for this event, and I can't tell you how proud I am of him for for accomplishment! Congrats Bob and I look forward to running more races with you!! - Kristy

Summer Giveaway Winner is...

I want to send a big THANK YOU to designer and friend of mine Denice from Flourish Salon for hosting my summer "Favorite Things' Give Away. We had tons of enteries but only one person will be lucky to own a pair of the handmade feather earrings!

We picked a winner and that person is....

Danica

@chicrunner

Congrats!! Hope you love your earrings as much as I love mine! For those of you that didn't win please check out Flourish Salon for other feather earrings and tons of VERY cute necklaces, hair peices, and earrings!

You can find Flourish Salon on Facebook and Etsy.

I'll have a special guest blogger on my next post from Bob (@bfrein). He's working on a great race racap of his experience completing the Vineman 70.3. Check back soon!!

My Favorite Things...SUMMER GIVEAWAY!!!

My favorite time of the year is here...SUMMER TIME!! This means fun up do's, great makeup looks, mini vacations, hiking, and sunset running..I ABSOLUTELY LOVE SUMMER! I wanted to make things a little saucy this month with my favorite things so I'm sharing a few items I can't live without, a great new hair crazy and fun earrings from Flourish Salon!!

So here are my picks for summer!!!!

Dream Cream

I don't know about you but my skin is super dry during this time of year. Swimming in chlorine, and excessive sweating while running in this summer weather is all making my skin dry and ITCHY! I've always been a fan of Lush shops so when I ran the Pasadena Half marathon I had the opportunity to stop at the store located downtown. I explained my activities to the sales girl and she recommended the Dream Cream. I've been using it since May and my skin looks and feels so much better. It takes about a dime size of this to cover each leg, if you go more then you may feel a bit greasy. Its smells great and feels wonderful on! It helps with sunburns and is great for kids skin as well. The one thing I learned was don't use this before going to a hot yoga class, lets just say my sweat and the lotion made doing certain posses very challenging! HAHA! This cute container of lotion should last you about 6-7 months and it runs $24.95. They are a world wide company so you can order this product online, or in one of there local stores.

Fishtail Braid

Here is a little side fishtail I did for work the other day! Earrings by Flourish Salon!

I'm always looking for new ways of keeping my long locks away from my face during work, workouts, or running. Braids are easy and can be fun if your creative with them, but why not "flair your hair" with a fishtail braid. I absolutely love this look! Its super easy to do and can be done to your ponytail for a great race look! It's definitely the summer look this year. I learned how do it by looking it up on YouTube. =)

Feather Earrings

My earrings also seen the picture above!

Feathers, feathers, feathers!! They seem to be taking over the fashion world lately. Feather extensions, and now feather earrings!! I ordered these earrings from Flourish Salon and can't stop wearing them, I get compliments on them all the time. Flourish Salons online store has tons of handmade hair accessories and jewelry for pretty much any occasion. When I contacted my friend and designer Denice to see if she was interested in featuring the earrings on my "Favorite Things" she was awesome enough to give a pair for a give away!!

So if you want to win this cute little package with the "Cinnamon Buns" feather earring you can!!..(BTW the flower on the package is a hair clip)....super cute!!! Here's how you can enter.....

1. Retweet my give away, don't forget to add @kristypants.

2. Like Flourish Salon on FB by clicking here and leave a comment on my post of the give away so I can keep track!

3. Leave comment on this post telling me what your favorite summer products are!

A winnner will be chosen on Wedneday July 20, 2011..Good Luck!!

La Palma Fitness Run For Fun 5k

I'm really starting to like these little holiday 5k's! The races are small, fun, and it makes for a great holiday kick off! This year when I was registering for this race my mom asked if she could come along and walk the event. Most of my races are ran with my dad since he's the other runner in the family, so when she showed interested I got really excited! My dad had to work so he missed out which he wasn't very happy about, but he was so proud of my mom for registering!

The night before our little holiday 5k, Krissy and Paul came to our place to watch the firework show at the park near our house. Our city does the event on the 3rd so people can make plans with families and enjoy the 4th with loved ones! We BBQ'd and then rode our beach cruisers up and down hills to get to the park about a mile away. I have to say I don't recommend trying to ride a 3 speed beach cruiser in a hilly area with a full cut up watermelon in your bike basket!! It was heavy and I felt like I was peddling no where HAHA! The weather was perfect, and the fireworks were GREAT! We had a fantastic time!

Paul, Krissy, Me and Robert...Beach Cruisin 4th of July Extravaganza!!

I got home around 10pm and got all my things ready for the race, Mr G 2.0, after race shirt and flip flops! I told mom I'd pick her up at 6:30 so we had time to grab our shirts and bibs. Since this was her first 5k event and it was a holiday, I thought I would be fun if her and I had matching T-shirts! I had to cut mine to so I wouldn't overheat running in cotton...it didn't come out exactly how I wanted it but it worked!!

Twinsies

Call me the over protective daughter, but I was a bit worried about my mom doing this event in the heat. Since she had her treatments less then a year ago she still has slight side effects from it. I kept reminding her that if she felt fatigue at any time during her walk that she was to stop and call me. She just kept saying "I know, I know I will call you" What can I say, I worry!

After we grabbed our bibs and shirts I decide it would be best to take the shirt back to the car so mom didn't have to carry anything with her. I was half way to there when I heard someone say "HIIIII"...it was Danica! YAY a familiar face!

Danica and I with our finishers Popsicles!

When I got back to my mom she told me that she found a walking partner! Apparently when I was giving her "instructions" on what to do if she didn't feel well a lady was listening to us, so she approached my mom and asked if she wouldn't mind walking with her. She wasn't even registered and decided since my mom was there to walk at a nice and slow pace, there was no reason she couldn't. Just like that my mom made a friend, what a relief I had knowing she had someone with her!

Mom and friend coming into the finish!!

We headed over the start and I reminded my mom of the "rules of walkers" and told her once again "call me if you don't feel good" HAHA! She was all set so it was time for me to leave her with her new friend. The sun was getting strong and I knew this little 3 mile race may just be the death of me. I haven't been running much so I wasn't sure how well this was going to go. I had to really push myself the 1st mile and focus on keeping my pace steady, not to go to fast because it was now 84 degrees. As I was taking a quick little walk break I heard someone say "HEY" to my surprise my friend Krista that I went to elementary school with was there running with her family. I haven't seen her in years, so surprised she even recognized me!

Kristy and Krista, grade school friends!

I pushed through miles 2 and 3 feeling ok, it was hot but I was feeling fine. I only took one very fast walk break at the beginning then realized I just needed to stay at a comfortable pace. I finally hit the finish at 37 minutes! Not my best but I finished! The one thing that I love about this course..it was FLAT, no hills, just a easy peasy run. It would've been even better in cooler weather but hey I live in California we have amazing weather all the time, so I'm not going to be upset with Mother Nature for giving us a beautiful 4th of July =)

After I was done I got my congratulatory popsicle..best finish line food ever! Then went over to cheer my mom and Danica on. I saw Danica fly by me finishing her 10k 1st of her age group WOOHOOO!! My mom came in a little after her with her new walking friend with a giant smile on her face! I was SO PROUD of my mom!!

That night for the 4th I spent it with Robert's family, BBQ'ing, and lounging around. It was a perfect day, fun race and lots of family LOVE!!

International Makeup Artist Trade Show

The International Makeup Artist Trade Show (IMATS) comes to LA every June with lots of new products and amazing makeup artistry from beauty to speical effects. There are legendary makeup artist roaming the event that only a true makeup artist would even recognize. I've been going for the past 8 years and every year it seems to get bigger and bigger.

Conor McCullagh, a artist from the Syfy Channel makeup competition show FaceOff

This year I ventured out to the show with two of my very good friends and makeup artist Anthony and Tony. We walked around the event for about 3 hours checking out new things that we may want to invest in. Anthony and I have used this event as a way to meet up during the year to catch up and enjoy a afternoon of hanging out. We both love the industry so what a better way to spend the day together. Tony hadn't been in many years so he was excited to check out some new things. So here's a few pictures of the show..enjoy them!!

Werewolf Peice by Dominie Till

Pig, from Famhog Booth

Tony and I found Joe doing a demo!

Completed Werewolf by Dominie Till

Gage Hubbard, another amazing artist from SyFy Face Off

This makeup was AMAZING!! So glad I got a picture of if...triple kudos to the makeup artist!

I wish I wouldn've seen this finished!

So just like my race tradition of getting a slurpee after a race I also have a tradition with Anthony to get lunch at Wolfe Burger in Pasadena after the trade show..meals like this is why I have to run my tushy off!!!

Starting in September I'll be posting some photos of my own work from Knott's Berry Farms Halloween Haunt. I've been working there for 15 years and look forward to making scary monsters for a month and a half!!

ARE YOU MISSING MY GIVE AWAYS!! I have a fun fashion give away from Flourish Salon...some great feather earrings!! Make sure you check back this week to see how to enter!! No animals were harmed in the making of these fun earrings!!

Thanks for reading!