Crocs Post 23 - The Big Bolder Boulder. What a Blast!

The Big Bolder Boulder – What a Blast!

Yes, I think anyone would agree that a race with 54,000 participants is pretty big. But despite it’s size, the Bolder Boulder was one of the best organized and most fun events I’ve ever run. When Crocs Social Media Coordinator Colleen Donovan asked if I wanted to come run Boulder’s signature road race, I  jumped at the chance. After all, every runner knows the Bolder Boulder. It’s the fifth largest road race in the world and the second largest in the United States. Runner’s World magazine named it America’s All-Time Best 10K. And every Crocs lover knows that Boulder is the birthplace of Crocs.  So what better way to show off the versatility of the hometown shoe than to run through the streets of Boulder in my bright turquoise Crocs Classics!

Theresa, me, and Bruce before the start.

I must admit, Bruce and I were a little nervous heading into town. We’ve run hundreds of races but never one as big as this. We couldn’t even picture what it would be like to be in a race with so many people. How would we even get there? Would there be traffic backed up for miles? To make sure we didn’t get too confused, we invited our good friend Theresa, who lives in the mountains outside of Denver, to join us for the race. But we really didn’t need to worry. The Bolder Boulder celebrated it’s 33rd running this year and the race organizers have it down pat. From the pre-race packet pick-up, to the shuttle buses to the start, to the over 100 waves of runners starting between the hours of 7:00 AM – 9:20 AM, everything ran smoothly. It’s not particularly easy though, running at 5,400 feet where the air is thin. But how many 10ks have timing mats every mile? The Bolder Boulder does. And single-age group awards to boot. Much to my amazement, I was the third 57 year old woman in the race!

Back at the start, after we were done racing, we met up with Colleen and the Crocs crew.

The Bolder Boulder is held each year on Memorial Day, but the entire holiday weekend is full of festivities and fun for runners and non-runners alike. There are street fairs and outdoor markets

Several hours after we finished there were still thousands of runners on the course.

throughout the city. The race itself winds through neighborhoods with live music and entertainment at every corner and finishes in the University of Colorado’s Folsom Field in front of thousands of spectators. What a way to end a race!

So if you’re a runner or a walker and you want to try something a little different next Memorial Day Weekend, consider a trip to Boulder for the Bolder Boulder 10K. And don’t forget your Crocs. But if you do, you can always get a new pair at the big flagship Crocs store on Pearl Street.  It’s almost as big as the Bolder Boulder!

These match my top perfectly!

Crocs Post 22 - Three Weekends of Bling

 Three Weekends of Bling

Running bling that is…

It’s not unusual for ultrarunners to enter long races week after week. We just say they’re training runs with lots of aid and lots of company.  But after three week in a row, I was happy to take a week off and just chill with my running club buddies.

Next up? The Bolder Boulder on Memorial Day. Thanks to my Crocs, I absolutely CAN keep on going. And thanks to the Crocs folks for inviting me to this mega-event. The Bolder Boulder was voted America’s All-Time Best 10K by Runners World Magazine and attracts 50,000 runners!  I’ll keep you posted once my Colorado adventure begins!

Sunday May 1, 2011

• The Orange County Marathon

Orange County Marathon

• Turquoise Classic Crocs

• 4:04

• AG 3rd

• Hooray! I got my Boston qualifier minus 10!

Saturday May 7, 2011

• Ironman St. George

Ironman St. George

• Royal Blue Classic Crocs

• 15:08

• AG 5th

• My third Ironman, but by far my toughest.

Saturday May 14

• Who’s in El  Moro Trail 50K

Who's in El Moro 50K

• Black Yukon Sport

• 5:40

• AG 1st

• A perfect day in my favorite coastal canyon.

Saturday May 21, 2011

• Chillin’ with the SoCal Trail Headz

Chillin' with the Headz

• Black Yukon Sport

• Leisurely six miles out of Coastal Peak Park.

• Followed by strawberry shortcake!

Crocs Post 21 - Running Isn’t All About Running

 Running Isn’t All About Running

Races and other organized events are what keep most runners running. They give us a goal and help us focus our training.  Sometimes we do them to see how fast or far we can go and sometimes we do them just for the camaraderie of participation.  And sometimes we sit them out and lend a hand so others may run.  I volunteer at several races a year and find it as fulfilling as running. It’s not necessarily easier either. It takes a lot of planning and effort to put on a good race. Race Directors Steve and Annie Harvey work tirelessly to give ultrarunners a challenging event in which to test their limits.  Along with a crew of veteran volunteers they bring off one of the best supported races around. A few weeks ago I helped them out at the Old Goat 50 Mile Trail Run, a beautiful but extremely difficult race held in the Santa Ana Mountains of SoCal every March.  It was a weekend to remember to be sure!

Crocs Post 20 - Another Weekend, Another Race. The Chino Hills Trail Series

 Another Weekend, Another Race

As you probably guessed, I spend a lot of time on the weekend running, biking, and swimming.  This weekend was no exception, with a bike ride, a swim, and two runs crammed into two days.  It’s always fun to try something new while doing the activities I love.  And on Saturday March 12 I had the chance to do just that.  There was a new trail race being staged in one of my favorite local parks, Chino Hills State Park.  Chino Hills is one of Orange county’s premier open-space parks with rolling, grassy hills that cover 31 miles and include 65 miles of trails. The best thing about it?  It’s only six miles from my house!

The Chino Hills are lush and green this time of year.

Some SoCal Trail Headz before the start. Race Director Fred is on the left.

The Chino Hills Spring Trail Series was launched with a 10K run.  It was the perfect way to start my weekend.  After months of rain, the hills were lush and green and I was looking forward to a very fragrant romp and a little friendly competition.  With only 31 people in the race, it felt like the old days, before the trail running boom.  At the start I ran with a group, chatting and enjoying the pace and the surrounding greenery.  Then I remembered it was a race.  Perhaps I should actually see how fast I could go.  So off I went! I found myself in third place overall and first woman. After a bit of jockeying with two other runners, I ended the race in that same position.  Not bad for a 56 year old woman in Crocs!

Trail Headz runner David Christof winning the 10K.

But truth be told I would have been happy no matter where I finished.  It was a perfect day for a trail run in one of my favorite places with some of my favorite friends! Who could ask for more?

Happy Headz post-race.

Crocs Post 19 - My Running Clubs Keep Me Running

 My Running Clubs Keep Me Running

Sometimes it’s hard to head out for a run after work.  Or on weekend mornings when you’d rather sleep in. Or when it’s cold and rainy and you have a good book just waiting to be read. That’s when your running buddies really help. They’ll get you going when you’d rather not. They’ll keep you company on great adventures. They’ll push you hard (or as hard as you want) when training for a race – or just to see how fast you can go. Thanks to my two running clubs, the SoCal Trail Headz and Brea Snails Pace, I’m never at a loss for a running partner or two – or twenty…

Do you belong to a running club?  Tell me something cool about your club and your running buddies!

The SoCal Trail Headz take a moment to pose before heading into the trails in February in sunny SoCal.

But the Headz will head to the trails come rain or shine. 

And the Snails run after work every Tuesday and Thursday. They get me out there no matter how tired I feel!

But no matter where, or when, or what the weather, there's always a tasty reward waiting for us at the finish!

Crocs Post 18 - Crocs Rock the Surf City Marathon

 Crocs Rock Surf City

Surf City Marathon, that is… 

• Marathon Number - 161

• Croc Marathon – 23

• Croc Color – Purple

• Time – 4:08

• Age Group  – 3rd

• Weather – Perfect

• Waves – Awesome

• Fellow Runners – Amazing!!!

Still dark at 6:00 a.m.

My Start Wave

Happy finishers Anne-Marie, Lo, Bruce, Scott, and Rozanne

Surf City Loot

Crocs Post 17 - Winter Croc Running, California Style!

 Winter Croc Running – California Style!

It’s kind of cold here now, but how can we Southern Californians complain when our friends and family back East are buried under three feet of snow?  But still, when the temperature starts dipping under 50 degrees here in SoCal my running buddies and I dig out the winter gear and worry that we’re going to freeze out there. Actually, it’s a great excuse for us to wear our cool high tech, foul weather clothes that are usually hidden beneath our shorts and singlets. Jackets, tights, gloves, beanies, and wool socks are all so cozy and warm this time of year, even in “sunny” California.

All bundled up - and it looks like rain...

A few weeks ago my running club, the SoCal Trail Headz, planned a winter excursion up to the San Bernadino Mountains for a cold weather romp.  There was a storm heading in, but we hoped to miss it or out run it. We drove an hour east and then headed up the winding mountain road only to be greeted with fog and dipping temperatures.  Maybe this run wasn’t such a good idea after all.  The rustic lodge we passed sure looked inviting.  Maybe a hot chocolate and piece of pie was reason enough to visit the San Bernadino Mountains.  No, the pie and hot chocolate would be our reward after we put in the miles…

So off we went to explore the Santa Ana River Trail. This amazing trail originates in the San Bernardino National Forest at the Pacific Crest Trail at 8,600 feet. It crosses over 33 miles of National Forest before it winds its way down into San Bernardino, Riverside, Corona, and finally Orange County. Its ultimate destination is the Pacific Ocean, a total of 110 miles and 8,600 feet of elevation change. In fact, the Orange County section of the trail is one of my favorite asphalt biking routes. It’s quite a diverse trail to say the least!

June, Lori, Lo, and Annie on the trail,

On this winter day the trail was soft and the forest fragrant.  The on and off rain was gentle and not too cold. The trail offered miles of singletrack that both challenged and invigorated us.  We covered about 18 miles that day and then we *really* started thinking about that rustic lodge and that apple pie!

The SoCal Trail Headz might not all run in their Crocs but they sure are the post-run shoe of choice.

Our Post-Run Crocucopia!!

Crocs Post 16 - Croc Running Caught on Tape!

 Croc Running Caught on Tape!

It’s been a very hectic few weeks as the Spring 2011 semester gets underway at Cerritos College.  The campus is once again filled to capacity with eager students who vow to keep on top of their school work.  That means we’re especially busy in the library as the young scholars come in to look for books or just to find a quiet and comfortable place to study (or connect to the internet) in between classes.

Since I haven’t had much free time, I was starting to stress about getting my Crocs blog done.  But then I remembered a recent request by our Crocs liaisons Sharon and Colleen.  Try posting a video!  So, rather than come up with something new, I did what any self-respecting librarian would do.  I checked my archives and found a  few dusty gems.

I told you a little bit about my Vineman Triathlon adventure in my “IRONCrocs!” post on 8/9/10.  Well, Bruce actually shot a video as I crossed the finish line of my first ever Ironman distance triathlon. Don’t let those tears of joy fool you.  I was smiling from head to toe, thanks to my trusty Crocs!

Crocs Post 15 - Shopping Success at My Local Crocs Stores!

 Shopping Success at My Local Crocs Stores!

'Twas the week after Christmas and new Crocs could be found,       

Under trees, and on feet, and, well, all over town!       

Holiday gifts, Crocs style!

It's just possible that I contributed a bit to the plethora of Crocs in my circle of friends and family.  You see, I did a lot of my holiday shopping this year at my local Crocs stores.  Those colorful shops had everything I needed to complete my list.  Besides all the latest Crocs styles and special sales, they also carry huge selections of Jibbetz, Crocs accessories, and Crocs gear.  In other words, something Croc for everyone!      

Everyone in the library loved their Croc-o-Dials and Croslites.

I'm lucky to have two Crocs stores really close by, one in Huntington Beach and one in Orange.  Crocs Huntington Beach is a full retail store with all the latest styles and colors.  Want to see what's new in the Crocs line up?  Just step into this sunny storefront. And, really, what better place to shop for Crocs than in Surf City USA?  

Crocs Huntington Beach faces the Pacific Ocean!

Kevin and La Dawna like the view. And they like my selection too!

Not far from Huntington Beach you'll find the Crocs Block of Orange Outlet, a bargain hunter’s delight.  This Crocs discount store has all the latest specials.  Since it's an outlet, it may not have all the latest styles, but what it lacks in selection it makes up for with bargains galore.  I stock up on my Crocs Classics (aka my running shoes) here, since they usually have a buy-one-get-one half price deal going on.  You can't beat that!  

Lots of styles and lots of discounts at the Crocs Outlet.

The super staff at the Orange Crocs Outlet. DJ, Don, Chris & Florencia

Janet and Anne-Marie find the gift of happiness at the Crocs store.

I took advantage of my proximity to these two great Crocs stores and made many trips to each over the past few months, often inviting friends to join me.  My two stores are always bustling with patrons and the staff are always friendly and extremely knowledgeable about all things Croc.  When I introduced myself as a Crocs Ambassador they were eager to hear all about my experience with the company they love. Crocs employees are sure a happy and loyal bunch!  That happiness spills over into their customer service attitude.  I guess happy feet make happy employees. And it only stands to reason that happy employees make happy customers.  Just look at those smiles on my friends Janet and Anne-Marie as they look over the aisles and aisles of Crocs!       

So, if you want a nice change after all the holiday hustle and bustle, give your feet a break and head out to your local Crocs store.  And if you haven't discovered your local Crocs store yet, you're in for a treat.  There really is something for everyone.  To find the Crocs store nearest you, simply use the Crocs Store Locator.   Happy Croc shopping, Happy New Year, and of course, happy feet!!  

Crocs Post 14 - Crocs to the Rescue! Friends Love Crocs Too.

 Crocs to the Rescue!

Everyone knows I love my Crocs.  But now I want to tell you about two friends of mine who really love their Crocs too.  Lynda and Yen have very interesting stories about how Crocs have helped them with chronic and acute foot pain.  And, like me, they simply want to share the love.  So without further ado, let me introduce you to Lynda and Yen! 

Lynda in her Crocs Rx Custom Clouds

My friend Lynda is a librarian.  We work together at Cerritos College Library where we spend much of our time running around assisting students. We’re up and down a lot, helping students with their research assignments at the computers or in the book stacks.  We also teach one hour Library Research classes regularly in a classroom setting.  All this walking and standing was a real problem for Lynda, who suffers from plantar fasciitis and heel  spurs.  Each of these painful foot conditions can be debilitating by itself but combine the two and, ouch, the pain can be unbearable. Lynda has tried a variety of orthotic devices and cushions for her shoes without much success.  But then she found  the perfect solution to her painful problem.  Crocs Rx to the rescue! The Crocs Rx line has been designed to provide therapeutic relief for a number of foot conditions.  After researching the various styles, Lynda chose the Custom Cloud because they're available in half sizes, widths, and have adjustable straps.  She noticed the difference immediately and has been wearing her Clouds ever since they arrived on her doorstep. Lynda went with the basic black, but now that she’s walking on Clouds, pain free at last, she’s decided to add the blue and the brown to her collection to complement all her outfits. Looking good, Lynda, and I'm so happy you now have happy feet!

Lynda's favorite shoes!

If you suffer from foot pain caused by arthritis, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, arch pain, forefoot pain, bunions, neuroma, metatarsalgia, diabetic feet, impaired circulation, or hypersensitive feet, think of Lynda and check out the footwear at Crocs RX.  They have been designed with YOU in mind! 

Yen running in her comfy Crocs Classics

My friend Yen is an ultrarunner. We run together in races and training runs throughout Southern California and beyond.   And guess what?  Yen just finished her first 100 mile race!  That’s a special badge of honor in the ultrarunning world.  Welcome to the 100 mile Club, Yen!  Ultra events take commitment, energy, and perseverance and Yen has a multitude of each.  That’s why Yen is affectionately known as The Yenergizer in our local running community.  It’s the perfect nickname for a woman who’s run over 15 ultras in 2010 alone. But even the Yenergizer can’t go on when her feet start screaming at her.  

Yen finished 100 miles! Last 25 in Crocs!

Sadly, that’s what happened at just about mile 75 of the recent 100 Mile Endurance Challenge that followed aroute from Corona to Santa Monica.  Yen was forced to stop due to painful blisters and debilitating arch pain.  She thought she’d have to give up her dream of finishing 100 miles.  But then she thought again.  She changed into her trusty Crocs Classics and was able to finish the final 25 miles, in foot comfort at least.  As you can imagine there’s no way to be completely pain-free at the end of a 100 mile race, but Yen's feet were happy and Yen finished her first 100 miler with a great big smile! 

So, if you’re out running, hiking, or walking long distances and your feet start aching, just think of Yen.  Toss off your shoes, put on your Crocs, and keep on trucking!