Friday Five 2.0 – Zenaida Arroyo

Category: Friday Five 2.0

25
May
2018

Friday Five 2.0-Yes to Athlinks!

categories: Ambassador, BibRave Pro, Friday Five 2.0, Product Review, Running

Disclaimer: I am promoting Athlinks as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

I’ve been running for over 10 years. Thanks to Athlinks, I have a record of every race (159 races) that I’ve done.

I also have a record of my PRs in all race distances.

What is Athlinks? It is a database that houses results for all athletes. These include pretty much all timed endurance sports (running, swimming, and triathlon).

I don’t know how long I’ve had my account. It is a FREE account so if you haven’t set one up yet, do so right now. You can sign up with an email address, Facebook, or Google Account.

With Athlinks:
1. See your most recent race results and your upcoming races. This is in the Overview tab.
2. You can check your race results. All of these races are listed in chronological order so the latest one is on top. This is in the Results tab.
3. Search and be friends with other runners. This is in the Following tab.
4. See how you did compared to your friends that also ran the same race. This will be shown by either a “Win” or a “Loss”. This is in the Rivals tab.

5. Find all of your personal records. This is in the Statistics tab.

I use Athlinks mostly to keep track of my races and my PRs. Maybe once in a while I’ll also check out how many wins or losses I have compared to my friends. In my case, I have more losses than wins. 🙂 I also like filtering by race distance or a specific race and compare how I did.

Here are my results from the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle beginning in 2006.

There is also an Athlinks App you can download to your phone.

I am pleased with my experience with Athlinks. It has been a positive one since the beginning. It is FREE and EASY. <<Nothing to lose. If you don’t have an account, set one up right now. Don’t forget to follow me on Athlinks.

I’m linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for Friday 2.0.

02
Mar
2018

Friday Five 2.0-Five “new” races for me!

categories: Ambassador, BibRave Pro, Friday Five 2.0, Rock 'n' Roll Race, Running

Disclaimer: I am promoting these races as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

Happy March! I am hoping that with January and February behind us, March will be better in the weather department. I am proud to say that running wise I did great in February. But I still want some warm weather! My first race, Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, is this month and I am excited about it. Read HERE to find out why you need to run this race and make sure to use code “SHUFFLE” at the following link: http://haku.ly/dd2567 to save $10 on your race entry.

I have added a couple of races to my calendar. Thanks to BibRave for giving me the opportunity to sign up and run these races this year. I’ve run 3 of them in the past and while I haven’t run in Denver, a Rock ‘n’ Roll race isn’t new to me. Hopefully you can join me in a few or all of these races.

1. Soldier Field 10 Mile, May 26. This race is always on Memorial Day weekend. It starts and ends at Soldier Field. I love the distance, flat course, and you get to run on Lake Shore Drive. There is some great food and beer after the race along with some live music entertainment. My PR is 1:41:56 in 2015 and it is time to set a new one this year. Use Code “BRSoldierField” for bonus RAM Racing sunglasses (expires 2 days before the race).

2. Tailgate 10K, August 11. This race used to be the BTN Big 10 and is held in Grant Park. Plans for this race are still in the works so be sure to check the website for updated information.

3. Fort2Base, August 26. I did this race in 2013. I ran 10 nautical miles which equals to 11.5 miles. It is a unique race distance and an automatic PR for those running this race distance for the first time. This race takes you through a military command and training centers. I remember there is a HUGE hill (Hero’s Hill) that wore me out.

4. Run Mag Mile, September 8. Last year was my first time running this race and I had a great time. The weather was perfect and I loved running along Michigan Avenue. We got a beautiful medal and some delicious food after the race. Use Code “BRMagMile” for bonus RAM Racing sunglasses (expires 2 days before the race).

5. Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver, October 21. Rock ‘n” Roll races are not new to me. I’ve done quite a few of them. 🙂 However, I’ve never been to Denver. My niece lives there and this race will give me the perfect opportunity to meet up with her (and maybe she’ll run with me). When I finish this race I will also cross off another state in my Race in the 50 States Goal. If you want to sign up for this race, use code “RNRBRP2018” for $15 off your registration fee.

Which one of these races would you like to run?

I’m linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for Friday 2.0.

23
Feb
2018

Friday Five 2.0-Top 5 reasons to run the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K

categories: Ambassador, BibRave Pro, Friday Five 2.0, Running

Disclaimer: I am promoting the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K is next month and I am excited to run it again. It is one of my favorite races in Chicago! This race marks the start of the official running season in the city. Are you signed up for it? If yes, GREAT but if not then read on to find out why you MUST run this race. I will even give you a discount code. 🙂

1. Automatic PR and sweet medal. Isn’t it beautiful? An 8K is 4.97 miles so if you’ve never run this distance before then you automatically get a PR. I’ve run this race 9 times and my PR is 48:38 in 2014. I am having a great marathon training season and hopefully will get a PR this year.

2. Beer! Celebrate that new PR and/or show off that sweet medal at the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle Post-Race Party. Each runner gets a ticket for one (1) Michelob ULTRA (must be 21 years or older to consume). There will also be live music. The party doesn’t stop there. The celebration will continue at The Scout Waterhouse & Kitchen (1301 S. Wabash Ave.) from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. Shamrock Shuffle participants who bring their race bib will receive a ticket that can be redeemed for one (1) Michelob ULTRA.

3. You can dress up! How fun is it to be all decked out in green and run in a beautiful city? I’ve lived in Chicago for almost 40 years and never get tired of the view. This race is also great to do with friends. Each year I’ve been able to run with friends and have a fabulous time.

4. It is a short but yet popular race. An 8K is a unique distance and in Chicago there aren’t that many 8K races. Over 30,000 runners run the Shamrock Shuffle. It is so popular that on race morning NBC 5 Chicago provides live, streaming coverage of the race start and finish from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. where supporters can watch their favorite runner cross the line.

5. Save $10 off registration fee. Make sure to use code “SHUFFLE” at the following link: http://haku.ly/dd2567 to save $10 on your race entry.

So did I convince you? Will I see you there? Have you run this race before?

I’m linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for Friday 2.0.

26
Jan
2018

Friday Five 2.0-5 New to Me Things That I Like

categories: Ambassador, BibRave Pro, Friday Five 2.0, Running, Running Gear

How is it that it is almost February? January is definitely going by fast. We’ve had our share of very cold but also mild days in Chicago. I am definitely looking forward to warmer days. Then I will probably be complaining that it is too HOT! That is why fall is my favorite season for running.

I always get excited when I read about something in a blog/Facebook/Internet/etc that someone else likes and recommends. Recently, I’ve learned about some new items (to me) that I like and have been using for running or everyday use.

1. Lily Trotter Socks. These compression socks are easy to put on and come in fun colors. They have the right amount of compression and are also comfortable. I’ve been wearing them on my runs and also to recover from my workouts. My legs feel great!

2. Detach. As a BibRave Ambassador, I have the opportunity to try out this product. Detach is is a coconut water-based drink with only a subtle coconut flavor, improved electrolyte balance, low glycemic energy & a micro-protein blend to help you have a great workout. The drinks are certified paleo, low GI and gluten free. I like that it isn’t sweet, with a very light flavor, but not artificial or overpowering. I’ve used it on a long run (100 minutes) and never felt thirsty. I actually found it to be refreshing and it was just what I needed on that run.

3. Smartwool Socks. I love the Women’s PhD® Run Ultra Light Micro Socks. They’re thin, they have enough cushion, protect against blisters, and feel comfortable. I can wear them for a few days without washing and they don’t smell. 🙂 However, these are not long enough and do not cover my ankles when running in tights during the winter. When wearing tights, I use the crew socks. They are just as comfortable as the micro socks and my ankles stay warm. I also have a pair of the Light Elite and these have more cushion and also keep my feet extra warm during the cold winter days. I was afraid that with the extra cushion my shoes would feel tight but that isn’t the case.

4. Black Diamond Storm Headlamp. Depending on how I feel or what I have going on after work, I do my runs in the morning or after school. I have a Nathan headlamp that I thought I lost but then found in my car. Someone recommended this lamp and I love it. It has 350 lumens of power, three-color RGB night vision and improved peripheral lighting for close-range tasks. I haven’t figured out all of those features but I just know that it is bright!

5. Orgain Organic Protein Powder. A few friends recommended this to me. This is plant based with 21 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and no added sugar. I love the Creamy Chocolate Fudge but the Vanilla Bean is delicious. They both have a clean taste and is never too sweet. I make a shake in the morning for breakfast and it keeps me full till lunch (I drink it around 7am when I get to school and eat lunch at 11:35am). Another great thing about it is that with this protein powder you have proteins from grains (brown rice), seeds (hemp, chia) and legumes (pea) and is also gluten-free, soy-free and non-gmo. I purchased mine on Amazon but I know they’re also available at Target and Costco.

Have you tried any of these products? Any products you like that you can recommend to me?

I’m linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for Friday 2.0.

05
Jan
2018

Friday Five 2.0-5 Things I Am Looking Forward to in 2018

categories: Ambassador, BibRave Pro, Friday Five 2.0, Race all 50 states, Rock 'n' Roll Race, Running

Happy New Year! How did you celebrate? I kept it very low key. Nothing exciting at all. My sister came over with my nephew. We ate and watched TV. Then they left and I went to bed at 10pm. Felt great to go to bed early and wake up early the next day. 🙂

Happy New Year 2018

The other day I was thinking about things that I am excited about and looking forward to this year. There are a few but for now I am picking five of them. Here they are in no specific order or importance.

1. The Illinois Marathon. This will be my 9th marathon. My last marathon was the Chicago Marathon in October 2016 where I ended up with at 5:12:59 finish time. I am working with a coach to get me to the finish line in April. I am hoping to finally get a sub 5 finish time. My training is going well. Most of my runs have been “easy” and short (30 and 45 minutes). I know this will get my body ready for when I need to do hard and intense workouts. This week I ran “specific” miles (3 and 4 miles).

2. Rock ‘n’ Roll Races. In 2013 I ran 14 RnR races. While it was fun, it was also tiring and expensive. As a BibRave Ambassador, I have the chance to run again a couple of these races. I picked Washington DC, New Orleans, Chicago, Savannah, Denver, Las Vegas, Seattle, and San Diego. There is no guarantee that I will get selected for all of them but I’ll be happy with 2-3 races.

3. Moving to a new apartment or house. I’ve been living in the same apartment for about 8 years. When I moved here, I told myself that that would be the last time I would move. Wrong. My landlord told me to start looking for a new apartment because he wants to remodel the apartment and sell the building. Part of me wants to move to another apartment because it is just easier and less responsibilities. However, another part says it is time to buy a house. I’ve looked at a few houses and have not seen anything that I like. My goal is to move no later than March/April (assuming that the landlord gives me till then to move. What I am most excited about is the possibility of having a bigger bedroom than the one I have now! 🙂

New House Image

4. Run a couple half marathons in new states. Currently I’ve completed 38 half marathons in different states. If I get picked for the RnR races (#2) then I will be adding Colorado and Georgia to my list. I am hoping to also add Delaware and Michigan.

Run all 50 states — Source: www.etsy.com

5. BibRave Ambassador. I was selected for another year as an ambassador. I am happy and excited about it! I’ll have the chance to provide you with various product and race discounts. I will also have the opportunity to run various races throughout the year and try out different and new to me race products. I also hope to meet more Ambassadors whether in Chicago or from another state!

Anything exciting you are looking forward to this year?

I’m linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for Friday 2.0.

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