"The Race" Osaka Marathon 2014

Its was finally race day! I was so nervous, the nice thing was that the race didn't start until 9:00AM, there was no reason to wake up super early as I'm used with all my other races. The races started at the Osaka Castle, we stayed very close, its was still a train stop away, but nothing like going to the Expo.

I got to the Castle with an hour to spare, the weather was perfect for short sleeves. I figured, I had plenty of time to use the restroom and make my way to my corral. The line didn't seem too long for the restroom, but it took forever and when time is ticking, it seems like an eternity. I made with just about 15 minutes before the race was starting and I didn't know how far I had to go to get to corral "M", which is were I was supposed to be. I ran as fast as I could and followed the signs to my corral. I had just enough time to snap some selfies with the Castle and then I noticed that they had already closed the street where I was supposed to turn to get to my corral. I didn't speak the language, so I couldn't ask anybody, but I did see others with bibs that were after mine, so I wasn't too concerned. There were a bunch of runners now waiting, I saw corral E was in front of us as the starting gun went off.

Finally we saw racers moving and when they got to corral K, they let everybody who was waiting join in, so I actually got to enter the race before I was supposed to, I guess things work out well after all. Good things come to those who wait, right?

Picture from OsakaMarathon.en.com

I like this guys shirt :)

There were so many runners there, it was literally a sea of people, you could not run your own pace, that's for sure, you just had to go with the flow. Thankfully they are not slow runners there, so I could go at a pace that was reasonable for me. I had memorized the course and knew at what point to expect what, the highlight for me was the Dotonbori, we got to run right by it, of course I had to take a few pictures. I took lots of pictures along the way, I couldn't resist, it was my first marathon after all.

I have to say that the spectators were amazing, the best I had seen in all the races I've ran. There were so nice, they all wanted a high five and kept yelling encouraging words ( I think so anyway ;)) They offered candy, there was a little boy holding a tray of candy and I couldn't resist, I picked a strawberry KitKat! They had tons of photographers on the course with assistants holding huge camera signs, so we all knew to smile. 

Even though the rules of the race stated "no fancy dress", which I took that as no costumes, There were tons and tons of people dressed up. I saw the Power Rangers, Pikatchu, three guys in a full black suits and fedoras, Samurai, Panda and Onigiri, I even saw this guy who had made this huge head, that he had to hold it up the entire race. It was crazy, but crazy amazing! 

They also had a food station at the 33 kilometer mark, unfortunately by the time I made it there much of it was gone, but I still got a few good samples of things. I had sweet bean filled pancakes (not my favorite, but that only because I'm not a fan of sweet bean anything), something that tasted and resembled of chicken nuggets, cream filled cookies, bananas and rice balls, I think. I can't even think of everything they had there, but it was pretty good. For drinks at each water station they of course had water and and energy drink called Aquarius. They did run our of drinks at some of the water stations, not even a drop of water. I actually saw runners run into 7-Eleven stores and bought their own and get drinks from vending machines. I actually saw a guy wearing his marathon bib standing in front of 7-Eleven holding an energy drink in one hand and a cigarette in the other, I couldn't believe it.

The best was that towards the end where everybody was so tired, you can tell by just looking around, but the spectators just kept encouraging us, it felt so good. There was a lady holding a tray of Takoyaki, which I love so much, I couldn't resist I had to take the last one left, I heard her say "Samui Desu" which means hot in Japanese, but as it was almost falling off the toothpick that it was on, I took a bite and it was extremely hot, then I dropped it in my hand and it was so hot, I didn't know what to do, but I just had to eat it, it was so good! Funny the things you do. I love that the spectators do that there and runners have no fear of taking their food.

Good citizens of Osaka were also there to help with spraying cold spray on peoples achy knees and legs, that was the sweetest thing I've seen at a race. I'm telling you, I would move to Japan in a heart beat. This just confirmed to me what a great country and society it is.

I've never been happier to see the finish line! 6 hours and 11 minutes after I crossed the starting line. Best feeling in the whole world and I told myself I would never ever do this again. Writing this now a  month later, I actually take that back, I would run another marathon again.

After the race all the racers moved through the expo center again, they put the medal around my neck, they actually punched a hole through my bib to confirm I got the medal and then they put the finishers towel around my neck and I got a bottle of Aquarius. Next they did finishers pictures, where they put a fake olive leave wreath on my head and posed me just right and took a few pictures. Then I headed out to go back to the subway station. On the way out they handed everybody a newspaper form October 26th, 2014 with a huge two page story on the Osaka Marathon from that morning, I couldn't believe it, that was so cool!

Getting out of there was an adventure on its own, after I ran the Marathon, the last thing I wanted to do was walk a ton to the subway and stand up all the way back to the hotel. That's exactly what happened. The streets were closed for the race, there was no straight way to the subway, they made us walk another mile out of the way to get there and then I had to stand up the whole 30 minute subway ride back, because everybody was trying to get out of there.

I would recommend this race to anybody, it was so much fun!!!

Keep on running...

Keili

My race day OOTD, I love my Mizuno running shirt that has the kanji for "Run" on it with cherry blossoms!

If you are interested seeing what I picked up at the Osaka Marathon Expo, you can check out my previous blog post and also check out this YouTube video.

Seattle Seahawks Kids Christmas Party 2013

The Seattle Seahawks have a Kids Club that you can sign you kids up each season. I have been doing this since 2012, check out my blog post from 2012 here! It costs $20 a season, but it comes with a really cool goodie bag. I definitely think its worth it. In addition to the goodie bag, you get invited to special events all throughout the year, they have kids movie nights, pumpkin patch and a Christmas party. I've never had a chance to be able to attend any other events, but the Christmas Party is one that we've gone to since 2012. Here is a short recap of things that they have there so you can see for  yourself if its something you would be interested in.

It usually takes place mid December. I got an e-mail stating the date and time it was going to take place, so we can reserve space. The kids club member is always free, but anybody else who is accompanying the child has to pay $10. Parking is always free for these events at the Centurylink Field.

Its easy to get to and parking is a breeze, you are greeted by friendly employees who show you where to wait if you are early, make sure you dress in layers. If you get there early, you might have to wait in the parking garage which is really cold, but then once inside it gets really hot.

When we got inside we were greeted by a couple of Seagals, of course we couldn't say no to this photo opportunity. If you bring a unwrapped toy with you, they give you a prize ticket, where later in the night they pick winners for various Seahawks items.

Then we went to the very back of the hallway where they had various games set up. Chase really enjoyed "The Blaster". It was a giant blowup run through course with obstacles inside. We had tons of fun racing each other side by side. Then we enjoyed some miniature golf, decorated with miniature Seahawks helmets. We must have gone though the course at least 10 or more times.

Then it was time to see Santa, but Chase didn't want to wait in line for it, so we decided to skip Santa this time around, there is always next year, right?

Instead we went to see Blitz!!! We love Blitz, he is so fun and spends so much time with each of the kids. Chase had a great time goofing around with him.

Next we headed to the craft area, we were told that a couple of players will be making an appearance, which made me super happy. They had fun crafts, they had blank Seahawks cards that you can write a note on or draw a picture and leave it for the players. There were also foam cutouts and pipe cleaner to make ornaments out of and tons of decorations for them, like stickers and jewels to glue on.

Finally the players were out, make sure that you don't wait too long to get in line, because they are only there for a limited time and you might miss the opportunity. Unlike the first year we were there both players did not stay to hang out with the crowd. Luke Willson (#82), was so nice and friendly, but unfortunately did not stay. He did the photo ops and then autograph signings, they wouldn't let him sign autographs while taking photos, they had him to a separate signing after the photos. Which sucked for us, because now we had to wait in too lines, but Chase can get away with anything with his cute little face and because he had his autograph book out with the marker, Luke signed it for him at the photo area!!! Yeah for us, one less line to wait at!

Now, this is going to sound bad, but I don't know who the second player is, honestly, most people didn't know him, but apparently he had been out for a while with an injury. If any of you can recognize the player in the first picture, please let me know. The green background is actually a green screen that they put the Seattle skyline on. The pictures were taken by a professional photographer and they printed them out then and there for you to keep, for FREE!

So there you have it! We always have a great time, hope you'll be able to join us there next year!

Keep on loving our Seahawks!!!

SEA...HAWKS!

My Running Faves & Must Haves!

Before I start the list, I want to mention that I purchased all of the products below myself and was not compensated by the companies in any way. The products are my opinion only and if you prefer something else or if you have other things that might be beneficial to me and my readers, please leave comments, so we can share our knowledge so we can all have better running experiences.

1) First and foremost I have to say that my Garmin Forerunner 610 watch is something that I could not survive without. Yes, there are lots of free apps for iPhones and I've tried some of them, but without fail non of them are accurate. With my Garmin I always get the same results for distance and it is really easy to navigate. There are lots of awesome features to this watch, but I have to be honest, I really only use the main screen where it tells you what you mileage, time and pace is. That's all I really need, oh and it looks super cute, don't you think!!!!!!!!
My husband got mine at REI, but you can check them out on www.Garmin.com

Image from Garmin.com

2) iPod Nano, this has a special meaning to me. My husband got it for me for Christmas the year I started running and it is engraved with my sons name on it. I have all of my favorite running songs on it and use it for every race. It's my good luck charm :) Click here for my playlist.
Apple.com

Image from head-fi.org

3) Lululemon everything. I just adore this brand so much. Yes, they are expensive, but the quality is amazing and I have had nothing but great experiences while running in Lululemon. Plus, pretty much every clothing item they have is so cute and the colors are always amazing. Also, nobody can look bad in Lululemon leggings, nobody! They fit so perfectly that its hard to resist on buying a pair of Wunder Unders in every color they come.
Lululemon.com (updates every Monday night with new clothing)

Image from Forbes.com

4) My Mizuno running shoes. This is my second pair of running shoes since I started two years ago. I love them so much, they are very supportive yet lightweight. I bought the Wave Inspire 10.

5) Running belt, I bought the iFitness double pouch belt because I don't like to check a bag at races. I keep my phone, car key, credit card, ID and lip palm in one pouch and my energy gels in the other, its perfect to clip my iPod onto and it does not have bounce to it. Its not my favorite belt, however it can hold a lot and that's the reason I picked the iFitness one. I'm on a look out for a new one though, so if you have one that you love, let me know!!!
I bought mine online at http://www.fitletic.com, but they always have booth at the Seattle Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon Expo, I bet you can find them at the larger race Expos.

Image from Pinterest.com

6) Neutrogena Lip moisturizer, this may seem weird for some, but I do have to admit that I have a little bit of an addiction to it. I cannot live without it and if I ever forget to use it, I get super chapped lips. Neutrogena brand is my favorite because its super moisturizing and it lasts for a long time and during runs I'd rather not be re-applying my lip palm every five minutes
I buy these in handfuls since I don't ever want to run out and Bartell Drugs always has them in stock.

Image from Drugstore.com

7) Band Aid blister band aids, I have found that these are the only ones for me that don't slip during races, no matter how long they are. I even use them on my medial malleolus bones (the little bone sticking out of inside of your ankle). The story behind that is that I always run in ankle socks and during my races I tend to hit my medial malleolus bone with my other leg and it hurts so bad. These band aid help it from getting scratched.
I buy this from Rite Aid, but I bet any drugstore would probably have it.

Image from Surgicalsupplyservice.com

8) Energy Gels, I have gone thru a few varieties over the last year that I have been running and truly I don't know if any particular brand is better than others. So I just decided which tastes and goes down the easiest during my races that's what I'm going to use. So far I've really enjoyed Vega gels, unfortunately I have not been able to find this branch in the States, I found it during the Lululemon SeaWheeze Half Marathon. I was able to stash some aside for a few races. Once I ran out though, I went for the Honey Stinger Energy Gels, I like the taste of these, but just like any other gel it leaves a weird layer on the top of my mouth and it takes me a few cups of water during the races to wash it down with. My favorite flavors a fruity though (berry, banana, orange, etc), nothing too sweet. I don't like flavors like peanut butter or chocolate.
I buy the Honey Stinger ones from REI, http://vegasport.com/product/endurance-gel/

Image from Grindtv.com

Image from Honeystinger.com

These are always with me when I go to a race, let me know what are your favorites, so I can try something new, you never know, I might just be missing out on something.

Please subscribe if you like what you read!!!

See you at my next race.

Keili

Seahawks 12K Kids Dash, 2014!

I was excited for Chase to run another race and the Seahawks one seemed so much fun. Every since they won the Super Bowl last season the Seahawks have become so much more popular than they have ever been before. So it was really important for me to sign him up for this race as soon as it became open, I knew it was going to sell out fast.

Photo from thelandinginrenton.com

Because the race packet pickup was about a 30 minute drive from where we lived and they offered race day packet pick up, I didn't feel like driving there before hand and just decided to get the packed race morning. Unfortunately by the time we got there they had ran out of the bibs, they still had the T-shirts and the race bags, but no bibs :( They were super cool too, I was bummed, they had the Seahawks logo and the number 12 for the "12th Man" of course. But oh well, what can you do, right?

The kids course was not really anything nice, it just took place in the parking lot of the Renton The Landing shopping area. They did have fun kids games set up there, like throwing a football through holes, a bouncy house and a "how do you measure up to a football player". Chase had a really good time before the race.

Photo from Seahawks12Krun.com

The race went by really fast obviously, it was only a mile race, they had the SeaGals and Blitz there in the beginning to get everybody excited. The kids got ribbons for finishing the race.

I was a little bummed that there were no Seahawks players there, I didn't see any anyways. I was hoping to meet at least one or two players. I did hear from the past races that the players were on the 12K and the 5K courses at the water stations, but I didn't run, so not sure if they were there this year or not.

I do recommend this race for the kiddos, as they had fun games and ribbons.

Keep on running... with your kids!

Keili

Tacoma St. Patty's Day Kids Run 2014!

The reason I chose this race for Chase to do is that they were actually giving the kids race finishers a medal as well as a ribbon. Its pretty rare to find kids races that provide a medal and I thought it would be really fun for him to get a medal of his own.

How cute is he???

Since this race was in Tacoma and we live in Kirkland, I knew that I had quite a drive down there, so I made sure to get up early to make sure I got down there in time. The only problem was that the kids race didn't start until 11:00 which was super nice, however the packet pick up ended at 8:30. So I had to be down there by 8:30 and then hang out for 2.5 hours until the kids race started. I had paid $5.00 extra to pick the packet up on race day, they did have packet pick-up the day before, but it was way too far for me do drive just to pick up a T-shirt. Speaking of shirts, the race did come with a cute kid size T as well and I think I paid $20 all together including the packet pick-up fee, which by the way I could have gotten away without paying it since they didn't even check to see if I had prepaid for it or not. Oh well, it goes for a good cause at least.

So we hung out at Tully's for a few hours and had some breakfast, to kill some time before the race. The weather had been kind of iffy, rainy and then nice and rainy again, I kept hoping for a dry race and it stopped raining right before, which was super nice for the kiddos.

I had only found a parking space for 2 hour parking, but it was nice that the kids race was later in the day, by the time my parking meter had run out the half marathon runners were leaving and there were plenty of great spaces by the starting line to choose from, so I moved my car and off to the starting line we went.

I love that both of his feet are airborne in this picture!

This was a 1K race and there were probably about 50 kids or so, some really small, some that could have probably ran the 5K, but fun for all nevertheless.

Off goes the air horn and off goes Chase, he always starts out super fast, its impossible to try to pace a 5 year old kid, so I just let him go and told him that he could walk whenever he wanted to. So we ran a little and walked a little. Chase is super competitive, so when he saw kids smaller than him passing him, he just took off without looking back half way through, so fast that I had a hard time keeping up (needless to say, I should probably start training for my marathon in October). He bolted through the finish line, we even had somebody yell front he sideline "Mom, keep up!"

Chase got his medal and a finishers ribbon, the medal was the same as the half marathon finishers, but he didn't care, he was super happy about the glittery colorful St. Patty's Day medal.

At the finish line they had Little Caesars Pizza, bananas, grapes, candy and water. We grabbed a bite and headed to the Tacoma Children's Museum for some fun.

Hope you enjoyed the recap, I would definitely recommend this kids race for all ages of kids, there was no rush, even the littlest ones could make it.

Let me know of any kids races you or your children have participated in the comments below, I'm always looking for something new.

Thanks for reading and keep on running!

K and C