2nd of 12 #DoggieDozenRaces is done! Review on the course...

I'm stoked to share that I successfully finished my 2nd of 12 #doggiedozenraces for 2014, helping to raise awareness and funds for dogs in need. I had a great time during the race, which was very, very challenging.

Here are the details: rating 3/5 stars

Zombie Run SF - http://www.zoomrunningevents.com/sf_san_francisco_wntr.html - don't worry, there's no zombies.

They do a 10K and a half marathon, course here: http://www.zoomrunningevents.com/sf_san_francisco_wntr.html

Overall I gave this race a 3 out of 5 starts, carried mostly by the 10K course itself. You set off from Chrissy Fields a the Yacht club and head towards the warming hut, run up the stairs, under the Golden Gate bridge, along the ridge and then down to Baker's beach. This is not a run for someone who hasn't been training on hills or trails, the stairs and the 1.5 miles of hill in one straight shot will make you pay for it. Fortunately, I have been training for this so I felt pretty good. I just found out I placed 38 out of 123 overall, and 8 out of 23 for my age group. Had there been more up to date time tracking, those times might have even been better, how fun (although I'm pleased regardless)! Yay for trail running!

I also wore our Valentine's day shirt for #Puppylove.Let's not forget the Valentine's day shoutout. :)

What I didn't like so much about this race was that it was really informal. Instead of a cool start and finish line, which I would consider is standard (?), there was a cone and a flag or two. They had cool medals and shirts, but I just didn't like how informal things were. If they were to add those things in I'd definitely increase the rating. Additionally, they were a little unclear about the actual length of the race, which ended up being 6.7 miles. Lastly, no photographers were there, not one. Thanks anyway to all the race organizers and the crew!

I wasn't kidding when I said it was an informal start...

Here's some pictures of the stunning course:

Golden Gate bridge at sunrise

Making our way towards the bridge!

Stairs, lots.

Run along the ridge, ocean to the right.

On, along the ridge back to the GG bridge.

Stairs, lots more.

I finished, whew!

Get your Valentine's Day Puppy Love spirit on!

Well, it's February which means that I'm due for my 2nd #DoggieDozenRaces race, which will be the Zombie Runner from Zoom! Running events. What's the #DoggieDozenRaces? It's a mission for 2014.To help raise funds and awareness for dogs in need, I'm running a 10K/6.2 race per month for the whole of 2014. It's already off to a great start and I can't wait for the next race. I'm training 5-6 times per week, eating right, and feeling strong. I'm sure I'll have my share of challenges along the way, but I'm excited to learn what those challenges are willing to teach me along the way.

In addition to the race coming up this weekend, I wanted to remind everyone about our #PuppyLove tops which help to support dogs in need and highlight love for Valentine's Day. As always, $5 from each shirt (product) goes to do dogs in need. Click on the design you like below and it will take you straight to the shop!