Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Adventures in Advertising: PETA/Super Bowl Edition...

The only thing that intrigues me about the strange American tradition that is the Super Bowl, is this recently banned PETA advertisement.


Although I'm a vegetarian and have been for several years, I sometimes don't agree with PETA's tactics (graffiti, paint-throwing, etc).

This ad, however, is exactly why I love them - It showcases what they do best.  They really know how to be cutting edge and get an audience's attention.

Enjoy! (But just as a warning, it's a bit steamy!)


What do you think? Should the ad have been banned from the Super Bowl Broadcast? Is it too racy? Or is it clever and sexy?

Not enough to convince you to go Veg? 
Here are some interesting facts about vegetarianism and saving the environment:

1. Meat production contributes greatly to deforestation. Over 40% of the rain forests in Central and South America have been destroyed to create pastures for cattle being raised for beef. 

2.A U.N. report found that a full 18% of global warming emissions come from raising chickens, turkeys, pigs, and other animals for food. That's about 40 percent more than all the cars, trucks, airplanes, and all other forms of transport combined (13 percent). It's also more than all the homes and offices in the world put together (8 percent).

Still not convinced that a vegetarian diet can get you through triathlon training? 
Well, six-time Ironman World Champion Dave Scott was a longtime vegetarian through the 80's and 90's!

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Thursday, January 22, 2009

New Year, New Me


Technically the New Year began about 24 days ago, but since I've been on vacation in Florida, I decided to make my resolutions begin Monday January 26th, the day I go back to school (i.e. when the new year really begins for me. This may seem like a cop-out, but I assure you, it's not;) I'm sitting here in the Orlando International Airport, waiting to board my plane back to the cold, snowy north...So here they are, my goals and resolutions for 2009.


Environmental
1. Re-use more instead of buying new things
2. Have a positive impact on my community
3. Recycle, recycle, recycle and encourage others to do so
4. Make a conscious effort to buy sustainable, organic and low impact goods

Fitness
1. PR in the 5 and 10k running distances this year
2. Make it to yoga at least once a week (maybe more?)
3. Qualify for nationals in the 100 Backstroke (I have, like, one month to do this)
4. Complete my personal trainer certification and get a job at a gym

General
1. Keep my desk and dresser drawers organized
2. Don't play favorites with my clothes: wear all of them!
3. Save money
4. Make the best of my exciting spring internship and of my classes

I'll keep you all posted on my progress...We'll see how it goes!

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Monday, January 19, 2009

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Disney Half Marathon!


It took me a few days, but here's the low-down on the Walt Disney World Half Marathon!


I've never really been a Disney fan - thankfully my parents didn't raise me on the movies or at the parks (although I grew up just 45 minutes away), but I have to admit, the Disney folks sure know how to organize an awesome race!

My Mom, Grandma (who is a Disney fan) and I left home at noon on Friday to drive to Orlando for Marathon Weekend. We picked up my race number and some goodies at the Expo and then checked into our hotel, The Pop Century.

The Expo had a few things of note. I finally bought a good running storage belt - I've tried the one you velcro to your shoe and I've tried tucking things into my shorts, but I'm pretty picky about comfort, so none of those seemed an ample solution. This belt is a perfect small size, and doesn't bounce! I love it. 

Also - I found the premiere issue of Women's Running Magazine! This is particularly interesting to me because in my magazine journalism class two semesters ago, I did my final project on a mock issue of a women's running magazine - because there wasn't one on the market! I haven't read the entire issue, but it's pretty exciting:)

After a pre-race dinner of brown rice, veggies and tofu, I set out my gear for the next day and we found ourselves in bed by 9pm. I needed to be awake race morning by 3am, so I wanted plenty of sleep...

I guess it was excitement or anticipation, but I didn't sleep AT ALL. I mean, ZERO hours of actual sleep...AWESOME.

Nevertheless, I was up and eating at 3 am, on a shuttle to the starting area at 3:45 and at the starting line by 5:30! 

The weather was PERFECT. The announcers even called it "No Excuses Weather," which I love, because it really describes it to a T. Florida gave us about 46 degrees at start time (5:50) and up to around 55-60 degrees at the finish. 

I was in wave one (of three), corral B (of A-F). 

My plan was to run 9 minute miles the whole way, to finish right under 2 hours. The first 10k went perfectly. I felt great. I stuck to my comfortable 9 minute miles and even felt good enough to speed up a little, to 8:45 miles. Miles 5 and 6 run through the Magic Kingdom theme park, which was super cool because it was still dark and the park was all lit up and, well, magical looking. (And since I've really only been there once, it was even more interesting.) All the characters are out in costume, and runners even stop to take pictures with them! Seriously! In a race! (I would never!) But it's all so much fun! (Note: the only time I was tempted to stop, if I'd had my camera, was for Mary Poppins and Bert in front of the Grand Floridian resort. I love Mary Poppins:)

I stopped to use the bathroom right before mile 7, and after that, I couldn't really get back on pace. I started to feel tired and hungry, so I ate two Organic CLIFF shots and felt a bit better. I figured I should just relax and not worry about pace any more, since it seemed to be giving me trouble, so I slowed down to 10, and a few 11 minute miles (yikes!) 

The sun came up around mile 10. Mile 12 lead us through EPCOT (which I actually have been to several times. I like the countries;) and then finally I saw the 13 mile marker! To tell you the truth I was feeling pretty spent by the time I crossed the finish line, but was really happy with the race overall! 



I finished in 2:10, 13 minutes slower than I planned, but very comfortably. In my next Half, with ample sleep and without a terrible cold the week before, I will definitely be able to finish under 2 hours, like I planned.

After the race, I went back to the hotel and slept for a few hours, and rewarded myself with a huge ice cream sundae that night! If anyone is looking for a super fun race, I would seriously recommend the Disney races. They are so festive!


The Overall Results:
Time: 2:10:15
Total Runners 12,434
Overall Finish 3,1086
AG Finish 95 out of 515 (Women, 18-24)

Maybe it's a good thing I didn't do my best on my first Half - now I have something to beat!

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Thursday, January 8, 2009

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! (Caitlyn, me, and Jordan)

I've been taking full advantage of my extra long vacation (my school has most of January off) relaxing here in Florida with the family and friends. The weather has been so beautiful, I forget it's January! 

Tayler's 21st Birthday! (She's the one with the crown...
with her sister Ashley on the left and boyfriend Garrett on the right:)

I've been sunbathing at the beach, studying to become a personal trainer, working a little, celebrating birthdays and holidays with friends...and getting ready for the Disney Half Marathon this weekend! I was feeling a little under the weather this week (from too much relaxing, I'm sure;). I had a cough, but got some medication, so hopefully I'll be good to go for race day.

I'll be back with a full report and pictures of the weekend and the race on Sunday!

Happy New Year, everyone!

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