Howdy. Welcome. Good morning. Good afternoon. Good evening.

(trying to cover all possibilities)

Just a quick post to say that my nuun hydration profile is now online. You can find it linked on their main site or directly by clicking the link below.

https://ourtribe.nuunlife.com/athletes/2055/ 

IF you have not tried any nuun products before…. WHY NOT!?!?!
(just kidding)
I highly encourage you to give it a try. I would not endorse it if I did not personally use it (way before I became an #teamnuun member) and/or if I did believe in the product. That is with anything I mention on this site.

Follow them on Twitter at:

 @nuunhydration

Below is a previously unpublished blog post from July 2018 for the #RocknBlog Team. Enjoy.

Bio:
*** Sebastian started running in 2009 where his first event was the Rock n Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach, VA. He has since participated in several half marathons across the US. He occasionally drives race cars, likes going on run-cations and spending time with his family & friends. ***

What are the Best Motivational Signs You Have Seen Running?

mo·ti·va·tion

ˌmōdəˈvāSH(ə)n/

noun: motivation; plural noun: motivations

• the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way

You are excited. You are about to finally cross the starting line of the running event you have been looking forward to and training for months. You traveled hundreds of miles by plane and automobile to get here. Your time is finally here! You begin. You take off fast from the start. But then about a half mile in you realize you need to set your comfortable pace because you want to make sure you finish this event. Then you may have a couple of shin splints. Then a couple of slight leg cramps. Maybe you should not have started so fast. Maybe you should not have drank that cup of coffee this morning. Maybe you should have trained harder. Maybe you should have run more hills. All of these ‘maybes’ are running through your mind faster than your feet are going. And then you see it. A sign. Literally a sign right by the street curb that takes your mind off all of the ‘maybes’ and doubts. It says “Your doing GREAT! Only 12 and half more miles to go!” and in that instant you read that ALL of those maybes are gone, replaced by a chuckle and the wonder of who put that there. Right after that, I heard the person next to me talking to another runner “We have to look for Elvis at Mile 10.” That was the start of my first half marathon.

We all know that the Rock n Roll Marathon Series has some of the best on course and post event entertainment around. What may sometimes be overlooked by the participants in the events is that the RnR Series also has some of the greatest course support from the locals around. Virtually every mile of an event has spectators cheering you along your journey. I have seen funny signs such as “Go Random Stranger” and “I thought this was a Parade” to heartfelt signs of encouragement to loved ones like “My mommy is running & is awesome!” over the years. These types of motivation can be what a person needs to get past that mental roadblock, all those ‘maybes’ and doubts that she or he may have. It helped me during my first event. I have purposely sought out those signs that people have taken time out of their day to make for us runners. When I see a person on the edge of the course with a “High five here for a Power Up” sign I make sure to head towards them to get that extra boost. When I see someone holding a “Run Forrest Run” sign I try to quote a line from the movie to them. When I see Elvis, I try to grab a quick photo with him (or her). When I can, I thank them for being out there just as I do for the course volunteers and course security personnel. To me, they are a vital part of an event weekend.

For myself the RnR events are so much more than just another race. They are a running event. It begins at the Expo, runs through the event, and ends with a post race party. I encourage all participants to take in as much of the entire experience as you can and live in the moment as possible. If you average a 6 minute pace or a 15 minute pace, you will have fun and it will be memorable. PR’s are great and we all try to achieve our personal best but when things don’t always go as planned on your run, do not get discouraged. Look for a sign. Look at the spectators and bands along the course. You may see complete strangers on the sidewalk yelling your name (I am still amazed that some people can read bibs while watching runners). You may see a person in a cow costume with a sign that says “Keep Moo-ving Along”. You may see a person in a banana suit. You may see Elvis at Mile 10.

Random Elvis on RnR San Antonio course

Me & Random Stranger holding a sign at RnR San Antonio (2010 I think)

Sign along the course at RnR San Antonio

Random Strangers holding signs at RnR NOLA (2018)

Signs along the RnR NOLA Course (2018)

Sign along the RnR NOLA Course (2018)

Another sign along the RnR NOLA Course (2018)

It is now on the closing side of June and I am proud to say that I have the ALL CLEAR from my injuries over the Easter Weekend. Without going into too many details, the injuries were a little more significant than originally thought so if ever in a similar situation always make sure to follow up on all of your Dr.’s orders and report any changes you may feel or experience. Thankfully all is well now and I will not have any long lasting repercussions from that fall. With that said… I can train and get back to running again. I will post more on here and of course my main source of updates on the @RunningLopez twitter account. I hope to do a 5k and maybe a 10k before the end of the summer once I get back into shape (which may be a little harder than I’d like it to be) before I get back to participating in a half marathon. Thank you for all the well wishes and messages, they are and were greatly appreciated.

Well… as you can read in the screenshot of the post I made on my social media accounts… I had a bit of an accident in the shop. As some of you that are reading this may know I my first love is with racecars & classic cars. I have only started running less than 10 years ago, but I pretty much grew up at the local drag racetracks in the Houston area.

It was me versus a ladder but then out of no where Gravity came up and won the bout. I fell about 6-7 feet and landed on a piece of machinery in the shop. I did not hit my head so was aware and knew I was hurt so did not jump up immediately which I believe are good things that I have been taught over the years from an early age. If ever have an accident in the racecar, unless its on fire, stay put and make sure all is okay before start moving around.

After making sure I could move my fingers & toes and thought I was okay for the most part, I got up and knew my back was hurt due to what I landed on. I was honestly more concerned about my kidney possibly being injured because looking at it, that area was the most banged up. After a few CT scans and X-Rays and some pain medications (I do not remember looking at my phone or even having my phone with me but here I was on my phone doing something). at the nearest walk in ER I got the news.

I ended up with a fractured vertebrate and a fractured rib, lots of swelling and soft tissue busing and two large bruises covering most of my lower back… and a few scares & cuts on my hand & arm where I tried to grab a hold of a shelf on the way down. This was not the news that I wanted. I have to take it easy, no lifting or running or pretty much anything but rest till I see the Neurologist to get more info and the final verdict on what I need to do for the next month or two. This will delay some thing son my schedule and force me to miss others due to not being able to participate… but I am thankful that I was not injured any worse… because it could have been worse. If i would have landed six inches to my right I could have possibly been punctured by the brace and/or pull handle of the machine I fell onto. I am usually safe and try to be as safe as possible when doing things so it can happen to anyone. Be careful. Even when doing the simpleist of things you have done 1000 times before.

2018 is the second year in a row that I have the pleasure of participating in the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Half Marathon. I love visiting the city of New Orleans which is celebrating its 300th Anniversary this year. San Antonio is another favorite city of mine and it is also celebtrating its 300th Anniversary this yaer which means there will be a special 300 medal from the good people at the Rock n Roll Marathon Series if you participate in the half or full marathon in each city this year. (Pretty cool since I already planned on that)

As stated in previous post(s) and on my social media, I am part of the 2018 #RocknBlog Team. I am also now a member of the INKnBURN Alumni group of representatives which is composed of former INKnBURN Ambassadors. This lead up to a couple quick meetups before the days events started where I got to meet some new & old friends from near & far.

The half marathon and full marathon started in the same location, the 10K event started a couple blocks away which is common in these bigger events.

It was a beautiful ‘Chamber of Commerce’ type day for running. It was cool in at the start, but not cold, which turned into a nice mid-60 degree finish. This may be warm or hot to some visitors but growing up in Southeast Texas this weather was nice.

My traditional pre-start photo.

The RnR Marathon Series always has the best announcers at the start & finish lines while playing the best music to keep you entertained and get you ready for the event.

I saw lots of INKnBURN apparel along the course.

One of the live bands on the course.

Axl & Slash were cheering the runners on.

Another live band on the course playing some great music.

The homes in the NOLA Garden District are second to none.

Lots of INKnBURN on the course. Its good to see how the little family owned company in California has grown over the past few years.

Pretty cool building.

It was the first weekend in March and the blooms were out.

This event took place a few weeks after Mardi Gras but the beads were still in the trees.

This was a welcomed sight on the course, I remember this location from the previous year.

Pretty cool way to advertise your business.

The WWII Museum in NOLA is a must see, I am glad the course goes by it.

The bagpipes were a favorite from last year, it was nice to see them back this year.

This usually means a photo op is coming.

Said photo op.

Its always neat to read the signs along the courses, rather its spectator signs or RnR signs.

New photo op on the course.

The course now moved into the area of NOLA that I am most familiar with.

A nice setup near Canal St.

I remember this group from last year in the same area on the course. I did not stop to row seeing how I was almost walking by this time due to blisters.

NOLA has history, art and music pretty much everywhere.

Lots of shops and places to eat around here, near Jackson Brewery.

Probably the most photographed spot/building in NOLA, Jackson Square area.

Humana is a great supporter of the RnR NOLA event.

More places to eat… that smelled great when running hungry.

This was different, I can honestly say I never seen this vehicle before.

Looked to be a historic hotel on near Frenchman St.

Who needs toenails anyways?1?!

Some beautiful and colorful homes.

I remember these people from last year as well, near a much needed by me water stop.

Coming into the City Park over a short bridge right after the Half / Full Marathon course split.

The finish looks so far away, yet so close.

This is a great looking park that I hope to be able to explore more next year.

One of the many 300 NOLA signs placed around the city for this years anniversary.

Getting closer to the finish under some nice shade trees.

Photo op.

Finally the finish.

The medals this year are probably one of my favorites. Loved the design and thankful for all the volunteers along the course.

There were some minor changes to the course this year (I think, unless I am not remembering it all correctly from last year which may be the case) and the addition of the music playing at the mile markers were nice. The expo (honestly) seemed to be a little smaller than last year but that may have been due to the fact that there were graduation ceremonies for a local school / college / university going on at the same time as the expo, along with a healthcare / nurse convention. All in all this is one of my top 3 Rock n Roll Marathon Series events that I have been able to participate in to date. The city is like no other. I highly recommend that if you get the opportunity to do this event next year, do not pass it up.

Bounce Back After a Challenging Race

When you get home: Soak your legs in a cool bath for 15 minutes to reduce inflammation. Walk around for 10 to 30 minutes, two or three times during the afternoon. Between your walks, recline with your legs elevated. Eat small meals every two to three hours—aim to get 25 percent of calories from protein, 20 percent from fat, and the rest from complex carbs. And drink water or sports drink—your urine should be pale yellow.

Days to Follow: Continue to hydrate. Massage sore muscles with your hands or a foam roller for five minutes each day. If you’re really suffering, ask your doctor whether anti-inflammatory medication might help. Every other day, do this gentle workout to encourage bloodflow to recovering muscles: Walk for 10 minutes, run a few seconds each minute for 10 to 20 minutes, and finish with 10 minutes of walking.

The Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Half Marathon was an event that I had signed up for before, but never actually got to participate in until now. My first trip to New Orleans was just a couple of years ago. The course was flat, with some potholes in the roads, but overall very scenic through some of the older neighborhoods. I got to meet up with several of my fellow INKnBURN Ambassadors briefly before the event started. I was the last one to show up after taking a wrong turn from the hotel and getting turned around a bit. There was a good, fun vibe to this event and I would have liked to stay longer in the finish area but I had to drive back home since this was just a quick trip. I look forward to next years half marathon… I am already signed up for it.

Lots of great INKnBURN Ambassadors from near and far were here!

My purple and green INKnBURN Halloween 2016 outfit fit in perfect with the Mardi Gras feel of New Orleans.

I am proud to say that I am one of the new nuun Ambassadors for 2017. I found this out the day after the Aramco Houston Half Marathon. and a couple of days after meeting nuun Elite Athlete Kara Goucher.

I have personally used nuun hydration products on every half marathon I have participated in since I first discovered them. Like anything, I would not recommend or promote the product if I did not believe in it and use it regularly.  They are a company who is “committed to replenishing active people and our planet – by always examining our practices and valuing our principles of living clean:  clean product | clean planet | clean sport.” Check out their web site at www.nuunlife.com for all of the products and flavors currently available.