35th Annual Crescent City Classic 10k

35th Annual Allstate Sugar Bowl

Crescent City Classic 10k

Saturday March 30th 8am

 

The Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic is a world class competition that combines all levels of athletes from walkers to runners to world class elite racers. Its the perfect race distance and great fun for all participants. The Classic is both physically challenging and a great New Orleans tradition!

 

I will be running the Classic with some of my favorite blogger friends Mindy, Heather, Shannon, and Stefanie. I am so excited about this race. Some of the great things about the CCC is the Free Health and Fitness Expo on Thursday (3/28) and Friday (3/29) at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans,  601 Loyola Avenue from 10am till 8pm. The Health & Fitness Expo features exhibitors showcasing the latest in running apparel, shoes, exercise equipment, nutritional and wellness products, fitness services, and much more! I am especially excited to see my BFF the great Bart Yasso. Yeah hes kind of a big deal! Oh and I may or may not have gotten to run with him a couple times...

If you want to here some great running stories with some amazing running tips. Oh and he is hilarious to listen too. You need to come to the free expo and check him out. Here is his schedule for the weekend...

Thursday: 3pm and 6pm seminars

Friday: 8 am shakeout run and 11am and 4pm seminars.

I wish I would be there for the shakeout run. I was able to run with him at the Runners World Festival back in October and it was AMAZING! If you will be in town trust me you will want to go run with him!
 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

REGISTER HERE!


 

The course itself will start at Champion Square (Loyola and Poydras) and in City Park. This year they are unveiling a new course for the 35th anniversary, I have ran races in New Orleans before and this course seems to be great for anyone to race at any level. Check out the course map HERE.

 

On raceday they will have busses running from City Park to the start line at Champion Square. Here is the raceday schedule...

5:30 a.m. Buses begin running from City Park (at Beau Bassich Cricle) to start area (Champions Square)
7:45 a.m. Final Announcements, Dignitary Welcome and the National Anthem
8:00 a.m. The Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic Begins!
8:30 a.m. The Michelob-Ultra RaceFest begins near the finish on the Practice Track field (free for runners, $5 for public)
10:00 a.m. Complimentary Bus Transportation begins taking participants back downtown to Poydras St.
10:30 a.m. Awards Ceremony and Giveaways begin on main stage  
Click here to see the Age Group & Local Awards!  Top 500 posters will be distributed in Results Tent
11:00 a.m. Marc Broussard and Papa Grows Funk resume playing
1:00 p.m. The RaceFest officially ends; complimentary bus transport back downtown ends

 

They will also have a corral seeded start this year for the first time. This will make it much easier to race the CCC. The race begins at 8am and each corral will start every 3 minutes.

 

Being that this is the 35th annual race, they have gorgeous finishers medals and have a designed a special tshirt for this year. I got a sneak peak of both at the Azalea Trail Run this past weekend.

 

After the race, the post party will be in City Park from 8:30 to 1pm. It is open to the public and is free for the runners and $5 for the public. Come down and enjoy great food, Michelob Ultra and enjoy great music from

Papa Grows Funk and Marc Broussard

 

I hope to see you all at the expo and the finish line.

 

 

 

 

My 40 days of Paleo Challenge Results

My 40 Days of 100% Paleo

If someone told me a while back that eating a 100%Paleo diet would be easy, I would have laughed at them. Just like all diets and "ways of eating" if you are not ready for them, then you will fail. Plain and simple. Back in February I was kind of stuck in a "need to find a healthy direction to go in" kind of mood. a CrossFit friend of mine Dina mentioned doing 100% Paleo for Lent. I decided I would do it too. So I did what every normal person does and started googling the crap out of Paleo. AHHH! There was a million different views on what was "Paleo" and what wasn't. I needed something that was easy and practical. Enter the Practical Paleo guide. This has been my bible for the last 40 days.

(Click to Enlarge)

Week 1 was the hardest week for me. Not necessarily hard because I wanted certain foods, it was more about trying to remember what I could and couldn't eat. I did not go too crazy with the rules of Paleo, like I said Practical!

No Grains

No Dairy

No Processed Foods

No Unnatural Sugar

No Legumes

 

Eat Meats

Eat Vegetables

Eat Fruits

Eat Seeds

Some Oils

Easy enough? Yep! I found that it was easy for me to basically eat raw all day and cook a nice hot Paleo meal at night. Here are a few of my meals that I made.

Follow me on Instagram 0to26point2

After about 2 weeks of eating Paleo, I discovered that it was easier than I thought it would be. Then I had a Marathon to run, hmmm hadn't thought about how to get around the initial "past dinner carbo load fest" I usually partake in before a long race. So back to the research, my answer...Sweet Potatoes! Yes I ate Sweet Potatoes the night before and the morning of my first marathon. I felt amazing.

Now for my results. Pictures say a 1000 words. I was very excited to see my day 1 to day 40 results. Its amazing how food can make a huge difference on how your body is shaped. I have shaped my body with Crossfit for the past 3 months. I will write more about that tomorrow.



When I started my Paleo challenge, I weighed 209 lbs and my body fat was 23.5%. At the end of the challenge I weighed 191 lbs and my bodyfat was 20.2%.

That's a total of 18 lbs loss and 3.3% body fat loss. 

 

What now? I will continue to be a Paleo eater. I love the way it makes me feel. The way I perform. And most of all I love the idea of knowing I am healthy on the inside as well as the out.

Will I add anything back? Yes, CHEESE!

Anyone want to bring me a cheese and wine plate, Ill be more than happy to accept it!

 

Now its your turn...Would you ever consider a Paleo diet?

Want to Race on the Beach? Gulf Coast Half Discount

Everyone wants to race on the beach. Or at least everyone I know does:) So why not race a flat fast half marathon right on the white sandy beaches of Pensacola Beach.

If you have never been to the Gulf Coast and seen how gorgeous Pensacola Beach is now is your chance. The Gulf Coast Half Series will be taking over the beach on April 7th for a flat and fast half marathon. And I have a great discount code for you guys. From now until April 1st, you can save $13.10 with the code 0to26point2. I would love for you guys to come run with me.

Imagine running 13.1 miles with spectacular views of the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico on one side of the course and stunning visions of Santa Rosa Sound on the other.

Check out the course map...

(click picture to enlarge)

Notice the water runs along both sides of the course. Its an amazing run.

They have some of the best race medals ever. We all know that's what most of us run for right? Check them out...

BEER openers, SCORE

(2011 medals)

Bring your family and friends down for a great weekend and enjoy all that Pensacola Beach and the Gulf Coast Half series has to offer. With a post race party at the Nearly World Famous Flounders Restaurant on the bay side. Flounders is one of my favorite restaurants. Its a go to place for seafood, drinks, and fun. It is an indoor/outdoor restaurant with volleyball courts and a playground for the kids.

 

 I hope to see you guys there and come say hey. I would love to meet you!

 



0to26point2 T-Shirt Giveaway...

Hey guys, I thought I would do a fun giveaway today in honor of Team Little Things For Cancer

 

Some of you read my post about running the Marine Corp Marathon in October for The Little Things For Cancer Team.

About The Little Things for Cancer

The Little Things provide funds for services for cancer patients and their caregivers. The Little Things differs from many other organizations in that we offer support to people affected by all types of cancer, not just one specific type.

We also fund services for the patients' caregivers to give them a much needed break. Caregivers too often get so caught up in providing care for their loved ones that they don't take time out to care for themselves.  Caregivers can become physically and mentally exhausted thereby affecting their ability to continue supporting their loved one.

The Little Things fund services for cancer patients and their caregivers such as:

• Prescription Payment Assistance
• Complementary Therapies
• Transportation
• Childcare
• Meals
• Co-payments
• House Cleaning
• Entertainment
• Much More

To read more about TLT4C Click here

If you have ever experienced the effects Cancer can have on the people taking care of the patients it can be very hard. I am happy to help out the TLT4C group to raise funds by running the Marine Corp Marathon in their honor.

I am excited to pair up with some of my favorite bloggers for 26.2 miles of giving back. So I would love for you to buy one of my shirts for a couple reasons...

1. They are super cool and I think you all would look fabulous in them and

2. All of the proceeds will go towards my goal of raising $750 for Little Things For Cancer

 I decided on the logo of Eat Run Lift Sleep because that is basically what my fitness life consist of as a Paleo CrossFit athlete and Marathoner.

I would LOVE for you guys to buy a shirt and look super cool. They are $20:) or if you would like to donate any amount, $.01+ go HERE to my donation page and make a donation. 100% goes to Little Things for Cancer.

 

Now for the fun part, I am going to give a shirt to 2 lucky readers. I will put the donation in your name also.

All you have to do is enter below...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I will pick 2 winners randomly on Thursday March 28th. Good luck!

I was not compensated for any of this giveaway. This giveaway is run by myself, 0to26point2 and no one else. All opinions are my own!

Omni Hotel, Taylor Swift surprise, and the Dirty Girl Mud Run Atlanta...

This past Saturday was my daughters 8th birthday. If you follow me on social media you guys have probably seen her birthday present.

We recorded her opening her present, I thought you guys might want to see it...

(I'm sorry its sideways, we are not good photographers, lol)
 

 SO on April 19th we will be strutting our stuff on the red carpet at the Omni Hotel at the
CNN Center. Are you going to the concert? Or are you going to be in town for the Dirty Girl Mud Run and want an exciting place to stay? Check this out...

Why the Omni Hotel at the CNN Center?

First of all it is located in the heart of downtown Atlanta and is connected to the Phillips Arena. It is a four diamond hotel and is absolutely beautiful.

The best part about the Omni hotel is since they are connected to the Phillips Arena, they are offering a RockStar Package for certain acts/groups coming in town.

Hmmm, see where I am going with this?

Yeah my daughter and I will be treated like rockstars from the time we check in at 3pm till the time we check out. (If they can get us to leave, lol)

Check this out...

(Source)

Going to a concert at Philips Arena? Indulge in a little star treatment with a night at the Omni Hotel at CNN Center! The Rock Star Package includes overnight valet parking, swag bag amenity and an exclusive VIP check-in experience with a red carpet photoshoot

The Rock Star Package is available for the following concert dates at Philips Arena:

Wednesday, February 27, 2013	Bon Jovi
Monday, March 11, 2013	Lady Gaga
Wednesday, March 27, 2013	Maroon 5
Friday, April 19, 2013	Taylor Swift
Monday, April 22, 2013	Rihanna
Sunday, April 28, 2013	Rod Stewart
Friday, June 21, 2013	One Direction

Promotion Details

Pricing Details

Conditions

 

You may not be coming in town that weekend for Taylor Swift, but you may be there to run the exciting Dirty Girl Mud Run. I have a special discount for you...

That's right use the code DGATLBLOGGUEST to save 20% on your registration for the Atlanta Dirty Girl Mud Run on April 20th and 21st, 2013.

I will be there running on Sunday. Come run with me...

 

 

Being Featured,a Birthday Surprise, Powder Keg, and ME...

First off the amazing and gorgeous Kat from Sneakers and Fingerpaints is spotlighting me today as one of her Featured Sneakers. I consider Kat one inspiring chick. Like me, she has been on her own weightloss rode, and has become one speedy. She is also a fellow racecationer, LOVE THAT!

Check her out: Sneakers and Fingerpaints

 

If you are visiting me from Sneakers and Fingerpaints, WELCOME! I hope to inspire you in some way. You can connect with me via

Twitter @0to26point2

Pinterest 0to26point2

Instagram 0to26point2

Facebook: Larisa Archer Dixon

 

I had a great weekend celebrating my daughter turning 8 Saturday. We surprised her with a VIP trip to Atlanta to see Taylor Swift at the CNN Center Omni Hotel on April 19th. If you are going to the concert or running the Dirty Girl mud run that weekend you should def check out the Omni Hotel at the CNN center. Tomorrow post I will have a special deal from the Omni Hotel and from Dirty Girl Atlanta, stay tuned:)

After CrossFit this morning I went to do some strength moves at Planet Fitness, while there I was talking to one of the trainers there who is also a baseball player. He was telling about a product called Powder Keg that he was starting and marketing, I was like hold up, I need to know more about this. You guys know how us health and fitness people are, anything new on the market, we have to try. So he went to his car and got me one to check out. Holy crap, how cool is this thing...

It holds a scoop of powder in each container and the funnel is made to go into any size water bottle and makes taking your pre/post workout drinks mess free on the go. As much traveling as I do, I am looking forward to carrying this everywhere with me. Whats great is each red cup can come off so you can take as little or as much as you need. And is not any bigger than your average water bottle. And at $14.99 with free shipping in the U.S., it is very affordable. You can check them out at PowderKegsUSA

 

Sometimes we read things online that resonate with how we are feeling at that moment. On Instagram I follow the amazing Paleoplease and they had posted this a few days ago and it is perfect for how I am feeling about being a week away from my 40 day Paleo challenge ending. I knew I needed to share it with you guys.

I thought I would share a progress pic too! I actually do have real clothes, SHOCKER, I know! 

Ok now that you have seen some of my highlights from the past weekend, its your turn...

How was your weekend?

Did you do something fun?

Leave me a comment below, you guys rock!

 

CrossFit, Cauli-Rice Recipe, favorite people, and you guys! Thankful Things Thursday

Thankful Things Thursday

I haven't done a TTT in a long time, so here it goes...

 

1. I am THANKFUL for my BOX. Crossfit Coastline has been a great place to take my fitness to a whole new level. My coach Jennifer (www.TrainingaTrainer.com) has been amazing. We usually look like this when we crawl walk out of class...

We recently recorded a commercial for CrossFit Coastline. I am in the opening of the commercial throwing the weight up and in the middle doing the box jumps. Check it out if you want too.

 

2. I am THANKFUL for the results I am seeing doing CrossFit and running. I have always struggled with toothpick legs. Now that I am getting some muscle growth and definition, they don't look too bad.



 

 3. I am also THANKFUL for the weightloss I have had over the last 2 years with a combination of running/weight training/Paleo diet/and now Crossfit...

 

4. I am THANKFUL I have had such a great success with the Paleo diet and have learned healthy ways to prepare some of my favorite dishes...

Mexican Cauli-rice

(modified version of PeaceLoveandLowCarb recipe)

1."Rice" cauliflower heads in food processor (use a cheese grater)

2. Saute 4 garlic cloves, 1chopped jalapeno and half of a yellow onion (chopped) in coconut oil till soft

3. Add "rice" to mixture

4. Add 1 tbsp of cumin and 1 tbsp of chili powder

5. Saute for about 8 minutes



6. Puree a tomato in food processor (or use canned tomatoes)

7. Add 1 1/2 cups water and tomato puree to "rice" mixture.

8. Simmer on low for 30 minutes

9. Turn stove to high and cook off remaining liquid.

10. Serve and ENJOY.

Yields about 4 servings as a dish or 8 as a side dish

 

5. I am THANKFUL that I found a local Jamaican Restaurant that will make me delicious Paleo meals and juices. I love this place. If you are local its a little hole in the wall on Azalea Rd across from the side of Davidson high school. Its amazing. If you go tell them I sent you.



I am THANKFUL I joined the SBBC with my southern sista Amanda (www.RuntotheFinish.com). And I am glad that I received my LockLaces from joining the SBBC and that they match my Mizuno Wave Prophecy 2's to the T.

If you want to order a pair of LockLaces for your shoes, and trust me you will LOVE them. My other southern sista blend KAT (www.SneakersandFingerpaints.com) has a great deal for you. Go to www.locklaces.com and pick your perfect color and use the code TLT4C for free shipping and 20% will go to our Marine Corp Marathon charity The Little Things for Cancer.

Kat and I will be running the Marine Corp Marathon to raise money for the TLT4C.

6. I am THANKFUL for the TLT4C racing team for doing such great things and inviting me to join them. What is the TLT4C?

Improving the Quality of Life for Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers

The Little Things is dedicated to improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their caregivers. We understand that the needs of each person are unique and will be different throughout the process of receiving care. We offer support to each family based upon their particular needs at that time. Our goal is to improve the quality of life by reducing stress and anxiety for the person affected by cancer and those closest to them.

The Little Things funds services such as:

• Prescription Payment Assistance
• Complementary Therapies
• Transportation
• Childcare
• Meals
• Co-payments
• House Cleaning
• Entertainment
• Much More

If you would like to DONATE to the TLT4C and cheer me on at the Marine Corp Marathon this year, please CLICK HERE to DONATE. $1, $10, $100, $1000 it doesn't matter, any amount will help.



 

7. I am THANKFUL that I have such a great group of girls to run local races with. We have all become such great friends and can count on each other for the motivation to get up and move. Oh and wearing monkey hats while running is pretty flipping awesome too! 



 

8. I am THANKFUL for crazy fast running friends that hold flipping awesome contest. Its even better when I win them:) @RUNEMZ had a #444 contest on Instagram and you had to email her a picture of you on a treadmill and you got bonus love for ending your runs in 44. SOOOOO since it was a speed work day, I thought it only fitting to do 1 minute interval speedwork at the .44! Here is my winning pic...

I am not sure what she is sending me but it is supposed to be a box of awesome things, so when I get it, you guys will be the first to know! If you don't know @RUNEMZ you should, she is AMAZING. Anyone who can run 10, 20, 25, 30, 45, 50+ miles on a treadmill has to be AMAZEBALLS! Go check her out! You can follow me on Instagram @0to26point2

 

9. Last but not least I am THANKFUL for all of you guys. Without y'all I would not be where I am at in my health and fitness life. You guys motivate me everyday to keep going and break through those moments of "I cants". I hope that I inspire you guys as much as you inspire me!

 

Ok your turn, What are you THANKFUL for today?

 

Marathon Carb Loading on a Paleo Diet

My views on carb loading for a marathon may be a little different than the average persons. I decided that for Lent I was going to go 100% Paleo. That basically meant no grains, no legumes, no dairy, no sugar, and no processed foods. I had to do some research on running a marathon on a Paleo diet. Lets just face it, one of the great things about running is the carb load before a long run/race. Its the one time we all give ourselves a green light to eat mounds of past and pizza before going and running it all off the next day.

Why carb load?

If you're preparing for a race that is longer than 90 minutes in duration, you may benefit from eating a high-carbohydrate diet for up to three days prior to the event. This type of diet can help fill up the glycogen storage spaces in your muscles and liver and ensure that you're carrying the maximum capacity of stored glycogen that your body can hold.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/389533-carb-load-diet-before-a-race/#ixzz2NL9hPkMQ

 

So with that being said taking on a Paleo diet I had to adjust what I normally would have eaten the week and day leading up to my first marathon. So what did I find...

Sweet Potatoes

For a healthier high-carb food, eat sweet potatoes instead. They are higher in fiber than white potatoes, and they have a more gradual effect on your blood sugar, leading to a steadier, more sustained energy source. They are also packed full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that can help your body during the race in other ways

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/464570-are-potatoes-good-carbs-to-eat-before-a-marathon/#ixzz2NLC1M3CP

I started eating sweet potatoes daily for the week leading up to the race. The night before the race I had a bunless hamburger and sweet potato fries. I also had gotten an order of sweet potato fries to go for breakfast in the morning. I felt amazing. I was lined up at the start line very confident in finishing the crazy 26.2 miles ahead of me.

I was worried about fueling during the marathon too. I had discovered Huma Gels a while back and started using them during training. Huma Gel are a natural fuel gel that actually taste amazing. My favorite is def the apple cinnamon., it taste like apple butter. YUM! I ran with 3 of the gels. I was also thankful that Rock n Roll had bananas and oranges out on the course in the 2nd half of the marathon. I was able to run and complete my first marathon 100% Paleo and as a Crossfitter (more about that later). I hope that some of you guys will experiment with the Paleo diet. Its an amazing way to lose weight, sleep better, feel better, and just overall maintain a healthy lifestyle.

QOTD: What do you use to carb load? Would you ever consider trying a Paleo lifestyle?



Winners and Zaggora hotpants...cellulite be gone!

I have a couple of winners to announce...

First of all do you guys remember me talking about a new Paleo friendly drink that I had discovered called FitAid? I had a little giveaway of a case of FitAid and my winner is

Julye Clark

Email me your address at [email protected]

 

Next I had a giveaway of some uber cool SXUC sunglasses from the Sunglasses Shop. I absolutely LOVE these shades. The winner is

Theresa W.

Email me your address at [email protected]

 

Now I want to tell you about a freaking amazing pair of pants that I received from Zaggora.

If you haven't heard of Zaggora, you should def look them up. All woman (and some men) worry about cellulite. Well Zaggora has come up with special cellu-lite technology apparel.

Celu-Lite Technology™ is a patent pending, multi-layer fabric technology that harnesses the body’s natural heat during exercise to help you burn more calories. Read more HERE!

 

So what did I think of them?

Well when I first put them on, I felt like I was putting on scuba pants. They ere obviously a little thicker then your average capri runners, however they were not binding or restricting. I was able to squat and bend and run with no problems. I actually felt really great and supported in the pants. They were very comfortable. Now for the technology part. I had already worked arms and back then went and did the elliptical for about 20 minutes. All this somewhat tabata style (nonstop), so when I saw a friend of mine at the gym, I got off of the machine and went to talk to them. I am standing there and all I could feel was sweat dripping down my calves. AHHHH, they were working. I am not a big sweater, so the fact that I was dripping was a good sign they were working. I def feel like over time  the Zaggora technology and a healthy diet will make a big difference in my overall cellulite and tightness. What is interesting is when you take them off they are filled with your sweat, but your sin feels amazing.

 

Zaggora has lots of different pieces to choose from. Pants, capris, jackets, pullovers, tanks, sports bras, and shirts. Check them all out in the Zaggora store. 

 

Have you heard of Zaggora? Would you try them?