Last week was the NYC marathon and tons of supporters and fans came out to support the runners. I nursed a massive hangover instead. Biggest mistake of my entire life because some of these fans and supporters pulled off what may be the coolest impromptu electric slide performance I’ve ever seen. The only thing that’s on my bucket list is to participate in a spontaneous choreographed dance and it looks like I just missed a golden opportunity to cross that off the list.

Anyway, it’s literally six hours until the race and not only am I sleep deprived, I haven’t been able to run for a week. It is so unlike me to be this unprepared for such a big event. I will say this though, the one thing that’s motivating me to cross that finish line strong is my sister. Running the Disneyland Half Marathon was my birthday gift to her. I wanted to show her how rewarding and fun these races could be. Although never a runner, she agreed to do it. We’ll be going at the 13.1 miles side by side and in our fabulous Disney princess costumes.

It’s been such a long and tiring month, but this weekend will be so worth it. I know that having my best friend and biggest role model beside me will be all I need to follow through.

So tell me – what big events do you have coming up and what motivates you to do them? As for me, it’s seriously time to get some sort of sleep. A princess needs her beauty rest for the big day!

Yesterday, I ran the infamous Bay to Breakers 12K. It was an amazing event and the energy level was off the charts! There were tons of costumed runners (and un-costumed ones as well, if you get what I’m saying), the weather was beautiful and everyone was just so happy and excited to be there. Including me. I will never get bored of running the city.

My official finish time was 1 hour and 17 minutes, which is pretty awesome. Especially when you consider what was going on in my life leading up to race day.

For the past few weeks and even months, I have been bombarded with finals and papers and work and group projects, all of which didn’t allow me enough time to properly train. I mean, the last run I did was a 2-mile warm up the week before. And my last run before that? [Crickets.] I honestly can’t tell ya. As I lined up yesterday morning to run, I felt completely unprepared. In fact, I even woke up late (don’t ask). My body was in full stress mode just moments before embarking on this 7.45 mile race.

I crossed the finish line (go me), but as soon as I did, I knew the day would be painful. Like, really painful. No one’s body can take that sort of stress without being properly trained! I ended up walking another 3-4 miles that day (why not?) and when I got home, I passed out. I woke up feeling like an old woman, with body pains everywhere (including places I didn’t even know existed). Between my lack of training before the race and my lack of proper stretching after, I was completely tense and, in all honesty, a total mess.

And that’s where today’s life lesson is comin’ in: the post-workout recovery. It’s important. Really, really important. Even if you feel totally fine after a trying workout or a long run, your body needs to recover. And you need to allow it to do so. With these 3 steps:

1. Drink water. When you exercise, you sweat. This means your body is getting rid of fluids and you need to find a way to replenish them. If you do not properly rehydrate yourself, then you risk feeling faint and prolonging your (painful) recovery. And if your workout was especially taxing (like a long run).  opt for sports drinks that will provide you with extra electrolytes or sodium.

2. Deep Stretching. Allow me to introduce you to the foam roll, my new favorite piece equipment. It’s just a cylinder made out of foam. You pretty much use it to roll away and ease any tense muscles. It’s seriously such a simple concept, but provides major benefits. Foam rolling gives you a more intense stretch (it has similar results as a deep tissue massage), which allows more blood flow to your muscles to ease those tender little guys. But if you don’t have a foam roller (and don’t wanna shell out the cash for one), any stretching is better than no stretching. Give your muscles the TLC they deserve (after all, look what they just did for you!), and stretch ‘em out. 24 hours later, when you can move without pain, you’ll be glad you did.

3. Eat! Immediately after a race or just an intense workout, be sure to fill yourself up with some carbohydrates and protein. This combo will repair your muscles quickly and leave you feeling rejuvenated. Plus, since your metabolism is still pumpin’ fast, your body will absorb the nutrients and calories more quickly and efficiently.

That’s it. These three things will help you recover faster so you can get back out there faster. Instead of ending up like me, who can barely type without feeling some sort of pain, somewhere in my body. Still, at the end of the day, I loved running B2B! This was its 100th year of existence and I felt honored to be apart of the celebration.  If you are aspiring to run a race or need a reason to visit the city, I highly recommend taking part in B2B in 2012.

Did you take part in this year’s race? Are you currently training for any other races? Let me know how you prepare for the big day!

If you take a stroll around my city, you’ll see girls and guys alike donning short shorts and track jackets, music a-blastin’ from their iPods. They’re only participating in the latest craze we like to call running. If you haven’t joined the club, now is the best time to do so! Why?

1. Nothing feels better than setting a goal of 5K, 10K, half or even a full marathon…and actually finishing it. Talk about extreme motivation.

2. Trying to get that 6-pack to peek through? Running has amazing cardio benefits that’ll shed an extra layer of fat.

3. You don’t need equipment. Just your fave pair of running shoes and you’re good to go.

4. The running community is extremely supportive. There are fun runs almost everywhere! Check out places like Sports Basement, Lululemon Athletica or Nike.

5. Runner’s high! It exists, trust me.

Need some realistic motivation to actually get up and run? Think of signing up for San Francisco’s very own Bay to Breakers. ESPN named it one of its “101 Things Sport Fans Must Do Before They Die” so you know this has got to be good. Every year in May, you’ll see people dressing up for Halloween 5 months early and raging on the streets of San Francisco. In any other town it may be a little odd, but in SF this is only expected. And it’s just the element of fun new runners and old runners need to get their bodies in motion.

Some months ago, I ran my very first half marathon and I have been inspired ever since. You don’t have to be a frequent runner to do these races. All it takes is determination and you’ll be crossing that finish line in no time. This race, however, with its realistic distance, fun costumes and great views, is probably one of the best ones to start with.

This race began in 1912, marking this year’s May 15th race as the 100th anniversary. Bay to Breakers started because the citizens of the city needed an event to distract them from the recent 1906 earthquake. And now, 10 decades later, with our own economic issues, it’s just as important of a distraction as ever. The 7.46 mile race starts at the Embarcadero, goes straight through our luscious Golden Gate Park and ends up right at the Pacific Ocean. Uh, you ready to sign up yet?

A lot of you may be wondering, “I’m a poor college student. Why would I pay to run?” First of all, it gives you Facebook picture uploading rights. Second of all, you get to sound really fit and awesome by telling everyone you’re running a 12K race. Lastly, you get to attend the Greater Body Expo pre-race, own the official B2B t-shirt, commemorative medal and score tons of goodies post-race. Trust me, you are lavished with lots of swag as a runner.

And, duh, you get to spend a weekend in San Francisco (and stop by the Full House house!), one of the most beautiful cities in the country.

I encourage you to sign up for this race. The new year rush has faded and it’s time to continue your awesome fitness/health high. The best part? I’ll be running this race right along side you (well, not literally) to give you support and tips on how to complete your first 12K race. Join me in running one of America’s most exciting races! You can even wear a tutu when you run. Not that it would be too comfortable, but it would be awesome.

Angela Fang, general manager of the race says it best: “Bay to Breakers is an all encompassing event that unites best-in-class athletes with enthusiastic fans and creates the spirit that is San Francisco.”

What are you waiting for?

Sign up for Bay to Breakers! Need a little push? Follow me @jackelynho and I’ll get you right on track.

It’s hard to believe when you’ve got snow melting into your Uggs, but Spring Break is just around the corner. For me, a girl who has a countdown to the next Spring Break starting the day Spring Break ends, that news couldn’t be better. But for those of you who are having that “OMG I HAVE TO BE IN A SWIMSUIT IN 6 WEEKS?!” meltdown, this is less than a pleasant realization.

If you fall into the latter category, you’ve probably gone into workout/diet overload.

“I’m going to exercise every day and eat salad for breakfast/lunch/dinner so I can look like a Vicky Secret model in Cancun!!”

Optimistic? Yes.
Realistic? Uh, are you kidding?

Our society has always had this huge obsession with quick fix diets and weight loss plans. Unfortunately, they don’t work. The truth is, there’s no one thing to eat or one exercise to do in order to get your dream body. And all those plans that promise you to “lose 10 pounds in 10 days!” might work, but they’re not permanent and they’re definitely not healthy. So if you’re trying to get 6-pack abs and thighs that don’t touch by the time you’ve got to wiggle into that bikini in March, stop. It’s not gonna happen.

Instead, let’s work together to set some more realistic fitness goals that you can actually attain between now and the 24/7 happy hour we like to call Spring Break.

Unrealistic: Running a marathon (to burn serious calories/tone those legs) before midterms start.
Yes, it’s possible to run a marathon…one day. Just not within the next month.

Realistic: Completing 3 miles in 3 weeks.
If you’ve never even thrown on a pair of running shoes, chances are it’s not going to be easy those first few miles. The best way to ease into a new running routine is to start small and increase your mileage as the days go on. For example, maybe it’s starting out with one lap around the track. If you continue to add laps every time you run, you’ll be at one mile before you know it! You don’t have to be a marathoner to be a runner -  all it takes is the determination in those first few steps.

Unrealistic: Getting supermodel skinny before Cancun.
Not everyone is born shaped like Gisele and hard as you try, your body just might not be meant to look that way.

Realistic: Feeling confident about your body by making the right choices.
You gotta work with what you’ve got, ladies, and what you’ve got is damn sexy. Too often, girls compare themselves to others, creating unrealistic expectations about how they should look. Instead of wasting time wishing you looked one way, spend your days doing things that are actually making your body the best that it can possibly be. Start by picking up an apple instead of a cookie or walking to the grocery store instead of driving there. These changes may be small, but the impact is huge.

Unrealistic: Going from a total couch potato to working out every day.
Yeah, you try to motivate yourself to hit a Spin class instead of watching The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills reunion Part 1 for the third time. Fact is, if you’re not a seasoned fitness junkie, you won’t become one over night.

Realistic: Trying new workout routines.
Instead of saying that you’ll do something every day (because you’re only setting yourself up to fail), tell yourself you’ll do something new at least 3-5 times a week. My theory is to start small and work your way up. In addition, fitness for the newbie usually seems a little intimidating so make it fun for yourself. Whether it’s going for a nice run outside or going to a kickboxing class, it’ll be a great wake up call to your body. Plus, you’ll discover new activities you love…. not to mention some muscles you didn’t realize had.

Unrealistic: Joining a super fancy gym and getting a personal trainer to whip your booty into shape by March.
Uh, do you have any idea how much that costs?

Realistic: Easing your way into a routine by starting at home.
Do you really want to spend your Spring Break savings to join the best gym with the scented towels or pay some juicehead to whip you into shape? Seems a little counterproductive if you ask me. All you need is the motivation to get fit and a little bit of space in your room. There are some great Youtube videos and workouts on the web that will do the job for you. For free. In fact, gather your girlies and put together a dorm floor workout. Want to tone up with Pilates? Total body sculpting? Cool down with Yoga? Any of these are a great start to your new resolutions.

Look, hard as you try, you aren’t going to have Hilary Swank’s bangin’ bod by Spring Break, but if you start small, you can be more fit, more healthy and more confident with yourself by the time you hit the beach. But remember: there is no such thing as a perfect body. Everyone has their own unique shape and it is up to you to rock what yo’ mama gave ya.

Love It:

Why do we love any reality show? Not for the photo sessions; it’s obviously about the drama. The issues that come from 13 girls competing for the title of “prettiest” living together in a house is undeniable, and makes for many memorable moments. Remember when Shandi cheated on her boyfriend with the male model? Or when Joanie had her teeth pulled? How about Camille and her “signature walk” that was supposed to “make her famous?” And then there was Melrose always tried to give “advice” to everyone…

Bottom line: the “drama” in the show is funny! I’m sure it was a huge deal to Cycle 7′s Jaeda to get her hair cut short, but watching her melt down and cry because of it was hilarious for me!

If the contestants aren’t ridiculous enough, Tyra Banks is the creator and top-judge of the program. Don’t get me wrong, I love Tyra as a model and her talk show is a guilty pleasure on sick-days, but on ANTM she is just plain crazy. That being said, I will never get sick of  her wacky outfits and hairstyles, her bizarre criticism of the girls, her desire to be a photographer or her constant reminders to “smile with your eyes!” Plus she sings the show’s theme song! Girl does it all.

Finally, ANTM rocks because of one man: Nigel Barker. The multiracial “noted fashion photographer” and former model is so tasty. As if his face (and body!) weren’t enough, he also has that sexy British accent. Oh, and a wife. And two kids. But do you see any of them on the show? No. So for an hour each week we can dream.

Loathe It:

The show is getting boring. The same challenges are used yearly (we’ve seen the go-see challenge and ‘risque’ photo shoots practically every cycle) and it’s fairly easy to tell who’s going home on each episode because it’s generally the girl who gets the most interview time. Nothing is really unexpected at this point, the only thing that changes is what the girls fight about (granola bars?) and who wins.

I don’t know if this bothers anyone else, but I personally hate the constantly-changing real-model judge. First it was Janice Dickenson, then Twiggy, and now Paulina. Janice, even more than Tyra herself, was absolutely ridiculous, which made for some very hilarious and uncomfortable situations. Twiggy took some getting used to, but just as I was starting to warm up to her, Paulina had to step up! And homegirl is kiiiind of a beezy. Thank goodness Miss J (and Nigel!) are still on the panel, or the whole judging thing would be snooze worthy.

The biggest problem with the show however, is that the actual contestants seem to be getting more and more boring, in both their looks and actions. Where are the edgy girls? Or the girls of different races or culture? I don’t see them anymore! If that wasn’t bad enough, apparently when this cycle was filming, producers and camera people actually had to create drama for the girls to fight about so the show would be semi-interesting. It seems that competitive, tall, pretty girls just aren’t entertaining anymore. For this reason, the producers of the show have cooked up a great idea for the next season: allowing ONLY girls 5’7” and under to compete. Are short girls more evil memorable? We better hope that they are, or the next season will be even worse than the last two!

Final verdict? As long as Gossip Girl stays on Mondays, and Grey’s is on Thursdays, I’ll continue to devote an hour each Wednesday to Top Model (because what else would I do?). Otherwise I guess I’ll be seeing Tyra and the gang in syndication on VH1. Maybe.

Are any of you still watching ANTM, or are you over it? Let me know in the comments section!

Charm School girls keep it real.

Anyone can be Sarah Palin.

7 ways to improve your campus.

Like mother, like daughter: Suri Cruise is ready to run the marathon.

Tat queen Kat von D is getting rid of her vices.

Everyone needs a Pea Coat this season.

You’ll never guess who’s a fashion star in Istanbul (not Constantinople).

Getting pissed about people hatin’ on your eyebrows? That’s so Raven.

Obama wants to join the SNL party.

Celebrities and puppies are the answer to the economic crisis.

OMFG. Pumpkin soap. Delish.

7 a.m.: Wake up. Still drunk from the bar last night? Mayyyybe.

9 a.m.: Arrive at the football stadium; crack your first beer.

9 a.m.-Noon: Tailgate your face off. Tailgating activities may or may not include: Beer pong, funneling, shotgunning, and general raging.

Noon: Kickoff. You’re highly buzzed, but still careful not to spill your overpriced stadium beer as you shake your foam finger at the other team.

7 p.m.: You pass out. Hey, it was a long day, man.

Now that’s what I call a waste of a Saturday night. I know that rallying for almost 12 hours straight can take its toll. Especially when you’re running on a few hours of sleep after a killer Friday night. But if you pace yourself, and plan your evening effectively, there’s no reason that you can’t take in both the football game and a killer kegger (or two).

1. Don’t Chug, Chill.

Get too drunk too quickly, and you’re likely to pass out before halftime, let alone make it till midnight. Tailgating festivities often require heavy drinking, so if you find yourself partaking in a shotgun contest, follow the beer with a water. Spreading out your alcohol intake will allow you to last longer. Afterall, following a tailgate with a party is like a party marathon. And don’t they tell marathon runners to pace themselves so they can make it to the finish line? Oh, the things college kids could learn from athletes.

2. Counteract with Caffeine.

Pound a Redbull on the way to the game, or start your bar night with a vodka and Redbull. Still chilly in your student section hoodie? Bring a thermos of coffee to the tailgate…then spike it with Bailey’s. Yum! Even if you’re really tired, however, monitor your caffeine intake. One or two cups of coffee or one energy drink should get you through the day.

3. Keep the Adrenaline Pumping.

If the excitement level declines, you’re energy is bound to follow suit. Your adrenaline is rushing as you cheer on your football team, and then you lose momentum in the downtime between the game and the party. Arrange a rowdy post-game dinner of wings and pizza with your fellow tailgaters, so you can recount all the great plays. It’ll keep you pumped, and you won’t even realize how much time has passed between your first beer and your last shot. Then, when you get to the party, keep yourself going by chatting up a hottie or signing up to be on the first beer pong team.

4. Steam Up Your Second Wind.

You’ve been up for hours, hanging out in the cold (and possibly rainy) weather. Beer is seeping out your pours. Take a long, hot, steamy shower. The hot water will wake you up and make you feel clean and ready to go again. Besides, staying fresh and clean might also help stave off the germs that’ll take their toll in flu form come Monday. AND you can always chug a beer in between shampooing and conditioning.

5. Powernap…Before it’s Too Late.

Positive you’re not going to make it? Throw in the towel early, and salvage the rest of your night. Taking a nap at 5 or 6 leaves plenty of time to sober up, recharge, and get ready to rage. If you keep drinking and try to make it to the post-party kickoff, you might crash at 9 or 10, only to sleep through the night and kick yourself in the a.m.