Three Things Thursday!

1. Today was so nice I got outside and did a 5 mile run with my husband (I think I might be rubbing off on him). Pushing the jogging stroller the first half really is the way to go it makes the last 2.5 miles so much easier running with the stroller is kind of like running into the wind.

2. You know it's a good day when the Postal carrier drops of the latest issue of Runner's World haven't had a chance to check it out yet any articles I should make sure I read??

3. My daughter left on Monday for 6th grade camp (which I am not going to lie was really hard for me) and she comes back tomorrow so I preparing myself for tons of camp stories and pictures. :)

Question:
Finish the sentence:

I Run Because _______

There is still time to enter to win a pair of Ryders Eyewear Sunglasses it ends tomorrow night.

Taste Test Tuesday 3/30

Sweet and Sour Shrimp Stir-Fry

Ingredients
1/3 c. ketchup
3 tbs. soy sauce
2 tbs. brown sugar
1 tbs vinegar
4 tsps. cornstarch
1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, undrained
8 oz bell pepper2 tsp. vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, pressed
12 oz cooked medium shrimps thawed, rinsed & tails removed
4 c. hot cooked rice

Directions
1. Prepare rice in small saucepan according to package directions. Meanwhile in a small bowl combine ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar & cornstarch whisk until blended.
2. Drain pineapple reserve juice, measure 1/2c. reserved pineapple juice, add to ketchup mixture in batter bowl and set aside. Discard any remaining juices.
3. Cut bell pepper into bite sized pieces4. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat until hot. Add bell pepper and garlic to skillet, stir fry 1 min. Reduce heat to medium stir in ketchup mixture and add to skillet. Bring to a boil cook and stir 1 min. until thickened. Add pineapple and shrimp to skillet. Serve over rice.Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies (with Honey)

Dry ingredients
1 1/3 cup flour ( I used spelt but whole wheat or regular flour would work)
1 1/2 cups of Rolled Oats
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp Cinnamon1/2 tsp Nutmeg

Wet ingredients
1/2 cup honey
1/3 c. applesauce
1/4 cup oil (I used olive oil)
1 Tablespoon Molasses
1 egg (beat with 1 Tbsp Water)1 tsp Vanilla
1/3 c. dark or semi sweet chocolate chips

Optional Add-Ins
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup walnuts

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients together.

2. In a medium bowl, mix all the wet ingredients together.
3. Mix the wet stuff with the dry stuff. Add the raisins and walnuts if you wanna and mix. If the mixture seems too wet, add a bit of flour. If it isn't binding together very well, you may wish to add an egg white.
4. Refrigerate for 20 minutes
5. Preheat the oven to 335 degrees (lower temperature due to the honey in the recipe which will burn more easily).
6. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto your baking sheet (I recommend lining the baking sheet with parchment paper). Press down with a fork to ensure even cooking.
7. Bake for about 15 - 20 minutes or until golden on the bottom of the cookie. The cookies freeze very well and make a great snack! Enjoy.

Tasty Giveaways!!!

Krista's Kravings: Natures Path Giveaway 4/1

Leslie Loves Veggies: Lundberg Family Farms Roasted Couscous 4/11

Our Love on the Run: Mix1 Giveaway 4/8

Tasty Tip #4

"Don’t store your bananas in a bunch or in a fruit bowl with other fruits. Separate your bananas and place each in a different location. Bananas release gases which cause fruits (including other bananas) to ripen quickly. Separating them will keep them fresh longer."

Tasty Review: Preserve

I had a chance to try out and review some really great Preserve mixing bowls and they came right on time my oldest daughter just left for 6th grade camp and so I was able to do what any self respecting separation anxiety having mother would do.. bake. Only good things to report about these bowls they come in a set of 3 nesting sizes ( 2, 3 & 4 quart), they are so colorful and best of all are made of 100% recycled material and are 100% recyclable . The best feature I think these bowls have aside from them fitting inside one another for easy storage, looking nifty and allow me to actually mix dry ingredients in a med. bowl and wet ingredients in a small bowl which not so surprisingly a lot of recipes call for, they have a nice little handle on the brim of one side which makes holding while mixing very easy.

From the Website:

"Preserve® makes stylish, high performance, eco-friendly products for your home. As a company, we strive to combine socially and environmentally responsible business practices with groundbreaking design to create products that people feel good about having in their homes. We believe that choosing eco-friendly products doesn't mean having to sacrifice quality, price, or performance."

Another thing that drew me to this company was their Gimme5 program. I eat a ton of yogurt and have a cabinet full of containers they are perfectly good plastic containers that I just can bring myself to throw are but wasn't really sure what to do do with them but Preserve and a few other companies came up with a recycling solution #5 containers which is commonly not accepted at recycling centers. To read more about their Gimme5 program or to find drop off location near you check it out here... (there isn't a drop off center near me but luckily they have a mailing address I can send my containers to)

To learn more about Preserve, their products or to shop online you can find them at www.perserveproducts.com

I received products from Preserve to help facilitate in the writing of this review all opinions expressed are my own.

Weekend Round-Up 3/27

“Friends are like bras: close to your heart and there for support.”
~Author Unknown

This weeks workouts
Monday: Step class (60 mins)
Tuesday: 5.1 miles
Thursday:2 miles, Kettleworx legs and thighs dvd
Sunday: 3.2 miles
Total Miles:
week: 10.3
month:41.94 miles
year: 121.84 miles


Goals for Next Week:

~Run 17 miles
~Take multivitamin everyday this week ( I have em just got to remember to take em)

Tall Mom Virtual Race For The Cure

I participated in Mel's Tall Mom on the Run Virtual Race for a Cure and I had planned to run outside with my husband and youngest daughter on Friday but for some reason ended up on the treadmill today with a very small and rushed amount of time to get it done. My run was uncreative and not really that interesting. I did run as fast as I wanted to, run the route I was planning on, didn't make the effort to put together a fun outfit (on this one I will do better next time after seeing everyone's cute outfits I am very disappointed in myself) But even though the situation wasn't ideal I wanted and was determined to get my 5k in today. I figured I could just sum it up with three pictures (there isn't much detail involved in running in place, I will say I love my new play list.)

before on the way to the gym

the time

and after

Even though I felt my run was uneventful. I really want to thank Mel for hosting this virtual race and supporting such a wonderful cause (Susan G Komen for the Cure) and if you didn't get a chance to participate in this race, I do believe she will be hosting a couple more virtual races before her Marathon for a Cure race in June. I encourage you to stop by her blog, say hi and make a donation every dollar helps.

Great things going on in the blogworld

*Race Reports (I love 'em how about you?? )

It's What Moves Me
Run Momma, Run!
Junk Miles
Jog for Joubert Syndrome
I am a Runner
2010 Journey in Running
Running with Jenny
Two Boos Who Eat
Running in Pigtails
My First 5k Blog
Discom-BOB-ulated Running
Fran wants to be a healthy girl
Eat Always, Sleep Seldomly, Run Whenevers!
Run Mommy, Run!
Twelve Fit Feet

Birthdays:

Meghan from Living in Luling & Kristen at Change of Pace celebrated their birthdays today!!! Happy Birthday Ladies

It's For A Good Cause:

Katye at Long Legs on the Loose is having a great raffle to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Great stuff up for grabs for a great cause. Ends 4/1

Giveaways!!!

Jog for Joubert Syndrome: Thorlo Sock Giveaway 3/31
Fit this, girl!: Fit Sok Giveaway 3/30
Mommy's Fit For The King: iFit Belt & GU 3/31
140 Point 6 Miles: Road ID 3/29
Run Momma, Run!: Sugio Top & Ryders Eyewear Glasses 4/3
Endurance Isn't Only Physical: Kettleworx 4/2
Running Diva Mom: Huge Giveaway 4/1
Moore on Running: Feetures Socks 4/16
Lazy Bones Running: Sherpani Makeup Bag 4/11
Ramblings of a Wannabe Writer and Runner: Biggest Loser DVDs 3/30

..and if you haven't stopped by and entered my Ryders Eyewear Giveaway no worries there's still time.

(If you posted a race report, have a giveaway going on or an upcoming birthday and would like it linked let me please let me know)

Have a Wonderful Week!!!

Feature Friday- Ryders Eyewear Review and Giveaway

I have never been a fan of sunglasses for the simple fact that I have worn prescription glasses since the age of 12 and didn't really have the option of wearing 'em and until now that has never bugged me. However recently the opportunity for me to review a pair of Ryders Eyewear sunglasses presented itself and let me tell you it really hurt to have to turn down the chance to pick out and run in a pair of sunglasses from this company the main reason is.. not being conceded or anything but I know that I would look hot running in quite a few of their glasses, umm.. I mean I love the look and style of so many of their glasses I would have loved to own a pair :). Even though I am to optically challenged to rock a pair my husband who has very good vision was more than willing to try out their Throttle sunglasses to help facilitate my review, which I am now very begrudgingly writing, not really. I mean how can I be mad with a husband that looks this good running in said sunglasses.

So what he said about the Throttle sunglasses and I quote " I like 'em". Well thanks honey so glad I enlisted your help. But with a little further probing and a short run around the block in them myself (I'm not blind I can see, just not well) we collective came up with was that the size and shape was something we both really liked. I think the color is great, he would have preferred them in black. The anti-slip nose pad and temple tips work really well even with a little added sweat the sunglasses stayed put. And surprisingly (surprising because my hubbie has kind of a big head, love you honey) they actually fit both of us really good (see pics below) I give the adjustable nose pad and temple tips the credit for that little sisterhood of the traveling glasses trick. I like them, I like them a lot and I am thinking about looking into getting contacts just so I can wear them, but don't tell my husband I making plans to hijack his glasses.

Ryders Eyewear had a great selection of sunglasses divide into two collection Adrenaline and Chill so for pretty much any occasion they got you covered and most of their glasses are around $39 dollars so they won't break the bank.

From the Website:

"Adrenaline—it’s what we live for. This collection has been designed for whatever gets your heart pumping. All of these styles feature the highest-performance frames and lenses, ideal for both the weekend warrior or the professional athlete. Designed for almost any outdoor activity, the Ryders Adrenaline Collection comes in a wide range of styles to fit any athlete. Many styles feature premium options such as interchangeable, photochromic and/or polarized lenses, adding incredible performance options to our already high-tech frames."

For more information or to order online check them out ryderseyewear.com

Win It!!!

One Lucky Reader will win a pair of Hex Sunglasses (pictured below) in their choice of pink or black, thanks to the wonderful people at Ryders Eyewear

"The Hex have optically-correct, shatterproof, scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses that will protect your eyes from 100% of UVA, UVB and UVC rays. They have ultralightweight TR90 frames with low profile, high-strength pinned hinges that will survive the harshest treatment. And to keep them on your face- where they should be- these sunnies also have non-slip, hydrophilic nose pads and temple tips that actually get tackier (in a GOOD way) as you get sweaty. These sunglasses are tough as nails but light as a feather -perfect for running in any type of weather."

How could you not want these beauties??

Mandatory Entry
~ Visit the Ryders Eyewear site and let me know another pair of glasses that you would love to own.

Extra Entries: (Please Leave a separate comment for each)

~Subscribe to the Ryders Eyewear on twitter
~Become a Fan of Ryders Eyewear on facebook
~Join the Ryders Eyewear mailing list
~Become a follower of this blog, or let me know you already are
~Link back to this contest

Contest open to U.S and Canada only. Ends 04/02/10. Winner will be chosen using random.org and will be announced in my Sunday Weekend Report post and emailed.

I received a pair of Ryders Eyewear sunglasses to review, the opinions expressed are my own.

3 Things & 2 Questions Thursday

1. I recently updated my play list wanna hear it, hear it go.

• Close to You - Be Be & Ce Ce Winans
• I Choose- India Arie
• Live Like We're Dying- Kris Allen
• Imma Be- Black Eyed Peas
• That's Not My Name- The Ting Tings
  
• I Get It In- Omarion
• Like This- Kelly Rowland
• Baby- Just
• Map- Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs (this little ditty made the list because it's my favorite song to sing on Rock Band)
• In My Head- Jason Derulo
• Hey, Soul Sister- Train
• On to the Next One- Jay Z
• Give You Hell- The All-America Rejects
• Bubbly- Colbie Calliat
  

2. That wonderful play list I put together yeah its on my cell phone since I don't have an official mp3 player which brings me to my next point I am on the market for an mp3 player but I am not sure what kind/brand/style I should get so I am looking for opinions/suggestions?

3. I have once again talked my husband into running with me and we have 4.2 miles scheduled today, however he told me that we have to take turns pushing the jogging stroller (crap), so I am pushing for the first half hoping it will make running the last 2 miles easier for me and slower for him so I can keep up.

2 Questions:

Do you do most of your runs solo, with a partner or with a running group?

and though I am pretty sure I already know the majority answer to this question I figured I would ask it anyway...

Do you prefer running on the treadmill or the great outdoors?

Need a Little Running Motivation?? 5 Tips That May

You all shared some great tips for my running slump last week, thanks so much it was really helpful so much so I thought they would make a perfect top 5 list. So here goes the..

#5: Update Your Music

Add some new songs to your running playlists or bring back some oldies but goodies you haven't listened to in awhile. (I did this Sunday night and since I know your just dying to know what I am listening to I put my new playlist I'm putting it in tomorrows post)

#4 Pros and Cons

Sometimes you need to really take on that internal debate sit down and weigh the positives and the negatives of getting your workout in chances are the results will sway in favor of working out most every time. Sometimes we just need a little perspective to get moving.

#3 Enlist the Help of Others

Whether it's your loving significant other pushing you out the door with a threat of not letting you return until you've ran at least 4 miles or a friend/neighbor who owes you a favor, doesn't mind or would actually be excited to run a few miles with you that might just do the trick. A swift kick in the butt or a partner by your side can be a good thing.

#2 Just start moving

I think it's in Newtons first law that "an object in motion tends to stay in motion". So the moral here is don't think about it just get moving even if the plan is just a walk around the block maybe just putting one foot in front of the other will be all the motivation you need.

#1 Mix Up the Routine

I took the pressure off myself to complete a certain amount of miles and just did what I felt like doing I rode my bike, played soccer with the kids, spent time with my good friend the elliptical and even ran but without gadgets no watches, no music, no expectations. So if you don't feel like running (God forbid) try some cross training, take a new workout class, run just to run, change up your routine.

Oiselle Winner!!!

The Winner of the Oiselle Long Run Tee Giveaway is..

#54 Darlene you can stop by and visit her at My First 5k Blog

Congratulations Darlene!!!

Thank you everyone who stopped by and entered check back this Friday I have a new giveaway coming...

Taste Test Tuesday 3/23

Honey Chicken Wings

Ingredients:
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 pounds chicken wings with drum end cut at joint from wing, discard tips

Directions:
1. Mix ingredients together and marinate cut-up wings for at least 2 hrs but for stronger flavor marinate overnight.
2. Place wing parts in shallow baking pan and pour remaining liquid over them.
3. Bake for 1 hour at 325 degrees, turning on the 1/2 hour

The Verdict: Super simple and tasty.

Jicama Slaw

Ingredients
2 carrots, peeled and julienned
1 small jicama (about 1 1/4 lbs.), peeled and julienned
1 large red bell pepper, cored and very thinly sliced
1/4 head red cabbage, cored and very thinly sliced
6 tablespoons olive oil
6 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon minced cilantro leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon red chile flakes

Directions
1.Cut vegetables and place in medium bowl
2.Combine oil, vinegar, lime juice, minced cilantro, salt, pepper, sugar, chili powder, and chile flakes in a small bowl.
3.Add dressing to vegetables, combine well, and cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, stirring 2 or 3 times. Serve garnished with cilantro, if you like.

The Verdict: It tasted really good but preparing it was a tough one for me julienned and thinly slice turned out to be cut up to the best of my ability I think I need to invest in better knives or a cooking class but I figure no matter how you cut it it taste the same just not as pretty. :) Also I left the onion out of the recipe I found it to be just to overpowering but if you are a fan of onions by all means add a little.


Tasty Giveaways!!!

Finding Radiance: Oatmeal on the Run Bars 3/25
Leslie Loves Veggies: Mary's Gone Crackers 4/5
Running on My Time: Starbucks Gift Card 3/29

Tasty Tip #3
Noodles, spaghetti and other starches won't boil over if you rub
the inside of the pot with vegetable oil.

Tasty Review: Chobani Champions

About a half a year ago I was introduced to Greek yogurt no doubt through reading other blogs, and have been hooked ever since I really like the thicker texture and taste. My husband also prefers greek yogurt but more for the added protein aspect. So when I found out that Chobani came out with a greek yogurt geared more towards kids,called Chobani Champions I thought perfect and was happy to have my kids try them out. Chobani Champions comes in 4 flavors (VerryBerry, Strawnana, Honeynana and Chocolate) and in a kid friendly 4 0z size. My kids liked them all with the exception for the chocolate, and I agree with their assessment the chocolate was my least favorite and I usually love all things chocolate. The other three flavors I enjoyed that taste was good not really really sweet, I do wish that the texture was a little bit thicker, but I can't to much complain about that because it didn't bother my kids one bit. So overall I was very pleased with this product and if I ever come across it in a store around here (I haven't yet) I would more than likely by it.

The honeynana was personally my favorite and I used it to make some..

chocolate banana frozen yogurt pops

Ingredients:
40z honeynana yogurt
1 small banana
8 oz Organic Reduced Fat Chocolate Milk
Directions
Blend ingredients together, freeze & enjoy

For more information about or to find out where you can pick up some Chobani Champions yogurt visit chobani.com

I was sent products from Chobani to review, the opinions expressed are my own.

Weekend Round-Up 3/21

Okay this weeks round-up will just be race reports and giveaways next week I will, I will announce the Oiselle winner tomorrow. I do want to thank everyone for you motivation suggestions they were really good and helped alot.

Great things going on in the blogworld

*Race Reports (I love 'em how about you?? If you posted a race report and would like it linked let me know I would love to stop by and leave a comment)

Girls Just Wanna Go Run
Julie's Running Blog
Our Love on the Run
Say What You Need to Say
With a Side of Sneakers
Alicia Runs
Running and Living
Age Group Rocks
I've Got a Couple Dents in my Fender, Got a Couple Rips in my Jeans..
Our Life with 3 Guys and a Doll
And Her Little Dog Too
Running to Sanity
I Have Run
Tall Mom on the Run
Mom vs Marathon
Blonde Mom Runs
Running Journal
It's What Moves Me

It's For A Good Cause:

Katye at Long Legs on the Loose is having a great raffle to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Great stuff up for grabs for a great cause. Ends 4/1

Mel from Tall Mom on The Run is hosting a Virtual Race on March 27th to raise money for Susan G. Kormen for a Cure. So stop by and check it out.

Laura who you can find over at My Reason to Run has put together an amazing raffle/giveaway for Joubert Syndrome

Giveaways!!!

Long Legs on the Loose: Running Skirt 3/21
Endurance Isn't Only Physical: Thorlo Experia Socks 3/23
Running Through Life: C9 Performance Tank 3/27
Running Diva Mom: Gu Giveaway 3/21

Have a Wonderful Week!!!

Three Things Thursday- Post It Note Edition

Three Things...




































and a question??

and in case you haven't entered my Oiselle Long Run Tee Giveaway yet it ends tomorrow night, so there's still time.

Taste Test Tuesday 3/16

Vinegar Chicken

(sorry no pics)

5 chicken legs
1/8 tsp. salt
¼ c. white or cider vinegar
1/8 tsp. black pepper
¼ c. soy sauce
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
2 tbs. Worcestershire sauce
1/8 tsp. onion powder

1.Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Lightly grease a 13x9-inch pan. Place the chicken in the pan.

2. In a small bowl combine the vinegar, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.

3.Baste chicken with 1/3 vinegar mixture. Season with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

4.Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven, and baste with another one-third of the vinegar mixture.

5.Bake 15 minutes longer, basting again with the remaining vinegar mixture. Return to the oven and continue baking for 15 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

The Verdict: Really easy to make and this is a dish that everyone will eat

Pasta Bean Toss
(found in a very trusted source RW magazine)

Ingredients

* 1 lb Wholegrain Penne Pasta
* 2 medium onion Onion, Medium - Cooked
* 2 cloves Garlic Clove
* 1 tsp Vegetable Oil
* 5 serving Carrots
* 2 cup Broccoli
* 12 serving Plum Tomatoes
* 3 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
* 4 tbsp Basil, Fresh
* 15 oz Red Kidney Beans
* 15 oz White Kidney Beans
* 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese

Directions

Cook pasta according to package. While pasta cooks, in a large frying pan saute onions and garlic in oil until tender (two minutes). Add remaining vegetables, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and basil. Simmer for four minutes. Add beans and simmer for two minutes or until veggies are tender. Add pasta and cheese, and toss

The Verdict: It was good I didn't have the tomatoes or carrots on hand and I am sure the addition would have made it even better, I even thought of adding some grilled chicken to make it a full meal a great lunch, next time next time.


Foodie Giveways:

Love Veggies and Yoga: Raw Cookbook 3/18
Healing with Juices: Raw Organic Honey 3/31
Leslie Loves Veggies: Home Free Cookies 3/30
Leslie Loves Veggies: Al Dente Pasta Package 3/27

Tasty Tip #2

To easily remove burnt-on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stovetop-skillet will be much easier to clean.

A Tasty Review: popchips

I am not a big fan of chips, except tortilla chips of those I am a big fan. Growing up I loved Doritos but for some reason now I can't bring myself to buy any kind of chips except tortilla chips I will not allow my kids to eat them at home (they do however get their junk food fix at grandpas house) but a couple weeks ago I was sent this package from Popchips to review (with samples and coupons) and my heart grew 10 sizes that day. There is a few things I really like about them; they are all natural, a 1 oz serving is 120 calories with 4 g. of fat and most importantly they taste really good and go great with a flatbread veggie delight from subway. My family and I had a chance to try out 6 of their flavors the original and sour cream & onion are my favorite. My husband who has completely different taste than me became a quick fan of the sea salt and vinegar and the kids were so excited I was allowing chips in the house would have probably eaten my hand if it was connected to a chip. (okay that was a little much but they liked them) and as luck would have it I found a mixed box of popchips, with original and bbq at Costco and decided to go ahead and pick one up. Just like with any snack my family and I won't be eating chips everyday but it is nice to have an option I can feel okay about eating and letting my kids eat and that the whole family really enjoys.

For more information or to find out where you can get popchips visit them online at www.popchips.com

WeekEnd Round-Up 3/14

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."

~Robert Brault

This weeks workouts
Monday: Cardio Kickboxing (60 mins)
Tuesday: 2.0 miles
Thursday: 3.84 miles
Saturday: 3.2 miles
Sunday: 4.5 miles, 1.5 mile walk

Total Miles:
week: 15.04
month:31.64 miles
year: 111.54 miles

How'd I do this week

~Run 15 miles: yes, I almost didn't do make it but when I saw that I was just 1.5 miles from 15 I loaded kay in the jogging stroller and got the kids set up on their bikes and set off with my pedometer around the neighborhood to get r done

~Plant my vegetables outdoors: no, but is so wasn't my fault I promise it was the windiest week ever and I just couldn't do that to my seedlings maybe next week.

Goals for Next Week:

~Run 17 miles

~Make sure the girls where green to school on St. Patrick's Day otherwise I will hear about it when they get home

~Take multivitamin everyday this week ( I have em just got to remember to take em)

What I'm reading this Month

(Great book, fun and easy read)

Information from Amazon.com

Every sport has rules. Running is no exception. If you’re curious, just visit the Web site of USA Track & Field, the sport’s governing body, where you’ll find detailed dictates on everything from disqualification to bib-number placement to the caliber of the starter’s pistol.

But what about the everyday rules of running? The unspoken ones that pertain to the lingo, behavior, and etiquette that every seasoned runner seems to know and every newbie needs to learn? Veteran runner Mark Remy and the editors of Runner’s World magazine provide answers to these very questions and many more in The Runner’s Rule Book.

Inside you’ll find:

Rule 2.32

DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO FINISH AHEAD OF A COSTUMED RUNNER

Because being outkicked by Elmo is too much to bear.

…and many, many more. With 100+ rules that cover the basics of running, racing, track etiquette, and apparel and gear, including hilarious running commentary on running culture, The Runner’s Rule Book will be the reference guide you’ll turn to again and again for answers to your burning running questions.

Great things going on in the blogworld

*Race Reports (I love 'em how about you?? If you posted a race report and would like it linked let me know I would love to stop by and leave a comment)

Melissa's Adventure in Running
Will Run for Wine
Beginning Running
Running Sane
Running, life, learning and growing
The Blue Eyed Runner
Runner's Rambles
Running on Purpose
Twelve Fit Feet
See Mom Run.Bike.Swim
Long Legs on the Loose

It's For A Good Cause:

Katye at Long Legs on the Loose is having a great raffle to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Great stuff up for grabs for a great cause. Ends 4/1

Mel from Tall Mom on The Run is hosting a Virtual Race on March 27th to raise money for Susan G. Kormen for a Cure. So stop by and check it out.

Laura who you can find over at My Reason to Run has put together an amazing raffle/giveaway for Joubert Syndrome

Giveaways!!!

Endurance Isn't Only Physical: One More Mile 3/16
Lucky Taste Buds: Chia Seeds 3/19
Happy Runner Reviews & Giveaways: Word to Sweat By 3/15
Twirlit: Travelite Tote Bag 3/17
Goals for the Week: Athleta Gear 3/17
Racing With Babes: Training Tag-Alongs 3/20
Misszippy1: Rockin Refuel 3/22
Confessions of a Rambunctious Runner: My Life on the Run Book 3/18

...and if you haven't already be sure and check out my Oiselle Giveaway!!!

Have a Wonderful Week!!!

Nutty Runners 5k

So yesterday I finally got to do a race after weeks of seeing tons of other amazing race reports, and bugging the crap out of my husband to make sure he was off to watch the kids and I was excited. I woke up and the first thing that came to mind was "Be careful what you ask for because you might just get it". Sure I was able to run a race that wasn't 2+ hours away, my husband was home to get the kids up and ready in the morning and I had a great outfit picked out to run in ( in case you were wondering and because I don't have a picture, sorry my great outfit included my, headsweats race hat, One More Mile shirt, black knickers, black long sleeve shirt, thorlo socks & new balances) where was I, oh yes so I was getting the run I had asked for but forgot to put in my request for nice weather. Watching the trees sway outside my living room window made my warm bed seem a lot more appealing and if my husband didn't make the necessary arrangements for me to run this race there is a good chance I would have accepted the invitation. However I got my butt in gear and told myself it's still 3 hours to start maybe it will let up. :)

Well it didn't :( but once I got to the race venue and saw all the other runners I knew I could do it and told myself the faster I run the sooner I can get inside. Turns out it wasn't that bad the out and back course that was great going out with the wind at my back pushing me along it did however suck a bit coming back when the wind didn't get the memo that we were changing directions but I ran through the whole thing ( just kept telling myself "if you stop and walk the longer you have to stay in the wind" ) and made a new running friend, Laura who finished her first 5k yesterday, as preparation for a marathon relay she is doing with some coworkers in May. She did great way better than I did my 1st race ( and as much as I wish I had some cute pictures of us to post I don't between the wind and the best pancake breakfast ever I didn't even think about my camera and I call myself a blogger, shameful I know).

So in closing I came, I saw and I conquered my first 5k of 2010. Time 31.12 (9.75 avg)
and the cherry on top is that I won a couple prizes at the raffle they did after the run. My winnings included a $10 Subway & $25 Target gift card, so all around a pretty good morning

Feature Friday Oiselle Review & Giveaway

(rockin' the lesley knickers and long run top)

This week's feature company is Oiselle.This wonderful company produces women's running apparel, I was sent their lesley knicker, roga shorts and long run top to review.

My favorite type of pant to run in cold or warm weather would have to be a capri pant (assuming I have shaved my legs that week) so Oiselle's lesley knicker was right up my alley, they have have an elastic waist band which makes for a great snug fit in the midsection the knickers are very light and soft, a looser fit than what I am used to in a compression pant, however they still did a great job making my butt look good (and let's just be honest that is what's important). I've had a chance to use them a few times and am quite satisfied by how they look and feel before, during and after a good workout.

Since Spring is on its way and were I live it gets quite warm I am excited to try out their roga short (which is one of their most popular styles) unfortunately that warm weather I was talking about hasn't kicked in yet so I don't really have much to say about the shorts, so there will be more on them later, I will say they look really cute.

Last be certainly not least the long run tee, to sum it up in two words "love it" the fabric is soft, it is fitted with out being tight, the design and shaping of the shirt is figure flattering. I've worn it at least 3 times in the last two weeks and if I didn't have to wash it I would have probably worn it more. It doesn't matter if I am at the gym on the treadmill or running outdoors it just feels good, and right now you can get the long run top on sale for $32.

From the Website:
"High in quality: High performance deserves high quality. The best materials. The best production. And an obsessive attention to detail. We are committed to these principles — and more. We also believe quality means consistent and reliable fit, from season to season, and from year to year — so you can always feel confident about your purchase.
Beautiful in design: Simple. Clean. Enduring. Every aspect of our apparel was created to look as good as it feels. In fact, there is no thread, no seam, no fabric that has not been examined and re-examined, so as to deliver the ideal garment: one that is refreshingly unique, fashion forward, and precisely designed for women runners.
Singular in focus: As a company, our sole focus is the woman athlete who loves to run and race. she could be 15. She could be 50. The important part is that she is an “ambition athlete,” a person who trains, who races, and who is committed to the sport."

Buy it: To learn more about Oiselle or to order online visit them at www.oisellerunning.com

Win It!!!

Thanks to the generous people over at Oiselle one lucky reader will be able to win a Long Run Top, color of their choice (come in dark green, midnight or jade).

Mandatory Entry
~ Visit the Oiselle site and let me know another item you would like to own.

Extra Entries: (Please Leave a separate comment for each)

~Subscribe to the Oiselle on twitter
~Become a follower of this blog, or let me know you already are
~Link back to this contest

Contest open to U.S and Canada only. Ends 03/19/10. Winner will be chosen using random.org and will be announced in my Sunday Weekend Report post and emailed.

I received items for Oiselle to review, opinions expressed are my own.