WeekEnd Round-Up 5/31

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."

~Marcel Proust

This weeks workouts
Monday: Step & Sculpt Class (60 mins)
Tuesday: 5.6 miles elliptical
Friday: 3.0 miles & 1/3 Boot Camp Challenge

Total Miles:
week: 8.6 miles
May Miles: 56.2
year: 233.94

The Plan for Next Week

Monday: class
Tuesday: 4 miles
Wednesday: class
Thursday: 7 miles elliptical
Sunday : 13.1 miles (RnR 1/2 Marathon)

Great things going on in the blogworld

(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)

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

Racing With Babes
Run, Courtney, Run
Running Into Healthy Happyness
2010 Journey in Running
Running for Good
And Her Little Dog Too
Worth a Tri
Sassy Runner Girl
Asthma and the Gift of Running
Rust Belt Runner
Her Name Is Rio & She Runs
Running With Whit
Planet Ynnep Running
Slow is the New Fast
The Blue-Eyed Runner
Balls in the Air
Mindful Living

Good Stuff Going On

Virtual Runs:

1st Annual Run, Courtney, Run Virtual 10k and 5k benefiting LLS. Entry is $10 for the 10k and $5 for the 5k. June 4-6

Challenges

Karma over at Inperspire has put together a Virtual Boot Camp Challenge, each weekend for four weeks, looking for a great way to challenge yourself stop by and check it out here...

Raffles/Fundraisers

Marcia over at Running off at the Mouth is having a 10 of My Favorite Things raffle (which include products from Golite, RoadID, One More Mile...and more) for the Lupus Foundation so stop by and check it out. Ends 6/20

Birthdays:

Destination:Athlete celebrated a birthday on Friday 5/28

Giveaways!!!

Tall Mom on the Run: CEP Compression Socks 6/1
I Am Boring: Scape Suncreen Athlete Pack 6/1
RunToTheFinish: Chocolate Conspiracy 6/2
Last Mile Lounge: Thorlo Socks 5/31
Mom vs Marathon: Orthaheel 5/31
Keep on Keeping On...: Running Chics 6/3
Running Into Healthy Happiness: Ask For Help Giveaway 6/3
I Have Run: Bibfolio 6/2
Long Legs on the Loose: RoadID & 2x Compression Calf Guard 6/2
Running Diva Mom: RoadID 6/2
Last Mile Lounge: $20 RoadID Giftcard 5/31
RunToTheFinish: $80 CSN Giveaway 6/10
Feet Dominating Pavement: Ultimate Directions Waterbottle 6/2

And the Endorphin Warrior Tech Training Hat Winner is...

#94 Michelle you can find her over at LetsRollMama

Have a Wonderful Week and Happy Running!!!

Three Things Thursday 5/27

1. I have been purposely neglecting my blog this week. I am pretty sure I am having some serious prerace jitters(even though though the race isn't until June 6th) and every time I sit down to blog I come up blank. If i wouldn't have paid such a high entry fee I would probably back out that's how nervous I am and it's silly because it's not like I am a medal contender I am doing this for myself and fun. Now I am trying to pull together all the odds and ends I am going to need. Today I plan on ordering a Race Sleeve and some Knee Compression Straps (don't know if i will actually use them race day but I want them just in case). I have figured out that Chocolate and Chocolate Mint GU's are going to be my race fuel (If I can find them in store). I plan on also packing body glide, Motrin, recovery socks, fuelbelt, watch & RoadID. What items are must-haves for you on race day?? I have this one last weekend to pick stuff up.

2. Also it has been busy time around here attending end or year parties, fun days & awards assemblies for the girls. I don't know how summer break factors into my workout schedule but that isn't my current, dilemma teacher appreciation gifts that is my problem (my girls had really amazing teachers this year) any gift ideas??

3. Being that I am totally avoiding writing bout running I couldn't think of a third and me and the girls watched Shrek yesterday, so I leave you with this.

"Not the buttons. Not my gumdrop buttons"

oh one last thing you have until tomorrow night to enter my Endorphin Warrior Giveaway

Miles of Motivation

I am a quote person I have always kept notebooks with random quotes and sayings with that said is the poster paper in front of the treadmill I have been using for a large portion of my runs (the treadmill not the poster)

I bought it with the vision of filling it up with positive, inspiring quotes and stuff like that then I thought how great it would be if you all would help to fill up my poster, I would like to do a inspirational snail mail trade.I will send you a post card with one of my favorite quotes

In exchange I am hoping that you will help fill my board with your favorite quotes, jokes,comic strip or sayings you use to motivate yourself (keep it PG my kids will more than likely read it). You can put it on a post card, a post it, piece of paper, index card doesn't matter what ever your feeling and send it to me. My only request other than sending mail is that you put your blog and/or first name on it so I can give you a shout out on my blog as I plan to do regular updates as my board hopefully fills up.

Added Bonus everyone who sends me a little love in the mail before June 3 will be entered in a giveaway I will have post 1/2 marathon I haven't figured out the prize yet I plan on picking something up while in San Diego.

So if your interested email me your address to ericarunning@hotmail.com I will respond with my information and get your post card in the mail.

WeekEnd Round-Up 5/23

The trouble with jogging is that, by the time you realize you're not in shape for it, it's too far to walk back.
~Franklin P. Jones

This weeks workouts
Monday: Cardiobar class
Wednesday: 2.0 miles
Friday: 40 jumping jacks, 100 jump ropes, 33 push ups, 60 situps, 20 Abductors, 20 glute raises
Saturday: 6.2 miles, 100 jumping jacks, 100 jump ropes, 34 push ups, 66 situps, 20 glute raises, 20 Hip Abductors
Sunday: Jillian No More Trouble Zones DVD + 60 jumping jacks (the 60 jacks made my bootcamp challenge for the weekend complete)

Total Miles:
week: 8.2 miles
May Miles: 42.6
year: 225.34

The Plan for Next Week

Monday: class
Tuesday: 4 miles
Wednesday: class
Thursday: 7 miles eliptical
Saturday: 8 miles

Great things going on in the blogworld

(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)

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

The Inner Workings of a College Graduate
Julie's Running Blog
Working It Out...
N Her Shoes
2010 Journey in Running
My First 5k Blog
Cooking to Run and Running to Cook
Never Underestimate the Power of a Running Woman..
To Life
Running on my Time
She Runs Like a Girl
Running Off at the Mouth
Girls Just Wanna Go Run
Long Legs on the Loose
Absolut(ly) Fit
It's What Moves Me
Destination:Athlete

Good Stuff Going On

Virtual Runs:

1st Annual Run, Courtney, Run Virtual 10k and 5k benefiting LLS. Entry is $10 for the 10k and $5 for the 5k. June 4-6

Challenges

Karma over at Inperspire has put together a Virtual Boot Camp Challenge, each weekend for four weeks, looking for a great way to challenge yourself stop by and check it out here...

Raffles/Fundraisers

Marcia over at Running off at the Mouth is having a 10 of My Favorite Things raffle (which include products from Golite, RoadID, One More Mile...and more) for the Lupus Foundation so stop by and check it out.

Giveaways!!!

Her Name is Rio & She Runs: RoadID Giftcard 5/27
Run,Zoe, Run!: RxSorbo Insoles Giveaway 6/4
Running Diva Mom: Chill Towel 5/27
Barefoot Angie Bee: CEP Compression Socks 5/27
Run4may: Starbucks 6/4
Rad Runner: Peaceful Mountain Rescue Line Product 5/31
Making of a Runner: Knee Socks, Luna Moons, ITunes Giftcard 5/3

...and right here you can enter to win an Endorphin Warrior Training Tech Hat Ends 5/28

Have a Wonderful Week and Happy Running!!!

Rock Your Socks Virtual 10k DNF Report

Today I decided to attempt to run the Racing With Babes Rock Your Socks Virtual 10k. I was excited and had fun finding the right socks, and even though it turned out to be a DNF I already had the socks so I decided to put together a post anyway...

..and I just really wanted to post these two extremely dorky pictures of myself cause that's how I roll :).

The whole knickers and striped sock combo makes me feel like watchin' Willy Wonka and the Chocolate and the Wizard of Oz

So anyway since I been having some minor issues with my knee I decided to run at the gym on the treadmill and I was good for about 1/2 mile than I started to feel my knees and not in a good way so I made it through 1st mile and decided to stop because I want to be able to make it through my race which is now a mere 15 days away. However since I had spent more time preparing for this run than I did preparing for my senior prom I decided I wasn't leaving after just 1 mile and switched to the elliptical to finish out the other 5.2

So even though I didn't run the whole way I did finish all 6.2 miles.

and I did rock my socks (got a compliment at the gym to prove it.)

I just wanted to add that since my socks were so thin that I wore a pair of Sof Sole Coolmax Lite socks under them and they worked out perfect

Thanks T for putting together and hosting such a fun race. :)

Inperspire Virtual Boot Camp Challenge

Just wanted to do a quick post to let y'all know that Karma from over at Inperspire is starting a Virtual Boot Camp Challenge, I really liked the idea because it will keep me motivated to do something over the weekend which I usually don't workout during unless I have a race. I copied and pasted the details below:

"All this talk lately about 30 day challenges, and the 30 Day Shred, and challenging ourselves a little more each day, made me think, “Why don’t we challenge ourselves a little more over the weekend?” So, I propose a Virtual Boot Camp Challenge for the next four weeks. Here’s how it will work:

Each weekend I will throw down a challenge. It will be something doable, because I know we all have very busy lives and have our own workout routines to complete, but it will also be asking you to challenge yourself a little more. We will start with a small challenge and each week they will get progressively harder.

The Viritual Boot Camp Challenge begins Friday and ends Sunday at midnight. On Monday just let me know whether you were able to complete that week’s challenge.

At the end of the four weeks you will have the great satisfaction that you challenged yourself AND I will send you a badge for you blog/website/your progress calendar. "

This Week’s Challenge

*300 jumping jacks
*300 jump ropes (with or without a rope)
*100 push-ups
*200 sit-ups

Interested in joining in??? head on over to Inperspire

Feature Friday-Endorphin Warrior Review & Giveaway

"At Endorphin Warrior, our aim is to delight and inspire you – the lifetime athlete, runner, walker, endurance athlete or fitness enthusiast – with content and original products that express the joy and value of working out, endurance training and the body in motion. You’re passionate about your training and sport. We’re passionate about creating fun, meaningful and exceptional products that will help you enjoy your training even more…inspire you toward your true potential…and help you express the active lifestyle you love and live."

I had the chance to test drive one Endorphin Warriors Conquer Warrior Training Tech Hat. I choose the Conquer hat because I felt it was appropriate since I am attempting to complete my first 1/2 marathon. Endorphin Warrior also carries tech tees, bracelets and key rings with "positive and powerful messages".

(yes my husband was the camera man for this pic......and no I am not checking out his "package")

I don't have anything bad to say, the hat is great. I love the saying I chose. The fit is great, it has a adjustable Velcro type strap in the back. For me it did everything I needed it to kept the sun out my eyes, the two mesh side panels helped keep my head as cool and dry as could be expected after 6+ miles, and it's comfortable. The only thing I would put in their suggestions box is maybe adding more color choices but as far as performance it definitely gets my seal of approval.

Right now Endorphin Warrior is having a summer sale on their site and all the Tech Training Hats are on sale for $16. To read more about Endorphin Warrior or to shop online you can find them at:
www.endorphinwarrior.com

WIN IT!!!
Thanks to wonderful people at Endorphin Warrior one lucky reader will win a Training Tech Workout Hat of their choice.

Mandatory Entry
~ Visit the Endorphin Warrior website and just let me know which hat you would choose if you win.

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

~Like Endorphin Warrior on Facebook
~Sign up to receive the Endorphin Warrior newsletter
~Become a follower of this blog, or let me know you already are
~Link back to this contest on you blog, facebook or twitter (1 entry for each one you do)

To receive these extra entries, you must do the MANDATORY entry. Please leave your email in your comment if it isn't visible in your profile.

Contest open to U.S and Canada. Ends 05/28/10. Winner will be chosen using random.org and will be announced in my Sunday Weekend Report post and emailed.

I received product from Endorphin Warrior to review, all opinions expressed are my own.

3 Things Thursday??

1. Our new couches are coming today, I am so excited!!! <--- I hope three exclamation points is enough to relay how truly excited i am. I will definitely post pics of me testing them out soon. I may do some before and after pics as long as you all promise not to judge or make fun of me because of what a complete disaster my old couches were.
   
2. Another piece of exciting news for me (in a tad embarrassing cause I am shy so please read it but don't tell me you read it kind of way) is Sarah on of the authors of "Run Like a Mother " who has a blog by the same name gave little ol' me the honor of being the mother featured in her "Follow This Mother" post this week so that put a smile on my face you can check it out here...
3. Lastly, not so exciting I think I may have jumped the gun with my 12 mile run last week, at the time it seemed like a really good idea but I think I did to much because now I am having issues with the outside of me knees hurting when I run. Any stretching/strength exercise or product suggestions???

For Me... Really, I Couldn't...Okay I Accept

Oh blog awards though I have no idea where you originate from I do so love you. The newest award on the block seems to be the Versatile Blogger Award, being the very inquisitive person I am yea I didn't know what versatile meant I decided to look up the definition and here is what Merriam & Webster had to say..

Versatile:
A. Changing or fluctuating readily
B. Embracing a wide variety of subjects, fields or skills

And though the words A.D.D and Bipolar pop into my head when I read the first definition I am sure the wonderful ladies Paige & Genesis, who passed this prestigious award on to me were in no way implying that and even if they were I gladly accept, I love awards.

So let's see I have to list 7 things about myself and pick 15 bloggers to pass this award on to.

First I would love to pass this award on to..

Caitlin - Fit To Be Tied
Chrissy - The New Me
Adam - I Am Boring
Stormee - Just for the Run of it
Megan- Living in Luling
Heidi- One Step at a Time
Sarah- Becoming a Runner
Rio- Her Name is Rio & She Runs
Sarah- Running Wild and Free
Mrs. D-Running Into Healthy Happyness
Sarah- Running to Keep Up with a Toddler
Holly- Run like the Wind (or shuffle like an old lady)
Michelle- Running With Attitude
Courtney- Run, Courtney, Run
Ashley-Adventure of Running Mom

Okay 7 things:

1. Making the above list took sooo long I had to stop after making it to get a snack just to muster up the energy to finish this post.
2. 7 years ago I got bit by a German Shepherd in the leg and still have the scars.
3. Part of me kind of hopes the scars don't fully fade because I think it's kind of cool to say I got bit by a German Shepherd in the leg and still have the scars. :)
4.I like to put ketchup on my eggs and bean burritos
5. My favorite movie is "Lean on Me"
6. My favorite children's book is "Green Eggs and Ham"
7. My favorite song to sing on Rock Band is "Maps" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Almost Wordless Wednesday 5/18

While in Vegas the husband and I made time to go workout together, something we never get to do at home since we normally have to tag team our workouts.

And since my husband isn't that big on running there was know chance of a morning run down the Las Vegas Strip so I opted to let him be my personal trainer for the day and do some weight training

I did manage to get a whopping 1 mile run in before we headed back to the room to eat.

" I be up in the gym just working on my fitness"
~Fergie

Taste Test Tuesday 5/18

Shrimp and Grits

Ingredients
2 cups water
Salt and pepper to taste
6 tbs Quaker Quick Grits
1 tablespoons butter
1/2 shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 slices bacon, chopped
4 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoons dried parsley
1 large clove garlic, minced

Directions
Bring water to a boil. Add salt and pepper. Add grits and cook until water is absorbed, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter and cheese.

Rinse shrimp and pat dry. Fry the bacon in a large skillet until browned; drain well. In grease, add shrimp. Cook until shrimp turn pink. Add lemon juice, chopped bacon, parsley and garlic. Saute for 3 minutes.

Spoon grits into a serving bowl. Add shrimp mixture and mix well. Serve immediately.

Eggs over Garlic Cheddar Grits

Ingredients
Grits:
2 1/2 cups hot cooked grits
3 tablespoons grated cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Eggs:
Cooking spray
4 large eggs, divided
1/2 cup ice cubes, divided
black pepper (optional)
Chopped chives (optional)

Directions
1. To prepare grits, combine grits, cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl; keep warm.
2. To prepare eggs, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Break 2 eggs in pan; cook 1 minute or until whites are set. Add 1/4 cup ice cubes to pan; cover and cook 2 minutes or until eggs are done. Remove from pan. Repeat procedure with remaining 2 eggs and 1/4 cup ice. Serve eggs over grits. Garnish with black pepper and chives, if desired.

New Stuff I Tried This Week:

O.N.E Coconut Water: I tried the mango and pineapple flavors. I really liked the Pineapple flavor and will buy it again but the Mango not so much.











Tasty Giveaways:

Leslie Loves Veggies: Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil 6/2
Leslie Loves Veggies:Dei Fratelli Pasta Sauce & Salsa 6/4
And Her Little Dog Too: Coach's Oats 5/19
An Apple A Day: Amy's Organic 5/21

WeekEnd Round-UP 5/16

It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.
~Rita Rudner

8 yrs. Today
Thanks for all the Happy Anniversary wishes.:)

Me and the husband just got back from our weekend away so I didn't really have much time to put together my weekend report so I will probably be adding race report & giveaway links as I find them until Tuesday, so check back for updated lists.

This weeks workouts
Monday
Run 4.2 miles
Strength 40 Hammer Curls,40 Tricep Extensions,30 pushups,20 lat rows,10 shoulder presses

Tuesday: Jillian No More Trouble Zones DVD

Wednesday: 12.6 miles

Saturday: 1 mile & Weight Training w/the husband

Total Miles:
week: 17.8
May Miles: 34.4
year: 217.14

The Plan for Next Week

Monday: class
Wednesday: 4 miles and/or class
Thursday: 7 miles eliptical
Saturday: 6.2 miles

Great things going on in the blogworld

(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)

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

From Fat to Fab
25 Before 25
Running...
Beginning Running
I am a runner
2010 Journey in Running
[Kitzzy] Lifestyle Change
It's Life, Max It Out
MCM Mama
Two Boos Who Eat
Running Mom
I Have Run
Running: the dawn
eri-thon: From 0 to 26.2 in 30
Run like the Wind (or Shuffle like an Old Lady)
SkinnyRunner
Happiness...One Mile at a Time
Tri and Run Mommy



Good Stuff Going On

Virtual Runs:

1st Annual Run, Courtney, Run Virtual 10k and 5k benefiting LLS. Entry is $10 for the 10k and $5 for the 5k. June 4-6

If you head of to Racing With Babes you can sign up to virtually run the 1st Rock Your Socks 1/2 Marathon/10k Race May 21-23

Katye is hosting a fundraiser "Finish Chelsea's Virtual Run". All proceeds will go towards the Ulman Fund for Young Adults. I love this idea, I hope you will check it out.


Challenges

Amanda from RuntoTheFinish has started a 3 Changes Challenges the short version is that it is a challenge to make 3 changes for/during a 30 Day Period.

Swaps

Melissa over at Melissa's adventures in Living Life is putting together a Blogger Playlist Swap. Share some music, get some music win/win. I am excited because I have been thinking about doing something along these lines, okay to be honest I was just gonna ask you all to feel sorry for me and send me music but this idea seems a little more fair so stop over and sign up.

Giveaways!!!

Running off at the Mouth: Sof Sole & Rock N Roll Giveaway 5/28
2010 Journey in Running: Bondi Bands 5/23
The Skinnyrunner: Zensah Compression Socks 5/17
Running Diva Mom: Run Like a Girl Necklace 5/20

The Winner of the Gym in a Bag Giveaway is....

#98 Suzy from Running on My Time

Have a Wonderful Week and Happy Running!!!

See Ya Next Week.

Just wanted to let everyone know I will be offline this weekend. So I won't be posting a Feature Friday or WeekEnd Round-Up, Sunday is the husbands and mine Anniversary and we have a babysitter for the weekend... nuff said. :)

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Today is the last day to enter the Gym in a Bag Giveaway so if you haven't entered already you still have time.

Almost Wordless Wednesday 5/12

Disclaimer: I know the point of Wordless Wednesday is to post pictures without words but I find it really hard too leave a picture without some sort of explanation, I like to talk what can I say. So I will try to keep the words to a minimum

Today's run I was venturing into uncharted territory of a 12 mile run.
And I surprised myself by sticking it out and finishing 12.6 in 2:32

I was so excited I had to break out in a victory dance

Once inside the house the victory was all but gone..and was replaced with quite a bit of pain

But I picked myself self up prepared some post run hydration (chocolate milk, recovery brew and good ole H2O), iced my knees for about 15 mins., showered, put on my recovery socks and now plan to lounge around for the better part of the day basking in my accomplishment.

Taste Test Tuesday 5/11

Baked Orange Roughy

Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs. orange roughy fillets
1/2 c. slivered almonds
1/4 c. minced parsley
1/4 c. melted butter
2 tsp. lemon or lime juice
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper


Directions
1.Arrange fish fillets, single layer in a shallow baking dish, Sprinkle with almonds and parsley. 2.Combine butter with lemon juice, pour over fish and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3.Cover and bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees, uncovered and bake 10 minutes.

Notes: This recipe was really simple and tasted good the only thing is I don't know any good sides to eat with fish, what is your favorite fish side dish?

Creole Rubbed Tilapia w/ Spicy Cilantro Slaw

Ingredients
* 3 cups cabbage-and-carrot coleslaw mix
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or 1 tbs dried
* 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
* 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped serrano or jalapeno pepper
(I used dried jalapeno ground in my magic bullet)
* Cooking spray
* 4 (6-ounce) Tilapia fillets
* 4 teaspoons Creole Seasoning

Directions
1. Combine first 6 ingredients in a medium bowl; toss well to coat.
2. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle fish evenly with creole seasoning. Add fish to pan; cook 3 minutes on each side or until fish is flaky. Remove from heat; serve fish with slaw.

It tried it two ways and both were really good, but personally I think I prefer in taco form I'm a eat with my hands type of gal.

Tasty Giveaways!!!!

Audrey's Giveaways: Community Coffee 5/28
An Apple A Day: Crunchmaster Crackers 5/14
Leslie Loves Veggies: For Every Season There is a Salad Cookbook 5/18
Leslie Loves Veggies: Cuisinart Griddler Jr. 5/28
Early Morning Run: Peanut Butter & Co. 5/14

Tasty Tip #8
"If you are going to batter fry the fish, always make sure the batter is cold. Cold batter will prevent the fish from absorbing too much oil. Also, make sure the oil is hot. This can be done by dropping in a small piece of bread or batter. It should brown within a minute."

WeekEnd Round- Up 5/9

When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.
~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty

This weeks workouts
Monday: Step Class 60 mins. & 3 miles eliptical
Wednesday: 8.6 miles & weight training class (60 mins)
Sunday: 5 miles elliptical

Total Miles:
week: 16.6
May Miles: 16.6
year: 199.34 (If I would have known I was that close to 200 I would have done an extra mile)

The Plan for Next Week

Monday: Jillian No More Trouble Zones (dvd) and/or 3 miles
Wednesday: 10 miles
Thursday: Kettleworx DVD
Friday: 7 miles eliptical

Great things going on in the blogworld

(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)

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

OBX Running Mama
a boy, a girl and a kitty
My First 5k Blog
Running in Hawaii
The Blue Eyed Runner
Achilles Me
Feet Dominating Pavement
Barefoot Angie Bee
Running Mama
Running With Whit
Running: My Anti-Drug
Our Love on the Run

Good Stuff Going On

Virtual Runs:

If you head of to Racing With Babes you can sign up to virtually run the 1st Rock Your Socks 1/2 Marathon/10k Race May 21-23

Running Diva Mom is Hosting a $1 Virtual Race for Girls on the Run. Only $1 donation is being asked for the entry and though the cause is reason enough to participate their are some good prizes up for grabs. :)

Katye is hosting a fundraiser "Finish Chelsea's Virtual Run". All proceeds will go towards the Ulman Fund for Young Adults. I love this idea, I hope you will check it out.


Challenges

Amanda from RuntoTheFinish has started a 3 Changes Challenges the short version is that it is a challenge to make 3 changes for/during a 30 Day Period.

Swaps

Melissa over at Melissa's adventures in Living Life is putting together a Blogger Playlist Swap. Share some music, get some music win/win. I am excited because I have been thinking about doing something along these lines, okay to be honest I was just gonna ask you all to feel sorry for me and send me music but this idea seems a little more fair so stop over and sign up.

Giveaways!!!

Run Mommy Run! : Recovery Sock 5/9
Running Diva Mom: Darn Tough Vermont Socks 5/9
misszippy1: Running Chicks 5/12
Julie's Running Blog: Very Cool First Giveaway 5/22
Rad Runner: Bradford Tonic 5/14
Run, Courtney, Run: Lift Your Sole 5/14
If I Can't Convince You I Will At Least Confuse You: Road ID 5/10
Tiaras and Tantrums: Aurorae Yoga Mat 5/22
RunToTheFinish: Sweaty Bands & Other Goodies 5/14
Team Giles: Strange Little Duck
Sticky Fingerprints: Assorted GU 5/21
Skinny Runner: GU 5/10
Secrets of a Running Mom: Tanks & Tunes Giveaway 5/30
Barefoot Angie Bee: The Barefoot Running Book 5/19
Midwest Triathlon: GU 5/15


Be sure and check out my Gym in a Bag Giveaway

Hope Everyone had an Amazing Mother's Day

Have a Wonderful Week and Happy Running!!!

Handful Bra Review!!

"The Handful bra has removable pads that contour and conceal. The polyester lining wicks moisture away, while the nylon/spandex (92%/8%) shell dries quickly and allows for smooth layering. Feminine thin straps won't stretch out. The Handful is packaged in a reusable mesh bag for less waste and convenient laundering. Machine washable."

First let me start out this review with two very quick points.

1. I felt that for this review it would be a better selling point to let the girl who was paid to pose in the companies advertisements model the bra, however I do promise that should the day come that I have abs that awesome I will pose in my bra and do a follow up review with pic, don't hold your breathe though :).
2. After this review I will try my hardest to not talk about my boobs or lack there of for at least a month

Okay now that is out of the way I was sent a Handful Bra to review. I have to say I don't use it on my runs ( I don't have any concrete reasons why, just my preference) but I like the bra, I do it has become my favorite gym bra, I wear it to my cardio and weight classes or on my elliptical days. I have said it before but I can use all the help I can get in the chest area so I appreciate the removable pads in the Handful Bra offers, probably more than one should. There are other qualities I also like about the bra, it is very comfortable and easy to get on and off even after a heavy workout which I don't know about anyone else but I know for me removing a sports bra can sometimes be a workout itself. I like the thin strap design it makes the bra look and just feel cuter. It also comes with it's own mesh bag which makes caring and laundering the bra easy.

To read more about the Handful Bra or to order online visit them at www.handfulinc.com. Use code "handfuls4mom2010" through 5/10 and receive 25% off your order

You can find Handful on Facebook here..

I received a Handful Bra to review, the opinions expressed are my own.

GU Performance Energy Sampler Review

"The Performance Energy Sampler is an endurance nutrition starter kit that includes a sampling of each product in the GU Energy lineup. Like a strong team, GU Energy Gel, Roctane, Chomps and GU Brew are each designed to help you achieve your goals and they work best as a system."

I am a fan a BIG fan of GU products. I use them for all my runs and most of my workouts. There newest product their sampler which you can purchase online at www.guenergy.com for $19.99 is proving to be a useful tool in figuring out my 1/2 marathon routine. I already have my favorite products but this sampler gave me an opportunity to try out some gel flavors I haven't tried and test out the Recovery Brew which I was curious about but never got around to picking up.

Now that I am trying to get my long runs up to 10+ miles in preparation for my race June 6th, I am able to really see how I feel over long periods of running and plan better for staying fueled and hydrated thus far I am thinking my race day routine will be a Chomps at the start, and then alternating between chomps and gels every 4 miles and then one last roctane or gel at mile 12. I plan on carrying GU Brew with me on race day and using the hydration stations for water. And post race eating everything the race offers :) and sipping on Recovery Brew throughout the day.

I think the GU Sampler is a great product if you haven't really been introduced to GU Products and you would like to get a nice selection of what GU has to offer or if your already a fan and would like a convenient way to get a full line of products that by my calculations is approx $10 cheaper than if you were to buy all these products separately

I was given a GU Performance Energy Sampler to review, all opinions expressed are my own.