WeekEnd Round-Up

Love all, trust a few. Do wrong to none.
~William Shakespeare

Total Miles:
This week
run/walk/elliptical: 6.8 miles
bike: 4.2 miles
This month:
run/walk/elliptical: 10 miles
bike: 4.2 miles
This year
run/walk/elliptical: 298.74
bike: 4.2

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 will continue to add them in until Tuesday so be sure and check back)

Runner's Rambles
Running With Whit
Tall Mom on the Run
Run this Amazing Day
Healthy Stride
Baby Weight My Fat Ass
Run, Zoe, Run!
Loving Me

It's For A Good Cause (Fundraisers, raffles, etc)

Martina over at I Run for Food... for Others is like many other runners out there is combining her love of running and her compassion for others you can read her story here... and right now over at her blog she is raffling off two pairs of CEP Compression socks so head over and check it out.

Courtney from Run, Courtney, Run is hosting a virtual Race For Change August 13th-15th.

Giveaways

I Can Do This: Starbucks 7/31
I'm A Sleeper Baker: IRun Like A Girl 8/1
Racing With Babes: Nuu Muu 7/29
I Tri To Be Me: Favorite Things 7/30
Life By Melissa: Gone For A Run 7/29
2010 Journey in Running: Inperspire Towel 7/31
Racing Dawn: ITunes Giftcard 8/1
CSN Giveaways: My Life as a Trimommy, I Am Boring, Midwest MultiSport Life,

And of course don't forget to stop by and check out my Sigvaris Compression Sock Giveaway if you haven't already. :)

Have a Wonderful Week and Happy Running!!!

Needles and Rabbits Are Not My Friends

So i am feeling a lot better, so I might actually get off my butt this week. I would like to thank the healing power of words on this one. Went for a follow-up with the doctor who tells me "I still think it's something viral but just to be sure I want you to come back in tomorrow to have blood drawn. The girl who will be taking your blood is in training, hope that's okay" In my head I am freaking out after 4 pregnancies my dislike for needles hasn't lessened one bit (not that I have ever met anyone who gets excited about getting poked with a needle) and the thought of being someone practice, I mean I know that have to learn somehow but umm no thanks. Long story short woke up the next morning and felt fine so I think we will go with the initial diagnosis which means no need for me to shed any blood unnecessarily.

On a sadder topic I am trying my hand at gardening, and no that's not the sad part. I to tell the truth my garden consists of 1 spinach, 2 broccoli and 2 pepper plants. Yesterday morning I open my front door and see a cute little rabbit inside my fence by the time I got my camera it had made it's escape to the outside of the fence

oh the beauty of nature.. so i step out to say hello to my plants only to find the pepper plant I have watched grow from a seedling has been mutilated, I'm talking no respect boundaries,
ravaged, abused, broken and battered

and with a full belly and presumably a good morning laugh at me I managed to catch my #1 suspect fleeing the scene, beauty of nature my a@@, you little sh*t.

Feature Friday Sigvaris Review & Giveaway!!

Since this review is a about a week overdue I will try to keep it short and to the point. I do most of my working out in the late afternoons/ evenings and then depending on the hour will come home and spend another 2-4 hours straightening up (between the hours of 7 am-7 pm my house looks like a tornado resides here) getting the kids fed, bathed, and in bed and by the time I sit down my feet are swollen like I'm 9 months pregnant. Since I have started wearing compression socks I have come to expect and appreciate on top of the help with recovery and pain, the increased circulation which helps prevents swelling I get while wearing them. I recently had the chance to test out a pair of Sigvaris Athletic Recovery Socks . I wore the socks after a variety of workouts for two weeks which meant several washings to which the held up, retaining the shape and fit the only thing is that they they are beginning to lose that soft new sock feel in the cushioned bottom part of the sock (tear), which isn't a deal breaker because as far as compression socks go they are easy to get on and off and comfortable enough to wear all day. They passed all the tests I had for them no calf or shin pain the day after runs or leg workouts (now I just need to get some compression shorts to help out with my hamstrings and quads because it seems those are always sore) and no swollen feet at bedtime. So in my book they deliver and price wise you can find them online for around $30 which in comparison to other compression socks is a pretty good price. I would recommend Sigvaris Athletic Recovery Socks to anyone looking for reasonable priced compression socks that works.

From the Website

The Athletic Recovery sock delivers 15-20mmHg of graduated compression, strongest at the ankle and less as it goes up the leg. By compressing the leg and calf with graduated external pressure, blood flow in the veins is improved, which increases circulation and oxygen to the muscle tissue. This helps to flush out the lactic acids built up in the leg during exercise, relieving tired, aching legs and exercise-induced muscle soreness. Benefits includes:

• Promotes lactic acid flush-out and relieves delayed onset muscle soreness style
• Superior Athletic Sizing Assortment and comfort & fit with 50+ years of graduated compression expertise
• Patented Drirelease® and latex-free yarns with an embedded Freshguard® treatment that virtually eliminates odors
• True Graduated Compression from the global leader of graduated compression socks

WIN IT!!!

Thanks to the amazing people at Sigvaris one lucky reader will be able to own a pair of their Athletic Recovery Compression Socks

To Enter (You must do at least one you but feel free to do all three 1 entry for each, leave a seperate comment for each one you do.)

a.) Like Sigvaris on Facebook


b) Follow Sigvaris on Twitter and copy and past the following tweet:

Enter to win a pair of Sigvaris Compression @SportsSocks http://bit.ly/a4EAkO @erica_h

c) if you don't facebook or twitter you can link back to this contest on your blog

**Also the company asks the winner writes a review on their AthleticRecoverySock.com page so please make sure you are willing to do this before entering.

Please leave your email in your comment if it isn't visible in your profile.

Contest open to U.S residents only. Ends 07/30/10 11 PM (PST). Winner will be chosen using random.org and will be announced in my Sunday Weekend Report post and emailed

WeekEnd Round-Up 7/19

“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.”
~Albert Einstein

This Weeks Workout 7/12-7/18
Monday: weight class
Tuesday: 10x 100 yd. sprints


Total Miles:
This week
run/walk/elliptical: 6.8 miles
bike: 4.2 miles
This month:
run/walk/elliptical: 10 miles
bike: 4.2 miles
This year
run/walk/elliptical: 298.74
bike: 4.2

Weeks Goals 7/19-7/25

I have nothing planned for this next week except a follow-up appointment with the doctor.

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 will continue to add them in until Tuesday so be sure and check back)

[Kitzzy] Lifestyle Change
OBX Running Mamas
Lazy Bones Running
Goals for the Week
Amy's Training Blog
One Run At A Time


Blogs of Note (Something new I am going to try when I come across a new blogger or someone who shared some sort of goal/accomplishment or milestone I will put em here so this past week....

Midwest Multisport Life & Cross Country Squared announced the birth of their newest running partners

Stephanie From Steph's 50 Marathon Challenge ran her first 50 mile Ultra(yep 50 miles, ouch!!) and is already talking about the her future Ultra plans.

Christina over at Momma of 3 On The Run... signed up for her first 1/2 Marathon and is looking for some advice.

It's For A Good Cause (Fundraisers, raffles, etc)

Martina over at I Run for Food... for Others is like many other runners out there is combining her love of running and her compassion for others you can read her story here... and right now over at her blog she is raffling off two pairs of CEP Compression socks so head over and check it out.

Giveaways!!!
Run this amazing day: Ryders Eyewear 7/19
2010 Journey in Running: RoadID 7/24
Running Fool: Monkey Shake 7/21
Running Off at the Mouth: CSN Giftcard 7/28
S Club 4: RoadID 7/30
Rad Runner: ALO Giveaway 7/28
Healthy Stride: WIN Detergent 7/22
My Life as a Trimommy: Nuu Muu Dress 7/23
Endurance Isn't Only Physical: GoLite 7/23
Impossible is Nothing: Road ID 7/25
My Reason To Run: GU 7/25
Tall Mom on the Run: Lift Your Sole 7/23
Running Diva Mom: Blue Steel Sports Anti Chaf Cream 7/22
Making Healthy the Norm: GU Gel 8/01

The Winner of the SPIbelt Giveaway is...

#142 Nichole from yeah I know I run like a girl. try to keep up

Congratulations Nichole email me at erica_haggins@hotmail.com with your shipping information so I can pass it along and get your prize out to you. :)

Have a Wonderful Week and Happy Running!!!

Feeling a little random, which should come as no surprise.

• I decided to take my bike trailer out again with just one child since when school starts that's how rides will normally be and I can honestly it has renewed my hope in the trailer it was a really nice and comfortable ride. After the initial ride with two kids and some slight wind I was ready to cart the thing right back to Costco fully assembled and request a refund.
  
• I have a stomach bug (the flu) well that is what the Dr. told me I am not sure cause it is the mildest flu I have ever had I just walk around all day feeling nausea, kinda of like morning sickness but without the whole pregnancy aspect, so after barely making it through my weight class on Mon. and spending the evening holdin back puke after my workout on Tues. I have decided to take a few days off. I plan on taking my bike out this evening since that doesn't seem to have much effect on my stomach.
• Since summer began I have been crossing my fingers for some rain well yesterday started out like any regular day 102 degrees by 2 pm sunny and clear, then around 6:30 outta nowhere comes clouds, thunder, lightning and rain. It poured for about 45 mins. and then cleared up so today it's 100 degrees hot and humid. Not exactly what I had in mind I guess you really do have to be careful what you ask for? :)

I was just really amazed at how red this map is could they not have used blues or greens to at least give the illiisioun that it is not as hot as I know it is, Hello Phoenix and Las Vegas I don't know how y'all are functioning.

• Today is the last day to enter to win a SPIbelt of your choice. and hopefully by tomorrow I will have a new giveaway up so check back.

I like questions so I figure they should be as random as my thoughts are today, feel free to answer one, all or none.

1. Have you ever broken a bone?? ( I dislocated my right ring finger and pulling it back in place resulted in the smallest frature ever)
2. What blog(s) are on your daily reading list? (I am not asking you to pick favorites I just like blogs and am always open to finding new ones to follow)
3. And lastly what is the best thing about summer running? (C'mon help me take my mind off the heat and appreciate the good in summer workouts)
   

Almost Wordless Wednesday

So this past Saturday while my oldest was sweating it out on the soccer field..

..my other girls and I stayed outta the sun under this bad boy (I should probably feel a tad guilty bout that but...I don't besides she got to sit in my chair during half time see I'm a giver) this my friends is the Sport-Brella

As soon as I saw it at Costco about a month ago I knew I wanted one, and coincidentally every game we went to after seeing it seemed much hotter kind of like the sun was personally mocking me for lack of sun protection but that is no longer the case

WeekEnd Round-Up

“Do not worry if you have built your castles in the air. They are where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.”
~Henry David Thoreau

This Weeks Workout 7/5-7/11
Monday: 3.2 miles (treadmill hill workout)
Tuesday: 3.6 miles (ellipitical)
Saturday: 4.2 mile (bike ride)

Total Miles:
This week
run/walk/elliptical: 6.8 miles
bike: 4.2 miles
This month:
run/walk/elliptical: 10 miles
bike: 4.2 miles
This year
run/walk/elliptical: 298.74
bike: 4.2 miles

Next Weeks Goals 7/12-7/18

• 2 classes
• 15 miles (run/walk/elliptical)
• 7 miles (bike)
  

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 will continue to add them in until Tuesday so be sure and check back)

Discom-BOB-ulated running
misszippy1
Adventures of An Average Athlete
Running with Whit
Secrets of a Running Mom
Tall Mom on the Run
2010 Journey in Running
Brunette on the Run
Rust Belt Runner
Mission to a(nother) Marathon
I'm a Sleeper Baker
Somewhere in the Sun
Balls in the Air

Fundraisers & Raffles

Marcia over at Running off at the Mouth has put together a whole new Power 10+ Giveaway a ton of great prizes and a chance to give to a great cause, win/win in my book. Ends July 31

Giveaways!!!

fANNEtastic Food: Barney Butter 7/13
Racing with Babes: Zensah Compression Socks 7/16
Shut Up and Run!: Scape Sunscreen Giveaway 7/16
Mission to a(nother) Marathon: CEP Compression Socks 7/16
Ramblings of a Wannabe Writer and Runner:Ryders Eyewear 7/14
Midwest Multisport Life: CEP Compression Socks 7/18
My Reason To Run: Nuu Muu Dress 7/16
2010 Journey in Running: Sweaty Bands/GU/Running Chic Tote 7/17
Steve in a Speedo?! Gross!: Element Energy Bars 7/17
My Journey To Fit: Sof Sole 7/15
Skinny Runner: Luna Bar 7/14
Girls Just Wanna Go Run: Fly Jewelry 26.2 necklace 7/19
Mile Posts: Lift Your Sole 7/23

The Winner of the Pressure Positive Giveaway is...

#41 Bobbi from 2010 Journey in Running

There is still time to enter the SPIbelt Giveaway I have going on now if you haven't yet end 7/17.

Have a Wonderful Week and Happy Running!!!

Feature Friday SPIbelt Review and Giveaway!!

I have seen SPIbelts on a few other blogs that have given them really good reviews and so I was interested in seeing for myself, and I was actually really impressed mainly by the expandable pocket on the belt, I am thinking this must be the material Mary Poppins purse was made of I felt like it would stretch to fit everything including the kitchen sink would I want to walk around with a kitchen sink strapped to my waist, probably not.. but my point is that you can comfortably fit all the small personal items that you take or would like to have on you while your running or working out in this "sleek, expandable and secure" belt

I think what made me so enamored with the SPIbelt is the fact that as a mom of four I constantly feel the need to be prepared for every situation and I like to carry stuff and lots of it. On my runs before I would use a combination of an armband to hold my phone, my fuelbelt to carry car key/chapstick/id and at least one GU I would also store an additional GU in the pocket of whatever pants/capris/shorts I wore.

So I put together all the items I would usually like to have with me just to see how they fit.

Carrying my usual (the Costco card was the closest thing on hand and is supposed to represent my id)items hardly even made the pocket stretch which makes me confident that for my next 1/2 marathon i will be able to store travel sanitizer and wet wipes (two items I found out after my 1st half are a necessity) without a problem.

Just to test the limits a little I decided to add my full set of keys and my card holder...

I was able to fit it all in, I won't be wearing the belt with all my keys in it but I just wanted to show how much stretch it has.

On gym days when I am using the treadmill or elliptical I wear the belt conveniently under my shirt and I am able to carry my phone, car key, chapstick and gels

The best feature of the Energy Belt for me is the space along the belt that I can fit up to 6 Chocolate Outrage GU Gels in.I can honestly say that this is the most comfortable and accommodating belt I own and would without giving it a second thought recommend it to anyone looking for a running belt.

To get more information about SPIbelt products or to order online you can find them at: www.spibelt.com You can also check out the SPIbelt blog here...

WIN IT!!!
Thanks to wonderful people at SPIbelt one lucky reader will win a SPIbelt of their choosing.

Mandatory Entry
~ Visit the SPIbelt website and let me know which belt you would choose if you win.

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

~Like SPIbelt on Facebook
~Follow SPIbelt on Twitter
~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) Feel free to copy and paste the following:

"Enter to Win @Spibelt Giveaway over at ericarunning.com http://bit.ly/a8eEEs #giveaways @erica_h

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 07/16/10 11 PM (PST). Winner will be chosen using random.org and will be announced in my Sunday Weekend Report post and emailed.

I received a SPIbelt Energy Belt to facilitate my review, all opinions expressed are my own.

I Give Up

I have started and not finished multiple blog posts I can't seem to finish my train of thought. So I am going to stop giving myself a migraine and move on to plan B read, comment on and enjoy everyone's elses posts :)
Have a Wonderful Weekend

Also you still have couple more days to enter my Pressure Positive Giveaway if you haven't already and by tomorrow night, hopefully I will have a Spibelt Review and Giveaway up and running so stop back by.

Taste Test Tuesday- 4th of July

For the Fourth of July I made two dishes two share...

Red, White and Blue Poke Cake
(found this at the Betty Crocker site here..)

This was a hit it went so fast I couldn't even pull out my camera in time to show you the striped effect the jello had on the inside.

Tortellini Pasta Salad

This is my go to dish I make it for most holidays and potlucks so if you ever feel like inviting me over for a get together you know I'll be good for a pasta salad.
What was on your 4th of July menu???

Tasty Giveaways!!!

And Her Little Dog Too: Solixir 7/8
Leslie Loves Veggies: Lawry's get grilling prize package 7/16

WeekEnd Round-Up 7/4

"If someone says, 'Hey, I ran 100 miles this week. How far did you run?' ignore him! What the hell difference does it make?.... The magic is in the man, not the 100 miles."

~Bill Bowerman

This Weeks Workout 6/28-7/4
Monday: Class
Tuesday: 3.0 miles (elliptical)
Wednesday: Class (Cardiokickboxing 60 mins)
Sunday: 5k Fun Run

Total Miles:
weekly(run, elliptical): 6.2
June miles: 53.8 milesJuly miles: 3.2
year: 291.94

Next Weeks Workouts 7/5-7/11
Monday: class; 3.2 miles
Tuesday: 7 mile elliptical
Wednesday: class; 3.2 miles
Thursday: 5 mile bike
Sunday: 3.2 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 will continue to add them in until Tuesday so be sure and check back)

Feeding My Competitive Soul
Working It Out
Running Diva Mom
Run, Eat, Repeat
barbie runs for fun
Lazy Bones Running
Junk Miles
Running to Keep Up With a Toddler
My Journey to Fit
Running with Whit
Adventures of Badgergirl
Running with Julie
It's What Moves Me


Fundraisers & Raffles

Marcia over at Running off at the Mouth has put together a whole new Power 10+ Giveaway a ton of great prizes and a chance to give to a great cause, win/win in my book.End July 31

Giveaways!!!

Tall Mom on the Run: Life is Sweet Book Giveaway 7/7
Age Groups Rock: Bondi Band 7/14
Girls Just Wanna Go Run: Lift Your Sole 7/6
Happy Runner Reviews & Giveaways: Athletica Gift Card 7/6
misszippy1: RoadID 7/7
Steve in Speedo?!: Sugio Moxie Skirt 7/5
DC Rainmaker: Garmin Forerunner 110 7/7
Shut Up and Run!: Subway Giftcard 7/8
Healthy Stride: Road ID 7/8
Running Diva Mom: Chrissy Knee Socks 7/8

Companies with Summer Promotions going on...

Golite is having a Golite Up Your Day Giveaway (93 days, 93 chances to bag free gear) all you have to do is visit there site input 3 pieces of information (email, bday, and zip code) and your entered to win simple as that and if you follow on facebook they announce the winners daily.

RoadID has a July Giveaway going on now, with the grand prize worth over 11,000.

Dailymile is giving away over 100 prizes this month all you have to do is log your miles check it out here..

Skirt Sports is doing a Skirts Sports and SOLE Sweepstakes you can enter until July 15th.

Have a Wonderful Week and Happy Running!!!

Feature Friday Pressure Positive Review and Giveaway!!

The knee pain I was experiencing before my 1/2 Marathon last month had me seeking out every exercise, stretch and product that would help to alleviate the pain. So when I can across The Pressure Positive Company I contacted them quick, fast and in a hurry to try out their Tiger Tail Rolling Massager.

"The Tiger Tail reinvigorates tired muscles and prepares them for exercise. Great for the neck, shoulders, arms, upper/lower back, glutes, IT band, thighs, hamstrings, quads, calves and feet! Recommended and used by professional athletes, sports trainers, massage & physical therapists, chiropractors and doctors"

They not only sent me the Tiger Tail but a nice array of some of their other popular massage products. I received a Back Knobber, Jackknobber, Index Knobber and the two products that are up for grabs in today's giveaway the Orbit Massager and Palmassager. What bad can I say about products that would give me an excuse to request multiple back massages from my husband for testing purposes of course, the Index Knobber was my favorite and the best thing since slice bread the day after a my arms and shoulders weight class.

I have used the Tiger Tail for the last couple weeks after most every workout I did skip using it for a few workouts to see if I could feel a difference the next day and I have to say my legs felt a lot better after using it, I liked that I had control over how much pressure was applied. I wish I would have had this when I ran my 1/2 marathon it would have easily fit in my bag and would have come in handy for rolling out my hamstrings and calves after my run before my 4 hr. ride home.

To learn more about The Pressure Positive Company and their products or to order online check them out at www.pressurepositive.com
you can also check out the Pressure Positive Blog here...

WIN IT!!!

Thanks to wonderful people at Pressure Positive one lucky reader will have the opportunity to win a the Palmassager and Orbit massager (click the links for better picks of what is up for grabs.)

To Enter: (Please Leave a separate comment for each one you do)

~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)
~Share your post workout routine

Please leave your email in your comment if it isn't visible in your profile.

Contest open to U.S Ends 7/10/10 (11 p.m PST) Winner will be chosen using random.org and will be announced in my Sunday Weekend Report post and emailed.

Recipes

Main Dishes
Deep Dish Apple Pancake
Turkey and Spinach Stir-Fry
Turkey Burgers
Fish Fingers
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Creole Shrimp
Mexican Chicken Salad
Turkey Chili
Vinegar Chicken
Sweet & Sour Shrimp
Honey Chicken Wings
Grilled Salmon
Shrimp & Grits
Eggs over Garlic Cheddar Grits
Baked Orange Roughy
Creole Rubbed Tilapia w/Spicy Cilantro Slaw
Stacked Burrito Pie

Beverages
Berry Iced Tea
Strawberry Melon Smoothie

Sides
Jicama Slaw
Garlic & Spinach Mash Potatoes
Chunky Guacamole
Pasta Toss
Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad
Tortellini Pasta Salad

Desserts/Sweets
Dark Chocolate Almond Cherry Clusters
Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Orange Chocolate Macaroons
Berry Citrus Muffins
Blueberry Crumb Cake
Easy Peach Cobbler

3 Things Thursday

• Now that the girls or on summer break I am really enjoying sleeping in until 8 am but living in the desert by 9 am it is already 90 degrees outside and doesn't cool down until about 7:30 pm so I have been doing almost all gym workouts and getting very few runs in (I just can't stay on the treadmill any longer that 3 miles these days), so I am going to try and get my booty outta bed early one day a week to run outdoors, all you early morning runners how do you prepare and/or motivate yourself to roll outta bed??

• The heat is also screwing with my appetite. I have been wanting to eat or cook during the day which is good for my waist line since I am eating a lot more fruits and veggies (only thing that sounds appetizing during the day) but not good for my family who's appetites have not wane or my Taste Test Tuesday post which may be on hiatus until the fall. So I am on the lookout for a good crockpot cookbook, any suggestions??

• Though I am getting workouts in about 4 times a week since I am not running (refer to #1) I feel bad at the end of the week like I didn't do enough I think I am having running separation anxiety. As a little pick me up I am running a 5k on the 4th (hopefully) I have read that the 4th of July is the biggest racing day of the year..are you racing this weekend???