Weekly Round-Up

Great things going on in the Blogworld

Challenges, Virtual Runs & Bloggy Swaps

If you head over to Shut Up & Run you can can sign up for the "Running for Sherry" Virtual Race.


Julie over at ROJ Running is hosting a blogger gift & card Valentine's Exchange.
Zaneta over at Runner's Luck is hosting a Valentine's Day Card Swap. I love a good bloggy swap so I'm in how about you???
Erica over at Life as a Running Mom is hosting a Leap Year Virtual Run it only happens once every 4 years so you don't wanna miss out. :)

The Detroit Runner is hosting the 2nd Annual " I Just Felt Like Running" Virtual Race
If you stop by Moms RUN This Town you can join their 2012 Challenge for Change. Each month they will have a different list of Fitness & Healthy Eating Challenges.


Whitney over at Live Run Love Yoga is running the Boston Marathon in April and you can help her raise money for her Team in Training team and as an added bonus be entered to win some great prizes.


Giveaways


The Studly Runner: Lucy 2/1
Tara Burner: Running Divas 2/3
I'm a Sleeper Baker: Bob Harper Kettlebell Workout 2/1
Running Diva Mom: Think Happy Stuff 2/2
Juice Boxes and Crayolas: Banjee Wrist Wallet 2/1
MissZippy: Viewsport 2/1
Cleveland's a Plum: Great Prize Pack 2/1
Running With The Girls: Handful Bra 2/??
Life as a Running Mom: Pampered Runner Giveaway 2/28
My Dirt Road Anthem: Handful 2/??
Chicago Runner Girl: Accessory Giveaway 2/6
Baby Weight My Fat Ass: Zipfizz 2/
Run to the Finish: Subway 2/3
The Happy Runner: Subway 2/2
Run On!: Chobani 2/5
Detriot Runner: Nuun 2/11

Happy Running and Have a Great Week!!!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

My 9yr. old was not having a good day today ( I believe her best friend got upset with her because she wanted to play with another little girl at recess, and apparently for a 9yr. old it's a very big deal) Anyway so my other girls decided to make her this picture...

they put things they loved about her and stuff she likes (which explains the taco) to try and cheer her up. Even though they fight like crazy every now and then the come together to love on one another. :)

Never Ever Have I...

..running edition

Though I have never played the above stated drinking game *wink, wink* I thought it would be interesting to do a post with similar but modified rules

I will state 5 running related thing that I have never ever done.. if you feel like playing along you can leave a comment letting me know which ones if any you have done (If your stickler for the rules feel free to take a shot for each, alcohol or electrolyte drink of your choosing )

And leave a "never ever have I.." statement of your own, which I will put in a post next week (make em good cause I am always looking for an excuse to make and take chocolate cake shots).

Okay so here goes...

1. Never ever have I done a marathon (oh yea a lot of u are drinking on that one)
2. Never ever have I peed or pooped anywhere other than a restroom during a run or race
3. Never ever have I puked after a race
4. Never ever have I lost or blackened a toenail as a result of running (but I am sure it will be a proud day when I do)
5. Never ever have I run in the snow


So there it is and I realize this list may be a little biased due to the fact that currently I'm just not that hardcore.

Weekly Round-Up

I spend way to much time on Pinterest


Great things going on in the Blogworld

(If you posted a race report, have a giveaway and would like it linked let me please let me know)

Race Reports

I'd Rather Be Eating
Mom to Marathon
Zero to 26.2
Running Diva Mom
Running: My Anti-Drug
50 Marathons in 50 States
(Just) Trying is for Little Girls



Challenges, Virtual Runs & Bloggy Swaps

Julie over at ROJ Running is hosting a blogger gift & card Valentine's Exchange.
Zaneta over at Runner's Luck is hosting a Valentine's Day Card Swap. I love a good bloggy swap so I'm in how about you???
Erica over at Life as a Running Mom is hosting a Leap Year Virtual Run it only happens once every 4 years so you don't wanna miss out. :)

The Detroit Runner is hosting the 2nd Annual " I Just Felt Like Running" Virtual Race
If you stop by Moms RUN This Town you can join their 2012 Challenge for Change. Each month they will have a different list of Fitness & Healthy Eating Challenges.


Whitney over at Live Run Love Yoga is running the Boston Marathon in April and you can help her raise money for her Team in Training team and as an added bonus be entered to win some great prizes.


Giveaways

Running on Stilts: Chapelhil Bracelet 1/27
In Sweetness and in Health: Handful 1/26
Keep on Keeping On: Endorphin Warrior 1/31

The Winners of the Buy Pepper Spray Now Giveaway are.....

#10 Jen check her out at Running With The Girls
#42 Zaneta find her at Runner's Luck
#45 Sara from over at Words to Run By

Congratulations ladies please email me at ericarunning@hotmail.com with your shipping information and product choice.

Happy Running and Have a Great Week!!!

Still Going Strong

So far so good I think starting over with the 5k plan was a good idea it is really easy to fit in a 30 min. run 3x a week and I the runs are comfortable and I always feel good afterward. My weeks are a little off though so tomorrow I will finish up week three and Tuesday start on week 4. Most of my mornings have been spent outside so no Zumba this week, but lots of Vitamin D.



This Week I am going to challenge myself to:

1. do the Lean Arms Pyramid every day this week.

Thanks to Courtney I found this on Pinterest

2. Drink no soda, I was going to say no soda or coffee but that's just crazy talk

Weekly Round-Up

Great things going on in the Blogworld

(If you posted a race report, have a giveaway and would like it linked let me please let me know)

Race Reports

Running to Be Skinny
50 Marathons in 50 States
Canadian Runner in Exile
The Boring Runner
Slow is the New Fast
Run to the Finish
How I complicated my life today
Slow is the New Fast
Quadrathon
Gotta Run Now


Challenges, Virtual Runs & Bloggy Swaps

Julie over at ROJ Running is hosting a blogger gift & card Valentine's Exchange.
Zaneta over at Runner's Luck is hosting a Valentine's Day Card Swap. I love a good bloggy swap so I'm in how about you???
Erica over at Life as a Running Mom is hosting a Leap Year Virtual Run it only happens once every 4 years so you don't wanna miss out. :)
If you stop by Moms RUN This Town you can join their 2012 Challenge for Change. Each month they will have a different list of Fitness & Healthy Eating Challenges.

(Just) Trying is for Little Girls is hosting a "New to You" Cross Training Challenge.So if your looking for a challenge in 2012 stop by and check it out.

Whitney over at Live Run Love Yoga is running the Boston Marathon in April and you can help her raise money for her Team in Training team and as an added bonus be entered to win some great prizes.


Giveaways

Running With the Girl: Wrightsock 1/19

Rust Belt Runner: Lucy Activewear 1/25

Detroit Runner: Allied Medal 1/24

I Run Because...I Can: Buy Pepper Spray Today 1/20

Happy Running and Have a Great Week!!!

Feature Friday- Wrist Saver Pepper Spray Review & Giveaway

You may or may not know this about me..but I have a slightly highly irrational fear of stray dogs and it is for this reason that when I do leave my treadmill and venture outside for a run 9 times out of 10 I run with pepper spray. For the last couple of years I have used my hot walkers which look conveniently like small hand weights and where perfect for my solo runs but not so perfect when I had to do stroller runs, so I was happy when Joseph from Buy Pepper Spray Today contacted me about reviewing a couple of their products, what can I say some women like heels I like non-lethal defense sprays.










Seriously though, thankfully I have never (knock on wood) had to use my spray I breathe little easier having it with me on my runs. Out of the three products I was able to review (The Wrist Saver,The Pepper Spray Jogger and their Muzzle Dog Mace) the Wrist Saver was my favorite and will become one of my long run companions during my upcoming 1/2 Marathon training, it is compact and fits comfortably on my wrist.My husband has started carrying the Muzzle Spray with him when he walks the dog because in the past he has had a couple of run ins with loose dogs. Carrying pepper spray is like wearing my Road ID or reflective gear while running in dark, a precaution...one you hope never becomes necessary to need but you just never know what could happen, and I don't believe you can ever be to cautious.

From the Company Website

"We try our best to create pepper spray for every situation manageable. If you are a person that likes to stay active then I am sure you have seen your share of dangerous incidents. According to the FBI, there is one aggravated assault every 37.8 seconds. Also, there is one forcible rape every 5.9 minutes. If there is an assailant that decides to do either, you are a main target because you are outdoors and helpless. Sure, you can try to outrun them, but I am sure they have planned it out. Even if it is not a person, it could be an aggressive pit-bull. All the time I see an elderly couple walking their small dog and I think, what if a giant dog starts running after their dog? You can pick your dog up but YOU are still defenseless."

A little about our products listed below...

Cycle Saver - It is a normal 1/2 ounce canister, but the reason that it is so special is because it comes with a bicycle attachment. Once it is attached, you will have easy access to your spray when you need it immediately.

Wrist Saver - 1/2 ounce canister, great for walking, hiking, or even working around the house. Comes with an I.D. Card to write down your personal information and has a built in LED Light.

Dog Mace - One of our more popular products. Great product to use against dogs because it is lower in OC meaning you won't cause that much damage to the dog, but enough to get away safely.

Pepper Spray Jogger - Built in a way you can get this spray and use it with ease. Manufactured by the popular Mace brand.

Hot Walkers - Used mainly for walking; built in weights and pepper spray so that you can exercise and protect yourself at the same time. You can also keep your jewelry in one of the canisters.

And with that I am happy to announce that 3 lucky readers will be able to win a pepper spray product of their own.

Win It!!!!
Thanks to the wonderful people over at Buy Pepper Spray Today 3 lucky readers will be able to win a Walking, Jogging, Running or Bicycle Spray of their choice

To Enter (mandatory entry):

~Visit the Buy Pepper Spray Today site here... and let me know which Walking, Jogging, Running or Bicycle Spray products you would choose if you won.

Extra Entries:

~Be a follower of this blog
~Tell me how you stay safe on your runs?
~Link back on your blog or share on your facebook (1 entry for each)


Please Leave a separate comment for each entry. Contest Ends Jan. 21st 12pm (PST). This Contest is open to U.S residents only, residents of MI, NY and MA can enter but will have to choose the Muzzle Dog Mace due to pepper spray state laws. Winners will be announced in a post and notified by email.



*I received products from the company to facilitate this review, all opinions expressed are my own.

Weekly Round-Up 1/11

Great things going on in the Blogworld

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

Race Reports

Westford Mommy


Challenges

If you stop by Moms RUN This Town you can join their 2012 Challenge for Change. Each month they will have a different list of Fitness & Healthy Eating Challenges.

(Just) Trying is for Little Girls is hosting a "New to You" Cross Training Challenge.So if your looking for a challenge in 2012 stop by and check it out.

Whitney over at Live Run Love Yoga is running the Boston Marathon in April and you can help her raise money for her Team in Training team and as an added bonus be entered to win some great prizes.


Giveaways

The Studly Runner: Aspaeris Pivot Shorts 1/11
The Hungry Runner Girl: Sunglasses Shop 1/??
Sweat Junkie: Zipfizz 1/14
Cows and Lasers and Everything...: Click 1/17
Third Time's A Charm: Zone Perfect 1/21
Goodlife Style: New Balance Shoe and Headphones 1/24
Running With Spatulas: Handful Bra 1/13
30 Something Mother Runner: Road ID 1/13
Ashley Running: GoSport ID $25 Giftcard 1/13
Endorphin Mom: Light a Fire Under Your Butt Giveaway & Raffle 1/31
Lindsay's List: RoadID 1/12

Happy Running and Have a Great Week!!!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

I would like to thank everyone who commented on my "acceptance" post . I appreciate all your kind, supportive words so much so I printed them out and put them on my treadmill. So thanks for the inspiration, it was much needed.

Last Weeks workouts

Monday Gardening: I spent the better part of the morning in the garden and the reason why I am including it in my workouts is because it required me to lift and carry 7 50lb bags of sand, 4 bags of rocks and 20 bricks from the truck to the backyard to put together a sand box area for kids that started like this...
to turn it in to this...
45 mins. of Zumba on Tuesday and Thursday

Kayla decided to give me a couple of tips and show me how to Zumba And three runs well run/walks according to my 5k training app. on Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday.
Week 2 here we go.

I Have Finally Moved onto Acceptance....

...with my running ability or lack there of I have moved through the five stages of grief and finally moved fully into acceptance.

I started running (or back running since I did run in high school and a little in college) approx. 2 1/2 years ago and I was very excited about finding something that would keep me active and made me happy I signed up for a few 5ks, started a blog and made plans to run my first 1/2 marathon. I believe mainly out of fear (of not finishing or dying whichever came first) I trained very diligently for my first half and was proud when I finished. Fast forward a year later I have just finished my second and all those happy feelings I felt with the first are no longer there in the months prior to my run I was in complete and total

Stage 1. Denial I figured I had already done a 1/2 how much harder could it be do another on, my training for this one was a lot more relaxed I told myself even though I wasn't up to as many miles as I was the first one I could still do it and in my head I even told myself I could beat my current time and PR (like i said denial), needless to say no PR i did finish but I practically had to drag myself across the finish line... it was all bad. So after half marathon #2 I moved quickly from Denial to..

Stage 2. Anger with myself for not working as hard as I should have or could have. In the next few months following I moved through..

Stage 3. Bargaining with myself quite a bit of "if I did this workout than i could miss this workout or eat this junk" and around the holidays I moved in to..

Stage 4. Depression well more of a "slump" when it came to running and working out I had a lot of days where I was having a lot of what's the point?/do I really want?/Does is really matter if I workout today?/I can just do it tomorrow (and of course tomorrow never comes) conversations with myself which ended in me gaining weight and working out very little. I just couldn't get out of my own way and see the bigger picture and lost focus of the reasons behind why I had originally started running. Which were to be healthy, active,to feel better about myself and of course to practice what I preach and be an example to my daughters.
Now here we are, about a week ago I had a very real and truthful internal conversation which summed went pretty much like this:

Dear Erica I love you but you have gotten lazy, you have not been consistent with any type of working out for awhile, you would feel so much better and happier if you got your self back on track, and while it's true something is better than nothing it is going to take more that just "something" to get you to where you want be (which right now is a PR in my third 1/2 marathon in June and to drop a couple, alright a few, okay 20 lbs.) you are capable of doing it you just have to decide how much you want it

and with that in 2012 I have shook myself into the realization that some things have gotta change and made my way to..

Stage 5. Acceptance of where I am today. So, now I am in week one of 5k training plan which is 3 runs a week, I figure I have to start somewhere why not start at the beginning and to supplement the fact that I am not running that many miles I plan on doing some kind of cardio 3 times a week, this week it was Zumba.

So I don't know where I will be progress wise a month now but my hopes are i will be well on my way to a firm foundation for starting a 1/2 marathon training plan in April and consistently taking time out take care of myself by working out, hopefully what they saying is true and the third time's the charm.

I Woke Up and It was A New Year, Ready or Not...

Hope everyone had a fabulous New's Year Eve/Day. New Year's Eve is one of the days that I truly appreciate the time difference between West Coast and East Coast it has been some years since I have actually rung in a New Years in California on actual west coast time it has become our tradition to watch the ball drop in New York at 9 pm and ring in then after that me and anyone under 13 are in bed. My oldest daughter usually has friends over and they stay until God know when (oh to be young). Now on to 2012 Goals/Resolutions

I am a believe in the power of writing down your goals, I make the girls do it at the beginning of every school year it's kind of neat to look back on. And though I write out alot of goals, accomplish a few and miss the mark on some of them it is good for me to know what I am working towards so here where my goals last year

So here we go again my 2011 Goals...

Running/Exercise/Workout Goals: Honestly not a lot of actual races this year so the only 1 I half achieved was running 1 half marathon.

~Run a 5k in under 30minutes
~Run my first 10k:
~Run at least 2 RnR 1/2 Marathons
~Run a 5k in under 25 mins.

Nutrition/Eating Habits: This I did do I have added a lot to my garden and even built the kids their own raised beds to plant in . :)

~Expand vegetable garden to include more veggies and get the kids more involved in planting and maintaining the garden.

Personal Growth: The girls schools schedules didn't work out how I had planned but I did volunteer when I could.

~Volunteer in some capacity either at one of the girls schools, after school program or something

Some Fun Stuff: We took to vacations 1 to San Diego and 1 to Las Vegas. No food festivals though, ;(

~Go to at least 1 food festival in California
~Take a 4 to 7 day vacation with my family

Now on to this years goals (I haven't actually given it much thought so I will add to the list over the first couple months of the New Year)

Running/Exercise/Workout Goals

~Run my first official 10k
~Run the San Diego RnR 1/2 Marathon in a better time than I did my first time.

Nutrition/Eating Habits

~Utilize my Vitamix for at least 1 fruit/vegetable juice daily.

Personal/Family

~At least 2 date nights a month (this is a big step up because we are lucky to go on one date every few months)
~ Start planning/saving for a vacation to Florida to visit my in-laws