Category: Giveaway

Running again and a giveaway

I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap.

Hoping everyone had a good week!

Hello!  I have been neglecting this blog for too long.  Thanks to Wendy’s post on Tuesday, I was motivated to start writing again. Lately I have not had anything interesting to write.  I haven’t been running much like I usually do.  Well, that is about to change.  My knee feels much better! I ran the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K on Sunday and managed to finish it under an hour.  My goal was to enjoy the race and finish it (my longest run had been only 3 miles) but secretly I was hoping to finish it in less than an hour and I did it!

I’ve been running again using the Hansons Marathon Method (Beginner’s Plan).  I stayed up late one day going over the book again and decided to start off with the 5:00 marathon finish time.  I updated my spreadsheet with the dates, runs, and paces.  I also did one for 4:45, 4:30, 4:15, 4:00, 3:50, 3:45, and 3:40 (I had coffee late in the evening and could not sleep and all I had to change were the various speeds/paces).

For now (until November) I need a 3:45 to BQ.  Next year I need a 3:55 finish time.  Do I know when I will BQ?  No. But I would like for it to happen in a few years.  I also added my runs and paces to the calendar feature in Garmin Connect.  For now I’ve been doing easy runs with paces between 12:57-13:57 and I am liking it.  My first speed workout isn’t till May 2nd (12×400) so I have plenty of time to build my endurance and then maybe I’ll leave it at 5:00 or change it to 4:45.  We’ll see.

I have two new and beautiful pairs of running shoes from Brooks – the Launch 4 and some new Oiselle capris.  I like the capris but love it when I can wear shorts (which I did today).

I also purchased a cute Oiselle tshirt for inspiration.

During last year’s marathon training, I did not take care of myself like I was supposed to.  I hardly stretched and did not foam rolled on a regular basis.  I learned my lesson.  I will not make that mistake again.  Eating wise I am doing much better.  I rarely ate fruits and vegetables. Now I eat fruit every single day and make a shake with spinach.  I also have been enjoying eating tofu, quinoa, and recently made cauliflower fried rice.  Slowly making progress.

Work is going well.  Next week is Spring Break and I am excited about it.  After that I have about 7 weeks to go till summer break.  In July I will be going to Alaska on The Great Alaskan Running Cruise.  Just the other day I booked a glacier tour in Juneau and a kayak adventure.  Should be fun!!

Now let’s talk about the giveaway.  The winner will receive a NUUN container (I have various flavors), a Momentum Wrap, a pair of Lock Laces, and Headsweats Visor.

To enter, click on the image below where you will be directed to Gleam and enter several different ways such as leaving a blog post comment, following me on Instagram, commenting on any of my Instagram posts, or tweeting about the giveaway.

This giveaway will run for seven days (until April 16th at 11:59 pm).  The winner will be selected on the eighth day.   The giveaway is open to US residents only.  The winner will be contacted via the email address associated with their Gleam account and will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  All entries are verified, so please be sure to complete them or a new, random winner will be selected.

Best luck to everyone that enters!

 

No running and a giveaway

Disclaimer: None of these items are sponsored by the companies but are items I purchased with my own money.

It’s been over 4 weeks since my injury.  My calf is better.  I can walk and go up and down the stairs feeling no pain.  I ran 3 miles on Sunday using a run/walk method thanks to the advice of my friend, Marcia.  I felt good but did feel some pain on the inside of my left knee.  The pain stopped when I began to walk and I did not feel any more pain the rest of the run.  

I felt confident enough to seek Marcia’s help and have her work on a plan to get me to Rock ‘n’ Roll DC in March – which is 4 weeks away.  I will admit that when I began training for this race, my goal was to run a sub 2 or at least get a PR.  Things do not go the way we want them to and I had to change my goal.  I changed it to simply finishing the race.  I love DC and was looking forward to run with friends and also meet new ones (Courtney and Elizabeth).

Marcia had me run 3 miles yesterday and to take walking breaks as needed.  I did a few errands after work and then got home to change and set out for my run.  Ugh, I only managed 1 mile.  I felt the same pain in the same leg.  Not good.  I stopped running and walked back home. I have two new and cute Brooks shoes and I was ready to hang them up for good.  Marcia believes in me more than I do.  She is not letting me give up and advised me to try pool running to get me ready for my half marathon next month.

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Below is a video that explains pool running.

That is what I will be doing until race day while I rest my calf and knee.  Am I upset?  Well, maybe a little.  I am frustrated.  I do get jealous when I see people’s running pictures on Facebook and Instagram.  OK so maybe I am not all that upset because I do have a giveaway that includes some of my favorite items I use during a run.  The winner will receive a NUUN container (I have various flavors), a Momentum SPARKlet, a pair of Lock Laces, Headsweats Visor, Honey Stinger Organic Chews, and Honey Stinger Strawberry Waffle. 

To enter, click on the image below where you will be directed to Gleam and enter several different ways such as leaving a blog post comment, following me on Instagram, commenting on any of my Instagram posts, or tweeting about the giveaway.

norunninggiveaway

This giveaway will run for seven days (until February 15th at 11:59 pm).  The winner will be selected on the eighth day.   The giveaway is open to US residents only.  The winner will be contacted via the email address associated with their Gleam account and will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  All entries are verified, so please be sure to complete them or a new, random winner will be selected.

Best luck to everyone that enters!

Birthday Month Giveaway

Disclaimer:  None of these items are sponsored by the companies but are items I purchased with my own money.

Hello November!  I love this month!  It is my birthday month.  Do I need more reasons?  And because of it being my birthday month, I have a cool giveaway for you!  

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So what is included in this AWESOME giveaway?  The winner will receive a NUUN container (I have various flavors), a Momentum SPARKlet, a pair of Lock Laces, Headsweats Visor, Honey Stinger Organic Chews, and Honey Stinger Strawberry Waffle. 

To enter, click on the image below where you will be directed to Gleam and enter several different ways such as leaving a blog post comment, following me on Instagram, commenting on any of my Instagram posts, or tweeting about the giveaway.

birthdaymonthgiveaway2

This giveaway will run for seven days (until November 7th at 11:59 pm).  The winner will be selected on the eighth day.  The giveaway is open to US residents only.  The winner will be contacted via the email address associated with their Gleam account and will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  All entries are verified, so please be sure to complete them or a new, random winner will be selected.

Best of luck to everyone who enters! 

I am linking up with Erica and Smitha for this giveaway!

WednesdayGiveaway

My Marathon Training Must-Haves and a Giveaway

Now that I am halfway through my Chicago Marathon training, there are a few items that I reach for help me power through each run.

Brooks PureFlow 4 and Brooks Launch 3

I love Brooks shoes.  I’ve also worn Asics, Newtons, and Mizuno but always come back to Brooks.  I’ve run in Pure Connect (discontinued), Ghost, and Glycerin but now alternate between PureFlow and Launch.  They don’t feel heavy and are very comfortable.  

SmartWool and ProCompression Socks

The right socks are important.  Definitely no cotton socks.  I usually wear compression socks on runs longer than 6 miles.  I love the different colors and my legs/calves feel great during and after each run. I also wear SmartWool (ultra light or light elite) and even though my feet have been completely wet after a few sweaty runs, I’ve had NO blisters which in my book is definitely a winner.

Oiselle Long Roga Shorts and Tops

I love running in shorts!  I wear them as long as I can before it gets too cold.  These shorts are long enough and for the most part do not ride up.  I’ve had them ride up only when I’ve worn a Sparkly Athletic skirt (weird).  I have a few pairs and love wearing them with a Oiselle top.

I have more pairs than shown in the picture.

OiselleLongRogaShorts

It wasn’t until a few months ago that I began running in a tank top.  I’ve always worn a short sleeve shirt.  But now I LOVE and do each run in a Oiselle top.  They fit well and no chafing.

Body Glide

You definitely need to stock up on this item.  I apply this between my thighs, under my arms, and in the back of my running bra.  I did chafe big time between my thighs at the 2015 Chicago Marathon that it hurt to walk.  That was the only time I’ve chafed in that area.  It must have been the shorts with the combination of the sweat (I did not reapply at all) that caused it.  You bet I will make sure to reapply at this year’s marathon.  

Victoria Secret The Player Sports Bra

I am not well endowed in the chest area but it is comfortable when my boobs are bouncing around during my runs.  My favorite VS bra is the open back version.  Unfortunately it has been discontinued which makes me sad.  I love this bra because it provides the right amount of support.  I have 6 pairs and have worn them for over a year and they’re beginning to smell bad.  I know I need to replace them but have not found something equivalent.  I’ve also worn bras by Champions 9 (not enough support) and Moving Comfort (ALWAYS chafe in the same area).  

Source: Amazon
Source: Amazon

NUUN Tablets

I add these tablets to my water bottle and drink this all day and at every run.  I am not a big fan of the Nuun Energy; so I am stocking up on the previous version.  

Garmin 225 Watch and Fitletic 16oz Hydration Belt

I use my watch mostly to get the basic information (lap pace, average pace, mile splits, and distance). It comes in handy during my weekly runs as a pacer because I am responsible (with another pacer) to make sure we meet that 11:00 minute pace.  I like that it syncs with my Nike +Running App.  I know I could get more usage out of it (like heart rate) but for now it works just fine for me.

I wear my belt low on my hips and I swear it does not bounce, chafe, or ride up.  It has two 8 oz bottles and a pouch which fits my iPhone 6.

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Headsweats Hat/Visor

Thanks to Marcia’s code (TEAMARCIA for 25% OFF) I ordered two visors and hat.  I love that they’re light, comfortable, so many options to choose from, and keeps the sweat off my face.  Plus, it washes really easy.  I add it to my weekly load of running clothes and air dry it along with the rest of my clothes.

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I have an extra visor and you have a chance to win it!  To enter, click on the image below where you will be directed to Gleam and enter several different ways such as leaving a blog post comment, commenting on any of my Instagram posts, or tweeting about the giveaway.  I will also include a tube of Nuun (I have various flavors you can choose from).

Headsweats Marathon Giveaway

This giveaway will run until September 6 at 11:59 pm).  The winner will be selected on September 7th. The giveaway is open to US residents only.  The winner will be contacted via the email address associated with their Gleam account and will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  All entries are verified, so please be sure to complete them or a new, random winner will be selected.

Best of luck to everyone who enters! 

What are your running must haves?  Anything else I can add to my list?

I am linking up with Erica and Smitha for this giveaway!

WednesdayGiveaway

Summer Training Giveaway

Disclaimer:  None of these items are sponsored by the companies but are items I purchased with my own money.

Summer training is finally here!  I am training for the Chicago Marathon and so far it is going OK.  This will be my 5th Chicago Marathon.  You can read more about why I am running the marathon HERE.

I have a cool giveaway for you!  Lola is very supportive with my training and wants to make sure I have do well and have fun.  She also makes sure I rest and nap when it is necessary.

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So what is included in this AWESOME giveaway?  There will be two winners,  each receiving a NUUN container (I have various flavors), a Momentum Motivate Wrap and a Momentum Foot Notes.  

To enter, click on the image below where you will be directed to Gleam and enter several different ways such as leaving a blog post comment, following me on Instagram, commenting on any of my Instagram posts, or tweeting about the giveaway.  I am on summer break so I’ve included an extra entry for you.

SummerTrainingGiveaway

This giveaway will run for seven days (until June 22nd at 11:59 pm).  The winners will be selected on the eighth day.  The giveaway is open to US residents only.  The winners will be contacted via the email address associated with their Gleam account and will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  All entries are verified, so please be sure to complete them or a new, random winner will be selected.

Best of luck to everyone who enters! 

I am linking up with Erica and Smitha for this giveaway!

WednesdayGiveaway