Category: Things I Am Loving

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.

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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

Things I’m Loving III

ThingsI'mLoving

Disclaimer:

None of the links below are affiliate links so feel free to click away!

  • Overnight Steel Cut Oats – I know I am late here but cannot get enough of this delicious breakfast.  Mine is very simple with steel cut oats, almond milk, yogurt, almond butter and chia seeds.  Sometimes I add a scoop of protein powder for an extra protein boost.  Sometimes I roll my eyes when a blogger will post a recipe for overnight oats in a jar.  I mean, really, is it that hard?  No, it isn’t.  So that is why I am not including an actual recipe but just letting you know what I use.
  • Spotify – Wow, I seriously feel like I’ve been living under a rock.  I remember years ago setting up an account and creating a few playlists but that’s it until recently.  I only listen to music while I run on the treadmill but so far my Running playlist has over 7 hours worth of music in Spanish and English.  I’ve looked into the Premium membership but not sure if it is worth $10 per month.  I will try out it free for a month and then we’ll see.  I was hoping to share my playlist but have not figured it out yet.  I did make it public so hopefully you can find it.
  • Oiselle Tops– I am obsessed with all of them.  I’ve purchased a few on Moosejaw, Running Warehouse, and on the Oiselle website.  My favorites are: Go Tank, Flyte 2000 1/2 Long Sleeve, Bridge Tank, Window Short Sleeve Tee, Wazelle Short Sleeve, Wazelle Tank, Flowy Tank and In the Fold Tank.  <<I know, so many and I cannot help myself!!!  They’re all gorgeous and love their fit and material.  I also love that they’re casual but yet nice enough to wear to work.  Happy to wear them but not yet ready to go back to work.

 

  • Road ID for Fitbit Charge – I did not want another item to add to my wrist; so this is perfect for me!  If you don’t have a Fitbit Charge, there is also a Road ID for Apple Watch, Garmin Vivosmart, Fitbit Flex, and Fitbit Surge.  I even purchased a few cute badges to add to it.

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  • I am not enjoying the weather but I am loving my summer break.  I’ve been able to relax, catch up on a few shows, bond with my cat (we nap together), and hang out with friends.  My nephew is also in town from San Antonio so it is nice to spend time with him too.

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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.

Lola5

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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

Things I’m Loving II

ThingsI'mLoving

Disclaimer:

None of the links below are affiliate links so feel free to click away!

  • AquaFlops Shower Shoes – I’ve been taking TRX twice a week at my gym from 5:15am-6:00am.  After class I shower, get ready, get coffee, and head over to work.  These shower shoes are amazing.  Love them. They’re cute, slip resistant, and have draining holes so your feet dry quickly.  Plus, right now they’re on sale for $7.99 (original price is $16.99). These will be perfect for those trips to the pool.
AquaFlops
Source: www.bedbathandbeyond.com
  • Momentum Jewelry – I am so happy I was chosen for the SharetheSPARK Campaign sponsored by Fit Fluential.  I received two motivation wraps to share with two friends.  I love these wraps and own a few of them myself.  Use code FFSpark to save 15% off your order!  Coupon expires May 31, 2016.

SharetheSPARK

  • Rapid Mac Cooker – No shame but I like mac and cheese.  Sometimes I am so hungry and do not want to wait the 10 or so minutes to make it.  This little bowl is phenomenal.  I can have my dinner done faster than cooking it on a stove.  I know the label says less than 5 minutes but that isn’t really true. Well, it takes less than 5 minutes to heat the water hot enough to cook the pasta but you still have to wait a couple more so that it actually cooks the pasta (or it will be very soupy).  I’ve used it a few times and have eaten right out of the bowl and saved the leftovers in a container for another day.  Other times I’ve eaten everything in it.  🙂

Rapid Mac Cooker

So tell me what are YOU loving lately?