July is almost gone!!

So July is almost gone.  For my running purposes, July is gone.  Today is my rest day before my long (I do mine on Thursday AM as I work weekends) so I thought I would look at my goals and see how I did!  I just got back from vacation and now that I look at them, I was doing a fantastic job until right before we left.

Here's July's goals/challenges:
1. Complete HIIT Challenge (Big HIIT)
2. Complete Ab Challenge (Busy Body Ab Challenge)
3. Run 75 miles (get 20 mile/week base set for training)
4. Foam roll 3 x week

I know I sound like I am making a ton of excuses but before we left for vacation I got food poisoning from some under cooked crabs and that put me out of commission for a few days too.  I did keep up the running on vacation, for more of quality alone time, than anything.
1. The HIIT Challenge lasted for about a week.  I started to feel a tinge of knee pain early on in the month so I went back to my PT prescribed exercises instead of the HIIT.
2. The Ab challenge was awesome.  I did the first three weeks without stopping and felt like I was getting stronger.  I have signed up for another Core Challenge the the challenge loop with Sneakers and Fingerpaints. I'm going to check it out as it goes as the workouts and schedule are not posted.  I love core work but sometimes find these challenges don't CHALLENGE me enough!
3.  I ran 75 miles this month. I did it, I got my base above 20 miles and have started my half program. I finished Day 2 yesterday and am doing my first long run on Thursday (7 miles) which I am totally looking forward to.  If I have plan in front of me I'm pretty anal on following it, almost obsessive.
4. Foam rolling...... the easiest damn goal on their and the one I failed at miserably.  I have it out, sitting there looking at me but I don't use it!!  Will add this one to August.

I did an impromptu 100 Push-Ups challenge this month too.  I did it too until the dreaded food poisoning and vacation.  I can do 100 push-ups but the extra work on my arms (added equal tricep dips) helped me.

Well tonight I will ponder my August goals.  I have no races this month but I do have a Bridal shower, bachelorette party, wedding, sending my babies off to school for the first time and tons of other stressful events BUT don't we all!!
UPDATE on my mom:  She is doing awesome.  Her shoes helped with the knee pain.  She ran 4 miles non-stop last night in 52 minutes. She bought a Garmin while we were on vacation last week and has gotten bit by the running bug!!  She is signing up for the 5K in Myrtle when I am doing the half.  I think this may hurt my chances at a PR but I wouldn't miss running my mom's first race with her for all the PR's in the world.  She's a ROCKSTAR!!!

Pro Compression Review and Giveaway!!!

Compression socks..... do they work???  I'm a therapist and we have been using them with our population for years for improving blood flow and assisting with fluid management. It only makes sense that the running world would jump into this area, and have they ever!!  I've seen a ton of different socks out there, every color you could imagine, all promising to assist with either running or recovery.  I was interested in the running aspect of the socks, not the recovery....yet! So here's the science behind the socks and then I'll get into why I loved them!!

Pro Compression

PRO Compression socks are designed specifically to deliver both maximum comfort and speedy recovery times. The science is complex, but benefits such as improved blood flow, stability and comfort are universally understood.  The moment you put these socks on your feet and incorporate them into your game, you will feel and understand the difference.

PRO Compression socks are noticeably tight and require more effort to put on than standard socks in your drawer. But it’s that extra effort and much-needed compression that make all the difference. Be patient and your feet will thank you.

Design

PRO Compression socks are the result of years of innovation. We started off with a unique design, used by endurance athletes for years, and added golf-specific enhancements for maximum comfort and performance. This sock was designed to keep you ahead of the competition. A better footwear choice is simply not available.

Materials

Our world-class design is complimented with specialized materials. Without them, it would be impossible to create revolutionary performance footwear. Cotton and wool  simply aren’t going to cut it in a world where the best athletes rely on the highest-quality gear. PRO Compression uses a proprietary blend of nylon and poly materials, optimized for performance, benefiting both amateur and professional athletes.

Manufacturing

All socks are designed and manufactured in the USA, giving PRO Compression complete control over the quality of every sock we sell, from design through manufacturing and distribution.
Our goal is to deliver a world-class sock that will enable you to play better than ever and recover more quickly than previously possible.

We’re confident you’ll feel these improvements immediately.

Here's a picture of the beauties that I got.  I've been crushing on the purple socks for a while and guess what color they sent me to review......PURPLE!!!!  I wore them out on my long run yesterday morning. I do my longs around 5am in the summer as the heat and humidity can take you from a 7 mile run to a 2 mile run quickly!!  Let me say this about my long runs, I run a 2.2 mile loop around my neighborhood, I hydrate every 2 miles and Gu at laps 1 and 2 (half packet each lap) and then just hydrate for the last 3-4 miles.  I hydrated well the day/night before and was ready for the run.  The temps at the start were 76 with a heat index of 82 at 90% humidity.  I started out good, but by mile 4 I knew I was dehydrating quick.  Now in the past, my calves are the ones to go first.... this did not happen. My quads went.  That being said, I think a lot of that has to do with the marathon socks.  I'm going to wear them the rest of the summer on my longs and will get back.  My mileage is going to be picking up significantly because half training kicks in in 2 weeks!!!

Long story short..... I love them.  They saved my calves on my long run and I'm going to keep wearing them. Check them out at Pro Compression or on Facebook or on twitter at @procompression.  They have socks, sleeves, and full marathon socks to choose from and I love their current Sock of the Month.  

The folks over at Pro Compression were kind enough to offer me a pair to giveaway to introduce to my readers.  Easy peasy lemon squeezy rafflecopter!!!  If you can't wait enter JULY at checkout for 40% off your socks plus free shipping!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Charlottesville Women's 4 Miler Fundraising

I just wanted to put it out there that I am running the Women's 4-miler in Charlottesville on August 31st.  I am looking for donations to this awesome center that supports women in the Central VA region.  Here's a little on what the donations go to:

How can you support the UVa Cancer Center 

Breast Care Program? 

$400 Will provide screening assessments including: a 

screening mammogram, pap smear, clinical breast exam 

and colorectal screening for one patient. 

$220 Will cover the cost of one mammogram for a woman who 

can’t afford it. 

$125 Will allow 10 women undergoing mastectomy, the 

opportunity to receive a special Belisse bra to reduce 

swelling in the breast area and chest wall. 

$50 Will provide a newly diagnosed patient with a care 

package complete with Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book, a 

blank writing journal, herbal tea and a few extra other 

“feel good” items to help the patient throughout her 

journey. 

$25 Will provide a Patient Navigation Notebook to a newly 

diagnosed patient. The notebooks contain information 

on breast cancer treatment options including surgery, 

chemotherapy and radiation. The notebooks also provide 

information on coping, resources and clinical trials 

available at UVa. 

$10 Will support education efforts to teenage girls about the 

importance of breast health, including breast self exams. 

$5 Will provide a woman with an assessment tool to 

determine if she is at risk for developing breast cancer.

If you would like to sponsor me, go to Make a Donation.  Don't forget to enter my name in the Runner's Last name Section (Hughes, Carrie).  

I thank everyone in advance for your donation!!  

Vitacost review

Vitacost was great enough to send me a mono shipment of products to test out and I was in heaven when my box finally got here.  Although the package was pretty much destroyed, thanks to UPS,the contents were prefect.

Here's a little of what came in the box!!  I got the Prevail Vegan Protein Powder, MyChelle Beautiful Age Defense Collection, and Indigo Wild Zum Package, and Power Paks.

The first product was the Indigo Wild Zum Bag Gift Set Frankincense and Myrrh.  Here's the product info:

Zum Bag™ Gift Set Frankincense & Myrrh Description

• 9 Piece Collection of Mini-Sized Zum Favorites
• All-Natural

A Little Wise, A Lot of Choice

Two out of three wise men agree on the Indigo Wild Frankincense & Myrrh Zum Bat -- It's an F & M marathon of deep, sweet and woodsy and a whole lot of all-natural goodies for smellin', sprayin', washin', and rubbin'.

Get a whiff of Indigo Wild's all-natural aromatherapy products -- infused with good juju, imbued with pure essential oils, endowed with magically aromatic powers.

Bag Includes:

• Zum Oil -- Massage in a bottle with shea butter, sweet almond and avocado oils.
• Zum Mist -- Spray away the funk in the trunk, closet, car, bathroom, and self.
• Zum Wash -- Natural liquid soap for wash and wear hands and bodies.
• Two Zum Body Lotions -- A lotion potion of shea butter and meadow foam seed oil.
• Zum Rub -- Ultra-moisturizing shea butter salve rubs the right way.
• Frankincense & Myrrh Zum Bar Soap -- Goat's milk, glycerin and heavenly essential oils - wise and woodsy.
• Frankinfetti Zum Bar Soap -- A clean combo of Frankincense, Myrrh, Sandalwood, and Patchouli.
• Zum Tub -- Moisturizing sea salt crystals turn a bath tub into a hot tub.

There was a lot tucked away in this bag. I opened the package up and it reminded me of college.  It smelled like the incense we use to illegally burn in the dorms!!:)   I loved the soap and the lotion.  They left a great aroma behind and made my skin feel amazing!
You can get yours at Zum Gift Set

 The next product up is the Prevail Vegan Protein powder. I loved this powder, it tasted great with my almond milk, banana and peanut butter. Not a chalky kind of protein shake powder texture. Here's the info on this one:

Thorne Research Thorne Performance Prevail™ Vegan Protein Chocolate Description

• Vitality in Motion™
• Gluten Free / Soy-Free / Dairy-Free
• Provides Essential Amino Acids
• 23 Grams of Proprietary Pea/Rice Protein Blend
• 4,300 mg BCAA per Serving

For nearly three decades, Thorne Research, The developer of Thorne Performance athletic line, and the dedicated team of nutritionists, have been raising the bar to become the industry's most trusted global producer of nutritional supplements. Focus is on scientifically-researched ingredients resulting in hypoallergenic products with the highest degree of purity, quality, and bioavailability on the market. Even the containers are free of harsh chemicals and are xenoestrogen-free.

Free Of

Gluten, soy and dairy.
Here's the link to the product.  Prevail Vegan Chocolate Protein powder

Next up, my favorite stuff in the package.  I had originally asked for the sensitive skin package but they sent the Age Defense collection instead.  I am getting up there in age, turning 35 this month, so I could use the help in this area too.  The first of the collection was the Pumpkin Cleanser. I love this stuff, it smells good and doesn't bother my skin. Next up was the G2 Firming Serum, heck yes,  I love anything that firms my skin.  This stuff made my skin feel like it was sucking in, loved it!!  The Fruit Enzyme Mist felt refreshing on my skin, and the Sunshield SPF was great too.  None of the products bothered my skin which was great because I tend to have trouble with all types of products.  Here's the product info on this one:

MyChelle Dermaceuticals "Hello Beautiful" Collection Age Defense - Mini Series Description

Collection Contains:

• Creamy Pumpkin Cleanser .25 oz / 7.5 mL
• Fruit Fiesta Peel .25 oz / 7.5 mL
• G2 Instant Firming Serum .17 oz / 5 mL
• Fruit Enzyme Mist .17 oz / 5 mL
• Revitalizing Night Cream .25 oz / 7.5 mL
• Sun Shield Unscented Broad Spectrum SPF 28 .25 oz / 7.5 mL

Your skin is just like everything else in nature. As years go by, it can weaken and wear out. But fear not, friends. The bioactive-rich Age Defense products take a stand against aging and provide a visibly younger look.

Hi, there. MyChelle here. We think it's high time that skin care products quit it with the harsh chemicals and start fresh with naturally powerful ingredients. Now, you may be thinking, Skin care products that are effective and natural? Really? To chick we're tickled pink to answer, Yes and yes.

So now, you really can have it all. At MyChelle Dermaceuticals, we know beauty is so much more than skin deep. It's self deep. We give you what you need to always look forward to looking beautiful - today and every single tomorrow.

 Here's the link to MyChelle Age Defense  

I have ordered a few other things from the company, vitamins and supplements and they have been stellar to work with.  Here's a link to there website Vitacost.  Go check them out!!

PRO Compression socks deal!!

If you are using Pro Compression socks here's a great deal!!! They are extending there 40% off sale to August 4th so go get yours!!! Happy Running!!

Huge Summer Savings from PRO Compression

Get 40% off ALL merchandise at procompression.com, including their brand NEW Neon Calf Sleeves and Team PC Gear such as hats and running visors! 

Simply enter coupon code JULY at checkout. You'll save 40% and get free US shipping. Click here to stock up today: 

http://www.procompression.com/products/

Hurry, coupon code JULY expires August 4, 2013.

Island Boost Review. What's your go to fuel?

Recently I was sent a few samples of Island Boost to try during my runs.  It promises to be easier on the stomach, require no water and provide immediate energy. I was skeptical and do not like to change my fuels due to my ever so finicky stomach and my analness for completion of runs and checking them off my list.  I tried my first one on a 4 mile run, the Blueberry Pomegranate.  It went down smooth, no water necessary and I took it right before I went out the door.  Tasted good, not thick like my normal fuel and out I went.  I got in a pretty quick 4 with no stomach issues and felt good.  The real test was my long run where my stomach ALWAYS tends to give me trouble. I took the second one, Passion Fruit, about 2 miles into my 7.  Went down good, tasted good and gave me a little pick me up that I needed in the heat and humidity at 5AM.  

They passed the test, tasted good and did not affect my stomach.  I only took one at a time and am not sure what they would do to my stomach if I took more than one but I am very happy with this fuel.  

Here's some product info:

Island Boost - Make Personal Best Happen

Are you ready for fast? We mean, really fast. Not the kind of fueling that you have to have a bottle of water at the ready and remembering to take your fuel 15-20 minutes before you’ll need it. No. You take Island Boost the moment you know you need energy NOW to maintain performance levels and ward off muscle aches.  Or, you can take it regularly every 40-45 minutes to maintain your energy. The energy in Island Boost is absorbed into the blood stream at more than double the rate the body can produce by breaking down stored energy or by digesting food on the go. Island Boost rapidly delivers the energy you need to perform and keep going strong while preventing the body from breaking down muscle mass. Features & Benefits: Faster fuel formulated with glucose, the fastest energy source that is absorbed into the bloodstream quicker to fuel muscles No need to drink a bottle of water to dissolve the carbohydrates, they’re readily absorbed via the coconut water No artificial sweeteners, flavors and shelf stable for a year Delicious frozen for those runs on hot days Vegan and gluten free

They can be found on the web at Island Boost, Island Boost Facebook Page, or twitter @IslandBoost.  Check them out!!!  

Have you ever tried Island Boost?  What's your go-to fuel?

RunnerBox Review and Discount Code

All I can say is HOLY COW does RunnerBox know how to put together a monthly subscription.  I got this beauty in the mail last week and we have been tearing it up ever since.  I wanted to get my review up as fast as possible as I have a discount code that is good till the July 13th and I wanted my friends to have a chance to use it!!

Here's how my wonderful package arrived at my doorstep.  It was shipped pretty fast and I was super happy when I found it in my mailbox.

Pretty packaging, everything tucked in nice and tight. Good thing when you see everything that came in this thing!!

And here it is!!  All the goodies tucked in so nice and neat!!  Here's a quick list of what was in the box:

- Honey Stinger Energy Bar

- Kind Bar

- Island Boost

- Lenny & Larry Muscle Brownie

- Click

- Sensible Food

- Nuun

- Leg Cramps

- Ion Design

- Shower Pill

- Run Guard

- Pure Protein Bars

- Knuckle Lights Coupon

- Probar Bolt Chews

So far my husband and I have managed to get through a few items in the box, I've only had it since Wednesday and we were away all weekend but here's what we got into!!  

Kind Bar- They are made from all natural ingredients.  Good for before/during/after your run!  These are my husbands favorite.  It was eaten almost right away!!  They are really good, nuts and chocolate, who could turn it down!

Island Boost-I tried this one before my 5 miler on Thursday.  Loved the taste, it's got coconut water in it, and is gentle on the stomach!!  It's a fuel that is full of electrolytes and goodness that promises to keep your tummy happy.  

Nuun- Active hydration tabs that came prepackaged, grape and lemon-lime.  Of course I took these.  I LOVE Nuun. Drank one on Sunday after my long run and one on Monday after my hot run!  These are my favorite hydration tabs out there.  

Ion Designs-  Reflective transfer that make you visible from the road.  This one came with three different transfers and I used the flower one on one of my running hats.  Transferred easily and I am testing it out tonight on my night run!

Run Guard- Anti-chafing bar, need I say more.  My husband tried it on his underarm area during his Insanity workout and I must say it definitely looked like it worked.  He said there was less irritation from his arms rubbing together.  

ProBar Chews-  Organic chews packed with electrolytes, carbs and vitamins to use during your run.  I used these during my long run.  They tasted good and had little to no effect on my stomach.  I got the energy I needed and finished off my long run!

So, I think we've done a pretty good job on getting through some of the products.  I am taking the Sensible Foods with me today for our trip to swimming lessons.  They are 100% crunch dried foods with no preservatives.  I have some Edamame and Tropical Fruit Blends to take with me to try out.  Along with all the products, I received coupons/discount codes for 5 of the products in the box which will come in handy when I go to order additional items from the companies!

Here's a little info about the company and the subscriptions.  

"A bimonthly subscription to RunnerBox filled with products geared towards runners.  The box will arrive every other month, shipped right to your front door!  Try out new products and get discounts on your favorites!  You may continue the subscription for as long as you wish, and cancel at any time."

"RunnerBox is a curated box of running & fitness products. It's a gift to yourself or someone else, that arrives at your door from energy drinks, nutrition bars, protein shakes, gels, chews and accessories. We search out great products, from tired and true to brand new, and send them to you in our custom box."

You can find them at http://therunnerrbox.com/ or On Facebook

Here's the code for 10% off your subscription or a giftbox for a runner friend. Type in LOVETORUN at checkout for this great discount.  

Has anyone tried RunnerBox or any other monthly/bimonthly subscription boxes out there?  Do you have a favorite?

Foam Roller Bruises??

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!  We did over here in the Pamommy household.  My husband took the day off which NEVER happens and we got to celebrate as a family for once.  I set my alarm clock for 6AM for my long run but woke up with a bad headache and did not feel like getting out of bed, soooooo I stayed in bed and suffered through a hot/humid 10AM short run and moved my long to Sunday!  I'm gonna need a long run after a VERY quick trip to WV for a family baby shower.
This week I've put in 10 miles, I owe 10 more before the week is over and plan on doing at least 3 today and then 7 more on Sunday. I've done the abs challenge everyday and am enjoying that.  I have developed a little tenderness in my left hip so I've been rolling like a madwoman and have the bruises to show for it!!  Anyone else bruise from their foam roller??  I get them on my hips almost every time.
Well hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.  I will be reviewing Island Boost and Power Paks after my long run this Sunday.  I had plans for that on Thursday but thankfully I can move some things around until the end of July when I have to get serious and start my half training.

Have a great weekend!!  Happy running!

July Goals!!!

Happy July..... quite possibly my favorite month of the year. This is the month of my birth and ALWAYS the month of my vacation to the beach!!  I am not a HUGE fan of running in the heat but it really doesn't bother me that much.  I've decided to try and set some goals for this month as I did a few months ago and didn't hold myself accountable.

Here's July's goals/challenges:
1. Complete HIIT Challenge (Big HIIT)
2. Complete Ab Challenge (Busy Body Ab Challenge)
3. Run 75 miles (get 20 mile/week base set for training)
4. Foam roll 3 x week

I think these are all doable goals but they always are on the 1st of July.  I have a couple of reviews coming up.  I just got a HUGE box from VitaCost, a Runner Box, some more info and reviews of Kindrunner.com , Swirlgear review and a few others that I can't wait to get!!!
I continuing to work on this process and feel like I am a three time a weeker!!!  Sorry people, I love my kids more than my blog and it's the summer and I need to spend as much quality time with them as I can while they are little.  I know everyone will understand and I am so grateful for the support in the blogging community that I have received!!  I still have yet to let my family and friends know my blog address but I am getting more comfortable with this process and confident in my blogging that I think I may introduce them to Pamommy soon!!!