2014 Goals and Team Run This Year

Well hello there long lost friends, I've been MIA for so long I almost forgot how to do this.  No time like the present to restart and begin to hold myself accountable to the goals I will be setting for 2014.

2013 was good to me.  I started off the year with an educational injury that taught me more than 4 years of running put together.  I appreciate every day that I can run, it's not a guarantee, it's a gift.

A ran a few 5K's, a 4 miler, an 8K, a 10K and two halfs this year. I PR'd every race I ran this year which means I have me work cut out for me this coming year!  I had planned so much more but with the injury setting me back 2 months, I did not hit my goal of 1000 miles.  I have run 837 miles and plan on 3 more this evening to make it an even 840. 

Now onto the good stuff, 2014 goals.  I have been offered the fantastic opportunity to join Team Run This Year.  I am excited to see where this takes me and am going to be surrounded by some pretty awesome people in the meantime. If you want to join in on the fun and set some  awesome mileage goals, get motivation and support, head on over to Run This Year 2014 and get all signed up!! The link to the running calender that breaks it all down is Run This Year 2014 Calender

2014 Goals:

Running Goals

- Run 2014K (I'm not quite strong enough to run 2014 miles)

- PR my half in April (trying to get into the 1:40's)

- PR my marathon in November (OBX Marathon)

- Begin to train for an ultra for 2015 (just keeping on after my marathon)

Other Goals

- Eat clean 75/25

- Incorporate more strength training

- Better impulse control in all areas of my life

Like most, I have a ton of plans in place for my goals and hopefully NOT like most I will see them through.  I'm in a few groups on FB that I hope will help me stay accountable for my actions.  

Here's to 2014!! Looking forward to the changes coming. 

What are your 2014 goals?  How did you do on your 2013 goals?  Anyone injured out there and need a pep talk?!

Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon Review

It's been two weeks since my last half and I think I am finally ready to talk about it!!  I went to Myrtle Beach for the Mini Marathon and the 5K.  I ran the 5K with my mother, her second ever race, and the half with a friend, her first half ever.

The 5K was great.  We got there early, plenty of port-o-johns, lots of time for photos with my mom. It was around 60 degrees with 98% humidity at the 7:30 AM start.  What a great time. The course was nothing spectacular, not much scenery, but I was with my mom.  I would not have changed ANYTHING, I just wanted to run with her.  We finished at a respectable 35:03.  A PR for her and a race I will never forget.

We spent the rest of that day shopping (walking) and showing Myrtle Beach to my friend.  A few laps at Broadway (more walking) with no water.  We then went looking for a simple grilled chicken sandwich and baked potato (my pre-race meal).  Do you know how hard it was to find one........ took us over two hours till we could eat. I had a beer with dinner and then lots of water.  Another beer when we got back to the condo and then off to bed.  I nor my friend slept for more that 5 hours.
We both woke up with no troubles, neither one of us slept.  Out the door to pouring down rain.  Thankful to have disposable ponchos, on they went and off the the LONG line at the port-o-johns.  We waited, it poured, we waited some more, it poured some more.  We finally got to our coral with about 10 minutes to go.  Stretched a little, chatted a little and then stretched some more.   All of a sudden the clouds cleared and the rain stopped.  The race started.

Now I have run a ton of these and you know that feeling you get when you start and you just KNOW it's not going to be good.  YEAP, I had that feeling by mile 2.  It was super humid, I was pacing with my friend, not focused, not listening to my music, more concerned about making a set time in my mind.  I think I had mentally quit by mile 5.  Not good!!

 This picture was at mile 10.  Let me preface this by saying, this course was 95% flat.  I train on and run 75% hills.  I had quite possibly the worst cramp in my quad but I smiled when she took the picture.

When we finished all I wanted was a bunch of bananas, a bottle of water and a dry shirt.  The finish was on the boardwalk and the wind had picked up and I was soaked.  I didn't even go get a beer (VERY unlike me).  I PR'd the race at 1:55 but that was NOT what I was shooting for.
I do have to say, the race/course was awesome. Myrtle Beach always puts on a spectacular race.  Not too big, great support, great swag, and the best medals I have ever seen. I have figured out where I went wrong and am going to fix it in two weeks when I run the Richmond Half.
Anyone just get that feeling during a race?  I know I'm full of excuses but when all that training goes down the drain, you have to beat your head against the wall and try to figure out where you went wrong!!!

Hammer Review and Giveaway

Hey there friends!!I know, I know.  I've been talking about this Hammer review and giveaway for a while and the day is finally here.  I sit home with two kids with pink eye and me with strep throat so why not!!  I was introduced to Hammer products through a FB page, WRC-Ultra Running Club.  It's no secret to my hubby or close friends that I am eyeing up an Ultra in the near future and these ladies rock them out like an easy 5K run on a weekday!  They are such an inspiration and a wealth of knowledge and I feel lucky to be on the page.  Enough gushing over that.
I've been running for about 4 years now.  The first race I ever trained for was a half marathon so I've been testing out Gu's,gels and chews for a long time.  I practice with them on my long runs which tend to be on a Thursday for me and always found that I felt good during the run but for the rest of the day, I suffered from intestinal issues.
I've always heard about Hammer products, seen them at a few races but never got around to trying them.  I was convinced after reading a bloggers review of her ultra and the replacements she was taking during her run.  I gave Hammer a call and chatted with one of their fantastic customer service people about the distances I run, my weight and my stomach.  She recommended I take half a gel during my long runs or JUST the HEED fluid replacement.
Here's what I received in my first shipment.......

HOLY SMOKES is what I thought when I got it in the mail.  All the information I could get about Hammer Nutrition  and tons of products to try.  So I began to try them.

What I'm digging right now:  I LOVE the apple cinnamon, banana and tropical gels.  I think since I run so early in the AM that they feel more like breakfast gels than the chocolate and espresso.  I like those too but prefer the others.  I love the recovery bars and the HEED is good when mixed right.  The little Red Book is probably the best thing I could get.  I explains each product, it's uses and how to determine the right mix for your activity. 

Here's the best part....... NO STOMACH issues.  I have run with the gels for about 2 months now and unless I am dehydrated, I am not having the issues that I was after my long runs.  

I'm sold on these and even though I can go online and order the products, I prefer to call them and chat with them on the new products they have coming out or their personal recommendations. 

So here's what I'm going to giveaway.

There are two gels (Espresso and Chocolate), a Melon HEED, Vanilla Whey and a Vegan Recovery Bar (almond cacao).  Thought I would share the love and pass along a few of my favorite things!!  

If you can't wait or you don't win contact them and use code: 222037 for 15% off your first order along with free shipping.  I prefer to call them but if you are an online kind of person go to Hammer Nutrition.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

++As always, these are my own opinions, I did not receive any compensation for this review++

A lot of stuff!!!

Hey there strangers.  Sorry I've been super MIA, we've been traveling to Maryland EVERY weekend for special events and all my littles have been sick. No excuse for being absent but it's life and yes it happens a lot!!!
Half training is going well.  I've switched my runs around a bit to get ready for the 5K on Saturday with my mom and the half on Sunday with a friend.  This week I have the 4 miles on Thursday morning and then 12 miles on Friday morning.  We're four longs out from the race so I figure I'll get the 12, 13 and 14 in that I was hoping for even with a flare up of plantar fasciitis.

After the half in October I have another half in November and then I get a few weeks off.  Thinking of trying T25 and joining up with BeachBody and becoming a coach.  I love their stuff and actually don't mind their shakes so I think it may be a good fit for me.

Recently I had the opportunity to attend a Sugar Detox Telecourse presented by Laura Piefer from Mommy Run Fast.  She and the course were awesome.  Topics covered included: how to start a sugar detox, 10 tips on overcoming sugar addiction, types of natural sweeteners, and sweeteners to avoid.  At the end of the course we all had the opportunity to discuss and ask questions which I found to be helpful as there were other people in the group who can not tolerate artificial sweeteners like me.  Check for out at Mommy Run Fast or on Facebook.  

This actually feeds well into my next giveaway that I will be posting next week. I have fallen head over heels for Hammer Nutrition products. I love the gels, HEED, vegan recovery bars and whey.  I will be giving away some of my favorites along with a code that will get you 15% off your first order and free shipping.  Look for it next week!!!

Last bit of FANTASTIC news....... I am now a TDF (Train Dirty Fitness) Ambassador.  This is a group of supportive, kick ass women who I am so humbled to be a part of.  Keep an eye out for great things to come with this wonderful group of women!!!

Diamond Candle Review and giveaway

Diamond Candles reached out to me and asked me to review their product so I thought, I love candles, I love jewelry!! 

I decided on the Orchid Meadow.  I love the scent of orchid and thought the piece of jewelry would be in the purples family and that's what I was shooting for!  Here's some product information from the company.

100% soy candles; eco-friendly and natural. We don't want to be just another candle company using poor quality wax - we want to bring you premium 100% soy candles that truly display beauty and environmentally friendly materials. We want to provide you with a stellar product that promotes continued sustainability through the use of soy beans straight from mother earth.

When you light the wick of one of our Diamond Candles, you'll experience unsurpassed bliss - a clean fragrance that fills up a room to take you away to paradise. We give you fair warning: These candles become addictive. Once you light one, you'll be begging for another soon to come!

I loved the fact that the candles are all natural and environmentally friendly.  I was hesitant to try them as some candles I have burned in the house have given me a headache but this one didn't. Great scent and no headache = happy me!!  So I burned it for a day or two and here's the piece that I discovered.

Very pretty and I like I said, I love purple.  

Now to the good part, the giveaway.  Diamond Candles is giving away a candle to one of my lucky readers.  Follow the rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Goals, racing and a giveaway!!

Posting a day late but thought I would check my August goals and set some September goals and a GIVEAWAY!!

Let's start with August goals:
1. Run 85+ miles (I started my half plan on the 30th of July)..... Totally killed this one, ran 100 miles this month
2. Complete the August Core Focus Challenge with Sneakers and Fingerpaints..... once again nope, didn't do it.  I wasn't feeling challenged so I stopped.
3. Foam Roll 3 x week..... lucky if I did it twice a week
4. Complete Plank challenge (doing one, 1 minute plank for the day #)... was doing fantastic and then the monthly stomach issues started and I took a break and then restarted.

All in all, I think August went pretty good. I was plagued again with stomach issues, handled a bachelorette party, bridal shower, two orientations, sending my oldest off to kindergarten, sending my twins off to preschool for the first time, soccer practice, gymnastics, sports class, work and training/racing.

New goals for September:
1. Run 100 miles (PF flare up right now, hoping to still meet this goal)
2. Complete personal plank, tricep dip and push-up goal
3. Give up soda
4. Foam roll 3x week

I think they are all attainable.  The rolling and soda goal are going to be tough.  I drink probably one a day and LOVE them but we'll see what drinking more water does for me!!

Now onto the review of the Charlottesville Women's 4 miler and the giveaway. I decided to sign up for this race on a whim one Saturday morning. A person from my running group posted on our page that registration was that AM and I signed up right away. It literally sold out in the first three hours so I was happy to get it.  There were 3000 women total (not huge by any standard, but big enough).
The race is in Charlottesville, Virginia.  Not sure how many people are familiar with the area so here's the gist of the area.  It's in the mountains, not real big ones but mountains none the less.  The course thankfully was more rolling hills than steep inclines.
I almost bagged the race, was not feeling it all week or the night before but I rolled out of bed a 530 and headed out.  I have no pictures of my racing outfit but I thought I was cute.  I wore my pink skirt, black "Sweat Pink" tank and my awesome compression socks from Sockguy.
I decided to line up in the front of the 8/mile coral. I'm so glad I did.  I ended up having to weave a lot but that's because the first two miles I was rockin out at a low 7/mile pace.  I know I was doing it all wrong but it felt good to keep up with the teen aged cross country runners and young 20-somethings. So when I hit the 2 mile mark, my lovely GPS watch decided to kick in and I could watch my pace.  I slowed it to 8:20 and cruised the rest of the race at this pace.  I was shooting for a 35.  I caught a glimpse of the finish line and saw 31.  I about lost my mind.  The time was ticking down and I decided I was going to finish sub 32.  That I did. I grabbed my water and bagel (thank you Panera) and got on the road.  I had to work right after the race so no post race celebration for me. So GLAD I dragged my negative Nelly butt out of bed and ran that race!!! But sadly now, PF has flared up and I am going to have to rest for the next few days :(

So here's the giveaway. The Sockguy gave me a pair of compression socks to review and wear during the race.  I love great socks and love compression socks so here's the low down.  They looked awesome and I did not cramp.  The heat and humidity was super high and a lot of people were having trouble with the heat but I did fine.  I loved them and will continue to hit up the site for more socks.

Here's what they sent to me for a giveaway.  They are a pair of "Save the Tatas" compression socks size small (womens 6-10).  You know the deal, follow the rafflecopter giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hammer Nutrition goodies!!

So most of you know I've been battling stomach problems and trying to train for a half marathon.  I've been eating the Gu's and just suffering the rest of the day with GI distress (you all know what I mean).  Well I decided, I really don't want to feel crappy after my long runs, my legs understandable, my stomach.... unacceptable.  So I took some advice from an Ultra Marathoner and am going to try out Hammer products.  They advertise that it WILL NOT cause GI distress.
So I decided I wanted to call and talk to someone.  I got a hold of them at 1100EST as they are on Mountain time and chatted with a very wonderful woman.  She explained the products to me and I went with the ones that were recommended by another runner.  I wanted to try out the small sizes before I purchased in bulk so I ordered 8 gels, 2 vegan recovery bars and 4 HEEDs.

This is what showed up on my door.  I opened the very larage box and was completely amazaed at all the extras they had sent me to try.  I am in love with the "Little Red Book".  I have my long run scheduled for Thursday and am going to try the gels.  The HEED is for my REALLY long runs (2+ hours) and the gels are for my short runs (1-2 hour runs).  I am excited to try them and will definitely let everyone know.  So far I am VERY impressed with this company, and NO I was not given any product to review for free.  

On another note, I took my babies (twin 3 year old sons) to preschool for their first day of school  I thought it would be harder than it was but my runner buddy (her son is in their class) was there and we went for a quick 5 and then got smoothies and chatted the rest of the time.  I did much better this go round than I did with my daughter in kindergarten!!

Anyone tried Hammer?  I'm always trying to get my hydration and nutrition right, any recommendations?