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Showing posts from February, 2015

Get Outdoors With The Ninja Balaclava #GIVEAWAY

Full Disclosure: I received products free of charge for the purpose of providing a review. My opinions are completely my own based on my experience. It's no secret that I love the snow. I love everything ( well not so much driving in it) , but most everything else about it. I find it peaceful and beautiful. And, I love running in it, but I'm not a huge fan of running in the cold. Running in the cold wind is even harder for me. But with the Ninja Balaclava  I've been able to brave the harsh weather. So far my coldest run this year has been -6. 

Rodan+Fields Soothe Product Review Results

Full Disclosure: I received products free of charge for the purpose of providing a review. My opinions are completely my own based on my experience. About a month ago, I began using the Rodan+Fields Soothe Regimen . I had heard a lot of good things about it, but I was actually pretty skeptical that it would work for me. I mean I see all of the before and after pictures posted all over the internet, but I really wasn't convinced that I would see any results. The first few days of using the product, I really liked it. I could feel a difference, and see a difference in my skin. As the days went on, the more I loved the Soothe Regimen from Rodan+Fields . I've tried my best to get some of my own before and after pictures, but I don't think these pictures really show the difference in my skin. The scars that you see of course are still there, although they might be a little less noticeable. ( The Power Of A Scar ). But the natural redness of my skin is less intense, and ove

Well It Happened - I Went There

Well it happened. I said that I wasn't going to 'go there', that I wasn't going to allow myself to get caught up in comparing, but it happened Last year, I placed 3rd place overall female for the first time in my life. And I had high hopes this year of PRing at the same race. ( My First Time Placing In An Overall Category ) And not just that race, but my other races this year. I had planned that this year would be ' the ' year. You know the one that I'm talking about - where things just lined up. Because last year other than this one race that I'm referring too definitely wasn't the year that I had hoped for. So when I saw the posting today that the race was back, well, it was like a little jab.

#LJFitChallenge Update - Join Me On My Fitness Journey

In case you haven't heard, I'm doing the # LJFitChallenge . This challenge was exactly what I needed. I was slipping a little in motivation, and this challenge has helped me to get excited again about my goals. Because I would really like to reach them this year. First of all, I would just like to be healthy.

#TuesdayTidbit - Doing What You Need To Do

Today's #TuesdayTidbit is about how sometimes doing what you don't want to do is exactly what you need to do. For example: You could do cardio all day long but hate doing strength training. Or you could do strength training all day long but you hate doing cardio. You prefer speed work over long slow runs so you stick with speed work but lack endurance. Or you prefer long slow runs and skip speed work. You've never uttered Namaste, but you can bench press your weight - you just aren't flexible enough to touch your toes. I think you get my point.

Stay Confident With Stayfree

*This is a sponsored post. As you know, Running is my 'thing', but I'm also branching out and trying to make sure that I cross-train and strength train to try to work on any muscle imbalances. When I was doing Physical Therapy, it was quite evident that I have a lot of muscle imbalances. So as I'm healing, I'm trying to make sure that I incorporate other exercises into my routine. I'm hoping that it becomes a habit. Currently I'm doing yoga, strength training (both at home and the gym), and the elliptical and other cardio equipment. The hard part for me is trying to find the balance. Because as I've upped my other activities, my running has suffered a little since I've been so sore. But I'll find the balance. I'm learning to listen to my body. I'm not there yet, but I'm learning. If you know me, or have been following my blog, then you know that I usually don't skip on my workouts. And that means

#RockTheLunchbox VoxBox

Full Disclosure: I received products free of charge for the purpose of providing a review.  My opinions are completely my own based on my experience. We don't eat as healthy as we should. Our nutrition is a work in progress for me to try to switch us over to a healthier lifestyle. And sometimes I just can't seem to get us away from processed food. So when I was given these products from Influenster  I was more than thrilled to give them a try.

Reebok Outlet Items 30% Off 2/22-2/24

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Save 30% off all Reebok outlet items I love a good sale!!! Check this out! Today (2/22/15) through Tuesday (2/24/25) you can save 30% off of all outlet items when you use the code SAVEMORE at checkout. There are hundreds of items to choose from (although they go fast). So run over to the  Reebok Outlet  today! 

MuvePro - Be Seen - Reflective Outdoor Gear Giveaway

Full Disclosure: I received products free of charge for the purpose of providing a review. My opinions are completely my own based on my experience. I am known as the... umm... Queen of Neon. Most of my clothes are very bright neon, and usually mismatched. Because, honestly, I run usually early morning in low light, and I want to make sure that drivers can see me. I do have a light up vest, but I also wanted a vest that I could use when I didn't need to be lit up like a Christmas tree. Let me show you the MuvePro Reflective Vest  (psst - it also comes with ankle bands)

When Cold Weather Challenges You

*affiliate links A few short months ago, I would have done almost anything to get on the treadmill. I just wanted to move. Now? Well, now I'm terribly bored with running on the treadmill. Funny how I think I could walk for days on the treadmill, but running is a different beast. But lately the temperatures just haven't been cooperating to running outside. I will do cold. But when the weather warnings are saying frostbite can occur to exposed skin within 15 minutes, well I re-think my relationship with my treadmill. But today - I just needed

#TuesdayTidbit - When You're Short On Time

Today's #TuesdayTidbit is about time - or lack thereof. I often have people ask me how I find time to fit in my workouts. Now granted, there are A LOT more people busier than me, so please don't get the impression that I think I'm the busiest person out there. I'm not. But like all of us, I am busy. And I thought

30 Days Of FREE My Yoga on Gaiam TV From Stayfree

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.”  I am so excited about this offer from Stayfree and My Yoga on Gaiam TV. I just got a   30-day FREE membership to My Yoga on Gaiam TV. Image Source Want to know how?

So Glad That Valentine's Day Is Over

Anyone else glad that Valentine's day is over? I personally am. And by mid afternoon / evening yesterday, I had banned myself from Facebook. Honestly, it's too much pressure. It felt like the duel between the have and the have nots? You feelin' me on that? Just Friday I posted about What Is Love?  And although my feelings didn't change since that post, it was extremely hard not to get caught up in what it felt like my Valentine's day should have been. Yes, hubby surprised  me by planning ahead and getting me flowers (which I love). But the day was

Shameless Plug - Top Mommy Blogs

Ok. - shameless plug time - I need your help with my ranking on Top Mommy Blogs . Please click the banner below to give me a vote.  Thank you!! 

What Is Love?

Image Source ( baby don’t hurt me – don’t hurt me  no more). Sorry, I can’t get that song out of my head now since I typed What is love?  Seriously though, what is love? My son had his Valentine’s party this year. He had a great time, but he was confused as to why someone gave him an orange among all of the traditional Valentine’s candy that he received. I told him that was their Valentine to him. His response? “Oh, they showin’ their love”. I laughed and responded yes. And it got me to thinking

When The Road Calls

There are some days that the treadmill just won't cut it. You know what I mean? Well today was one of those days. I had planned on attempting my first 5 miler (since injury). And the thoughts of being in my basement, on the treadmill just didn't sound like the way that I wanted to do it. I had originally planned to meet some friends at 5:30am, but those plans changed. Instead, I was able to run an hour later (hello daylight)  However, I had my ( affiliate link) Knuckle Lights ready. I love my knuckle lights and use them quite often. I actually forget I'm even carrying them. So I got dressed to attempt my 5 miles, opened the door, and it was snowing. I smiled, kissed Lil Man and Hubby goodbye and

#TuesdayTidbit - Do You Foam Roll?

For today's #TuesdayTidbit - let's talk about foam rolling. Do you roll? I do, but not as consistent as I probably should. But I know personally when I make a habit of foam rolling, I recovery a lot faster than when I don't. Pretty much it's self massage or a self-myofascial release (SMR). And for me it works wonders. Here is a video series from

A Soak Will Do You Good

Full Disclosure: I received products free of charge for the purpose of providing a review. My opinions are completely my own based on my experience. I've done the ice bath thing, and I just couldn't stand it more than a few minutes (even with drinking hot tea and a sweatshirt on). I found that ice packs placed strategically worked better for me. But with my latest injury, I've found that a warm soak in the tub has worked wonders for my mental health and my leg and back. So when I discovered Adovia Dead Sea Bath Salts I was thrilled. I had been soaking in Epsom Salt baths. But Adovia Dead Sea Bath Salts claim

The Hills Are Alive With Panting And Wheezing

I've been keeping my running on the treadmill - not so much because of the cold but because of the softer landing surface and I needed flat. Hills and inclines really aggravate the hamstring injury. But I have a 10 mile race approaching a lot faster than I would like to actually think about, and I have a hilly 10K a week or two after that. The 10 mile race is flat however some of the terrain is a little bit uneven and there are a couple of ramps that we go up. So I know that I have to little by little get myself accustomed to the harder surfaces, the uneven ground, and the inclines. Since I bailed on my run yesterday, today I really wanted to attempt a 3 or 4 mile hilly run near my house. My hamstring is

When Injury Brings Fear

As I've said, this is not my first injury, but this one, well this one by far has been the worst. I think because there isn't an exact diagnosis. And because of the injury (hamstring), I'm having a hard time knowing the difference between normal soreness, slight pain, or abnorma l soreness. I was supposed to join some friends today for my first outside hilly run. But

Give Your Legs Some Love With Run Forever Sports Compression Sleeves

Full Disclosure: I received products free of charge for the purpose of providing a review. My opinions are completely my own based on my experience. The fact that I love compression should not be a surprise to you by now. But, not all compression is created equal. So I encourage you that if you've tried compression in the past and wasn't a fan, try a different brand/kind and give it another try. I do have my "go to" compression socks/sleeves, and I have the ones that I wear as a last resort because all of my other clothes are dirty. :) So when I was given the opportunity to try

Lorna Jane Fit Challenge (#LJFitChallenge) - Let The Fun Begin

I am super super super super excited to be a part of the Lorna Jane Fit Challenge ( #LJFitChallenge ). This is exactly what I need right now - with my mileage being so low with my hamstring injury. I'm not able to jump back into my running or strength routine full force; so the #LJFitChallenge is exactly what I need right now.  I know that

#TuesdayTidbit - Winter Running Tips

Here is another #TuesdayTidbit. Being from Mississippi, I wasn't prepared for Pennsylvania Winters. Now, don't get me wrong, it gets cold in Mississippi, and I did my fair share of running in the cold, but I wasn't prepared for Pennsylvania. My first year here,

Coming Back From Injury - Patience Grasshopper Patience

Unfortunately, this is a post that I could have written several times. This is not my first injury. My first, well it started with a little hip thing that no one could figure out what the problem was. I got pregnant - had to stop running - hip pain disappeared. My first race back from pregnancy, I ran the Hershey Half Marathon in 2011 ( Race Report Here ) which resulted in 3 stress fractures in my foot. I didn't know it was broken. I just thought I was sore. I kept running - even speed work - but the pain wouldn't go away. So I finally went to the Dr - I didn't have 1 but 3 stress fractures - ooops. Fast forward another year or soand we have the torn calf muscle. Fast forward to this year and we have