Wednesday, October 15, 2014

My Motivation to Run


Today's post is sponsored by Skechers. I was given the opportunity to try their shoes in support of the fight to end breast cancer. 

I make it a point to keep moving for my health.

My family history includes breast cancer and Alzheimer's Disease. When I was a kid I took a lot of things for granted, including my health. As an active female in my 40s, I have come face to face with the realities of growing older. I worry about every bump that must be viewed via ultra sound and if I'll face another skin cancer surgery.

That's why I run. Running does more than make me feel refreshed and happy. It is about more than keeping fit. I run to stay healthy, and put the odds in my favor.

I'm in recovery mode right now, but that won't stop me from moving.


Yesterday I took a walk in my new Skechers GOrun 3 - Awareness shoes. Designed with innovative performance technology, the GOrun 3 celebrates anyone who uses sports and fitness to lead a healthy and fit lifestyle.


Through a special collection of products, the Awareness footwear and apparel line, Skechers pays a fee for the use of the American Cancer Society logo which supports the ACS breast cancer efforts. The GOrun 3 Awareness shoe displays the ACS pink ribbon on the heel.


The GOrun 3 has a 4mm heel drop, and although I don't run in minimalist-type shoes, I do look for features that offer cushion and support like the M-Strike technology and Resalyte™ Midsole.


Skechers Performance Division has joined the American Cancer Society in the fight to end breast cancer. In addition to the donation made through the use of the ACS logo, Skechers has launched an October promotion to help you to join the fight against breast cancer.

1. The register round-up program in Skechers Retail stores allows customers the chance to round up their purchase to the nearest whole dollar to benefit American Cancer Society for the entire month of October. If consumers donate $5 or more, they will also receive a 20% off discount for their next visit. This will offer anyone shopping for any item in a Skechers retailer store the opportunity to give back and support the cause.

2. Skechers is hosting the American Cancer Society San Francisco Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, and will be donating a percentage of proceeds from the sales of Skechers shoes on-site that day.  

3. Furthermore, Skechers Retail stores are offering a gift with purchase for customers who purchase a pair of limited-edition Awareness shoes. 


I hope you will consider joining the fight against breast cancer by taking a peek at the limited edition Skechers performance products that support the American Cancer Society.






Monday, October 13, 2014

One More Thing

Why does it feel like running keeps handing me one more thing to deal with?

Last week I came off a long run with mrC feeling really good and then I was hit with one more pain to add to my list of ailments. There is something very painful going on in my right hip bone area. Literally, it hurts right ON my hip bone. It hurts when I lean forward to put on a sock or shave my leg.

I'm getting a massage after school today, and I am hoping to get some answers…but ugh!
ONE MORE THING!

My training during the week leading up to yesterday's half marathon with mrC was limited to my one run with the high school run club, but since I needed to rest my legs (and my hip) it was for the best.


Tuesday - 2.7 miles on the trail. Every step of this run was painful. My recent sore spots were manageable, but a new pain in my right hip bone area was very tender.

I ended up icing my hip multiple times each day for the rest of the week. As race day loomed, I was worried that I might not be able to run 13.1 miles with mrC.

Sunday - Half marathon #12 with mrC (recap coming soon!)

Fortunately my next race is an easy 5K in two weeks, and then my 9 mile leg of the Manchester City Marathon Relay the week after that. Then it will be time to decide what to do about my knee. Oh right, almost forgot about that. At least all of my body parts will be able to heal at the same time if I decide to get my meniscus cleaned up.

Any suggestions as to what might be going on with my hip bone area? 






Monday, October 6, 2014

The Week After

As soon as I crossed the ZOOMA finish line last Saturday, I knew I had to go into recovery mode. It was a tough race. Since I'll be running the Newport Half with mrC next weekend, the week after the race is just as important as the training leading up to it.

POST RACE: The first thing I did was make my way to Buzzards Bay to soak my tired legs in the cold September water. There may have been a little stretching going on there too. After a sufficient soak and drinking two bottles of water, I made my way across the sand of Old Silver Beach to treat myself to a free 15 minute massage. Later, mrC and I took a leisurely stroll on the beach before going to dinner.

DAY AFTER: I started the day with some yoga stretches on the beach followed by some self massage of the tender spots in my legs. On the way home from the Cape, we stopped for some walking at the Outlet Mall.


DAYS 2-7:
Lots of foam rolling and some quality time with my heating pad to loosen up the two lingering knots in my calf and quad.

Tuesday - Easy recovery run on the trail. Still a couple of hot spots in the legs, so I grimaced through it.

Thursday - Another easy trail run. My legs were feeling much better on this run.

Saturday -  Not 100% pain-free, but this was the best run of the week. mrC and I ran a loop around the Manchester airport which has a good mix of rolling hills. I am trying to figure out a new pre-run fueling option after last weekend's disaster, so today I forced down a small banana (not a fan) and filled up my water bottle with Cytomax. The banana seems to be a working option for me and I didn't even feel like I needed the Cytomax.


Although I have been dealing with injuries more frequently than I would like lately, I cannot give up on running. There are three more races on my 2014 schedule and I'm going to enjoy each one of them…and recover after!


How do you get through hard times in your training?







Saturday, October 4, 2014

Spartan Five Sport Armband Review


When I run with my phone I usually carry it in a big banjees wrist wallet that I have had for years. To listen to music during a run, I have to crank up the volume and let it blast from my wrist. It works for me.

When I started using RunGo, an app that gives turn-by-turn directions for your running route, I couldn't hear the directions without holding my wrist up to my ear. I had an armband for an old iPod, but it was technically too small for my iPhone 5 and the strap never stayed in place on my arm.

Then I was given the opportunity to try the Sport Armband from Spartan Five.


This sport armband is a PU leather case with a scratch resistant clear cover constructed from lightweight water resistant Lycra covered Neoprene. I've worn it with both short and long sleeve shirts and it is very soft and comfortable. The volume buttons are hidden by the case, but included with it were a pair of ear buds with volume control.


My iPhone 5 fit easily and securely into the back opening and was completely protected by the flap. In addition to keeping my phone safe, this sport armband can help keep me safe with the reflective strip on the front cover.


Whenever I plan to do a RunGo route, I will be using the Spartan Five Sport Armband. It is compatible for Apple iPhone 5/5S/5C/ipod 4/5, so everyone in the family will be able to use it too.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Friday, October 3, 2014

Fitness Friday: Fall Favorites

To kick off the month of October, it seemed appropriate to share some new fitgear that I am loving right now. One of my favorite things to do is to shop through the end of season sales and check out what's new from my favorite brands.

Here's what I got my hands on recently:

Oiselle NEW Distance shorts - Just as comfortable as the "old" distance shorts, I love the new design on the side. These shorts offer the perfect amount of coverage without a lot of bulky material, and still provide the functional front zipper pocket.


Athleta Idyllwild Hoodie - I love snuggling up in a sweatshirt on cold days, but I hate the bulk of the  typical sweatshirt. Athleta designs the perfect mix of cozy and lightweight, and it feels very feminine.


Feetures! performance socks - I started wearing these when my former favorites became extinct. Just like with my sweatshirts, I want comfy socks without being bulky.


What fitness gear are you loving this season?




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