A Running Partner, a Challenge, and a Giveaway

Here are three fun things I'm excited to share!

A Running Partner

In June I will be running the BAA 10K, the second event in the Medley Series. I'm so happy because now I will be running it with my stepdaughter! A couple of weeks ago she said she wanted to challenge herself and train for a 10K. She has run a local 5K with us a couple of times, but now she is ready to increase her endurance.

A Challenge

I'm excited to be a part of a sponsored FitFluential campaign for the Under Armour What's Beautiful program. This is a competition to show the world what it means to be a female athlete. All you have to do is set a goal and then work your butt off to achieve it.

My goal: #IWILL run 1000 miles this year. 

When you join the What's Beautiful community, you can share your journey, get inspired, and find motivation. It's all about working together. You can even join a team and work together toward a common goal.

My Team Goal: Log 5,000 (or more) miles together - run, walk, swim, bike, elliptical

The best part is that Under Armour will be giving out rewards to the women who demonstrate a fierce dedication toward achieving their goals. You can win cool Swag Bags and even a trip to Costa Rica for four days!

A Giveaway

Back in January, I wrote a review for Firmoo, an online eyeglasses store. Firmoo offers affordable and fashionable eyewear that is discounted "85-90%".

There are a lot of cute choices and they also offer tinted and prescription glasses.

With summer right around the corner, Firmoo wants to sponsor a sunglasses giveaway.

PRIZES:

1. If there are less than 50 entries:
6 winners will win a $20 sunglasses E-voucher each. The vouchers can only be used on Firmoo sunglasses at http://www.firmoo.com/wrap-around-rx-sunglasses.html.

2. If there are more than 50 entries:
For the grand prize winner (1 person): a pair of fashionable sunglasses, shipping included.
For the second prize winners (6 persons): a $20 sunglasses E-voucher each. The vouchers can only be used on Firmoo sunglasses at http://www.firmoo.com/wrap-around-rx-sunglasses.html.

To enter (mandatory) visit Firmoo.com and then comment below which eyewear you would love to win. Winners will be announced on May 18th.

If you want to have Prescription Sunglasses, choose a pair of eyeglasses frame here http://www.firmoo.com/all-products.html, and tint the lenses into sunglasses lenses. You may visit http://www.firmoo.com/prescription-sunglasses.html to learn how to order Prescription Sunglasses. All the contestants have to be located in the area our delivery can reach to. Please visit http://www.firmoo.com/help-c-10.shtml to get the countries we ship to and details of the postage. You can find help with ordering at http://www.firmoo.com/help-c-5.shtml

BAA Distance Medley: 5K Weekend

Edited: I wrote this post on Sunday following my trip to Boston. On Monday afternoon I watched the news of the Boston Marathon finish line bombing in horror with my husband. It it very hard to process our emotions knowing that we were right there having the best time just the day before. It breaks our hearts to see the celebration of the Boston Marathon turn into pain and tragedy.

_________________________________________________________________

After logging our long run on Saturday morning, we headed to Boston. It was Marathon weekend and the kickoff to the 2nd annual BAA Distance Medley Series. The 5K race is the first in the series and happens to be held the day before the marathon. 

The first thing we did was check into the hotel. I love that my husband can accumulate points for stays through all his work travel. The hotel was nice and the best part was the view!

Oh, hey Wave Creations! How'd you get there? More on that coming soon...

We made our way via the T to the Boston Marathon Expo being held at the Hynes Convention Center to pick up my bib and tee, and of course browse around. Although I thought the expo was smaller than last year, there was still a ton of inspiration to be found. We spotted Katherine Switzer, the first female to ever run the Boston Marathon wearing a number and Team Hoyt, the father and son duo who have been competing in marathons and triathlons since 1977.

This year's expo location put visitors right at the finish line of the marathon. A few years ago we spectated the start of the marathon in Hopkinton, so I have seen the beginning and this weekend I was able to see the end. I love that the BAA closes off this part of the street so running enthusiasts can get such an up close and personal view of things.

We milled around for a bit, had dinner at the Cactus Club, and then made our way back to the hotel to get organized for our early morning trek back to Boylston Street. And, I had to figure out what I would be wearing when I passed under the marathon photo bridge.

We arrived about one hour prior to the race start and found some warmth in a large white bib distribution tent. The weather report predicted sunny and 45 degrees, but I could see that wasn't going to happen. Fortunately I brought along my MPG capris and found a friendly restaurant that let me use their large restroom to change. Thanks Boloco! A last minute long sleeve tee purchase finished off my new outfit for the day.

After properly layering my outfit, we made our way to the corral where hubs said he would hang with me until the start. We missed meeting up with a group of runner-blogger-FitFluential friends on Saturday and I didn't think I would ever find anyone in the crowd, but then there was Michelle! She was hanging out with her cheering section too.

This 5K was a crowded race. More than 5000 runners participated and in the short 3.1 miles, it was hard to find an "opening" to settle into a regular pace. This is not the kind of race that I attempt to PR. There's just no room to move when you're in the middle of the pack. A glimpse of the finish looks a lot like the crowd at the start.

After crossing THE finish line, I made my way through the finish coral, received a 5K medal, a bag of snacks, and an energetic congratulations. I'm happy with my finish time of 28:34, but even happier to get negative splits (939, 905, 841)! I'll be back in June for the BAA 10K.

Congrats to all the finishers of the 5K!

_________________________________________________________________

Edited: The events at the Boston Marathon finish line are heartbreaking, but the running community will not let it diminish what the runners accomplished that day and the world will never forget the acts of heroism that followed. 

“If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon” Kathrine Switzer

Fitness Friday: April Races

I'm so happy that Spring weather seems to have arrived. Even though I like running in cold weather, I was getting tired of bundling up for each run. I'm also looking forward to my Spring races, including two this month. 

I signed up for the BAA Distance Medley Series and the first race is the 5K on Sunday during Boston Marathon weekend. Last year I attended the Boston Marathon expo just as a spectator, so I'm looking forward to picking up my bib this year.

I'm also running the Newport 10 Miler at the end of month. I've only run one other race in Newport, back in 2011 with my husband. We ran across the Newport Pell Bridge and it is one of my best memories. I'm excited for this race because Newport has become one of my favorite places and I am hoping to better my ten mile time. 

Are you racing this weekend?