A Race Not to Miss: ZOOMA Cape Cod

On Saturday I worked for a couple of hours in the ZOOMA Women's Race Series booth at the Run to Remember Half Marathon expo in Boston.

Part of my role as a Cape Cod Ambassador is to promote the race, so hanging out with other Ambassadors, like super fun Andrea from I Run For Donuts, and talking to people at a race expo was easy peasy!

Hanging with Andrea

It was so much fun talking to (mostly) women about how much fun the ZOOMA races are and why they should sign up for the 10K or half marathon. 

Michelle and Andrea

Here are some of the highlights:

1. THE SETTING: Spend the weekend hanging out and running around the Sea Crest Beach Hotel on the Cape. 

2. THE BLING: What woman doesn't love a gorgeous race medal that you can wear around your neck all the time? 

3. THE AFTER PARTY: Massages, music, wine, and hundreds of your best new girlfriends just hanging out and celebrating together.

4. THE COURSE: Both the 10K and half marathon courses offer stunning water views and start/finish just steps from the resort doors.

I ran the inaugural half marathon last year (you can read my recap here) and now I'm looking forward to returning to do it all again. If you are thinking about joining me, enter my ambassador code CCAMB3 when you register to save 10% off the 10K or the half marathon registration price. 

What race do you consider a NOT TO MISS?

_____________________________________________________________________

Congratulations to the 1BandID giveaway winners

 Jill F & Sheena

Check your email for details!

Not a winner? Don't worry, you can still save 15% on every band you order by using my code
runesc15
Just enter the code during the checkout process!

Friday Favorites: Things You Find at a Race

Every once in a while I stumble upon something new or I'm reminded why I already love a product.

A couple of weeks ago, I went to Cincinnati to run the Flying Pig Half Marathon. One of the big race sponsors was Proctor & Gamble. At the expo, P&G handed out A LOT of sample products. One that was new to me was Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream. I've been using it at night on my 40+ year old face, and I've noticed that my skin feels very soft and dewy again.

One of my favorite snacks (or desserts depending on the time of day) is Stonyfield Organic Greek Yogurt. I actually tried this yogurt for the first time when it was handed out to finishers after the Half at the Hamptons a couple of years ago. I love chocolate on the bottom!

A favorite staple that has been coming in very handy as the weather heats up is my Simple Hydration Water Bottle. It always takes me awhile as a runner to acclimate to the heat and my bottle makes it so easy to carry water or performance drinks on my runs. I had the pleasure of hanging out at the Simple Hydration booth at the Flying Pig Expo and talking to people about the bottle. It's really fun now to read the positive comments on the Facebook page from runners who bought and used the bottle at the race.

Have you ever tried a sample from a race day expo, goodie bag, or finisher's treat and fallen in love with it?   

There's still time to enter to win a pair of sunglasses! Details here! Giveaway ends tomorrow!

Just a Little Blog Award - from I Heart Running

A fellow runner and blogger picked me and my little blog to receive the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Caroline is the supportive voice of I Heart Running and the Running Bloggers network. Thank you, Caroline! 

The rules for these awards are:
1. Add the Very Inspiring Blogger Award photo on a blog post
2. Thank the person who presented you with the award and link back to him or her in your post
3. Share seven things about yourself
4. Pass the award along to up to 10 favorite bloggers
Contact the chosen bloggers to let them know about the award.

Instead of things about me, I thought I'd share what I'm loving right now:
1. My Athleta Pismo Pullover in Grey Heather. Sooo comfy!

2. The Newport Ten Miler - because it means we are heading to one of my favorite places. It means warm weather, sailing, and family time.
3. My new favorite fun core workout - hula hooping.
4. Training with my husband - It's not always easy, but running together is a fun way for us to bond.
5. Long runs - The fact that I can lace up my shoes and head out for 6, 8, 10 miles at a time still astounds me, but I love the time to reflect and find my zen.
6. Runners - the running community is an amazing force. Seeing the outpour of support and love following the Boston bombing is so inspiring.
7. Spring - after a very long winter, seeing the pops of color is a welcomed sight.

My nominations:
1. Janine @ The Purple Giraffe
2. Nancy @ Living the Dream
3. Dani @ Weight Off My Shoulders
4. Deb @ McBride Design
5. Krysten @ The Misadventures of a Darwinian Fail
6. Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
7. Michelle @ Running with Attitude
8. Sarah @ Run Far Girl
9. Katie @ Ms Fit Runner
10. Jen @ Running with the Girls

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?

Forced to Retire at 70

I introduced you to my Loyal Hound a couple of years ago when I started writing this blog. Booney has been running with me since he was a pup back in Ohio, but he made his race debut here in New Hampshire at the 2011 My Dogs Are Barking 5K.

For the last few years, Booney has been slowing down on our runs and struggling with anything more than 3 miles. As much as he loves the idea of going for a run, it just isn't the best thing for him anymore. So more times than he would like, he has to wait for us back at the house or next to the treadmill.

Booney turned 70 10 last week, so my husband and I thought it was time to officially announce Booney's retirement. He will still get to join us on short fun runs, but most of his exercise will come from walks, playing in the yard, and swimming!

How far does your running buddy go with you?

If It Makes you Happy

Happy Friday everyone! Angela at Happy Fit Mama recently asked What makes you happy? Of course Fridays make me happy because I really like weekends, so to kick off Fitness Friday I'm going to share my happy list. Angela guarantees it will make me happy.

My Happy List:

Race-cations - I love to take weekend trips and if you throw in a race, even better! Last weekend I was hanging out in New York prior to the NYC Half, but I've also taken race-cations to Newport, Cape Cod, Cape Elizabeth, and Providence. Coming up next is a weekend in Newport to include the Newport 10 Miler.

ZOOMA Ambassador 2013 - I was recently notified that I will be serving as an ambassador for the Cape Cod race again! I'm looking forward to hanging out with the ZOOMA ladies and meeting some new friends.

My treadmill - Five years ago I bought this little gem because I was a newbie to NH and somewhat intimidated by the elevation and lack of sidewalks in my neighborhood. Even though I have (somewhat) successfully become a year-round New England runner, there are still times when the weather just doesn't cooperate.

Snowplows - Speaking of weather, this is a glimpse at what Mother Nature dumped on us during the Nemo Blizzard. Thankfully the plow guy showed up with the Big Rig! Hopefully I've seen the last of plow guy until next winter.



Shiny New PRs - Whether I'm aiming for them or not, I love the feeling of besting my time in any distance, but especially the half marathon. The only thing that could make it better, would be knowing what I did right to make it happen.

Pizza - I'm not sure what it is about some dough, sauce, and cheese, but a Margherita pizza always puts a smile on my face. 

Strawberry Daiquiris - Even though it's loaded with calories, I love to splurge on a frozen, fresh strawberried drink.

Flowers - I know they only live a short time, but receiving a colorful bouquet of flowers always warms my heart. I'll never get tired of walking into a room and seeing my favorites.

Home - We have a crazy family schedule in our house, but I really like it when we can all hang out together. 

So, now it's your turn. 

What makes you happy? 

If you write your own blog post, be sure to come back and leave a link to your post for me!

Fitness Friday: NYC or Blogiversary?

NYC or Blogiversary? It's hard to chose which makes me happier!

Today my bags are packed and after school I'm off to NYC with my running partner for our NYC Half Marathon weekend. 

It's been fun getting ready.

It is also my Blogiversary Weekend! I've had some amazing experiences in the last year:

I ran another half marathon with my husband

I served as a ZOOMA ambassador

I met and ran with with Joan Benoit Samuelson

I participated in my first relay RTB:NH

I hosted my first Chilly Challenge

I added Maine to the list of places I have run

As a way to say Thank You to all of you for reading, following, commenting, and supporting this little blog of mine for the past two years, I thought I'd pick up a NYC souvenir and have a fun little giveaway. I don't know what it will be yet, but you can count on it being running related.

To enter for a chance to win my Blogiversary Gift: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Entries will be accepted until 11:59 on March 17, 2013. US residents only. Winners will be announced Monday.

Fitness Friday: Keep it Sassy Giveaway

Running gear isn't cheap. Like most runners, I'm always on the lookout for quality products at reasonable prices. Headbands are required running gear for me. They need to stay put, hold my hair away from my face, and look nice. 

I first saw Sassy Bands in pictures being worn by my friend Erin who is also a runner. After seeing several more pictures of the super cute headbands, I finally checked them out. There were tons of colors and designs, but I couldn't believe the prices.

I reached out to Sassy Bands because I wanted to see for myself if these headbands were as good as they looked, even though they are much more affordable than other bands out there. I found out that Sassy Bands was started by a soccer mom who found the other headbands too pricey, so she started making her own for her daughter. Soon her daughter's teammates were making requests for bands too. 

Paula sent me three bands to try. Not only are they adorable, but they are non-slip velvet backed and comfortable (I tried them on several runs). They come in over 300 different styles (with new ones every week) and the choice of 4 different widths. Sassy Bands also offers custom sizes and have been made for as young as 18 months.

I'm really looking forward to wearing the Flying Pig Sassy Band during the half marathon in Cincinnati in May. You can order your own Sassy Bands by sending an email through the Facebook Page or by emailing directly at sassybandsarethebest@yahoo.com.

Now I want to share some sass with you! Three of you will win your choice of three Sassy Bands! To enter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway will run until Sunday, March 10 at 11:59 PM EST.  Winner will be announced on Monday.  Good luck!

(I was given headbands by Sassy Bands in exchange for a review.  Sassy Bands is providing the giveaway.  I was not compensated for this post.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Fitness Friday: Taking a Break

I was lucky enough to get a break from the weather in New Hampshire,

and spend a few days soaking up the views in Florida.

I didn't realize how much I have been missing the color GREEN!

Like most runners, I take my running shoes on vacation. This was my first visit to my parents new place and the best way to really SEE the area is to go for a run. In true Floridian tradition, the morning I went for a run was rainy which makes it hard to take more than one picture while huddled under the protection of a tree.

The next day there was no resisting the beautiful sunny weather that came. I could have taken the typical mode of transportation,

but instead I took a nice leisurely walk. 

I might not have logged a lot of miles while in Florida, but I did relax and enjoy my break. 

Visiting Florida increased my hunger for Spring, but it also reminded me to stop and smell the roses of New Hampshire. Even though the weather may not be ideal at the moment, I can still get out and enjoy the pleasures of life here.

What are you enjoying right now?

Fitness Friday: There's No Place Like Home

The high school where I work is performing The Wizard of Oz. Last Saturday evening two of the kids, my husband and I went to see it. It was an amazing show and the student talent is out of this world!

from GHS Music on Facebook

Now, I'm not writing a musical recap, but the theme There's No Place Like Home has stayed with me since that night. It has been seven months since I was home to see my family and friends. Naturally, I miss them.

In May I will be going home to Cincinnati for a quick weekend visit and to run the Flying Pig Half Marathon. Even though I lived all those years in Ohio, I never participated in this event. My running adventures started about two years before I moved and they were small. My "big" race back then was this 10K and nothing at all like the 13.1 mile course I will be facing.

I love that I can combine running with a family visit. Unfortunately, my dad no longer lives in Cincinnati, so I have to make a trip to Florida to see him (yes, I HAVE to!). Lucky for me, that trip starts on Monday. 

Do you ever combine travel, family, and fitness?

  

Fitness Friday: Ready for the Cold

It's been frigid here in New England lately. Temperatures are low, wind chills are even lower. This season, I'm more prepared for my cold outdoor runs with a new piece of winter gear.

Lululemon's Brisk Run Neck Warmer:

After seeing my running partner wear this, I had to get one. This multipurpose piece is a neck warmer that can also be worn as a hood. I hate to wear hats because my head gets warm and then I have to carry the hat or end up overheating. But sometimes the temperatures are too cold to just wear bandless earmuffs. With the brisk run neck warmer, once you warm up, you can just pull it down and wear it loose around your neck. 

In below freezing weather and running against the wind, my head and ears stay warm and comfy. The BRNW has an adjustable cord at both ends so that you can wear it as snug a you like. The Rulu fabric is super soft and wicking.

Next weekend I'm heading up to Maine to run the Mid-Winter Classic 10 Miler in Cape Elizabeth. I have a feeling my new brisk run neck warmer will keep me safe and warm there.

What are you wearing this season to stay warm and safe from the cold?

Chilly Challenge Reminder: Log your miles for Team Escapades!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned

Fitness Friday: #ChillyChallenge Update

I am so happy with the results of the first two weeks of the Chilly Challenge.

We have over 300 participants!

We have logged more than 8000 miles in just over two weeks!

Proof from Meagan Katherine Nancy Michelle

I've seen tons of motivation, encouragement, and inspiration on Twitter and Facebook!

We have awesome sponsor support from some of our favorite product lines.

from Janine

When Janine and I began talking about putting together a January challenge, I never imagined so many people would be interested in participating. It is so exciting to see so many people being motivated and having fun. To those of you who have taken the time to send me an email or comment online, Twitter, and Facebook: thank you for being fit, for being inspiring, and for your support.

Fitness Friday: No Gym Required

When I lived in Ohio, I was a member of the local YMCA. It was affordable, conveniently located, and offered many amenities that appealed to me. Since moving to New Hampshire, I have opted not to join a gym and instead find other ways of working out.

Running is obviously my first choice and because we have a treadmill, I have the option of running inside when the weather is bad. Lately I have also been using the treadmill to do walking workouts on my non-running days.

One thing I have learned over the last couple of years is that to be a better runner, you must cross train and do strength training. One way that I incorporate strength training is by following various 30 day challenges. Several sites publish calendars to follow making it easy to find one that works for you.

I also search for workouts in magazines that I can tear out, tack to the bulletin board, or save for future use. 

A new workout that I recently learned about is a challenge from TribeSports called British Military Fitness: Blue Workout. It's a circuit workout that anyone can perform because all you need is your own body weight. 

I like these workouts because they are easy, quick, and can be done indoors or out. No gym or equipment required.

How do you feel about gyms or fitness centers?

Chilly Challenge Reminder: Log your miles for Team Escapades!

First Run 10K 2013

Once again, my running partner Daisy and I made plans to kick off another year of running by signing up for the First Run 10K in Lowell, MA. We ran this race last year and I started the year with a shiny new medal and 10K PR.  

It was also a great way to ensure that we racked up some Chilly Challenge miles for Team Escapades. We weren't the only ones to have that in mind. While waiting for the start of the race, we ran into several people planning to log miles for our team including Bill (who I might have guilted into joining) and Dani and some members from that other team. Just kidding, it is always fun to see what Janine will be wearing!

At the last minute, my husband decided to join us and run the 5K. He's planning to re-start his own running adventure and begin training for his next half marathon. I really love having a fit-husband.

More than 1600 people participated in the 5K/10K combination race this year. The unchanged course was a neighborhood loop that started and finished at the local Elks Lodge where pre and post race amenities were held. During the first loop it was very crowded, but since they offered pace corrals the glob of runners surrounding us moved at a pace I was comfortable with. From the 5K split to the finish it was much easier running, if you could ignore the occasional bitter cold head winds. 

One of the fun parts of this race is the crowd support including my husband right at the finish ready to get the best shot! And there's my Simple Hydration water bottle in action, too. That little gem let's me cruise right through the water stops and without the aggravation of carrying it in my hand.

Katherine also surprised us by signing up for the race last minute and despite arriving last minute (barely getting her bib on when the race started), she took her speedy self right past me to the finish. I think it is because she joined the Mizuno club...check out our #brilliantrun gear.  

Spending the first half of New Year's Day running with my husband and friends is nothing less than awesome. Even though this race seems to have outgrown it's facility, the course, the volunteers, and the community make it a fun one to do. So despite only finding some granola cereal and Emergen-C packs, I was very happy to discover that I tied my 10K PR at 56:23!

How did you start your new year?

How do you feel about poor post race experiences?

Want to know more about how to join Team Escapades in the Chilly Challenge? Check out all the details here or skip right to the sign-up part and be sure to choose #TeamEscapades! Already a member? Don't forget to follow #ChillyChallenge on Twitter and join the Facebook group.