Fitness Friday: Stay Strong

Over the past year we have repeatedly heard the phrase Boston Strong. As runners, we have continued to find ways to Run Strong to show the world that you can't mess with the running community. As we get ready for an emotional Boston Marathon weekend, we are all looking for ways to Be Strong.

Lately I have been dealing with a knee issue that I learned on Monday is in fact a meniscus tear and today I am recovering from my successful skin cancer surgery. To start my one week of no running with my Boston Marathon running friends on my mind (like Dani, Sandra, Christine, Sarah, and Christy), I am focusing on a new phrase: Stay Strong.

Last week, Momentum Jewelry offered to send me a sample product. Momentum jewelry puts inspirational messages on Motivate Wrap™ bracelets and Foot Notes™ shoe charms. As soon as I saw the Stay Strong Foot Notes shoe charm, I knew it was meant to be.

I love that I can look down at my feet during a workout and see that message! Momentum Jewelry also makes Suede Cuffs, Necklaces, Headbands, and Earrings.

Momentum Jewelry wants to share some inspiration with you in your own Foot Notes™ shoe charm. These charms come in single shoe pendants or coordinated pairs like mine. In addition to entering the giveaway, from April 15 - July 15, you can use code GGS158 for 15% off your total website purchase.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was given the opportunity to review this product as part of the Girls Gone Sporty Network. All opinions are 100% my own.

5 Tips for Running with your Dog {Giveaway}

My dog loves to run. It makes him happy. His favorite race is the My Dogs are Barking 5K.

Exercising with your dog is a lot like training for your next big race. You need to have a plan, the right tools, and be prepared to practice.

Just like there are apps for runners to use to plan and track activity, Purina has created Purina Pro Plan P5 App, a user friendly app that allows you to track your dog's activity, work on training goals, and see achievements.

Through the Purina Pro Plan P5 App you can also access training videos on a wide variety of topics including obedience, agility, running, and strength training.

Fueling is just as important for your dog's exercise as it is to your race training. Purina has launched Purina Pro Plan PRiME and ReFUEL bars that can be used pre and post-exercise to manage your dog's energy stores.

Booney really enjoys earning his treat.

Here are some tips for running with your dog from Dr. Brian Zanghi, a research nutritionist and one of the canine physiologists behind the development of the Purina Pro Plan P5 App:

1. Consult Your Vet – Before you begin running with your dog, check with your vet to make sure they are in the proper physical condition and receive the proper nutrition for this type and level of activity.
2. Start small – Begin your activity program with short walks, jogs and training sessions at fifteen minute intervals.  It’s important your dog understands basic commands to make activity time more enjoyable (the heel command is crucial). Dog owners can also download the P5 app for free to set exercise and nutrition goals, as well as access step-by-step instruction, helpful video demonstrations and insight from top Pro Plan trainers.
3. Pick the right conditions – When possible, always choose to run on grass or a soft path, rather than pavement. This is not only easier on the pads of your dog’s feet, but it’s also less pressure on their joints and bones. If you have to run on pavement, make sure to check the pads on your dog’s feet both before AND after your run, for cuts or abrasions.
4. Ensure your dog receives proper nutrition for exercise – Unlike humans, a dog’s main energy source comes from fat – not carbs. A diet higher in fat and protein will increase an active dog’s metabolism and his endurance during exercise. The Purina Pro Plan Sport line delivers fine-tuned nutrition to promote strength and endurance for dogs of all activity levels. And for highly active dogs, the Purina Pro Plan PRiME and ReFUEL nutritional supplement bars can be fed before (PRiME) and after (ReFUEL) exercise to deliver concentrated targeted nutrients that help optimize performance.
5. Provide proper hydration – It is important to let your dog her have access to water at all times, especially during long walks or locations away from home.

Purina has generously offered to give two winners the chance to try the Purina Pro Plan PRiME and ReFUEL bars. Each winner will receive 4 PRiME and 4 ReFUEL bars. Enter for your chance to fuel your dog below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I was sent samples of Purina Pro Plan PRiME and ReFUEL bars for the purpose of review.

5 New Fitness Finds

Last month I was introduced to some awesome new fitness finds. Here is a brief overview of my favorites:

Smash Run -

This website was referred to me by the Assistant Principal at my school. Her 5 year old son is a fan. The site basically keeps stats for runners. It's simple to log your runs. I use Nike+ and it's hassle-free. You earn badges (great motivation) for various accomplishments. You can see how you compare to others - including friends who also use it. It gives you detailed feedback about your stats. Oh yea - it's free. If you like stats, but aren't into the chat stuff (like DailyMile) this might be the way to go.

Athleta Record Time Run shorts -

After wearing another brand for years, but craving a less baggy feel, these shorts have everything I want with less material without having to compromise on fit by down-sizing. They have all my favorite features...lightweight material, zipper pocket, and 2.5 inch inseam. The wrap-around seams add a flattering look.

Athleta - All Align Short -

I don't have many spandex-y type shorts for running, but have found that they are super comfortable during SurfSet and other strength/cross training classes. These are a little shorter (2.5 inch inseam) than other pairs that I wear, but they keep everything covered up and stay put. They're on sale for $19.99 and also come in purple and teal.

Under Armour Marbella Sunglasses -

It's hard for me to find a good pair of sunglasses that I can wear while I'm running. About half way through a run, they'll steam up making it difficult to see. I have tried several pair and so far only these that Under Armour sent me to try have worked. The fit feels good on my face and they don't make me feel hotter than I already am from running.

Albion Fit Go Long Crew - 

I love fitness gear that can transition to casual wear without looking like I just came from a workout. This long sleeve crew top, that I received from Albion Fit, is super soft and long-waisted just the way I like them. It's a perfect Spring choice. It comes in a variety of colors and I have a giveaway {here} happening until Sunday April 6. You can also receive 15% off your purchase with my discount code: escapade15







What fit gear have you discovered lately??

Disclaimer: I mentioned that I received some product for review purposes, but all opinions are my own.

Albion Fit: Go Long Crew Giveaway!

You may have seen me hanging out repeatedly in the same blue long sleeve crew top lately.

When I first started seeing Albion apparel online, I was impressed with the feminine but sporty look. So, of course I checked them out. Albion is a family owned eco-friendly business focused on creating luxurious clothing for women on the go.

Because I love a comfy long sleeve top that I can wear casually or to and from SurfSet, I reached out to the company. They generously sent me their bestselling top: the Go Long Crew with thumb holes.

This top is everything they claim it to be: soft and lightweight, flattering in length, and versatile for any situation. It retails for $28 but you can get 15% off with my discount code escapade15 (good on any albionfit.com purchase through April 6, 2014).

Besides wearing it while hanging out around the house and as a cover up to SurfSet classes, the Go Long Crew is also perfect for my strength and yoga workouts in the cool basement.

Albion offers a wide variety of tops, bottoms, and swimwear - all with the same fitness flattering touch. Here are some others I would love to try of my favorites:

Giveaway: Enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance to try an Albion Fit Go Long Crew!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer: Albion Fit provided the product for this review, but all opinions are my own.

Friday Favorites & {a GIVEAWAY}

Happy Friday running friends!

It's time to share another round of Friday Favorites.

I've had my Nike GPS Sportwatch for about 5 years now, but just recently purchased the Polar Wearlink Heart Rate Monitor to link with it. The data nerd in me loves seeing how much effort I'm putting into my running.

Sometimes it is just REALLY cold. I hate wearing toboggans because I have thick hair and my ponytail is too short to hang out on my neck. I found Athleta's Polartec Beanie Visor that has a hole in the back for ponytails. I know there are toboggans that have ponytail holes too, but I liked the added visor on this one.

I recently tried some audio Treadmill Express workouts from Motion Traxx through an offer for FitFluential Ambassadors. For someone like me who doesn't like to run on the treadmill, these workouts make all the difference. I like knowing that I'm getting a good workout instead of just aimlessly running.

Speaking of FitFluential, have you joined yet? I joined in 2011 (before applying to become an ambassador) because they offered a network of fitness enthusiasts who were dedicated to motivating and inspiring others. Pretty soon, I was also enjoying perks like discounts on fitness gear, invites to Twitter chats, and opportunities to win free stuff in giveaways.

This year, FitFluential wants to hit the road and bring the events to US! The more people you get to sign up from your area, the more likely you are to be visited by FitFluential. Spread the word!

One of my all time favorite races is the ZOOMA Cape Cod Half Marathon. The ladies behind ZOOMA really know how to put on a great event in a fantastic locations. Runner's World Magazine has called it one of the best half marathon's in the US and recently Competitor Magazine ranked the Texas Half Marathon as "Best Women's Half" in the South.

Right now ZOOMA is looking to send a blogger and one lucky reader to run the ZOOMA Napa Half Marathon in June. I would love to add California to my list of places I have run a race, wouldn't you? All you need to do is VOTE! Everyday!

As usual I'm spending most of my non-running hours wearing these awesome recovery shoes around the house. I'm bringing them back today because Oofos wants YOU to have a pair to enjoy and has asked me to do another giveaway! Enter using the rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Training Truths: Saying Goodbye

Last week was about saying goodbye.

We closed another year while ringing in the new one.

We bid adieu to our old goals as we made plans for 2014.

Sadly, I also said farewell to my beloved ninety year old grandfather.

Monday - back to Booty Barre. I don't know how she does it, but Becki makes 2 pound hand weights feel like a ton. On top of that, my arms. abs, and legs become a shaky hot mess! It's awesome and I can't wait to go back on my next break.

Tuesday - mrC joined me for a cold, but sunny run to the beach and back for a nice little New Year's Eve 5K. I was feeling festive in my new eggplant Nike running top and sparkly winter hat.

Wednesday - After finding out late Tuesday that my Gpa had passed, mrC and I decided to still do the First Run 5K on New Year's Day. Honestly it felt wrong to be hanging out at a race, but it did feel good to run.

Thursday - We drove to Cincinnati for the funeral. No running this weekend, but I did take a walk at every stop and stretched my legs whenever and however I could.

In the car using the dash as a prop:

In the hotel room using my yoga for runners app:

After the 1900 mile round trip, I am looking forward to a good run. I know that it will feel good on my legs and on my grief.


**I have also extended my REPREVE beanie giveaway for another week as I get caught up. You can still enter here.**

A New Name in Sports: REPREVE Recycled

The following post is sponsored by REPREVE

Here in New Hampshire, recycling is a BIG deal. In our household we do it daily and take our trash to the local Transfer Station where we sort our recyclables. You might remember when I told you about my favorite yogurt company helping the planet and today I want to tell you about how your choice of fit gear is too.

REPREVE is a recycled fabric made from recycled PET introduced to the world in 2012 and already using over 629 million plastic bottles recycled by people like you and me. REPREVE fabric is already being used in many brands that you know and love.

• Patagonia
• Swiftwick
• Polartec
• The North Face Denali jacket
• ChicoBag
• and more listed here

So how does it work? REPREVE takes plastic bottles and other recycled materials and turns it into cool stuff that we wear and use every day. 

For example, it takes 6 recycled plastic bottles to make one REPREVE green beanie.

Would you like to wear an eco-friendly beanie made out of recycled fiber? You can win a REPREVE beanie of your own by entering the rafflecopter giveaway below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I want to thank REPREVE for sponsoring this post and inspiring me to #TurnItGreen. Next month I will be telling you about an exciting contest where you can win $5000 by showing how you #TurnItGreen! 

Training Truths: It helps to have a Plan

Zooming into the last weeks before the Christmas holiday is hectic. Hectic at home. Hectic at work. Hectic everywhere! Once again, I am grateful to have a supportive family who understands my need to run and workout.

Last week I knew things would be crazy with mrC out of town Sunday to Friday, so I went into the week with a plan. I still did my morning #squatstreak and foam rolling routine, but then varied my evening workouts based on how much time I would have. It was so helpful to do it this way and useful for making sure I accomplished my RTB weekly team challenge set by our Team Captain Katherine.

MON: 4 minute ninja ab workout, 1 minute of jumping jacks, and 2 AMAZING strength sets by Katherine (10 push-up, 10 front alternating lunges, 10 pistol squats, and 30 second side planks).

TUES: Snowy afternoon 2 mile treadmill run

WED: Same as Monday.

THURS: Same as Monday.

FRI: Cold and easy 5K run to the beach and back. mrC was back in town (and bored I think) and followed me in the car with the dog. He did capture this really good look at one of the hills I have to climb on the way back.

SAT: 4 minute ninja ab workout and then another Saturday morning SurfSet session. As if the full body workout wasn't reward enough, we walked out with sweet little gifts from TI Fitness Training.

SUN: It was the first BIG storm of the season and we picked up 10.5 inches of snow overnight, so I hit the treadmill first thing in the morning for my long run - 6 miles. It was a bummer to have to do my long run on the 'mill because I never feel like it is a good run. It always feel so much harder than my outdoor runs, yet my stats usually show that the opposite.

Do you plan your weekly workouts? 

And #ChillyChallenge Week 2 Warriors. Here are some of my favorite photos from the week. I know some of you are dealing with cold weather, snow storms, and most are working on holiday planning, but you are ROCKIN' the daily challenges! I can't wait to see what you've got for week 3!

There's still time to join the fun and be eligible to win a pair of Mizuno Wave Rider 17s. Follow #chillychallenge on Instagram, complete the daily exercise, post a photo TAGGED #chillychallenge @runningescapades. Post at least 5 photos to Instagram throughout the month to be eligible to win. All details here.

Fitness Friday: 2nd Annual Chilly Challenge

Happy (Black) Friday. I'm guessing many of you laced up your running shoes and hit the Black Friday sales in the wee hours this morning. Hopefully, you at least had time to digest your Thanksgiving meal before racing around to the stores.

Not me! I enjoy sleeping in when I'm at the in-laws, but I am going for a nice little fun run later. And I'm planning on lacing up my brand new pair of Mizuno Wave Rider 17 sent to me by my favorite Mizuno Running buddy Lori Ann to try out.

Before I go, I want to tell you how you can win a pair of Wave Rider 17s for yourself. If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, then you already know that I love daily challenges almost as much as I love my Mizunos. This year, I used those challenges as inspiration for the 2nd Annual Chilly Challenge.

Here is a calendar of the daily challenges! I look forward to seeing your Instagram pictures or videos.

Update: link to calendar download here.

Who's in for the Chilly Challenge this year?

Fitness Calendar Review + {giveaway}

As a member of a fitness blogger review network, I was sent copies of some upcoming 2014 fitness titles to review. I was super excited to see that they were running related and quickly noted that they would make excellent gifts for runners.

Complete Runner's Day-by Day Calendar Log: This is a year long training journal that includes logs for easy tracking and offers tips for all levels of running. 

The journal pages allow you to record daily mileage, race details, and more. Each month you'll find tips to keep you motivated. Even the most electronically driven runner will enjoy looking back at the stats from the previous years' log.

Runner's High 2014 Day-to-Day Calendar: This is your standard desktop tear-off calendar.

The daily pages offer fun facts, motivational tips, and quirky race day moments. This would look great on a runner's desk or kitchen counter.

I'm happy to announce that the publisher has generously offered to let me host a giveaway of these titles! 

The giveaway includes: 
- 1 copy of Complete Runner's Day-by Day Calendar Log 
- 1 copy of  Runner's High 2014 Day-to-Day Calendar

To enter: 
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Giveaway details:
- Winners must be US residents
- Ends November 16, 2013 at 11:59 PM
- Two names will be selected randomly from the valid entries. First name will win Complete Runner's Day-by Day Calendar Log. Second name will win Runner's High 2014 Day-to-Day Calendar

WIAW: All Pro Science Inspired + (giveaway)

As a blogger, I occasionally get asked to review product. I don't accept every offer, just the ones that I have a genuine interest in trying. A couple of weeks ago All Pro Science sent me some 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein to try.  

The first thing that appealed to me about APS was the "free" list: gluten-free, high-fructose corn syrup free, soy free, dairy-free. I was impressed with the all-natural approach. Secondly, APS offers more flavors than I've seen in other protein powders. Complete 100% Grass Fed Whey is offered in six flavors: French Vanilla, Bavarian Chocolate, Strawberry Creme, Banana Creme, Cinnamon Roll, and Mocha Latte. APS sent me Banana Creme.

Now, you might be shocked to learn that I am not a banana fan. I can eat a banana after a race if there aren't other options, but at home I usually leave them in the fruit bowl for mr.C and the kids. Having said that, I wasn't about to let that stop me from trying the protein my friends at APS were nice enough to send me.

First I used it in my morning smoothie. Honestly, I could not taste the banana flavor at all. My wild berry smoothie tasted the same as always.

After that I had to search for recipes because banana is not a flavor I use in the kitchen at all often. The first recipe I found was for homemade protein bars. I modified the original recipe to make it gluten-free.

They were really good! I had them with my lunch and took them to a soccer game for my snack. I even grabbed one for a quick bite before a run. It was perfect.

Feeling a little more confident, I tried another recipe that I found here for some protein bites. The only thing I changed was the protein flavor.

The banana flavor was a little too noticeable for me in this recipe, but they made an excellent post-workout and after dinner snack.

APS also sent me some Natural Blue Berry Ice PreCharge single packets to try. These are suggested for pre-workout use, but I wanted to try it in a smoothie, so I added it to my morning wild berry mix. I absolutely loved this flavor!

I'm not an expert on protein, and honestly, I couldn't tell a difference between this brand and others that I have used, but knowing that APS focuses on offering all-natural products and has gluten-free ingredients makes this a winner for me.

Do you use protein powder? Or would you like to try it? All Pro Science is generously giving one lucky reader 1 tub of protein (your choice) + a $25 gift certificate.

To enter: 
- Leave a comment telling me which fitness activity you like most.
- For extra entries share/tweet/blog/Instagram/Pinterest this giveaway. Be sure to leave a link to what you did in the comments so I'll know! The more you share, the more chances to win!
- Earn more entries for following APS on Twitter and liking their Facebook page. Leave a comment for each letting me know that you did.

Giveaway details:
- Winners must be US residents
- Ends Sunday November 3 at 10 PM EST. Comments after that time will not be included in the drawing.
- One name will be selected randomly from the valid entries. 

Can't wait? Use this exclusive promo code RUN40 for 40% off your order of All Pro Science products.

Updated: Congratulations to NEW giveaway winner Electra!

Please email me with your protein flavor choice and mailing address.

Disclaimer: I received this product for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Oofos Recovery Shoes Review & Giveaway!

One thing that is never far from my mind as a runner is recovery. I have accumulated a lot of recovery gear like compression socks, compression shorts, ice packs, foam rollers...you get the idea. Recently I was sent a pair of recovery shoes from Oofos.

Oofos footwear is built using the "proprietary OOfoam™ technology" and "patented footbed design" to "comfort and support while reducing fatigue and enhancing recovery." At first glance, it's a clod-hopper with a very thick sole, but it's surprisingly lightweight.

As soon as I put on my Oofos Ooriginals, I forgot about how awkward looking they are and immediately felt their cushion-iness. After standing on classroom tiled floors for the first three days of school, my legs and feet were tired.

I like to wear slip on shoes around the house (my normal go-to pair are some Addidas that I have had for years). After just a few steps, I could feel some bounce in my walk. According to the Oofos blog, these shoes make an excellent training buddy because they'll "help absorb 37% of stress."

After spending some quality time in my new Oofos shoes, I can see why they have made the Sneaker Report's Top 10 Recovery Shoes list.

Oofos Footwear would like you to feel the #RejOOv for yourself. Use the rafflecopter below to enter. This giveaway is for US residents only and ends Sunday evening September 22.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary pair of Oofos footwear for review purposes. All opinions are my own.