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.

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.

How to Run on Air

Running on air.

That is exactly how it felt when I ran on the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill at Sport & Spine Physical Therapy, Inc. in Portsmouth, New Hampshire last week.

I climbed into the neoprene shorts, stepped on what felt like any other treadmill, and zipped myself into the pressurized air chamber made with technology straight from NASA. These shorts were provided, but clients who frequently use the AlterG often purchase their own.

In front of me the control panel had the familiar buttons of my own treadmill at home; display options, speed, incline, but on one side additional plus and minus buttons allowed me to adjust my body weight in 1% increments.

Dr. Chris Campbell, physical therapist and owner of Sport & Spine Physical Therapy, pressed the start button and the chamber began to fill with air while the machine lifted me up to my tiptoes as it calibrated my body weight.

In a matter of seconds of pushing the button to reduce my body weight to just 20%, I was ready to run as effortlessly as when I was a young soccer player dashing around the field. But that's not all this machine can do. In the stationary position you can easily do painless squats and jumps. It also has a reverse mode.

Originally designed for NASA by engineer Robert Whalen to maintain astronaut fitness, the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill became a commercialized prototype in 2005 after Robert's son Sean, an engineering student at the time, reached out to Alberto Salazar, coach to the elite Nike runners, for feedback. After fine-tuning the machine, the first AlterG was sold to a pro basketball team and Nike made a purchase of six. Manufactured in the USA, AlterG is now classified as a medical device and used in more than 1000 facilities for low impact patient rehabilitation, weight loss, and athletes training through injuries.

Recreational and competitive athletes can also use the AlterG to supplement training without risk of stress related injuries. In fact at Sport & Spine Physical Therapy, it can be rented in 30 minute workout sessions for $15 or less if you purchase a punch card.

If there was an AlterG in the Manchester area, I would consider using it to replace those days when I would have sat out because of pain in my calf or hamstring.


Would you use the AlterG as part of your training?

Special thanks to Outside PR for setting up my demo at Sport & Spine Physical Therapy, Inc. and to Dr. Chris Campbell for his time and expertise.

Training Truths: ZOOMA Cape Cod Week 2 + #KeepItTight

My goal for week two of my ZOOMA Cape Cod half marathon training was to get in my mileage before heading to West Virginia on Friday for a weekend visit with one of my best gal pals. It wasn't easy to squeeze everything I wanted to do in around the other things I had to do, but I did it. Looking at the vision board I made as part of the 30 Day Fitness Challenge (details here) gave me inspiration.

As the weeks start to pass and mileage continues to increase, I'll be making recovery part of my daily routine. One easy way to do that is wearing the compression sleeves I received from Pro Compression to try out as part of a Sweat Pink Ambassador campaign.

Day 7 Challenge: Make a Vision Board

Sunday:
3 mile run after church and grocery shopping. It was humid, my legs felt heavy, and my sports bra felt too tight! Not a great start to week 2 training. Day 7 fitness challenge (323 calories)

Monday:
5 mile run and I was out the door before 6:20 AM…the earliest I've ever gotten out the door on my own. Worth it. Much better run than Sunday. Day 8 fitness challenge followed by a little recovery in my compression sleeves (check them out here) (538 calories)

Ready for my next workout!

Afternoon SurfSet class with oldestC…it was a #sweatfest! But awesome, of course! I'm pretty sure that I recruited another urban surfer (421 calories)

Tuesday: 
Officially my rest day for the week, but I did Day 9 fitness challenge, and walked on the treadmill for 3 miles while using my treadmill desk to do some homework at the same time! (191 calories)

Wednesday:
5K run to the beach and back as part of my training and a virtual 5K a friend was hosting as part of a fundraiser. Humidity was higher plus the hills on the route had me worried, but then I ended up with negative splits! Day 10 fitness challenge (338 calories)

SurfnTurf class. I'm beginning to like this class more and more. The half surf, half bootcamp style is a fun way to mix up my cross training (414 calories)

Thursday:
A night of storms that ended with the power going out at 330 AM did not alleviate the humidity for my 6 AM out-and-back run. At least not as much as I thought it would. It was a struggle all the way back to the driveway, but nothing a little recovery on the couch with a good book couldn't take care of. Day 11 fitness challenge (680 calories)

No more sore muscles!

Total calories burned this week: 2905 

What I like about Pro Compression:

• Made in the USA!
• Calf sleeves support important muscles but I can also wear my favorite flip flops :)
• The material is thinner and offers moisture control
• They make calf sleeves and socks
• SOCK OF THE MONTH offered at a discount
• True Graduated Compression technology (graduated compression decreases from the bottom to top, with a pressure profile that must be 100% at the ankle (b), 70% at the calf (c) and 40% at the thigh (g). This helps promote blood flow from the lower extremities back to the heart)

If you're looking for no hassle compression sleeves or have been wanting to try them, use code PINK to get 40% off your entire purchase at Pro Compression.


Use my ZOOMA Discount Code for 10% off registration:
CCAMB2

Mizuno Wave Paradox Review

A support shoe that is also light weight? That is exactly what Mizuno created and aptly named the Wave Paradox released in January of this year.

A month ago I received a pair of the Wave Paradox from Mizuno to try out. The Wave Paradox is a new shoe in the Mizuno support lineup. At first glance they look like they might be heavy. They are not.

I was intrigued by how a shoe could look so meaty yet be so lightweight, so I did some research. According to Mizuno, they applied lightweight construction to everything they knew about control to create this 8.6 oz support shoe.

Most of the support comes from the double fan wave of the heel. If you're not familiar with Mizuno's wave technology, it works like your car's suspension - absorbing the force and spreading it out when your feet hit the ground.

The wider heel and forefoot gauges also offer stability, although that big gap just eats up rocks. Since I live in the land of no sidewalks, my Wave Paradox gobble up stones like the Cookie Monster.

The upper is inspired by a Japanese doodling technique and looks like curved lines, but up close you can see that the lines are actually straight.

While I'm on the topic of appearance, when it comes to color combinations, Mizuno nailed it. Not only do the colors look good, but the their representation of energy (orange) and stability (blue) reinforces the whole idea of paradox.

This shoe is very different than the neutral Wave Rider 17 that I was wearing previously.

Over the years, I have been able to alternate between support and neutral Mizuno shoes pretty easily (although it is not really recommended). Even when I reached out to Mizuno, they said,

@RunningEscapade It depends. Generally speaking, it's best to stick with the type of shoe which works best for you. 1/2
— Mizuno Running (@MizunoRunning) July 22, 2014

@RunningEscapade If you can safely alternate between a neutral and support shoe, there isn't any negative to doing so. 2/2
— Mizuno Running (@MizunoRunning) July 22, 2014

Since it works for me, I'll be keeping the Wave Paradox in my shoe rotation.

What type of shoe do you usually wear?

Training Truths: #FuelYourBetter

A few weeks ago I was selected to try a Vega Sport product for the #FuelYourBetter campaign (check it out here) with Fit Approach. I have a pretty good routine for fueling during my longs runs, but fueling before workouts has not been one of my strengths. There are also days when I just need a little something to increase my energy.

I chose Vega Sport Sugar-Free Energizer because it is recommended for use before short runs or low intensity workouts, like all the Booty Barre classes I intend to go to this summer along with some of the other activities on my summer goals list (you can read about those here).

Vega Sport Sugar-Free Energizer comes in two flavors: Lemon Lime and Acai Berry. I'm usually not too picky about sport drink flavors, but the Acai Berry is so much better than the Lemon Lime. It is gluten, dairy, and soy free.

Over the last few weeks I've tried the 5 calorie Sugar-Free Energizer with a variety of activities at home and at school. I love that I can toss the packets in my school or gym bag and mix them right up in the classroom.

I used the easy to mix packets to boost my endurance on short runs after school when my energy is lowest. I don't know if my stamina actually increased, but I did stop thinking about how tired I was.

I also used it to lift my energy before setting out to wash the car and do some light yard work. In all honesty, I only planned to wash the car, but then kept going and weeded the flower beds.

When I was rushing around getting things finalized for the National Running Day 5K event and before tackling a large stack of papers to grade, I mixed some up to help keep me focused.

There are times when we all face something that is holding us back from our best. Vega Sport  has fuel to help prepare, sustain, and recover. You can find your personal fueling plan on their website (here).

Like most fueling product, Vega Sport Sugar-Free Energizer asks for an investment. The prices on the Vega website range between $1.69 for a single pack to $49.99 for a 4.5 oz. tub that makes 40 servings. It is more expensive than other product I have used, but none of others are plant-based. The product is also available for less on Amazon.

Workouts June 2 - June 8

It was a slow week for running and when I did run, it was hot and hard! This week reminded me that my body takes awhile to acclimate to the warmer weather.

Monday - 3 mile sweaty run after school

Wednesday - National Running Day 5K - was able to run 1.2 before heading back to hand out refreshments and prizes at the finish

Saturday - SurfSet & ugly 5 mile run - probably my last run AFTER class until summer is over. It was hot, hot, hot. I struggled.

One of my breaks in a shady spot - Stark Park

Planking - forearm and side planks for 45 seconds each every morning - got a good streak going!


How do you #fuelyourbetter?

Yoplait Greek 100 Taste-Off

When Yoplait invited me to participate in the Yoplait Greek 100 Strawberry yogurt versus Chobani Simply 100 Strawberry yogurt, I couldn't resist. All across the nation, consumers have been taking part in this taste-off.

I saw the opportunity as a win-win for me. I love Greek yogurt and both brands are gluten free. Plus, I'm a sucker for good tasting snacks that come in 100 calorie packaging. GUILT FREE!! 

After recruiting youngestC to join me, we decided to set up a blind taste test for each other. The loyal hound volunteered to remain in the room to ensure 100% authenticity of the taste-off!

After careful consideration and multiple tastes, we both agreed that the Yoplait versus Chobani yogurt had a clear winner.

We both thought that Yoplait was definitely sweeter and clearly tasted like strawberry. Going into the Yoplait Taste-Off, I thought that I would prefer the Chobani. It just goes to show that I should grab a spoon and try new products more often!

This yummy 5.3 ounce cup of 100 calorie yogurt comes in 12 flavors and is available nationwide. Good thing because in a national taste test, Yoplait Greek 100 Strawberry beat Chobani Simply 100 Strawberry. To find Yoplait Greek 100 near you check out the Yoplait website.

So I've taken the Yoplait Greek 100 Yogurt #TasteOff, now it's your turn! Let me know what you think!

I want to thank Yoplait for sponsoring this taste test and allowing me to express my honest opinion.

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.

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.

Review: Mizuno Wave Rider 17

Happy Fitness Friday! I hope you had a wonderful holiday and are enjoying all of your new fit gear.

Earlier in the month my friends at Mizuno sent me an early Christmas present - a pair of shoes to try out before their release. As soon as I saw the new Mizuno Wave Rider 17s, I knew they were going to be fabulous.

Admittedly, the first thing I was excited to see when I opened the box was the color. I had been eyeing the slate gray shoes since seeing the color options on my laptop.

When I slipped them on, I noticed right away that the shoe felt wider. The toe box especially seemed much more roomy than the Wave Rider 16s. I have worn the 16s for more than 200 miles and never thought of them as narrow, but next to the 17s you can definitely see and feel a difference.

In fact, the new Wave Rider 17's toe box width reminds me a lot of the Wave Sayonara.

Although these shoes are lighter than the 16s (can you believe it?), they are still supportive and very flexible.

I've already put my Wave Rider 17s through the New England initiation and they are awesome on the road...

on the snow...

and on the treadmill.

In addition to function every runner girl knows that running shoes must look good. The Wave Rider 17s have some fashionable features that standout, like colored aglets.

A cool new medallion design.

And look at the rainbow reflection.

Once again Mizuno has completely spoiled me in more ways than one: they treated me to another pair of awesome shoes and every time I lace them up, I'm reminded why I fell in love with their brand.

What new fit gear did you get for Christmas that you are loving right now?

Update:

Road Runner Sports spotted this awesome review and asked me to share their exclusive review video with you! Enjoy!



Women's Mizuno Wave Rider 17 Video Credit: Road Runner Sports