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!

SurfSet Fitness Session

I've been hearing great things about the urban surfing craze ever since the inventors swam with the sharks. As a member of New Hampshire Bloggers & Tweeters, I was invited to attend a TI SurfSet Fitness event at TI Fitness Training in Manchester.

TI SURFSET© is a 45 minute workout based on the movements of surfing. The comprehensive routine centered around the RSX board is designed to build core strength, burn fat, and create lean muscles. Other gear such as jump ropes and kettle bells can be incorporated into the routine as well. What you don't need are shoes. This workout is done completely barefoot.

After a quick meet and greet, our instructor Christine, explained some of the common moves we would be using like sup stand (below) and surf stand while walking us through some exercises to get used to the board. I was grateful for this part as 1) I am not a surfer and 2) this was my first time taking a class like this.

Once we were all warmed up, the high-intensity aerobic intervals began. We worked our core from the plank position doing moves like wave runners (basically mountain climbers on the board) and cha-chas (knee taps while in the plank position).

We tried to balance while doing squats, kicks, and knee ups. We even did some surfing moves such as  stand up paddling, pop ups, and carving outs.

Photo credit: TI Fitness Instagram

Toward the end of the session we did some floor work with the jump ropes and kettle bells. I've never used a kettle bell before, so I could feel all of my muscles firing up.

This total body workout kicked my butt. It was challenging, but completely achievable. Christine led us through a progressive routine that pushed our muscles to the max and left us feeling proudly spent.

This class was so much fun, I'm already thinking about when I can do it again. 

In addition to SurfSet, TI Fitness Training also offers Fitness Bootcamp, Children's Fitness, Running Programs, and Private Sessions. They have a variety of pricing packages along with a punch pass program and a separate drop-in fee for those who prefer to pay as they go. One thing I love is the 20% discount offered to students, teachers, military, and government employees.

What do you think of SurfSet?

TrainingTruths: A Recovery Week

The downhill that followed the run up into Eden Park during the Flying Pig Half Marathon left my legs feeling a little like mush. Add the rising temperatures and my running last week wasn't pretty. Since I know from past experience that there is a period of adjustment between cold and warm weather, I'm trying not to sweat (haha) the ugliness of my runs.

Tuesday I ran after school with my running partner. We were both nursing tired legs so we did a quick 5K. It was tough and the warmth made it feel even harder. I did try out my new Mizuno running shorts  and along with my Wave Inspires, they were the most comfortable part of the run.

I waited until Friday to do my second run because I was still feeling tired. I came home after my last class and did a lunch run with hubs. It was basically a 4.2 mile repeat of Tuesday's run: tired legs and warm temps. We earned a good sweat on this one and I was reminded how much I love cucumber facial wipes.

I went to a SurfSet class on Saturday morning and experienced my first total body urban surfing lesson. It was the toughest non-running workout I've done in a long time. Recap coming soon!

Photo credit: TI Fitness Instagram

Sunday morning when I woke up, I was reminded right away that I had done a total body workout the day before! Even though I was hurting, I went for a six mile run with the hubs and it was the best run of the week. I'm definitely a cooler weather, morning runner!

When was the last time you were sore from a workout? What kind of runner are you?

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

Inspirational Fit Female

What better day to celebrate your female fitness inspiration than Mother's Day? There are so many mom's out there that are working hard, raising families, and staying fit. The Fit Female Blogging Campaign is a collaborative effort to share stories about women who have inspired us.

My first inspiration was my mother. She taught me at a young age that I could do anything I set my mind to. She showed me that girls could play sports and be just as tough as the boys. From her I learned the value of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. She got me involved in sports and has supported my athletic endeavors ever since. My mom is one of the strongest women I know and I am so grateful to have her cheering for me on the sidelines or from miles away.

After the Cincinnati Flying Pig Half Marathon

My friend Sarah is also a #fitfemale. Sarah is a mother and a runner, too. Sarah is planning to run a half marathon and raise $5,000 for Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock! Her motivation is her son Jack, who has had to endure several surgeries to correct a congenital birth defect. You can read Sarah and Jack's story here and find out how you can help her accomplish her goal. While you're there, give Sarah a shout of encouragement!

Participation in the Inspirational Fit Female Blogging Campaign is open to everyone. If you don't have a blog you can share your story on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. You can also read more inspiring stories here.

Happy Mother's Day!

*There's still time to enter my Firmoo sunglasses giveaway**

My Mezamashii Run Project

Last week I was whisked away by Mizuno to be a part of a Mezamashii Run Project in Atlanta. 

I arrived in Atlanta on Wednesday evening and met Ashi and Heather. Ashi went straight to his shoot, while Heather and I were dropped at the W Hotel in downtown Atlanta. Since we had the night off we decided to meet for dinner. After checking out the fine dining in the hotel, we opted to go around the block to JR Crickets, a more casual sports bar-like place.

After dinner I had a chance to check out the welcome gift that Mizuno thoughtfully gave us. Inside the Mizuno bag were some snacks, a water bottle, lanyard, and a note thanking me for coming to Atlanta. I was thinking, No, thank YOU, Mizuno, for inviting me on this amazing adventure!

The shoot: After easing into the day because shooting ran late on Wednesday night, Ashi, Heather, and I were picked up by Lisandra and driven to the Mizuno warehouse. Lisandra and a host of other production assistants took care of us (the talent) all day. It was a little bit rock-star-ish.

Shortly after we arrived we were given the scripts for our individual scenes and time to learn them. A little while later, David, one of the producers brought us some wardrobe to go through to find outfits for our scenes.

Things kicked into high gear after I was taken to see the Mizuno representatives to approve my wardrobe. They had built a mini-set right there in the warehouse with the stereotypical lights, camera, microphones, and screens. After meeting the reps, including Lori Ann who has supported my little blog for a while now, I met the director and was mic'ed for my scene.

(Photos shamelessly borrowed from Louise who was part of the project all week)

I was so nervous that I really thought they could hear my heart pounding through the microphone attached to my bra. It was so surreal to have the PA step in with the scene clapper board and another PA yelling Quiet on the set! 

I'm not sure how many takes it took for me to get it right they way the directors wanted, but it was a lot. Even though I was a bundle of nerves, everyone was super nice and made me feel comfortable. I am grateful that no one made me feel inadequate or like the amateur that I am. I didn't know it at the time, but the production crew was a legit Hollywood team. This experience just made me love Mizuno even more.

Although I can't tell you much about the specifics of the filming, I can show the wardrobe I wore and then was allowed to keep. I wore the shorts on my run the other day and they were very comfortable. They have an inside key pocket and outer zip pocket.

I have been a Mezamashii Run Project member for almost two years. As a member I receive early access to new product launches, exclusive events, and the ability to impact future shoe design. Mizuno believes in bringing Mezamashii, or brilliant run, directly to the runners. There are some amazing things happening for the Mezamashii Run Project community. Join in the fun by applying today.

Have you tried Mizunos?

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

Flying Pig Half Marathon

I'm a Flying Pig!

I finally ran the Flying Pig Half Marathon and I dragged my husband along with me! We arrived in Cincinnati on Friday evening and met up with family and friends for dinner. The weather was gorgeous  and the Flying Pig weekend festivities had already begun. 

After breakfast at a great downtown restaurant called First Watch, we spent Saturday morning at the Expo. They had an interesting zig-zag layout that steered you through all of the booths to get to the race shirt pick-up. At first we didn't mind this layout, but when we wanted to make our way back to something, it was difficult to move against the sea of people and took way too much time. After running with his water bottle for the last two years, I finally met Simple Hydration designer Brian and hung out at his booth for a bit.

The race had an early start of 6:30, but fortunately we were only a couple of blocks from the start line at the Millennium Hotel. We didn't have our normal pre-race breakfast, so we substituted bagels from the hotel cafe. I could only eat half because I was so excited to get going. The weather was predicted to be 50+ so I was comfortable selecting a Nike racerback and running skirt. I also chose my Flying Pig Sassy Bands and Mizuno Wave Creation 14s. After mixing up some Nuun (I forgot to pack the Cytomax) and packing some post-race clothes in my gear bag, we were on our way.

We walked the few blocks to the starting line and located the not-so-easy to find gear bag busses. By then the sun was beginning to rise over the city. We took a few minutes to stretch before entering our corral.

For nine weeks I had been preparing my husband to run his 3rd half marathon. We planned to take it easy in the beginning, manage the two+ mile uphill into Eden Park, and then cruise to the finish.

Running with my husband was easy. The first six miles over the river into Newport, across Covington, and back through Cincy's west side was manageable for us. The hard part for me was dealing with three port-a-potty stops. I guess he forgot to reduce his fluid intake!

We knew the tough part of the course would begin at about mile 7 as we started the 280 foot climb into Eden Park. When I saw the Elsinore Castle, I knew it was time to dig deep.

The good part about the climb was that it leveled off a little in places, like Mirror Lake. This was one of the picturesque views along the course.

The pain of the next part of the climb was lessened just a little by the appearance of Elvis near the Krohn Conservatory. We saw crazy, fun stuff like this all along the course.

After making our way out of the park and through some rolling hills, we started the cruise to the finish line. The downhill view of the city and descent helped increase our pace.

The last .20 of the course was a straight away lined with cheering spectators all the way to the finish. After crossing the finish line in 2:17:03 (PR for hubs!), we made our way through the finisher's corral where we received our medal and more food than I have ever seen at a race. It was awesome! Just minutes after exiting the corral, a light rain began. I was grateful that I packed some extra clothes in my gear check bag. Thanks to the Flying Pig tracker app, my mom was right there waiting for us. We walked around for a bit, got a quick massage, and then decided to head to the hotel to get dry.

I loved this race. It was challenging, but tons of fun. There were more bands/music on the course than the Rock-n-Roll events I have done. The cheer zones and fluid stations were filled with rowdy, happy people. The entire weekend was packed full of events going on downtown including the Expo, 5K, 10K, full marathon, relays, kids races, a family festival, and fireworks. Participants received awesome swag before and after the race: tech tee, poster, cooler, and finisher's certificate.

We had been warned about THE hill leading into Eden Park and more importantly the downhill that followed. Day three post-race my quads are finally starting to recover.

This race is only 15 years old, but attracts over 33, 000 runners to it's weekend events that sell-out. There were more than 100 people who participated in the full marathon for the 15th year in a row - The Streakers! I hope to run this half marathon again too!

TrainingTruths: Half Marathon #9 Final Week

It was taper time last week. Nine weeks of coaching, guiding, and training with my husband for his third half marathon was winding down. Work and travel schedules prevented us from running together, but he stayed focused and IT ALL PAID OFF (recap coming soon).

Tuesday: It was a yucky four miles. As a runner I have learned that there will be days like this, but it doesn't stop the disappointment that comes with it. It was one of our first warm days, I was tired from a busy day at work, and feeling very blah and lethargic. I definitely had trouble keeping up with my running partner on this one.

Wednesday: I went to Atlanta to work on a special project with Mizuno for a couple of days. I missed my final taper run, but I did fit in my daily planks. The view out of the floor to ceiling windows was much better than my normal view of the living room or basement.

Sunday: After weeks of training together, hubs and I ran the Flying Pig Half Marathon. It was #9 for me and #3 for him. As promised, we stuck together for all 13....miles. I couldn't resist the .10 sprint to the finish line. This was a challenging course, but tons of fun.

Overall: I ate on the road a lot between Atlanta and Cincinnati, didn't follow my normal hydration routine, and only did my morning planks 4 days. I will be more focused this week while I allow some time to recover.

How was your week?

Fitness Friday: #GoalGetter 2013 April Update

In April I was really focused on two of my goals for the year: adding up the miles toward 1000 and strength training consistently. After crossing two other goals off my list last month, I was pumped up and motivated to keep working and pick up the slack where I needed to.

Run 1000 Miles

To reach this goal I need to run at least 82 miles every month. I'm happy to report that in April I ran 87.19! My total for the year so far is now 344.56, leaving 655.44 to go. Most of my April miles came from training for the Flying Pig Half Marathon (which I will be running on Sunday) and a couple of races. I did the BAA 5K and the Newport 10 Miler.

With the mileage on the rise, I added a new pair of Mizunos to the rotation. I am really loving my Wave Creation 14s.

Strength Train Consistently

I worked extra hard to make this my turn-around month following the total fail of March. I dug out the weighted hula hoop and have been giving it a spin a couple of times a week. I have also gotten back into the #plankaday habit. I'm not a fan of seeing how long I can hold a plank, so instead I focus on quick intervals.

Host a Fun Run

Ever since I joined some friends for a group fun run, I have wanted to organize my own. I never expected to be organizing a run as a show of support after a tragedy at a marathon, but that is what I did. I'm proud of myself for pulling it off, but I don't feel comfortable calling it a fun run. It was a #BostonStrong run.

What was your focus in April? How did you do?