Three Things

Today I have three things on my mind:

Yesterday, my friends at Simple Hydration released an awesome promotional video. This bottle is a little known secret that runners (like me) absolutely love. The fun part was that Simple Hydration asked customers (like me) to participate in the video. See if you can spot me:




Today, I find out if I made it into the New York City Half Marathon. Daisy and I put our names in the lottery back in November with the hopes that we will be taking a little road trip in March. 

Last night I read about a 5K that is being organized to help the families of the Sandy Hook tragedy. The event will take place in the spring, so until then I hope you will join the group and help me spread the word. 

What's on your mind today?

The Heart Doesn't Lie: Polar FT40 Review

When I first started running, I remember stepping onto the treadmill at my local YMCA and noticing the metal grips on the bar in front of me. After a few attempts, I figured out that if you grip the bar for about a minute you get a heart rate reading. I never knew the value of a heart rate monitor until now. 

Polar recently sent me the FT40 Heart Rate Monitor to try out and review. I have had no prior experience with HRMs, so this was my chance to learn the ins and outs of using one as well as what to do with the data it collected. 

Setting up the watch using the accompanied instruction booklet was simple. After personalizing the settings, there was an option to take a fitness test to determine my fitness level that I thought was pretty neat. All you have to do is lay down and relax for five minutes and the results are instant. 

Once you are ready to use the Polar HRM, moisten the electrodes on the strap then attach the connector by snapping it into place. The strap is worn around your chest just below the chest muscles. 

Being a data nerd, I love the information this monitor gives you. During the workout, the display can show your current heart rate, calories burned, or the time. You can also keep track of the effect of your training: fat burning or fitness. Afterwards you can see a summary of your workout.

If you are trying to lose weight, knowing your heart rate during exercise is important because you want to stay in the fat burning zone. You also want to know how many calories you are burning. I like that the Polar Heart Rate Monitor can tell you this information accurately. It's clear that my regular running watch merely estimates the number of calories I'm burning.

Overall, I like the the Polar Heart Rate Monitor. It is not a right-out-of-the-box and use it piece of gear. It does require some reading to figure out how the data is displayed on the watch during your workout, but it's manageable.

Do you use a HRM? What do you like most?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product to review without compensation as a FitFluential Ambassador. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

TrainingTruths: Negative Splits

Last week I ran four times and on three of those runs my distance was five miles. Aiming for negative splits during a run is a goal for many runners, but I don't usually think about that. I did manage to complete each of my five milers faster than the last though. That counts, right? 

#TrainingTruth: Running should be automatic.

Every Tuesday and Thursday after work, Daisy and I head out for a run. Sticking to this routine makes it easier to stay motivated and gives me something to look forward to. It's harder to lose motivation when I have consistency to my workouts.   

  
#TrainingTruth: Changing up your route can help boost your energy.

Instead of running the same route we typically follow, we decided to try something new. A small change of scenery was all I needed to add a little excitement to my run and help melt the stress away.

#TrainingTruth: Running with friends is the best form of peer pressure.

We met up with the Winter Warrior group at our local running store for our Saturday run. Daisy and I went with the five mile group while my husband and step daughter opted for three miles. The lead pack on our route was really too fast for me, but that didn't stop me from trying to keep up.

BONUS: Mary from Mizuno was at Runner's Alley with bags of shoes for participants to try out. We all got to wear the new Wave Rider 16's. Even though I already have the 15s and love them, I want a pair of these! They felt so soft and comfy on the inside. Mary had on a cute white and purple pair that I'm adding to my Fitgear Wish List (babe, are you reading?)

#TrainingTruth: Sometimes you must sacrifice comfort in order to put in the miles.

Since we didn't really have a long run on Saturday, I accepted Daisy's offer to run some more miles on Sunday. We braved the below freezing temperature to up the weekly mileage and beat the winter weather coming.

#TrainingTruths is not just about me. We all like to see what everyone else is doing and use that information to assess ourselves. It's not judgement. It's a way to share and learn and make changes when necessary.

To participate all you have to do is share your #TrainingTruths:

1. Tag a Twitter post with the hashtag #TrainingTruths
2. Comment on the Running Escapades Facebook page 
3. Leave a link to your own blog post in the comments

I look forward to reading your #TrainingTruths!

Have you joined the Chilly Challenge yet? Check out all the details here or skip right to the sign-up part and be sure to choose #TeamEscapades! Then be sure to invite all your friends: more people = more miles!

Fitness Friday: Tell Me About Your 2012

It's hard to believe that in just a little over two weeks 2012 will come to an end. Happy Fit Mama recently shared a look back at her year in running, and so inspired me to do the same.

Best Race Experience - Reach the Beach NH. My very first relay. I went into this experience knowing only one other runner, but ended up with a bunch of new running friends!

Best run - In September I had the opportunity to participate in a fun 3 mile run with legendary Joan Benoit Samuelson. An afternoon spent hanging out in the park on a beautiful fall day with an Olympic gold medalist and 25 other running enthusiasts doesn't get much better.

Best new piece of gear - I found two new running items this year that allow me to have everything I need on my runs, but stay hands-free. First the Simple Hydration Water Bottle. This gem makes carrying water on my runs so simple! And my Big Banjees Wrist Wallet. I love taking pictures, and wearing this means I can carry my phone without carrying it in my hand.

Best piece of running advice you received - I've heard lots of great running advice over the year, but the one that stands out the most to me came from Joan Benoit Samuelson. Her belief that there is no finish line reminds me that it is up to me to stay focused and healthy.

Most inspirational runner - My running partner (aka the energizer bunny - according to my husband) is so amazing. Not only does she run, and run, and run, but she is also one of my greatest supporters. It doesn't matter what I need (someone to listen, take a picture, or adjust schedules), Daisy is always willing to do what she can. Thanks girl!

If you could sum up your whole year in a couple of words, what would they be? Adventurous. Exciting. Fun. FitFluential. I have had a blast all year pursuing my passion, meeting new running friends, and experiencing some pretty amazing escapades.  

Now it's your turn. Tell Me About Your 2012!

Comment below, tweet @runningescapde, or write your own blog post and let me know that you did!

There is still time to join the Chilly Challenge! Check out all the details here or skip right to the sign-up part and be sure to choose #TeamEscapades! Then be sure to invite all your friends: more people = more miles!

Chilly Challenge: Prizes Preview

Today I'm giving you a sneak peak at some of the prizes that are up for grabs from our amazing sponsors for the winning team of the Chilly Challenge. 

Sweaty Bands - 4 winners will each receive 2 headbands

Simple Hydration - 1 winner of a water bottle

Mizuno Breath Thermo Gloves - 5 winners will receive 1 pair 

Gold Bond Friction Defense - 5 winners each receive tube & socks

Whole Foods - 1 winner of a $25 gift card

ShowerPill - 3 winners each receive 4 packs

Pro Compression - 3 winners will receive one pair of socks

Aspaeris - 1 winner of a pair compression shorts

Bia Sport - 3 winners get technical shirts

My Race Rags - 2 winners receive custom race shirts

Bic Bands - 5 winners receive one headband 

RockMyRun - 1 winner will receive a free 3 month gold subscription

Are you excited yet? If you haven't already joined the challenge...what are you waiting for? 

Sign up here and don't forget to choose #TeamEscapades!

Chilly Challenge tees are available for purchase. Check out the men's and women's options here.

Tell me, what prize would you most like to win?