Pro Compression Review and Giveaway!

Recently, I have been given the chance to try of Pro Compression socks and tell you what I thought about them.  I have been a big believer in calf compression for a while now, but I usually wear calf sleeves, and just
after a long run.  For this test, I decided I would wear Pro Compression socks before, during and after a long run.

What originally got me wearing compression on my calves after a long run was a horror story I heard from a girl in my running circle.  Her sister who was in excellent shape and health had run a marathon on the west coast, and with in two hours was on a flight home to the east coast.  She got home fine, but the next day she began to feel short of breath.  She was rushed to the hospital and they found a pulmonary embolism--a blood clot in her lungs.   After a few days in the ICU, she was ok.  She went home and continued to run regularly with no problems ever again.  Her doctors suspect that after six hours of running immediately followed by six hours sitting caused her blood to pool in her calves, and then it began to clot.  A clot broke off and got stuck in her lungs.  She was lucky--this could have been fatal!

I heard this horror story right before my first half, so I went out and go calf sleeves.  I faithfully wear my calf
sleeves after long runs, but what about wearing compression socks during a long run?  I decided to give it a try.  Yesterday, I put on my SparkleSkirt, my runDisney Princess Half shirt and pulled on my hot pink Pro Compression socks.  A friend and I went out to our local rail trail for a hot and steam 8 mile run.  I was not sure what to expect, but  I was ready to give these compression socks a try.  We started our watches and began to run.  I could not believe it, I could feel the difference right way!  My calves felt tighter, stronger than usual.  I felt like I was getting more power, easier power from my calves right way.  I also could feel a difference every time my feet hit the trail--my calves stayed tight and did not take any of the impact.  I think I am hooked!

So now that I have found Pro Compression, I need a few more pairs!  Pro Compression gave me a discount code to use and to share with you!  The code is:  PCBLG.  This code gets you 40% off your order!  I used it to get some new socks for the Dumbo Double Dare that is coming up this week!  I am also giving a pair away!  Check out how to enter below:




a Rafflecopter giveaway Good luck!  I will choose the winner on 9/3/13 and Pro Compression will send them out a pair of Marathon
socks!

Do you wear compression gear?  Why?

A dream is wish...

--Amy

I'm Back!

These last six weeks, I have taken a running hiatus.  I did lots of time in the elliptical and in spin class--it was a break from running, but not from working out.  I took my running hiatus to break up a routine that was
beginning to feel tedious.  I was also getting alot of knee and hip pain.  My team in training running coach thought it was a good idea, so I gave it a try.

So, how did my running hiatus go?  It went just ok.  The knee pain is still there--I feel it every time I go up or down the stairs.  It's not that bad though, nothing I can't live with.  It did good for me mentally though.  I was actually excited to get back to running!

This morning, I dusted off my running shoes, laced them up and head to the gym.  I hopped on the treadmill with the plans to run just one mile.  Since its been six weeks, I want to start over slow--ease back into
running slowly to avoid any risk of injury.  I was been terrified I would lose everything I had worked up to in
the past two years by taking a break.  The one mile got tough at some points, but I eased right back into running.  It took me 12 minutes, but ran the whole mile.  Knowing that I could still run one mile continuously was very reassuring.  Tomorrow, I will run another mile, and then up it a little each run.  

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

An Old Memory...

Have you ever been day dreaming and an old memory pops into your head?  It hits you out of no where.  It's not a bad memory, just very random.  Something you have not thought about in years.  I was driving home from my run this morning and an old memory popped into my head out of no where.  I wonder what made me think of it?

About five and a half years ago, I was working as an accountant for a hospital group.  This was the first time I had really become interested in fitness and losing weight.  We had a gym in the basement at work.  It was a really nice gym with the latest fitness equipment and cardio machines.  Every single day, I would sneak down to the gym around 11 am and do 45 minutes on the elliptical.  I would go down at 11 am because the place was completely empty at that time.  Other people did not start to trickle in until 11:45, so I usually had the place all to myself.  Back them, I hated working out around other people.  There was this group of runners, men and women, who would meet outside the gym and usually run outside together. I did not know any of them, other than what I overheard from them.  Sometimes they would run on the treadmills.  I was always in awe of them!  They seemed to me like the most fit people I had ever met in real life.

One day in October, they ran inside because it was pouring outside.  I remember them chatting about how the day before they did the Baltimore Marathon together.  I remember hearing them talk about mile markers, hills, water stops.  I was even more awe of them after hearing they did a marathon.  I did not know how  long was marathon even was at this point in time!  This did not make me want to do one though.  To me, a marathon was something only super human people did.  It was not something that I ever, ever would even consider doing.  Marathon's were meant for super fit, super skilled, super people.  I certainly was not one of them.

I don't know what made me think of that moment on my drive today, but wow! It would be years until I decided that I would do a half marathon.  How far I had come from when I was that person.  The thing is, looking back--I really was in decent shape back then.  I was in a lot better shape than I gave myself credit for at the time. I guess the lesson to me from that flash back it to believe in myself.  I was in such awe of that group of runners.  They were marathoners for goodness sake!  I would see them running on the tread mills and think--wow, I never could do that!  I would hear them talk about running a marathon and be completely mesmerized. The only difference between the me I was back then and the me I am now is confidence.

Do you remember the first time you heard of someone doing a marathon?  What were your thoughts on it?

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

A Yoga Newbie

I like to try new thing with my workout--new running routes, new classes, new instructors.   It keeps things from getting boring.  Today, I tried out a new class--Yoga!  Yoga is certainly not a new thing.  My gym has offered the class for years, but it was new to me.

I got to the class about five minutes before it was scheduled to start  The room was very dark, but a few ladies welcomed me to the class.  I noticed that everyone brought a mat.  I did not think to bring one, but the instructor let me borrow an extra.  The class was very full and felt packed at first.  Once we got started, it felt fine.

The instructor told the class that she does a more fluid type of Yoga, meaning that you move more and hold the poses for just one breath.  At first, I could not keep up!  Once I figured out the basic poses, I got the hang of it.  I was so surprised at how challenging the class was.  I was expecting some tribal music and lots of being still.  We moved so much more than I expected.  It really increased my heart rate and got me sweating.   Half way through the class, my legs were shaking  It was really tough, but I got through it. After the one hour class, I ran for a half hour on treadmill.  When I got home, I was bet!  Yoga can really take a lot of you!  I think this may be my new Wednesday morning routine.  I really enjoyed.

Do you Yoga?

Namaste

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Breathing While Running: What Worked For Me

Breathing has always been the most problematic part of running to me.  For my entire first year of running, I could not run more that two minutes straight without a walk break.  I did my first half marathon like this.  As much as I believe in the Jeff Galloway run/walk method, I wanted to improve.  To me, that meant running more, walking less.  At first, I blamed a lot this on the extra weight I still needed to lose.  While I have lost some weight in the past year, my running remained unchanged.  I would see women that had more weight than me to lose, but could still run their hearts out.  Could there be something else going on with me?

I am lucky to have the best Team in Training running coaches out there.  I am closest with Coach Barb, so I talked to her about my concerns.  She happens to also be a retired Physician's Assistant.  We ran together a lot this Spring at Team runs.  She told me to see my doctor about asthma.  My doctor gave me an albuterol inhaler to use before I run.  I was so happy!  I thought this would be the thing that would really improve my running!

After about two months of using the inhaler, my running was not improving--at all.  Coach told me to go to back to the doctor, so I did.  This time the doctor gave me something different.  I got on a combination asthma/allergy pill as well as an inhaled steroid.  My doctor told me not to expect results immediately -it could take up to a month to really feel the results.

I went about my normal running routine.  After about two weeks, I decided I was going to run as far as I could until I felt out of breath and see how far I got.  I got 1.2 miles!  For me, that is amazing!  It was hard for me to run more than a quarter mile without a walk break before.  After almost three months on my new drug combination,  I can run several miles without stopping.  It feels so good!  I feel like I am actually improving after a year of stagnation.  I had never thought of myself as having asthma.  I have always had bad seasonal allergies, but never considered something else was going on.  It feels so good to have this figured out.

The funny thing about all of this is that my overall running speed has not gotten any better.  I fell a lot better when I run, but I still average a 12 minute mile.  Whether I run the entire thing or run/walk, I still average the same speed.  I guess Jeff Galloway really does know what he is doing....

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Foot Growth

In the past year and a half since I started running, my foot has grown two entire shoe sizes!  Since I was a teenager, I have worn a size 8.5 shoe.  My very first pair of running shoes was a size 9, to allow for a bit of swelling, the sales guy told me.  By the time I was ready for a new pair, I got a 9.5.  My first pair felt really tight by the time I was done a long run in them.  When I got my newest pair of running shoes, I planned to get a size 10 because the 9.5 were starting to feel tight after a long run.  Since I am doing the Nike Women's Half Marathon in a few weeks, I wanted to try a pair of Nike running shoes.  This time the sales guy told me to go up a half a size because Nike's run small, so I got a 10.5.  There you have it--two whole shoes sizes!

Is adult foot growth normal?  Does running cause foot growth?  I did some research online about this.  I am sad to report that I could not find much about it.  I really doubt it's anything to worry about, but I just don't like it.  My Doc Martin's that I have had for half my life are to small now.  My Ugg boots don't fit me anymore!  What is going on???

Have you experienced anything like this?  What do you think is going on?

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Scheduling

Every Sunday evening, my husband and I sit down together with our schedule books.  We talk about what we each have going on for the week.  Since my special needs daughter can only be cared for by myself or my husband, it is essential that I schedule my workouts for the week.  If I do not schedule them, there is a good chance they will not happen.

I try to run Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and then get some time for cross training Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  This does not always happen because of my husband's work schedule. It's nice to know ahead of time that if this is not going to work out for the week, I can make different plans.  I might flip flop my cross training and running days one week, like this week.  If Mike works late for the day, cross training could be a Turbo Fire while my daughter naps.  Its nice to not be surprised at 9 PM that I did not get my workout in.  It's nice to have it planned into my week.

It is a good idea for everyone to schedule their workouts.  Work, kids, pets, Facebook--life gets in the way.  If it's not written down, then its not a priority.  Don't let your workouts happen by chance.  Make sure YOU come first! 

Do you schedule your workouts?  Do you get them in by chance?  


A dream is a wish...


--Amy


Don't forget about my huge giveaway!  SparkleSkirts, Balancing Act Clothing top, SPIbelt, Nuun and so much more.  Please enter today and support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Only $5 to enter! 

Hitting the Wall

This past week, a few of my running friends have mentioned to me “hitting the wall” while running.  Jeff Galloway says “Your wall is normally the length of your longest endurance session within the last two to three weeks, provided you are going at the pace you could on that day. Even a little too fast in the beginning will introduce you to the wall sooner.” 

This wall sounds like a scary thing.  I do not think I have ever hit my wall while running.  I would like to say that I have always been faithful to training plans, but the truth is I have not.  I have been close to faithful, but never 100%.  The reason I think I have not hit my wall is because I have never run past a half marathon length—13.1 miles. 

While discussing this with a group of running friends, several opinions were brought up.  One friend suggested that the wall is mental.  This very well could be true.  After running for two plus hours, the body and brain get tired.  Another cause for hitting the wall could be hydration.  We sweat a lot more then we realize when running.  If those fluids and electrolytes are not replenished, the body and brain do not function properly.  One last thing that could be causing a runner to hit the wall is improper fueling.  Our muscles use glycogen as energy.  Glycogen comes from the carbohydrates we eat.  When running for long distances, we deplete our glycogen supplies very quickly.  Low glycogen, like fluid and electrolytes, need to be replaced for optimum performance. 

So, what is the best way to refuel and rehydrate?  The answer is simple.  There is no best way.  Everyone is different.  I have heard all kinds of different ideas.  For fluids—water, Gatorade, Nuun and Power Aid are common.  I like the low calorie Gatorade because it is less sweet.  For fuel, the possibilities are endless.  There are tons of companies that make fueling product—like GU and Cliff.  They make gels and candy like solids.  I prefer a less conventional way of refueling—pop tarts.  I love them, but don’t eat them on a regular basis because they are so high in calories.  What better excuse to eat some Pop Tarts--"I have to replenish my glycogen supply".  Jeff Galloway recommends gummy bears.  I have friends who swear by Skittles and even Twizzlers.

Do you feel like you have ever hit the wall?  How do you refuel and rehydrate on your long runs?

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

Please check out my updated BondiBand Leukemia and Lymphoma Society fundraiser!

Refocusing

In just ten short weeks I will be in San Diego for the Rock and Roll Half Marathon.  This will be my second half marathon.  My major concern when training for the Disney Princess Half Marathon was that I finish.  Now that I know I can complete a half marathon, it’s time to work on getting a PR.  Getting a PR should not be to hard because I stopped for so many pictures in the Princess.  Even is I run at the same speed, I will still get a better time in San Diego. 

One thing that has concerned me is that I have not done any runs past a 5k since the Princess.  That ends tomorrow!  I will be doing six miles in the morning and begin following the Jeff Galloway plan.  It worked great for me the first time, so I feel confident it will work for me again. 

So far, Weight Watchers has been going well.  I have been working on finding low points meals and snacks.  I did find these cupcakes in the bakery at my local grocery store that are just 3 PointsPlus each.  I find that eating a fruit or veggie at each meal has helped me stay full.  

This has been a week of refocus to me.  I found a few great articles I wanted to share with you.  One was on Active.com about ways to improve your half marathon training and the other is from Runner’s World about how to use running to help you lose weight.  I am ready to get working on my next half marathon!

Have you ever went through a refocus period?  What promted it and how did it work for you?

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

***Please don't forget to register for my "Run Like a Fool virtual 5k".  Run or Walk anytime between now and April 8th.  As a thank you, I will send all who register a finisher medal.  All proceeds go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  

Vacation Running

As many of you know, my Disney World vacation is just 5 days away!  I have everything all set—our villa is rented, our flights are booked, our dining reservations are made—I have even started packing.  One thing I have left to plan is when and where I will run.   A lot of people through their diet and exercise habits out the window when they go on vacation.  I used to be one of those people.  This time I am determined it will be different. 

I will try to eat right on this trip.  No, I will not be as strict on vacation as I am at home, but I will try to make good choices.  I will still have a Dole Whip at the Magic Kingdom and a chocolate covered caramel square in the German shop in Epcot.  All the walking will burn more calories, so a small increase is daily calories won’t be that bad.  My eating goal will be to make better choices, but still enjoy myself.

 On my training schedule the week we will be there are two thirty minute runs and a three mile run.  I found a great website that suggests fun places to run while on vacation at WDW.  One run I plan to do is around the Boardwalk/Epcot are resorts.  On the website, it says the run is 2.4 miles.  That should fit perfectly in with my thirty minute run.  I would also love to try a run all the way around seven seas lagoon.   A view of the castle and all my favorite resorts would be so motivating.  It would be a small glimpse of what the Disney Princess Half Marathon will be like. 

What do you do to keep your good health habits on vacation?  Have you ever run at Walt Disney World outside of a race? 

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

Tune-Up Time

My new “Runner’s World” magazine came in the mail, and like always, I was very eager to read it.  I found one article especially interesting and I wanted to share it with you.  When I was just starting out on my running journey, I got the advice that I should enter a few local practice races—to get the feel of racing and fine tune things like pace, nutrition, and hydration. So far, I have done a few 5k’s, a 7 miler and a 10 miler.  I found these experiences very helpful in my journey.   I know have a feel for how races are run, what nutrition works best for me, and how much water in need. 

As I am about to start my formal training plan for the Disney Princess Half Marathon, I have been looking into finding local races that will fit into my training plans as long runs.  A will admit, long run days are not my favorite because the long run can become tedious and boring.  Turning my long run into a race, keeps it exciting while still getting my training time in.  So far, I have a 5k, a 5 miler and a 15k all schedule in place of my usual long run.  Check out my races on the right.

Have you ever used this plan?  Do you have any local races planned as practice races?  Do you recommend any to me in the Maryland/Southern Pennsylvania area? 

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

Here is a link to the article

Last Minute Run

Hello Everyone!  I signed up last minute for a “Full Moon Run” tonight at 9 PM.  It looks like a fun run of about six miles.  It will be held on the NCR rail trail in Hunt Valley, MD.  The terrain is crushed lime stone, which they say will glow in the dark.  No lighting will be allowed on the trail, but all runners will be wearing a glow stick around their neck.  The moon light will shine off the limestone, lighting the path. There is also an after party!

So, I need your advice!  I have never done a night time race before.  What will be different?  Should I do anything differently since it will be dark outside? 

If you are in the Baltimore area, come out to the race!

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

Heel Blisters: Solved

I have been getting the worst blisters on the inside heels of my feet.  It seemed to be getting worse with each run.  The longer the run, the worse the blister.  I tried some new wicking socks, but they did not help.  I even got new shoes, but was having the same problem.

I could feel my feet moving in my shoes as I was running.  I needed to do something to fix this!  At Dick’s Sporting Goods this past weekend, I found a really cool pair of socks just sitting on top of a rack.  They were black Under Armour Grippy II for women.  What is so different about these socks is that they have little grippies on the bottom to keep your foot from moving—think footie pajamas.   I loved the socks instantly and had to find more of them!  I searched the store and then found an associate to help me.  There was not another pair of theses socks in the whole store.  Black socks are not really my thing, but they looked like just the thing to help me, so I got them anyway. 

Before I left the store, I also stopped by the shoe section and picked up some Body Glide.  The makers of Body Glide promise it will prevent chaffing, so I decided to give it a try.  I also picked up some Sport Beans, review to come later.

Tuesday was a fast run day for me, so I knew that was the day to try out my new stuff and see if it works.  I am happy to say, the combo worked great!  I love the socks!  They fit perfectly and the grippies kept my feet in place while I ran.  My only complaint about the socks is that they only come in black!  Once I found that they worked so well for me, I checked out the Under Armour site, and they are only offered in black.  The good thing is that the socks are the no show, low cute type, so you can’t really see them in my shoes anyway.  The Body Glide went on really easily.  It was not sticky and did not feel wet.  I am so glad I found this combo and even more happy that I don’t have to deal with heel blisters anymore! 

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

Why running?

Why are you a runner?  Of all the sports and workouts, why do you choose running? 

Running is one of the hardest sports on your body.  Your feet ache, you feel shooting pains in your knees, your head is spinning, your stomach is turning—and this is all after just a long training run.  Race day can be even worse.  Yet here we are, eagerly lining up for the next race.

There are plenty of other sports to choose from.  Team sports offer comradely of teammates.   Football, baseball/softball and volleyball are fun to play, but also great workouts.  If solo sports are more your thing, swimming and biking are great options.    Popular workout classes like Zumba and Turbo Kick are very hot right now. 

Out of all of these sports, some would say (me included) that running is the most intense.  But that is what I love about it!  It’s a pain versus pleasure thing.  You know--runners high.  We put up with all the pain because the payoff is so great.  The feeling of crossing a finish line is so rewarding that we put up with all the pain.  We love the challenge of pushing harder and faster!

I have never been a great runner.  I was a softball player growing up and in college.  I was also a high school cheerleader.  I loved every minute of both.  Nailing a tough stunt felt amazing, but it was a team victory. Now, when I get a PR, it’s all me!  When I hit the gym on a nonrunning day, I usually take a group exercise class.  I am the spin queen and I love Turbo Kick, but there is no feeling of accomplishment when I finish.  When I run, I can win every time.

So why do I run?  I run for me!  As many of you know, I have a special needs daughter that takes up most of my time.  My life revolves around her care and her doctor and therapy appointments.  I love being her mom and would not give it up for anything in the world, but when I run, it’s me time!  For a little while anyway, I can truly run from all my problems. 

A dream is a wish.....

--Amy

What are your training plans?

Most of us here are runners.  We are all training for our various events, but most of us are training for the Disney Princess Half Marathon.   

I have just finished Couch to 5k and next I am going to move on to the Jeff Galloway training that comes with Disney Princess Half Marathon registration.  I am also the spin class queen at my gym.  On days I don’t run or take spin, I do Turbo Fire videos.  I have review Turbo Fire in a previous post. 

I am looking for some new cross training options.  I have read that running every day is not good for your body, and that doing the same workouts over and over stops working once your body gets used to it.

 What are you doing to cross train?  What running program do you do?  How about strenght training plans?  What are your opinions of your workout?  Thanks everyone!

Now on to the big news—the SPIbelt winner is:  Elise Becker!!!  Elise, e-mail me at amysmith7@comcast.net and send me your mailing address.  I will pass it along to SPIbelts and they will get your hot pink SPIbelt right out to you!

A dream is a wish your heart makes......

--Amy

Disney Princess Half Marathon registration is open!  I am registered!  Are you?

I also wanted to let everyone know that I have been accepted into a Blogorama Bonanza!  It is a group of 200 bloggers who will all be doing big giveaways at the same time.  Keep an eye out for this huge event!  If you are a blogger, please check and join! 

http://www.jylasthreeofusgiveaway.org/ 

****I have been working hard to set up some more GREAT giveaways for you!  Keep an eye on my blog to find out what they are!

Where Is Your Favorite Place to Run?

Over the weekend, my family took a trip to my in-law’s beach house near Ocean City, MD.  We had a great time and I got a chance to run early one morning.  I have run this course before—down the blacktop road, then on a sandy path by the water, and then back on a blacktop road to the house.  It is a short course, about three miles.  I have decided this is my favorite place to run.  The sandy area is challenging, while the blacktop is a good place to warm up and cool down.  The scenery the entire time is so peaceful and really motivating.  I really love running by the water.  Yesterday morning was the most enjoyable run I have ever had.

This got me thinking, where is my favorite place to run?  I do the majority of my running on the tread mill at the gym late in the evening after my kids are in bed.  I don’t hate running on the treadmill, but I don’t love it either. I love running outside.  I also run on a path around my neighborhood.  The path is nice, but full of really steep hills, which I don’t enjoy.  The path is a great place to run, but not work on time.  It does not simulate most normal race terrain, but the hills are a great workout. 

Where is your favorite place to run?  Do you run inside or outside?  What time of day? 

A dream is a wish your heart makes......

--Amy

Disney Princess Half Marathon registration opened today!  I am registered!  Are you?

Don’t forget to register for the SPIbelt giveaway!  It ends soon!

I also wanted to let everyone know that I have been accepted into a Blogorama Bonanza!  It is a group of 200 bloggers who will all be doing big giveaways at the same time.  Keep an eye out for this huge event!  If you are a blogger, please check and join! 

http://www.jylasthreeofusgiveaway.org/

****I have been working hard to set up some more GREAT giveaways for you!  Keep an eye on my blog to find out what they are!

SPIbelt review and giveaway

I was recently given the opportunity to try out a SPIbelt.  After using it for several practices runs and then for my first 5k this past weekend, all I have to say is wow!  Wow really is not an appropriate word to explain how impressed I am with this product.  It actually does what they say it will do! 

When looking for a running belt, runners are looking for a few specific things.  We need a belt that stays put and that does not bounce all over the place when running.  We also need a belt that has enough room for all of our stuff, but no so huge that it feels cumbersome.   The SPIbelt is just the thing. 

In my SPIbelt, I carry my iPhone, a chap stick and my Vera Bradley change purse with a few bucks and my ID.  It all fit very easily.  I could have stuffed in more if I wanted too.  When the package came in the mail, I thought there is no way anything is going to fit into this little pouch…it’s so small.  Then I started stuffing things into the pouch.  It held so much! 

The SPIbelt has an adjustable belt, so it will fit almost anyone.  When I first tried out the belt, I did not where it tight enough and it did bounce a bit.  For my second run, I tightened it up a bit and it worked perfectly.  I did not feel too tight.  I have tried wearing the SPIbelt on the middle of my waist and on the side.  I prefer the side, as it makes it easier to get to my stuff.  I have tried a few other running belts and I find the SPIbelt far better.   As a petite woman with a short torso, I feel like the other belts I have tried were too large for me, like they were made for a larger women or a man.  This belt fit me and did not feel overwhelming at all.  It looked cute on while running too. 

SPIbelts come in a large variety of colors and patterns.  For mine, I chose hot pink of course!  One other huge plus for the SPIbelts is their price.  They start at just under twenty dollars—a price that most people can afford, and much less than most other belts on the market.  My next SPIbelt will be the water bottle holder.  I can’t wait to try it for longer runs, like my Rail Trail 10 miler coming up in August.  I feel good about recommending an SPIbelt to all runners.

The best part of my SPIbelt review is that the nice people at SPIbelts want one of you to try one for free!  That’s right; I am doing a SPIbelt giveaway!  To enter the giveaway, you must be a follower of this blog. Here are the ways to enter the giveaway:

1)      Go to the SPIbelts website; check it out and comment below which SPIbelt you like best.

http://store.spibelt.com/default.asp

2)      Like SPIbelts Facebook page.

3)      Share this page with your Facebook and/or Twitter friends.  (To do this, click to the right where is says “Share this on Facebook” or “Tweet this”.)

Each blog follower can enter the giveaway up to four times (check out the website and comment below, like on FB, share this page on FB and Twitter.)  In your comment below, be sure to tell me how many entries you get.  You can enter until 3 PM Eastern time on Thursday July 7, and then I will choose the winner!  Check for a new blog post that evening to see who the winner is!  SPIbelts will send the winner their favorite SPIbelt!  Good Luck everyone! 

BWC Goody Bag

The Baltimore Women’s Classic was a great run.  I am SO glad I did it.  Not only was the atmosphere of the race spectacular, but the rewards were stellar!   When I signed up for the race I knew I would get a t-shirt and a goody bag, but wow! 

The shirt is New Balance brand and made of technical material.  It is great quality and has a nice cut.  I really like it!  The yellow goody bag is the cloth grocery carrier type.  There were tons of samples stuffed into the bag, like:

 A full size box of Success brown rice

Three packets of True Lime

A two pack of full size Blistex

A pack of Totally Light 2 Go Energy Rush

A pack of Totally Light Tea 2 Go half and half

A packet of Emergen-C

A mini Luna Bar is White Chocolate Macadamia

A Rev Raw 100 Bar

A bottle of Tend Skin

A packet of Blister Shield (I used it on race day are really like it!)

A Goody Mosaic comb

A lanyard

A few magnets

My race bib (number 2088)

Safety pins

Timing chip

Several coupons for local and on-line run related businesses

Flyers for upcoming races

I was amazed by all the stuff in the bag!  A runner friend of mine told me not to expect this good of a goody bag from every race and that the BWC goody bags are always the best.  Thanks everyone at the BWC for arranging all of these great perks for running! 

A dream is a wish your heart makes......

--Amy

****I have been working hard to set up some more GREAT giveaways for you!  Keep an eye on my blog to find out what they are!

My First Race!

I did my first 5k today!  It was the Baltimore Women’s Classic in Baltimore, MD.  What a day!

My day started bright and early at 5:30 am.  The kids, Mike and I all piled into the car and were on the road by 6am.  After a trip through the McDonalds drive thru, we were cruising down 83 into the city.  We parked and were on the race field by 7:30.  The festivities were well underway when we got there.  They had the music pumping and the crowd was already getting pumped.  Lynn Brick, a local fitness celebrity, did a quick warm up with the racers and we were off to line up! 

The start of the race was lined with bright yellow signs that have minutes per mile printed on them, and then walker/stroller.  I joined the crowd at the 13 minutes per mile sign.  In no time, the gun went off and the race started!  The beginning of the race was slow.  It took me about 3 minutes to actually cross the starting line.  Very quickly, I learned that I put myself to far back in the line up. Most of the first mile I spend weaving in and out of walkers, jogging stroller and slower runners.

 Once the crowd thinned out some, I hit my stride.  I tried to run about 3 minutes and then walk about 1.  The course had some slight hills, but was nothing too difficult.  This being my first run, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of spectators all along the course cheer one everyone, not just their loved ones.  I really appreciated that and it kept me going.  The first water station came at about the 1.5 mile mark.  That brought another first run surprise.  The wonderful volunteers handed out water in small plastic cups.  There were plenty of trash can to dispose of the empty cups in, but there were many women who chose to just drop their cup—right there on the course!  I found this very rude, and it really slowed me down.  I could not run though all the trash right on the course. 

The final quarter mile was by far my favorite.  I was getting tried and could feel myself loosing stream. Then we turned our final corner and ran right along Baltimore’s inner harbor.  The water is so beautiful and inspiring in the morning.  I got my second wind and finished strong.  As I was running down the finish line, I glanced at the official clock.  It read just at 44 minutes.  Crossing the finish line was a great feeling!  I actually did it! 

Once I was though the shoot, volunteers on both sides of me started handed me things.  Not knowing what to expect, it was a bit overwhelming.  I was very tired and excited at the same time.  I was first handed an ice cold BWC logo towel.  It felt great to cool down and wipe off some sweat.  Then another volunteer handed me a bottle of water—another very welcome finishers gift!  I was so thirsty!  I was then handed a beautiful pink rose, and then a bottle of Muscle Milk.  Once I was out of the finish line, I stopped, looked around and just enjoyed the moment! 

Now the hard part was over and it was time to reunite with my family.  We got some snacks and took some pictures.  They had a lot of snacks to choose from—like bagels, apples, oranges, and watermelon.  After a whole bottle of water and some water melon, I met up with some new friends.  We then hit the race expo (I got some new Bondi Bands!)  After that, it was time for lunch with the family. 

I was very happy with how I did in my first race. The BWC was a good choice.  The other runners were very supportive, and it was nice to run in a women only race to get the hang of it.  It was a good learning experience of where to start, how to deal with crowds and how to pass other runners. The race goody bag and shirt are awesome!  I will post about that tomorrow!

My official chip time was 41:55. 

A dream is a wish your heart makes......

--Amy

If you have enjoyed what you read, please click to the right to follow me!  Or even better, click at the right to share my blog with your Facebook friends!

****I have been working hard to set up some more GREAT giveaways for you!  Keep an eye on my blog to find out what they are!

What “technology’’ do you use?

A blog follower/new friend recently e-mail me and ask me what running stop watch I use.  I replied to her that I do not use a stop watch, but that I do us Runkeeper on my iPhone.    Since you all were so helpful and gave me some really great suggestions when I asked about a running playlist, I have another question for everyone.  What type of running “technology” do you use? 

I am not much of a technology buff.  I like my laptop and love my iPhone, but I use them to do basic things.  When I first started running, I did things kind of old-school.  I used a regular old pedometer and the stop watch on my iPhone.  Once I got into running more, I looked into running apps on iTunes.  I don’t really like to pay for apps, so I downloaded a few of the free ones.  I downloaded Run Keeper, Nike+ GPS and Endomondo.  I have given all of them a try and I have chosen the one I like best. 

RunKeeper is a really easy app to use.  You just tap the app to open it, tap activity type (running), tap to start playlist to get the music pumping, and then tap to start activity.  It’s so easy!  There is a place to tap to hear how far you went, you total time and you minutes per mile time. The app also periodically chimes in to report your progress.  You can control your play list right in the Runkeeper app, and even take a photo of your surroundings.  Once your run is over, you tap on activity complete to hear the details of your run and see your run mapped out by GPS.  The run is then uploaded to Runkeeper.com, so you can log your progress. 

The other apps, Nike+ GPS and Endomondo, worked well but I like Runkeeper better.  What type of running “technology” do you use?  Do you use a GPS watch, an iPhone app, or something else?  What do you like and dislike about it? 

A dream is a wish your heart makes......

--Amy

If you have enjoyed what you read, please click to the right to follow me!  Or even better, click at the right to share my blog with your Facebook friends!

****I have been working hard to set up some more GREAT giveaways for you!  Keep an eye on my blog to find out what they are!