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Sunday, December 30, 2012

Instead Softcup Review

Ok I am warning you now...if you are a man...you may not want to continue reading this post! ;-)

For the past 5 years I have had an IUD as birth control. So when I started running I didn't have to worry about being on my period because with the IUD I didn't have a period. Well the IUD only lasts for 5 years so I had it taken out and am still considering my options for birth control...whether to have another one put in or do something different. So running with a period has been a new thing for me.

Luckily I came across a blog called For the Love of the Run and she posted a challenge called the Instead Softcup Challenge. Basically all I had to do was try the Instead Softcup and review it and they would pay for a race registration for me! Win Win! Number one...I was already on the search for a product that will work well for me when I'm on my period and want to run. Number two...free race registration...YEAH!

So what exactly IS the Instead Softcup?

Softcup is a flexible cup that is worn internally, around your cervix. It collects, rather than absorbs menstrual flow. It's hypo-allergenic, latex-free and completely safe when used as directed. (source)


So basically it is exactly what it sounds like...a soft cup that goes in there. Yeah....hopefully you are not too grossed out now but hey we are all women...and most of you that read my blog are runners or some type of athlete. So this product is perfect for us! Let me tell you why!


  • It lasts for 12 hours. So on those long runs where I'm running for hours...no more worrying about where I'm going to carry my tampon while running or where I'm going to change it!
  • You can't feel it. Seriously. I couldn't feel it and forgot it was even there...even while running.
  • There's no irritation or dryness. I definitely don't need any of those issues while I'm running!
  • There's never been any reports of Toxic Shock Syndrome with this product. That's something I'm always worried about when using tampons.
  • There's no menstrual odor since the flow is never exposed to air. I've already got sweat odor when I'm running...I don't need anything else added!
  • It can be worn during sex. If you want...not sure I would do this. But it's safe (but not a contraceptive). 

The packaging is very discreet and small enough to carry in your purse....or water belt!


Believe me...I was skeptical when I opened it up to try it the first time. But once I got the hang of it it was pretty easy and very comfortable!


It really is super flexible...which really helps with insertion. 


The only negative thing I have to say about Instead Softcup is that it took some getting used to as far as putting it in and taking it out goes. And it was a little messy the first few times. But by day 3 of my period I had pretty much mastered it. They also have some great tips to help with this on their website!

I will definitely use these while on my period during long runs or races! And I believe this product is perfect for those who are active and want to be comfortable during that not so fun time of the month.

WOMEN BLOGGERS!!! Do you want to partake in the Instead Softcup Challenge? They will send you a month's supply and all you have to do is try it and write a blog post about it. Then....they will pay your next race registration! If you are interested head to For the Love of the Run for more details and to sign up. The catch....the deadline to sign up is DECEMBER 31st so you don't have much time! You must sign up by that deadline! But you have until June 2013 to write your review so that you have adequate time to try the product. 

QOTD: Have you ever used Instead Softcup? What types of period protection do you use while running?


Disclaimer: I was compensated by Instead Softcup for this review. However all opinions in the above post are mine and mine alone!

Runner Spotlights #20

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!!! I had an awesome 10 mile run yesterday (YAY) and we took the boys to see the movie Wreck It Ralph yesterday afternoon! It's been fun! I want to wish you all a very Happy New Year! I can't believe 2013 is almost here!!!

It's time now for another runner spotlight! If you are interested in being spotlighted please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com!

This week I am spotlighting Sarah from Love, Run, Pink! Sarah has an amazing story and has had to overcome some major obstacles in her running. Keep reading to learn more about her!


Name: Sarah Dever
State: California

When and why did you start running? I first started running at age 11 when I joined track in middle school. My friends were doing it and so was my crush. Unfortunately, they were all sprinters and I was a distance runner (and one of the few girls to do longer distances). Turns out running was my niche and I did really well, breaking several records in middle school and high school (some of which are still standing!).

What is your favorite race and race distance? My first race was Nike Women’s (half) Marathon in SF. I am training for Rock n Roll New Orleans in Feb to hopefully complete my first full.

What is your race day routine? Take a luxurious bubble bath and make sure my fingers and toes are freshly painted, and race outfit is definitely my favorite color- pink!

What is your most favorite piece of running gear? Pink balega running socks...they’re the softest running socks ever and come in my perfect signature shade. =)

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running? I try to eat healthier while I’m in training, and I use GU products for electrolytes and recovery.

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running? Injury prevention is so much easier than injury recovery, and it’s so easy to take a few minutes everyday to ice/stretch/strengthen. I also have a degenerative eye disease so I wish I had done a marathon years ago before my vision deteriorated as much as it has now.

What is your fondest running memory? Last year I trained for a marathon and it was the first time I broke into double digits. I ran 12 miles along the beach in so cal on my own and it was a perfectly beautiful run- I felt like I could run forever and it was the first time I knew I could definitely run a marathon someday.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you? It used to be that I’m legally blind, but I recently started a blog about training with limited vision. It’s still not something I’m very upfront about in person though, but I am working on sharing more and raising awareness!



Here are all the different ways you can connect with Sarah!

Blog: http://loverunpink.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/loverunpink_rp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loverunpink
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/pinkpanda218/

Instagram: loverunpink

Thanks so much for sharing with us Sarah!!!

QOTD: What are you doing for New Year's Eve?

Friday, December 28, 2012

Fitness Friday...FINALLY a Fabulous RUN!

I had company for 4 days this week due to Christmas. So getting in workouts was difficult. Once again, I kept up my planks every day but didn't get in anything else. I DID run my long run for marathon training and it was FABULOUS!!! I will tell you more about that in a bit!

Here are my workouts for the week:
  • Saturday- #plankaday 1:00
  • Sunday- #plankaday 1:10
  • Monday- #plankaday 1:00
  • Tuesday- #plankaday 1:01
  • Wednesday- #plankaday 1:30
  • Thursday- #plankaday 1:03
  • Friday- #plankaday 1:00

With the new year coming I am definitely going to make some new goals for my workouts. I need to do more than just planks and running.

Speaking of running....my marathon is in TWO WEEKS!!!! I'm super excited and nervous. I know this race is all about having fun since it is a Disney race but I still want to do well. My knee is feeling so much better and I hope it continues to feel that way. Dr. Justin saw me yesterday and said the knee looks great! He doesn't want to see me for two weeks...unless I feel any inkling of pain than he wants me to see him immediately. So my next appointment with him is a few days before the marathon. He will make sure the knee is doing well and will tape it up for me for the race.

Remember my last long run that was a super fail for me? Well I was really nervous about this week's long run of 10 miles. Would I be able to run? Would I have any endurance? To tell you the truth...I woke up the day I was supposed to run dreading it. I NEVER dread my long runs because they are usually my favorite. But that long run fail blew my confidence. I knew I had to do it and get it done.

The weather was cold and windy. It's usually tough to run in wind. I bundled up and headed out. There were four of us running...me, Gina, Paige, and Sally. We started running and so far so good. I didn't feel too tired and my knee felt great. We talked and laughed and before I knew it we had run almost 4 miles and were at our first water stop! Yay! Last long run I couldn't even run a full 2 miles and here I was already at 4! That was a good sign. After water we kept running. And I started getting into my groove. And running felt great again!!!!! I was even in the front of the pack! We made it to our second water stop at mile 8 and I was feeling awesome! A few of the girls needed to use the restroom but I had to keep going because I was subbing that afternoon and needed to get home in time to get a shower. The last 2 miles it was only me and Gina running. But I finished and I finished STRONG!!! No walking at all during this run!!!! Yay!!!!!! I am so happy and finally feel like this marathon will be successful!!!

Thanks so much to Gina who ran with me this entire run! She kept me going and going strong!
 
I was proud I finally had a fabulous RUN!!! I also wore my Swiftwick socks for the first time during a long run...loved them!!!

I am so happy I had such a good run! Tomorrow I am running 10 miles again...and next weekend will be 8...and the next weekend is the MARATHON!!! I'm hoping the next 2 long runs will be just as great!

QOTD: Were you able to get in your normal workouts this week despite it being Christmas?





Thursday, December 27, 2012

2012 Running Review!

I have been thinking about reviewing my running for 2012 for awhile. Then my friend Miss Zippy asked for us to tell her all about our 2012 and gave us questions to get us started. Perfect! I used her questions and added in some of my own!


  • Best race experience? This would have to be the Gulf Coast Half Marathon on Pensacola Beach! I PRed by 3 minutes in very hot, humid, and windy weather! Everyone else was complaining about how hard this race was but for me it was just my day! I had a great race!
  • Worst race experience? I hate to say it was this race because it was the first year of a local race but the It's About the Shirt Half Marathon was my worst race experience. It was raining horribly, the course was super tough and hilly, it was hot, they didn't block off the roads so we had cars weaving in and out of the runners, the route was too long (13.84 miles), and my calves were killing me from a super hard workout that week. 
  • Best run? The 18 miler I ran in November. This was one of those runs where I felt like I could continue running at the end. Yeah. That almost never happens!
  • Worst run? The 20 miler I attempted just a few weeks ago. I just never got into my groove and walked more than I ran. And then I ended up not even finishing the run. If you know me then you know that never happens....I never give up!
  • Most memorable running experience? Running my very first marathon in March!!!! I will never forget how hard it was...or the accomplishment and emotions I felt at the end.
  • Favorite running challenge? The Runner's World Run Streak this summer! I ran every single day for 38 days! I still can't believe I did it without getting injured!
  • Best new piece of gear? Compression socks! I started wearing these during marathon training and they really do help! 
  • Best piece of running advice you received? That it doesn't matter how fast you are...what matters is that you are doing it! 
  • Running setbacks? The knee injury that occurred on my wonderful 18 miler in November. I got it checked out and it luckily wasn't serious but it set me back in marathon training. 
  • Most inspirational runner? Wow. This one is super hard to answer because I know so many inspirational runners. I have tons of blogger friends that inspire me each and every day. And I have tons of runner friends that I train with that inspire me too. I am going to have to say that my friend Katrina inspired me tremendously this year. Katrina ran a half marathon (that super hilly and long course I named in my worst race) and she was 36 weeks pregnant! She is amazing! She never gave up running no matter how hard it was. Her baby was born on Halloween and she is already back to running...she even ran 6 miles a few weeks ago! Such an inspiration!
  • If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be? Blessed. Happy. Successful. All because of Jesus!

I feel like it's been a pretty successful year of running! I can't wait to see what 2013 has in store for me with my running!

QOTD: Pick one of the questions above and tell me your answer in the comments!

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Christmas Recap and a WINNER!!

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! I definitely did! And Santa was super good to all of us! The boys got new bikes. Hayden got the Legos he wanted and Sawyer got the Innotab he wanted. They are having a blast playing with all of their new stuff! And yes I got stuff too! I got a new laptop! And I got some awesome running stuff too! A new running skirt, Swiftwick socks, The Stick, and a gift card!


Let me start at the beginning....Christmas Eve! We followed some of our yearly traditions like making sugar cookies for Santa!




The boys decided they wanted to make a really big cookie for Santa this year. So we made a Christmas wreath!



Another tradition we always partake in is spreading magic reindeer food out on the lawn. It was super foggy Christmas Eve night so my pictures didn't turn out. But we believe the sparkles in the reindeer food helped guide Santa and the reindeer to our house!


Then it was time to say goodbye to our elves Daniel and Mason. The boys get so attached to them each year when they are here and they really didn't want them to go. But we explained how the elves had to get back to the North Pole and make toys for next Christmas. Sawyer had a much harder time saying goodbye than Hayden. Heartbreaking!


We must have been good this year because Santa came and left us lots of presents! And the boys had a blast opening all of them! I just love hearing their squeals of excitement with each gift! We are truly blessed!!!




For Christmas lunch we had a house full! My in laws and sister in law and her hubby were already here...they came Sunday and stayed until this morning. My Dad and Step Mom came for lunch and our friends Stephanie and Tim came with their three children Sydney, Zoe, and Mason! The boys loved having their friends here to share all their new toys with!

Stephanie and me!

We had lots and lots of yummy food! And lots and lots of yummy desserts! I didn't do too bad...I ate but didn't make myself miserable so I think that's a big accomplishment on Christmas! ;-) After lunch we relaxed and visited and it was so nice! Then around 5:00....the weather started getting bad. We had tornado warning after tornado warning.


Luckily we stayed safe and none of the tornadoes touched down near our house. But 10 minutes away they weren't so lucky. It is devastating seeing all the damage this morning. Not a fun way to end Christmas. Makes you really stop and think about the important things in life...not the gifts you received but your family and friends. I'm so blessed!

I need to announce the winner of the Dirty Dog Sunglasses!!!!

The winner is......Cecil Vermule of Dreadmill Drummer!!! Congrats Cecil! Please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com with your mailing address!

I hope everyone had as blessed of a Christmas as me and my family did! I'm looking forward to all the new year has to bring!!!

QOTD: What is your most favorite gift that you received this Christmas?

Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful day celebrating the birth of our Savior!


We are celebrating with lots of family and friends! I love this time of year because my hubby's parents and his sister and brother-in-law come and stay the night with us for a few nights. They love watching the boys open gifts on Christmas morning! Then my family and some friends are coming for Christmas lunch. I love having a house full of people!

I of course wanted to share my boys' visit with Santa! So cute!!!



And some of you saw this picture on Facebook or Instagram...this is the biggest Santa I've ever seen!!! A family in my town owns an inflatable business and this Santa didn't get rented out this year so they displayed him in front of their house! He's been the talk of the town and my boys LOVED him!!!



I am not going to blog for the next few days. I am going to enjoy this time with my family. I hope you are doing the same!

I also want to wish my Mom a very happy birthday!!! Her birthday is on Christmas Day! I love you Mom and hope you have a wonderful day!!!

QOTD: What is your favorite thing about Christmas?

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Runner Spotlights #19

This weekend has been great! The grandparents took the boys for the weekend so me and my hubby have had the weekend all to ourselves! We've gone out to eat, went to the movies, and finished up Christmas shopping! It was awesome to just spend quality time together!!! 

I can't believe Christmas is in 2 days!!! This holiday season has flown by!

Today it's time for another runner spotlight! If you'd like to be spotlighted please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com!

I am spotlighting Colleen from The Chocolate Mile today! This girl loves her chocolate and runs for dessert! Can't get any better than that! Keep reading to find out more about her!



Name: Colleen!          
State: NY!

When and why did you start running?
I started running in October of 2011. Why? Because I was sick of being fat, sick of feeling gross, and sick of getting winded going up the stairs. It was time for a life change.

What is your favorite race and race distance?
I actually have not done too many races. I don’t know why, probably because my schedule is so unpredictable and I don’t like spending money. But I’ll say that the Buffalo Turkey Trot is my favorite, because it was my first, a lot of my family runs it, and there’s beer at the end.

My favorite distance is probably 11 miles, that’s usually right before I start being miserable. I can’t wait until 20 miles is my favorite distance though, or 30.

What is your race day routine?
Wake up, drink coffee, eat a piece of toast with peanut butter and raisins, drink some more coffee, pee a thousand times, and run.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?
Right now, my Aspaeris pivot shorts, they’re fun to run in, and they make my butt look good.

I’m thinking about jumping into 2012, and getting a watch, that would be cool. I don’t run with any gadgets; so I feel like this will make me feel like I’m from the future.

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running?
I don’t believe in supplements, I know, people may hate me for saying that. I eat clean, I eat healthy (with a handful of candy mixed in). I make sure I get all of the nutrients I need from food- I like to eat, so that’s not a problem.

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running?
That it isn’t easy. Like seriously, it’s not, everyone should get that idea out of their head. No one is going to jump off the couch, for the first time, and run 20 miles- or even one- and that’s what I thought would happen. Running takes time, motivation, and for me, a lot of coffee. I wish someone had told me to snap out of my crabby attitude and enjoy every moment that it took me to build up to that 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 10th mile- and everything in between.

What is your fondest running memory?
Finishing my first race, it was only 5 miles, and I ran it slowly, but it was such an amazing accomplishment. My fondest memory came after the race, right after I crossed the finish line and my dad hugged me. Any daddy’s girl out there knows how awesome of a feeling that is. I didn’t just make myself proud, but other people too.

Or it was when I face planted in front of a crew of construction workers. Ya know; that was awesome too.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?
I have a pig collection, and so does my boyfriend, it’s creepy. Our apartment is completely decked out in pigs- banks, posters, and collectables. We found out six months into dating each other that we both had these weird collections and when we moved in, neither of us could part with them, so now we just display our weirdness proudly.


Here are all the different ways you can connect with Colleen!


Thanks so much for sharing with us Colleen!

QOTD: Are you going out of town for Christmas? Are staying in town?


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