Run Strong...Boston Strong!

I normally run on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. But since I am a substitute teacher...sometimes my run schedule has to change. This week I had to sub on Tuesday morning so I couldn't run. Luckily, several of my Sole2Soul Sisters were meeting for a run that night and I decided to join them!

The plan was to run 3 miles and then eat at our favorite sushi restaurant. Unfortunately I couldn't eat after because my hubby had to go back in to work (he had a deadline). He was super sweet to come home for a bit to watch the boys so I could go run. So although I missed eating sushi I at least got to run.

We met in the parking lot of the restaurant and ran from there. The route was out 1.5 miles and back to make 3 miles. It was a route I haven't done in a long time. It was super hilly and on concrete (sidewalk) the entire way. I knew it would probably be tough for several reasons...the hills, the hard concrete, and the fact that my body was not used to running at night. But I was thankful to be there and thankful to be running with friends.

We started running and it felt pretty good. My legs felt like they were questioning me a little...what are we doing? It's the end of the day...we are supposed to be relaxing now, not running! But I kept pushing. And then came the hills. I just kept repeating to myself, "you can do it, run for Boston, run for those that can't run."

After what felt like forever I finally made it to the turnaround. Going back wasn't quite as tough...since the first part of the run was uphill, when I turned around it was mostly all downhill. Finally I made it 3 miles! Of course after the run I felt amazing! I felt STRONG. I had conquered those hills!

I've said several times that I am looking forward to running for fun. I have no races to train for at the moment (don't worry I have several planned but they are for later in the year). It is starting to get way too hot to train here on the Gulf Coast. So my runs are all about me at the moment. If I don't get in a long run this weekend...that's ok. It's not going to hurt my training. I don't have to stress out about missing the miles. The only thing I am worried about is not having a goal. Races are my motivation to keep going and keep running. But I just have to remind myself that race season will be back upon me before I know it.

As for right now...my motivation to run is for Boston. I've been dedicating all my runs to Boston. I run for those that were affected in the tragedy. I run for those that can no longer run. To me..that is enough to keep me motivated and keep me running strong. 

There are many companies out there with items to sell where all the proceeds go to One Fund Boston, an organization set up to help the people most affected by Boston Marathon tragedy. Here are two that I have supported.

• Shubeez has their #runforBoston shoe tags on presale. All the funds go to One Fund Boston. You can wear these on your shoes in honor of Boston. 

• Bic Bands has a limited edition Boston Strong thin headband for sale. They are also giving 100% of the proceeds to One Fund Boston. 

I am excited to wear both of these products as a way to honor the victims in the horrible tragedy in Boston. I don't feel like I can help much but I think if everyone just does a little something it will help. Pray, run, and give to One Fund Boston. 

QOTD: What is your motivation to run? Has the events in Boston made running even more meaningful to you?

Top Gifts for Runners!

It's getting close to Christmas time...the most wonderful time of the year! And today is Black Friday...and yes I am out with the crazies doing some shopping! I love it! And what's great about it...me and my hubby shop Black Friday together every year...and have a blast! His sister watches our boys for us so we can shop 'til we drop (thanks Katie)! Believe me...this is the ONLY time of the year that I can get Andy to shop lol!

So with shopping on my mind I thought a post about the top gifts for runners would be appropriate!

Now keep in mind that these gift ideas are my opinion....and things I need like as a runner! ;-)

• Gift Cards. Who doesn't like gift cards? Especially ones to your local running store or running stores online (roadrunnersports.com or runningskirts.com)!

• Medal Hanger. All runners need a place to display their most prized possessions...those race medals! I am in need of another one..mine is full! 

• GPS Watch. All runners need a way to check their pace, time, and distance! I absolutely love my Garmin! It's pretty old and I would love one of the new ones! Other brands include Polar and Nike+ but I can't steer away from Garmin.

• Running Clothes. All runners need the right running clothes. In the winter we need tights, pants, and long sleeve shirts. In the summer we need running skirts, shorts, and tank tops.

You know I LOVE my skirts from runningskirts.com! I have my eye on the Chevron Athletic Skirt!

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• Socks and Compression Socks. Socks are an essential need for runners. You can never have too many socks! My favorite brands are Swiftwick and Pro Compression. And compression socks are awesome for running in AND for recovery.

• Headbands. Runners don't like hair falling in their eyes or face while running. And sweat is another factor...it's not fun getting sweat in your eyes. So some kind of headband is a must. My favorites are Bondi Bands, BIC Bands, and Sweaty Bands!

• Fuel. Those packs of GU, Sports Beans, Sharkies, or Gummy Bears are perfect stocking stuffers for the long distance runner! 

• Lifeproof iPhone case. There have been many times I've been on a run and a rain shower has appeared out of nowhere. Then I am freaking out because my iPhone can't get wet. This case is waterproof, shock proof, dirt proof, and snow proof!

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In my opinion I would be happy opening any of the above gifts and I'm sure the runner you're buying for would too!

QOTD: What running item is on your wish list?

BIC Bands Review and Giveaway!

A lot of you ask me about the cute headbands I wear all the time. I love looking cute when I am running and working out! And I also need something that will keep those pesky hair fly-aways out of my eyes.

I wear several different brands of headbands but one of my favorites is BIC Bands! One of my favorite things about them is that with every purchase they give back to someone in need! Each month they choose a different charity to donate to.

"B.I.C. Bands~ Because I Can Bands ~We raise funds because we can…for those who can’t so that one day they will!"

Sandy started BIC Bands as a fundraiser for her first half marathon race with Team in Training. She ended up raising over $1000 that she donated to the Leukemia and Lymphona Society! Because this was so successful she decided to keep making BIC Bands and I am soooo glad she did!

Another plus to BIC Bands besides being super cute....they don't slip at all! They stay right where I put them...whether I'm running, doing yoga, planks, or wall sits...you get the point...they stay put!

They are also soft and stretchy. Many headbands will give me a headache but you forget you are even wearing a BIC Band.

And you can wash BIC Bands! They suggest hand washing them but I just bring them into the shower with me and then hang them up to dry. Easy!

Sooo...would you like to try BIC Bands for yourself? Sandy sent me two BIC Bands to giveaway to you!!!

All you have to do is follow the directions below to enter the giveaway! (Please note that I will be moderating the entries. Play fair please!) Good luck!!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclaimer: I was sent 4 BIC Bands...2 to review and 2 to giveaway. I received no other compensation. All opinions in the above post are mine and mine alone! 

National Running Day!!!

Stats-
3.11 miles/30:37
Average pace- 9:50

Happy National Running Day y'all!!! Wanted to take it easy this morning but my legs just wouldn't let me. This ended up being a pretty fast run for me! The humidity wasn't as bad as yesterday morning thank goodness so that helped me in the breathing department! But of course I was still sweating by half a mile in lol!  The pavement was a little wet from the thunderstorms yesterday afternoon and so the slugs were out in abundance. Disgusting! I probably saw about 30 on my 3 mile route.

Hope everyone gets a chance to run on this runner's holiday! :-)  There are so many great deals going on for National Running Day!  The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series is offering a $20 savings to register for one of their races today!  You can also log your miles today on their mileage reel and get this (below) super cool badge plus some other discounts!

Bic Bands is offering free shipping today with the code RUN12.  I love these headbands!  They do NOT slip at all!  I am wearing one in the picture from my run today!

I'm hoping runningskirts.com is going to offer some kind of deal today too!  I LOVE their skirts!

And now I'm going to leave you with this picture of my precious boys chillling at the Honda dealer yesterday while we were getting an oil change.  Aren't they just too cute???  :-)