Mizuno Wave Inspire Review- Mezamashii Run Project

Stats-
3.51 miles/34:38
Average pace- 9:53

Plank a day- ladder

source

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Mezamashii Run Project from my friend Heidi at BananaBuzzBomb!  I entered her giveaway on her blog and I actually WON!!!  I hardly ever win things!!!  So what is this Mezamashii thing that you've been hearing so much about?  Well actually it is "brilliant!"  Mezamashii means "brilliant" or "eye-opening" in Japanese.  Mizuno Running has created the Mezamashii Run Project to "put thousands of shoes on runners' feet so more people can experience more brilliant running."  So instead of spending tons of money on advertising, Mizuno is giving free pairs of shoes to runners so that they can experience this "mezamashii" run!  Is that an awesome idea or what???





I got my invitation and immediately logged on.

I called my "personal Mizuno fit specialist" and she talked to me about the shoes I am currently running in (Asics GT-2170's) and recommended a shoe that was comparable to those.  I ordered the Mizuno Wave Inspires.  And two days later....they appeared on my doorstep!!!

I couldn't wait to try them but the next day was my long run and I knew it wouldn't be smart to run 8 miles in a new pair of shoes.  So I had to wait until today.  And let me just say....I had a brilliant run in my new Mizunos!!!  My run today was awesome!!! These shoes felt great on my feet and are lighter than my Asics. The heel was more squishy than my Asics which worried me a bit but it was ok.  I love them so far! 

Here's to many more brilliant runs!!!


QOTD: Have you ever ran in Mizunos?  What shoes do you currently run in?


Today is the LAST DAY to enter my Sweat Pink Laces Giveaway!!!  Ends at midnight CST!

Disclaimer: Mizuno sent me this pair of shoes as a member of the Mezamashii Run Project. I received no other compensation. All opinions in the above post are mine and mine alone!

The Weekly Chase: New and Past Goals

Sunday's plank a day- 1:00
Today's Plank a day- Ladder Plank

Yesterday I unplugged from the internet and enjoyed a day with family and friends.  We went to my best friend Rhonda's house for a birthday party.  Her niece and my friend Christy's little girl was having her first birthday party!  Look how cute she is!

She LOVED her smash cake!!!

I almost forgot about my plank a day yesterday since I was so busy!  But I remembered and did it really quick in the privacy of Rhonda's bedroom!!!  Lol!  She's gonna laugh when she reads this!!!  Hey I got it done so that's all that matters!!!  :-)

It's time for another Weekly Chase!!!  I look forward to this every week!  I'm so glad Melissa at Live, Love, and Run started the Weekly Chase!  It's so awesome getting so much encouragement and support from all the other bloggers participating!



Here are my goals from last week:

• Get all of my scheduled runs/workouts in for the week.
• Do my Bible devotion EVERY day.

How did I do?  As you know, last week was super busy for me due to teaching at Vacation Bible School every night.  So I knew going into it that these goals would be a challenge.  I DID get all of my scheduled runs in but failed to do the strength training.  It was just too hard for me to get to the gym.  I have to go when my hubby is home to watch the boys since my gym doesn't have child care.  And with me gone every night...there just wasn't a time for me to get it in.  And my hubby had to work all day and part of the night Saturday night so that didn't work.  And yesterday, we had church and then went to the birthday party and didn't get home until 9:30PM.  Excuses, excuses I know!  

I didn't do my Bible devotion EVERY day but I only missed ONE day!  So i'm pretty proud of that!  And one of my sweat pink sisters, Molly has become my accountability partner for Bible reading!  So we have texted each other and will hold each other accountable for our reading!  That really helped me get it done this week...knowing Molly and YOU my readers are holding me accountable!  
So since my goals for last week were not 100% successful I am going to keep working on them this week!  

Goal #1: Get all of my scheduled runs/workouts in for the week.  Here's the plan for this week:

• Two short runs (3-4 miles each) and a 5 mile long run
• Two strength training workouts (hopefully three)
• Continue plank a day

Goal #2: Do my Bible devotion EVERY day.  And I mean EVERY day!  I'm not gonna skip a day this week!  And Molly I expect you to hassle me about it if ya have to!  :-)

Goal #3: Do a plank ladder a day. I need some variation in my planks.  Holly at Running and Baking, Oh My has inspired me to do these!  Ladder planks are where you hold a plank for 30 seconds, then 40, then 50, then 60, then 60, 50, 40, and 30 with 30 second breaks in between each one.  So you are planking for about 6 minutes!!!  It's gonna be a challenge for sure!  Strong abs and core here I come!!!

So there are the goals I'm chasing for this week!

QOTD: What are your goals for this week?  Tell me about them in the comments below!  :-)


Don't forget to enter my SweatPink laces giveaway!  It ends tomorrow at midnight CST!

Long Run Day With My Sisters + VBS!!!

Stats-
8 miles/1:27:23
Average pace- 10:55

Plank a day- 1:50

Today was another long run with the Sole2Soul Sisters half marathon training group!  These ladies are seriously ROCKING these long runs!  I'm sooo proud of them!  I wasn't sure how this run was going to go for me.  I've had late nights every night this week due to teaching at my church's Vacation Bible School.  So I assumed I would be super tired and the run would be tough.  I was wrong!  This run was AWESOME!!!  I felt great the entire run, the weather was nice (overcast with a few sprinkles), and it was a great route!  Can anyone say "runner's high?"  LOVE when that happens!!!

And guess what???  One of my Sole2Soul Sisters, Holly at Running and Baking, Oh My!, was accepted as a Sweat Pink Ambassador!!!  I'm so excited for her!!!  I have LOVED being a Sweat Pink Ambassador and am excited to have a sweat pink sister close to me!  Congrats Holly!!!!

Here's a picture of me and Holly after our 8 miles this morning!  #SweatPink!

If you follow me on Instagram then you have already seen all these pictures...but I wanted to share with you what I've been doing all week...Vacation Bible School!  The theme this year was "Amazing Wonders Aviation."  Me and one of my best friends, Paige, taught the 1st graders together.  It was special to me because MY first grader, Hayden, was in my class!  It was an exhausting but absolutely AMAZING week!  We had a total of 14 kids get saved and 5 of those were in my class!!!!  So awesome!  I hope you enjoy the pictures of my busy week!!!

Me and Paige...best teacher partner EVER!!!

Us with our youth helper JT!  We made an awesome team!

Our sweet class having fun in Bible Study!

My sweet babies Hayden and Sawyer!!!  They had sooo much fun at VBS!

Sawyer with his class performing the songs for the parents!

Hayden performing!

We had a total of 19 first graders in our class!  Each one of them were sooo awesome!  I really enjoyed spending the week with them!  Today I'm going to be resting up...and trying to get all the VBS songs out of my head lol!

QOTD: What are your plans for the weekend?  Today is a relax and catch up on laundry day for me.  Tomorrow we have church and then a birthday party to go to!

Don't forget to enter my SweatPink laces giveaway!

Fueling for Your Run

Stats-
3.11 miles/30:22
Average pace- 9:45

Plank a day- 1:44

Much better run today! VBS is wearing me out but I'm still getting it done! :-)

Some of the ladies in the Sole2Soul Sisters half marathon training group have asked me about fueling for long runs.  This Saturday we are running 8 miles so I thought it was a good time to write a post about fueling.  Just remember that these are the things that work for me...they may differ for you.  Just listen to your body because we are all different!  :-)

Before the long run
Before I head out to run a long run (and by long I mean longer than 6 miles) I normally eat something with peanut butter on it.  Lately, I've been eating a pancake or waffle with peanut butter on it.  I've also had a bagel with peanut butter on it.  The key is to find something with a good mixture of carbs, protein, and a little bit of fat.  Some of my friends eat energy bars.  Just find something you can swallow down early in the morning (if you run early like me) and stick to it through out your training and on race day.

During the long run
While running I make sure to have plenty of water and some type of sports drink.  You can choose Gatorade, Powerade, Cytomax, Nuun, etc.  There are tons of options out there.  But you need something that will replace the electrolytes you will be losing.  I run with a fuel belt so I will fill one bottle with water and the other with a sports drink.

You may also want to refuel with some type of gel.  My favorite gel is GU.  Vanilla Bean is my preferred flavor but there are many flavors to choose from!

source

I ingest one about every 45 minutes during a long run...this is what the directions on the package suggest but I know several people that don't ingest them that often.  Once again, you have to find what works best for your body.

For some, gels upset their stomach.  There are other options you can try if you have this problem.  You can try energy bars (like Clif bars or PowerBars) and break them into pieces to eat throughout the run.  You can try energy chews (like GU Chomps or Clif Shot Blocks).  You can try natural foods (like gummy bears, twizzlers, and honey).  I've even known a runner who packs a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and eats a bite of it throughout the run.  With any of these options you just need to make sure you are drinking plenty of water with it.

After the long run
After my long runs, the first thing I want is chocolate milk!  Chocolate milk is a great recovery drink because it has plenty of protein and carbs in it to help refuel and replenish your muscles.

You can also drink some type of protein shake...there are tons of options out there!  If you don't want a drink, eat something with carbs and protein in it.  Energy bars or that bagel with peanut butter will suffice after a run too!  Just be sure that no matter what you choose that you do it within 30 minutes after you exercise.  This is the time that your muscles are the most receptive to rebuilding stored glucose.  And don't forget to rehydrate with more water and/or sports drink after your run too!

QOTD: What is your before, during, and after your run fueling routine?


Don't forget to enter my SweatPink laces giveaway!

Calling All Princesses!

Workout Stats:
Plank a Day- 1:42

You all know that Disney races are my absolute favorite!  Well, yesterday was the first day of registration for the Disney Princess Half Marathon!  How many of you signed up???  I've done this race the past two years...I LOVE it!  Who doesn't love running through Cinderella's castle???

You can read my Princess Half Marathon race recaps here and here!  


I love anything Disney and there's nothing like running 13.1 miles that are truly magical!  Disney does it like they do everything...BIG!  And this year is the 5th anniversary so I'm sure they will do something special to commemorate that!

I'm debating on doing the Disney Royal Family 5K on that Saturday this year too.  I've never done this one but would love to run it!  They are also offering a breakfast after this 5K and a Pasta in the Park on Friday night.  Debating on one of these options too.

And I can't wait to see what the theme will be this year!  The first year I ran it the theme was the Princess and the Frog.  Last year's theme was Tangled.  So...maybe they will use the newest princess Merida from Brave?  Or since it's the 5th anniversary maybe they will use one of the classic princesses like Sleeping Beauty (my favorite)?  I would LOVE pink bling!!!

Whatever they choose, I am excited!  I LOVE this race!!!

QOTD: Who is your favorite Disney Princess?  Have you ever ran this race?  Do you plan to?  Have you done any of the dining options they are offering?  Tell me in the comments!  Thanks!

Don't forget to enter my SweatPink laces giveaway!  These pink laces would be perfect for adding bling to your shoes for the Princess Half!!!

Sweat Pink Giveaway!

Stats-
3 miles/29:23
Average pace- 9:47

I knew this run was going to be tough...my legs are still super sore from Sunday's leg workout. I was aiming to do 3.5 but 3 was all I had in me. This week is going to be hard due to late nights at VBS. But I got it done! The challenge for my first graders last night was to find something in nature that reminded them of God's power and then thank Him for it. God showed me his power through the gorgeous sunrise this morning. And then I stopped my run at 3 miles...looked up and there was a beautiful rainbow in the sky! Finding God's power isn't hard...it's all around us!!!


So....who's ready for a giveaway???  Most of you know that I am a Sweat Pink Ambassador!  This community is awesome!  They have been sharing sweat pink love ALL over the place!  I'm so excited to be a part of this awesome group!

I LOVE the mission of Fit Approach...the organization behind Sweat Pink:

We believe that kicking ass is best done in pretty shoes. We’ve learned that real women sweat, and sweat hard. We know that assertiveness, strength, and ambition are the ultimate feminine qualities. We concede that sometimes it takes hours to get ready, but we’re also no strangers to just rolling out of bed and going. We’re convinced that we run faster in pink shoelaces. We believe in pushing ourselves, and we believe in giving ourselves a break, too. We’re all about the rush of endorphins and the thrill of the challenge. We’re all for looking great and feeling even better. We’re committed to finding our best fit, and making it stick.

How do we get there?
We climb.
We journey.
We balance.
We reward.

Doesn't that make you want to SweatPink with me???  Here's your chance!  I am giving away four pairs of SweatPink shoelaces!  I love what the sweatpink shoelaces represent: "inspiring people to feel strong, confident and tough no matter who you are, or what you look like." source

Here's how to enter:

1. Mandatory: Leave a comment telling me what activity/exercise makes you sweat pink. Make sure to tell me your email address so I can contact you if you win. 
2. Extra entry: Tweet about this giveaway: I want to #SweatPink with @mindybobe! Pink laces giveaway- http://www.roadrunnergirl.com/2012/07/sweat-pink-giveaway.html (leave a comment saying you did this)
3. Extra entry: Visit Fit Approach and tell me something you learned there. 

That's it!  Winners will be picked using random.org.  The giveaway will end on Tuesday, July 17th at midnight CST.  Good luck!!!

This giveaway has ended!  

Click here to view the winners of the Sweat Pink Giveaway!

The Weekly Chase: Staying on Schedule and Devotions

Workout Stats-
Plank a day- 1 minute planks x 3

Are you wondering how my legs are feeling after yesterday's workout???  OUCH!!!  They are so sore!!!  No pain, no gain, right?

Well it's that time again...The Weekly Chase!

 

Here are my goals from last week:

• Do not eat anything after dinner.
• Do at least two strength training workouts this week.

So how did I do?  Not too bad!  Goal #1 was pretty hard...especially with the holiday.  But for the most part I did pretty well.  I wasn't 100% successful but still better than I have been in the past.  I'm going to keep working on this goal for sure.

Goal #2 was achieved!  I did some strength training for my arms on Thursday and I did strength training for my legs on Sunday.  I'm excited about this because I believe getting stronger will make me a better runner.  My sister Amy has also made a workout plan for me...I do sooo much better with a plan...so I'm looking forward to starting that soon!  Thanks Amy!!!

So here are my goals for this week:

Goal #1:  Get all of my scheduled runs/workouts in for the week.  I normally don't have a problem with this but this week I am teaching Vacation Bible School at my church.  It makes for a very busy and very tiring (but fun) week.  I'm hoping by setting this goal I won't be tempted to skip any workouts.  Here are the runs/workouts I have planned:

• Two short runs (3-4 miles each) and an 8 mile long run
• Two (three if I can squeeze it in) strength training workouts
• Continue plank a day

Goal #2:  Do my Bible devotion EVERY day.  I really want to accomplish this!  I do not read my Bible as much as I would like.  Most of the time I just forget...and that is so sad that I am forgetting to spend time with my God!  I am setting a specific time of the day to do this...right before bed because that is when the day is the calmest and I feel I can focus the most.  I want to make it a routine...I can't go to sleep until I've done my devotion!

So there you have it!  I'm ready to chase these goals this week!

QOTD: What are your goals this week?  Comment below!  :-)