The Color Run New Orleans with Swiftwick!

This weekend was one that I have been looking forward to for a long time! The Color Run finally came somewhere close to me...New Orleans! As soon as I heard the news I registered...and I'm so glad I did because it sold out quickly!

Thanks to Larisa at Zero to Twenty Six Point Two, I was also lucky enough to represent Swiftwick Socks at The Color Run! Swiftwick gave us some awesome fit gear...a Swiftwick tech shirt, Swiftwick arm sleeves, and Swiftwick compression socks! The tech shirt was awesome...made of the wicking material that I love! I was really interested in the arm sleeves because I've never worn any. I don't have the slimmest arms so I didn't know if I would like them. But I loved them!!! They didn't ride down my arms and they kept me warm. And if you get hot all you have to do is push them down and take them off...a lot easier than trying to get a long sleeve shirt off while running lol!

I couldn't wait to try the Swiftwick compression socks! I LOVE compression socks! These were awesome! They were tight enough to give me the right amount of compression but not so tight that they hurt. And Swiftwick says they "make the best socks you will ever wear.... GUARANTEED!" The socks are supposed to fit like a new sock each and every time you wear them....I'm all for that! I do know that they felt great during the Color Run! I can't wait to try them on a long run and for recovery! The only negative thing I have to say is that they don't have the compression socks in enough colors...they only have black and white. This girl needs some pink, purple, yellow, green, blue, and red!!! 

As always...here's my picture of my race gear the night before! 

We carbed up at the Louisiana Pizza Kitchen! Sooo yummy! If you ever visit New Orleans you MUST eat here! I (of course) got my usual night before the race meal...pizza!!!

All of us at dinner (minus Larisa who was taking the picture)!

After dinner we experienced the nightlife of New Orleans! And saw some crazies out there for sure!

Then we headed back to the hotel since we were actually running a race the next day! I felt pretty relaxed because this race was for fun, only a 5K, and started at 9AM! No worrying about running long or getting up super early! Yay! There was some silliness before we went to bed! :-)

I slept really well that night (it could have been due to my long day of the Twilight Marathon the day before) and woke up feeling rested. I got dressed in my full Swiftwick gear!

And I did something I never do before a race....I didn't eat a thing. Ok well I did eat something. We rode in my friend Jennifer's car with her husband and 3 kids. And they offered me some oreos lol! So I ate oreos as my pre-race fuel! I WAS prepared with a Luna bar but I left it in my suitcase. Oh well! We made it to the race (after sitting in traffic for about half an hour) and met up with all my other Swiftwick peeps! Not only was Larisa there but Gina with Noshing on Asphalt was there too! We had an awesome Swiftwick photo shoot!

And then it was time to head to the start line! There were so many people!!! I read there were around 10,000 people there!!!

I was a little worried about running this race because I had to run 18 miles the next day for marathon training. I knew I wanted to take it easy. We started out running pretty slow.

But with so many people...you couldn't run very well. Most of the people were walking. So Paige, Stephanie, and I decided to stay with Jennifer and her family and walk the race. And we had a BLAST!!! We didn't worry about our time, took lots of pictures, and spent as much time as we wanted at each color station! And it was so much fun watching Jennifer's kids! It was soooo fun!

The first color station was ORANGE!

The next color station was BLUE!

Then came YELLOW!

PINK time!

And then we were finished! And we had a blast throwing our color packets up in the air!!! And took a ton more pics of us all colorful!

This race was so much fun! I'm not sure it was a full 5K (which would have irritated me if I actually ran it) and it was super crowded. But when you sign up for a race like this that is more about having fun then the run itself...then it's ok with me! I'd definitely recommend The Color Run...just as a fun run. The race isn't even timed. But the concept is a blast and the after party is fabulous!!!

Thanks again to Swiftwick for helping me look so cute for The Color Run!!!

A question I always wanted to know the answer to before I ran this race...does the color come out of your clothes???  I am happy to say that all mine came clean! There are a few faint traces of pink on the foot part of my socks (that will be covered by my shoe) and the top of the arm sleeves. But other than that everything is back to being white again! But if you'd like the color to stay in your clothes...someone told me to spray them with vinegar and iron them before throwing them in the wash! :-)

QOTD: What is the craziest race you've ever run?

ShowerPill Review...Stay Fresh and Clean!

It's no secret that after a run I am pretty stinky. Especially a long run. And I sweat...a lot. After some of my runs I need to run some errands or go pick up a gallon of milk...you know what I mean. But most of the time I won't do these errands because I am too embarrassed that someone will "smell" me. I do NOT want to be the "stinky lady!"

So when I got the opportunity to try ShowerPill I jumped on it!

What is ShowerPill? No...it's not a pill that you take in the shower. It's an athletic body wipe. Kind of like a baby wipe but it's larger and much thicker. So on those days when I really want to stop by the store on the way home from the gym or after a run all I have to do is grab a ShowerPill so I will be fresh and clean (And so I won't get dirty looks from the people standing next to me in line)!

Here are a few details about ShowerPill:

• It's a premium 9x8 inch, thick wipe that is packaged individually for when you are on the go. It will fit perfectly in your gym bag or purse and not take up any room.
• It is proven to kill germs and bacteria and had aloe and vitamin E in it.
• It is scented but the scent is fresh and not overwhelming.

Times I would use ShowerPill:

• After a race when I have to drive home in my race clothes all stinky.
• When I do an ultra relay...these will be a must for me after a run...and a must for my team mates! ;-)
• After a run or workout when I don't have time to take a shower right away.
• These would have been perfect on our family camping trip with the cub scouts!
• In the summertime (in the south's extreme heat) when I head outside for a few minutes and sweat like crazy

I tried ShowerPill for the first time this weekend. I ran the Color Run on Saturday. And although we went straight back to the hotel for a shower, I DID use the ShowerPill to clean the color off my hands so it wouldn't get on everything I touched. Then Sunday I ran 18 miles...and was oh so stinky afterwards! I used the ShowerPill to wipe down after my run so I could enjoy my coffee without clearing the room with my smell lol! 

The wipe is a little larger than a baby wipe and much thicker!

The directions say to fold it and wipe one area, then refold it to wipe another. See the yucky dirt I wiped off my body after my run? Yuck!!!

I really liked using the ShowerPill wipe! When I rubbed it on my skin it stayed wet for a few seconds but dried pretty quickly. I didn't feel as clean as I would after a shower but I definitely felt cleaner and fresher. And the wipe smelled really clean...much better than my stinky self after a run! I will definitely be investing in these to use after races when I drive straight home in my running clothes. 

This is a perfect stocking stuffer for that athlete in your life (hint, hint to my hubby)! And you're in luck because ShowerPill is offering my readers a Buy 2, get 1 FREE Black Friday Sale on Amazon.com. To receive the discount you must place 3 boxes in your shopping cart and enter the code SPFRIDAY to receive the 3rd box free. Note that this offer is only valid 11/23 - 11/25!

QOTD: What do you do to stay fresh and clean after a run or workout when you can't take a shower right away?

Disclaimer: I received this product free to review through a FitFluential campaign. I received no other compensation. All opinions in the above post are mine and mine alone!

Runner Spotlights #14

So the Color Run was so much fun!!!! I can't wait to tell you all about it!

For now I will spotlight another fabulous runner for ya! If you are interested in being spotlighted please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com. I'd love to spotlight you!!!

Today I am spotlighting the other half of Naturally Fit Sisters....Cassey! I just love how these two sisters are such a team from so far away from each other! Keep reading to learn more about Cassey!

Name: Cassey

State: California (Military)

When and why did you start running? I was never a runner. EVER. I have always been the overweight, less active one of my family. Back in 2007, I graduated college and got my first job as a teacher. I knew I did not want to go to my first year teaching so overweight… it was then I began running. I ran and ran and ran some more. A friend asked me to do a ½ marathon and I thought she was nuts… but we did it! March of 2008, we ran the Rock in Roll ½ in Little Rock. It was the best time ever. I had lost about 70 lbs and felt awesome. We moved to Japan and I put on a little weight and didn't run as much. I got pregnant in 2009 and pretty much became… LAZY. I didn't run again until March of this year, 3 years later. Sadly. But I am running again and loving it. I feel healthier than ever and love how I am impacting my sons life by showing him how to live an active lifestyle.

What is your favorite race and race distance? Favorite race was the ½ in Little Rock. 13.1 miles. I did a few 5Ks and 10Ks back in 2007/2008. Currently I have done quite a few 5Ks this year, one 10K, and a few fun runs. The fun runs.. are FUN! I am signed up for lots more in the coming months and am running a ½ in Texas with my sister in October, while my mom does a 10K with my son. My sister, my best friend, and myself will be participating in the Disney Princess ½ Marathon in February 2013. I have a feeling that will be my new favorite. I am SO excited.

What is your race day routine? I get up early and usually eat a banana. Depending on how far I have to drive my little one may be up or may not be up. I LOVE running races with him. He completed his first ‘race’ a couple of weeks ago. My two year old did ½ a mile and did not want to stop. I am so proud of him. We usually get to our race about 30-45 minutes early and get signed in. I never go up before hand to get my Swag because it is normally a decent drive. Then we always, ALWAYS ask someone to take a before picture… and then we relax. After the race I always, ALWAYS get an after picture. I want him to always have these memories with his mom.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear? I have a new favorite and that would be my SPIbelt. I am loving it. It really helps me when I run alone. When I have the stroller, it isn't as big of a deal. However, when I do run alone it is nice to have it to put my ID, money, credit card, keys, and phone. I love wearing it because it doesn't weigh me down, nor does it FALL down! I actually forget it is even there! I highly suggest any runner to invest in one of these… they are only like $20.

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running? No, but I should. Lil Sis and I have actually been talking about writing a blog to get feedback on what other runners do in regards to this. We are both fairly new to running and don’t really understand or know supplements we should be taking to help our running. Any tips are MORE than welcomed.

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running? That it would be so addicting and that it could be so expensive. NEVER did I imagine that running would be something I love so much. I certainly didn't realize that people actually PAY to run! But I do now.. and I love it. Paying for the races I want to do is my own personal splurge on myself and I love doing them.

What is your fondest running memory? In 2007/2008 when I first began running I had the BEST running partner. She is the one that asked me to do the ½ Marathon. Preparing for that race and going to do it together really tightened our bond. I have yet to find another good, dedicated running partner like she was and I am so thankful that I had her in my first go around as a runner. Now I am content with just me and my boy.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you? Hmmm… I am a very self-conscious person and sadly I have a low self-esteem. Usually people do not know that about me unless they really know me… on a deeper level. I would dare to say that running and getting in shape has definitely helped me to begin to overcome these things… which is awesome. 

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

Blog: www.naturallyfitsisters.blogspot.com and www.natural-nester.blogspot.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shawwife

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NaturallyFitSisters and www.facebook.com/naturalnester  

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/shawwife/

Thanks so much for sharing with us Cassey!!!

QOTD: What is your favorite type of race...mud, trail, road, or color run?

Fitness Friday- Life Getting in the Way!

Has life and busyness ever got in the way of your runs/workouts? Well that happened to me this week. I took Monday and Tuesday off from running to recover from the half marathon I ran on Sunday. My plan was to run on Wednesday morning. Then I am running the Color Run on Saturday and 18 miles on Sunday. Sounds like a good plan right? Well...Monday the boys were off of school for Veterans Day so I couldn't run. Tuesday I had to sub. And while subbing on Tuesday I got asked to sub the next day on Wednesday. Well I try not to turn down any sub jobs because we need the money. So I accepted. But there went my plans for a run. I tried to make plans to run after school but no one was available to watch my boys. And then we had church that night. And Thursday I couldn't run because I was watching the Twilight Marathon! And today I am leaving for New Orleans for the Color Run. So....my Fitness Friday post is bare. Because I let life and busyness get in the way. Next week I WILL do better!!!

Here are my workouts (pretty lame) for the week:

• Saturday- #plankaday 2:07, 20 lunges for #LungeForLeftovers

• Sunday- #plankaday 1:00, 10 lunges, Ran 13.26 miles in 2:36:32 average pace of 11:48

• Monday- #plankaday 2:02, 20 lunges

• Tuesday- #plankaday 2:13, 20 lunges

• Wednesday- #plankaday 1:03, 20 lunges

• Thursday- #plankaday 2:06, 20 lunges

• Friday- #plankaday 2:00, 20 lunges

So there it is. Not that great. But I WILL do better next week! Expecially since it's Thanksgiving week (can you believe it?) and I will be around all that yummy food! I WILL RUN!!!! :-)

Here's something super cute for you to watch! My son Sawyer wanted to do a vlog for you! I promise it's quick...but I just had to share!

Stay tuned for my recap of the Color Run that I am running tomorrow! And then my 18 miler for marathon training on Sunday!

QOTD: Have you ever let life and being too busy get in the way of exercise?

The Twilight Marathon!

Yes I did say the word marathon...but for this one time only...I'm not talking about running. I'm talking about the actual Twilight Saga! You know...vampires, werewolves, people that sparkle. Yes...I am a huge fan! And while you are reading this...I am at the movie theater watching all 5 movies today! Watch my vlog to hear all about my craziness...and then I promise to not ever mention it again! ;-)

Here's me and my friends last year watching all the movies!

QOTD: Are YOU a Twilight fan? Will you go see the movie at midnight tonight or wait?