What we've gained through our blog
A lot of people start a blog to hold themselves accountable to their goals, whether it be weight loss, to train and complete their first race, or something else. To be honest, that is not why we started blogging. It's been several years now since we've started this blog and I don't really remember our official "why" we started the blog but I'm certain it came from a place of loving to write and sharing our stories/experiences with others.
Over the years, this blog turned into many things for us and some of that we would have never expected. Here is just a peek into a few things we never expected from our blog.......
1. We never expected that we would make friends through the blog. And when I say friends, I mean REAL LIFE friends. Not just virtual friends ( although our virtual friends are great too). I mean friends we talk to on the phone, friends we run with, friends we vacation with, and friends we exchange text messages with. Never in a million years did we think we would make a new friend with someone because they read our blog!
2. We never expected that our blog would turn into a timeline of our life. I have to admit that I've gone back through the blog more than once to relive a race recap or to see when the symptoms of my injury started, or to just see what we were doing a year or two years ago. I've never been one to keep a personal diary or journal, but I love reading back through old blog posts. I am so glad that I documented certain things, especially things about my injury. Those little tidbits that I would mention on the blog throughout the year have proved to be very helpful to me looking back.
3. We never would have expected to have all the experiences we've had because of writing this blog. We've been invited to VIP events with Run Disney, Runner's World, and Competitor (AKA Rock n Roll). Again, through these events we have met even more runners and bloggers and got to participate in things that we probably wouldn't have been invited to otherwise. For that we are grateful.
4. We never would have known about programs like Influenster, Sweatpink, Fitfluential, Smiley360, etc. We participate in these programs by having fun with campaigns and contests that they run. It's even nice that we get sent little packages every once in a while. I mean who doesn't like getting fun mail?
5. We would have never been so active on social media. Okay, I know that we aren't extremely active now, but before blogging we were non existent on Social Media. I barely had a facebook account, I didn't understand twitter and thought only the most narcissistic people used Instagram. Boy was I wrong! Still, neither one of us is very techy, but I GET IT! I like social media and Instagram has slowly become my favorite. If you want, you can follow me @fairytalesnfit and I'll follow back. Okay, I have to say that I am NOT going to fall into the whole Periscope thing. Don't we already have enough ways to follow people?
What have you un-expectedly gained from your blog? If you don't have a blog, have you gained something or learned something from reading other blogs?
We are linking up with the gals from the Friday 5 where the theme is "Surprises".
Have you got Recomendations for Runners and Women ?
I have been wanting to write this post for a while now because I want to get some honest opinions of what you guys all use as far as supplements and multivitamins. I keep wanting to ask my PT each time that I go but suddenly when I am there amongst the weights, and stretching, and riding bike, it somehow slips my mind.
My go to vitamins have always been the Vita-Fusion Gummy Vitamins. I have tried the Women's One a day multivitamins but they were too large (they were not gummy) and I had a hard time swallowing them. I found that about an hour later they often made me sick. So now I only do the Gummy ones. It sounds childish I know. I've done that Vita-Fusion multi-vitamins, and the Vitamins for women. I've notice the Women's ones have a bit more "rubbery" of a texture but in the end they both work and I don't mind them. In fact, I know the dosage is only 2 but there are times I will take 3 or 4. Yea, they are that good!
I am now taking the Centrum Gummies that I got in my Smiley 360 box. I have to say that these rival the Vita-Fusion Gummies. The flavors taste like the real fruit gummies that are in the fruit snacks and are not rubbery at all. The flavors are Cherry, Berry, and Orange. These Centrum Gummies are great for energy, and to boost immunity and metabolism (contains vitamins D, E and B12) yet I feel maybe I should be taking something else in addition to this multivitamin. To be honest, they taste so good that I feel like they are almost a treat!
Recently I decided I should start taking some additional Calcium. I checked out the Vita-Fusion calcium blocks and they are like candy. They even look as thought they are sugar coated. Yea, I ate these like candy too until one day I thought about how sickening sweet they were and then I just stopped. I take one every couple of days now. I am thinking about trying the chocolate ones. Anyone ever had those?
I am now on the hunt for something for arthritis. I do not have full blown arthritis (yet) but my doctor (who prescribed the MRI) said it looked like I had a bit of it in my knee. Even though I feel like my healing is progressing, I still have pain right on my knees when sitting, standing, and squatting. perhaps I can take something to make this pain go away, or at the least prevent it from getting worse in the future.
Another thing I want to start doing is adding more protein. I have been making protein shakes after my workouts. I always knew that it was important to replenish after a workout or run, but I never really did it with protein. I thought as long as I drank enough water I was good. I have used a couple different brands (samples that I got) and I enjoy the ones that are chocolate. Can you recommend a brand that you like that I can easily purchase at a store?
As a runner, or just as a women, what supplements should we be taking? Do you have anything you'd like to recommend to me? Thanks -M
This post was NOT sponsored by any of the above vitamin brands.
My go to vitamins have always been the Vita-Fusion Gummy Vitamins. I have tried the Women's One a day multivitamins but they were too large (they were not gummy) and I had a hard time swallowing them. I found that about an hour later they often made me sick. So now I only do the Gummy ones. It sounds childish I know. I've done that Vita-Fusion multi-vitamins, and the Vitamins for women. I've notice the Women's ones have a bit more "rubbery" of a texture but in the end they both work and I don't mind them. In fact, I know the dosage is only 2 but there are times I will take 3 or 4. Yea, they are that good!
I am now taking the Centrum Gummies that I got in my Smiley 360 box. I have to say that these rival the Vita-Fusion Gummies. The flavors taste like the real fruit gummies that are in the fruit snacks and are not rubbery at all. The flavors are Cherry, Berry, and Orange. These Centrum Gummies are great for energy, and to boost immunity and metabolism (contains vitamins D, E and B12) yet I feel maybe I should be taking something else in addition to this multivitamin. To be honest, they taste so good that I feel like they are almost a treat!
Recently I decided I should start taking some additional Calcium. I checked out the Vita-Fusion calcium blocks and they are like candy. They even look as thought they are sugar coated. Yea, I ate these like candy too until one day I thought about how sickening sweet they were and then I just stopped. I take one every couple of days now. I am thinking about trying the chocolate ones. Anyone ever had those?
I am now on the hunt for something for arthritis. I do not have full blown arthritis (yet) but my doctor (who prescribed the MRI) said it looked like I had a bit of it in my knee. Even though I feel like my healing is progressing, I still have pain right on my knees when sitting, standing, and squatting. perhaps I can take something to make this pain go away, or at the least prevent it from getting worse in the future.
Another thing I want to start doing is adding more protein. I have been making protein shakes after my workouts. I always knew that it was important to replenish after a workout or run, but I never really did it with protein. I thought as long as I drank enough water I was good. I have used a couple different brands (samples that I got) and I enjoy the ones that are chocolate. Can you recommend a brand that you like that I can easily purchase at a store?
As a runner, or just as a women, what supplements should we be taking? Do you have anything you'd like to recommend to me? Thanks -M
This post was NOT sponsored by any of the above vitamin brands.
I can finally run Disney!
Happy Monday folks! Did you have fun this weekend? I spent some time at Disney and guess what? I had my first pain free Disney run! I've run 8 races at Disney so far this year and I was injured for each one of them. This weekend I got to finally run at Disney pain free!
It was not an organized race, but my friend Heather and I did the New Balance running trail.
We ran by the water towards Hollywood Studios and then turned around at the boat dock because we weren't sure where the trail went from there. We then headed back down by the water (the same route we took during the marathon) and the views were just so lovely!
We then ran towards the Beach Club and passed the Yacht Club ( this was the opposite way then when we ran it for the marathon). We ended at the Dolphin resort. We were at 3 miles at this point and since this was where we started we thought it would be a good place to stop. Even though it was still morning, it was still pretty hot by thiss time, as you can imagine!
This was such a great run! I was so happy to be running and being at Disney! I knew that 3 miles was enough though. I wasn't in any position to be pushing it!
When we got back to the resort, my friend handed me this great Disney virtual race medal! She told me that she had signed us up for a virtual run and that we were celebrating my first pain free Disney run! Isn't she sweet?
It was not an organized race, but my friend Heather and I did the New Balance running trail.
We actually started from the bridge near the Boardwalk (on the side by the Swan and Dolphin resorts.
When we made it back up the bridge where we started, we looped around and ran on the boardwalk. We crossed the bridge and looped around the International Gateway.
This was such a great run! I was so happy to be running and being at Disney! I knew that 3 miles was enough though. I wasn't in any position to be pushing it!
When we got back to the resort, my friend handed me this great Disney virtual race medal! She told me that she had signed us up for a virtual run and that we were celebrating my first pain free Disney run! Isn't she sweet?
This medal was HUGE!!!!! I swear it has got to weigh 5 pounds. I laughed with excitement when she gave it to me! She said she wasn't expecting it to be that large either!
Our good time is not over yet though! Today we are boarding a cruise! Lacey will be around and will be doing some blogging this week so don't forget to show her some love! I will miss her!
Tell us something fun you did this weekend! -M
Bloggers dish on their favorite beverages
Greetings folks! The theme for this week's Friday Five is five summertime drinks. Since we are in Disney World this weekend I thought it would be appropriate to list 5 favorite drinks that can be found at Disney. But wait a minute! They won't all be MY favorite drinks. They are Must Have drinks from some of the Biggest Disney fans. You may also know them as some of your friendly run Disney bloggers!
So what do they all stand in line for when they visit the world?
1. Monica and Walt ( AKA Disney Bride and Disney Groom) from Running Happily Ever After:
Monica prefers Jungle Juice which is equal parts Orange juice, Passion Fruit, and Guava juice. Jungle Juice is available at Boma and Tusker house. Walt on the other hand is a fan on the Grapefruit Beer in Germany. I was intrigued when I first heard of this. Enjoy this quick story from Disney Bride.
Walt says (without any hesitation) the grapefruit beer at EPCOT Germany. He has a cute story with this one. He stopped to get a drink in Germany during his 1st Disney Marathon. He was standing in line, and someone asked him - how did you do in your race? He replied - I'll let you know when it's over. He explained he still had 1 mile to go, but he was thirsty. The guest in line bought him a grapefruit beer. Walt has a great photo at the finish line - high fiving Mickey with one hand, and holding the beer in the other. It is his fave WDW drink.
2. Julie from RunWalk Repeat says her favorite Disney World beverage is a Blood Orange Margarita from Le Cava in Mexico( Epcot). Chiatali from Running and Enjoying the Journey says her favorite drink can also be found in Epcot. She enjoys the Grey Goose Slushie in the France Pavilion!
3. Amy from Mom's Magical Miles likes to order a Pina CoLAVA (not a typo). The Pina CoLava is
made with 2 parts pineapple juice, 1 part Coco Lopez, 1 part Bacardi Razz raspberry rum blended with ice and a small amount of raspberry puree. This drink can be found at Ohana and at the Contemporary pool. Denise from Healthy Family Media (formerly Healthy Disney Family), says her favorite drink can also be found at Ohana. It's the Lapu Lapu which is a tropical rum drink that is served in a pineapple. Karen from Just Me and My Running Shoes also has a favorite drink that can be found at the Polynesian. It's called Stitch Juice and you can find it at the Ohana Character Breakfast.
4. April from Run the Great Wide Somewhere says her favorite Disney drink can be found at Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club resort. It's Orange Fanta with a shot of Vanilla!
5. And Finally my favorite Disney drink, I have had two drinks that I've really enjoyed at Disney so far. The first is the Chia iced tea at Nine Dragon's restaurant in Epcot. The second yummy drink I've had was a Melon Chi Chi which is like a Pina Colada but made with melon liqueur which I had at Citricos at the Grand Floridian.
Thank you to all the bloggers who gave their opinions on the best drinks at Disney!
What is your favorite vacation (or anytime), favorite beverage? -M
We are linking up with the gals from the Friday Five!
So what do they all stand in line for when they visit the world?
1. Monica and Walt ( AKA Disney Bride and Disney Groom) from Running Happily Ever After:
Monica prefers Jungle Juice which is equal parts Orange juice, Passion Fruit, and Guava juice. Jungle Juice is available at Boma and Tusker house. Walt on the other hand is a fan on the Grapefruit Beer in Germany. I was intrigued when I first heard of this. Enjoy this quick story from Disney Bride.
Walt says (without any hesitation) the grapefruit beer at EPCOT Germany. He has a cute story with this one. He stopped to get a drink in Germany during his 1st Disney Marathon. He was standing in line, and someone asked him - how did you do in your race? He replied - I'll let you know when it's over. He explained he still had 1 mile to go, but he was thirsty. The guest in line bought him a grapefruit beer. Walt has a great photo at the finish line - high fiving Mickey with one hand, and holding the beer in the other. It is his fave WDW drink.
2. Julie from RunWalk Repeat says her favorite Disney World beverage is a Blood Orange Margarita from Le Cava in Mexico( Epcot). Chiatali from Running and Enjoying the Journey says her favorite drink can also be found in Epcot. She enjoys the Grey Goose Slushie in the France Pavilion!
3. Amy from Mom's Magical Miles likes to order a Pina CoLAVA (not a typo). The Pina CoLava is
made with 2 parts pineapple juice, 1 part Coco Lopez, 1 part Bacardi Razz raspberry rum blended with ice and a small amount of raspberry puree. This drink can be found at Ohana and at the Contemporary pool. Denise from Healthy Family Media (formerly Healthy Disney Family), says her favorite drink can also be found at Ohana. It's the Lapu Lapu which is a tropical rum drink that is served in a pineapple. Karen from Just Me and My Running Shoes also has a favorite drink that can be found at the Polynesian. It's called Stitch Juice and you can find it at the Ohana Character Breakfast.
4. April from Run the Great Wide Somewhere says her favorite Disney drink can be found at Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club resort. It's Orange Fanta with a shot of Vanilla!
5. And Finally my favorite Disney drink, I have had two drinks that I've really enjoyed at Disney so far. The first is the Chia iced tea at Nine Dragon's restaurant in Epcot. The second yummy drink I've had was a Melon Chi Chi which is like a Pina Colada but made with melon liqueur which I had at Citricos at the Grand Floridian.
Thank you to all the bloggers who gave their opinions on the best drinks at Disney!
What is your favorite vacation (or anytime), favorite beverage? -M
We are linking up with the gals from the Friday Five!
The Blogger Collection
Since I've been on a bit of a running hiatus I have time to do the things that I always put off, like going to the eye dr. Last month I finally went. I wanted to order new contact lenses but apparently my prescription expired so I had to get a complete eye examine! When I was done with my examine I ordered my contacts (same prescription I've had for years). I knew before I left that I was ONLY going to get the contacts, no glasses. I know my glasses are a bit old, but I enjoy them and only wear them at night to watch tv. Well, the optician sales lady was very convincing and roped me into a new pair of glasses (with an update prescription). O great, more $$$ I didn't want to spend. But I thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a spare pair of glasses. That seems to be the thing I forget most when I pack for a vacation (that and my pajamas. Just ask my sister).
After a few weeks my glasses came in. I am easy to please and because I don't wear them for every day use, I said they were fine. After wearing them for a few nights, I didn't like the way I looked in them. I kept reverting back to my old glasses. My old glasses have more of an oval shape and my new glasses are more rectangular. The sales lady convinced me I needed the rectangular frames because my face was too round for anything else. I don't like them. I asked about exchanging them, but according to their policy I would half to pay half the amount of the price of the glasses just to exchange them. No thank you.
Anyway, as luck would have it Firmoo contacted me about testing out their blogger glasses. I had no idea how ordering a pair of glasses would work online without trying them on, but I knew people who did it all the time and after a little research to make sure they were legit, I said sure.
I did have to get my exact prescription from my eye dr which was not a problem.
I had to choose from their Blogger Collection which wasn't a very large collection which is both a positive and a negative. A positive because I hate making decisions when I have a lot of choices and a negative because there weren't really any frames that I absolutely LOVED. But then again, I've never loved any of my glasses. Perhaps that's just an item you use out of necessity and does not require "Love"!
The Firmoo website does make it very user friendly to choose your glasses. One of the best features they have on the site is the ability to "try on" the frames. You simply upload a picture of you and then you can virtually try on all the glasses. I found this to be extremely helpful. Some of the frames I liked on the site, but then when I tried them on my photo I could tell that the frames were too large for my face.
Another great feature they have on the site that makes it easy to order is that they give complete measurements of each pair of glasses. I already knew my current pair of glasses were a good fit so I just measured those and then tried to find a pair on the site that were similar in size. I have to say that before I decided to commit to trying these glasses from Firmoo, I DID do my research and found several reviews from other bloggers. I wonder if these other bloggers even took the time to measure the glasses that they ordered because many of them were wearing frames that were entirely too big for their face. Perhaps that is the "In" look now? I don't know.
The one thing that made ordering a challenge is that everything was measured in millimeters. I understand this but I am not that familiar with that unit of measurement so when I measured my old glasses (and the distance between my pupils) I had to have Google convert my "inches" to millimeters".
I have to say that their customer service rep Tina has been SO helpful too. I was up ordering at 11 pm and when I would send an email, she would respond immediately. She even checked in on me to let me know that the frames I ordered were small ones. I told her I ordered the small ones on purpose, but I loved her attention to detail and willingness to let me know!
I wanted to order something different than what I would normally wear. I thought a pair of black frames might be stylish and truth be told this was one of the "smaller" pairs that Firmoo offered. I didn't exactly love the red and white stripes on them and hoped they wouldn't be all that noticeable when I wore them. I was right, they aren't extremely noticeable.
I have to say that I was extremely pleased. I was a bit worried about the prescription and the fit since I could not try them on ahead of time, but I guess I did a pretty good job with my measuring. Another concern of mine was about the quality. The glasses at Firmoo are super affordable compared to what I bought at my eye doctor's office. I was worried that the quality might reflect the price. I don't think there was one pair of glasses over $50. Most were $39.99 or less. The quality ended up being great. The frames are just as sturdy and well made as anything I've ever order from my doctor. No concern there at all.
Have you ever ordered frames online? If so was it easy? Are large frames in? ~M
*I was sent a complimentary pair of prescription glasses but I received no other compensation to write this post.
After a few weeks my glasses came in. I am easy to please and because I don't wear them for every day use, I said they were fine. After wearing them for a few nights, I didn't like the way I looked in them. I kept reverting back to my old glasses. My old glasses have more of an oval shape and my new glasses are more rectangular. The sales lady convinced me I needed the rectangular frames because my face was too round for anything else. I don't like them. I asked about exchanging them, but according to their policy I would half to pay half the amount of the price of the glasses just to exchange them. No thank you.
Anyway, as luck would have it Firmoo contacted me about testing out their blogger glasses. I had no idea how ordering a pair of glasses would work online without trying them on, but I knew people who did it all the time and after a little research to make sure they were legit, I said sure.
I did have to get my exact prescription from my eye dr which was not a problem.
I had to choose from their Blogger Collection which wasn't a very large collection which is both a positive and a negative. A positive because I hate making decisions when I have a lot of choices and a negative because there weren't really any frames that I absolutely LOVED. But then again, I've never loved any of my glasses. Perhaps that's just an item you use out of necessity and does not require "Love"!
The Firmoo website does make it very user friendly to choose your glasses. One of the best features they have on the site is the ability to "try on" the frames. You simply upload a picture of you and then you can virtually try on all the glasses. I found this to be extremely helpful. Some of the frames I liked on the site, but then when I tried them on my photo I could tell that the frames were too large for my face.
Another great feature they have on the site that makes it easy to order is that they give complete measurements of each pair of glasses. I already knew my current pair of glasses were a good fit so I just measured those and then tried to find a pair on the site that were similar in size. I have to say that before I decided to commit to trying these glasses from Firmoo, I DID do my research and found several reviews from other bloggers. I wonder if these other bloggers even took the time to measure the glasses that they ordered because many of them were wearing frames that were entirely too big for their face. Perhaps that is the "In" look now? I don't know.
The one thing that made ordering a challenge is that everything was measured in millimeters. I understand this but I am not that familiar with that unit of measurement so when I measured my old glasses (and the distance between my pupils) I had to have Google convert my "inches" to millimeters".
I have to say that their customer service rep Tina has been SO helpful too. I was up ordering at 11 pm and when I would send an email, she would respond immediately. She even checked in on me to let me know that the frames I ordered were small ones. I told her I ordered the small ones on purpose, but I loved her attention to detail and willingness to let me know!
I wanted to order something different than what I would normally wear. I thought a pair of black frames might be stylish and truth be told this was one of the "smaller" pairs that Firmoo offered. I didn't exactly love the red and white stripes on them and hoped they wouldn't be all that noticeable when I wore them. I was right, they aren't extremely noticeable.
Have you ever ordered frames online? If so was it easy? Are large frames in? ~M
*I was sent a complimentary pair of prescription glasses but I received no other compensation to write this post.
When Medicine Doesn't Work : Tuesdays On the Run
The theme for this Tuesdays on The Run is Alternative Medicine. If there was a medicine that would take all my pain away and make me able to run again the way I use to, you can bet I would take it. I've had my experience with the cortisone shots and although that use to help some, it certainly is not a solution and something that you don't want to get done often. The only other "medication" I have used to ease my pain has been IBprofen. That's really an old stand by at my house.
I have found what I am doing now has been much more effect, so far. I explained in an earlier post that I was going to the Physical Therapy community program 4-5 days a week. Here I do a warm up on the exercise bike and then I have a set of strengthening exercises I do for my legs on a few of the machines and then some stability exercises. My plan for July was to go to PT twice a day. Yea, that lasted only a week. I am back to going just once a day!
Last week I added something new to my program. I started working on my upper body now. After I complete my leg exercises I then go ride the "Water Bike". The Water Bike is just a bike that you move with your hands instead of your legs and it is propelled by water. It's like a paddle wheeled boat . You can of course adjust it to make the tension less or more. After that warm-up, I then work on some of the weight machines.
Another thing I've been doing regularly is my massage therapy. I go once a week. Actually today is my day to go and because I've gotten so many massages, today's massage is free! -M
P.S If you find that special medicine that takes all the aches and pains away and makes you run even faster let me know!
We are linking up with Tuesdays on the Run!
I have found what I am doing now has been much more effect, so far. I explained in an earlier post that I was going to the Physical Therapy community program 4-5 days a week. Here I do a warm up on the exercise bike and then I have a set of strengthening exercises I do for my legs on a few of the machines and then some stability exercises. My plan for July was to go to PT twice a day. Yea, that lasted only a week. I am back to going just once a day!
Last week I added something new to my program. I started working on my upper body now. After I complete my leg exercises I then go ride the "Water Bike". The Water Bike is just a bike that you move with your hands instead of your legs and it is propelled by water. It's like a paddle wheeled boat . You can of course adjust it to make the tension less or more. After that warm-up, I then work on some of the weight machines.
Another thing I've been doing regularly is my massage therapy. I go once a week. Actually today is my day to go and because I've gotten so many massages, today's massage is free! -M
P.S If you find that special medicine that takes all the aches and pains away and makes you run even faster let me know!
We are linking up with Tuesdays on the Run!
Soleus Running Watch: What Do You Think?
If you are a distance runner you know how important it is to log your mileage and to know how accurate you actually are. I have a friend that runs (without a device) and says he does "x" amount of miles but when I run the same loop, my GPS says something different. That's why I think every runner should be able to track their runs with a GPS watch. I recently received the Soleus watch to try out.
When I first received the watch in the mail I was excited to try it out just as I am with any new product. I noticed something different on this watch where the USB gets plugged in. On many watches the USB connects to the back of the watch.
On this particular one you had to snap off part of the strap where you connect the USB. Well as soon as I saw this I thought it was going to be a problem. And of course it was. I didn't unsnap it right and it broke. Luckily the company was nice enough to send a replacement watch to me.
When I did receive the replacement watch I was extra careful with unsnapping the strap. I even made someone else do it a few times to show me how it was done before I attempted it myself.
Now it was time to set it up. I have another GPS watch and I don't remember having trouble setting that one up (but then again it has been quite sometime). There was minimal directions that came with the Soleus so I thought what better place to go to then the Internet. I watched a few tutorials on how to set up the watch but they were either going too fast or didn't explain what you needed to know.
I decided to take it to a running store so they could help me. Of course they set it up in no time and I was good to go.
A great thing I like about this watch is that you can see all your functions on one screen, miles, pace, and distance. You can even set it up for what you want to see the most, so you can make that the biggest in the middle of the screen. I even ran once at night and I had no problems with the screen being well lit.
The strap length is very generous on this watch. I had the strap on the tightest part of the watch and it was still very loose on me.
Other than having to be very careful when disconnecting the strap to access the USB, I'd say I'd give this watch a thumbs up! At half the price of a Garmin Forerunner, I'd say that this watch is a good deal for all the functions it can perform. -L
What type of GPS watch do you use? Did you find it hard to set it up? -L
*I was sent this complimentary watch to test out but I did not receive any further compensation to write this post.
*I was sent this complimentary watch to test out but I did not receive any further compensation to write this post.
Who says they are "GOOD" Medals?
Earlier this summer I saw an example of a DIY race medal display and I knew I wanted to do that for my mom. She had a smaller display from Gone For Run and it was quickly getting filled so then she started hanging the medals off of her jewelry hanger.
I bought the decorative curtain rod that I thought would match the furniture in her room and then promptly went over to her house to hang it up as a surprise. Since I would need to use some power tools, I enlisted some help from my dad. After measuring (a few times) and hanging up the display, it was time to but the medals on.
As I pick up the medals to display them on the rack, my dad says "Now make sure you put the good ones up front".
I looked at him and said "Dad, they are ALL good ones".
He says to me "Well, I just mean the ones that took more effort to earn".
I look at him again and said "Dad, they all took some effort".
He says to me "Well, you know what I mean".
Of course he tried to talk his way out of that situation and of course I continued to give him a hard time even if I did know what he meant, but really, how could I determine that one medal earned was any better than any other medal. Whether it was a PR, a first race, a challenge medal, a coast to coast, or just one that took a lot to get through, they were EACH special in their own right.
1. We remember the Run For the Dream race in Williamsburg, VA as the hottest race to date but my mom really rocked that race and even helped push me through it.
2. The Runner's World 10K was her first official 10K and she really did well. She was a guest with me at the Runner's World festival and we really had a great time. The Wicked 10k in VA Beach was a PR race for both her and I and a time we used to submit for some of our Disney races.
3.The Princess Half race will always be special because it was her first half marathon and a year later she did her first Glass Slipper Challenge. The Pixie Dust Challenge was her first set of Disneyland races and of course earning the Coast to Coast medal is just special in it's own right!
4. The April Fools race is special because it had always been a fun mother /daughter weekend at the beach
5. My mom was my partner the year we ran the RnR Virgnia Beach Relay and then RnR Las Vegas was were she PR-ed her half marathon time.
So of course I tell my dad, "Dad, they are all GOOD medals"!
Do you have a memory associate with each medal you've earned?
We are linking up with the gals from the Friday 5 where the theme is about Race Swag!
Our New Tactics for the Trail
I told you earlier this week that I did a few runs last week and that I felt really good about it. What I didn't mention was that on Sunday my sister and I had a really great day on the trail.
Lacey wanted to get a long-ish run in on the rail trail and asked me if I wanted to ride bike along side of her. I agreed! I loaded up my bike and Lacey got her running supplies and we were on our way.
Surprisingly we kept pace with each other very well. Since it was a Sunday, the trail was very busy. About 2 miles in an older man on a bike said to us "Oh, so when you get to the end, do you switch? The one riding bike will run and the one running will ride bike?" That was not our plan, but it did sound like a good one. Lacey intended on running 10 miles that day, so even if she only ran 5 up I don't think I was ready to tackle the 5 miles back down the trail.
This did get us thinking though. I decided that I would like to try to run again since I hadn't run since Thursday. Since I didn't have my Rock Tape on, I was too nervous to attempt anything more than a mile. So this now meant that we had to actually go 11 miles instead of 10 (since I wanted to do the last mile and Lacey still wanted to get her 10 in). When I got off the bike after riding it for 10 miles, my legs and behind weren't feeling all that great and I kind of thought maybe I shouldn't even try it. But I decided to try anyway. If I hurt, I'd just walk the last mile (or get back on the bike).
I was actually a little excited to see that I was able to do my mile in less than 10 minutes. I really thought it would take me a while to get back down into the 9's. Now I realize that this was only ONE mile, but it has me excited for what is to come as I continue to heal.
After we've tried this run and bike thing, we decided that this might be a good tactic to use later when I start increasing my mileage. It was nice having Lacey run at a conversational pace while I rode the bike and I know she enjoyed the little break while I ran that short distance.
Do you ever run with someone while they bike? Do you ever bike with someone while they run?
Come Spend Time on My Island
The girls from TOTR came up with the topic Where I Run for this week.
If you were an out of town guest coming to visit me, I would no doubt take you to Island Park for a run (or a run/walk depending on how soon you come to visit..lol). Anyway, Island park is my favorite place to run, walk, ride bike, or spend time with Miss Baylee. As the name suggests, it's an actual island with water on all sides.
The island park is great for shorter runs. There are two trails. One we call the Inner Loop. The Inner Loop goes around all the soccer fields. It's open and safe to do when you are alone. Although this is the loop where I almost got attacked by the hissing deer. Remember that?
The South Trail (or the Outer Loop as we call it) goes into the woods. There is still a clear cut path, but I don't like to do this trail alone. It's actually a nice path thought because it is all along the water.
We also like this island to run on because it has restrooms and although I always bring water for the dogs, it does have a water spigot in case I forget.
If I am running more than 3 miles, I'll leave the island. I run across the bridge and run in town. I run on the side walk facing the water so I know I don't ever have to stop for traffic. This park in town is right across the street from where I take Physical Therapy. Every time I walk out of the door I see this park and it reminds me that I miss running there!
Most of our long runs (and long bike rides) are done on the rail trail on the other side of town. We like that trail a lot too, but the Island Park is closer to us.
Tell us about where you run.
We are linking up with the gals from TOTR.
If you were an out of town guest coming to visit me, I would no doubt take you to Island Park for a run (or a run/walk depending on how soon you come to visit..lol). Anyway, Island park is my favorite place to run, walk, ride bike, or spend time with Miss Baylee. As the name suggests, it's an actual island with water on all sides.
The island park is great for shorter runs. There are two trails. One we call the Inner Loop. The Inner Loop goes around all the soccer fields. It's open and safe to do when you are alone. Although this is the loop where I almost got attacked by the hissing deer. Remember that?
The South Trail (or the Outer Loop as we call it) goes into the woods. There is still a clear cut path, but I don't like to do this trail alone. It's actually a nice path thought because it is all along the water.
We also like this island to run on because it has restrooms and although I always bring water for the dogs, it does have a water spigot in case I forget.
If I am running more than 3 miles, I'll leave the island. I run across the bridge and run in town. I run on the side walk facing the water so I know I don't ever have to stop for traffic. This park in town is right across the street from where I take Physical Therapy. Every time I walk out of the door I see this park and it reminds me that I miss running there!
Most of our long runs (and long bike rides) are done on the rail trail on the other side of town. We like that trail a lot too, but the Island Park is closer to us.
Tell us about where you run.
We are linking up with the gals from TOTR.
Good News and Learning my lesson from Disney
Hi Friends! We had a great weekend with some really great workouts but what I really want to talk to you about today is about how my week went last week.
You may have remembered me sharing that after a walk with Scott last Sunday that I decided to run around the park just to see if I could do it without any pain, and I could. One loop around the park is a little less than a mile but the object wasn't to see how far I could go, it was just to see if I COULD go! I was hesitant to even run at all, so I did do a run/walk method.
The next day I decided to see if I could do it again but instead of run/walk I thought maybe I would try to run the entire loop. I did, and still no pain. Oh I was getting excited now! ( but I had to remember that this loop was not quite a mile and that I shouldn't be getting too excited over such a small achievement).
On the third day I decided I was going to try to run an entire mile (Big goal, I know!). I ran that mile at a comfortable pace and did not have to stop once. I am happy to report that I did not have any pain. After running this mile, I just wanted to keep going. I wanted to get back out there every day last week and put my music on and just run. I had missed that feeling so much. But I didn't do that. I didn't want to push too much. The reason I say that is because I am still having some knee pain when I squat down to pick things up and sometimes when I walk up and down steps. I know I am not completely healed and that it will take some time.
I haven't decided what I am going to do about RnR VA Beach and I also don't know if I will be trained enough to run the WDW Marathon in January (I am hopeful, but I just don't know). With Princess registration looming near I have the urge to sign up for it but I want to be smart about it. I have learned my lesson from last year (Running Goofy AND Glass Slipper Challenge), that I do NOT want to do that again (I was just left exhausted).
Since I have already signed up for the WDW Marathon I know for a fact I will NOT be doing the Glass Slipper Challenge. However, I do have the urge to do a Princess race during that weekend. I just need to be smart about it. I think I have a plan in mind and I think it may be doable regardless of what my injury may or may not be by next year. I just don't know if it's smart to sign up for YET another race when I don't know what my status will be. I actually am not happy with myself for having already signed up for the marathon. I guess I am stubborn enough to say I WILL GET BETTER. Princess weekend or not? I want to be optimistic and think I will be well enough. Really I'm just on the fence about it!
Have you ever signed up for a race when you weren't trained for it yet? M
Fitness trends I'll never be a part of
The theme for this Friday's 5 is five fitness trends I'll never try.
Here goes.........
1. I love to run and I like to bike ( at my own pace though), and I only like lounging at the pool not swimming in it so I guess I would say that I will never jump on the band wagon of going from runner to triathlete. Sadly I do not see a triathlon in my future. I will say though that my local area has a triathlon in the fall where one person runs, one bikes, and one canoes or kayaks, and I MIGHT participate in that (as the runner of course).
2. I will never have the desire to attempt an Ultra run. This is ALL Lacey. Lacey does have the desire to run an Ultra.
3. I will never make over night oats. ( To be honest I don't even know what they are but I am tired of hearing about them and seeing them on Pinterest...lol)
4. I may do yoga once in a while but I will NOT be one of those people who takes random pictures of myself doing Yoga poses all over town. YES, I've seen these on Instagram. No one really needs to be doing a yoga pose on the street or in line at Starbucks.
5. I will never have the desire to do a tough mudder or a Sparten race. I don't like to get dirty and I am afraid of fire. Enough said.
What are some fitness trends you'll never do? Are any of ours on your list?
Rates for Princess weekend
For those of you who will be participating in all the run Disney events over princess weekend in February, I have put together a preview of what you can expect to pay for your resort stay.
These prices include Checking in on Thursday, February 18 and checking out on Monday February 22. All price are for double occupancy (2 adults) and are for a standard room (unless noted otherwise) at said resort and INCLUDE TAX. Some resorts have two prices listed. In this case the second price listed is for a Friday -Monday stay.
All Stars : $652.01 Checking in Friday $499.44
Pop Century: $695.27 Checking in Friday $532.14
Art of Animation $794.27 Checking in Friday$604.14
Port Orleans $1023.76 Checking in Friday $773.96
Coronado Springs $1001.26 Checking in Friday $994.52
Caribbean Beach $976.52 Checking in Friday $739.12
Boardwalk Inn $1798.88
Yacht Club $1811.25
Beach Club $2405. 26
Contemporary (Tower-Baylake View) $2972. 25
Polynesian $2661.76
Grand Floridian $3146.64
Old Key West (Deluxe Studio) $1868.64
Wilderness Lodge $2173.51
Animal Kingdom $2205.02
These are prices from the Disney Travel Agent site.
*No rates are guaranteed until time of booking
These prices include Checking in on Thursday, February 18 and checking out on Monday February 22. All price are for double occupancy (2 adults) and are for a standard room (unless noted otherwise) at said resort and INCLUDE TAX. Some resorts have two prices listed. In this case the second price listed is for a Friday -Monday stay.
All Stars : $652.01 Checking in Friday $499.44
Pop Century: $695.27 Checking in Friday $532.14
Art of Animation $794.27 Checking in Friday$604.14
Port Orleans $1023.76 Checking in Friday $773.96
Coronado Springs $1001.26 Checking in Friday $994.52
Caribbean Beach $976.52 Checking in Friday $739.12
Boardwalk Inn $1798.88
Yacht Club $1811.25
Beach Club $2405. 26
Contemporary (Tower-Baylake View) $2972. 25
Polynesian $2661.76
Grand Floridian $3146.64
Old Key West (Deluxe Studio) $1868.64
Wilderness Lodge $2173.51
Animal Kingdom $2205.02
These are prices from the Disney Travel Agent site.
*No rates are guaranteed until time of booking
Dreaming of Summer Races
I have been thinking a lot lately about some races that I'd really like to do, run. Yes, I have done 9 races already this year but I am dreaming about the day that I am injury free and can finally RUN a race all the way through.
The races I am dreaming about are not Disney ones, are not at the beach, and are not International ones. I have my sights set a little smaller. What I really want to do are some local 5K's. I've notice that there are quite a few 5K's this summer over at City Island.
I would love to do the Pirate 5K. The medal itself is great and how cool would it be to do a Pirate 5K on an island? This race takes place on July 18 and sadly I don't think I'll be ready then and even if I am, is it really smart to be racing right away?
There are a few other 5K's that will take place at City island this summer and they are put on by U.S Road Running. They usually put on some really great themed races! My dad and I raced the Movie Madness race with them a few years ago and this is the race he took first in his age group! I'm hoping that we can find a way to run another one together sometime this summer.
Isn't it funny how having such a severe injury can change your perspective on things. While the rest of my running friends are dreaming of Disney races, running through Paris, or maybe Las Vegas, my only hope is to be able to run a 5K this summer and I don't even know if that's too much to hope for!
What are you hoping for this summer? -M
The races I am dreaming about are not Disney ones, are not at the beach, and are not International ones. I have my sights set a little smaller. What I really want to do are some local 5K's. I've notice that there are quite a few 5K's this summer over at City Island.
Photos courtesy of USroadrunning.com |
I would love to do the Pirate 5K. The medal itself is great and how cool would it be to do a Pirate 5K on an island? This race takes place on July 18 and sadly I don't think I'll be ready then and even if I am, is it really smart to be racing right away?
There are a few other 5K's that will take place at City island this summer and they are put on by U.S Road Running. They usually put on some really great themed races! My dad and I raced the Movie Madness race with them a few years ago and this is the race he took first in his age group! I'm hoping that we can find a way to run another one together sometime this summer.
Isn't it funny how having such a severe injury can change your perspective on things. While the rest of my running friends are dreaming of Disney races, running through Paris, or maybe Las Vegas, my only hope is to be able to run a 5K this summer and I don't even know if that's too much to hope for!
What are you hoping for this summer? -M
Your Friends Can Cheer You On With Motigo and a GIVEAWAY
How do you like to run? Do you listen to music? Do you always bring your phone with you? Ever feel like your music is not enough to get you through and you would love to hear some motivation of a familiar voice? Let me introduce you to Motigo.
Motigo is a personalized motivational running app that allows your family, friends and coaches to pre-recored personal cheers for you to hear during your race. Have you ever run a race and even though you are surrounded by thousands of other runners, still felt like you’re alone on your mission to finish? Or perhaps you are nervous about running your very first race? Maybe your friends and family aren’t able to be there in person to cheer you on? The solution is Motigo.
The Idea.
Last January Dan Nagler challenged himself to run the Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon. With his wife and business partner Celeste Lo, home in Denver, he had only sporadic high-fives and ‘good jobs’ from anonymous spectators to propel him through the final agonizing miles. In that moment Dan knew that if he could figure out a way to connect supporters and runners, he could improve the racing experience of runners everywhere.
What is Motigo?
Motigo is the first ever personalized, motivational running app. It brings athletes, coaches, family and all supporters together, through pre-recorded, personalized cheers. It’s simple; after downloading the free app, runners select their race, send push notification to anyone who might want to cheer, and the recipient can then record any type of motivational messages for the runner. The messages are triggered to play automatically at mile markers selected by each supporter, allowing friends, family or coaches to determine when and where the runner will hear their voice.
How it works.
Motigo operates as a complimentary app, allowing runners to continue using their favorite fitness or music apps at the same time. When the moment comes for cheers to play, Motigo lowers the volume of your music, plays the cheers, and returns the music to its previous volume.
The Mission.
The power of Motigo lies in its ability to supply emotional fuel. Motivation is key to accomplishing anything in life, and Motigo’s mission is to help everyone keep moving, and #runLOVED.
Want to try it out yourself? We are giving one lucky reader a subscription to this great app. Just leave us a comment below telling us how you stay motivated during a run or race! Good luck!
We are linking up with the gals from TOTR.
A Peek Into this thing we call Running and some Run Away Animals.
We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend spending time with family and friends. We had a pretty fun weekend and there was even some running going on.
We had plans to go to a picnic all day so we wanted to make sure we got up early to do our run before it got too hot out. Plus it was nice to get in some exercise since we knew we would be indulging in all the yummy picnic food.
Since my "Bad Ass" friend couldn't run with me during the Bad Ass 5 miler I wanted him to run with me for the All 4 Run 4 miler that was sponsored by Gone For A Run. I thought it would be a great training run since he plans on doing a half marathon in Virginia Beach over Labor Day. I promised to stay with him during our run and I did.
I thought it went well and it was an easy run for me but he was struggling a little due to the weather. He said it was too hot and he couldn't imagine doing 13 miles in this heat. I told him we would be running much earlier and to not get discouraged with himself. With the crowds and all the excitement going on in VA Beach on race day, he would be just fine. There is still plenty of time to keep training and work his mileage up before the race.
I even wore my 4th of July shirt that I was sent from Gone For a Run and I think that medal is pretty cute. I have a lot of Holiday themed race medals from various races I've done over the years but this is my first 4th of July themed one. -L
My weekend was a little different. I went to a different picnic than Lacey and then of course watched fireworks afterwards. I just have a funny/not so funny story I wanted to share with you guys. On our way to our picnic, we had to stop our car in the middle of the road because some horses had escaped from a nearby farm and some people were trying to wrangle them up before they got hit. It was kind of scary because the horse had blinders on and we thought he was going to run into our car. Then on the way home from the picnic, we had to stop because a group of cows got loose and one of them actually did get hit by a car. I bet the driver who hit the cow felt awful because she was lying on the road with him just petting him until 911 showed up. I know I've heard the 4th of July is the one day of the year where most dogs go missing . I guess a lot of other animals get spooked by all the banging going on from fireworks and decide to go running off too.
On Sunday, Scott and I went for a walk down at the park and when we were done, I told him I wanted to see if I could do a short run once around the park on the inside track. I of course had my Rock Tape on my knee and I started to do a little run to see what I could do. I didn't go fast but surprisingly I had NO pinching!!!!! My knee did feel a little lose like it was not very sturdy, but I had no pain! I only did one loop around the park which is just less then a mile, but It's a start. My goal by the end of the week is to do one mile pain free! -M
Tell us what fun things you did this weekend.........
4th of July Deals
The theme for this week's Friday 5 is of course the 4th of July! We are not going to any 4th of July races but Lacey will be participating in the Gone For a Run 4th of July run sometime this weekend.
So since we don't have a lot of real exciting things going on, we thought we would share with you some great 4th of July deals that are going on in cyber world this weekend!
Clicking on the highlighted link will take you right to the sale page. These are not affiliate links and we will not receive compensation if you click on them.
1.Save up to 40% off New Balance Clearance Shoes when you shop online and Save 15% off $125.00 or more using code BOARDWALK at checkout. Normally I wouldn't say this was a great savings but if the shoes you want are more then $125, I guess it is awesome to save even a little bit.
New Balance Sale Shoes
2.You can save 30-40% off this weekend at Puma.com and take an additional 20% of sale styles.
3. Perhaps it's not shoes you are looking for but some cute active wear for the summer.
Use code VERYGOOD to save 30% off + Free shipping on orders of $25 or more at Old Navy.
4. Have you been thinking about getting a team jersey for this fall? If so, NFL Shop has free shipping this weekend. Use code FOURTH at checkout
5. Have you been wanting to make a photo gift or perhaps a photo book of your favorite race or races? SnapFish is having a site wide sale. Now's the time to get those books made! Use code USA50 at checkout.
In addition to the 5 I have shared here, I'm sure a ton of other retailers will be having sales this weekend. I know Brooks is having a sale on Sports bras, and Sweaty Betty is also having a sale on their merchandise. Pro-Compression is of course offering 40% off and free shipping with code Stride at checkout. If you need to rehydrate with some Nuun, use code lungesandlycra to save 25%. Need more fuel, use code CLFCB8 to save 15% off your online order of Clif bar products.
Have a happy and safe weekend!
We are linking this post up with the gals from the Friday 5.
Smart Candy
It is no secret that I am a candy addict. I didn't use to be though. I think it's something that evolved as an adult because I was not like that as a child. To be honest, I think I get that gene from my dad. When I need a candy fix, I always go to him. He is always stocked with peanut butter cups, red hots, etc. He in turn got this gene from my grandmother who had an entire candy cupboard ( for the grandkids of course).
Earlier this year my sister and I were sent a case of Smart Candy! They certainly sent this to the right house...lol
There were two basic kinds: gummies, and yogurt covered. They were both good, but I preferred the gummies!
The two different gummy flavors we tried were Sour Gummy ( Orange, Cherry, and Lemon), which had a good flavor and I didn't think were too sour, and Sweet Gummy ( Mixed Berry, Grape, and Strawberry). I think this was my favorite flavor out of all of them.
I found the Smart Candy to be a good alternative to the typical candy I usually snack on (Gummy Bears, Sour Patch Kids, and Gummy Life Savers). The Smart Candy contains Vitamins A, B, and C and do not contain high fructose corn syrup or trans fat. The Gummy ones sort of remind me of the gummy vitamins.
The only thing we both agreed that we did not like was the size. They are so good that one pouch isn't nearly enough. They gummy ones are 90 and 100 calories ( depending on flavor), so that is why the servings are so small, but we both found ourselves eating two pouches at a time.
The other kind we tries were Orange Froot, and Strawberry Froot ( no that is not a typo)
These ones are a little harder to describe. They are not gummies but they are not hard candy in the traditional sense of what a hard candy is. They are like candy coated yogurt bites. They are really yummy too and you can really taste the smoothness of the yogurt. At 120 calories per pouch, I am left a little more satisfied after eating the yogurt bites than the gummy ones. I don't feel the need to eat two pouches at a time.
Right now you can purchase Smart Candy online from their site HERE or also on the site you can look to see where you can purchase them in your area. They are said to be in several Wal-marts and some Targets but I haven't seen them in my area yet. When I looked online I did see the Wal-mart in a neighboring town has them. On the Smart Candy website they retail for $3.99 a box.
What is your Go To Candy?
Earlier this year my sister and I were sent a case of Smart Candy! They certainly sent this to the right house...lol
There were two basic kinds: gummies, and yogurt covered. They were both good, but I preferred the gummies!
The two different gummy flavors we tried were Sour Gummy ( Orange, Cherry, and Lemon), which had a good flavor and I didn't think were too sour, and Sweet Gummy ( Mixed Berry, Grape, and Strawberry). I think this was my favorite flavor out of all of them.
The Sour Gummies |
I found the Smart Candy to be a good alternative to the typical candy I usually snack on (Gummy Bears, Sour Patch Kids, and Gummy Life Savers). The Smart Candy contains Vitamins A, B, and C and do not contain high fructose corn syrup or trans fat. The Gummy ones sort of remind me of the gummy vitamins.
The only thing we both agreed that we did not like was the size. They are so good that one pouch isn't nearly enough. They gummy ones are 90 and 100 calories ( depending on flavor), so that is why the servings are so small, but we both found ourselves eating two pouches at a time.
The other kind we tries were Orange Froot, and Strawberry Froot ( no that is not a typo)
Strawberry Froot Smart Candy |
Right now you can purchase Smart Candy online from their site HERE or also on the site you can look to see where you can purchase them in your area. They are said to be in several Wal-marts and some Targets but I haven't seen them in my area yet. When I looked online I did see the Wal-mart in a neighboring town has them. On the Smart Candy website they retail for $3.99 a box.
What is your Go To Candy?
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