Archives for November 2011

Hood to Coast Movie

November 10, 2011 by

 

Awhile back, I was contacted and asked to review the Hood to Coast movie. I have of course heard of Hood to Coast from people who have run it, seen the film, etc. I did not get a chance to see it in theaters so I was excited to have this opportunity. Not going to lie, I knew the BASIC idea of the race but not all of the logistics and I went from thinking this was the type of thing I would never want to do, to thinking how much FUN it would be to participate in a fun relay like this!

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Here is a little info about the film:

The character-driven documentary HOOD TO COAST takes a celebratory look at
personal motivation and the kind of people just crazy enough to push
themselves to attempt the extraordinary. The film offers a compelling human
interest story as it follows four unlikely teams of people of all ages and
backgrounds on an epic adventure to conquer the 197 miles of the world’s
largest relay race.
Some run to test their personal limits, some to overcome personal obstacles, and
others leap in blindly looking for a way to shake up a complacent life. For the 67
year old heart attack victim attempting to conquer the race that almost killed her,
the broken-hearted family in mourning, the determinedly un-athletic but joyfully
artistic team of animators, to the aging jocks who still know how to have a good
time, the journey, however far it takes them, is the prize. Each year over 1,000 teams cover the grueling miles as a relay, putting
themselves through an arduous physical journey that as an individual would be
impossible. For the last 30 years, Hood To Coast has attracted not only the
world’s elite runners, but an even more fascinating array of amateur
adventurers.  Each year the 197 miles of the course is transformed into a
“Woodstock on wheels”, a roadtrip that allows each person a transformative
personal journey.  The stories are reminders that no matter who you are, you can
push yourself beyond what you thought your limits were.

Check out the movie trailer below for a sneak peak:

This is the kind of film you just have to see to understand. It follows four teams of all abilities through their race journey. I laughed, I cried, I was INSPIRED. It’s one of those things that sounds awful but at the same time would feel AMAZING to accomplish!

There are now 1,000 teams (12,000 runners) that participate in Hood to Coast. They cover 197 difficult miles from Mt. Hood down to the ocean. 12 people per team run three legs each, divided up into two vans for the race. Some run in honor of a loved one, some run for fun, others, to win. Whatever the story, I enjoyed watching this motivational film that truly captures the idea of teamwork and hard work. My favorite part was how at the end, the entire team ran across the finish line with the person running the last leg. It just gave me goose bumps! There are also tons of amazing bonus features on the second disk that you won’t want to miss.

You can purchase the movie yourself or get more info on the film’s website. Also be sure to follow @hoodtocoast on twitter.

All of the excitement of this race has me considering doing one of my own…

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The Rouge Orleans 126.2 is coming up in February and it looks like SO MUCH FUN! It’s the same concept as hood to coast except it’s 126.2 miles from baton Rouge to New Orleans and it’s teams of 6 people. So, who wants to join me? I need five more people! (well, 4 if I can convince my husband to join in if I can’t get enough!) I’m serious!!!

QOTD: Have you ever run a relay like this? Would you ever consider it? Why or why not?

*I was provided compensation for this review but the opinions expressed are my own

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To Be Great

November 9, 2011 by

 

Everyone wants to be good at something. No one likes to just be “average” at things they put hard work into. “Great” is also a relative term depending on who you are talking to. Why am I brining all of this up? eh. It’s just something that has been on my mind recently. I do NOT write this to get sympathy, compliments, or pity. It comes from the heart, and my hope is that it is relatable and may help someone else with feelings they may be experiencing in their life.

As a teenager, I was good at many things. I was an excellent athlete, winning numerous awards all through high school. I was a good student, I made A’s with an occasional B. I was president of clubs, sang in a vocal ensemble (I am NOT a soloist!) and had some friends.

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Lately, as an adult,I have been struggling with feelings of doubt, that I am not “great” at any one thing in particular. I am an average runner, average blogger, have an average life. Don’t get me wrong, I feel very BLESSED, but just don’t feel like I excel in much anymore. I think some of my feelings are stemming from my foot injury. I feel like my “running shape” I have worked so hard to get into is slowly slipping away and by time I get it back it will be spring again. I WANT to be a good distance runner, but it’s just not natural to me, and will probably never be in the cards. I will race you in the 100 meter dash any day of the week, but that’s where my confidence ends in my ability to be a great runner.

After being frustrated with me averageness for awhile, I tried to think of some ways to make myself feel better, or encourage myself. The first thing I tried to remind myself is that greatness takes time. In this day and age we have so many quick fixes and short cuts to be able to do things, but they don’t lead to greatness. 8 minute abs and learning to do a new hobby in three easy steps may get you on the right track, but it won’t make you great.

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“I’m great at hunting for frogs, mom!”

In order to master something, you have to practice, you have to work at it, and many times it will demand all you have to give and then some. Even after you have done everything you think you possibly can do, you will still need to do more. Finally, when you think you are finally great, think again, because in a few years you might look back and think your journey was only just beginning.

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If you look at people who are great at something, they have been doing it a long time. Ryan Hall. Michel Jordan. Thomas Kincade. Drew Brees. Michael Jordan was even cut from the first basketball team he tried out for in school!

While natural ability does have something to do with it, these people had to work for what they have achieved. We are so used to stomping our feet and wanting instant gratification we can’t stand it when we are just mediocre and we look over and the person next to us is exceling. (Or at least I can’t.)

This leads me to comparison. Which is a trap I fall into all. the. time. I am the epitome of competitive, and I want to win at everything I do. Even a fun church game of flag football. Oh no. I. must. win. This trait of mine has been quite the helper in my life but also quite the hindrance. I have been known to beat myself up when I am not as good as the next guy, or when it takes me too long to get something right. I also have a tendency to give up and not want to do something if I can’t be excellent at it.

Can anyone relate to any of this? I sure hope so.

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So, what did I gather from this deep look within myself…

1.) I don’t have to be great at everything

2.) Greatness is relative, so try not to compare

3.) People don’t become great overnight, so keep working

4.) Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard (my new favorite Tim Tebow quote)

5.) You never know who thinks you are inspiring when you think you are just average

So, as I look in the mirror and tell myself these things when I feel less than great, I will also say:

When the world says, “Give up,”
Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.”

After all, everyone has talent, it’s just a matter of finding it. I may have already found all the talent I am going to in this life, or maybe I have yet to uncover my potential. I have faith that God isn’t finished with me yet and the best is yet to come, I just have to be patient and keep working hard.

QOTD: –Have you ever had feelings like this before? What did you do?

             – What is something you are really good at?

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Lacing Up

November 8, 2011 by

 

No new news on my foot except it still hurts. I am taking ibuprofen and icing, hopefully after a week or so off I can run on it again. While doing some research on what caused this barrel of fun, I came across several articles suggesting I lace my shoes up differently to help prevent pain and tightness.

The two ways I plan to try out after I get better involve parallel laces, and skipping some of the holes. Runner’s World even has a lacing guide to walk you through it. Hopefully, one of these lacing tricks will help the top of my foot from staying injured (and, not tying my laces too tight, way to go, Heather)

The first is to skip the spaces where you feel tenderness or tightness on your foot

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The next is to lace your shoes up with the laces going parallel (straight across) instead of diagonal criss-cross. I didn’t take a picture of this one but the directions are on the Runner’s World guide above.

Another option would be to buy shoes with stretchy laces, or buy some of the laces and put them in your existing shoes.

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The Zoots above came with those laces. I have always wanted to buy some of the laces you can put into your shoes (with the lock so you don’t have to tie them) but I never have gotten around to doing it!

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(source)

Be sure to check out the Runner’s World article, because they talk about a couple of other techniques for lacing your shoes, but they don’t pertain to top of foot pain like I am experiencing.

By the way…..

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This girl is really exited we had a great weekend in football. LSU won the BCS championship their game against Bama, and the Saints beat Tampa Bay. I was in a good mood.

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I meant to work out today, but between running errands, getting groceries, working, and cooking I just let it slide. I am determined to get at least some abs, stretching, and foam rolling in tomorrow! Foot still hurts…so no running. Boo.

I bought a new comforter set for our master bedroom, so I need to go wash some sheets. I will post pictures of the new stuff soon, I love it!

QOTD: How do you tie your shoes? Any tips or tricks?

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Giving Thanks

November 7, 2011 by

 

Hey guys! I am officially feeling much better so it’s business as usual on the blog today. I have a couple more giveaways coming up in the next couple weeks so stay tuned! If you are catching up, here is what you missed:

Guest Post: Lisa

Guest Post: Carly

Halloween in Pictures

Another huge thanks to my guest posters from last week, it helped me to be able to rest my brain for a few days while I was trying to get well.

So, it’s obviously November, and while a lot of minds (like mine) are already focusing on Christmas, we really should not forget a very important holiday coming up, Thanksgiving! I know in my life, I have a tendency to focus on all the problems in my life and not on all the good things I have going for me. Sometimes it’s good to step back and reflect on how good we (and I) have it, and maybe we will be a little slower to complain about how our life is just totally “ruined” by a certain person, or circumstance.

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Especially with Christmas sneaking up on us, it’s easy to focus on what we don’t have, what our neighbor has, what we want, me, me, me, I, I, I. So I am determined this year that instead of focusing on circumstances that I don’t necessarily like or think are “fair,” I am going to try to focus on all the GOOD things in my life, and ways I can help bring GOOD to other people’s lives.

I am going to try to share things I am thankful for periodically, so keep an eye out!

For starters, I am thankful for my amazing readers! You guys are awesome, and I love writing for you, whether you comment or not. Smile I am truly passionate about health and fitness, and motivating and inspiring YOU! I hope that you have gotten just a LITTLE something helpful out of reading my blog, it makes me so happy when I get emails from you asking for help with a training plan, injury, or you just want to share your story with me. Brightens my day! Thank you for letting me use this blog as an outlet for all things in my life, it is quite therapeutic for me.

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Since I am currently injured, I am going to do some arm and ab work today since I won’t be running. Sad smile If you have had tendonitis in the top of your foot, what did you do for it and how long were you out of commission?

QOTD: What are you thankful for this year that has to do with a hobby or doing something you enjoy?

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Halloween In Pictures

November 6, 2011 by

 

Happy Sunday everyone. I am finally feeling back to my old self. Still tired and taking naps, but don’t feel sick anymore. I tried to go for an easy 6 miler yesterday with Bobby and my hurt hurt more than it ever has…I did some more research and I think I either have tendonitis of the top of my foot or a stress fracture. We went out to eat last night and I could barely walk. Great. I am so frustrated and tired of being injured, I am struggling with some feelings of disappointment right now. I’m still frustrated I had to miss Savannah and now this. Bummer.

Anyway, I hope you have a relaxing Sunday, now that I am well things will get back to normal around the blog, so don’t go away! I leave you with some pictures from Halloween. We usually both carve pumpkins but I felt awful so Bobby just did one. He tried to cheer me up by making it a Mickey pumpkin but it turned out looking like a bear or a monkey. Ha!

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I am ssooo ready to decorate for Christmas…..

ClipE Giveaway Winner

Giveaway winner is Ana!  “I love listening to Group one crew Let it Roll and Clap ya hands. They are up beat and keep me going” Ana please e mail me at [email protected] so I can mail you your ClipE!

QOTD: Did you carve a pumpkin? What did you carve? Or, what is your favorite carving you have done or seen?

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Guest Post: Carly

November 5, 2011 by

 

Greetings, Running with Sass readers! I’m Carly from CarlyBananas and I’m here to talk about how to have fun while training for half marathons.

1) Set a realistic goal

I’m a newer runner and I really wanted my first half marathon to be a good memory.  I started out training with a plan that where I’d hit a pretty impressive goal time but half way through training I wasn’t having fun.  I probably could hit that goal time but I didn’t want to anymore. My goal was attainable but not realistic.  But changing my goals I was able to settle into the second half of my training and really enjoy it.

2) Find a running group or running buddy

If you’ve been to CarlyBananas, you’ll notice that I do an awful lot of my runs with a running group or my partner in crime, Suze.  Having someone to talk to during long runs makes the time pass so much faster. Having a buddy to pass the times makes long runs something to look forward to!

3) Find fun running routes

It’s really easy to get bored with running if you’re running the same route over and over again.  There are some great sites that I use to find routes in the DC area:DailyMile,MapMyRun, andRunKeeper are great.

4) Keep a good attitude

For most of us, running is a hobby. It’s something we do voluntarily.  We wake up early on weekends, we head to the track for speedwork…but it’s not our job.  When I get overwhelmed or down about a slow run I remind myself that running is something I love and any stress I have from isn’t necessary.  I know it sounds silly but I find that if I tell myself that I’m having a really good time then I end up having a really good time 🙂

5) Pick the right distance race for you

I think with the proper training most people can run any distance they set their mind to. On the other hand, running a long distance race is a time commitment and it has to be one you want to make.  Run races that are right for you. I had a lot of friends run the Marine Corps Marathon this year.  Sometimes, I felt bummed that I wasn’t training with them but I knew it would be too much for me this year. I didn’t want to commit to doing the very long runs every week. So I signed up for the 10K and then went and spectated the rest of the race. Always remember to run your own race – it doesn’t matter what other people are doing.

So there you have it. Those are my big tips for having fun while training for a long race.  Many All of them seem pretty obvious but it’s easy to get focused on the numbers side of running and look past what’s right in front of our faces.

QOTD: Do you have any tips for how you keep your training enjoyable?

Check out my ClipE Giveaway! Last day to enter is TODAY!

Carly thanks so much for guest posting! Good luck in your training and racing!

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Guest Post: Lisa

November 4, 2011 by

 

Hi guys! I am feeling better but still feeling very very exhausted all the time, but am on the mend. I am especially excited about today’s guest post because Lisa is a fellow runDisney fan and creator of the Healthy Disney website! Be sure to check it out.

Hello Running with Sass readers! Heather and I and finally met at the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon expo in October. I love meeting fellow runDisney fans!

I started running about two and a half years ago. For the first two years I basically stuck to running for 30 minutes, three times a week. But last February, on a whim, I decided to train for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon, and I learned quickly, that especially on long runs, fueling your body matters.

Generally, if you’re running more than an hour, you need to look into fueling and hydrating on the run, and no matter what distance you run, knowing what foods agree with you before heading out on a run is key. (For many, that means high in carbs and low in protein and fat.)

The tips I’ve learned and shared here are my own; you can try them, but remember that everyone’s body and digestion is individual. Also, if you are seeking professional advice, please contact a medical doctor or nutritionist.

Four Tips for Fueling for a Run:

1. Trial and error.

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Generally if a food agrees with you, stick to it; likewise, if you have stomach troubles the night after a heavy meal, keep that in mind too.

Experiment with different foods the night before a run, or for breakfast. Everyone has different sensitivities. I’ve learned that spicy foods, heavy dairy foods, and lots of fried stuff are all a no go for me, but may be fine for you.

But see what works – you may find that a cup of coffee is just what you need before running to keep you going. Or a banana. Some long-distance runners swear on flat soda. Who knows?

2. If it works, stick to it.

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That being said, once you do find well-working foods and fluids, use them.

Early on with my long runs, I saw lots of bloggers eating a half a bagel with nut butter and banana. I tried it, waited an hour or so, and it did the trick. The bagel kept me satisfied, and provided all of the right nutrients for my running.

For a while, I strayed away and tried lighter breakfasts, but time and time again, I’d grow really hungry while running. Back to the bagel it was.

After you experiment, find what gives you the energy you need.

3. Hydration station.

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How do you hydrate?

On the day before and after a long run, I like to drink 16 ounces of Gatorade. Then during the run, I stick to water. I know other people who like to drink electrolyte drinks during a run or race, either with or in place of other fuel.

You won’t know which method you prefer until you try.

Another thing I’ve learned, especially for those long runs? I’ll drink a large glass of water a few hours before running, but at least two hours beforehand, I stop drinking, and wait until the run. If I can avoid making a pit stop while running, I’m all for it.

A lot of people worry about hydration the day of a run, but it’s the days leading up running that are the most crucial. Stay hydrated the few days prior to a long run. But at the same time, also avoid drinking too much water (it can be quite dangerous, and is more common in women and new runners). I like to drink about 1-2 ounces per mile, and it seems to be a good amount for staying hydrated while avoiding over-hydration.

4. Gels and bars and beans, oh my!

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There’s always a lot of talk about which electrolyte products are the best for running, and there are so many products on the market.

Between gel packets, bars, jellybeans, and blocks, all containing different amounts of caffeine or sodium or sugar, you can find what you’re looking for on those long runs.

Or not. Jeff Galloway says that runners need sugar more than anything else, and even pure sugar gets the blood sugar levels to normal. I’ve heard him suggest using sugar cubes or regular old jelly beans. They’re cheaper and much easier to find than many of those products out there, and they work just as well.

Or use a variety. You may want to use a gel packet with caffeine at the start of a run, then chew on some jelly beans or blocks, and then eat cut-up pieces of a bar.

As with all running, do what works for your body.

Lisa Fine is the creator of Healthy Disney, the unofficial guide to getting healthy – with Disney, and at Disney. Follow Healthy Disney on Twitter or Facebook, or learn more about Lisa’s foods, running, and travels at her personal blog, Lisa’s Foods on the Move.

QOTD: What do you use to fuel during a run?

*Enter the ClipE Giveaway!

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Guest Post: Megan

November 3, 2011 by

 

Hey guys! I am still recovering from being sick so Megan has graciously agreed to guest post for me today. Not to mention, today is her birthday!! Be sure to share some encouragement with her in the comments! I will be back to regular blogging soon.

Hello fellow Running With Sass readers! I’m Megan from Running Toward The Prize and Heather asked me to write a guest post while she’s off getting more Rock N Roll bling. That girl is going to have to get another medal hanger or three with all these races she’s running! (And yes…I’m slightly jealous…)

Two weeks ago I did something I never thought I’d be able to do. I ran a half marathon! This is coming from the girl who had never run more than 3 miles at a time prior to January 2011. That’s right, in 10 months I went from 3 miles to 13.1 miles – and am now working toward 26.2. And maybe even 39.3…

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So, as a newbie half marathoner, I though I would share some of the lessons I learned during my first half marathon.

Don’t start out too fast.

In the past, I have had a tendency to get caught up in ‘race mentality’ and have started off way too fast, then crashed later on. I was determined not to do this during the half. I ran my first 5 miles at a pretty consistent pace – which was great. And I didn’t “crash” toward the end due to going out too fast early on.

Hydration and fueling are important.

I decided not to wear my hydration belt during the race. Since I was running this race in honor of my Grandpa (therefore having a specific t-shirt on), the hydration belt just didn’t jive. I also had looked at the course map and saw water stations about every 1.5-2 miles.

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I took water at every station and probably could have used some more toward the end of the race. I never felt dehydrated though – which was key.  I also walked through the water stations – partially because I haven’t mastered (and probably never will) the art of running and drinking water. It also gave me a quick ‘break’ to get some energy back.

I also took sports beans during miles 6 and 11 (at aid stations to make sure I had water to wash them down).

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Fueling helped tremendously. I could feel my body getting a little extra energy – which was the boost I needed. (Overall – I probably could have eaten more at each stop as I split one pack between them. Lesson learned.) I did have to stop to get out the sports beans from my SPIbelt, but took that break to make sure I didn’t choke on them and wash them down. It was time lost – but I needed it.

People cheering you on helps.

Throughout the course, there were spectators cheering and holding signs. You could definitely feel everyone’s pace pick up around the areas with lots of people. Seeing signs like, “If it were easy, everyone would do it” and hearing cheers and clapping gives you the boost you need to keep going!

This was even more evident when there were areas with no spectators. Those miles seemed longer – but before you knew it, there would be another group there cheering you on (or the AMAZING volunteers at the aid stations!)

For my next half marathon, I’m definitely going to have my husband, B Lee, see me at least once throughout the course as well as at the end. Seeing him and my parents at the end was awesome.

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I can’t even begin to explain it. So I know seeing them on the course would have been spectacular as well.

Prepare yourself for muscle cramps and pains.

My purpose is not to scare you – but to help you. I was prepared for my IT band to act up – and surprisingly, it didn’t. I was prepared for my feet to hurt – which they did. I was not prepared for my butt/hamstrings to start cramping up around mile 8. I am 97% sure it was due to the hills, but it continued through the end of the race. I wasn’t sure if stopping to stretch would help or not – and I did once around mile 12. (Veteran runners – what would you recommend?)

So be prepared for the aches and pains that may happen along the race – but even more so once you finish. My legs stiffened up SO fast! I literally waddled to my family after the race. I’m sure it was quite attractive.

Be proud of yourself.

Was I frustrated when I saw the leaders pass me at mile 10 while I was still at mile 6? Absolutely. Was I proud that I was running a half marathon? Absolutely.

Don’t compare yourself to others. I know it’s hard – but this is YOUR race. You are out there running miles upon miles because you can. When I crossed that finish line, I was all smiles. I don’t even think I looked at the time until after I hugged B Lee and my family!

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I can’t wait to see what the future holds in my running journey – so come on over and follow along!

QOTD: Do you have any racing advice/tips you would tell a first timer?

*don’t forget to enter my ClipE Giveaway!

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Guest Post: Chris

November 2, 2011 by

 

In more ways than one it could be considered awkward for someone like myself to provide a guest post for a blog like Running with Sass. Heather has quite the running blogger chops, while I am newer to running and fitness in general. Heather’s about me starts with “I have been athletic my whole life” and that pretty much describes the anti-thesis of my life. What we do have in common is a love for running which just like Heather, “is something I NEVER thought I could accomplish!” I am @SnackerChris and my blog is Snacks All The Weigh Down (http://fatboysnacks.blogspot.com/). It is a blog about how I lost 130 pounds and its transitioning into how I have become a runner.

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Before…

Perhaps you read Running With Sass in awe and think “that will never be me”. Trust me I know where you are coming from! Running was never something I even considered. In fact I always assumed that I was not built to run and that it would be damaging to my body. Now I know that those are probably the top two excuses people use for not even giving running a try.

I began the couch to 5K program back in August of 2010. At the time I was looking for a form of exercise to replace the lap swimming I had been doing in our communities outdoor pool. I had already lost around 75 pounds and did not want to lose momentum as the summer came to a close. I posted on my blog at the time that “I do not have a burning desire to ‘conquer’ a 5K and I don’t anticipate an emotional experience if I actually do, but I need a goal to reach for and this seems like a good time to give it a try.” That was seven 5Ks and two 10Ks ago and now I am training for my first half marathon in December. I guess you can say I am hooked.

When I first began losing large amounts of weight, I would get lots of of questions about how I was losing weight, and I found that people were not believing my “eat less, exercise more” mantra. They either checked out mentally when I was explaining it further or just looked at me like they did not believe it. At that point I was mostly walking, hitting the gym cardio or swimming. Now that more people know about my running, its seems like an even easier path for people to assume that there is no way that they could achieve the same success that I have.

Let me assure you that if I can do it, you can to! There was absolutely nothing in my past to indicate that I could achieve and maintain the level of weight loss that I have. There was even less evidence that I would ever be able to run a race of any length. I never participated in any organized sports as a child, teen or young adult. I never ran anywhere…not even to dinner!

Now that I have seen success in some health and fitness areas of life, I feel compelled to share my story with others. I am motivated to help people move past their pre-conceived notions of what they can or cannot do. Initially I was full of excuses and lacked the desire to change. Almost two years later I am happier, healthier and dare I say fitter than I have ever been in my life!

What are the excuses that you are using to not start making positive changes in the food and exercise areas of you life? Are you ready to face them? Take a step today that puts you on the path to good health! You CAN do it! You will shock yourself! Go for it!

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…after!

A huge Thanks to Chris for writing this guest post for me, it is so motivational, and it is stories like this that give me that extra boost when I don’t feel like working out. Be like Chris, don’t let CAN’T enter your vocabulary, you CAN do it!! Be sure to show Chris some encouragement and support that I know my awesome readers will do!

*Don’t forget to enter my ClipE giveaway!

QOTD: What is something you never thought you could do, but you DID?! I NEVER thought I could run a full marathon, but I DID!

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Sick and Tired

November 1, 2011 by

 

Hey guys, guess what? It’s November! I hope you had a fun and safe Halloween. Guess what again? I have the winners of the free Shutterfly cards for you. I loved reading everyone’s favorite Christmas traditions, it got me so excited for the holidays coming up so soon! Also…guess what a third time? I have the flu and am not going to Savannah.  I am so crushed, I was going to get to see Jen, work the awesome RnR expo with Running Skirts, and run half marathon number 10, but it won’t be happening. I can barely walk down the stairs and am confined to my bed. I definitely think my body is trying to tell me to SLOW DOWN. I have all the classic symptoms…fever, achy, weak, sore throat, cough, headache, etc. etc.

Three expos in then month of October was a lot, and a lot of traveling, so I think some good rest will do me well. I would much rather listen to my body and stay home then push it and get pneumonia or some other sickness because my immune system is so down. Live to fight another day, right? I am currently hopped up on lots of medication though so I feel a bit better, but as soon as my meds wear off, I can really feel it.

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Bobby tried to be sweet and make me a Mickey pumpkin…but it kind of looks like a bear. #Fail

Onto my winners. I had 55 entrants sharing awesome traditions, some of them I may adapt for myself. If you are looking for a new tradition check out the comments.  Please e mail me at [email protected] to claim your Shutterfly code for 25 free cards.

Megan from Running Toward the Prize

“I LOVE sending and getting holiday cards! My husband does not understand it at all – but I still make him take photos :)

As for my favorite holiday tradition – it would probably be Christmas services at church. From Christmas Eve services to Christmas plays to Christmas choir performances, we would always go as a family (and participated in many too!)”

Suzy from Running Around the World

Awww your shutterfly card is so cute! (of course, you can’t go wrong with puppies in sweaters!)

One of my (new) holiday traditions is a Cookie Decorating Party… not a cookie swap, but we bake a metric ton of sugar cookies and then drink wine and ice them! This year will be the 2nd annual.

My family holiday tradition is that we always play cards (crazy 8′s) after Christmas Eve dinner.

Brittney from Life in a Holding Pattern

For Christmas dinner we always make my grandma’s recipe for mac & cheese, which involves spaghettie noodles and extra sharpe white cheddar cheese. It’s delicious

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Luckily, I had some guest posts lined up for while I was supposed to be in Savannah, so I will still be using those so I can just rest and recover and not have to think about posting for a couple days until I am better. Thanks for hanging with me guys.

QOTD: Have you ever had to drop out of a race due to illness or injury? Or miss a work trip? How did it make you feel? I feel terrible having to cancel but don’t really have much of a choice. Sad smile

*Don’t forget to enter my ClipeE giveaway

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