Archives for August 2013

Gone for a Run Giveaway

August 13, 2013 by

This is the second time I have had the opportunity to work with the sweet people at Gone for a RUN. I first met them when they had a booth next to my runningskirts.com booth at a race expo I was working. I love their products so much, they have such great variety.

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I received the BibFolio from their website and some cute car magnets as well as a super soft bag that everything came in. I can’t wait to put the magnets on my car!

The main thing I wanted to review and share with you about is the BibFolio. I will be the first to admit I am quite sentimental, and I don’t like to part with things that remind me of fun times. For the past 3 years or so since I started distance running, I have been saving all of my race bibs…in a big stack…in the closet….on the floor. I think they deserve much more love than this…but honestly I just didn’t know what to do with them! The BibFolio is the PERFECT solution, and I am not sure why I didn’t think of this before.

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You use inserts similar to a photo album and slide your bibs in from the top. You can use the space across the top to write notes about the bib below it with a sharpie if you wish. Some people use the back side to put a photo in from the race, but I just used the space for more bibs.

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Note to runDisney runners: Disney bibs are quite large, and I did have to trim them down to fit, which was totally fine, but just wanted to give a heads up un case you didn’t want to cut your bibs. You can personalize your front cover with your name, and there are SO many designs you can get on the front (NINE pages worth!) So there is a style for everyone, even if you don’t run Disney races. The BibFolio is a lot larger than I thought it would be, which is really nice! it is wooden and very high quality.

Gone for a RUN also sells extra sets of inserts so your BibFolio can expand with your bib collection. Right now I have mine sitting on my coffee table. it makes a great conversation starter, and it’s fun to look back at all the races I have run. I think I need more inserts though, because I have a lot of bibs!

Gone for a Run is also giving one THLS reader a $20 gift card to their website! I KNOW you can find something on their site you will like. So. many. products. I love it. Please follow the instructions below to enter:

*Gone for a RUN has also agreed to give my readers a 10% discount good through the day after the giveaway ends. Enter the following code at checkout: HEATHERSLOOKINGGLASS

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: fitness, Giveaway, runDisney, running Tagged: , , , , ,

#DisneySportsFestival Day 3

August 12, 2013 by

I last talked about the end of day two at the #DisneySportsFestival, and today we will pick up with our last day. Our final day of the sports festival, we woke up and headed back to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex after the runDisney fun run that I already blogged about.

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We got to check out some more of the activities the complex has available during tournaments such as fun games for kids and even misting stations set up for hot days.

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We got to hang out in the shade and listen in on the team mom reception and do a little live tweeting.

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Next we headed over to where the filming is actually produced, it was really cool to see the behind the scenes of how everything is put together for a broadcast. So much goes into it, wow!

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I loved watching all the computer screens and technology used.

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Next we got to go upstairs and actually see where the filming was taking place that very day. Way cool.  We also listened to a cast member talk to us about how everything works on the film/production side of things, and about how you can catch games on your Disney resort TV!

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I got to sneak in the tent and take a picture.

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We also got to see where Disney hold the awards ceremonies at the end of tournaments.

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We then headed back to the Braves conference room for a chat about fundraising. Lots of great information for coaches and team moms. Lot’s of live tweeting was going on during this one!

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One more stop was on the agenda before lunch, and that was to the VERY well done Art of Animation resort. I have been here before, but noticed so many new things I didn’t see last time. I am going to save them for their own post.

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We headed back to the Boardwalk convention center for an amazing lunch buffet. Seriously it was so good. I had to force myself to stop eating, and I did go back for seconds.

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As we ate, we had one more presentation about youth sports, and then we had an amazing chef show us a delicious overnight oats recipe. We all got samples, too. I felt like I was at a live cooking show, which was really fun to be a part of.

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It was a great way to wrap up the event, and I truly had a blast and learned so much about The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and youth sports. While the official event was over, we still had one more fun thing on the agenda. We were taken to Splitsville for dinner and bowling. I finally was reunited with the delicious birthday cake martini, complete with sprinkles around the rim.

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Holy yum. Still my favorite. I may have had 3. It was still my birthday week, so I needed them, right?

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Jen and I didn’t get a chance to bowl, but we did eat delicious nachos which made up for it. A HUGE thanks to Disney for an amazing event. Loads of fun and I learned so much. The ESPN Sports Complex is a great venue I hope more people now know about, and I hope to go back and visit soon!

QOTD: Have you ever seen a TV show or radio show being filmed live?

*Winner of the free 30 minute health consultation is Carolyn Shea. Please e mail me at [email protected] to claim your prize!

*Disclosure: I was invited to this event as a guest of Disney sports as media. While my flight, hotel, food and park tickets were covered, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Disney, fitness, runDisney, vacation Tagged: , , , , ,

Weekly Workout Recap: August Week 1 2013

August 11, 2013 by

Good morning! Wow I am tired today. Yesterday Bobby and I ran a 13.1 mile training run for the Dumbo Double Dare we have coming up, and we both feel like we are falling apart! (WHY did I sign up for DOPEY again?!?)

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I see it in her eyes. She knows Dopey personally, and thinks I’m crazy for attempting his race.

We spent the afternoon resting and recovering, and I am so glad our longest run (for now) is behind us. Bobby was upset that we ran a half marathon but didn’t get a medal. He threatened to walk around all day wearing one of his old half marathon medals. Oh boy.

Here is what I did the rest of the week:

Sunday: 6 mile run

Monday: 45 minutes elliptical, abs

Tuesday: 4 miles in 40 minutes on the TM

Wednesday: rest

Thursday: 2 mile run outside

Friday: upper body weights, 20 minutes stationary bike

Saturday: 13.1 mile run in 2:20 (half outside, half on TM)

Very productive week, and now I am going to start slowly tapering for Dumbo. I will probably do a long run of 7 or 8 next weekend, then maybe 5 or 6 the following, we will see how I am feeling. I would much rather feel fresh and not so injured then get in more miles.

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Hope everyone has a great Sunday!

QOTD: What is the longest distance you run when training for a half marathon?

Filed Under: Disney, fitness, runDisney, running Tagged: , , , , , , ,

runDisney WDW Marathon Sells Out

August 10, 2013 by

It’s official, the 2014 runDisney marathon in January has SOLD OUT! (There are still a few spaces left for Goofy’s challenge and the kids races, but hurry!)

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This race officially sold out in under four months, which happens to be one of the fastest marathon sell outs in the history of runDisney. Way to go guys!

Did you know that almost 26,000 runners are participating in marathon weekend? It’s going to be a giant runner party all weekend long, and I cannot wait to participate. Of those 26k, over 13k are signed up specifically for the marathon. There will be lots of new 26.2 stickers slapped on the back of cars after this one yall!

Lots of fun new things happening for marathon weekend. This will be the first time the event is stretched to five days with the addition of the new 10k race distance.

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Just for a refresher, here is the schedule of events:

Schedule of Events

· Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo: Jan. 8 – 11

o ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

· Disney’s Family Fun Run 5K: Jan. 9, 6:30 am

o Epcot

· runDisney Kids Races and Mickey Mile: Jan. 9, 10 & 11

o ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

· Pasta in the Park Parties: Jan. 9, 10 & 11

o Epcot

· runDisney Family Reunion Breakfast: Jan. 9 & 10

o Epcot

· Walt Disney World 10K: Jan. 10, 5:30 a.m.

o Epcot

· Walt Disney World Half Marathon: Jan. 11, 5:30 a.m.

o Epcot

· Walt Disney World Marathon: Jan. 12, 5:30 a.m.

o Epcot

· Cool Down Party: Jan. 12

o Downtown Disney

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WOW that’s a jam packed week of fun. I am going to love every minute (well, except maybe mile 25 of the marathon?) We are just starting to get back into “race season” as far as runDisney is concerned, and I am getting super excited for all the fun things coming up! (Hello, Dumbo Double dare in three weeks?!?)

Stay tuned next week for some packing and travel tips for Disneyland half marathon weekend. It’s so close!

QOTD: Are you participating in Marathon weekend? Are you racing ANYWHERE in January? Where?

Filed Under: Disney, runDisney, running, vacation Tagged: , , , , ,

Universal Studios July 2013

August 9, 2013 by

When I was on my trip in July for the #DisneySportsFestival, I also spent one night at the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Studios.

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I haven’t been to Universal since I was about eight years old, so I was curious to see everything. Plus, Bobby really wants to go to see the Harry Potter addition at Islands of Adventure, so I wanted to scope it out.

I checked into my hotel around 7:30 in the morning and walked over to the park. It’s a gorgeous peaceful walk from the hotel, or you can take the water taxi.

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Since I was staying on property, now only did I get an express pass where I could go through a shorter line for most rides, but I got to go into the parks an hour earlier than the general public. I arrived a few minutes before 8:00 to get into Universal and headed for Despicable Me.

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It was a super cute ride and I loved the que, too. Love those little minions!

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I headed over to Transformers next, but the ride was down, and continued to be down for several hours which was a huge bummer.

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So I decided to head to Starbucks and get some coffee and take some photos of some of the buildings while there weren’t many people on the streets. I really liked the theming here!

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Transformers finally opened up, and I still had to wait an hour with my express pass. The line was so long because the ride was down all day. Oh well, it was worth it. very cool ride, especially if you love the movies and fight scenes. I get motion sick sometimes, and I did fine on the ride. Highly recommended, but try to get there early!

Next I went towards the Men in Black ride which was fun. Similar to Buzz Lightyear in a way, except you are shooting aliens out on a city street. I’m not a Simpsons fan, but I did walk through and take a couple photos.

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I also walked right onto the E.T. ride, which is the ONLY thing I remember about Universal from when I was 8. Still a fun classic! You can also see people hard at work on the Harry potter expansion. I know my husband will be excited for this!

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I walked back around the lake and did Twister (eh) and the Shrek 4D movie (disappointing)

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My two favorites by far were Transformers and Despicable Me. There are several other rides here, but since I do tend to get sick I am not a huge coaster fan, so several things were “out” for me. I had to go meet up with someone for work, and I did love the easy walk back to my hotel after, no waiting for a bus was really nice!

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and then I saw a snake. Eeeewwww! Of course I took a picture

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I just totally freaked my mom out I’m sure (sorry mom!)

Several people have asked me if it was weird being at the park by myself. Not at all! It was nice to explore at my own pace and just wander around. If you are going on a solo trip anytime soon to Universal or Disney, you will have fun I promise!

QOTD: Have you been to Universal lately? What is your favorite ride?

*I can book your Universal vacation or tickets for you at no extra cost! Let me do all the work! email me at [email protected]

 

Filed Under: vacation Tagged: , , , ,

An Under Armour Visit

August 8, 2013 by

I was given quite the surprise last night ….

I’m going to BALTIMORE! In TWO WEEKS! The amazing folks at Under Armour have invited me and three other lovely ladies that were a part of the #WhatsBeautiful campaign up to their headquarters for two days of fun. That’s pretty much all I know, just know I am SUPER stoked, honored, and humbled.

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I did a lot of this when I found out.

If you will remember, Under Armour’s What’s Beautiful is a competition to redefine the female athlete. It’s a great initiative to make women feel strong and self confident. My goal was to reach other women and help them to become better versions of themselves. In the process, I truly hope I touch some of you, even if just a few, then my hard work was totally WORTH IT!

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Never fear, you all know I won’t let you miss out on the fun. I will be live tweeting, instagraming, facebook posting, blogging, you name it. It’s going to be epic. Be sure you follow me on all my social media sites (see the icons on the right sidebar up towards the top)

Now to go pinch myself. Is this really happening? Thanks Under Armour and Fitfluential!

QOTD: Have you ever been to the headquarters of a brand like this before? Did you enjoy the What’s Beautiful competition?

Filed Under: blogging, fitness, health Tagged: , , ,

Palms Up

August 8, 2013 by

I am participating in an online Bible study on a book by author Lysa TerKeurst called “What Happens When Women Say Yes to God.” I am only in my first week, but am so enjoying it so far.

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We are doing a blog hop today, and were asked to answer one question out of a handful to talk about on our blogs. The theme for this week is #PalmsUp. Basically, the idea here is that sometimes we hold ourselves back from receiving all the things God has for us and to do because we have our fists closed. We hold SO tightly to certain things that we aren’t willing to surrender, that our hands are not open to RECEIVE blessing or instructions from God.

This week we are focusing on keep our #palmsup so we have open hands to grow into a deeper relationship with God, and not let our fears hold us back.

This got me thinking to what I am most afraid of when it comes to saying yes to God. If I am being honest with myself, I am afraid that He will ask me to do something that I flat out just don’t want to do. I can be quite the control freak, and so when things don’t go the way I planned, I can get unhinged. I have been trying to remember out verse this week (Deuteronomy 6:5 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”) and the rest will follow.

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I have to remember that my perspective and vision is SO small compared to ALL that God can see, so while I may get angry and feel like He is holding back something from me or leaving me in the dark, He really could be protecting me from something I just can’t see. It’s a hard pill to swallow and something that has taken me a LONG time to really grasp, but if I truly DO want God’s best for me, I have to get to the point where I can say YES to God even before I know what He is going to ask me to do, with my #palmsup!

QOTD: Ok, so I was just brutally honest about what is hoping me back from going deeper with God and keeping by #palmsup, what do YOU feel is something that is holding you back? Lack of confidence? fear of failure? Share! You will feel better getting it off your chest, and then you can work towards a solution.

Filed Under: blogging, Faith, motivation Tagged: , , , , ,

Gold Bond Review and Giveaway Prize Pack

August 7, 2013 by

 

Back in September of last year, I did a review of a new product called Gold Bond friction defense.

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I love this product and use it before all my long runs to help prevent chafing. Now, Gold bond has a NEW product out! See below:

NEW Gold Bond No Mess Powder Spray. The10 ounce can delivers the odor and wetness protection of Gold Bond Powder in a convenient, easy-to-use spray. The continuous spray delivers the same powder formula right where you want it – without the mess of traditional powder. So whether you are looking to stay cool and dry for peak performance, or you just want to relieve and protect against skin discomfort, you can count on Gold Bond’s triple action formula. Retailing for $7.99, the product should be on most major retailers’ shelves now.

I tried out both kinds of the new product and I can attest that it works really well. I always hated the mess of actual gold bond powder, and this works SO much better. I liked both scents but especially enjoyed the fresh scent. It was easy to use and apply and was definitely not messy!

How would you like to win an awesome prize pack that includes a bunch of different fun products, including the Gold Bond ones? Check it out!

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Inside this lime green Gaiam Metro Gym Bag is the following:

  • BRITA WATER FILTER BOTTLEBRITA: A reusable water bottle makes staying hydrated easy—and Brita’s bottle can filter out the bad taste and odor of chlorine and particulates such as sediment, dirt, sand, silt, rust, limescale, and more. Each Brita bottle holds approximately 24 oz. while the Brita bottle filter insert will last for about 150 bottle refills.
  • HEADSWEATS SUPER VISOR: This quick drying COOLMAX® Fabric shell and COOLMAX® Fabric terry headband keeps the perspiration out of your eyes.
  • FOOT RUBZ FOOT MASSAGE BALL: Simply use the massage ball to roll over your feet or hands for a relaxing massage at any time, in any place.
  • GOLD BOND FRICTION DEFENSE: Specially formulated to prevent friction, soothe and comfort skin and keep the sensitive area dry and smooth.  It has a no-mess application, lower price point per volume, and is available in major retailers nationwide.
  • NEW GOLD BOND POWDER SPRAY: Gold Bond Powder spray comes in two scents, Original and Fresh Scent. Each 10 ounce can delivers the odor and wetness protection of Gold Bond Powder in a convenient, easy-to-use spray.
  • GOLD BOND WORKOUT SOCKS: These comfortable socks for are great for both working out and hanging out at home. (The socks are super comfy, trust me!

Enter below using rafflecoptor. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Ad-free, fitness, Giveaway, running Tagged: , , , ,

Monthly Goals: August 2013

August 6, 2013 by

A week late again, I know. One of these months I will get this done on time. The new month just sneaks up on me! Good thing I don’t scare easy. Well…maybe I do, but please don’t use it against me.

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Bella scares easy. Anyone else’s dog?

Let’s take a look at last month’s goals I gotta say I’m a bit embarrassed…

1.) Heal my IT band: (D-) Still hurts. Not when I run, but still hurts after.

2.) get back to my happy weight: (D-) So I haven’t GAINED anymore weight but I have only lost about a pound.  I went to Disney last month and weeellll that makes it hard to lose. Ug.

3.) Go back to body pump: (F…) It just didn’t happen yall. I was out of town for 2 Mondays, and the other two I was busy catching up on everything I missed. I fail.

4.) Leg strengthening exercises: (C-) I actually did well the first 1.5 weeks of the month with this, then went on a trip and slacked off.

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This will NOT be me!

For this month, since last month was SO bad, I really just want a redo of last month, so I am keeping ALL my goals the same for the first time ever. We shall see how it goes.

***WINNER of my Dream Flats giveaway is: Margaret Harry! Please e mail me at [email protected] to claim your prize!

Also, the kind folks at LUV Footwear have offered a 20% off code for THLS readers through August 31. Simply enter code Heather at checkout for the discount!

QOTD: Have you ever re-tried goals you failed to achieve?

Filed Under: blogging, fitness, motivation, running Tagged: , , ,

#DisneySportsFestival Day 2 Part 2

August 5, 2013 by

We left off with my last sports festival post talking about taking team or individual athlete photos in front of the awesome green screen. After saying bye to goofy, we moved on to discuss the Welcome Center.

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The Welcome Center is where anyone can go to get information about things going on at the complex, or where teams can go to get information on their specific group package, park tickets, etc. They can answer questions from where a field is located to where they can snag dining reservations at the Magic Kingdom.

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Keep in mind that a lot of teams, especially ones traveling internationally, have never been to Walt Disney World before. The great team at the Welcome Center can help point groups in the right direction.

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We also had the opportunity to walk out and see some of the awesome fields. But first they gave us a treat to cool us off as we walked outside.

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me and Meghann with our frozen treats

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Jen and I Checking out the soccer fields

We also had the opportunity to check out the New Balance Track & Field Complex.

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Some of the great folks from New Balance came out to tell us a little about the field, and about some of their awesome shoes (they gave us all a pair!)

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It was time for lunch, so we headed to Champion Stadium to the Braves conference room.

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We had the same food that you can order as a boxed lunch for your team while they are playing at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. It tasted great!

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While we ate, we learned about youth sports trends from the folks at Sports Travel Magazine, and it was so interesting! Did you know that when a family is traveling for sport’s for a girl, it is likely they will spend more money overall than if traveling with a boy’s sports team?

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Live tweeting during the presentation

It was quite the full morning, but I learned so much about this hidden gym on Disney property. If your child plays youth sports, I highly recommended trying to get them into a training camp or tournament here!

QOTD: Did you know Disney offered all of these things?

Filed Under: Disney, family, fitness, vacation Tagged: , , , ,