Archives for 2012

RWS Features #45

December 21, 2012 by

 

Good morning! It’s officially Christmas weekend! That means lots of baking, family, and very little work. What does everyone have planned this weekend? Going out of town? Family coming in? I would love to hear!

Today I want to introduce you to Caroline from http://fightingforwellness.wordpress.com. She is a counselor who also runs. Be sure to stop by her blog and say hello!

karolina

1.) Why did you start blogging?

I found fitblog back in October 2010 (I think!) while on twitter one day, and started discovering all sorts of healthy living bloggers. I read blogs for about 11 months before deciding to start documenting my own journey. While I’m into exercising and eating healthy, I’m also a counselor, so I have a passion for reaching out to people in that area as well.

2.) Sum up your blog in a couple sentences:

My blog is an exciting mix of my personal fitness journey, dealing with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (I was diagnosed back in the fall of 2004), recipes I’ve enjoyed making, and mental health as well. I view health and wellness holistically, and try to address multiple aspects of wellness in my blog (not just physical health)!

3.) What do you wish to accomplish/achieve by blogging?

Blogging has been a great way to document my life, and I often go back to read old posts! When I put something out on the internet, I’m more likely to follow along with my goals, so blogging is a way to motive and push me towards the things I want to accomplish. Blogging has also gotten me involved in a great online community that provides support and encouragement, and I learn a lot each week from them as well!

4.)What is your biggest healthy living accomplishment?

This is tough! I’ve run 2 half marathons, which I thought I could never do because of having POTS. This is a huge accomplishment because I had a lot to fight through. I think that was my most impressive accomplishment because I didn’t think it could happen. Maybe my “biggest accomplishment” would be just learning about all the factors involved in wellness and learning how to manage each of these areas in a balanced fashion.

5.) What is your blog URL and twitter handle

Blog: http://fightingforwellness.wordpress.com     Twitter: @kalolainastar

————————————————

Time to announce the WINNER of the Fitmixer boot camp giveaway!

Julie M, comment 54, you are the winner! Please e mail me at runningwithsass@gmail.com and I can get you your entry!

QOTD: What are you doing this weekend?

Filed Under: blogging, Guest Post, running Tagged:

Friday Favorites: Fitmixer

December 20, 2012 by

 

I thought in honor of today being the last day to enter the my Fitmixer boot camp giveaway, I would take a little time to tell you about the products themselves (which you would receive as part of your prize pack should you win the boot camp entry!)

558504_436134249756041_831230048_n

The two products I have been using are the protein and the aminos. I take the aminos before workouts, and usually drink the protein as a snack (I like the taste of the ones I get from Proteinpromo.com/myprotein), but typically not every day.

My favorite flavor protein is the vanilla, it seriously does taste like a milkshake, love! I like the grape and fruit punch aminos. Both taste very different but equally good! I am so hooked on them I take them with me when I travel.

I feel like they give me more energy and sustained energy for my workouts, which is so important in our on the go society. It’s easy to feel drained before you even get to the gym!

2012-08-09_1352

The protein gives you of course well, protein, but also vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fiber. It can help you increase your metabolism to burn fat faster, and also helps aid in recovery while reducing fatigue. The aminos can increase nitric oxide by 300%! (Increased nitric oxide may have a variety of benefits including increased oxygen delivery throughout the body to reduce fatigue and improve muscle recovery.)

These products really do help, and I even have my husband hooked on them. If you want to learn more about what Fitmixer has to offer, check out their website.  I really love the company’s approach to health and fitness for you physically as well as mentally. I’m not just saying these things because I am an ambassador for them, I honestly believe in these products!

QOTD: Is there something specific you take or drink before/after a workout? Have you tried Fitmixer?

Filed Under: fitness, health, running Tagged: , , ,

Dumbo Double Dare

December 19, 2012 by

 

Good morning! Great news for all the runDisney fans out there, runDisney announced yesterday that they are adding a component to the Disneyland half marathon weekend, a 10k! Not only that, but you can run the 10k and the half and get a special Dumbo medal (kind of like doing the half and full for goofy). How cool is that?!? Check out this video for the “official invite.” I am SO EXCITED about this!

 

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFqzibNhzps&hl=en&hd=1]

Also, below is the official press release on the event:

NEW 10K RACE ADDED TO DISNEYLAND HALF MARATHON WEEKEND

 

Runners Can Double Their Effort With Dumbo Double Dare; Race Registration Opens Next Month

 

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla (Dec. 19, 2012) – The Happiest Race on Earth is getting a little happier starting next year.  The Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend is expanding to include the Disneyland 10K at Disneyland Resort in California, Aug. 30 – Sept. 1, 2013.

 

The new 10K race, the latest in the popular runDisney series, will be a timed event and will take runners throughDisneyland, Disney California Adventure and the streets of Anaheim.  Each finisher will receive a specially designed commemorative finisher medal.  Runners looking for an extra challenge can register for the Dumbo Double Dare, which involves running the10K on Saturday and the Half Marathon on Sunday (19.3 miles total).  The limited number of participants who sign up for the Dumbo Double Dare will receive a Dumbo Double Dare running shirt and a special finisher medal, in addition to the Disneyland Half Marathon and 10K finisher medals.

 

The Disneyland 10K builds on the weekend of races and entertainment geared toward families and runners of all levels.  In addition to the 10K, the weekend of events include the Kids Races, the Family Fun Run 5K, the Half Marathon and a two-day Health and Fitness Expo where guests can check out the latest in fitness apparel, running gear and high tech gadgets, plus learn from speakers such as runDisney training consultant Jeff Galloway, runDisney nutrition consultant Tara Gidus and former Olympian Suzy Favor Hamilton.  Runners and guests can add to their race weekend experience by purchasing tickets to a Pasta in the Park Party.

 

“The 10K distance is the third most popular distance for runners next to the 5K and half marathon, so this race weekend will have it all,” said Manager, runDisney Events Kathleen Duran.  “We are excited to continue to add different distance races so runners at every level can experience a runDisney event and run through Disney theme parks.”

The prices will be as follows:

Disneyland® Half Marathon
$175 by February 19, 2013
$190 between February 20 and April 16, 2013
$205 on or after April 17, 2013

Disneyland® 10K
$95 by February 19, 2013
$110 between February 20 and April 16, 2013
$125 on or after April 17, 2013

Dumbo Double Dare
$280 by February 19, 2013
$300 between February 20 and April 16, 2013
$320 on or after April 17, 2013

Disneyland® Family Fun Run 5K
$65 per participant

runDisney Kids Races
$20 per child

 

Registration opens for all Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend races on Jan. 22, 2013.  Last year’s half marathon sold out in a little more than a month.  For more information about the race weekend and other runDisney events, go towww.rundisney.com.

————————————————-

In case you missed it…registration open January 22, and last year the half sold out in just over a month, so I imagine with the addition of the Dumbo double, it will sell out even faster, so don’t delay once registration opens! Get excited friends!

QOTD: Are you excited about this new race? Do you plan to do it? Thoughts on back to back races?

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

Stay Connected

December 18, 2012 by

 

I am a bit obsessed with being connected to social media, texts, phone calls, etc. This is a blessing and a curse I know, but it is also part of my two jobs. I was chosen to return as a Verizon Wireless ambassador, and I am so excited to share some new info, tips, and tricks about my brand new phone….the Windows phone 8X by HTC! I am a PC girl, so this phone is right up my alley and I found myself able to learn it very quickly.

photo (27)

Why hello new phone. I love you and I don’t even know you.

Not only was I given a phone, but we also given this awesome OtterBox! I actually *cough* BOBBY *cough* a mishap with my Galaxy S3 from last time, and it got dropped and scrapped up because I had no case for it….so I was STOKED to get a case this time. So far I am loving it (it’s from the defender series) and don’t feel like I have to constantly worry about dropping my phone.

photo (28)

I can’t wait to share more about the device itself with you, I will be using #VZWA on Twitter when tweeting about it, so be on the lookout. So far my favorite thing is the live tiles! Staying connected is so easy with everything right on my home screen.

—————————————–

In other news, I started seeing a chiropractor again, and on top of already knowing I have neck and back problems, we talked about one hip being higher than the other which is probably throwing my bio mechanics off when I run, he is going to do some ART on me and also some stretches and exercises I can do to work on any muscular imbalances, etc. I am really hopeful about getting help for my body to improve my overall health and my running!

QOTD: Have you ever dropped your phone? Do you keep it in a case?

*Don’t forget to enter my Fitmixer boot camp/product giveaway!

*Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Ambassador program and have been provided
with a wireless device and three months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the
product.

Filed Under: blogging, technology Tagged: , , ,

Healthy Living Blogs

December 17, 2012 by

 

If you don’t know about Healthy Living Blogs, you are missing out! it is a great website/blog created by healthy living bloggers for healthy living bloggers. They are trying to get 2013 members by 2013, and I need your help!

2013by2013

Are you a member of HLB? If not you should be! Here are a few good reasons:

-Search for other healthy living bloggers by location, or A-Z

-Advertise your blog on their site

-See blog posts from other bloggers

-Get news and info from what’s happening “around the world” with other blogs

———————————–

You can get more membership info here. It only costs $10!  They do a great job of explaining why you should become a member, so I am just copying and pasting them info below:

There are several different benefits to being a member of HLB!

“We have a lot of awesome posts going up, every day of the week offering another theme or subject.  HLB Members are often given a sort of free advertising for their own blog by our posting links to their own sites and doing a sort of “guest posts” for the different series we publish each week.  You can see an explanation of the posts here: http://healthylivingblogs.com/2010/12/major-changes-at-hlb/

Also, there are some opportunities that are only available for HLB members. One example of this would be this awesome giveaway: http://healthylivingblogs.com/2010/12/the-very-best-giveaways-camp-blogaway-registration/

And of course, being listed on the blog as a member is beneficial, too!  Other bloggers in your area can connect with you for blogger meet ups, readers searching for advice from people who write about specific subjects, or companies seeking out bloggers for new opportunities can all use the HLB a to z page, location pages, twitter group and master member list to find you!”

—————————————————-

QOTD: Are you a member of HLB? have you ever submitted posts for them? Link ‘em up!

*Don’t forget to enter my Fitmixer boot camp entry/product giveaway!

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

Fitmixer Boot Camp Giveaway

December 16, 2012 by

 

Good morning! Earlier this month I told you I would do one giveaway a week until the week of Christmas. Many of you already entered my Under Armour Giveaway and Oakley Sunglasses giveaway, and I thank you for your participation! Now you get another shot, with Fitmixer Boot Camp!

bootcamp_logo_250x250_transparentbckgrnd

For those not familiar, let me explain. Fitmixer Boot Camp lasts eight weeks, and begins January 14th. They have had many participants have a lot of success with this, you can check out tons of testimonials and photos on their website.  Before I tell you a little more about WHY you should do this, let me get you excited about it by telling you what’s included:

  • $154.45 worth of fitmixer® product(at retail value):
    • One (1) six-pound bag of chocolate or vanilla fitmixer® slim®
    • One (1) six-pound bag of chocolate or vanilla fitmixer® protein®
    • One (1) one-pound bottle of fruit punch fitmixer® amino®
    • One (1) one-pound bottle of grape fitmixer® amino®
    • One (1) fitmixer® Boot Camp shaker bottle
  • A personalized nutrition plan created by our Registered Dietitian
  • 40 daily workouts created by a certified group fitness trainer
  • Eight (8) weekly webcasts lead by our Registered Dietitian and Fitness Expert
  • Lessons on healthy eating, healthy living, physical fitness, and mental fitness that will last you a lifetime
  • Support from fellow Boot Camp participants through fitmixer.com and the private fitmixer® Boot Camp Facebook Group
  • Direct contact with our Registered Dietician, Fitness Expert, and fitmixer® staff
  • Access to write blogs and leave comments on the fitmixer® website

Heck ya! You can get all of that for FREE by entering below. But don’t go there just yet. Read on. No tonly is it a great time to join (hello, New Year’s resolutions to get fit anyone?!?) but it actually WORKS. Time and time again people have seen serious results, check out some quotes from actual participants.

“fitmixer Boot Camp was one of the best purchases I’ve made for me and my health.”

“As the Boot Camp came to an end, I have realized how valuable it was for me to bust me out of my rut and I’m so glad I was a part of it.”

“What I liked most was the Facebook group and the workouts themselves.”

“Overall, thefitmixer Boot Camp was a great experience and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to feel challenged in their fitness regime, receive a good variety of great-tasting products, and want to work with a great team focused on helping achieve your personal health and wellness goals.”

“The best part of fitmixer Boot Camp, though, was the support. Candice and Alicia were always there to answer questions and offer advice. It was great to have a meal plan customized for me, and guidelines of what to eat, and when. I am still following my meal plan!”

“I was so blessed to win the opportunity to join the fitmixer Boot Camp and it came to me exactly when I needed it! I’d been struggling with baby weight for 2 years, but with fitmixer’s help and support I was able to take control of my health!”

——————————————–

YES there are real testimonials by real people, and there are a bunch more on the website. The gym “at least near me” has been near empty since Halloween. everyone is busy with kids, school, work, etc. But your health is SO IMPORTANT! How can you take care of your family if you are sick, run down and unhealthy? Helping YOURSELF helps your family. This could be the kick start you need to get 2013 started off right! What do you have to lose? ENTER BELOW for a free entry to Fitmixer Boot Camp!

Also be sure to check out the Fitmixer 6 days of Christmas sale!

Go “like” the Fitmixer Facebook page, and click on the app titled “6 Days of Christmas” to reveal the sale codes for each promotion.

6-days-of-xmasIG

How do you enter? It’s easy. There are three ways to enter, and you do NOT have to do all three, but it will better your chances of course. Please leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry below.

1.) Tell me what your goal would be for boot camp if you won the entry.

2.) Follow Fitmixer on Twitter

3.) Tweet the following and tell me you did: “I want to win a @fitmixer boot camp entry from @runningwithsass http://runningwithsass.com/fitmixer-boot-camp-giveaway/”

You have until Friday night the 21st at 8:00 CST to enter, and a winner will be announced Saturday on my blog. Good luck!

*If you KNOW you want to register and want to go ahead and do so, the registration form is here.

Filed Under: Ad-free, fitness, Giveaway, health, motivation Tagged: ,

Weekly Recap: December Week 2

December 15, 2012 by

 

Happy Sunday! What a whirlwind past seven days! This past week I ran 34 miles, my highest mileage week this training cycle. I am feeling better, with just a few lingering symptoms we aren’t sure about. It blows my mind how close Christmas is, and I hate that because I have been so preoccupied with medial stuff I still don’t feel like I have been able to soak it all in. That is going to be my goal for this week!

Check out my workouts below:

Sunday: Woman’s half marathon

Monday: rest

Tuesday: stationary bike (30 minutes) and upper body weights

Wednesday: 3 mile run, upper body weights and legs

Thursday: upper body weights and stationary bike (20 minutes)

Friday: rest (the gym was CLOSED and we have no idea why…still investigating.)

Saturday: 18 mile run

Whew! I can’t believe it’s less than a month until marathon weekend. I am so excited (and a little nervous!) After that I have ZOOMA Florida,  Princess in February, and then, who knows! I actually have no plan after that. Which honestly, I am happy about. I had a full fall race schedule, and marathon training is wiping me out with everything else that has been going on. It’s kind of refreshing to have no plan after February. I think I will probably take some much needed time off (unless there is a race I don’t know about that I just HAVE to run!)

Ok, so yesterday Bobby and I ran 18 miles, our longest run since training for the 2011 marathon. Not going to lie, it hurt and was painful, but we did it! I’m sore and tired, but still in one piece. We have 21 on the schedule for next weekend, and then thankfully, that’s our last super long run until the race. I think some people’s bodies are just made more for running marathons, and mine is not one of them. Goofy is a goal I have had for a long time, but after that, I don’t know if I see another full in my future and I am totally ok with that.

photo 37

I may be smiling, but every muscle in my legs was screaming at me, and SO glad to be done with 18! So proud we got through it though. Wearing my ZOOMA shirt, which I LOVE. So, so soft.

QOTD: What do you tell yourself to get through really tough workouts or runs?

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

RWS Features #44

December 14, 2012 by

 

Good morning friends. My heart is heavy this morning and I feel almost….bad posting a blog post about things that just don’t seem to matter much after the school shooting events that happened yesterday. I have an 18 mile run on ta for this morning, and am not really feeling like running.

However, I want to introduce you today to Ali from http://msprun.com/. Be sure to stop by her blog and say hello to her. She ran the Disneyland half and is doing Goofy at WDW in January!

radiatorspringsali

1.) How/Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging for a few reasons. I’ve always been a person that learns more from “doing”, so when I began my social media MBA I wanted to have actual experience for my classes than just speaking theory. I also began my blog to hold me accountable. I had signed up for my first half marathon ever (Disneyland Half), and wanted something to keep me on track through my training

2) Sum up your blog in a couple of sentences:

My blog is a blog about running and traveling. I participate in races all around the US, and focus on both the travel and race.

3) What do you wish to accomplish/achieve by blogging

I’d like to motivate someone to try something new with my blog.

4) What is your biggest healthy living accomplishment?

My largest accomplishment to date has been losing 30lbs through diet and exercise, and keeping it off! It was hard at first, but now I find myself choosing healthier alternatives instantly.

5) What is your blog URL and twitter handle?

My blog is msprun.com and my twitter is @am588

Thanks so much Ali! Hope to see you in January!

———————————————

The winner of the Oakley Sunglasses Giveaway is Danielle, comment 40! Please e mail me at runningwithsass@gmail.com and I will get you in touch with Jess to get your prize!

QOTD: What workouts do you have planned for the weekend?

Filed Under: blogging, Guest Post, running Tagged:

It’s Almost runDisney Time!

December 13, 2012 by

 

Oh yes my friends, yesterday marked one month until Goofy’s race and a half challenge will (hopefully) be completed by yours truly! I am excited/nervous, and can’t wait to be back in my happy place with a bunch of runners and a bunch of my friends.

33044bcb

(2011 WDW marathon)

Marathon weekend is January 10-13, and will include kids races, a 5k, half marathon, and marathon among other amazing events like the health and fitness expo and pasta in the park party. There is SO much excitement in the air during marathon weekend, and I can’t wait to be back for my third time. I think one of my favorite things about the weekend is everyone wearing their medals in the parks after the race. You stand in line for rides, talking with other runners, sharing your account of the race…it’s this amazing connection that you have with other park guests, and it’s so much fun to share.

DSC_1811

I wish I had gotten into running sooner, thinking about all the runDisney race fun I was missing prior to 2010! The race is unfortunately sold out for this year, but be sure to register early so you don’t miss out next year! (P.S. Registration for the Disneyland half in California opens January 22, don’t miss out! This one sold out in just over a month last year!)

DSC_1658

I am also really excited about the Disney Princess half in February…which I will save for another post, after I get through marathon weekend!

2012-02-26 07.31.15

Be sure to follow @runDisney on twitter and Facebook so you don’t miss out on the action, and you can also subscribe to their YouTube channel for the latest video updates.

P.S. You CAN sign up for the Expedition Everest Challenge for May 2013!

QOTD: When do you start to get excited about a big race? Months before, weeks before? Or when you toe the line?

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

Woman’s Half Photos & GI Update

December 12, 2012 by

 

I knew this would happen, that I would post my race recap and that same day my professional photos would become available. Ah, well. What can you do? One of the great things about this race was that all the photos taken by Brightroom were available for digital download FOR FREE! How awesome is that? What a nice perk.

Beginning of the race, focused.

109141-017-027f

Oh course as soon as I started eating a GU at mile 6, I see a photographer. So I am trying to choke it down and smile Smile

109141-135-031f

109141-135-033f

109141-152-006f

Here I come down the home stretch, so ready to be done but angry about my time

109141-084-012f

They were announcing my name when I came through so I was trying to do a little “yay” cheer

109141-084-014f

FINISHED!

109141-154-029f

What the heck just happened?

109141-210-008f

When I saw this next one, I laughed out loud. This is the face of someone who barely missed their PR. Yes my friends, I am not ashamed to show this one.

109141-210-009f

Very lady like right?

109141-108-010f

I continue my streak of being incapable of pinning my bib on straight.

I also wanted to give a health update. I went back to the GI doctor yesterday, and the results of my gluten tolerance blood work had not come back yet. He confirmed during my scope he found an inflamed stomach (gastritis) and a small hiatal hernia. I told him I had been gluten free for four days and he said to keep at it until they got the test results back. He also added an anti-spasmodic medicine to take as needed.

He thinks the discomfort in my side is muscular (I am going to a chiropractor Friday for that and my leg cramps) and the tightness in my chest could be anxiety. Apparently when you are anxious it causes your body to produce more stomach acid, and when someone like me who is already take meds for acid reflux gets anxious, it can make my symptoms worse. So I am also trying to control my anxiety.

He wants to do a gastric emptying test to see if my stomach is emptying too slowly, and I am also having a pelvic ultrasound today. Whew. He also said even though my gallbladder ultrasound came back clean that it doesn’t really mean much, that he has seen plenty of people who end up having gallbladder issues even though their ultrasound was fine. Thanks so much for your continued prayers and support, I really appreciate it, please keep praying!

*Edited to add I AM feeling better. Not well, but better. I’m not sure if it’s the prevacid finally kicking in or the gluten free eating or a combo of both, but several of my symptoms have gone away, we are just double checking and eliminitaing a few other possibilities!

*don’t forget to enter my Oakley giveaway!

QOTD: Do you think free digital photos is a good race perk? Have you ever had any of these tests before?

Filed Under: fitness, health, running Tagged: , , ,