Gone for a Run | Through Heather's Looking Glass

Love 2 Run Virtual Race

January 23, 2016 by Heather

Hey guys! I know, posting on a Saturday, whoa! But I wanted to share with you some info about a new virtual race I will be participating in, so you have enough time to register!

We all know February is the month of LOVE, so why not a 2.14 mile race about your LOVE 2 run? When you sign up, you get a medal, shirt, bib, and of course, some candy hearts.

The medal is really special though, because it has a removable magnetic cover, like a box of candy with candy inside. How cute! The coolest thing of all though, is the charity that this race supports. A percentage of all registrations goes to The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, which is a non-profit that helps children battling pediatric cancer.

The cost for this race is $32, and there are additional add on’s you can purchase such as a tutu, magnet, socks, or a shoe charm.

I will be participating in this race, and hope you will, too! It’s not a long distance, so it would be great for a beginner runner to get your first virtual race medal. Please let me know if you have any questions, and visit Gone For a RUN for more details.

QOTD: Have you ever run a Valentine’s Day themed race?

Filed Under: blogging, fitness, running Tagged: Gone for a Run, running, Valentine's day, virtual race

5 Things Friday IX

January 22, 2016 by Heather

Happy Friday friends, it’s almost the weekend! Yall, we are supposed to get SNOW today, here in central Mississippi. Please note that no one here knows how to drive in snow. The low is around 28 so not sure how long it will stick around (pun intended). See what I did there? Anyway, I haven’t done a 5 Things Friday in awhile, so figured it was time to bring it back. Don’t worry, my runDisney half race recap will be up Monday.

1.) 4 Magical Miles Virtual Run Recap: I participated in the Gone for a RUN 4 Magical Miles virtual race this month, and loved the great cause it supported (Give Kids the World). My run was pretty uneventful, and I was thankful it was only four miles because I have been hitting boot camp hard and my legs are really sore! Having just run the Walt Disney World Half I am still on a bit of a Disney high so it was fun to run a “magic” themed virtual race so soon after coming home. I can’t wait to share with you about the next race I will be doing in February!

2.) Enter my Giveaway: Yesterday I posted about a giveaway I am hosting for some adorable Disney park map leggings. Be sure to enter, they are so fun!

3.) Bath time Life Saver: Poor Emma Kate loves bath time, but HATES when I wash her hair/get water in her eyes. It was getting so bad that she would cry every time I came near her with a cup of water during bath time because she didn’t want me to wash her hair. I did some Amazon searching, desperate to try anything, and found this contraption called the Lil Rinser Splashguard (affiliate link) that works LIKE A CHARM. Seriously, if you have issues with this like I do, this baby is a lifesaver, and very inexpensive! No more bath tears, and I’m wondering why I didn’t think to invent something like this. I want to be on Shark Tank.

4.) HEAT class: Has anyone heard of this or attended one? My gym just started doing this, and I went to a trial class on Wednesday. Basically everyone wears a heart rate monitor and you can see everyone’s zones up on the screen, and you have to hold your HR in different zones all through the class, so you work REALLY hard and it’s a great workout…and you can’t “cheat”. Ha. I liked it a lot, but my gym is charging $20 for a drop in rate, and that’s just not in my budget right now, so I will be sitting it out, but I’m curious to hear anyone else’s thoughts on this type of class?

5.) Carnival Season: This time of year I really miss home. Mardi Gras is such a fun time in Louisiana, and I miss going to parades, seeing the decorations, eating King Cake, and drinking my favorite coffee drink: King Cake Velvet Ice, from PJ’s. Fun fact that I’m fairly certain I share every year, but you get to hear it again… but growing up I thought Mardi Gras was a national holiday. Really. It wasn’t until I was in about 6th grade that I realized it wasn’t and that not everyone got out of school for it! Please note this is before I had internet access and people on Twitter to tell me that I was sadly misinformed. I felt sad for the rest of the world. You really are missing out.

QOTD: Have you ever had king cake? Do you kids hate water in their eyes at bath time?

Filed Under: baby, blogging, fitness, health, holidays, running, running gear Tagged: baby, Gone for a Run, Mardi Gras, virtual race

Four Magical Miles Virtual Race

December 30, 2015 by Heather

It’s time to run another virtual race my friends! I was all over this one for obvious reasons, just check out the castle medal! Magical miles? Yes please!

Here are the details:

Virtual race will be held January 21 – January 24.
Virtual race packet includes knee socks, touchscreen gloves, gorgeous finisher medal, real bib (no downloads!)
No returns exchanges

“Run a magical four miles in a race fit for a princess in our latest virtual race. Just run or walk the 4 miles on the course of your choice January 21-January 24. Please be sure to share your race photos and recap on our Facebook page at facebook.com/GoneForaRUN.”

Touchscreen gloves, cute socks, a bib and blinged out medal? I’m in! The start of a new year is the perfect time to get going with running, so sign up and get moving so you are ready to run four miles by the end of January!

However, my favorite thing about this race is that it s for a great cause:

“By entering this race you will also be running for a cause! A percentage of your race fee will be donated to Give The Kids The World. Give Kids The World Village is a 79-acre, nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides week long, cost-free vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Please visit givekidstheworld.org for more information.”

I have never visited Give Kids the World, but I have checked out their website and know people who have gone there before with their families. It it an amazing organization and I am happy to support them!

QOTD: Have you heard of Give Kids the World? What is your favorite charity to support?

Disclosure: I was provided a free entry into this race, but totally would have signed up anyway! All opinions are my own.

Filed Under: blogging, fitness, running, running gear Tagged: Gone for a Run, running, virtual race

Virtual Race Recap + Holiday Shred

November 10, 2015 by Heather

The Faster than Boo virtual 10k was over Halloween weekend. Since I was in Tennessee for Halloween weekend, I ran my race when I got back.

We have had a TON of rain and yucky humid weather the past week or two, so while I would like to say I had a nice pretty run, that wasn’t the case. It was slow from all the garbage I ate on my trip, but it’s the furthest I have run in awhile so I was happy with being able to complete the distance.

I was also really happy with the medal. How cute is this? Love the ghost, love the spinner, and it glows in the dark! I promptly hung it up on my medal rack with my others.

I also love the tank top that came with the race packet. Super cute and comfy.

Over 1,200 runners participated in this virtual run! The best thing about it, was that over $500 was donated to the friends of Jaclyn foundation. If you would like to read more about the foundation, click here. Thanks Gone for a RUN for the entry and for supporting great causes like Jaclyn’s foundation.

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Something else fun that is going on for the holidays that I wanted to share with you about is my good friend Bobbi’s Holiday shred. I won an entry to the shred at Refresh Summit and I can’t wait to join in!

Bobbi has been hosting shreds for awhile and offers great workouts, meal plan ideas, videos, and a private Facebook group. It’s a great way to maintain our weight through the holidays and have a little accountability. Come join the fun!

QOTD: Did you do a Halloween themed run? Have you ever participated in an online workout/challenge group?

Filed Under: blogging, fitness, Race Recaps, running Tagged: Gone for a Run, holiday shred, race recap, running, virtual race

Faster than Boo

October 7, 2015 by Heather

It’s time for another virtual race from Gone for a RUN! What makes this one even better? It’s Halloween themed, and the medal is really, really cute. Tell me more you say?

This one is the “Faster than Boo virtual 10k”. How fun is that? Check out the great medal. He is wearing a sweatband and holding a water bottle. I love it. Boo also glows in the dark. What?!?

There are two options for this race, the basic package and the premium package which includes knee socks.

This race will take place October 29-October 31, so why not make it a fun costume/themed Halloween run with your friends? You must register by the 19th to get your race package in time, which includes shirt (tank for women, tee for men) race bib, and SPINNER MEDAL. You can run, walk, or crawl your 6.2 miles (and be sure to share photos on the Gone for a RUN Facebook page).

This race will also be giving back as well, so a portion of your entry fee will be going to a good cause:

By running this race you will also be supporting an amazing charity. A percentage of your race entry will be donated to Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation has enriched the lives of over 600 children and their families battling with pediatric cancer. Please read about Jaclyn’s story and the great success of the foundation athttp://friendsofjaclyn.org/jaclyns-story.

GoneForaRun is proud to provide runners both a great virtual running event that promotes fun and wellness as well as giving back to a very worthy cause to help others in need. A big thank you to our community of dedicated runners for their support!

To enter, simply go to Gone for a RUN’s website and sign up, super easy!

QOTD: Are you running any Halloween themed races this year?

Disclosure: as a Gone for a RUN ambassador, I will be racing for free, however all opinions are my own.

Filed Under: blogging, fitness, holidays, running Tagged: 10k, costume, Gone for a Run, Halloween, medal, virtual race

Road Shark Virtual Race Recap

August 7, 2015 by Heather

Last weekend I completed the Road Shark 5 mile virtual race with Gone for a RUN. The weather here has been SUPER hot, so I decided to do my 5 miles on the treadmill. I took a shot with my bib before I left the house.

I am following a half marathon training plan via smart coach, and it just so happened that my plan called for 5 miles on Saturday, so it worked out perfectly!

I actually felt REALLY good about this run, because the pace my plan called for is the same pace I ran last Saturday for 4 miles outside, and yall…it was AWFUL outside last weekend. I barely could keep my pace and couldn’t have run another step if I wanted to it was so brutal out. So imagine my surprise when the run felt dare I say it….easy…inside on the treadmill at that pace. I was tempted to go faster but I stuck with the plan and felt great about myself after! Yay for good runs!

I sported my shirt after and hung my medal up with my others (I SO need a new medal rack, I just keep layering them on top of each other!). I enjoyed participating in this race and really loved the theme of it! If you get the chance to participate in one of their virtual races be sure to check it out!

QOTD: Have you ever been tempted to run faster than your training plan pace called for? Did you?

Filed Under: blogging, fitness, Race Recaps, running Tagged: Gone for a Run, race recap, running, virtual race

Road Shark

July 14, 2015 by Heather

Hi friends! First of all, a huge HUGE thank you to everyone for the sweet birthday wishes! Between the blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Periscope, texts, and calls, this girl feels loved. I may have been a little misty eyed when the clock went from 12:50 to 12:51, ushering in my 30’s, but I’m ok now. Smile

Ok, so several of you mentioned that you hated to miss the Gone for a RUN virtual race that was held over the 4th of July. Well, you are in luck, because there is another one, a 5 miler this time!

The Road Shark Run Virtual 5 Mile Race is taking place between July 31st and August 2nd.

(women’s version)

I find sharks quite fascinating, and since shark week just ending, and so many beach-goers this summer, I am loving this theme!

Here is a little more info on the race features:

Virtual race will be held July 31st – August 2nd
Virtual race packet includes race shirt (either a Women’s Everyday Tee or a Men’s Lifestyle Tee), gorgeous finisher medal, real race bib (no downloads!) and a car magnet
Must order by July 21 to guarantee on time packet arrival
No returns/exchanges
This item is non-eligible for any additional promotions/coupons
Use code SHARKHEATHER for free shipping until 7/17 (usps first class shipping only)

LOVE the medal, and move the car magnet! (There are also some other add on’s you can choose to purchase at the time of registration, just check out the event page for details.)

(men’s version)

I will be running the roads for this race, and I hope you will consider joining in! There aren’t many local races around here in the summer, so this is a fun way to still earn some bling! Don’t forget to use code SHARKHEATHER for free shipping!

QOTD: Have you done any racing this summer?

Disclosure: I received a free race registration for this virtual run

Filed Under: fitness, health, running Tagged: 5 miler, bling, Gone for a Run, road shark, running, virtual race

All 4 Run: Virtual Run Recap + 4th of July

July 6, 2015 by Heather

I completed my “All 4 Run” virtual race this past weekend. Gone for a RUN put on yet another fun race with a great shirt and medal included. I ran on Friday July 3rd because I knew the 4th would be pretty busy!

It was a hot morning and I didn’t get started until mid morning. I’m really not sure why I thought this time frame was a good idea.

I ran one of my favorite routes in a nearby neighborhood and tried to find some shade. It was tough and hilly, but I got it done! Of course I had to dress the patriotic part, too. While my time didn’t reflect a race pace, I am glad I had a fun event of my own to participate in.

I really enjoyed doing this run. I decided not to run our local 4th of July 5k because it’s very hot and very crowded, and we had two parties to attend that day so this worked out better for me. I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend and that you were able to get a race or a run in!

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On the 4th of July, we had two fun parties to go to. Our life group at church had a lunch get together, and our neighborhood had a dinner potluck plus fireworks. It was fun to have a full day of hanging out with friends and meeting some of my neighbors (we have a pretty big neighborhood so a ton of people I don’t know).

Emma Kate’s shoes stayed on for about 2.5 minutes. Oh well. I got to wear my flag sandals that I wear exactly one time per year.

QOTD: Have you ever participated in a virtual run?

As a Gone for a run Ambassador, I received free entry into the virtual race.

Filed Under: fitness, Race Recaps, running, running gear Tagged: 4th of July, Gone for a Run, holiday, virtual race

4th of July Plans + Virtual Race

June 15, 2015 by Heather

I love holidays, so in my mind it’s never too early to start planning for the 4th of July! This year we have a lot going on, but I’m really excited.

First of all, Gone for a RUN is hosting another great virtual run. This one is a four mile race. Just sign up, receive your race packet in the mail, and run, walk, or crawl the 4 miles on the course of your choice during the race window. In exchange you will receive a REAL finisher’s medal! You will also get a race shirt (either a Women’s Athletic Tank Top, Men’s Lifestyle Tee or Youth Short Sleeve Tee), real race bib (no downloads!) and a car magnet.

Race will be held July 2nd-5th.
In order to ship your race packet in time for the race, please register by June 22nd. Here is a close up of the medal. I love it!

If my quad is cooperating, then I plan to run the local Watermelon 5k in Jackson. It’s a big fun race but it’s going to be super hot I’m sure so we will see what happens.

Also, our life group from church is having a 4th of July party. We will have BBQ, slip n slide for the kids, and everyone is dressing up in their red, white, and blue. It’s going to be so much fun, I can’t wait. I love dressing up for themed parties so this is right up my alley. Here are a couple photos from years past:

QOTD: What are you doing for 4th of July?

Disclosure: as a Gone for a RUN ambassador I received a free entry into this race, however all opinions are my own.

Filed Under: blogging, family, fitness, holidays, running Tagged: 4th of July, 5k, Gone for a Run, holiday, running, virtual race

Mommy’s Future Running Partner

January 21, 2015 by Heather

Gone for a RUN sent me a cute baby shirt and hat for Emma Kate before she was born. They are still a little big on her, but I thought it was time for her to try them on so I could tell you about them!

The shirt is super soft and of a really nice material and it washes well. It’s a little bit on the boxy side for my long, lean baby, and the sleeves are a little long but I’m sure it will fit her better soon.

Gone for a RUN has a huge line of baby shirts and gear with adorable sayings on them. (Thing socks, hats, onesies, bibs).

Speaking of hats, the hat they sent me is adorable and stretchy and great for chilly stroller runs. All of the items they sell are at a great price point, too!

I can’t wait to start bringing Emma Kate to races and putting her into more cute running related clothing! Speaking of bringing EK out to races, the weather here has been great and Emma Kate rode in the stroller for a walk the “right” way for the first time the other day!

I can’t wait until I can run with her sitting up like this! It’s going to be fun!

QOTD: Does you baby own any running related gear/clothing? Do you plan to buy them some when you have kids?

Filed Under: baby, blogging, fitness, running, running gear Tagged: babby jogger, baby, emma kate, Gone for a Run, running