Trying to figure out what to eat on the run sometimes seems to be one of the great mysteries of the world. So, I am excited that the topic for today's Tuesdays on the Run link up is how to fuel your run. Patty, April, and I are looking forward to hearing how others fuel. I can't wait to hear everyone's solutions. Despite having run 13 half marathons in 2013 and 15 half marathons in 2014, I still don't have it down to a science. I know what works for me *most* of the time, but even my tried and true sometimes fails me. The key thing though, is this is what works for my body. It might not work for you. Before I'm super boring. I eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before nearly every single long run and race. For … [Read more...]
Tommie Copper Review and Giveaway
I got my first items to review from Tommie Copper quite a while ago. They sent me a set of calf sleeves and ankle sleeves. At the time, I immediately fell in love with the calf sleeves. They may have been the very first piece of compression gear I owned. More than 2 years later, I still love them and they are holding up well to tons of washing (I never put my compression stuff in the dryer). I didn't think I liked the ankle sleeves, but I ended up using them quite a bit when my right achilles was being crabby. Flash forward, when I started putting together my Lucky 13 giveaways this spring, Tommie Copper was generous enough to not only offer a pair of sleeves or socks to one of you, they were also willing to send me a few items … [Read more...]
Subway #pileontheveggies, Maleficent and a Giveaway
I've never made a secret of my love for Subway as a recovery food. I had a Subway sandwich after every single race the first time I ran 5 half marathons in 5 days. I loved that I could put a ton of veggies on my sandwich. In fact, that's the main reason I like Subway: the sheer number of veggie options. My kids seem to have inherited my love for Subway as well (or perhaps it's that they've seen me eat it so often...) We don't go to movies often during the school year, but in the summer, hitting the movie theater on a hot day is just the thing. Use someone else's air conditioning while being entertained? Yes please! So, I convinced the boys to go with me to see Maleficent. They weren't exactly excited after hearing it was … [Read more...]
Skirt Sports Happy Girl review and Lucky 13 Final Giveaway!
I began my pursuit of a running skirt about two years ago. I didn't consider myself a skirt girl (I'm so not a girly girl) and I certainly was never going to be one of those girls who wore skirts and knee socks for running. (Ha) But I was having a hard time finding shorts that worked for longer distances. They either rode up or were too short to begin with. After a lot of trial and error with different brands and styles, I landed on the Happy Hour Skirt by Skirt Sports and I knew I'd found my answer. Mostly. I really liked the Happy Hour skirt. It was longer than most skirts and the compression shorts stayed put when I ran. It was totally functional and absolutely comfortable and I felt good running in it. And then I discovered … [Read more...]
Bondi Band review and giveaway
I adore Bondi Bands! I was given my first one back after I finished my first marathon and totally fell in love with their versatility. So when SweatPink gave me the opportunity to get a new band and give a couple away, I jumped on it, because, obviously, I don't have enough (and I'm pretty sure I actually have a couple more...) Here's what Bondi Band has to say about their product: Bondi Bands are great for women, men, girls and boys! Bondi Bands are composed of a unique blend of nylon, lycra, and spandex. The result is a stretchy yet form fitting band that holds up under the toughest hair styles and types. Bondi Band also gives back. Each year they donate 10% of their pretax profits to chairty. Their current charity is the … [Read more...]
Lucky 13 Giveaway #12: Fitletic Mini Sport Belt
Half Marathon #12 in 79 days is done! It kind of sucked (ok, it really sucked) but one more down. Today's giveaway is for a Fitletic Mini Sport Belt! I'll be honest, I've never used this belt. I don't like anything around my waist. Here's how it's described on their website: • Stretchy Lycra pocket for phone and essentials • Fits Most Phones, including iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S4 • Interior Pocket to secure ID /Cash • Ultra Soft Dual-Adjust Waistbelt - See more at: http://www.fitletic.com/lycra-mini-sport-belt.html#sthash.0m6ewy43.dpuf I do have their armband phone holder and LOVE it! I use it all the time to hold my cell phone (and sometimes I even wear it instead of a purse when I'm not running. Yes, I'm a … [Read more...]
Happy Memorial Day + Altra winner
Thank you to all who have served and all who are currently serving! Especially thank you to my two favorite Vets... And Congratulations Kristen at Exploring Domesticity! You've won a pair of Altra shoes. Email me at mcmmamaruns at gmail.com and we'll coordinate your shoe order. … [Read more...]
Savor, FitFoodie Rock My Run, a winner, and 20% off
Woo, that's quite a title! But seriously, so much going on that I needed a catch all post! Today is the marathon of the craft beer world! It's like Marine Corps used to be - you have to be fast with the fingers to get tickets. What am I talking about? SAVOR! If you've been around for a while, you know that Beer Geek and I love this event. It's a chance to meet brewers and owners of craft breweries, while having the opportunity to try out new beers and sample yummy foods. Like a marathon, even if you are well trained and take it slow (AKA hydrate like crazy), there will be "soreness" tomorrow. Thankfully, my Mother's Day present from Beer Geek and the boys is a day in the house by myself. ;o) Now let's talk music! As you … [Read more...]
Altra Intuition Review and Lucky 13 Giveaway #10
In the last 7 weeks, I have run 10 half marathons! 9 of those were run in the Altra Intuition 1.5. If you've been around for a while, you know I've been on the search for the "perfect" shoe. I've gone from a standard high drop shoe all the way down to the Vibram Five Fingers and now I'm on my way back to cushion. While I've come to the conclusion that there really is no perfect shoe, I've found that the Altra Intuition is definitely the best for my feet. Why? Because of the combination of Zero Drop and cushioning. From their website: Altra shoes are unique in the marketplace because they combine a zero drop sole and barefoot foot positioning with the structure and cushioning of a traditional running shoe. ALTRA's core … [Read more...]
Lucky 13 Giveaway #9: Lift Your Sole charm/necklace
Half Marathon #9 in 79 days is done! It wasn't my best race ever, but it's done. Today's giveaway is for a "Live Love Run" charm and leather cord from Lift Your Sole . I first met Jill from Lift Your Sole back 2010. I love her jewelry and I had the pleasure of meeting her at an expo and she was super sweet. In fact, she sent me a personalized charm shortly after our meeting, which I reviewed here. In addition to the charm Jill made just for me, I have a couple of other charms from her: Run Happy and courage/26.2. I have combined them all on a cord and it is probably my most worn piece of jewelry (other than my wedding ring and earrings that I never take off...) The quality is awesome and I love how personal the necklace … [Read more...]
#BostonStrong, recovery day and Lucky 13 winners
Today is the Boston Marathon. Today, runners will line up at the start line to take back the race that ended in such a horrific way last year. Today, runners across the nation will wear their running shoes to work and run miles to dedicate to Boston. Today, I will be cheering from afar as many of my friends line up to race. I may never run Boston, but today I will watch and cheer as we take "our" race back. Today, we are all #BostonStrong. Today, I will also be recovering from my adventures of last week. Amazingly, my body feels great. I've run two short runs since Wednesday and my legs felt completely recovered on both. Mentally, though, I'm still recovering. Running my A races, all back to back, and finishing with a PR in … [Read more...]
Lucky 13 Giveaway #4+
My first of five half marathons in five days is done! Kentucky is done! It was hard, but I'll give you the details in a few days. I'm just happy I finished it. Since I'm going to be a little busy running for the next few days, I decided to combine the giveaways for the five races. So, there will be five items and five winners!!! These are all items that I love! I'm so glad I get to share them with my readers! 1. Two tubes of Nuun (winner's choice of flavor) + a Nuun water bottle - we all know I drink a lot of Nuun. A lot! 2. Two pairs of Feetures socks (winner's choice) - I've recently started running in these socks when I don't have on compression socks and I LOVE them. I've had no issues - no blisters, no bunching, no … [Read more...]
