Inspiration on the Track {#LiveUnlimited}

It takes 14 laps around the indoor track at the Central YMCA to reach a mile. Not only does the short distance make for a tedious run, the camber of the track can make it hard on the legs. It’s only if you can secure the inside loop (and have strong math skills) that a run can be anything close to enjoyable.

So on days that I’ve found myself relegated indoors to log my miles, I head from the locker room straight to my favorite treadmill – the second from the left, first row, right under the TV that plays Rachael Ray.

But as I walk past the track, I see him. Him. I don’t know his name, much less his story, but I know his face. I recognize gait, even out of the corner of my eye. I can see his salt-and-pepper hair bounce as he takes a step. His cotton T-shirt tucked into his basketball shorts.

Every morning, it seems, he is there running loop after loop on the track. He keeps a steady pace as he goes for at least an hour – I’ve never seen him start.

And, I have never, ever seen him stop.

There are people, I am sure, who would be keen to tell him that he needed to, though. From his posture to the way his feet hit the rubber of the track, one can assume that he has challenges. While running isn’t easy for any of us, he has a harder time. Some people might tell him that he doesn’t need to put the stress on his body. He should take it easy.

But he’s there, day after day, and he inspires me each time that I see him to #LiveUnlimited. Because the ability and freedom to do everyday things like run, walk, hug, talk and breathe are not to be taken for granted.

Now through July 31, the Muscular Dystrophy Association wants to spread the word about the families who live with MD, ALS and other muscle-debilitating diseases who do amazing things and show us how to live unlimited. Each day is one in which they overcome challenges, doubts and obstacles but they don’t let those things limit them.

They #LiveUnlimited.

In honor of the campaign, you can go to MDA.org/LiveUnlimited and create a custom graphic to show you #LiveUnlimited. If you share it on social media, a generous sponsor will donate $1 to MDA up to $30,000.

That’s not all, though. The MDA has teamed up with Endorphin Warrior, which created this rad #LiveUnlimitedbracelet. Endorphin Warrior will donate $6 to MDA for every bracelet sold.

A photo posted by Kimberly (@foot.notes) on Jun 29, 2016 at 2:28pm PDT

Do you want to break free? The MDA and Endorphin Warrior want to inspire you to #LiveUnlimited and as a thank you for sharing this campaign, I have a bracelet to share with a reader. The bracelet, with a brown leather band and silver plate, is a size medium (7.5).

Enter using the widget below.

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Do You Have What It Takes? {Spartan Giveaway}

Scenario: You've been running for a bit of time and you decide you want to run a marathon. You do your research, select a race and register. Now it's time to train! You do a web search and find more than 3.5 million results, among which are legitimate plans, tips for running your first race and opportunities to hire a coach.

Scenario: You've been running for some time, and you decide that you need to switch things up. Maybe you've been loving your CrossFit workouts or the challenge of the trails, and as such think an off-road, obstacle race would be equal parts hard as hell, fun and rewarding. You do your research, settle on a Spartan race and register. Now it's time to train!

Just one thing: Finding a training plan for an obstacle race isn't always as simple as doing a search on Google or asking your BRF how she trained for her last race. 

Obstacle races require agility, strength, power, endurance and running. Most training plans, though, only address one or two of those things – three at best. Someone who is dipping her toes into the OCR could feel lost and unprepared and without proper training, one risks injury.

And that's why I was so intrigued when Spartan Race Inc. reached out to me about a new book from Joe DeSena, the creator of the Spartan race series. {Preorder HERE}

The book will be released this summer, and it offers training plans, exercises, meal tips and strategiesto get in the right mindset for those who want to not only participate in a Spartan race but dominate it. 

Look, if being fit were as easy as having a list of the right exercises, the Internet would have ended the obesity crisis. There are a gazillion exercise programs out there! The team at Spartan Race posts a new workout every day — it’s all there, it’s all free. We have all this information at our fingertips. Lack of information isn’t your main obstacle. Your main obstacle is you. You are also your greatest opportunity. And that’s as true for me as it is for anyone. The purpose of this book is to help you overcome any physical or mental obstacle — and to achieve the opportunity that lives inside of you. To become Spartan Fit.

Spartan Fit? What does that even mean?

Spartan Fit means you are a well-rounded athlete.

Spartan Fit means that you incorporate functional movements like squats and lunges.

Spartan Fit means that you don't shy away from a burpee or a box jump.

Spartan Fit means that you train for whatever challenge – athletic or otherwise – comes your way.

   

And challenges there are. Spartan offers three distance – the Sprint, 3 miles with 20 obstacles; the Super, 8 miles and 24 obstacles; and the Beast, 12 miles and 30 obstacles. For the even more adventurous, there is also the Ultra Beast, which is 26 miles and 60 obstacles. You know, because a marathon isn't hard enough. The Hurricane Heat is a timed race where teamwork, not an individual finish, is the focus. The Heat is three to four hours but there is a 12-hour endurance version. In June, the most devoted Spartan racers can tackle the Agoge 60: 48-hour (winter) or 60-hour (summer) event that builds physical, tactical, mental, and team-based strength through training, testing, and evaluation  

Do you think you have what it takes? Well, you are in luck. Spartan Race Inc. has generously offered one Healthy Strides a reader an entry into the Spartan Race of his/her choice. To enter, use the widget below. Readers can also save 10 percent on an race entry by using the code SPARTANBLOGGER.

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In the Lite of Dawn {Product Review + Giveaway}

The plan was in place. We would meet at 6:30 a.m. and run a 6-mile loop. At 7:30, we'd return (hopefully) to our cars and meet the rest of the clan for 9 more miles. A total of 15 miles for Joe and me, the longest run of this training cycle and a cutback week for him (he's training for a 50-miler).

It would going to be cold and dark, though, he warned. We would definitely need tights and headlamps.

Well, he would need a headlamp. I had something potentially better – RunLites.

RunLites are gloves with "built-in" lights for runners, cyclists and general outdoor enthusiasts. Why the quotes around "built-in"? Well, the lights are in pockets on the top of the glove and can be flipped out and removed for washing or charging purposes.

Now, back to the gloves. RunLites have two brightness settings (the max 40 lumens per glove), have a battery life of 48 hours, are made of a breathable fabric and feature a palm pocket with safety strap. They are available in full and half length, the latter of which I chose.

So, basically, they look like a cycling glove with small bungee cords on the bottom for storing a license/ID, gels or car keys.

Now, my Saturday-morning run wasn't the first go-round with the RunLites. I've actually worn them for about a month. I've taken them on early long runs and when I met my BRF in the morning. It's still too cold for me to take my bike out so that was a no go. And, I also made the mistake of wearing them at home to look for something under the couch (because ... yeah), and it caused some serious issues with an inquisitive child.

The Saturday run also won't be the last time I run with them, either. But, they won't necessarily replace other illumination products I have.

Here's the rundown:

Pros
• The gloves' lights are charged via a USB cord. There's no need to hunt down batteries or steal them from your kids' toys.

• The battery life is legit. I have only had to charge the gloves once since using them.

• The gloves are comfortable, and I have not had any experience with them chafing nor with them become ridiculously wet.

• The lights are fairly bright, and I love being able to wave them toward an oncoming car to let them know I am approaching.

• The thumb of the glove is terry cloth – perfect for wiping your nose.

• At $34.99 a pair for the half-glove, RunLites are comparable in price to other illumination products.

Cons
• The gloves are charged via a USB cord, and the gloves only come with one. One cord, two gloves. It requires some planning and, if you forget to charge them, you are a SOL when you are headed out the door.

• I have yet to figure out how to tell whether the gloves are fully charged.

• KnuckleLights are brighter by 5 lumens, and they just seem to offer more illumination. The KnuckleLights also have a strobe setting, and the RunLites do not have. While the strobe setting isn't always great for seeing twigs on the path, it is great for safety.

• The gloves are to see not to be seen and do not replace other night running gear, such as reflective vests/clothing. It would be nice to have a product that served multiple functions rather than adding one more item to the list of gear to grab – especially when you're coffee hasn't kicked in and the sun hasn't risen.

• The half gloves work perfectly for the fall and spring when it's chilly but not cold. However, I can't imagine wearing them when it's hot outside. Then again, I don't like wearing KunckleLights when it's 70 degrees and 90 percent humidity at 5 a.m.

Want to light up the night? RunLites is offering one Healthy Strides reader a pair of her own. Enter using the widget below.

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Be Your Breast Self {Title Nine Giveaway}

Up until last year, I thought sports bras came in three sizes – small, medium and large. Or, for the fancy stores, there were five or six with sizes on either spectrum getting an "x" in front of the letter.

It was when I got pregnant for the second time that I not only learned that there as many sizes as there are styles but there is such a need. Going from a 34A to 34D seemingly overnight, I could no longer wear the minimum support styles tjhat I had bought more for fashion than function. After all, wearing a bra at that size was more of a formality and social convention than anything else.

I felt a bit lost when looking for a new style but it was the kind followers on Facebook who directed me to Moving Comfort, specifically to the Juno and Fiona styles. I found some on sale online and guessed my size.

Yes, guessed – because that's how you size bras.

Most women wear the wrong size sports bra and the average size is 36C. A number and a letter, ladies – not small, medium and large. But more than that, most sports bras are made for A/B cups.

To get in the right bra, it is so important to go to your running store and get fitted just as you would for a pair of shoes. After all, why would you treat your feet better than your boobs?

That's where Title Nine comes in.

Title Nine is a retailer with brick-and-mortar stores in more than 20 cities and an impressive website, offering not just sports bras but everything the active woman needs. They’ve tested thousands of bras and found just the right ones to support our workouts and our curves, whether you’re a 32AA or a 40EEE. Title Nine uses their expert bra fit specialists ­– bravangelists ­– to get women in the right bras.

The company recently offered me the chance to speak with one of their bravangelists. As there are no Title Nine stores near me, I spoke with Marsha over the phone. She and I had set up a time via email (8:30 p.m., a time I appreciated as both kids were in bed) and she called me promptly. We chatted about what bras I was wearing, what size I had been buying (and how it felt), what activities I participated in and what my needs were.

Sports bra shoppers can also go to Title Nine's Bra Genie to find the right bra.

In short order: Juno (x2), Fiona (x1) and Vixen (x1); 34D and good (I had later measured via a tutorial); running; and nursing.

One might not think about factoring in breastfeeding but as Marsha and I discussed, it plays a big part. My size is not consistent – not just day to day but from the start of the run to the end. I also need to be available to offer some "swoob" (sweaty boob) the minute I walk in the door.

Marsha was prepared to help me and, as fate would have it, she was ready to suggest the Juno. But, as I have two, she wanted to give me the chance to try something different. While I love the Juno, I really appreciated the option to go in a different direction. It can be tough, she said, to find something in the D-DD range that will keep you in place but she had ideas. Among her suggestions were the Tech Athena and the Moving Comfort Jubralee.

Just one thing – she didn't actually call it the Jubralee but rather the Booby Trap. As those who have shopped at Title Nine have discovered, the store doesn't list the styles in the same way as the manufacturers. I think this is a bit confusing but Marsha said it was to avoid copyright/licensing/legal mumbo jumbo-type issues. (That last part is all me, not her.)

There were merits to each bra but the features she stressed for me were adjustable straps to accommodate size fluctuations and compression/support. Racerback styles, like the Juno, offer more front compression than a sports bra with two straps like a traditional bra. The Jubralee offers three rows of hook-and-eye closures to adjust band size and the straps can be adjusted thanks to Velcro and a loop on the front of the bra.

The strap feature might seem different given how we adjust traditional bras but it is so awesome. Seriously. One, if you feel chafing during a run, you can stop, pause your GPS and adjust quickly and discretely. There's no struggle to reach behind your back. Two, you can release the cups of the bra from the straps and fold it down for easy nursing. It's swoob for days, I tell you. And, I can nurse Si at daycare before a pre-work run without showing a room full of 5-year-olds the goods.

Just keeping it real, y'all.

Before you think it's silly to invest in a good sports bra when I won't be nursing forever (hopefully), think on this: your sports bra shouldn't have a birthday. If you bought one last summer and are still wearing it now, you might want to think about getting another one. And if you are still wearing the sports bra you bought when you first started running, you really need to get a new one.

Like now.

And I can help.

Title Nine is offering one reader a chance to have her own bra fitting and receive the proper bra. Yes, that's a free sports bra for you.

Enter using the widget below.

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Please note that readers living near a Title Nine store will do the fitting there. If there's not a Title Nine near you, you will have the chance to do a fitting chat and order from the website.

Disclosure: I received a free sports bra in exchange for this post but I did receive additional compensation. All opinions are my own.

Summer Running Essentials {Giveaway}

I was a mile into my run and already dripping. From my brow, my cheeks, my arms as they flapped in the stale air. I tried to wipe my face with the bottom of my shirt mid-stride but it did little to ease the situation.

I needed water.

There was a fountain up ahead, and I pumped my arms up the tiny hill to get to the park. The two minutes it took to get there seemed like an eternity as the sun shone high from the sky, even at 8:45.

I tried not to gulp the cool water coming from the fountain. Sip, sip, wait. Sip, sip, wait. As I paused, I glanced down at my phone and checked the weather. 74 degrees, 66 percent humidity and a dewpoint of 62. According to a chart my friend shared, the conditions were equivalent to running in a monsoon and would negatively affect my run by 175%. I'm not so sure I buy it but another chart I saw said I would run 1:05 slower per mile in the conditions.

But I didn't need numbers to tell me something I already knew: This was summer running at its finest.

It seems, as runners, that we get two good seasons – fall and winter – and two seasons that make us work. Winter requires us to layer up, find the best insulated tights, search for a well-fitting hat and seek solutions to slippery trails.

Summer, though, is not so much about the best clothes. Many of us can get by with a good pair of shorts, supportive bra (current favorite: Moving Comfort Juno, which is on sale!) and tank. To get through the hot season, we require gear that keeps us healthy, safe and happy.

My essentials:

Pro Compression low socks. I sweat from head to toe, literally. Factor in puddles from summer storms, and my shoes and socks can be wrung out at the end of the run. Such conditions make it imperative to have a good pair of socks. Socks that wick moisture. Socks that hug the foot without being too tight. Socks that don't slip, move or bunch. Socks like the Pro Compression trainers.

Why is it so important? An ill-fitting sock can rub, chafe and cause blisters in dry conditions. The damage will be that much worse on sweaty, wet feet.

Pro Compression trainers hit me slightly above the ankle, keeping the back of the shoe from rubbing the skin. The socks feature a built-in "Stabilizer Zone," which promotes balance and support; a non-slip design to keep your sock in place; and advanced materials for maximum comfort and moisture control. The icing on the cake? They are made in the USA.

The low trainers come in 13 colors and at $25 for two pairs, they are comparable to other running socks.

Looking for something a little different? Pro Compression also has the PC Runner, a premium running sock that is lightweight, durable and extremely breathable. As for the style, it's what you have come to expect from the creative folks at Pro. Translation: They are flipping fabulous.

Nuun. According to  Owen Barder, author of "Running for Fitness," you will generally lose around 17 ounces during an hour run, or 8.5 ounces during a 30-minute run. [Source] People who are heavy sweaters can lose more water during that time period. Hot, humid conditions can also increase fluid loss, making it imperative to stay hydrated – even on those 30-minute runs. Nuun has an optimal blend of electrolytes that will help keep you hydrated. And, it tastes great. Before a summer run, I prepare a bottle of Nuun to drink while I get ready and a second to take on the outing.

Naawk. There seems to be some debate over whether you really need sunscreen but as someone who is fair-skinned and red-headed, I burn easily. Burning = Bad. I've tried a lot of sunscreens in my life but none have compared to Naawk. I was first introduced to the brand when I ran Hood to Coast, and I have loved it since. At our house, we have a bottle of sunscreen in the stroller, in the diaper bag, in the trunk of each car and in the bathroom. We are never without it. I'm a particular fan of the continuous spray SPF 30. It's not greasy and it smells good. I also like that I don't have to goop up my hands. Why? Take a gel 45 minutes into a long run and get back to me. Naawk also has an eco-friendly sunscreen pouch with a carabiner – perfect for clipping on a backpack when you go hiking or on the diaper bag for a day at the pool.

Now for the giveaway!

One lucky reader will win a pair of Pro Compression PC Runner socks, along with a betty designs Nuun bottle, two tubes of Nuun (watermelon and strawberry lemonade) and, count them, three bottles of continuous-spray Naawk sunscreen. Enter using the widget below.

Remember, you can always save 40 percent on Pro Compression marathon socks and sleeves using the code PRO15. Save 42 percent sitewide, even on low trainers and PC Runners, this month with the code JUNE.

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Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this post. Pro Compression is providing the PC Runners to the winner and Naawk provided me with sunscreen to share as I saw fit. The Nuun bottle and tubes of Nuun are provided by me because I love you all so much. A big thanks to Pro Compression for supporting this giveaway.

Celebrating Moms with For Two Fitness Giveaway

I normally don't share posts like this but I want y'all to know about this giveaway. It is awesome – even for the non-moms. Wait. Maybe I don't want you to know about it. I guess it's too late, though. So without further adieu ... 

I am thrilled to partner with For Two Fitness for an amazing post-Mother’s Day giveaway. If you recall, I wore For Two Fitness apparel through my pregnancy with Baby #2 and they quickly became my absolutely favorite maternity fitness apparel brand. For Two Fitness is running a phenomenal giveaway for the new mom or mom-to-be. Read the details below.

This year, For Two Fitness is celebrating Mother’s Day all week! We are so thankful to YOU – our community, customers, friends, moms and moms-to-be. To express its thanks, it are hosting a huge giveaway this week in partnership with some amazing brands and its ambassadors. The Grand Prize is valued at more than $1,000.  There are phenomenal prizes, from Joovy, Garmin, Feetures, Sara Haley and us, For Two Fitness – all facets of your fit mom lifestyle are in this prize pack!

Grand Prize Giveaway items:

●     Joovy Zoom 360 Jogging Stroller

●     Garmin Forerunner 910XT GPS with Heart Rate Monitor

●     Feetures Graduated Compression Socks

●     Sara Haley’s Expecting More and Sweat UNLIMITED workout DVDs

●     For Two Fitness maternity fitness outfit (top and bottom of winner’s

choice)

This contest runs through midnight on Friday, May 15.

 

Be sure to follow all the contest co-hosts on Instagram:

●     Jessica from 30 Something Mother Runner

●     Gina from Fitnessista

●     Kelly from Cupcake Kelly’s

●     Meg from Skinny Meg

●     Katie from Healthy Diva Eats

Visit For Two Fitness’ Blog to enter! Thanks for celebrating Mother’s Week with us!  Good Luck!!

Disclosure: I have not been compensated for this post nor required to share it. However, as an ambassador for For Two Fitness, sharing the giveaway does make me eligible to enter a random drawing for a cash prize. And cash would be good right about now. Thanks for reading and your understanding. 

Stocking Stuffers for Runners {+ Awesome Giveaway}

"Are we doing stockings this year?" Mark asked.

I was putting the finishing touches on the mantle, my favorite thing to decorate for the holidays. There was a reindeer basket overflowing with fragrant potpurri and a string of frosted cranberries that ran along the length. Two silver snowflakes held knitted stockings and, from the arm of a snowman, hung a third stocking. They were empty — for now — a fact confirmed by a curious Miles.

"Yes. Of course we are," I said as I toyed with the cranberries.

I should admit that, for me, stocking stuffers are easy. I buy Mark copious amounts of Reese's trees and a sample size cologne. Miles gets a Tootsie Roll bank (family tradition) and an ornament. All it takes is one trip to Target.

For Mark, it means another round of presents — not that either of us mind, though maybe I shouldn't speak for him. I like to receive gifts, he likes to give them and all it really takes is a trip to my favorite running store. As I told him this year, he wouldn't even have to browse — he just had to talk to my favorite girls and they could do it for him.

But for those looking to get stocking stuffers for their favorite runners, here are my top picks.

Note: I don't want to see any eye rolling — below will be one of the raddest Healthy Strides giveaways ever. 

Pro Compression socks. Where fashion meets function, these socks are a staple in my running wardrobe. I wear the trainers for everyday runs and workouts, and the marathon socks come out for long runs and recovery. When it's cold, the tall socks double as a way to keep my lower extremities warm and my feet dry. And they are cute.

So, so, so cute.

Remember that you can save 40 percent on marathon socks and sleeves with the code BLG14. And the trainers are such a good — deal $25 for two pairs, which means the recipient will be doubly as happy or you can keep one for yourself. I won't tell.

Nuun. Even though training might be winding down for a lot of people, Nuun is never out of season. I drink my favorite (non-caffeinated) flavors year-round, whether I'm running on the treadmill, teaching a class or just trying to keep myself hydrated. And, at the office, I'm drinking Nuun All-Day. It has zero sugar, less than 8 calories per tab, and an all-natural blend of 17 vitamins and minerals. It comes in 4 flavors: Grapefruit Orange, Tangerine Lime, Blueberry Pomegranate, and Grape Raspberry. A tube of Nuun — or four — will easily fit in a stocking.

NAAWK. Tell me this: Have you ever actually used an entire tube of lip balm before losing it? Yeah. Me neither. If I don't lose it, someone either takes it or it gets washed in my pants. It's why I bought six — yes, six — tubes of my favorite lip balm, NAAWK, before the season started. I keep one in my car, one in my purse, one in my desk and one in my gym bag. I also have spares around the house for when Mark's "lips hurt real bad." (Name that movie quote!) Why NAAWK? "NAAWK is a lifestyle driven brand that meets the needs of an active, outdoor enthusiast. NAAWK sun care products are specifically designed with this environment in mind, offering the best skin and sun care products available," the website reads. And, for me, I just think they are awesome.

Road ID. Safety — there's no better gift than that. A Road ID bracelet is a $20 insurance policy in the event that something happens when your runner is out on the road. Pick out a new style or give a gift card and you'll give yourself peace of mind.

Now ... for the details on the giveaway.

• There will be three winners.
• Winner No. 1 will receive a pair of Pro Compression marathon socks or sleeves and a $30 gift card to Road ID.
• Winner No. 2 will receive a mixed four-pack of Nuun All-Day and a $20 Road ID gift card.
• Winner No. 3 will receive a gift pack from NAAWK, including continuous spray sun screen, travel-size hand and body lotion, zinc stick and lip balm; and a $20 Road ID gift card. 
• Winners will be selected by a random generator. The first name selected will receive the Pro Compression prize, the second name will receive the Nuun and the third will receive the Naawk. 
• Pro Compression, Nuun and NAAWK are providing prizes for this giveaway, and the Road ID gifts were ordered by me with referral credits. I was not compensated for this post. 

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Becoming a Warrior: A giveaway

Relentless.

If I inspire to be anything, it is relentless. In training, in racing, in pursuit of life goals, I want to be relentless. And so it was a given that I would pick that word to adorn my Endorphin Warrior bracelet.

The bracelets were part of an amazing swag bag that I received at Nuun headquarters before Hood to Coast. We're talking Oiselle team shirts and jacket, Swiftwick socks, Barlean's fish oil, Naawk sunscreen and a Tiger Tail here. However, the Endorphin Warrior bracelet might have been one of the items I anticipated most as I had always wanted one after seeing them in the blog world.

From the Endorphin Warrior site:

At Endorphin Warrior, our aim is to help you train, perform and live with greater strength of body and mind. We make products with positive and powerful messaging to wear while running, cycling, working out, sweating, racing - or all day long - to help you stay strong-minded and focused...and help you train harder, improve performance, overcome challenges, achieve your goals and live stronger.

I wore the bracelet for every leg of HTC and in that last 4 miles, when I was pushing my hardest, I would glance down and remind myself to be relentless in my pursuit of a strong finish.

The bracelet is comfortable to wear during physical activities - no different than a RoadID. I've worn it nearly every day since HTC, including during the Oak Brook Half Marathon. I love the leather band and the constant reminder to remain fearless and positive (and relentless) in pursuit of my goals. To quote what one of my teammates, who was on the elite team, "What we think is what we become."

And I think I'm going to be relentless.

What will you be? It's a good question to ask since Endorphin Warrior has been kind enough to offer a bracelet to one of my readers.

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Also, the code "HydrateHTC" is good for 15 percent off at Nuun.com through the end of the month.

Hydration heroics: A giveaway

I remember my first time quite vividly.

I was in the not-so-posh Motown Inn outside Dearborn, Mich. There were views of railroad tracks, stains on the carpet and a cathode tube television. I was tired, thirsty and knew the booze the front desk clerk had offered procure me wouldn't be the best choice with the Martian Invasion half marathon the next day.

And so I grabbed a tablet of strawberry lemonade nuun out of my purse and plopped it in a bottle of water. I watched it fizz. And fizz. After the requisite two minutes, I took my first drink.

I wish I could tell you that it was love at first taste but whether it was the stale hotel air or the variety, I found myself diluting it to choke it down.

I ran a great race the next day. Really great, actually. It's the closest I've come to an official sub-2 since having Miles. Even still, I found myself mailing off the remaining tablets to Bobbi, vowing that I would never buy it again.

But then I had trouble fueling during my training for the Columbus Marathon and added more classes to my schedule. The need to hydrate properly and eat appropriately became paramount and so I began to eye the nuun tubes in the running store. I longed to like them but was fearful that the experience would be just as bad as it was the first time. 

It wasn't until I received some samples in my Another Mother Runner purchase that I gave it a go. I started slowly, a half tab per bottle. I took small sips and waited for the bite. But it didn't come. The next day I tried a whole tab, cutting it only a bit. Still, the bite didn't come. Three days later, I was at Three Rivers Running Company buying a tube of lemon lime, which is one of my favorite flavors. It's been love ever since.

A little bit about nuun: Nuun Active Hydration is a line of electrolyte enhanced drink tablets designed to keep you optimally hydrated wherever your active lifestyle and athletic endeavors take you. You sweat, Nuun replenishes. Packed with electrolytes, light flavor, no sugars or carbs, and portable, Nuun Active Hydration is the perfect sports drink. The electrolytes found in Nuun will help alleviate cramps, help muscles function, communicate and burn energy efficiently.

Nuun also offers an All Day and U Natural lines, in addition to some pretty sweet accessories - I rocked a nuun tattoo for my Firecracker 4-miler.

And the point of all of this? Well, nuun is being so kin as to offer one reader a 4-pack of nuun in a flavor of his or her choice.

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. If you can't wait for your nuun, don't forget to use the code hydrateHTC as much as you want (through September).

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Get recharged: A giveaway

I was not happy about the 5 a.m. alarm this morning. I was even less happy when I woke up at 4:56 a.m. to go to the bathroom.

But I bargained with myself. As I only had 3-4 miles on the schedule, I could afford to get up a bit later. I reset the alarm to 5:20 a.m. and laid back down.

The catnap wasn't long - I ended up getting out of bed at 5:07 - but sometimes we just need a little something.

A little recharge, if you will.

Smoothie King recently launched a new, natural energy smoothie, Pure Recharge. It¹s made from whole coffee berry, green coffee bean, Vitamin B12 and gingko biloba. It comes in two flavors - Strawberry and Strawberry Mango - and each are less than 260 calories for 20 ounces. If any of you have been to Smoothie  King, you know that's a calorie bargain!

To celebrate, Smoothie King is kicking off its #NeedARecharge contest, honoring the everyday moments where regular people need a recharge of energy. From toddler tantrums to tiring traffic, the Smoothie King community will be encouraged to share images of their everyday extreme either on Instagram using hashtag #NeedaRecharge, or uploaded to Smoothie King's Facebook page. The grand prize winner will receive a $1,000 prepaid credit card to create their own special getaway to recharge their energy.

But it gets better. At least for those who live near one of the 600 Smoothie King locations. The smoothie bar and nutritional lifestyle center has generously offered to give one Healthy Strides reader a $50 gift card. Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post but did receive a gift card for tweeting about the #NeedARecharge gift card. All opinions are my own. 

Celebrate, err, good times: A giveaway

There's no great way to celebrate 32 - you know, if someone were to turn 32 years old.

A person could run 32 miles but that requires planning, training and time - lots of time. There's the option to run 32 kilometers but even that's more than 19 miles and requires endurance training and time. Throw a decimal in there and 3.2 miles is manageable but - meh - 3.2 miles. It'd be much more fun if you were 31 and wanted to PR a 5K.

Then there's the list-type celebration - 32 things to be grateful for, which by No. 31, would be that a toenail might make it to Wisconsin; or 32 things to accomplish this year but the person, not naming names, is usually just happy to have her teeth brushed before she leaves the house.

It can leave a person in quite the conundrum as she sips nuun and wonders whether birthdays are best for the 22K set. Or she could choose to celebrate with others by celebrating others.

And so it is with that in mind that I present you with the 3-2 birthday giveaway. There are three prizes for two people (six items total). This giveaway is provided by me, and the items are either unused "leftovers" from product reviews, things I've purchased or things I acquired at a phenomenally low rate with rebates. It is to celebrate you, the reader, for coming here and reading the words I spew.

So without further adieu, prize one:

A pair of Lock Laces, Nathan Sports TransWarmer Gloves (size medium) and SPIbelt. The items are each black, so it's like the Ninja of giveaways.

Prize two:

Vera Bradley tumbler, one tube of lemonade nuun and a $15 iTunes gift card.

I'm doing this is as a Rafflecopter, which makes it super easy, and I'm going to try to make this as effortless as possible. You know to celebrate you.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Note: Open to U.S. residents only (as I'm paying for shipping). Giveaway will end at midnight Wednesday, April 24, and winners will be contacted via email. If you are picked first, your email will give you first dibs on the prize that you want.

Spring? Spring? Where for out thou, Spring?

To be updated with more photos ...

As I flipped the calendar page to March, visions of early morning runs outdoors and family outings with the BOB danced in my head. I mentally unpacked my "seasonal" running clothes and dreamed of my offensively bright Nike Tempo shorts. Sunny, blue skies and paper white blooms colored my world.

And then I opened the door. To this.

I assure you that I'm not taking offense to my husband - at least today - but the 8 inches of snow Mother Nature decided to gift us last night. It was 8 inches of school-canceling, bring-out-the-crazy-driver foolishness that should not happen in March. January? Yes. February? OK. March? HELLS TO THE NO.

Even though Miles look incredibly cute and Oompa Loompa-esque in his snow pants - the first time we've had cause to bust them out all winter - I just want it all to go away. I want the mornings to be a balmy (and safe) 40 degrees. I want to wear thin sweaters and skirts. I want to show off my pedicure in flip-flops.

And most of all I want sun and the need to wear sunglasses.

The Sunglasses Shop, which offers designer sunglasses from companies such as Oakley and Ray-Ban, recently gave me the opportunity to try a pair of SXUC frames. I went with a pair of aviators in an attempt to feel cool. Or at least a smidge cooler than a tired mom who listened to the neighbor kids play in the street until 11:45 p.m.

The SXUC frames are sturdy and stylish and while maybe not the greatest style for me, I love them.

And you can, too. The Sunglasses Shop has offered one reader a pair of aviators of her very own. To enter, visit The Sunglasses Shop website and tell me which style is your favorite. Additional entries can be earned for following The Sunglasses Shop on Twitter, on Facebook and Google+. Leave a comment for each.

The contest is open to U.S. residents only and will end at midnight Wednesday, March 13. The winner will be announced Thursday, March 14, and she will have 72 hours to claim her prize via email.  Disclosure: I was given a pair of Sunglasses Shop at no cost but I was not compensated for this post and all opinions and words are my own.

WOW: Living in the moment

Eight more work hours till the weekend. Eating lunch while I plan next week's menu and grocery list. Sixteen  (or 17) miles until the training week is over. A week until payday. Thirty-six days till the Run the Bluegrass Marathon and celebrating with a Sweet & Sassy Redheads BabyCakes Cupcake.

Ten weeks till I get to spend a weekend with the girls for the Wisconsin half marathon "Go Epic or Have Fun" adventure. (Yes, this item gets a whole paragraph to itself.)

Sometimes, it feels like I am so busy planning the future that I forget to live in the now. It's a shame because the now is so amazing - a fresh dusting of snow, sunlight peeking through the sky and being entertained by the disappearing act of a Goldfish-fueled Great Miles Copperfield.

Manduka, purveyors of high performance yoga gear, was inspired this, the magic of living in the moment. Its new spring collection, NOW=WOW, features an array of functional yoga gear in fresh new colors such as Pop, Glow, and Breeze.

And even if you're not a yogi, the lineup is great for the fitness enthusiast. Mats for ab work, bags for heading to the gym and eQua Mat Towels for soaking up all the sweat. And let me tell you from experience, it's impossible not to live in the moment when you have salty drops burning in your eyes ☺

(OMG, I used an emoticon. Please shoot me.)

Manduka is encouraging people to live in the moment (without the burning pupils, I assume) with its #NowIsWow campaign. The digital campaign encourages the yoga (and fitness) community to take a pause and experience the moment - by celebrating life, reveling in nature and embracing the now. Every week Manduka will showcase a new color from the Spring line - in visual collage form - via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and its blog. Manduka will then ask the community to share an image of their own to celebrate life’s stunning moments, guided by that color. Fans can tag their photos on Instagram and Twitter using #NOWisWOW or upload on Facebook. For every entry, Manduka will donate $1 to yoga charity, Off The Mat, up to $1500.

Awesome, right?

This week's color is SHADE, a lovely shade of gray. Coincidence because Manduka is offering one reader an eQua Mat Towel of his/her own in SHADE, a $42 value, and it's a not so lovely gray outside.

To enter, leave a comment telling me how you live in the now.

For additional entries (leave a separate comment for each, indicating that you did so):

• Like the Manduka Facebook page
• Follow Manduka on Twitter
• Follow me on Twitter
• Tweet about the giveaway: I think the #NowIsWow and want to with an @MandukaYoga eQua mat towel from @healthy_strides. (Please include link to tweet in comment.)

Disclosure/disclaimer: Manduka sent me an eQua mat towel for my participation in the campaign but all opinions are my own. The giveaway begins Friday, Feb. 22 and will end Tuesday, Feb. 26. The winner will be announced on Wednesday and will have 72 hours to contact me via email or a new winner will be selected. Open to U.S. residents only.

Breaking tradition: A giveaway

Graham crackers with strawberry Laughing Cow Cream Cheese and sliced banana. Peanut butter and apple "sandwiches."

All of which sound delicious to me ... and all of which received an initial snub from the group of kids who come to the office once a week for tutoring.

But last week I really did it. Oh, lordy, did I do it. I blended 4 ounces of cream cheese with half of an avocado. The mixture was spread on a tortilla and topped with bite-size pieces of broccoli, zucchini and carrot, rolled up and cut in half. It looked insanely good to me but you would have thought I was giving them liver with applesauce on top. It was, hands down, the most rejected snack I've ever made.

I don't take their rejection personally as they'd much rather have a combination like goldfish crackers and ranch dressing or, better yet, Hot Cheetos and root beer but I did feel the urge to redeem myself this week.

I wasn't quite sure how I would do it, and do it on my terms, until I saw a recipe for Coconut Oil Rice Krispie Treats from Gimme Some Oven in my Google Reader. While the treats have more sugar than I prefer, my personal use of organic whole grain cereal and coconut oil, one of the hottest food trends of 2013, made me feel a bit less guilty.

I was recently given the chance to try coconut oil through Tropical Traditions' generous blogger program and thus had some on hand to try Ali's treats.

I combined the oil with butter, gingerbread marshmallows and cereal just as you would any other cereal treat. Genius got the best of me, and I scooped the mixture into a greased muffin pan rather than put it in a brownie pan. No cutting = no temptation to eat the crumbs.

I'd be lying if I said the kids jumped for joy when they saw the little cereal balls. In fact, I think I scared them so much with the veggie wraps that they would have been trepidation of a candy bar. However, with one bite, the kids were happy. One third-grader ate two, trading a Yoohoo for it, and a fifth-grader asked me for the recipe.

I'm pretty sure I struck gold - and not just with the label. And you can, too. Tropical Traditions will give one reader a 1-quart jar of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil! (Scroll down for Rafflecopter giveaway and rules.)

 

Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil?

You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:

Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Five things for Friday

I hate Valentine's Day.

There, I said it.

While society might tell me that as a woman - and a woman in love, at that - I am alone in this sentiment, I'm fairly certain that I'm not. The hoopla and anticipation always seem to lead to disappointment when the guy takes you to the wrong restaurant or your kid gets sick in the middle of the movie, requiring pickup, or your dog gets hit by a car. The cards are always far too cheesy for my cynical self and I firmly believe that the money would be better spent on an impromptu Starbucks delivery than something I feel inclined to throw away. And as far as the chocolates? Talk about mixed messages. We want to look hot and yet our husbands give us the means to put 10 pounds on our hips.

It's stupid. The whole dern holiday. And so I sort of hid from the world yesterday and moped in my cereal when Mark said we couldn't get Menchie's for dinner.

But anyway, a few things for the day since I skipped out on Three Things Thursday.

1. A guy loves it when you get his heart racing so I thought I would give Mark what he wanted yesterday. Well, sort of. His heart was racing - just not in the way he was expecting. I have something coming up that required me to put together a circuit workout, and I asked Mark if he would test it out with me. There were three circuits and three sets in each circuit. The sets were progressive so if you did squats in set one, you did sumo squats in set two and squats with leg raise in set three. It was tough and I (might have) laughed when Mark texted me this morning that the soreness was setting in.

2. While I sort of hate Valentine's Day, I do like to treat myself. I got an iced coffee at Starbucks, picked up the new Chobani pear yogurt at Target (YUM!) and finally figured out how to use my Amazon gift card. And talk about a gift to myself. I selected two eight-pound Reebok hex dumbbells and "The Women's Health Big Book of Exercises." I am oddly excited about these though part of it plays into that thing that required the circuit workout. (More later, I promise. Clue: Part of Make Shit Happen: 2013.)

3. My Pinterest obsession has gone from food to hair - but not hair in food. I've been pinning braids, and I can't wait till my hair is uber long to do some of them. In the mean time, I'm thinking of doing a different braid a day for a week. You know, for funsies.

4. For the first time in nearly a week, I slept through the night in my own bed. I've been waking up with coughing fits, prompting a trip downstairs to the couch. It was easier to prop myself up, and I didn't think it wise to wake up Miles at 2 a.m. with my hacking. Thankfully, something broke and I did OK. I'm hoping the upswing continues as I have 10 miles on deck on Sunday.

5. Congrats to Sarah, who won the SeabuckWonders Giveaway. And don't forget about the Alexia giveaway. If you haven't guessed, I have a whole slew of things to lined up.

Because I love you.

Unlike Valentine's Day.

Things I've been eating + giveaway

I was feeling so proud of myself. I had reviewed two days of entries on MyFitnessPal, and I had noticed that it had been two days since I had eaten meat.

And I hadn't died. Shocking, I know.

Also shocking - I can be wrong but we'll get to that in a little bit but first, like any good eater, let's talk about breakfast.

I was fortunate enough to receive a gracious and generous box of goodies from a blend, and it included rye bread from Liz's favorite bakery. I'm a German girl, through and through, and I have been finding any chance I can to eat it. Breakfasts have been a (whole) egg with cheese on rye toast and served with some kind of produce. Tuesday it was an orange; this morning, grilled zucchini.

I'm making another go at a more substantial morning snack and, thanks to Bzz Agent, I'm trying out Kroger's yogurts - Greek, Greek Lite and CARBmaster. I prefer the Greek to Greek Lite but this particular morning I had the Lite pineapple mango with a bit of sliced banana and trail mix I found at Fresh Market. It was a great balance of protein plus carbs to hold me over to my lunch date.

One thing: My lunch date got held up and I had to scrounge up a snack from a drawer. I'd like to say I picked the nuts but it was a handful of marshmallows and some raisins. However, I did not eat the lint roller. Win.

Our big idea for the day was to find some Cajun- or Creole-inspired food to ring in Mardi Gras. We went to one of my favorite neighborhood places, and I got my even more favoritest salad - red beans and rice over lettuce with tomatoes and cheese - and gumbo. See, this is where I was wrong about the meat. Gumbo had chicken.

And putting the fat in Fat Tuesday was a packi from a neighborhood bakery. Apple, if you are interested. I ate half to only feel sort of fat.

I was feeling rather full and sick to be honest from the paczki that I didn't snack my way through the afternoon, saving room for dinner - blackened salmon po boys and Alexia Foods Multigrain Onion Rings.

The onion rings were courtesy of Alexia, and I was excited to try a more nutrient-dense version of a favorite indulgence. They were crunchy, hearty and tasty.

I had a post-dinner workout planned, and I grabbed a handful of candy. To power me through, of course.

The workout pretty much sucked - I blame the lingering illness. But the good news ... well, totally unrelated. Alexia Foods is offering one Healthy Strides reader a gourmet cooking prize-pack giveaway. The winner will receive an Alexia apron, Alexia kitchen timer and a coupon for a FREE Alexia Product 

You can also sign up to be part of the Alexia Ambassador Program for exclusive recipes, coupons, free gift cards and kitchen gear. Simply visit http://rewards.alexiafoods.com to begin earning points towards these prizes and more!

To enter, simply leave a comment telling me which Alexia Foods product you would select with the coupon.

 The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end on Wednesday, Feb. 20. The winner will be selected at random and announced on the blog Thursday, Feb. 21. The winner will have 72 hours to claim her prize (by emailing hlthystrides at gmail dot com) or a new winner will be selected.