tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68607777115109195622024-03-14T06:27:28.113-04:00Hello Fitness....We Meet Again...Join me on my journey as I work to get back in shape...again...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.comBlogger279125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-11386196056721452292017-08-07T09:00:00.000-04:002017-08-07T09:00:00.176-04:00Fitness Training for New Moms<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I told you guys in my "I'm back" post, I recently became a new mom and, while I absolutely love my little guy, I need that "me" time to run and exercise, not only to stay healthy and able to take care of my family, but also to take care of myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was excited when my doctor cleared me to ease back into exercise eight weeks after delivering my son, and I knew it would be more difficult to get my runs in, but I didn't realize just how difficult it would be! I also work full-time, and when I get home in the evening I want to spend time with him since he is in daycare all day. It has definitely been harder than I thought.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The awesome team over at Cigna put together a great reference guide to help new moms stay active. I can say that I was super excited to read the material and put it to good use as I have had struggles with staying active. It's even more important now that I'm training for the 2018 Goofy Challenge which will include my first marathon (eeek!!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out this quick video from one of Cigna's health educators, Brittney -</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They have also come up with some healthy ways to manage as a new mom.-</span><br />
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Give yourself an “atta girl”</strong></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Carrying a baby, going through the birthing process, and adjusting your life around your baby is not easy. Give yourself credit by writing down three things you're grateful for and hang them up where you can see them daily!</span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Reach out for support</strong></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Call on your team of friends, loved ones, etc., to help watch baby so you can schedule in some “me” time. Start small and be realistic, but know that you deserve this.</span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Reset your mind</strong></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Sometimes, moms may not expect the changes a new baby brings. Getting back into your normal routine may seem like a shock, and even disappointing or frustrating. That’s why it’s important to take a step back and reassess your expectations based on your new life.</span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Tips for successful outcomes</strong></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;">Accept where you are and plot out simple, realistic expectations of what you’d like to achieve.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;">Reflect on changing your perspective on how you used to work out, or your previous objectives.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;">It’s about progress, not perfection (there’s no such thing). Jot down a simple list of active things you’d like to plug into your week, your day, etc. Set a minimal time frame, depending on baby’s schedule, of course. This way you won’t feel defeated if the baby wakes up from a nap early and you only get in 10 or 15 minutes of your workout.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;">Define your “why.” Why do you want to be active again? This will help you to clearly define your goals and help you better digest your new circumstances.</span></li>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Every little bit counts</strong></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Maybe you were working out several days a week before or during your pregnancy, but now that just isn’t the case. It’s important to reassess your situation and set new, but realistic goals for yourself. For example:</span></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;">With or without baby, walk for 10-15 minutes at a time. Build on this as you see fit, and be realistic about the support and time you have.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;">Count your blessings and your steps. Put on a pedometer and calculate your steps taken while running around taking care of your baby. You’ll be surprised to see how far you walk in a day – and maybe even motivated to walk more. Wear the pedometer for a week to see how many steps you get in on average. Then set a small goal to progressively increase this – 10,000 steps a day equals about five miles.</span></li>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Integrate activity with baby</strong></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"></strong>Maybe you aren’t able to set aside alone time just yet, or you want to make some of your time with baby an active opportunity. Check out these three exercises from WebMD’s “Mommy & Baby Workout Tips.”</span></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Baby glider: </strong>Hold your baby close to your chest and do a forward lunge (take a big step forward and bend your knee). Don’t let your toes go past your knee. Then return to starting position and lunge with the opposite leg. This will help strengthen your legs, back muscles and core. Repeat 8-10 times on each side.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Baby bouncer: </strong>Step to the side and do a squat (reach back with your behind as if you’re sitting in a chair, keeping your knees over your ankles). Repeat 8-10 times to each side.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Rock-a-baby squats and curls: </strong>Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart. Hold your baby tight and close to your chest and squat down, allowing your baby’s feet to touch the floor. As you rise, bring the baby closer to your chest. Repeat 15 times. (Note: You should do this exercise only when your baby is at least 10 to 12 weeks old.)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">These tips are super simple and easy to integrate into your day, and I love that some even involve the babe! I'm really looking forward to adding these to our daily routine a few days a week! I hope that if you're in the same boat, know that you're not alone and take some of these tips and run with them! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Until next time,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>Information provided to me by Cigna - article written by </i></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>Brittany Onufrak, MS, CWP Health Advocate, Consumer Health Engagement</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-36702207461994734022017-07-31T11:48:00.000-04:002017-07-31T11:48:48.729-04:00Components for a Successful Training Program with Cigna<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of my favorite runDisney race weekends is fast approaching - the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This year the race weekend saw a big change with a Pixar-theme - the medals were just revealed last Monday and the buzz was pretty positive on social media.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivp-g8kypZmzAY4kVFPcmTZHxkmyDiWQ2dMeDv0MGGabvJZuTxmWagqA3alMlJgRmVhG4bN8rwMJCKUuUTIrv59aixx0pbhwX98GejMaSg3TIpx_G3nKWylkymnC_x_M86OZPJ8JWQfOH9/s1600/DL+medals.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivp-g8kypZmzAY4kVFPcmTZHxkmyDiWQ2dMeDv0MGGabvJZuTxmWagqA3alMlJgRmVhG4bN8rwMJCKUuUTIrv59aixx0pbhwX98GejMaSg3TIpx_G3nKWylkymnC_x_M86OZPJ8JWQfOH9/s320/DL+medals.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sadly, I won't be participating in this year's Disneyland half marathon race weekend, but I have quite a few friends who are and I look forward to following along on social media that weekend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The team at Cigna wants everyone who is participating in the Disneyland half marathon weekend to make sure they're prepared for the races and have put together some great tips that will not only help during this race weekend, but for anyone training for a race.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cross training is a very important part of training for a race. Getting those runs in is necessary, but you also need to build up your muscle and endurance, and this can be achieved through doing some cross training on your rest days from running. Once I started working out at Orangetheory Fitness, I noticed a difference in my endurance during my training runs and races. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here are a few tips from #CignaHealthCoach <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Briane Agostinelli, (BS, CEP, CWP, CPPC) about why adding cross training can be beneficial to training for your next race -.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I know for</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> me personally, flexibility and speed work are two things I need to get better at doing, especially with my upcoming marathon!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hopefully with these tips you'll be successful in training for your next race and hit those g</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">oals, whether it's to set a PR or finish your first half marathon!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Follow Cigna during the Disneyland Half marathon weekend on social media with the hashtags #CignaRunTogether and #DisneylandHalf. They'll keep you informed with lots of tips and other fun information!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Until next time,</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-56413408539124357642017-07-19T09:00:00.000-04:002017-07-19T09:00:13.327-04:00Where Have I Been?!?!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well hello there!<br />
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I realize it's been over a year since my last blog post...wow...I can't believe I let it sit idle for so long! BUT - I have a great excuse...<br />
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At the end of June 2016, my husband and I found out that we were expecting our first child! The first (and only) race I ran during my pregnancy was a week later at the 2016 Peachtree Road Race.<br />
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Luckily, my pregnancy was pretty easy...no real complications...but having hypertension caused my doctors to strongly discourage me from continuing to run and work out during the pregnancy.<br />
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Back in January, we headed to Walt Disney World on our "babymoon" (yes, I see some of you rolling your eyes at that term)<br />
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We happened to be there during Marathon weekend and spectated the marathon in EPCOT. It was a lot of fun cheering on the runners and many of my friends during the race, and it validated what I had been thinking about for quite some time...when registration for the 2018 runDisney marathon weekend rolled around, this happened -<br />
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Yep...not only did I sign up for my first full marathon, but I'm going for the Goofy Challenge! I'm crazy excited and scared to death at the same time, but I have some amazingly supportive friends and family and an equally crazy friend who will be by my side every step of both races...it's going to be a tough, but fun journey!<br />
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And, on March 4th, we welcomed our son into the world!<br />
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I'll be checking in with my training, products I've found to be helpful, and planning our first trip as a family of 3 to Disney World! It's time to dust off the cobwebs and keep you guys in the loop (if anyone even still reads my blog!)<br />
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More to come soon!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-34339066694034674252016-04-15T09:49:00.001-04:002016-04-15T09:55:54.032-04:00#BostonStrong....Three Years Later<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I still remember exactly where I was and what I was doing at the moment the bombs went off at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Earlier that morning I was watching the race on my computer at work, looking for friends crossing the finish line and cheering them on from Georgia. I stepped away to go to lunch, and when I came back, I saw my Twitter and Facebook feeds blowing up with posts about bombs going off at the finish line. I quickly tuned into CNN and saw a very different scene than earlier that day...one of utter chaos and tragedy...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It shook me to my core...lives were changed...who would have ever thought that something would happen at a race? But runners are resilient people...they rise above obstacles that are put in front of them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Millions of runners across the country honored Boston in a variety of ways....group runs, wearing yellow and blue, heading to social media to show their respect and unity...it was an awesome thing to see and be a part of. I participated in a "Boston Solidarity Run" put on by a local running store.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9B5g5A-iAycZmhEjXFjPG0dV7QTzwCMgCMyk9DJEILNlkz1XgadM7u48T8-pfRZBm49rPJjmy9yKnik_R08-wj3YO-BnH-CzfKMhWWQSZBomxqa6JaYQ-loIPIpNcfSQvgYFASkVH1DR/s1600/boston6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9B5g5A-iAycZmhEjXFjPG0dV7QTzwCMgCMyk9DJEILNlkz1XgadM7u48T8-pfRZBm49rPJjmy9yKnik_R08-wj3YO-BnH-CzfKMhWWQSZBomxqa6JaYQ-loIPIpNcfSQvgYFASkVH1DR/s320/boston6.jpg" width="258" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today, I remember those lives directly touched by the senseless act of two people, and at the same time I'm excited for those who will be toeing the start line of the 120th running of the Boston Marathon on Monday. I may be in Atlanta, but my heart will be with you guys in Boston.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#BostonStrong #OneBostonDay</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-77745040400976110032016-03-30T07:30:00.000-04:002016-04-07T08:21:28.000-04:00I'm a Momentum Jewelry Ambassador!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A couple of years back, I entered a fellow blogger's giveaway for a <a href="http://www.designsthatmoveyou.com/" target="_blank">Momentum Jewelry</a> Motivate Wrap, and lucky for me, I won!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUaHPDsjs25MwH5lkpeNrXyVa8AbKXMfHSG4AHJ5wCp6jThyphenhyphenAkiWcIiXJ2gvTdupj9jp-bjECELYHMb7LA4PSGdZIC7OuUX1a62-cw6Slk-LQHLywvu1FeY8If_mMBeboKxhVHKMD8neO/s1600/own+today.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUaHPDsjs25MwH5lkpeNrXyVa8AbKXMfHSG4AHJ5wCp6jThyphenhyphenAkiWcIiXJ2gvTdupj9jp-bjECELYHMb7LA4PSGdZIC7OuUX1a62-cw6Slk-LQHLywvu1FeY8If_mMBeboKxhVHKMD8neO/s320/own+today.jpg" width="318" /></a></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDeWV43Rxw8YlOiNkrMHi5TXyRaqDV-cJBuYnTMB3u94gbPy1Dm8-5EAJFyr0BGoHjMZmVwz0-sWOHX7zuX8zNJgVjCptxBovmxzaaEDsMrmWU4M6ChX_H5xmGGEhj_laIZI-WetUxJnT/s1600/own+today+OTF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDeWV43Rxw8YlOiNkrMHi5TXyRaqDV-cJBuYnTMB3u94gbPy1Dm8-5EAJFyr0BGoHjMZmVwz0-sWOHX7zuX8zNJgVjCptxBovmxzaaEDsMrmWU4M6ChX_H5xmGGEhj_laIZI-WetUxJnT/s320/own+today+OTF.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Getting that Orange glow at Orangetheory Fitness</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ever since then I've been a fan, but even more than that, I love the messages and motivation that each piece carries for the person wearing it. The company was started when Amy, the founder, was in a fitness class doing a crazy long plank. When she looked down at her wrist she knew that she needed something there to push and motivate her. She's been making jewelry for over 20 years and now she spreads the love with other fitness enthusiasts.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGU-E5CinyX2AJUtBDV2c9oH7_2kSZ0VEatGvD55sznymtAH-K4vb9i0vuXeAIQHKnsaEVojPLs1o53JXhoKCXQp0UcbAXPCab2_1j3CDtPoEU0P_SbP0mCDDsLVkTGzTmYQWIKQoFQOJ/s1600/momentum+terra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGU-E5CinyX2AJUtBDV2c9oH7_2kSZ0VEatGvD55sznymtAH-K4vb9i0vuXeAIQHKnsaEVojPLs1o53JXhoKCXQp0UcbAXPCab2_1j3CDtPoEU0P_SbP0mCDDsLVkTGzTmYQWIKQoFQOJ/s320/momentum+terra.jpg" width="301" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Supporting two small businesses at the same time = WIN!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I know that I looked down at my wrist quite a few times during the Georgia Publix half marathon a couple of weeks ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRvIMIelTAThVkNQmrd9yLs4SEOK7eZlPS3t3oW-UXhuFZNOVrol3F8iJF5AUjqiQIhV5nZS2OkT6JKHrJpXCIqNGINAHqdENsfSE4kqKj0WUwwX6n7pWoxQntnQvyUl0m1Tlm7XFso43/s1600/never+give+up+momentum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRvIMIelTAThVkNQmrd9yLs4SEOK7eZlPS3t3oW-UXhuFZNOVrol3F8iJF5AUjqiQIhV5nZS2OkT6JKHrJpXCIqNGINAHqdENsfSE4kqKj0WUwwX6n7pWoxQntnQvyUl0m1Tlm7XFso43/s320/never+give+up+momentum.jpg" width="277" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So.....I woke up to an exciting email last Friday...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbNsjpBuSB7LRbgytGYIXQzlaambPh9bECbAY2KMAy3Vn2ewkpviTTCDDs8feh0WOd7pjG4pcEasS7thaPtdbTyI7-jliGYd_Rhhd0bW00tupBTyOOUmtXSuTWLSmIPBYkq7n6ouHTm67/s1600/momentum+ambassador.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbNsjpBuSB7LRbgytGYIXQzlaambPh9bECbAY2KMAy3Vn2ewkpviTTCDDs8feh0WOd7pjG4pcEasS7thaPtdbTyI7-jliGYd_Rhhd0bW00tupBTyOOUmtXSuTWLSmIPBYkq7n6ouHTm67/s1600/momentum+ambassador.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was selected to be an ambassador for them! I love supporting companies that I believe in and use myself, and this one is no exception. I'm honored and excited to spread the word of Momentum jewelry to my friends and readers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Right now they have a campaign going on called "#SharetheSpark" - the goal is to inspire and motivate others to do more and be more in both their personal and athletic lives.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">credit: Momentum Jewelry</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They have designed two special #sharethespark Motivate Wraps for the campaign - "Never Give Up" and "You Got This!" I'm excited to #sharethespark with a couple of unsuspecting friends who not only motivate me, but others around them. You can #sharethespark, too! Get your own <a href="http://www.designsthatmoveyou.com/product/details/sharetheSPARK" target="_blank">Motivate Wrap bracelet</a> and pass it on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They have some great product<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s...<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">not only can you get<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> some awesome wrist candy, but check out the<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">i<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">r</span></span> Foot Notes! I couldn't resist <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">getting the <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Run Happy" one<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They also have <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">necklaces<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, headbands, and </span>earring<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s as well, and you can even have custom pieces made! I've got<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> a few ideas in mind for some one of a kind wraps and <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Foot Notes....</span></span></span></span></span></span><i> </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>What's your "go-to" motto during a tough workout?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Until next time,</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-81814693686332374162016-03-25T07:00:00.000-04:002016-03-25T07:00:23.858-04:00Publix Georgia Half Marathon Recap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you follow me on social media, you might have seen me drop the words "surgery" in a few of my posts. It's not something that I announced publicly nor was it planned, but it kept me from running and working out for 4 weeks. Actually, the first thing I asked my doctor when he said I'd have to have the surgery was "Can I run a half marathon on March 20th?" He said yes, but I wouldn't be able to train for it. Luckily, I was able to get one Orangetheory workout in before the race, but other than that, I was going in under trained (which I don't necessarily recommend!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My friend, Stephanie, was going to run with me to keep me company, bu<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t she ended up gettin<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">g super sick the week before and still wasn't feeling up to it that weekend<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">...I missed her but glad she <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">made the decision to take care of herself<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Thank<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">fully she's <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">feeling better now and we plan to sign up for another race to run together soon!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the first time in 3 months, I laid out my traditional "Flat Jen" and tried to get mentally prepared to run my 15th half marathon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My alarm went off at 4 am and I very slowly got up and began to get ready. For only getting about 5 hours of sleep I felt pretty good (nothing like remembering your black sports bra is dirty the night before and staying up to get it washed and dried). I chose to ride MARTA down because the last thing I wanted to do was stress over finding somewhere to park. I ran into one of my fellow OTF members so we chatted on our way to the race.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We arrived at Centennial Olympic Park a little before 6 and it was still fairly empty, so we wandered around for a bit. We eventually made our way over to meet up with some friends and fellow INKnBURN ambassadors for a pre-race photo.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Photo credit: Jill (@mrscrashmattb)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I made the mistake of waiting a little too long to check my bag, so I was a bit rushed, but I made it to my corral with plenty of time to snap a few pictures</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before I knew it, we were off! I realized the night before that my interval timer was dead, so I was going to run this race simply by how I felt....I ran when I wanted to, and I walked when I felt like it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you've never run this race, it really is a great course. You run through so many great areas of downtown Atlanta...Georgia State, the MLK center, Old 4th Ward, Little 5 Points, Piedmont Park, Georgia Tech....and the course support is amazing. I think my favorite groups were in the Old 4th Ward and the Phidippides group...their enthusiasm gave me a great boost of energy as I ran by them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The past 4 weeks I had not only been recovering physically, but also emotionally. My goal for this race was simple....to finish. I just took my time and enjoyed being able to run again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you're a fan of "The Walking Dead", these next couple of pictures should look familiar to you. It's definitely a popular photo op for runners on the course...and with the sunrise being reflected on the buildings, it's definitely not to be missed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We then run up into Little 5 Points, a very eclectic and vibrant area of Atlanta. I'd love to spend more time down here...and I'm still waiting on hubby to take me to eat at the Vortex, but on race day, a photo stop would have to do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9elb-b94sBq_i2rVMVeNn-X94yTmgBpg7O3-OgRmMtmx9rxBSfMkiNCq0zXF_iDfi49uDMAk_M_kB0KoF6f_GBIFQWg4koL4fXc_cWX87z0OyKEbQLhWj2hmD2mPPuEAFiDtPPqmnlAt/s1600/publix+half+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9elb-b94sBq_i2rVMVeNn-X94yTmgBpg7O3-OgRmMtmx9rxBSfMkiNCq0zXF_iDfi49uDMAk_M_kB0KoF6f_GBIFQWg4koL4fXc_cWX87z0OyKEbQLhWj2hmD2mPPuEAFiDtPPqmnlAt/s320/publix+half+9.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They had a couple of "food stops" along the course...for the half marathon we had two - jelly beans and oranges. Can you say "yum"?? The jelly beans were a nice change from my usual Huma Gel...it gave me a sweet little sugar rush.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5sF1unCfRClFD_B_hyphenhyphenBLCNME07SxabX2xy7CwX7ZfqQ4HfGvdt0VsZH9frt-IKulfgyYkKlqIK6v2TLp7WVXKfgWUw8KfDAjZX9Z-3hxGRX_9mEu0u1Tp1ogI5USP7t6zp1NkXcy6h5e/s1600/publix+half+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5sF1unCfRClFD_B_hyphenhyphenBLCNME07SxabX2xy7CwX7ZfqQ4HfGvdt0VsZH9frt-IKulfgyYkKlqIK6v2TLp7WVXKfgWUw8KfDAjZX9Z-3hxGRX_9mEu0u1Tp1ogI5USP7t6zp1NkXcy6h5e/s320/publix+half+10.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Piedmont Park is also a fun area to run through...the Jeff Galloway 13.1 race group (thanks for the Coca-Cola!) as well as Phidippides was here to greet <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the half <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and </span></span>full marathon runners into the park. As soon as your exit, you're greeted by a nice, big HILL! Hey...it's Atlanta...you're bound to eat some hills for breakfast, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The last big area you run through is Georgia Tech...and since I'm a UGA girl all the way (Go Dawgs!) I've started to make this a yearly photo stop -</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnc3-DDJ4hV26zJHNIT1GMkXos-hs-yyIRoP_5M5k_jihZj29fdLy5_uPx5uRWQYt6Yq8hLUlbjIax9Xk_3-hKpbTzVGTq4z3tCs_79ldHZflBdelWz9DLEu-6mno71RfN1hM-Ugl7ODq/s1600/publix+half+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnc3-DDJ4hV26zJHNIT1GMkXos-hs-yyIRoP_5M5k_jihZj29fdLy5_uPx5uRWQYt6Yq8hLUlbjIax9Xk_3-hKpbTzVGTq4z3tCs_79ldHZflBdelWz9DLEu-6mno71RfN1hM-Ugl7ODq/s320/publix+half+11.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I gotta hand it to the Techies though...they do a great food and water stop! The music and cheering is always welcome, especially when you're about 2 miles away from the finish! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was actually making decent time...much better than I thought I was going to do...and I still felt really good, so in that last mile I pushed myself a little more. When you make that last turn and you see and hear the spectators cheering, it almost carries you to the finish line (thanks for the shout out to me from Annabel!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I looked at my Garmin I was pleasantly surprised...I got a 7 minute course PR! With my only goal being to finish the race, seeing that I shaved time off of this course time with very little training<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> mad<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e me</span></span> pretty proud of myself. I received my medal, grabbed a recovery jacket, chugged down a chocolate milk, and headed to gear check to grab some warm clothes...it was a pretty breezy race!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOu4EYlYuOszUlwVoSjjs7xiQPnF7PD6HVfhm00B4ThK9q4dgl8ELnvYC7V-yMO95VHGDs7GXfZyJ8rOwL2ele8XIdp-Vt3rXPFU60fsdVerRedDYTLl0LnyzH1MaTpgtFod8Um1ThVy-p/s1600/publix+half+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOu4EYlYuOszUlwVoSjjs7xiQPnF7PD6HVfhm00B4ThK9q4dgl8ELnvYC7V-yMO95VHGDs7GXfZyJ8rOwL2ele8XIdp-Vt3rXPFU60fsdVerRedDYTLl0LnyzH1MaTpgtFod8Um1ThVy-p/s320/publix+half+12.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most of my friends finished before me and headed home (I don't blame them...it was chilly!) so I headed back to MARTA. As I sat on the train I reflected on my race - not being able to train, still performing well, and finishing with a smile on my face made me extremely proud of myself. There were a couple of moments during the race where I almost had a breakdown, but i kept looking at my bracelet...Never Give Up...and I took a deep breath and kept moving. I credit a lot of it to my workouts over the past year at Orangetheory Fitness...they've really helped my endurance during runs. I'm very happy that I can get back into the gym more as well as pounding some pavement to prepare for my next race!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNQ4nSbEe1DydKO6WYqfQp7esCvKuqEfjeuP5varw8h1rlf28s-XXcfnF8RnSM-_IuWPqAEh3mdfn4DzszJicWGj5CSqYTSd0uCNSky_PbGuuyrErQzaNLDj_Cijkmht2y260EtpYSv_k/s1600/publix+half+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNQ4nSbEe1DydKO6WYqfQp7esCvKuqEfjeuP5varw8h1rlf28s-XXcfnF8RnSM-_IuWPqAEh3mdfn4DzszJicWGj5CSqYTSd0uCNSky_PbGuuyrErQzaNLDj_Cijkmht2y260EtpYSv_k/s320/publix+half+16.jpg" width="277" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a shower and nap, we met some friends for dinner...I thoroughly enjoyed my Pimiento BLT sandwich and fries from the Village Tavern, and then a Snickers milkshake from Cookout<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmfZMD9Ku3d2veRsd25OWXhlxVEAxgdfSg5Qf4agbxHa3TYrb3SCdgVLiESMh28uGlApi2iLpNrB-p_Uyr0vt6Z18_gcgM47oLvYKXbYolJRx1tgOzx7yh3YylNDn3c7BqsUpOWhErFV-/s1600/publix+half+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmfZMD9Ku3d2veRsd25OWXhlxVEAxgdfSg5Qf4agbxHa3TYrb3SCdgVLiESMh28uGlApi2iLpNrB-p_Uyr0vt6Z18_gcgM47oLvYKXbYolJRx1tgOzx7yh3YylNDn3c7BqsUpOWhErFV-/s320/publix+half+15.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A big thanks to the Atlanta Track Club, Publix and the other sponsors, and the amazing volunteers and course support groups! You guys are what makes this race possible as well as makes me want to run it again each year. I hope to be back in 2017!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbDfJSPgGRsWmoDJpkT78cYZ24z3GbQ5T65yDHSKDxoBPrC9tmW4PyP5W4Hp_B9-4X6tuyv_JyRv7xlO77PZ1-aVe0xXqs3rWNBUMjfA-7VtNb_jQLjsFoB5V_KtOIolu0-uF6RLCu85b/s1600/publix+half+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbDfJSPgGRsWmoDJpkT78cYZ24z3GbQ5T65yDHSKDxoBPrC9tmW4PyP5W4Hp_B9-4X6tuyv_JyRv7xlO77PZ1-aVe0xXqs3rWNBUMjfA-7VtNb_jQLjsFoB5V_KtOIolu0-uF6RLCu85b/s320/publix+half+18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Until next time,</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-87563146300788258552016-03-23T07:00:00.000-04:002016-03-23T07:00:03.249-04:00The First #WeRunSocial ATL meet up!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A couple of weeks ago my friend, Jill, suggested that we host a #WeRunSocial meet up at the Georgia Publix half/full marathon expo. With the help of myself and our friend, Brandi, it became a reality....and a huge success!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURdnCN8nzIKMCm8y1OH4q4-gpQ4vvdAC9sFaS34KrPe4exBhhgKNnsnf9IZKv7Sw5tbERoLeUBPgFRLYzUmAGjmAulLxvf8w__4-GUa0OTLRmFbk7J-QZjgYuxMsq3cFsUPba5yJdi_mR/s1600/WRS+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURdnCN8nzIKMCm8y1OH4q4-gpQ4vvdAC9sFaS34KrPe4exBhhgKNnsnf9IZKv7Sw5tbERoLeUBPgFRLYzUmAGjmAulLxvf8w__4-GUa0OTLRmFbk7J-QZjgYuxMsq3cFsUPba5yJdi_mR/s320/WRS+12.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Photo credit: Jill and Angela</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We decided to meet outside a Starbucks....only Brandi discovered that it was now a Chick-Fil-A! With a quick shout out on our Facebook event page, everyone still made it :) There were a lot of hugs, selfies, and cookies consumed.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhahonLTVCrirYOYcK480ZuMsiJLZKYE1o-F670sKBMrc60EtybjAsGU-HDyQlPEhIrq-L2gHgIVFfYtkZJV8SflanORMb2uqJMjCWHUUXWBuBwhKUiG4RCAHSfSLMC8lt8TvHSSplIpb/s1600/WRS+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhahonLTVCrirYOYcK480ZuMsiJLZKYE1o-F670sKBMrc60EtybjAsGU-HDyQlPEhIrq-L2gHgIVFfYtkZJV8SflanORMb2uqJMjCWHUUXWBuBwhKUiG4RCAHSfSLMC8lt8TvHSSplIpb/s320/WRS+6.jpg" width="318" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Photo credit: Jill (@mrscrashmattb) and Abs</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Photo credit: Angela & Matthew</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Photo credit: Angela</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We gave away some awesome prizes - <a href="http://procompression.com/" target="_blank">PRO compression</a> socks, <a href="http://www.inknburn.com/" target="_blank">INKnBURN </a>gift certificates, a Starbucks gift pack, <a href="http://www.roadid.com/" target="_blank">Road ID</a> credits, <a href="http://www.sparklysoul.com/" target="_blank">Sparkly Soul</a> headbands and hair ties, and the item everyone wanted - a pretty sweet <a href="http://www.mizunousa.com/Running" target="_blank">Miznuo </a>gift pack! We were like Oprah giving out the prizes....EVERYONE left with something!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg66vfblWiaBIgzMOnetNP-VjEIOhzqdD_OeJxvhNvqNghqGCKgRTXCFTUqPHC_KkNFSLZW49am9nCr8lOkx_6WfYQwdgEDc_9A4j3jWpRc9d54Nh0PeCt0cvgjTMmy7pjxNNe3zUbfivQ/s1600/WRS+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg66vfblWiaBIgzMOnetNP-VjEIOhzqdD_OeJxvhNvqNghqGCKgRTXCFTUqPHC_KkNFSLZW49am9nCr8lOkx_6WfYQwdgEDc_9A4j3jWpRc9d54Nh0PeCt0cvgjTMmy7pjxNNe3zUbfivQ/s400/WRS+11.jpg" width="202" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Photo credit: Brandi (@FunnerRunner)</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course, with most things...picture or it didn't happen, so we had to get a group photo before everyone dispersed.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHO3TTNmmJcFr-gcHid6_E7WMypE5lA21T79DAXNmq06MfBisO1wLu3bZrJkPPE_UmH0DZMET2HU-T89bTMtiMiHehzdh_n5GEL16yLP0sPZansjwYvOxNikdYddkkH0SHyDlmZh-gSz9/s1600/WRS+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHO3TTNmmJcFr-gcHid6_E7WMypE5lA21T79DAXNmq06MfBisO1wLu3bZrJkPPE_UmH0DZMET2HU-T89bTMtiMiHehzdh_n5GEL16yLP0sPZansjwYvOxNikdYddkkH0SHyDlmZh-gSz9/s320/WRS+3.jpg" width="256" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Photo credit: Jill (@mrscrashmattb)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first #WeRunSocial Atlanta meet up was a success! Jill, Brandi, and I thank everyone for coming and we hope to be able to host another one in the near future!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you've never heard of #WeRunSocial, you can read about about them <a href="http://pavementrunner.com/we-run-social-launches/" target="_blank">here</a>. Also make sure to follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/werunsocial/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/werunsocial?lang=en" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/werunsocial/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Have you been to a #WeRunSocial meet up? </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Until next time,</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-82953696143388123782016-03-08T18:15:00.000-05:002016-03-08T18:15:38.535-05:00Introducing one of the newest INKnBURN ambassadors!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">::waves::</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've been out of commission for a few weeks - things have been a crazy roller coaster that seems to finally be slowing down. As a result, I haven't been able to run or work out (which I miss like crazy!) but I do have my next half marathon in a couple of weeks and I'm so ready to pound some pavement again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A couple of years ago I bought my first INKnBURN item - a pair of their "denim" shorts. Over the past year, my adoration,, along with my collection, has grown for this company. Their unique designs, made in the USA products, and impeccable customer service makes them one of my absolute favorite companies to give my business to.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcJF9Czo-zHThN-cCLt9dY3Aq5IY2d-T04aTb_eI85dAewQbbpi2uTYA37QGawr03coNnzem6E8kYwBFV3PB2nEewFUuqLWja6zADckDGs5pGqqooU3iuWC9oUL10w1dX-PlocsFv8dx-/s1600/Jen+InB+holiday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcJF9Czo-zHThN-cCLt9dY3Aq5IY2d-T04aTb_eI85dAewQbbpi2uTYA37QGawr03coNnzem6E8kYwBFV3PB2nEewFUuqLWja6zADckDGs5pGqqooU3iuWC9oUL10w1dX-PlocsFv8dx-/s320/Jen+InB+holiday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYINtlXdk3j9m2uoU68h5kYxCUdFt8B5z0CJL7xsKSDg8NfoeWRLgKj6zFi-9XIeHNi4hYOvEWn5duv2ICskdOcrWPxPvHo8kuDIIqRs43eASQpqhyphenhyphenlNfLQEJDuFV-HxpmiDa0R3ecOxk0/s1600/Jen+InB+fish+tank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYINtlXdk3j9m2uoU68h5kYxCUdFt8B5z0CJL7xsKSDg8NfoeWRLgKj6zFi-9XIeHNi4hYOvEWn5duv2ICskdOcrWPxPvHo8kuDIIqRs43eASQpqhyphenhyphenlNfLQEJDuFV-HxpmiDa0R3ecOxk0/s320/Jen+InB+fish+tank.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well...last week I got some exciting news...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjdX95_VahTJHcc3KKj6AnQogIeTjH5uzXXqyB2i-9ZqGe2GlsvJ9NqcZN-CJjUCafKk1GIbU1KYcQXFuBo-tE2YKHPcGrTmciYjc6noXw045ZoMD6pnGK7pF1z4JOotD2gEOhvmAjpSS/s1600/InB+ambassador.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjdX95_VahTJHcc3KKj6AnQogIeTjH5uzXXqyB2i-9ZqGe2GlsvJ9NqcZN-CJjUCafKk1GIbU1KYcQXFuBo-tE2YKHPcGrTmciYjc6noXw045ZoMD6pnGK7pF1z4JOotD2gEOhvmAjpSS/s320/InB+ambassador.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm incredibly excited and honored to represent such an awesome brand and company. If you haven't already, make sure you check them out at <a href="http://www.inknburn.com/">www.INKnBURN.com</a>. I also highly recommend subscribing to their email list as well as liking them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/INKnBURN/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a>...their designs tend to sell out quickly and once they're gone, they're gone! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWiLUG-tB7q1BPkN8eqhXUfSkF0JBRPnqsjCK4d7AYsri1RD_drUm-SUEuy7EWIRH8HCY2q53iCwt3Gr5ESeHreXB9Zk5SY-beyi08GXxEExax36lvwElaKI32ewRJLi0FAJD-GvmcI4k/s1600/jen+InB+ryu+pullover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWiLUG-tB7q1BPkN8eqhXUfSkF0JBRPnqsjCK4d7AYsri1RD_drUm-SUEuy7EWIRH8HCY2q53iCwt3Gr5ESeHreXB9Zk5SY-beyi08GXxEExax36lvwElaKI32ewRJLi0FAJD-GvmcI4k/s320/jen+InB+ryu+pullover.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I look forward to sharing new designs and products with you guys as well as showing them off at races, training runs, Orangetheory Fitness, and maybe even just out and about! Thanks for this opportunity INKnBURN!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Until next time,</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUU7H9yS3JnH4YEW8pg3nT59ivToZtlPzoLgsb4xbPSqacdxxu2GALJhsBuGivHjkB3f61lC6WObVIjn-a9kC18GfWUCokGrOyVHBjuBoy9sXSXSUZLsDe5VQjNB8Z5KhFFZLNPkBSco9M/s1600/blog+signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUU7H9yS3JnH4YEW8pg3nT59ivToZtlPzoLgsb4xbPSqacdxxu2GALJhsBuGivHjkB3f61lC6WObVIjn-a9kC18GfWUCokGrOyVHBjuBoy9sXSXSUZLsDe5VQjNB8Z5KhFFZLNPkBSco9M/s1600/blog+signature.jpg" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-23045402323827511332016-02-04T08:00:00.000-05:002016-02-04T08:00:09.563-05:002016 Esprit de She Ambassador!I'm so excited to announce that for the 4th year in a row I have been selected to be an ambassador for the <a href="http://www.espritdeshe.com/" target="_blank">Esprit de She</a> race series!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQmo4HpsTZFF4Cj9H1FngnX0MFjOQP3rBgOsvUMyllqRB9UJhvSPe572sBc5MgDbNHacRE80aDmjyZbe2mPc_TMXgD1gtbBHu-4MWnfHaI25LUF-Pz2t9YJC4NsgzcBZdCPIGx3-4S6lK/s1600/ambassador.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQmo4HpsTZFF4Cj9H1FngnX0MFjOQP3rBgOsvUMyllqRB9UJhvSPe572sBc5MgDbNHacRE80aDmjyZbe2mPc_TMXgD1gtbBHu-4MWnfHaI25LUF-Pz2t9YJC4NsgzcBZdCPIGx3-4S6lK/s320/ambassador.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It's been such an honor to represent this series since they first started back in 2013. They have a great message to send and it's been really cool to see them grow!<br />
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If you're looking for a great race experience for runners of all ages and fitness levels, this is definitely one to zero in on! Before the race starts, you can walk around the marketplace and check out the different vendors, or stop by the beauty bar and get your hair braided or a mini massage to loosen up those muscles!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9y_eT9_6_axXK3tZyCcho3rKZm5zdUX1dn926oy4LU1pwg_vZxK1Vl5r-lAKQ8HfiZyWVPp6j9GKImdCON75ktTLOcFYJpOSC54JEr7cGqmR2bIlBzb0xpos6ppjYZI-WLbU9Z4uisYPR/s1600/beauty+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9y_eT9_6_axXK3tZyCcho3rKZm5zdUX1dn926oy4LU1pwg_vZxK1Vl5r-lAKQ8HfiZyWVPp6j9GKImdCON75ktTLOcFYJpOSC54JEr7cGqmR2bIlBzb0xpos6ppjYZI-WLbU9Z4uisYPR/s400/beauty+bar.jpg" /></a></div>
After the race is over, head into the Park Tavern's Southwest Porch and grab some SUPER tasty treats! This past year we noshed on veggies and hummus, wraps, and spinach artichoke dip! Don't forget to swing by the Bubbly Bar for a glass of wine to toast your race!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwRjYxI_J-PtxLDkgcOV3f1NrVu-Y8eZdbH4H4vQDDcaDT7CYd9UX_kF2czBthTK6-1njOq9B7GWJk0Fty52d-LpdIT1vQZVyQ2NigsRFaQMcqAEgUoqYwN5PCCwttY86_20jcB-Wfm9q/s1600/bubbly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwRjYxI_J-PtxLDkgcOV3f1NrVu-Y8eZdbH4H4vQDDcaDT7CYd9UX_kF2czBthTK6-1njOq9B7GWJk0Fty52d-LpdIT1vQZVyQ2NigsRFaQMcqAEgUoqYwN5PCCwttY86_20jcB-Wfm9q/s320/bubbly.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
They know how to treat a girl right! They always have a great race goodie bag and finisher shirts...and new this year for Atlanta, all finishers will receive a finisher's medal with a removable charm! You can flaunt your medal after the race and have a small keepsake to wear every day to remind you of your race experience! <br />
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The Esprit de She race series offers many races across the country...even a few triathlons and duathlons along with running events! You can check out where they'll be <a href="http://www.espritdeshe.com/events/" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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The ladies at Esprit de She were nice enough to give me a discount code to share with my readers...it gets you $5 off and it's good for ANY of their races!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEz9uhyphenhyphendFFfSnH3ZS850TTy0zdkrM5ufu0usMostTDJ9D-02D0vonCZzzHz1O9G8fyVmoGIUAE_j0X3J5E8LhEpdahJ8GNQML_wFInN4tDEcUGfAfvgsbEsMhRKr9Z-yo25HDyqpmB0OL/s1600/code.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEz9uhyphenhyphendFFfSnH3ZS850TTy0zdkrM5ufu0usMostTDJ9D-02D0vonCZzzHz1O9G8fyVmoGIUAE_j0X3J5E8LhEpdahJ8GNQML_wFInN4tDEcUGfAfvgsbEsMhRKr9Z-yo25HDyqpmB0OL/s320/code.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Check them out and join me at the Esprit de She Atlanta 5k/10k on Thursday, November 3rd!<br />
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Until next time,<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_qW5ZkTZZR9y-CDMjyipE3JY-T8qDVyvJV7LBa5TQFyUtYkbGc0TJMJEslQkEnx5FVUEBwjl1Dp_WiBCb_xukqYQPBUCFnNdYFXOt1GSHroXaic5w4MrN-3Yd8kcNfEEGH9Ulk4HwaML/s1600/blog+signature.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_qW5ZkTZZR9y-CDMjyipE3JY-T8qDVyvJV7LBa5TQFyUtYkbGc0TJMJEslQkEnx5FVUEBwjl1Dp_WiBCb_xukqYQPBUCFnNdYFXOt1GSHroXaic5w4MrN-3Yd8kcNfEEGH9Ulk4HwaML/s400/blog+signature.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-10004656670880367522016-01-12T08:30:00.000-05:002016-01-12T08:30:14.866-05:00Jingle Jog 5k recap<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm still trying to play catch up on my blog. As I mentioned in my last blog post, I started a new job and my hours haven't exactly been consistent, so it's been hard for me to sit down and write up some blog posts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last month I decided to run the Jingle Jog 5k in Cumming. I ran this a couple of years ago and, while the course is a bit hilly (hey, it is Georgia) I wanted to see how I would do since my 5k time had been consistently improving.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was fortunate enough to get a bib through J's company (thanks Hansgrohe!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As tradition has it (and to make it easier when I get up in the morning) I lay out Flat Jen - it made me laugh that I ended up with Bib 1....ha!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiai941VA-nkJPTe1Dgh1g9FzNxD9j8uGkL7slPMP5-Xgp2w4F59zbASXlz3CNNItHV1fYTcCrgUKAmeAa7ZFh-5VdFw-xcaLjNvzf_Y6D1uAiZVTmT-DBcRQhJJKqL2b_1cOy5IhIQwfff/s1600/JJ1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiai941VA-nkJPTe1Dgh1g9FzNxD9j8uGkL7slPMP5-Xgp2w4F59zbASXlz3CNNItHV1fYTcCrgUKAmeAa7ZFh-5VdFw-xcaLjNvzf_Y6D1uAiZVTmT-DBcRQhJJKqL2b_1cOy5IhIQwfff/s320/JJ1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The race was only about 5 minutes from my house (yay for local races!) and it had a later start time, so I always welcome getting a few extra minutes of sleep. Parking was super easy, and I had some time to stop by the Hansgrohe water table to chat with them as well as walk around to check out the fun outfits people were wearing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4a-xdadsDbEItrvW7phcOPO__iafa8w8GnELgeU7DicBnfMy8aLWUUr99Y4NrWUX5uek38p4O8P-CMDG-VivK-oz2UrTRkIP6Bd916o387fECUOaWX78u5j0-b_aFmy_CKtoknCvmPiOo/s1600/JJ2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4a-xdadsDbEItrvW7phcOPO__iafa8w8GnELgeU7DicBnfMy8aLWUUr99Y4NrWUX5uek38p4O8P-CMDG-VivK-oz2UrTRkIP6Bd916o387fECUOaWX78u5j0-b_aFmy_CKtoknCvmPiOo/s320/JJ2.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21NaubNmP4SmLsCcVrGlgPq3dKGBZPVuYcmXM_istwAFoxxD0HAjZjRj5BoeGk4lQDWRyKb4PaWJgkGGUDsXOUcBHQA7UWDSDyVsMwGC3_MP_GOUxxIRJSEM7aRBeN8gmuvkPlx3fL2ff/s1600/JJ5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21NaubNmP4SmLsCcVrGlgPq3dKGBZPVuYcmXM_istwAFoxxD0HAjZjRj5BoeGk4lQDWRyKb4PaWJgkGGUDsXOUcBHQA7UWDSDyVsMwGC3_MP_GOUxxIRJSEM7aRBeN8gmuvkPlx3fL2ff/s320/JJ5.jpg" width="240" /></a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I walked around the race area, I heard someone yell "JEN!" I turned around and saw my sweet friend, Zoila, and her hubby, Chris (who I went to college with). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMRfplz7Bmi_uChUe_jh6n0R-UMeTXUAJ5utOFVOC9kaMv7Ssux9jQ0kAG6EwycMGIdZXiQwhQjWDK6iCs0BlDxDEpRETRNGEkEzGeEEM51erxslxkUI1AQCH7_nZMfRkECh-AaYmPrJ6/s1600/JJ10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMRfplz7Bmi_uChUe_jh6n0R-UMeTXUAJ5utOFVOC9kaMv7Ssux9jQ0kAG6EwycMGIdZXiQwhQjWDK6iCs0BlDxDEpRETRNGEkEzGeEEM51erxslxkUI1AQCH7_nZMfRkECh-AaYmPrJ6/s320/JJ10.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNiNyW7OglAQbRr_QJK3-fcRhB8GKykr7ZSOc_eoE6UIkjfpDJ2d4ksGK5Q7HT0TsAFUySNZnRHvra8Orbyi7JgfGSJaWEsOv6MaRXI2gbNG9VGBrXXeGLyG1lExg_GHmj8XFMvYjWcNl/s1600/JJ3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNiNyW7OglAQbRr_QJK3-fcRhB8GKykr7ZSOc_eoE6UIkjfpDJ2d4ksGK5Q7HT0TsAFUySNZnRHvra8Orbyi7JgfGSJaWEsOv6MaRXI2gbNG9VGBrXXeGLyG1lExg_GHmj8XFMvYjWcNl/s320/JJ3.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hadn't see her since the Peachtree Road Race so it was wonderful to catch up with her! Chris was running with some of his Army buddies, so Zoila decided to join me. The only goal I had for this race was a course PR, and Zoila wanted to push herself a little more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The race started right on time, and we were off! Within the first half mile you go up a decent hill, but we stuck with our intervals and made it up. The course has rolling hills (as do most race courses in Georgia) but we kept a good pace and enjoyed each others company. The volunteers on the course were great, but there were some super creepy looking "gnomes"...they reminded me of a bad version of the dwarves from "Snow White". I didn't get to take a picture of them, but just trust me on this one...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The nice thing about going up hills is that you have to come down, and we had a very nice downhill finish. Once we crossed the finish line i saw that I got a 6 minute PR! We walked up and got our shirts, some water, and then hung out for a bit. One of our OTF members was also running so I walked back to the finish line to try and see her finish, but sadly I missed her! :( </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uQqbzgb9K7NGlLptyhRvZa6IzUNL9mVci0V5rUtPCgyJCi1G1RwswX0tEdmDdoNaxBP6_qPwg7gkJ7K9K7nnIuuIAW9e6GXzOOF6wDAjpevl-6R6vK9vnTzgdnylJRbV9c5nsHkGBfs1/s1600/JJ7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uQqbzgb9K7NGlLptyhRvZa6IzUNL9mVci0V5rUtPCgyJCi1G1RwswX0tEdmDdoNaxBP6_qPwg7gkJ7K9K7nnIuuIAW9e6GXzOOF6wDAjpevl-6R6vK9vnTzgdnylJRbV9c5nsHkGBfs1/s320/JJ7.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKqUbkJv8E7YdYfDs084Pd5_KTWLKLJaZTNd2j8FoiJi5Ks1oyMd_AknXNEr8whfGbk81f-nGr7cI-0UXhn_kWshSWWboX1gYqKMwnP9E6SuKjU5czJCX8fEJE-40Fe9_D3jcHPzdwEEF/s1600/JJ6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKqUbkJv8E7YdYfDs084Pd5_KTWLKLJaZTNd2j8FoiJi5Ks1oyMd_AknXNEr8whfGbk81f-nGr7cI-0UXhn_kWshSWWboX1gYqKMwnP9E6SuKjU5czJCX8fEJE-40Fe9_D3jcHPzdwEEF/s320/JJ6.jpg" width="320" /> </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although the website said "No dogs allowed", there were a couple of cute pups who trekked the 3.1 miles with their humans.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIv9lCQ2YEVpbOS7ESKglIUkpUDoVMetz8VcvwuDnCCSAI4qg4bBGT9n97r9U_NvrZVMGlOXF6R2KnnTWbn8Fc5vB2M9k_BiAq-_w_HSanqbv-60B1-b_FJ1elm0MLBwxOjrtiVBENJk7n/s1600/JJ8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIv9lCQ2YEVpbOS7ESKglIUkpUDoVMetz8VcvwuDnCCSAI4qg4bBGT9n97r9U_NvrZVMGlOXF6R2KnnTWbn8Fc5vB2M9k_BiAq-_w_HSanqbv-60B1-b_FJ1elm0MLBwxOjrtiVBENJk7n/s320/JJ8.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Local races are always fun to do, and this is one that I really enjoy. I'll be back again next year gunning for that PR!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_6Py-N7G_YF1qJ4yj3zOvic06Fdx1Hqxd4eyLRqvcqpcAqlp5lGwVekbqUJoTb5dfEdaGMtEC_b65ZsJ_qozC_o_b9bZFofbg3GTqoyoSd-SHqTLByzcF56RJ-X5IMA4a3iTCdv7iPKN/s1600/JJ9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_6Py-N7G_YF1qJ4yj3zOvic06Fdx1Hqxd4eyLRqvcqpcAqlp5lGwVekbqUJoTb5dfEdaGMtEC_b65ZsJ_qozC_o_b9bZFofbg3GTqoyoSd-SHqTLByzcF56RJ-X5IMA4a3iTCdv7iPKN/s320/JJ9.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Did you do a Christmas race this year? </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until next time,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZ2VIW6nCTloKuT4ka6ORVGCevcJQZlXd_ICHKRkDK7j_7LLaAjwnpCdynwbmKK5QUljLsDwjx7hyphenhyphen47ctRXmGx8P1noC2R15Own2WhEm8ALM-ebXxlhjFHuaDufkbruInpPHK55UL2sws/s1600/blog+signature.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZ2VIW6nCTloKuT4ka6ORVGCevcJQZlXd_ICHKRkDK7j_7LLaAjwnpCdynwbmKK5QUljLsDwjx7hyphenhyphen47ctRXmGx8P1noC2R15Own2WhEm8ALM-ebXxlhjFHuaDufkbruInpPHK55UL2sws/s400/blog+signature.jpg" /> </a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-28687968533880012832016-01-08T08:00:00.000-05:002016-01-08T08:00:05.690-05:00Looking Back at 2015<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Whew...this has been a crazy work week for me! I finally had time to come up for air and write a post I've been thinking a lot about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2015 has come and gone, and just like every other year, it feels like it flew by! And just like every year, it was full of ups and downs, but thankfully, mostly ups!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><u>I found a new, fun place to work out!</u></b></span><br />
<b><u></u></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAz9-kY7JdT1zdgs6gfUygoyCrtQ9dEus60YZf0iX8MsVUVpckFIEcmmbEcWuBsztQqd7g9UXVFw1CxwNo_zfymXYRjXkhdiu0k-_6nWwHleP89cDemKR-Bucu4tFVukrJjWOet4yq8Ar/s1600/me.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAz9-kY7JdT1zdgs6gfUygoyCrtQ9dEus60YZf0iX8MsVUVpckFIEcmmbEcWuBsztQqd7g9UXVFw1CxwNo_zfymXYRjXkhdiu0k-_6nWwHleP89cDemKR-Bucu4tFVukrJjWOet4yq8Ar/s320/me.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1pMbawFpXmanux_1vpaALkaEIdO5OroFsSv1QugrR7f7MM5NGOocqaNXeypEapkz0EyiOZkHAElCAzX2bmbWx-nHLGtTFfOUFYf4y_WwHSNcwoIlkiJWuGsv44j65UO_J6Hds_93XUuc/s1600/PC+OTF+rug.jpg" imageanchor="1"> <img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1pMbawFpXmanux_1vpaALkaEIdO5OroFsSv1QugrR7f7MM5NGOocqaNXeypEapkz0EyiOZkHAElCAzX2bmbWx-nHLGtTFfOUFYf4y_WwHSNcwoIlkiJWuGsv44j65UO_J6Hds_93XUuc/s320/PC+OTF+rug.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDUKZmPaPabOHaQAzUMOSi_tz9dtbKe4g1Gi7tkgUoV4xq4bI3ZxbAMhZVKaTD6S12FJAzrPNBKqBG7K3N1V1-NEZsTtfVBw0SfFPCXx_NbqreHkeVodAsTdS8hqosC1pl0CsXxlyvMFq/s1600/PC+OTF+rower.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDUKZmPaPabOHaQAzUMOSi_tz9dtbKe4g1Gi7tkgUoV4xq4bI3ZxbAMhZVKaTD6S12FJAzrPNBKqBG7K3N1V1-NEZsTtfVBw0SfFPCXx_NbqreHkeVodAsTdS8hqosC1pl0CsXxlyvMFq/s320/PC+OTF+rower.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8FHRXcDzIfdK7z6OYMOrBkRFZyjJ_nqpjGkLqTfKi8NxFsEt59LQ10IJGCN1-fEy4RApS64b3qqFPUYMTIOdcevpsbKf2LO4FtmlvVbn0gDe7vQ2oUspF6rFQGssTTkkO-V6AqiZdZwo/s1600/OTF+pink.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8FHRXcDzIfdK7z6OYMOrBkRFZyjJ_nqpjGkLqTfKi8NxFsEt59LQ10IJGCN1-fEy4RApS64b3qqFPUYMTIOdcevpsbKf2LO4FtmlvVbn0gDe7vQ2oUspF6rFQGssTTkkO-V6AqiZdZwo/s320/OTF+pink.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After a friend in Florida told me I needed to check out Orangetheory Fitness, I jumped at it when I found out one was opening close to my house. I took classes before there was even equipment in the studio and became a founding member, going 4-5 days a week! Now, I work there part-time and love sharing my experience with others. The members, staff, and coaches at my studio are seriously amazing and they make it such a fun time to spend an hour working out. If you've never been to Orangetheory Fitness I highly recommend checking them out. I've improved my endurance during runs as well as lost close to 30 pounds. Check to see if there's a location near you! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><b>Finding my stride again</b></u></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvisyMdw4SlJpAKDAKm39e0YW0vQG6vUJo0Q2edFjgZlc4J7rPh9fKamgaWFoe3am3XvKj4__lX8NG2quzA2qkBYJ-2vfPU0VYqOXHuA77DubxDpLyF2XnZs1ivclOlW6TavWl7wSwrSTm/s1600/me+OTF.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjb9t6YiOjQS-dGLaZwUpk6fVqRz8gb_D7yM_2l8k8K4YA2ART0whADPxKlFAa55jqMURd6vFRBwXRojDPMaDooWjuput4_ro_TXJmNA6nIMX2QpTUoHTpHjciTsUTAHEBdGit5amG-QMn/s320/PC+Boom.jpg" width="320" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvisyMdw4SlJpAKDAKm39e0YW0vQG6vUJo0Q2edFjgZlc4J7rPh9fKamgaWFoe3am3XvKj4__lX8NG2quzA2qkBYJ-2vfPU0VYqOXHuA77DubxDpLyF2XnZs1ivclOlW6TavWl7wSwrSTm/s320/me+OTF.jpg" width="214" /><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Toward the end of 2014, I was seriously burned out from running...After the Atlanta half marathon on Thanksgiving day and having a disaster of a race, I decided I needed a small break from running, and that's exactly what I did. During that break was when I started going to OTF on a regular basis. After a little peer pressure I signed up for a half in April...I didn't do nearly as much long distance training that I should have, but I could certainly tell a difference in the way I was running...I even got a course PR! Seeing the improvement made me excited to run again..I even PRed my 5k distance 2 times in 3 weeks! I'm excited to see where 2016 will take me on the pavement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><b>A girls weekend/racecation to Disneyland</b></u></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jfh2XXJPb9g-nlLeCQOXn4brL9uGEJYuX35mJT9n0GNC9lpWsXKgybOWYKNkD2v0RneP2U7umwSXJ3tEgnBeFyEWApTL6RnfWZtchAQxwtg9-hZtUaFRqpsdulYi3YN8jrSrA44bqOV6/s1600/girls.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jfh2XXJPb9g-nlLeCQOXn4brL9uGEJYuX35mJT9n0GNC9lpWsXKgybOWYKNkD2v0RneP2U7umwSXJ3tEgnBeFyEWApTL6RnfWZtchAQxwtg9-hZtUaFRqpsdulYi3YN8jrSrA44bqOV6/s640/girls.jpg" width="640" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb83M9WX8WKpRsOSDPewP_MgavNcJNFEuL-1UF6tPl4WMXmn0E42ijJcIYctxNaX35QPrUpMMalT3CX2R7StASJIcHPiO4LoQdZ3huvPKy8U8lBPeYOzgq21j2syMYxQaHXpnWAL8AmmKw/s1600/jen+lena.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNch9SBcs-EZOtwbp4lIAsHD4kJc4eyeYmLUv7_2KncI0Z267ThvoXXvG_ir84dN0vAuR0YG8OSde0ZIYgSEuAdFauZ63K29_MSEaBaZHV-U-cZBsmdf2tXHFMKaPS3eDPIelI-GTHIzDF/s320/girls+castle.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb83M9WX8WKpRsOSDPewP_MgavNcJNFEuL-1UF6tPl4WMXmn0E42ijJcIYctxNaX35QPrUpMMalT3CX2R7StASJIcHPiO4LoQdZ3huvPKy8U8lBPeYOzgq21j2syMYxQaHXpnWAL8AmmKw/s320/jen+lena.jpg" width="320" /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I was very fortunate to be able to travel to Disneyland for the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend this year! It was such an amazing time with some wonderful friends, both old and new. You know you have great friends when you can go a couple of years without seeing each other and you're able to pick up like you'd just seen each other yesterday. We came from both coasts...Georgia, Florida, Washington, and California to The Happiest Place on Earth for what we dubbed as #DiamondGirlsWeekend. We laughed, we ate, we drank, and we ran - I miss these ladies like crazy and we're already planning our next #DiamondGirlsWeekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With those highs also came a couple of lows -</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><b>Losing my job</b></u></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHbjRQbNskj4t1dmMP_OYArrFnwIUf-QpccBwLrNPvdLRteugtI0V8smUjl-CY5eb6ZribbhX_5BPEVGJU8SvpMuvbx5yvYphWYQIsHDwxwJWR-bEzZlBG_4miJWJMHcfvac_qy4jR5rK/s1600/kaplan.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHbjRQbNskj4t1dmMP_OYArrFnwIUf-QpccBwLrNPvdLRteugtI0V8smUjl-CY5eb6ZribbhX_5BPEVGJU8SvpMuvbx5yvYphWYQIsHDwxwJWR-bEzZlBG_4miJWJMHcfvac_qy4jR5rK/s320/kaplan.jpg" width="240" /> </a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Last February, my team at work as well as others were brought into a room and told that our company was in the process of being purchased and, as a result, they would be downsizing. They couldn't tell us when the sale would be final as there was a lot of red tape they had to go through, so for 6 months we continued to plug along, not sure of when our jobs would come to an end. As scary as it was to think about ending a job I had been at for close to 9 years, it was also a good thing...I needed to move onto something different and this was the push that forced it. I wasn't too torn up about it (obviously as you can tell from my picture) but not having a job for 2 months was definitely not glamorous. Thankfully, the owner at my OTF hired me as a sales associate. I've started a new full time job but still work at OTF one day a week. The real kicker? I found out the sale went through when I was at Disneyland...haha! So what do I do? I grab a celebration button and drinks!</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7JJeWSlbdLcehHRaxpUBeYoGCYGp2QC7SMI9gIvZCCLWRVvZ5sUvRwGhGx5nS9QvlZqErcEtMXeufdBaOW5RnhYUEw_UbjzdyQ_IM5TTmb_69d5PhY2HubD4_FiaiztmtnnVYkyo4lSO/s1600/celebrating.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7JJeWSlbdLcehHRaxpUBeYoGCYGp2QC7SMI9gIvZCCLWRVvZ5sUvRwGhGx5nS9QvlZqErcEtMXeufdBaOW5RnhYUEw_UbjzdyQ_IM5TTmb_69d5PhY2HubD4_FiaiztmtnnVYkyo4lSO/s320/celebrating.jpg" width="240" /></a><u><b><br /></b></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><b>Lost friendships</b></u></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipK9Bi0HekBfY9mqYezMIjymqycKmSxrxFGbALOfOk5lP5jjBXSOCLoHIjpQpAh7OPLZ0DWeGNeIRq-n5jm7a0WL1oWqYosc_ui2BXgWO7An1h_W5nZXy-zknEM_wChWc9q1IlQIHzhAen/s1600/friends.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipK9Bi0HekBfY9mqYezMIjymqycKmSxrxFGbALOfOk5lP5jjBXSOCLoHIjpQpAh7OPLZ0DWeGNeIRq-n5jm7a0WL1oWqYosc_ui2BXgWO7An1h_W5nZXy-zknEM_wChWc9q1IlQIHzhAen/s320/friends.jpg" width="320" /> </a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We all know that people come and go out of our lives...some we have control over while others we don't. Nothing necessarily "happened" for these friendship to fizzle - no arguments or anything like that. We are probably just in two different places in our lives, and I understand that. It's still a bit sad when you think back on all the fun times you had together, but things change...people change...and all you can do is move forward. A friend shared this photo with me and it's so very true...I still think highly of them and if our friendships spark back up I'd be happy to have them back in my life, but if not, I wish them well with their lives. A plus side to this is that some of my existing friendships have grown closer, and I'm excited to see where the new friendships I've started will go. :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As my friend, Justin, would say... #MakingLemonadeOutta</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So there you have it...my thoughts on my 2015. I'm always excited to start a new chapter in my life, and 2016 is shaping up to be an awesome year. I look forward to taking you guys along for the ride!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Until next time,</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUdzH7uejEwStV5T-yAoPAzBZWWkyKc6FfyLELlnZAIHnZIzcfUMtmp5_eqMCx6sfHAQB1nPEvugC2UEryVqBl2pL-Bg3ewolyuAK3CsxH8wwdcfpyU-b3LqXfCQTJLZCLDeugwUaChNW/s1600/blog+signature.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUdzH7uejEwStV5T-yAoPAzBZWWkyKc6FfyLELlnZAIHnZIzcfUMtmp5_eqMCx6sfHAQB1nPEvugC2UEryVqBl2pL-Bg3ewolyuAK3CsxH8wwdcfpyU-b3LqXfCQTJLZCLDeugwUaChNW/s400/blog+signature.jpg" /></a><br />
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956498389018314563noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-13567080363379732112015-12-31T08:00:00.000-05:002015-12-31T08:00:06.746-05:00Gonna #keepittight in 2016!If you've been following me for awhile, you know that I love me some <a href="http://procompression.com/" target="_blank">PRO Compression</a> socks-<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9xJ_OaQm4nnTrsdNgilKHS4hZSnoKPo3erMSOtwjqPW5bipFR8K6OrEMQdePjtrjIERO3Vi8YTxQMpQla5mMcSBbsVVoHfcmgH20nFIdT4Z5IWK55eIukoOa_yGbwlwt3ImKeZWubk4G/s1600/PC+Boom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9xJ_OaQm4nnTrsdNgilKHS4hZSnoKPo3erMSOtwjqPW5bipFR8K6OrEMQdePjtrjIERO3Vi8YTxQMpQla5mMcSBbsVVoHfcmgH20nFIdT4Z5IWK55eIukoOa_yGbwlwt3ImKeZWubk4G/s320/PC+Boom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyU-tziXr0I_kvR_FIBdZwCBvsWj2XOSlUGQQ9w89w348Vcvm75ku3DkD2tsxXq06wd6P33wG4F575EWAGOHKh9A_u8zurkN6U564UJ9EN5XVZJyB7K4iRJKLPDwGPV3Sse0Emgq7zMwae/s1600/PC+Gibblers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyU-tziXr0I_kvR_FIBdZwCBvsWj2XOSlUGQQ9w89w348Vcvm75ku3DkD2tsxXq06wd6P33wG4F575EWAGOHKh9A_u8zurkN6U564UJ9EN5XVZJyB7K4iRJKLPDwGPV3Sse0Emgq7zMwae/s320/PC+Gibblers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bjjE65ygQFw6RZzEuc62t42plk89vkG8PZsmeQwyt2XY0qdxnPQOulg9mNwkhtAIQYHRfh_UfNZmy7nfGjxsfhTC4akazaiSpSMYJbjiYe28f_0FuuyVqZQ647ICZYWqQME1sWXE6Pj6/s1600/PC+OTF+rower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bjjE65ygQFw6RZzEuc62t42plk89vkG8PZsmeQwyt2XY0qdxnPQOulg9mNwkhtAIQYHRfh_UfNZmy7nfGjxsfhTC4akazaiSpSMYJbjiYe28f_0FuuyVqZQ647ICZYWqQME1sWXE6Pj6/s320/PC+OTF+rower.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOFSzhyphenhyphen5B4niraB9HY1MUQSjubRrW9COYy11GDMKjCDBCqM2n4ot8k7Vy1DvmdbxWUSFEW5FbIcsYtSzy2TlW2HSS9oqC1N5-Yv6dqCSIEYxlnrTujKIsVxCMKgjSbpdIvLmF2havYbcl/s1600/PC+OTF+rug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOFSzhyphenhyphen5B4niraB9HY1MUQSjubRrW9COYy11GDMKjCDBCqM2n4ot8k7Vy1DvmdbxWUSFEW5FbIcsYtSzy2TlW2HSS9oqC1N5-Yv6dqCSIEYxlnrTujKIsVxCMKgjSbpdIvLmF2havYbcl/s320/PC+OTF+rug.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwD2qqeCv_mx2h4YEYdytL8Je8-hJNdiBjRV7gEcNtaTVHIcsQt3ojGhrTO7t3fzaTlYva3DQvEyw-va-bRDBQ0x9tF3B1v5a9R-0yZKwZ1TwkrN5hXzrMy_9o6rpbAnMuu_MlRlNzZM9/s1600/PC+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwD2qqeCv_mx2h4YEYdytL8Je8-hJNdiBjRV7gEcNtaTVHIcsQt3ojGhrTO7t3fzaTlYva3DQvEyw-va-bRDBQ0x9tF3B1v5a9R-0yZKwZ1TwkrN5hXzrMy_9o6rpbAnMuu_MlRlNzZM9/s320/PC+snow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had the honor of serving as a 2015 PRO Compression ambassador, and I am excited to announce that I have been selected as part of the 2016 PRO Compression ambassador team!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Iofo6s-wiws8QVR7Um3naIExGofVGd8f3-DxFh1IHupgqR-_KllW4wnF0x-ncIbnww_G32We8uqf_OiAwxv1iSqyJ0b9ScIEaH9g-TfHonlyTjwSVlR-iBCeSkvy9_-WKMjSO1Oc_kza/s1600/PC+ambassador+badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Iofo6s-wiws8QVR7Um3naIExGofVGd8f3-DxFh1IHupgqR-_KllW4wnF0x-ncIbnww_G32We8uqf_OiAwxv1iSqyJ0b9ScIEaH9g-TfHonlyTjwSVlR-iBCeSkvy9_-WKMjSO1Oc_kza/s320/PC+ambassador+badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Last year was a blast with my fellow ambassadors - it was so much fun sharing the PC love on our social media outlets and our friends and meeting up with each other during race weekends. I've managed to turn my coworkers at OTF onto PC socks, my husband now likes the low trainers, and I'm even known as "The girl with the tall socks" by one of the trainers at our sister OTF studio :)<br />
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I am so appreciative and humbled to be asked back for a second year - I know it's going to be epic! Be on the lookout for lots of posts, pictures, and maybe even a giveaway...I can't wait to share the PRO love with y'all!<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-85778416383334788302015-12-19T08:00:00.000-05:002015-12-19T08:00:01.751-05:00Holiday Gift Guide For Runners‘Tis the season, right??<br />
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I love buying gifts for my family and friends. There’s something so
satisfying about picking out a gift for someone and seeing them light up when
they open it. There are so many fantastic products out there for runners, and I
wanted to share some that are on my Christmas list with you!<br />
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<u><strong>PRO Compression socks</strong></u><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCrE_yWGHoHv5jKG-6_6KmD1XEcElCW9LOSGhhG8gjtoehc2S5ebJ4UfYHvdJzpuJX4_9eKcekFcH5Iv-HMAK1QobWMPpprTWM_oBSim9OvLVo2FJs8Srd65wrRQFCDq2j71SakmskBVs/s1600/PC+holiday+sock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCrE_yWGHoHv5jKG-6_6KmD1XEcElCW9LOSGhhG8gjtoehc2S5ebJ4UfYHvdJzpuJX4_9eKcekFcH5Iv-HMAK1QobWMPpprTWM_oBSim9OvLVo2FJs8Srd65wrRQFCDq2j71SakmskBVs/s200/PC+holiday+sock.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
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This is my go-to brand of socks…whether I’m out and about running errands or I’m
sweating it out at OTF or the open road, I always have a pair of PRO compression
socks on. Not only are they great for your feet both during workouts and for
recovery, they also have super fun colors and designs! I’m loving the December
Sock of the Month – they will be perfect for those holiday runs and workouts!
Unfortunately these sold out in about 3 hours! Make sure to subscribe to their
emails so that you won’t miss out on the next “Sock of the Month”<br />
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<a href="http://www.procompression.com/" target="_blank">http://www.procompression.com</a><br />
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<strong><u>Sparkly Soul headbands</u></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrd-Hn_jkx3MxKXvzzId_0Ta4B5cGo559FZWlkDJfrbrsqTQY23oW13jVQqILxLqbH9y3qO0wKPTCE0lF9BklBT0meyEFTQsxXs1_KF7IwNmkiXPVgAXaBlObyCuRhxUOLJGUOSWuf8TMj/s1600/sparkly+soul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrd-Hn_jkx3MxKXvzzId_0Ta4B5cGo559FZWlkDJfrbrsqTQY23oW13jVQqILxLqbH9y3qO0wKPTCE0lF9BklBT0meyEFTQsxXs1_KF7IwNmkiXPVgAXaBlObyCuRhxUOLJGUOSWuf8TMj/s200/sparkly+soul.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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These are so fun, versatile, and go with ANYTHING in your closet. I love them
because, for me, they actually stay on my head and don’t move during my
workouts. They have no piece of black elastic in the back either. They’re
always coming out with new designs and colors, and the ladies who run Sparkly
Soul are AWESOME! They truly love what they do and you can definitely tell.
What girl doesn’t need a little more sparkle in her life? Oh…and they were
named as “The Best Stocking Stuffers of the Season” in Women’s Running
magazine! Now how can you argue with that?<br />
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<a href="http://www.sparklysoul.com/" target="_blank">http://www.sparklysoul.com</a><br />
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<strong><u>InknBurn</u></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6BqE1iT1aaFRAj4Ojvc8R6k1mpAK-je-eAhzvz2PNTpqwHzulbpX1c5i58T02WvcA-OTaGuLz0gh4UQeCrASo7ORTLFS7TP4ooVa6IocGKiu29_A0B9Hvm9Glz9S-jyP67Fwry3nD3Se/s1600/InknBurn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6BqE1iT1aaFRAj4Ojvc8R6k1mpAK-je-eAhzvz2PNTpqwHzulbpX1c5i58T02WvcA-OTaGuLz0gh4UQeCrASo7ORTLFS7TP4ooVa6IocGKiu29_A0B9Hvm9Glz9S-jyP67Fwry3nD3Se/s200/InknBurn.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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If you love standing out during races and wearing something unique, InknBurn
is the answer! They come out with such beautiful pieces of clothing, ranging
from bottoms that look like denim to shirts that look like a holiday sweater –
they have something for everyone. Not sure what the recipient might like? Get
them a gift card and let them pick it out themselves! They have camisoles,
tees, tanks, long sleeves, shorts, capris, and pants/tights to choose from. All
made in the USA by a small company of less than 20 people. The quality and art
you’ll find here is hard to beat!<br />
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<a href="http://www.inknburn.com/" target="_blank">http://www.inknburn.com</a><br />
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<strong><u>RoadID</u></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwUb7omMQ8oDrrL_UeNAx4I21yiaPjfKHJFD9x4_SEGpEJ5uy9_AREPORSea6cjB5SVMOX0mkPbQm91XTEq1B_scpzfCw9I6PTNtQfA6ktCMOEmTam4EJiEpuavf3Rmv5UPdbVsY4gpVF/s1600/my+roadID.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwUb7omMQ8oDrrL_UeNAx4I21yiaPjfKHJFD9x4_SEGpEJ5uy9_AREPORSea6cjB5SVMOX0mkPbQm91XTEq1B_scpzfCw9I6PTNtQfA6ktCMOEmTam4EJiEpuavf3Rmv5UPdbVsY4gpVF/s200/my+roadID.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
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I absolutely love my RoadID. I actually wear mine everyday and not just when
I run or work out. If you’ve never heard of the company, they make
identification both for your wrist as well as one you can wear on your shoe.
You put any vital information on them so that in case of an emergency where
you’re unresponsive, the people caring for you are able to contact your loved
ones. I know I’m guilty of not always filling out the form on the back of my
race bibs, so having this guy on my wrist is not a bad idea. They also have a
service you can pay extra for that has a number to call that gives any allergies
or other vital medical information. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.roadid.com/" target="_blank">http://www.roadid.com</a><br /><br /><strong><u>A Race
Entry</u></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95X6fVSJSJwyHQfSt3McopnzxFmDFzE1SfnE8QZQioeEdZKteXq4VuYjvJskZTh5MX1lkSq8svFlugYbSNmEQlbGF6qfMRLmZMEL-NQAmcuWH8k_yzz9U-HSCuULrRXlKnwUOLCa_uaKe/s1600/rundisney+trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95X6fVSJSJwyHQfSt3McopnzxFmDFzE1SfnE8QZQioeEdZKteXq4VuYjvJskZTh5MX1lkSq8svFlugYbSNmEQlbGF6qfMRLmZMEL-NQAmcuWH8k_yzz9U-HSCuULrRXlKnwUOLCa_uaKe/s200/rundisney+trip.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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If you know of a race that someone wants to run, a race entry could be the
PERFECT gift! Back at Christmas 2013, the hubby gifted me the 2014 Wine and
Dine half marathon weekend, complete with airfare, hotel, race entry, and park
tickets! Now, yours doesn’t have to be as elaborate as that, but it could be a
great idea…maybe find a race that you can run with them!<br />
<br />Those are just a few things on my Christmas list…please feel free to
leave any additional suggestions in the comments….I would love to see them and
maybe even learn of a new product to try out!<br />
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<em>Until next time,</em><br />
<em><br /></em>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLpUPPJutLNciM8CMKWWo5SJRALkqXME7XfMSQuRfiekhmNsFl1qjHkSkQO4fThWu8rtUYhOV-d42XZK01qYgQ780NmqyxG4p4o_pkVJO8ZNR0SVFzsw6_iM93jOCXfmqkbqeu6m1Gojt/s1600/blog+signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLpUPPJutLNciM8CMKWWo5SJRALkqXME7XfMSQuRfiekhmNsFl1qjHkSkQO4fThWu8rtUYhOV-d42XZK01qYgQ780NmqyxG4p4o_pkVJO8ZNR0SVFzsw6_iM93jOCXfmqkbqeu6m1Gojt/s1600/blog+signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<em></em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-63628288571811988002015-12-14T08:00:00.000-05:002015-12-14T08:00:00.856-05:00Esprit de She Atlanta 5k recap<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have had the privilege of serving as an ambassador for the <a href="http://www.espritdeshe.com/" target="_blank">Esprit de She Atlanta</a> race
since it first came to Atlanta in 2013. That year it was chilly and SUPER
windy! In 2014, I was unable to run as I was at Walt Disney World for the Wine
and Dine half marathon. But in 2015 I was ready to run again!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The awesome people at <a href="https://www.lifetimefitness.com/" target="_blank">Lifetime</a> and <a href="http://www.gildan.com/" target="_blank">Gildan</a> sure did know how to treat the ambassadors. A couple
of months before the race, I got a surprise pink package stuffed with shirts,
socks, a hoodie, water bottle, and other goodies from Gildan!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Race day came and I wasn’t feeling super confident. The weather was a little
dreary but luckily, it ended up being a great night! I recruited one of my OTF
friends, Kimberly, to run the race “with” me (she’s faster than I, so we started
together and she waited for me at the finish).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We arrived with time to spare before the race, so we checked out all the
pre-race areas – they sure know how to make a girl feel special! There was a
“marketplace” full of vendors…Gildan, <a href="http://www.girlsontherun.org/" target="_blank">Girls on the Run</a>, <a href="http://aspirebeverages.com/" target="_blank">Aspire Beverage</a>, <a href="http://www.yoplait.com./" target="_blank">Yoplait</a>, <a href="http://www.sunsetgrown.com/" target="_blank">Sunset Grown</a>, and a beauty bar where you could get a mini massage, a manicure,
and/or your hair done for the race!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They also provided a super easy and convenient bag drop off inside the
Southwest Porch at the Park Tavern, which was great as it was nice to have
something a little warm to put on after the race was over!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I got the opportunity to meet Abby, the National Brand manager and one of our
ambassador contacts for the Esprit de She race series! It was great talking to
her and hearing her passion for the race as well as to hear inspirational
stories of women who had participated in their various events throughout the
year across the country.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before we knew it, it was time for the race to begin! Esprit de She brought in
a very entertaining Zumba instructor to lead us in a warm-up. I most certainly
do NOT have the moves he does, but I had fun attempting them :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After warm up was done, we lined up in the corral. There were a lot of women
who were running their first 5k! It’s such a great first step and a huge
accomplishment. I remember running my first one and am thankful for taking that
step in life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Soon, we were off! The course was fairly well lit…there were a few dark spots
but I just slowed down when I felt like I needed to…my biggest fear was slipping
on wet leaves as it had rained the entire day before. I stuck with my intervals
and felt great during the whole race. The course winds through Piedmont Park
with very little incline. It’s mostly on a paved road/trail but there is a
small part of it on a gravel/dirt trail.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I kept going back and forth with a woman in front of me and made it my goal to finish before her. As I approached the finish line I kicked it up a notch and managed to pull ahead!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After crossing the finish line I went to turn off my GPS and noticed my
time…could it be? Did I just PR? WOW!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Considering the conditions I was crazy proud of myself! It was the 2nd time I’d
PRed the 5k in 3 weeks! This called for a celebration, so Kimberly and I headed
into the Southwest Porch to grab some food, take some pictures and redeem our
free drink from the bubbly bar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We also walked around a little more and checked out some of the awesome vendors
they had. Those tomatoes were AMAZING! They also had a pizza but we missed out
on trying a slice of that. Oh well! I highly recommend checking out Aspire
Beverages…it’s a sports drink with much less sugar than Gatorade or Powerade…I
loved it and will be getting some of my own soon!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We had a great time at this year’s Esprit de She Atlanta 5k/10k race! It’s a
great event to get a bunch of your best running friends together, run a race,
and party it up afterward!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next year’s race will be on Thursday, November 3rd, at Piedmont Park again.
Mark it on your calendars and <a href="https://register.chronotrack.com/r/17891" target="_blank">sign up</a> today! Use my referral code <b>“EDS015”</b> too for $5 off any registration in the United States!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks for another great race, Esprit de She…see ya again next year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Until next time,</i></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-20032097458844597132015-12-04T08:00:00.000-05:002015-12-04T08:00:04.529-05:00Atlanta Halloween Half Marathon & 5k<p>Just a week after the Fast Pace Race I was set to run the 5k portion of the Atlanta Halloween half marathon and 5k race. This race was also about 1.5 miles from my house (it starts and ends at the Cumming Fairgrounds) so getting there didn’t take long at all.</p> <p>Ramona and I spectated the race during its first year in 2013, and I was familiar with the half marathon course as I used to drive most of it to and from work. I was unable to run it in 2014 since it was the same day as the Atlanta 10 miler, so this year I decided to give the 5k a whirl.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oWEG1Ly7QQs/Vl50LwNZ6bI/AAAAAAAAGFc/9a26yohAyK4/s1600-h/Halloween%252520race%2525203%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Halloween race 3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Halloween race 3" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dlR1E5zLRE8/Vl50MVlngnI/AAAAAAAAGFg/730fnvinKzE/Halloween%252520race%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="247" height="305"></a> Decided that since it was Halloween weekend that I would rep Orangetheory Fitness Cumming (after all…their signature color is…well…orange)</p> <p>I headed down to the race and hung out with my OTF friends who were working our table. Coach Fox led the pre-race warm up and got everyone loose and ready to run. I was able to meet up with my friend, Kristen, and her mom, Jackie, and catch up with them for a bit. We watched the half marathon runners start their race and hung out for a bit before lining up for the 5k.</p> <p>About 30 minutes later it was our turn to start. This was another course that I knew fairly well since we drive it frequently. I had also done some training runs on it so I knew what to expect…a nice uphill start! I felt strong and stuck with my intervals. One thing that keeps me engaged while I run is to pick a person in front of me and make it my goal to pass them. Once I’ve achieved it, it’s time to pick another. I spent the race doing just that. The turnaround point for the 5k was actually at the front of my neighborhood. Oh how tempting it was to run home, but I kept going.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sggsF8idaNY/Vl50M07OsjI/AAAAAAAAGFo/jkDZ0n8tcZs/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Race%25252012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Halloween Race 12" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Halloween Race 12" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ieoPMF_9N4Y/Vl50NQzfItI/AAAAAAAAGFw/YMg0atRAhE4/Halloween%252520Race%25252012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="215" height="282"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KZVjth20BPI/Vl50NlAdXII/AAAAAAAAGF4/52qrQCfZQmc/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Race%25252011%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Halloween Race 11" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Halloween Race 11" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hml2N_sly9g/Vl50OL5LP6I/AAAAAAAAGGA/G5oHbFiV5Q8/Halloween%252520Race%25252011_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="216" height="283"></a> <br> (photo credit to Becky)</p> <p>This race was actually a lot better than I thought it was going to be for me…I was worried that the hill would wear me down fast and I would be slow for the rest of the race, but I felt great and was even 6 seconds away from a PR! It was fun to come up on the finish line and see Coach Fox cheering me on – I think he might have told me I was at an “All Out”?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ffa18o-MLQU/Vl50OhkPUHI/AAAAAAAAGGI/ONWAjO-s4WM/s1600-h/Halloween%252520race%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Halloween race 2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Halloween race 2" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i-DRPQjECa0/Vl50PKeJ1HI/AAAAAAAAGGU/6l3KFklH5Ac/Halloween%252520race%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="241" height="350"></a> (photo credit: True Speed Photo) </p> <p>It was a fantastic race for me! They gave out medals for the 5k as well as the half marathon -</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A-d1CSypg9k/Vl50QgykStI/AAAAAAAAGGc/P79VGuEFflw/s1600-h/Halloween%252520race%2525209%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Halloween race 9" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Halloween race 9" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mg8x7H6xnsw/Vl50RTZRmuI/AAAAAAAAGGk/-Wjp0mrYVuw/Halloween%252520race%2525209_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="227" height="298"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QnizsgYMvg8/Vl50RzEASoI/AAAAAAAAGGo/Fkuf8ljvR-U/s1600-h/Halloween%252520race%25252010%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Halloween race 10" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Halloween race 10" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RCPgIZsjt5M/Vl50SZ-JGuI/AAAAAAAAGGw/O_3TP1-EJSA/Halloween%252520race%25252010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="300"></a> </p> <p></p> <p>I joined Coach Fox and we cheered as more runners came to the finish line….the race photographer even got a picture of us :) </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U_EG_2akFO8/Vl50TO-3zlI/AAAAAAAAGG4/pK039nSnghY/s1600-h/Halloween%252520race%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Halloween race" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Halloween race" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pj02LFXNMSQ/Vl50TjDyx3I/AAAAAAAAGHA/5J_1n4wyduk/Halloween%252520race_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="272"></a>We were super excited to see one of our OTF Cumming members, Debbie, finish her first 5k! She placed 3rd in her age group and she credits OTF for helping her prepare for the race. We were crazy proud of her!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SloLB9_DT8U/Vl50T3mP9aI/AAAAAAAAGHI/WleDLokCzRU/s1600-h/Halloween%252520race%2525206%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="Halloween race 6" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Halloween race 6" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wp8rIQsl1Ro/Vl50URbuygI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/kNYO2Tx91_E/Halloween%252520race%2525206_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="312"></a><br>I also got to see Kristen and Jackie finish the race :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qPK5PY-I_V4/Vl50WljOg_I/AAAAAAAAGHc/UliMIy2jBAY/s1600-h/Halloween%252520race%2525207%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="Halloween race 7" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Halloween race 7" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-363dH-44l8A/Vl50XV64JzI/AAAAAAAAGHg/1GyJWrAiecI/Halloween%252520race%2525207_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="218" height="285"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t_vzU2Fs_Ws/Vl50Xm9Kq7I/AAAAAAAAGHo/5qm2Cq3ETmU/s1600-h/Halloween%252520race%2525208%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="Halloween race 8" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Halloween race 8" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c_4FBLGgihg/Vl50YUK4o6I/AAAAAAAAGHw/0hwSwU96fFY/Halloween%252520race%2525208_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="281"></a> </p> <p>I thought the race was well organized, it started on time, and the shirts were super cute! i didn’t stay for too long as I had to get to Orangetheory Fitness for work, but I cheered on the half marathoners as I drove home from the race….that course is not easy but they were doing a great job!</p> <p>If you’re looking for a fun Halloween race next year, check this one out!</p> <p><em>Until next time,</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QsW-d6K6J9k/Vl50ZHBES2I/AAAAAAAAGH4/MDipIjwz6u8/s1600-h/blog%252520signature%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="blog signature" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="blog signature" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GRepXMm-AYQ/Vl50Ztj0rMI/AAAAAAAAGIA/1-oKYWM3oy0/blog%252520signature_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="96" height="69"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:3a1a2ae3-53a0-4c39-ae97-7105dc02df27" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">LiveJournal Tags: <a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Atlanta+Halloween+half+marathon" rel="tag">Atlanta Halloween half marathon</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=5k" rel="tag">5k</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Cumming" rel="tag">Cumming</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Orangetheory+fitness" rel="tag">Orangetheory fitness</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=OTF+Cumming" rel="tag">OTF Cumming</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=All+out" rel="tag">All out</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=race" rel="tag">race</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=PR" rel="tag">PR</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Halloween" rel="tag">Halloween</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=run" rel="tag">run</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Sparkly+Soul" rel="tag">Sparkly Soul</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Pro+Compression" rel="tag">Pro Compression</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Brooks+running" rel="tag">Brooks running</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=keepittight" rel="tag">keepittight</a></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-44243619284094544622015-12-02T08:00:00.000-05:002015-12-02T08:00:10.032-05:00Fast Pace Race 5k<p>My friend, Ramona, had been persistently telling me I should run this race, insisting that I would get a PR. I hadn’t PRed at the 5k distance since 2012 (the first year I started running!) so it was definitely time to see what I could do. I was a little worried since I hadn’t really done any training runs with the exception of the Paws in the Park 5k the weekend before. As it turned out, my husband’s company was one of the race sponsors so it all worked out!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tnoJ5j_w610/Vl5eJNctPgI/AAAAAAAAGDE/By9KXHHHtN0/s1600-h/Fast%252520Pace%252520Race1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fast Pace Race1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Fast Pace Race1" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gX93IfupTJo/Vl5eJxEcjEI/AAAAAAAAGDI/S4cK2GTO9Ys/Fast%252520Pace%252520Race1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a> Lucky for me, the race ended about 1.5 miles from our house, so I didn’t have to get up super early. They shuttled runners to the start line. The course starts at the top of a “hill” and you slowly make your way down (hence the name of the race). For the 5k, 2.29 miles of the race was downhill, and 0.28 miles were flat. That only leaves about half a mile of hills…not too shabby for a race in Georgia!</p> <p>The Fast Pace Race benefits prostate cancer awareness, education, and treatment options.</p> <p>I met up with Ramona and another friend, Paula, at the starting line. We all run different paces but it’s nice to start the race together…gives you a chance to chat and get rid of any pre-race jitters as well as to pass the time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZYYb_DT2yZA/Vl5eKS5bPcI/AAAAAAAAGDQ/bCV0Iq6_0wI/s1600-h/Fast%252520Pace%252520Race2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fast Pace Race2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Fast Pace Race2" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I8ulkOHzLqg/Vl5eLIQWNiI/AAAAAAAAGDc/8EOjjkOuZSA/Fast%252520Pace%252520Race2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="219"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GQkcu3ZKzAw/Vl5eLmD7HcI/AAAAAAAAGDk/dI4OLtwI8PU/s1600-h/Fast%252520Pace%252520Race3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fast Pace Race3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Fast Pace Race3" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mo1cdwVEQe8/Vl5eMjtOuPI/AAAAAAAAGDo/Lsom27R3VI8/Fast%252520Pace%252520Race3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="225"></a> </p> <p>They played the National Anthem and the race started! I went out WAY too fast in the first mile, so my second mile was definitely slower. I picked it up during mile 3 and flew into the finish line with a 14 second PR! (Thanks to my husband and Ramona for the pictures)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MZ97OvWoZWQ/Vl5eM2XjAWI/AAAAAAAAGDw/Q7YN7Txlxag/s1600-h/Fast%252520Pace%252520Race7%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fast Pace Race7" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Fast Pace Race7" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pPGpWV1_UD4/Vl5eNbMiJsI/AAAAAAAAGD4/-iv9Lzrq-h0/Fast%252520Pace%252520Race7_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="176" height="301"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lcKlHMbrjQw/Vl5eNlso0bI/AAAAAAAAGEA/0dFrqvux934/s1600-h/Fast%252520Pace%252520Race10%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fast Pace Race10" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Fast Pace Race10" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aZjvsOgqwJk/Vl5eNzfp4qI/AAAAAAAAGEI/EAun2UQKnBQ/Fast%252520Pace%252520Race10_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="177" height="302"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>I was super excited…14 seconds isn’t a lot, but it’s a PR, especially considering I’d done little to no running outside. I have to credit Orangetheory Fitness Cumming with that…my endurance is so much better and I feel stronger when I run!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pnQKmcMfoEQ/Vl5eOfMI7wI/AAAAAAAAGEQ/-hqiDS7x32U/s1600-h/Fast%252520Pace%252520Race4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fast Pace Race4" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Fast Pace Race4" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KAKR2Cp7okA/Vl5eOliY5GI/AAAAAAAAGEY/r3kPVMEtNi0/Fast%252520Pace%252520Race4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="225" height="295"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yNmnM2Eahdo/Vl5ePIjUTBI/AAAAAAAAGEg/WKeAPDE9Eh8/s1600-h/Fast%252520Pace%252520Race5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fast Pace Race5" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Fast Pace Race5" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yKPbd9w80I8/Vl5ePnd-tVI/AAAAAAAAGEs/B4LlImv9moY/Fast%252520Pace%252520Race5_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="225" height="295"></a> </p> <p></p> <p>We hung around for the awards and Ramona as well as some of her other friends placed in their age group. Super proud of her! We were also sporting some InknBurn, so we had to document it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DVDGerEtXro/Vl5eQEpqjKI/AAAAAAAAGEw/0ESeVMP-Zl0/s1600-h/Fast%252520Pace%252520Race9%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fast Pace Race9" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Fast Pace Race9" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CNxtoHMFRP0/Vl5eQgKVWOI/AAAAAAAAGE4/V-l79n2L0OI/Fast%252520Pace%252520Race9_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="342" height="200"></a><br>After the awards, we headed to Cracker Barrel for food and laughs. it was a great morning and a great race for a great cause. I’ll definitely put this race down on my calendar for next year!</p> <p><em>Until next time,</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bx564U0AdaM/Vl5eRFyujUI/AAAAAAAAGFA/8mYtr016j44/s1600-h/blog%252520signature%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="blog signature" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="blog signature" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pd767djqZCU/Vl5eRgFcyNI/AAAAAAAAGFE/M-cxS72XUIo/blog%252520signature_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="96" height="69"></a> </p> <p></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:a5b368e4-f936-44f3-b8b5-8e08fefc8433" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">LiveJournal Tags: <a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Fast+Pace+race" rel="tag">Fast Pace race</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=5k" rel="tag">5k</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=race" rel="tag">race</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=InknBurn" rel="tag">InknBurn</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=ProCompression" rel="tag">ProCompression</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=keepittight" rel="tag">keepittight</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=sparkly+soul" rel="tag">sparkly soul</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=PR" rel="tag">PR</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Orangetheory+fitness" rel="tag">Orangetheory fitness</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=OTFCumming" rel="tag">OTFCumming</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=KT+Tape" rel="tag">KT Tape</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Brooks+running" rel="tag">Brooks running</a></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-3829453076349828392015-10-24T08:00:00.000-04:002015-10-24T08:00:04.632-04:00Paws in the Park 5k<p>I love running races for causes that I truly believe in. Pet adoption is one of those. As most of you know, we adopted our dog, Guinness, from <a href="www.pldpr.org" target="_blank">Peace Love and Dog Paws Rescue</a> in Birmingham just a week after moving into our house. We’ve had him for just over 4 years and can’t imagine what life would be without him.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W--WeBiREfs/ViqWW9t3kvI/AAAAAAAAF-8/IcXzXGDQ9Ko/s1600-h/IMG_7578%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7578" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_7578" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y4IMJWz-PYw/ViqWXgR00PI/AAAAAAAAF_A/h_YakxkaPX0/IMG_7578_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="224"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SLl9J6fv8uo/ViqWYDbWDJI/AAAAAAAAF_I/3pz3_cxzW7E/s1600-h/IMG_7588%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7588" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_7588" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xJKlbrC8g8w/ViqWYnxBlWI/AAAAAAAAF_Q/iBLl3QAOp_Y/IMG_7588_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="226" height="226"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0kXR7BXkj4g/ViqWZNwcESI/AAAAAAAAF_Y/StAKIxweJSc/s1600-h/IMG_8742%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8742" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_8742" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vCOvnKDbzPw/ViqWZvufznI/AAAAAAAAF_g/-3lsVZC5D_0/IMG_8742_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="222" height="222"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>When I heard about the Paws in the Park 5k in Blue Ridge, I knew I wanted to run it, especially since all the registration fees went straight to the <a href="humanesocietyofblueridge.org" target="_blank">Humane Society of Blue Ridge</a>. So I had my parents sign me up when they were in town one weekend and was ready to go!</p> <p>Packet pick up was held at <a href="www.terraoutfitters.com" target="_blank">Terra Outfitters</a>, a fairly new running store in Blue Ridge. If you’re ever in the area I highly recommend stopping by and checking them out. The owners are amazing and they have some great products. They also host weekly run and walk groups.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p5sTH_naTjA/ViqWaJaw_QI/AAAAAAAAF_o/B72Hou1msjQ/s1600-h/PITP%2525208%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="PITP 8" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="PITP 8" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZIG8uZ4PpmU/ViqWaafyTrI/AAAAAAAAF_w/E6FF3Q0uusY/PITP%2525208_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dYbsWjKxAu0/ViqWa58e5wI/AAAAAAAAF_4/_99xIG3Mg40/s1600-h/PITP%2525209%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="PITP 9" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="PITP 9" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KqBNfP6f4Zs/ViqWbdRWCgI/AAAAAAAAGAA/mAlO7BCvfIw/PITP%2525209_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="305" height="233"></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Saturday morning brought some cold temperatures to the mountains. Just about everyone was bundled up from head to toe. Knowing I would warm up soon after the run started, I went with my usual race attire – a tank and shorts, with some arm sleeves added for a little warmth.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kIpgdbH2I5w/ViqWblVYfcI/AAAAAAAAGAI/E3Bd1mE1nPQ/s1600-h/PITP%2525201%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="PITP 1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="PITP 1" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--D4LZHRbSnY/ViqWcPLl1HI/AAAAAAAAGAQ/O6S0fAd38xE/PITP%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="242" height="298"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_NZhWYym8Bk/ViqWcdBpIhI/AAAAAAAAGAY/e9fsmbp4CjA/s1600-h/PITP%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="PITP 2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="PITP 2" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zTkKp5ZFgPA/ViqWcw0vtRI/AAAAAAAAGAg/72Vxh84pkwU/PITP%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="303"></a> </p> <p></p> <p>The race started and I felt great! I hadn’t run outside since the Disneyland Half Marathon last month so I wasn’t entirely sure how I would feel or how I would do, but I had a really good race. The course was a loop/out and back (if that makes sense). My parents snapped some pictures of me along the course.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nvShk4e2n0A/ViqWdZ0JS2I/AAAAAAAAGAo/hHtO8KOSFDI/s1600-h/PITP%25252010%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="PITP 10" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="PITP 10" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y6zgkOUZsp0/ViqWdqpdxdI/AAAAAAAAGAw/5ctKGCGq5Ps/PITP%25252010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="311" height="237"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zfBQrYsZm5I/ViqWeLeQasI/AAAAAAAAGA4/sN4hQSUJ_UE/s1600-h/PITP%25252012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="PITP 12" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="PITP 12" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BJ_nU3PFx4Q/ViqWerXisQI/AAAAAAAAGBA/5c8FK_3M5Ik/PITP%25252012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="309" height="236"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-artepNZbQHc/ViqWe2WrUoI/AAAAAAAAGBI/_8bsAlSSKks/s1600-h/PITP%25252013%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="PITP 13" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="PITP 13" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EeCcD_R3pM4/ViqWfV5-aeI/AAAAAAAAGBQ/MWYZcGnuez0/PITP%25252013_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="314" height="240"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mDai_fzh3kQ/ViqWf3_-O-I/AAAAAAAAGBY/-KGdTkoUcJ4/s1600-h/PITP%25252015%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="PITP 15" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="PITP 15" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-idwxb0li4zM/ViqWgB_u9CI/AAAAAAAAGBc/wRWjYt3e5WY/PITP%25252015_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="238"></a> </p> <p>I finished 14 seconds away from a new PR…I was pretty pleased with myself!! After the race they had warm chili and cornbread and fried apple pies for the runners, as well as the usual bananas and water.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-elR89140qNc/ViqWgRADO2I/AAAAAAAAGBo/UHIcoqfzZoQ/s1600-h/PITP%2525204%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="PITP 4" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="PITP 4" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U-7UQTZyNoE/ViqWg6HJkXI/AAAAAAAAGBw/WkdGwH7nx9g/PITP%2525204_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="233" height="305"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mXMez9n8M0k/ViqWhnvve0I/AAAAAAAAGB4/bxVSctAoPqM/s1600-h/PITP%2525205%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="PITP 5" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="PITP 5" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5FjSoSKs17o/ViqWh7tycNI/AAAAAAAAGB8/n9Z21kF6VEU/PITP%2525205_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="302"></a> </p> <p>Here’s where things took an unfortunate turn -</p> <p>When I picked my bib up the day before, I noticed that it had my incorrect age on it (35…I am 33). It wouldn’t have been an issue except that it bumped me into the next age group. I never go into any race thinking I’m going to place in my age group, but this time…I did…I place 3rd…in the wrong age group.</p> <p>I accepted the award and stood on the podium, knowing I didn’t belong there…it should have gone to the next person, but I did not want to interrupt the awards ceremony to make the correction (which I know I should have done). I should not have posted a picture on Facebook saying that I managed a podium finish (which I did). I was unable to find the race director afterward, but I have reached out to her to make her aware of the mistake and have offered to mail the award back to them so that the rightful person can claim it.</p> <p>I know there are a lot of cases of cheating that happen (people running with someone else’s bib, cutting courses short, etc), which I do not condone. This was a clerical error that was not realized until the night before the race. I am doing what I can to correct it and already have guilt for taking away the podium from the person who should have been there, but I cannot go back in time to change my actions. Sadly, what’s done is done and all I can do is move forward and be more careful (and make sure my parents know exactly how old I am if they sign me up for another race). So the lesson is to never assume anything – get things corrected before something like this happens. I’m sure I’ll get some negative comments about this, but I am being honest and putting it out there instead of hiding under a rock. I did not need anyone to tell me the right thing to do…I knew what it was and handled it as soon as I could. </p> <p>Other than that, I really enjoyed the race and hope to be able to do it again next year.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cve0NJ8bbN0/ViqWiX_UfTI/AAAAAAAAGCI/nf1mQOFchcM/s1600-h/PITP%25252014%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="PITP 14" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="PITP 14" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gih5G6dRcAg/ViqWi3Xo_yI/AAAAAAAAGCQ/GARi4eG0xgk/PITP%25252014_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="426" height="328"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Uj8Sry1jrI/ViqWjIvkb4I/AAAAAAAAGCY/qLmpUom4He8/s1600-h/PITP%2525207%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="PITP 7" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="PITP 7" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--pIuFLKD-Qw/ViqWjtxFs5I/AAAAAAAAGCg/HQEi8PEIIwM/PITP%2525207_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="379"></a> </p> <p><em>Have you ever had something similar to this happen to you? How did you handle it?</em></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:7afef9e0-1c74-4dea-b725-fcb103b5bacc" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">LiveJournal Tags: <a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Paws+in+the+Park+5k" rel="tag">Paws in the Park 5k</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=pet+adoption" rel="tag">pet adoption</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=adopt+don't+shop" rel="tag">adopt don't shop</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Blue+Ridge" rel="tag">Blue Ridge</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Terra+Outfitters" rel="tag">Terra Outfitters</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=dogs" rel="tag">dogs</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=cats" rel="tag">cats</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=5k" rel="tag">5k</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=race" rel="tag">race</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=InknBurn" rel="tag">InknBurn</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Sparkly+Soul" rel="tag">Sparkly Soul</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=PRO+Compression" rel="tag">PRO Compression</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Brooks+running" rel="tag">Brooks running</a></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-16698168539884755352015-10-22T08:00:00.000-04:002015-10-23T10:14:46.436-04:00Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – Day 1<p>I am so incredibly behind, so hopefully I can get all caught up!</p> <p>A little over a month ago I boarded a plane to head to one of the Happiest Places on Earth for what promised to be an epic, amazing, fantastic, spectacular (oh…you get it? Okay) #DiamondGirlsWeekend at Disneyland!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y_Xa2G5zitQ/VipArXCOliI/AAAAAAAAF7k/_Xrtm1X6LZM/s1600-h/002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="002" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="002" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yafP_VvMJ2c/VipArgDc2QI/AAAAAAAAF7o/s6OvUC3rB3U/002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="296"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rq0DDJDZs8Q/VipAsENmAWI/AAAAAAAAF7w/CB6Bj3p2-Rw/s1600-h/003%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="003" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="003" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C46p3Q3p0cg/VipAsuw6D5I/AAAAAAAAF74/j-usE47fWog/003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="294"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-avG1GQ8O5OQ/VipAtb_R8qI/AAAAAAAAF8A/Wrr8TuZneYc/s1600-h/004%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="004" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="004" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s_dle5fxCQc/VipAtuQXQ3I/AAAAAAAAF8I/1WFTzAEv0f0/004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="237" height="311"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o_IT8xCQOEc/VipAtzE0mNI/AAAAAAAAF8Q/pc46EtMkn-k/s1600-h/005%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="005" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="005" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f7f3RgTjysk/VipAueqIA8I/AAAAAAAAF8Y/h34T3ExLLUw/005_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="239" height="310"></a> </p> <p>After landing in LA and hopping onto my own “Cinderella’s Coach”, we were off to the Disneyland Hotel for the Disneyland Half Marathon race expo!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x3LnZxbebnY/VipAuv1lOrI/AAAAAAAAF8g/pg39bVGF6cc/s1600-h/010%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="010" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="010" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cbxpVisXUTc/VipAvOdoSMI/AAAAAAAAF8o/CjpeuePI6ac/010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="210" height="275"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-paEQbs3bgrI/VipAvZ47sVI/AAAAAAAAF8s/lQWrZOriwsk/s1600-h/012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="012" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="012" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UpRnkiaRwao/VipAv0HpCQI/AAAAAAAAF84/hb-rqYcSMTk/012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="203"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aODVvj8T6-k/VipAwByHKLI/AAAAAAAAF9A/y7HpyK8-2Mo/s1600-h/011%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="011" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="011" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ykfx4wM5ZSg/VipAwtT5jCI/AAAAAAAAF9I/b-igOG_YYh8/011_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="209" height="274"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Here I met up with my friends and awesome roommates for the weekend – Lena and Heather. Lena had jumped in line for the official race merchandise (which was crazy!!) and was sweet enough to pick up my wish list items and purchase them for me :) </p> <p>We didn’t stay at the expo long as we had to head to the airport to pick up Krissy! We then headed to the InknBurn headquarters to say hi and check out some of their amazing clothes, then it was time to feed our bellies with a true California tradition -</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fyKnbQ1TLM0/VipAxE9KqqI/AAAAAAAAF9Q/rT1Zn4cvS-s/s1600-h/014%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="014" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="014" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P_jVSOmROHo/VipAxbmZ7DI/AAAAAAAAF9Y/ehSvaOFA8CQ/014_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="311" height="311"></a> </p> <p>IN-N-OUT!!! We don’t have them on the east coast so it’s always a must have (animal style is the bomb)</p> <p>After lunch, we headed to our hotel to check in and drop our luggage off, then back to the expo to pick up our bibs, anniversary party tickets and do a little shopping. I loved how close our hotel was to the parks and Downtown Disney…definitely a perk of Disneyland vs. Walt Disney World.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wj7RqtB59TM/VipAxhBbm2I/AAAAAAAAF9c/1qO7QP3q3I4/s1600-h/015%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="015" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-266vU47WFzI/VipAyE-8m6I/AAAAAAAAF9o/aMbmwmqvFT4/015_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="246"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AeyiNhgWm8k/VipAyULQkCI/AAAAAAAAF9w/I31ZPmI_QSE/s1600-h/018%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="018" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="018" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gWrrcoeAjHQ/VipAy9507NI/AAAAAAAAF94/G0fc2oiS48w/018_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="327" height="249"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SZ2bmHSfDvU/VipAzO2ecTI/AAAAAAAAF-A/gZadPBoYLYE/s1600-h/020%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="020" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="020" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XxSezsyamIQ/VipAzSHJ-KI/AAAAAAAAF-I/zbwnj2FaWbs/020_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="328" height="253"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6HPdowQy2gg/VipAz_G7WLI/AAAAAAAAF-Q/MwA9yxB1yPY/s1600-h/021%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="021" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="021" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5WnQaYxRjhw/VipA0NwZd1I/AAAAAAAAF-Y/_z148LGfTJI/021_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="251"></a> </p> <p>We had a lot of fun walking around the expo, checking out all the amazing vendors they have, and running into friends we hadn’t seen in awhile! Some of my favorite vendors included <a href="www.sparklysoul.com/" target="_blank">Sparkly Soul</a>, <a href="procompression.com/" target="_blank">PRO Compression</a>, and <a href="sparkleathletic.com" target="_blank">Sparkle Athletic</a>. runDisney also had a fun photo booth for us! You could pick between a Sleeping Beauty Castle backdrop or a Dumbo backdrop….or even both! Since I was only running the half marathon this year, I went with Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, and I thought it turned out pretty cute!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MhW0C9nNc48/VipA0grnzqI/AAAAAAAAF-g/L2ktSx-aQ7A/s1600-h/047%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="047" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="047" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kXTl1qnP060/VipA1DX2BxI/AAAAAAAAF-o/Jms-SpUhejI/047_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Once we finished with the expo, it was back to the hotel to drop off our purchases, a quick change of clothes, and it was time to head into Disneyland for the runDisney 10th anniversary party!</p> <p><em>To be continued…</em></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:534bf4e4-06e6-4a84-a98f-3f58d5fdef33" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">LiveJournal Tags: <a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=runDisney" rel="tag">runDisney</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Disneyland" rel="tag">Disneyland</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Disneyland+Half+marathon" rel="tag">Disneyland Half marathon</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Dumbo+Double+Dare" rel="tag">Dumbo Double Dare</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Sleeping+Beauty+Castle" rel="tag">Sleeping Beauty Castle</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=race+expo" rel="tag">race expo</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Downtown+Disney" rel="tag">Downtown Disney</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Sparkly+Soul" rel="tag">Sparkly Soul</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=PRO+Compression" rel="tag">PRO Compression</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Sparkle+Athletic" rel="tag">Sparkle Athletic</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=LA" rel="tag">LA</a></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-22843157811724275342015-09-03T07:00:00.000-04:002015-09-03T07:00:00.683-04:00Disneyland 1/2 Marathon Weekend “Schedule”<p>The day has finally come! I’m leaving to spend a highly anticipated weekend to Disneyland with some amazing friends!<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A8TDK3-vMVc/Veetvqbu4yI/AAAAAAAAF6U/IlB1FdH3-iU/s1600-h/DL%252520suitcase%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DL suitcase" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DL suitcase" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bZDu5e5YIUA/VeetwHIKu3I/AAAAAAAAF6Y/x7OxM_AXuNw/DL%252520suitcase_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="231" height="303"></a> This weekend is going to be jam packed with park time, eating, drinking, laughing, making memories….oh…and the reason we’re all there…the races!<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cw39IENmQhY/VeetwbiwOdI/AAAAAAAAF6k/KlnoFVIqYK0/s1600-h/DLH%25255B6%25255D.png"><img title="DLH" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DLH" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iYuZjB0XuOA/VeetwxpUveI/AAAAAAAAF6o/SF_D9wFn-Yw/DLH_thumb%25255B9%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="193" height="263"></a> I have some super fun plans, so if you’re around and see me PLEASE make sure to say hi!</p> <p><strong><u>Thursday, September 3</u></strong><br>My flight lands at LAX at 9 a.m. I’ll be rushing to get my luggage at baggage claim and head to meet my shuttle to take me directly to the Disneyland Hotel for the expo! After lots of hugs and a little shopping, we’ll run a few errands, check into the hotel and head into Disneyland for the runDisney 10th anniversary party! I’m super excited to see the “Paint the Night” parade and the “Disneyland Forever” fireworks!</p> <p><strong><u>Friday, September 4</u></strong><br>One of my friends/roommates is running the 5k, so after she’s done we’ll be heading to the Plaza Inn for a fun character breakfast! A few weeks ago, I was super excited to see an email inviting me to a blogger/social media event hosted by Cigna, the sponsor of the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend, at Napa Rose Restaurant. I’ve never been here so I’m excited to check out the space, especially their kitchen! They’ll be showing us lots of quick, healthy meals as well as a few other surprises. Be sure to follow me on social media to check out what we learn as well as #CignaRunTogether! Cigna came up with this awesome infographic with some of the top training tips for runners for before, during, and after a run (click on the picture to make it larger…there are some great tips in there!)<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--o1GWe-Spoc/VeetxBgclsI/AAAAAAAAF6w/7w1ejKOjId8/s1600-h/Cigna%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Cigna" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Cigna" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ufY0O0hestU/VeetxlBT1AI/AAAAAAAAF64/lXaqR14KtNU/Cigna_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="129" height="390"></a>After the event it’s off to the Pupcake Meet Up hosted by my friend, Krissy, and back into Disneyland to close the park for the night!</p> <p><strong><u>Saturday, September 5th</u></strong><br>Both my friends/roommates as well as MANY other friends are running the Disneyland 10k, so what better thing to do than to get up and spectate the race?? I haven’t decided exactly where I will be setting up shop, but it will be somewhere in Downtown Disney…I’ll post where I’ll be on Twitter and Instagram so you can look for me…I’ll have my cowbell!</p> <p>After the race we’ll head into Disney’s California Adventures to ride some rides, play some boardwalk games, and act like big kids for the day. Pizza for dinner (gotta get those last minute carbs in!) before closing down DCA for the night and heading to bed.</p> <p><strong><u>Sunday, September 6th</u></strong><br>It’s the big day…RACE DAY! I’ll be running the half marathon with friends and enjoying every magical mile of it! After the race we’ll get cleaned up and head back to the parks for some last minute fun (and photo ops) before heading home on the red-eye…gotta get some pictures with this beauty!<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zhTa2BogW_E/Veetx33ZqdI/AAAAAAAAF7E/jWs-ray2uSw/s1600-h/2015%252520DL%252520medal%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="2015 DL medal" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2015 DL medal" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LAIcxKuq0F0/VeetyU0wijI/AAAAAAAAF7I/v5DjleUR8HY/2015%252520DL%252520medal_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="246"></a>See? I wasn’t lying when I said the weekend will be JAM PACKED! BUT…I wouldn’t have it any other way…I have plenty of time for sleep when I get home.</p> <p>Follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/hellofitnessjen?lang=en" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/hellofitnessjen/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> to join in on the fun! My user name for both is “hellofitnessjen” but just click on the link and it’ll take you straight there :) </p> <p>You can also follow and use these hash tags during the course of the weekend - </p> <p>#Disneyland5k<br>#Disneyland10k<br>#DisneylandHalf<br>#DumboDoubleDare</p> <p></p> <p>See ya real soon!</p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:71e47515-6c15-47e1-bbfb-da8c369b3c62" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">LiveJournal Tags: <a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=runDisney" rel="tag">runDisney</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Disneyland+half+marathon" rel="tag">Disneyland half marathon</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Dumbo+Double+Dare" rel="tag">Dumbo Double Dare</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Disneyland10k" rel="tag">Disneyland10k</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Disneyland5k" rel="tag">Disneyland5k</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=%23CignaRunTogether" rel="tag">#CignaRunTogether</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Cigna" rel="tag">Cigna</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=half+marathon" rel="tag">half marathon</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Napa+Rose" rel="tag">Napa Rose</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Twitter" rel="tag">Twitter</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Instagram" rel="tag">Instagram</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=anniversary+party" rel="tag">anniversary party</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Disneyland" rel="tag">Disneyland</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Disney's+California+Adventure" rel="tag">Disney's California Adventure</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Disneyland60" rel="tag">Disneyland60</a></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-10600489405745716292015-08-31T14:07:00.004-04:002015-09-01T09:34:04.023-04:00Disneyland Half Marathon weekend - Meet Ups (UPDATED!)<span id="goog_418858822"></span><span id="goog_418858823"></span>With the exciting race weekend that is just days away, myself along with thousands of other avid runDisney runners are busy packing and gearing up for the fantastic weekend ahead of us!<br />
<br />
During the weekend, there will be many opportunities to meet new friends and see old ones. I know I'm crazy excited to see a lot of friends whom I haven't seen for awhile. While chatting with one of those friends last night, we both realized that it was this weekend back in 2013 where a lot of friendships were formed.<br />
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Over the course of the weekend there are a few 'meet ups' going on where you can meet some new people...maybe someone you've followed on social media. I wanted to share a few with you that I knew were going on -<br />
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<u><b>#TeamSparkle Donut Meet-Up</b></u><br />
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If you're a runDisney fan, I'm sure you've seen tons of ladies (and even some guys!) sporing the ever so sparkly skirts during the races...these more than likely came from the awesome gals at Sparkle Athletic! I met one of the founders, Kelly (<a href="https://twitter.com/according2kelly?lang=en" target="_blank">@according2kelly</a>) at Disneyland in 2013 and look forward to seeing her at each runDisney weekend that I attend.<br />
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<br />This year they are hosting a meet up...but not just any meet-up...a DONUT MEET-UP!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZOEy6HucD6wgmg4PNIaM93G1e45JEHmTux_uAy264vFtUi3gfktzgCOK79OGlCm6v7pmW-5NuBlrx0kHxQkyW2fwC2dyuCmImc9TDWhfIgQVfUaqlKA2Q_EK6oi9gS-MO-NxuYPPveMI/s1600/sparkle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZOEy6HucD6wgmg4PNIaM93G1e45JEHmTux_uAy264vFtUi3gfktzgCOK79OGlCm6v7pmW-5NuBlrx0kHxQkyW2fwC2dyuCmImc9TDWhfIgQVfUaqlKA2Q_EK6oi9gS-MO-NxuYPPveMI/s320/sparkle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sadly, I don't think I'll be able to make it to this one due to prior commitments, but this is sure to be a great time! Come carb up for the races and get to know the ladies behind the Sparkle!</div>
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<u><b>Cupcake Meet-Up</b></u><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPtfZA07nzY9YF0MPR6mkrLmg4c68GjazVaaBsnqS9Nha6UGyx-QTvzluv5rrd0LMhkAcYWoAFiA8D63cPG85GRceeZXG8tiAGwLtCKqliRjCtCa7tuVt-vHqU8NEVkZ3HGAidRxk2kr4/s1600/cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPtfZA07nzY9YF0MPR6mkrLmg4c68GjazVaaBsnqS9Nha6UGyx-QTvzluv5rrd0LMhkAcYWoAFiA8D63cPG85GRceeZXG8tiAGwLtCKqliRjCtCa7tuVt-vHqU8NEVkZ3HGAidRxk2kr4/s200/cupcake.jpg" width="171" /></a></div>
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I met Krissy (<a href="https://twitter.com/krissymmurphy?lang=en" target="_blank">@krissymmurphy</a>) for the first time at the 2013 Disneyland half marathon weekend and we have been friends ever since! She is partnering up with DVC Central for the meet up, which will benefit PAWS Chicago, a national model and the Midwest’s largest No Kill humane animal shelter. The money raised will go towards fellow runDisney fanatic, Justin Stone (<a href="https://twitter.com/DisnyRunr24?lang=en" target="_blank">@DisnyRunr24</a>), fundraising efforts as he trains for the 2015 Chicago marathon as a member of Team PAWS Chicago. Now...you may not know who Justin is, but you may be familiar with his amazing photos of his 2014 Wine and Dine half marathon medal and the infamous hash tag #MakingLemonadeOutta...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2M3p3QnH1tzCdG-PF6wj9gsJ6OPsW4tp_jKIc6jjGFIfswNZLu21xcyyLKOHA1LtK6_OXXE_g84-f4ECkSdzVbugdgoNTp2zayoUrKsBw-G_nTmppxOzzLZHh6Ik3TU2qxdGCIZTLB-hW/s1600/justin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2M3p3QnH1tzCdG-PF6wj9gsJ6OPsW4tp_jKIc6jjGFIfswNZLu21xcyyLKOHA1LtK6_OXXE_g84-f4ECkSdzVbugdgoNTp2zayoUrKsBw-G_nTmppxOzzLZHh6Ik3TU2qxdGCIZTLB-hW/s320/justin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo credit - Justin Stone</td></tr>
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While registration for the meet up during the Disneyland half marathon weekend is now closed, you are more than welcome to stop by, say hi, and maybe even get a picture with Justin and his medal :) BUT....have no fear...they will be having another cupcake meet up during Wine and Dine half marathon weekend in November AND there is a virtual option! (with the virtual option you still have a chance to win prizes and receive the commemorative item...but you'll have to provide your own cupcakes). Check out Krissy's <a href="http://shiawaselife.com/2015/04/03/the-2015-cupcakemeetups-what-you-need-to-know/" target="_blank">blog</a> to get more info, and you can register by clicking <a href="https://runsignup.com/Club/Store/FL/Osprey/OutrunningtheMonorail" target="_blank">here</a> :) You can also check the official <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CupcakeMeetups?fref=ts" target="_blank">Cupcake Meet Up Facebook page</a> for more information as the dates get closer.<br />
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The #PupcakeMeetUp2015 will be held from 1:30-2:30pm at the Picnic Swirl. It's sure to be a fun time!<br />
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<u><b>Instagram Meet-Up</b></u><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3d67XbeBCZMgcxJjbKBtK8yCL2HpbLipbJpQnaIzxe62-Q-mQWlBAkVgXi7snWTtZrwujiHm6h6Lu7lc9VKr-b0ZLfJH0VgEnhh5myenRfHP-sTxaj4iEM4L8xxQeIn1oc3UqN030SH31/s1600/IG+meetup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3d67XbeBCZMgcxJjbKBtK8yCL2HpbLipbJpQnaIzxe62-Q-mQWlBAkVgXi7snWTtZrwujiHm6h6Lu7lc9VKr-b0ZLfJH0VgEnhh5myenRfHP-sTxaj4iEM4L8xxQeIn1oc3UqN030SH31/s320/IG+meetup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ivie (<a href="https://twitter.com/ivieanne?lang=en" target="_blank">@ivieanne</a>) and her fiance' AJ are an incredibly inspiring couple. They have both changed their lifestyles and have lost a lot of weight! They are also super cute together. I've also never met them but hoping I can make it over to their meet up to say hi and introduce myself. I'll definitely be in need of caffeine over the course of the weekend!<br />
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<u><b>#WeRunSocial</b></u><br />
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I actually met Linzie (<a href="https://twitter.com/SharpEndurance?lang=en" target="_blank">@SharpEndurance</a>) at one of his meet ups during the 2013 Disneyland half marathon weekend. I was a little shy but he made me feel right at home. I'm excited to see him again during this weekend! I've been following Carlee (<a href="https://twitter.com/CarleeMcDot?lang=en" target="_blank">@CarleeMcDot</a>) on social media for quite awhile and am looking forward to meeting her in real life!<br />
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If you want to learn more about #WeRunSocial, check out the <a href="http://pavementrunner.com/we-run-social-launches/" target="_blank">blog </a>that Brian (<a href="https://twitter.com/PavementRunner?lang=en" target="_blank">@PavementRunner</a>) wrote about it. I've got my shirt packed and plan to wear it while spectating the 10k so look for me on the course! <br />
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There are tons of other opportunities to meet and run into people - the expo, anniversary party, the races, and the parks! I strongly suggest you take the time to introduce yourself....the running community is a wonderful one to be a part of - I know I have met some of the most amazing people I've ever known through it. You never know who you might meet and what connection you might have. Make sure to say hi if you see me around!<br />
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<i>Do you plan to check out any of these meet ups?</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-64495056886785766902015-08-26T00:35:00.001-04:002015-08-26T00:50:20.991-04:00Disneyland Half Marathon Packing Vlog<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey guys!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soooo….I kind of leave for Disneyland in EIGHT DAYS!!!! I cannot believe the
time is almost here!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve started to get my things together and pack, and had a crazy idea to do a
vlog…my FIRST vlog….was a little scary but I did it and now I’m posting it for
the interwebz to see. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here it is…check out my “must have” racecation items!</span><br />
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Just a couple of things to add that I left out -</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ALWAYS pack your race clothes into your carry on bag. If you check your
luggage and it gets lost, you could be up the creek without a paddle. You don’t
want to run in any new clothing or shoes for the first time at a race, so make
sure you have these! Everything else you could buy once you arrive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, I like to make sure that my KT Tape sticks to my skin by using alcohol
and hair spray before applying. Make sure that your skin is clean and wipe the
area down with alcohol and allow it to dry. Then, spray on the hairspray
(aerosol works the best) and allow it to dry, then apply the tape. You can
purchase small spray bottles to fill with alcohol and travel size hairspray to
take with you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I am so unbelievably excited! Hopefully we'll see what fun merchandise will be for sale at the expo :) I hope to see YOU there, too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Did I leave anything out? What's something you would add to the list?</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-19567319687707284872015-08-07T15:35:00.001-04:002015-08-07T15:35:26.284-04:00Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend info!<p>Everyday my friend Lena and I message each other with our countdown to the Disneyland half marathon weekend. Today was 26 days, and to make that even better, runDisney released LOTS of information!</p> <p>A couple of weeks ago they revealed the medals. Aren’t they gorg?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ea1S4g0uDuA/VcUIZyw-bDI/AAAAAAAAF3M/Br9KZ3oV8zI/s1600-h/2015%252520DL%252520medals%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2015 DL medals" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2015 DL medals" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_QfzQ1hETIo/VcUIadC0dRI/AAAAAAAAF3U/tA6kduAgTmU/2015%252520DL%252520medals_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="287"></a></p> <p>I am especially excited about earning the 10th anniversary Disneyland half marathon medal!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jmbn-ZjKMe4/VcUIbMtpROI/AAAAAAAAF3c/Y599Jqr1tS4/s1600-h/2015%252520DL%252520medal%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2015 DL medal" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2015 DL medal" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VBPPIWzCXns/VcUIbv7aGwI/AAAAAAAAF3k/06EsBFM5n4Y/2015%252520DL%252520medal_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="426" height="344"></a> <br>First off, click <a href="http://trackshackresults.com/disneysports/dl15wav/verify.php" target="_blank">here</a> to view and print your waivers to see what your bib number is. Then, you can check out the corrals</p> <p>Half marathon-<br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AsgMdeuC0DA/VcUIcVvY0ZI/AAAAAAAAF3o/bOQSwG4I8f0/s1600-h/DL%252520half%252520corrals%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DL half corrals" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DL half corrals" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_aWrxVH0Vfo/VcUIdBzNszI/AAAAAAAAF3w/Diez6-aLju0/DL%252520half%252520corrals_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="289"></a> </p> <p>Dumbo Double Dare-<br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RZAvSHnGEs0/VcUIdryxonI/AAAAAAAAF34/b0Sn-BxvP2Y/s1600-h/DDD%252520corrals%252520%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DDD corrals " style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DDD corrals " src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QDwSkoCNLfU/VcUIeB6KPwI/AAAAAAAAF4A/iN_X7sEHlfU/DDD%252520corrals%252520_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="289"></a> </p> <p>It doesn’t look like there is any corral information for the 10k.</p> <p>They also released the <a href="http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rundisney/pdf/disneyland-half-marathon/2015/2015_DLHM_Maps_Course_5K.pdf" target="_blank">5k</a>, <a href="http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rundisney/pdf/disneyland-half-marathon/2015/2015_DLHM_Maps_Course_10K.pdf" target="_blank">10k</a>, and <a href="http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rundisney/pdf/disneyland-half-marathon/2015/2015_DLHM_Maps_Course_Half.pdf" target="_blank">half marathon</a> course maps. I love how much time you get to spend in the parks for the 5k and 10k, and running through Angels Stadium is always a treat!</p> <p>Check out the <a href="http://app.igiftbag.com/disneylandhalfmarathon2015" target="_blank">iGiftbag</a> and get coupons and information on some of your favorite products at the expo, and make sure to download the <a href="http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rundisney/pdf/disneyland-half-marathon/2015/2015_DLHM_Program_Online.pdf" target="_blank">event guide</a> ahead of time. It has tons of great information (and I like to use it to plan out my expo stops). Based on the cover, I foresee lots of blue, white, and silver merchandise :)</p> <p>Here’s a quick rundown of all the events going on during the weekend (all information is from runDisney)</p> <p><strong><i>run</i>Disney Health & Fitness Expo<br><i>Disneyland</i><small>®</small> Hotel Exhibit Hall<br></strong>Thursday, September 3, 2015 - 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM<br>Friday, September 4, 2015 - 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM<br>Saturday, September 5, 2015 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM<br></p><strong><i>Disneyland</i>® Half Marathon 10th Anniversary Party<br><i>Disneyland</i><small>®</small> Park</strong><br>Thursday, September 3, 2015<br>Start time: 4:00 p.m. – Midnight <p><strong><i>Disneyland</i><small>®</small> 5K presented by Cigna®<br><i>Disneyland</i><small>®</small> Resort</strong><br>Friday, September 4, 2015<br>Start time: 5:30 AM <p><strong><i>Disneyland</i><small>®</small> 10K presented by Cigna®<br><i>Disneyland</i><small>®</small> Resort and the City of Anaheim</strong><br>Saturday, September 5, 2015<br>Start time: 5:30 AM <p><strong><i>run</i>Disney Kids Races<br><i>Downtown Disney</i>® District near ESPN Zone®</strong><br>Saturday, September 5, 2015<br>Start time: 9:00 AM <p><strong>Pasta in the Park Party<br>Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree inside <i>Disneyland</i><small>®</small> Park<br></strong>Saturday, September 5, 2015<br>6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. <p><strong><i>Disneyland</i><small>®</small> Half Marathon presented by Cigna®<br><i>Disneyland</i><small>®</small> Resort and the City of Anaheim</strong><br>Sunday, September 6, 2015<br>Start time: 5:30 AM <p><strong>ChEAR Squad</strong><br><strong><i>Disneyland</i><small>®</small> Park</strong><br>Sunday, September 6, 2015 <p>Tickets are still available for the Pasta in the Park party, the Anniversary party, and for the ChEAR Squad <a href="http://www.active.com/framed/event_detail.cfm?E4C=active&E4Q=0326d00f-531e-4d63-8254-c86b33764bc9&CHECKSSO=0&E4TS=1438975916&E4RT=Safetynet&EVENT_ID=2136769&E4H=8dcacc6653dbe6e4a60498de084a92a3&E4E=snrcz00000000&E4P=d599bb89-9292-42bc-a9ea-989344938081" target="_blank">here</a>. <p>Maybe soon we’ll get a peek at the official merchandise and race shirts! Who knows? :) <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1I3tIfDse5I/VcUIeiKaLZI/AAAAAAAAF4I/i1gTm4PXY2w/s1600-h/blog%252520signature%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="blog signature" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="blog signature" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mQaznijr2HM/VcUIfPobnrI/AAAAAAAAF4Q/OiYmv9ds6FE/blog%252520signature_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="96" height="69"></a> </p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:08b53376-8470-4802-8443-22abd65399fe" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">LiveJournal Tags: <a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=runDisney" rel="tag">runDisney</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Disneyland+half+marathon" rel="tag">Disneyland half marathon</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Dumbo+Double+Dare" rel="tag">Dumbo Double Dare</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Disneyland+10k" rel="tag">Disneyland 10k</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Disneyland+5k" rel="tag">Disneyland 5k</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=anniversary+party" rel="tag">anniversary party</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=event+guide" rel="tag">event guide</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=corrals" rel="tag">corrals</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=waivers" rel="tag">waivers</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=gift+bag" rel="tag">gift bag</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Pasta+in+the+Park" rel="tag">Pasta in the Park</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=ChEAR+squad" rel="tag">ChEAR squad</a></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-51254358948440372242015-08-04T10:34:00.001-04:002015-08-04T10:34:43.991-04:002015 Peachtree Road Race recapExactly one month ago today I was running down Peachtree <span style="color: #0000ee;">S</span>treet with 54843 of my closest friends. This race is one that I think everyone should do at least once. The atmosphere is simply amazing, and what better way to kick off your holiday than to run (or walk!) a race?<br />
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I had been stalking the weather for about a week and knew the chance for rain was pretty high. After running Wine and Dine (aka "Splash and Dash") last November I was at least prepared with what to do.<br />
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I didn't go to the expo but my friend, Ramona, was kind enough to pick up my race packet for me :) <br />
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The night before was a perfect evening. The hubby, Guinness, and I walked up the road to watch the fireworks the city was shooting off at the fairgrounds. It was nice not to have to worry about traffic and crowds of people.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5FQE-A8rXZDSHSn0WFLCQOhUE0odQrjCWV4jnxBnVipWRXnArP6HMFSGfTq3IcPioNOY3VU6j5e8Au4_yeycXiov9Yh_Al03xmGXB99ZYKBkFa-HZyJgnaqIDAiA5cqieXY-VI4zJXut/s1600/PRR7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5FQE-A8rXZDSHSn0WFLCQOhUE0odQrjCWV4jnxBnVipWRXnArP6HMFSGfTq3IcPioNOY3VU6j5e8Au4_yeycXiov9Yh_Al03xmGXB99ZYKBkFa-HZyJgnaqIDAiA5cqieXY-VI4zJXut/s200/PRR7.jpg" width="185" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpZbwN662kpPKqTSugAqm-4BVlE_-RFWkwj6vzhDzos_NYinl3t-FwYL1DGuaasAjgn3uZr4EvW4kzUc2dt66EqrKKLLBENDxWGdYNKULGDVZPyhtKLKqtNQVM5ye_7iMfG_S0tQkaBXM/s1600/PRR8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpZbwN662kpPKqTSugAqm-4BVlE_-RFWkwj6vzhDzos_NYinl3t-FwYL1DGuaasAjgn3uZr4EvW4kzUc2dt66EqrKKLLBENDxWGdYNKULGDVZPyhtKLKqtNQVM5ye_7iMfG_S0tQkaBXM/s200/PRR8.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
We got home and I did my usual pre-race tradition of laying out "Flat Jen" - I absolutely love my new InknBurn Patriotic tank!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwTUagMktalyFYhBnBE5cnNW0_Pz_KfbM7Y3ofK4lH0V_HO06aUggcx5EEefxH4ZWY2eH5mp1_ArPvHtYSCmY0BOPqkohMGYjMIrhWtqIbWheC7F6x3-Nx-liUnG3xVh5ehJexw9AHYsT/s1600/PRR1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwTUagMktalyFYhBnBE5cnNW0_Pz_KfbM7Y3ofK4lH0V_HO06aUggcx5EEefxH4ZWY2eH5mp1_ArPvHtYSCmY0BOPqkohMGYjMIrhWtqIbWheC7F6x3-Nx-liUnG3xVh5ehJexw9AHYsT/s320/PRR1.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
I also collected a towel, change of clothes, and my Oofos to throw in my car since it was pretty evident that I would be soaking wet after the race. The next morning I overslept a bit, but nothing too bad. It actually worked out to my advantage! The drive to MARTA was quick and easy and I jumped right onto a train. As I walked to the starting line I was just in time to see the elite athletes participating in the Peachtree Cut to start the race!<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/k7cP3-6yXag/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k7cP3-6yXag?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERvv-K3Nm_xKjASzfnBbMZ76SCK7u6C1U7syupRPWh9s0ZLKtzkvmEv9JOyXaCqV_t06p95ADgkAqRCg4GYnPh4Us4svbN41xje_XEQB-sVf975_Mt8xTLoG7IOBensUEv4Ew9vD2f97J/s1600/PRR3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERvv-K3Nm_xKjASzfnBbMZ76SCK7u6C1U7syupRPWh9s0ZLKtzkvmEv9JOyXaCqV_t06p95ADgkAqRCg4GYnPh4Us4svbN41xje_XEQB-sVf975_Mt8xTLoG7IOBensUEv4Ew9vD2f97J/s200/PRR3.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
About 10 minutes later I made it to my corral. I kind of hung out and then slowly made my way into the crowd, where I ran into my friend, Zoila. We chatted and decided that we just wanted to have fun and enjoy the race, so we ran together. It was good to catch up with her as we hadn't seen each other in quite some time!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsQVDEpaHHLwE6Zk5JN7mIeYyxRtzJFV0DkaW1VCw2ErShjfNjr11Ko3B4EDKr66PNEJtNT2SOp8qsDLVQLepCPIazwAfnboNd87pBKaQ1D73AsE4NOfQKY-8mFUICBvwNFSxjpKGTjhw/s1600/PRR10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsQVDEpaHHLwE6Zk5JN7mIeYyxRtzJFV0DkaW1VCw2ErShjfNjr11Ko3B4EDKr66PNEJtNT2SOp8qsDLVQLepCPIazwAfnboNd87pBKaQ1D73AsE4NOfQKY-8mFUICBvwNFSxjpKGTjhw/s320/PRR10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Finally our corral made it to the start line. Due to the rain, they had taken down the huge American flag that usually hangs down over the runners. Just as we were crossing the start line, a HUGE bolt of lightning struck and everyone simultaneously gasped. They delayed the race as our corral went off, but we just missed getting pulled off the course (we didn't see anymore lightning after the first strike).<br />
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Despite the weather, there were TONS of spectators out, cheering and having a great time with the runners. One of my favorite spots on the course is by the Catholic church. The priest stands in the road and throws holy water on the runners. Even though we were soaked from head to toe by the rains from the heavens, we managed to get some of his water on us as well.<br />
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I didn't take any pictures during the race as I didn't want to chance damaging my new phone (again...long story). We had a great time, despite the rain...it definitely didn't dampen our spirits.<br />
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Once we crossed the finish line and received our coveted t-shirt, we went our separate ways. I headed over to the Atlanta Track Club members only area at the Park Tavern to find a dry place to text the hubby and let him know that I was done and to snap a post-race photo...still smiling! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9kYhVbCzPE9ZTka_Yk9exhSFhjIha6Kmq5Ey7WgzM5Qu-ucFZYRzPLX7Vvkog-mluE2Bs79qoI3osoQqsO3rx9fcSGKrumO4O0BsTOWLjVJ5UfgcZF9JnDMqFWRxBuL3fPJxgCg2IrDm/s1600/PRR4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9kYhVbCzPE9ZTka_Yk9exhSFhjIha6Kmq5Ey7WgzM5Qu-ucFZYRzPLX7Vvkog-mluE2Bs79qoI3osoQqsO3rx9fcSGKrumO4O0BsTOWLjVJ5UfgcZF9JnDMqFWRxBuL3fPJxgCg2IrDm/s320/PRR4.jpg" width="239" /></a> </div>
Soon after I headed back to MARTA...most of my friends had either left or I couldn't get in touch with them, so I decided to leave. At least I was able to grab a seat on the train and chill out on the way back to where I parked. Before heading home, I made a pit stop -<br />
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Yay for a free Starbucks reward coffee! It was much needed as I was chilled to the bone!<br />
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Even though it rained the whole race I still had a fantastic time. You have to make the best out of a situation that's out of your hands, and we definitely made lemonade outta lemons for this race. :) I'm ready to run it again next year and continue the tradition! Absolutely loved the race shirt design this year, too!<br />
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You may have noticed a small addition to my bib - a 4-H clover. I have a very dear friend, Dr. Bo, who had run the past 25 Peachtree Road Races, but had to miss this year due to going through cancer treatments. I have known him for years as he was the State 4-H leader here in Georgia when I was growing up. We reconnected at a race back in 2012 and I currently serve on the Georgia Master 4-H Board with him. When I learned that he would not be able to run this year, I knew I had to run "for" him. So I came up with the idea of the 4-H clover and wrote this on my hand -<br />
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It's a little smudged from the rain but it says "#Run3rd Dr. Bo". He is a very inspirational man, and I was happy to do this for him. I happened to see him the following week and he told what I did touched his heart.. I am happy to say that his latest tests show no signs of cancer!!</div>
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If you are unfamiliar with #Run3rd, it started as a Twitter campaign by actor Sean Astin, who is a long distance runner himself. The meaning behind #Run3rd is that I first run for myself, second for my family, and third for you. Members of the #Run3rd campaign often dedicate their runs to friends, family, and complete strangers. If you want to find out more, check out their blog <a href="http://run3rd.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here.</a></div>
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<i>Is there a race that is a tradition for you to run? </i><br />
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<i> </i><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-41660691281492084812015-07-20T08:00:00.000-04:002015-07-20T08:00:11.326-04:00I “Tri”ed it Out…and Liked It!<p>I may have been quiet here, but still been kicking it in the gym! </p> <p>One thing I love about Orangetheory Fitness is the fun events they’re always putting on. This past Saturday they hosted a “Dri Tri”. I was intrigued, but hesitant when I first head about it. After chatting with a friend I met at the gym, we both decided to dive in and give it a shot.</p> <p>I have to admit that I was a little nervous going into it, but determined to give it my all and have fun while doing it!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ffEYUvdaQx4/VaxSFxg174I/AAAAAAAAFxQ/5V3Sn4MROIM/s1600-h/Dri%252520Tri%2525201%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Dri Tri 1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Dri Tri 1" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EoJlY0uT2P4/VaxSGu8GWrI/AAAAAAAAFxY/yavVj9YGZoo/Dri%252520Tri%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="300"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-20Ii6rt1604/VaxSHSzzp0I/AAAAAAAAFxg/BhwXZBhbisg/s1600-h/Dri%252520Tri%252520Start%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Dri Tri Start" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Dri Tri Start" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mi00IJgVqMg/VaxSH5-ezOI/AAAAAAAAFxk/VM2pHIeBYp4/Dri%252520Tri%252520Start_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="297"></a> </p> <p></p> <p>There were 10 of us that signed up for the Dri Tri, and we had Coach Allie and Coach Kellye there to lead us and cheer us on!</p> <p>First off was the 2000m row. I knew I needed to pace myself and not start out too fast. I did pretty good but it’s definitely something I want to work on.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KfHCBMdxyZ8/VaxSIUUrvOI/AAAAAAAAFxs/lPkiV83r3eQ/s1600-h/Dri%252520Tri%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Dri Tri 2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Dri Tri 2" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W4QNt7XKZEI/VaxSIrjnUwI/AAAAAAAAFx4/3LVS6I40CP0/Dri%252520Tri%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="222" height="291"></a> </p> <p>Next came our time in the weight room. We were to do 2 rounds of the following - </p> <p>20 Push Ups<br>20 Tap Squats<br>20 Burpees<br>40 Step Ups<br>30 Hop overs<br>20 Plank Jacks</p> <p>The burpees were the slow down for me. Another thing I want to work on. It was definitely a killer weight room workout!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f-BFPGXEC4c/VaxSJPq6gwI/AAAAAAAAFx8/lebVWSoJcvw/s1600-h/Dri%252520Tri%2525203%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Dri Tri 3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Dri Tri 3" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BO8WORyQrL8/VaxSJTXzTzI/AAAAAAAAFyE/sv4pmx5h7qU/Dri%252520Tri%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="228" height="299"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3f8lRS2S4oQ/VaxSJ9Km1_I/AAAAAAAAFyM/Okzkgp72FqU/s1600-h/Dri%252520Tri%2525204%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Dri Tri 4" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Dri Tri 4" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fSjXELzJKts/VaxSKHORiWI/AAAAAAAAFyU/qGlVNpl7vmU/Dri%252520Tri%2525204_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="294"></a> </p> <p></p> <p>These pictures absolutely crack me up! I was on my last set of plank jacks and Coach Allie got in the floor and encouraged me to finish strong, and I did just that. (We have some kick ass coaches, don’t we??)</p> <p>Finally, we headed to the treadmill to finish off with a 5k. I kept a pretty steady pace and slowed down to a brisk walk when I needed to (still dealing with a bit of knee pain). I much prefer running outside because I don’t always know how far I’ve gone or how far I have to go…on the treadmill it’s right in front of you. I ended up throwing my towel over the distance and just ran. I took it off when I was at around 2.8 miles. I bumped up the speed and worked to finish strong. Coach Allie, Coach Kellye, Shannon, Valerie, and a couple of participants who had already finished came to my treadmill to cheer me on. Valerie cracked me up when she yelled “Run like you’re at Disney!”. I was pretty pleased with my time but definitely want to do better!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U7wtbSuryo4/VaxSKanCkTI/AAAAAAAAFyc/JTSUiQhJjSk/s1600-h/Dri%252520Tri%2525205%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Dri Tri 5" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Dri Tri 5" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ReZUHHqZ0QI/VaxSK6LIvmI/AAAAAAAAFyo/FVxpXIl78Z0/Dri%252520Tri%2525205_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="248" height="325"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tibZpgJ-b9M/VaxSLYZEbdI/AAAAAAAAFyw/zOJ2UKq9s2s/s1600-h/Dri%252520Tri%252520tread%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Dri Tri tread" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Dri Tri tread" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g6RstbXT690/VaxSL_xsu1I/AAAAAAAAFy4/xixFMOpNchc/Dri%252520Tri%252520tread_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="247" height="321"></a> </p> <p>I stayed in the gym to cheer on the last few people who were still on the treadmills. After we were finished Coach Kellye stretched us out. Everyone there did a great job! </p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pKt5lOXfrzY/VaxSMc-bNOI/AAAAAAAAFy8/IvsJeK-XwGM/s1600-h/Dri%252520Tri%2525207%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Dri Tri 7" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Dri Tri 7" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BYrC631kb1Y/VaxSMr_LfwI/AAAAAAAAFzE/6LkpuaErKMk/Dri%252520Tri%2525207_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="254" height="194"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h-nF_q7776o/VaxSNWWvUDI/AAAAAAAAFzQ/G5QtMSg-tPc/s1600-h/Dri%252520Tri%2525206%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Dri Tri 6" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Dri Tri 6" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EC6hwlLylrg/VaxSNqYqyLI/AAAAAAAAFzU/N_46eEcVEao/Dri%252520Tri%2525206_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yLxP07LN74Q/VaxSOJ6pQCI/AAAAAAAAFzg/bxjU4olEMPs/s1600-h/Dri%252520Tri%2525208%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Dri Tri 8" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Dri Tri 8" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--dCMuaK9u9E/VaxSOSVB1FI/AAAAAAAAFzk/3y0wCi-jUvY/Dri%252520Tri%2525208_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>No prizes were won by me, but knowing I completed the Dri Tri felt awesome. They’re doing it again in August and I can’t wait to see how much I can improve on the times. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--N7QxQLMLKY/VaxSOlc49HI/AAAAAAAAFzw/rWErQCu3Hy0/s1600-h/Dri%252520Tri%2525209%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Dri Tri 9" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Dri Tri 9" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ty0BlkdFRsg/VaxSPTbXafI/AAAAAAAAFz4/NCKCZe40Mps/Dri%252520Tri%2525209_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="239" height="310"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fvI2cAk5IYU/VaxSP-pfDJI/AAAAAAAAFz8/OlhPkaU4F5M/s1600-h/Dri%252520Tri%252520finish%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Dri Tri finish" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Dri Tri finish" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y7FpmCajU_s/VaxSQRadXHI/AAAAAAAAF0E/EeJLSTCqB9g/Dri%252520Tri%252520finish_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="309" height="309"></a> </p> <p>I got some decent Splat points and calories burned during this workout, and we got some fun swag…a drawstring bag, tank top, towel, and bracelet!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yHPxi_oa9yE/VaxSQ9XDIDI/AAAAAAAAF0M/xP9IgLHhypA/s1600-h/Dri%252520Tri%25252010%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="Dri Tri 10" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Dri Tri 10" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nrep-KkmaJg/VaxSRY9c8QI/AAAAAAAAF0Y/LIdVUVNBSD4/Dri%252520Tri%25252010_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="246" height="323"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zfE-K9VKIU4/VaxSRy3zCxI/AAAAAAAAF0g/UGmVl311DrE/s1600-h/dri%252520Tri%25252012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="dri Tri 12" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="dri Tri 12" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W8eohWdzPKs/VaxSSbE7uQI/AAAAAAAAF0k/NTp-kp82Rc4/dri%252520Tri%25252012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="322"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>I learned some things during this workout and definitely have a few moves I want to improve on before the next Dri Tri, but it was definitely a great experience! This is the only “Tri” I would ever do. We truly have a great group of members and staff at my OTF…throughout the whole workout everyone was encouraging each other and were quick to give high fives once we all finished. I feel lucky to have found a great place filled with great people (and great workouts!)</p> <p><em>Would you consider doing a Dri Tri?</em></p> <p>Until next time,</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D-0AqnJ-fMs/VaxSSu0JVuI/AAAAAAAAF0w/nDBB3nRclUQ/s1600-h/blog%252520signature%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="blog signature" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="blog signature" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5BAR8Sc60Dk/VaxSTAtCegI/AAAAAAAAF04/ceFljSLpNZ8/blog%252520signature_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="96" height="69"></a> </p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:4ab99b63-f575-4eda-b06e-68e7ebcf91f8" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">LiveJournal Tags: <a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=OTF" rel="tag">OTF</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=OTFCumming" rel="tag">OTFCumming</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Orangtheory+Fitness" rel="tag">Orangtheory Fitness</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Dri+Tri" rel="tag">Dri Tri</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=workout" rel="tag">workout</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Base+Push+All+Out" rel="tag">Base Push All Out</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=rowers" rel="tag">rowers</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=treadmill" rel="tag">treadmill</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=burpees" rel="tag">burpees</a></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843944175965590556noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6860777711510919562.post-13697584011688209782015-06-02T13:52:00.002-04:002015-06-02T13:52:52.421-04:00River Run for Hope 10k recapSince I registered for the Disneyland half marathon a little late, I panicked a bit since I hadn't run a 10k race since the 2014 Peachtree Road Race. When I entered my finish time on the runDisney proof of time page, I was not pleased with my estimated finish time for the half. I started looking frantically for a 10k race that I was in town for and thought I was out of luck...<br />
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...until I saw a post in one of my Facebook running groups. There was a 10k race on Saturday , May 30th! Talk about getting one in just in the nick of time! I immediately signed up, hoping for the best for the race.<br />
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Race day came, and I woke up with a very unhappy stomach. I was not feeling very confident about the race, but I knew it was my last chance, and even if I shaved off a couple of minutes from my proof of time, it would be better than what I already have, right?<br />
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The race was in Roswell, GA and started and ended at a Catholic church. The race benefits the work of the Ghana Friendship Project's work. It helps to supply medical and health care supplies, educational material and clothing to the people of Ghana.<br />
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Getting to the race was super easy. I arrived at around 6:30 and had plenty of time to grab my bib and shirt, walk back to my car to get ready, and get to the finish line. I kind of liked that I didn't have a lot of time to stand around. I went to the race solo so I took some time to give myself a little pep talk (and a couple of pictures)<br />
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The race started promptly at 7 a.m. and we were off! The weather was perfect....low 60s and overcast. The humidity was a little high but the cool temperatures helped. I wasn't able to find my interval timer the night before so I depended on my Garmin to tell me when to run and walk. As the race started I skipped over the intervals until I got away from the crowd. Mile 1 felt pretty good. During mile 2 I started to struggle mentally and actually considered cutting my race short and making the turnoff for the 5k course.</div>
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But I didn't.</div>
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I pushed through and kept going. Mile 2 I slowed down a bit, but really picked it up the rest of the race. We ran for about a mile on a dirt road, which my knees enjoyed. At this point in the race I started to make it a goal to pick people off in front of me. Each time I passed the person in front of me I aimed to pass the next. During mile 4, I realized that I could actually PR my 10k time. I kept with my intervals and was shocked at the average pace per mile each time. As we came up on the finish line I really kicked it into gear. There was a nice little downhill toward the finish line and I sprinted toward it. When I stopped my watch, I was at 1:16:55...a new PR! I haven't PRed a 10k in over 2 years, so I was absolutely ecstatic with myself.</div>
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I grabbed a bottle of water and saw runners with freeze pops, so I scoped them out at the refreshment table and snagged an orange one. So tasty after the race!</div>
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I was shocked when I looked at my splits....with the exception of mile 2, I had all negative splits! Usually I get slower as the race goes on, but to run faster? Go me! When I got home I immediately entered my new proof of time into the runDisney website and was much happier with their estimated finish time for me.</div>
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I have to give so much credit to my trainers at Orangetheory Fitness. I haven't run outside much lately...the only runs I've been doing have been on the treadmill during our workouts. My workouts have really helped build my endurance and got me here. I really got back my love of running during this race and I am already looking forward to meeting up with some friends on Saturday morning and getting some more miles in.</div>
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If you're looking for a great 10k race, I highly recommend the River Run for Hope. Flat, fast course and it supports a great organization. I'll definitely put this race on my calendar to run again.</div>
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92 days until Disneyland!!</div>
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<i>Until next time,</i></div>
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