12K of Christmas Virtual Race Recap

What better way to ring in the New Year than by running? My running buddy, Bobbie, came across a virtual race at the blog Long Legs on the Loose. It was called 12K of Christmas. We had between Christmas and New Year's Day to complete 7.46 miles. We didn't have to do it in one sitting, but we decided to do it that way. Some people took to the treadmill, eliptical, etc. We took to the road. Right now in Danville, Kentucky, it is 58 degrees outside. This means perfect running weather. We started our 7.46 at the McDowell Wellness Center, ran all the way up Main Street, over to Lexington Avenue, a lap around the Bellevue Cemetery and back to the Wellness Center the way we came. It was an absolutely beautiful morning for a run, minus the fact that the wind seemed to be blowing 80 miles an hour! That kind of hindered us a little. But, we had fun and it was worth it! Not to mention, our fabulous costumes!

What can I say happened in 2010 that I am extremely thankful for??? Well, my husband and I celebrated our one year anniversary and I have found a great friend in a running buddy that was there for a long time, I just never knew it. We had run into each other at several local races, but didn't start running together until this past June. I thank God everyday for her. Sometimes being able to hit the pavement with Bobbie can be my sanity. Not to mention the fact that our husbands get along GREAT! They get more excited about double dates than we do! :)

Have a very happy new year everyone! 2011 goals to come! There are lots of them!

Zensah Sports Bra Review

All I can say is...WOW! I contacted the people at Zensah about trying out a product and reviewing it. Honestly, I was hoping for some compression socks, but they offered a sports bra instead. I have to say, I'm glad they wanted to send the bra. It honestly is one of the best sports bras I've ever owned.

Now, I have to be honest. Being that I don't have much to worry about in that area, I haven't always bought the bras with the best support. After wearing this bra, I will never buy a cheap one again. First of all, it's seamless. No seams means no uncomfortable rubbing under the arms or under the girls. NO CHAFING! A definite must when I'm getting ready to begin training for my first full marathon!

Another plus is that the bra is anti-bacterial! I love anything that is anti-bacterial! When I finished my run, I actually took it off and smelled it. It smelled like it had just come out of the wash.

And girls, you will love this! This bra is available in 10 different colors. CLICK HERE to see all of the colors that Zensah offers in this bra. I chose green just because my husband always tells me I look good in green! :) (By the way, that's not me in the picture!)

Thank you Zensah for sending me such a wonderful addition to my running gear! It rocks!

Lucy Review and GIVEAWAY!

Thumb holes! What can be said about thumb holes that isn't fabulous??? I love thumb holes! And not only does this shirt from Lucy have thumb holes, but it's just the right shirt for cool or cold running. It's not like a normal dri-fit shirt that you get at a race, it's a little bit thicker, so it's good for a cool run or a COLD run, which is what we in Kentucky are experiencing right now! It's also great because it has a reflective stripe down the back of the shirt so that people can see you if you are running at night! This shirt has quickly become one of my favorite pieces to wear while running. I am one to quickly remove my gloves when running, so this shirt keeps my hands warm but doesn't cover my fingers, which is what bothers me about gloves. The shirt also has mesh insets, is moisture wicking, and has an odor blocking finish! How awesome is that?! Thank you so much to Elizabeth over at Lucy Activewear for letting me try out this shirt. I'm glad I don't have to give it back! :)

Now, onto your favorite part: the giveaway! Lucy also sent me some socks to try out, which I love also! I love short socks and these are short, but they have a padded sole for comfort and a padded heel tab to reduce blisters and chafing. The back of my shoe never touches my body! Love them!

You could be the lucky winner of two pairs of these socks! Two lucky winners will win 2 pairs of the Lucy Training Socks in the pictures below.

How to Enter:

There are several ways to get entries. Leave a comment for each that you do.

1. MANDATORY: Visit the Lucy website HERE and leave a comment telling me what you would love to have!

2. MANDATORY: Become a follower of my blog and leave a comment. If you already are a follower, leave a comment letting me know that you are.

3. MANDATORY: Become a fan of Lucy Activewear on Facebook HERE

4. Post this giveaway to your Facebook page.

5. Post this giveaway to you blog.

Good Luck to all!

This giveaway will end at 11:59 EST on Sunday, January 2nd.

Thoroughbred Classic 5K - Thanksgiving Day!

On Thanksgiving Day, my niece (Gracie) and I ran our first 5K together called the Thoroughbred Classic in Lexington, KY. Actually, my training buddy (Bobbie), also ran with us! :) She's so supportive!

Gracie had been begging me for some time to run a race with me, but I told her we had to do so training before. I had to make her understand that you don't just go out and run a 5K...you have to prepare beforehand. She, like me, thought..."3 miles? That's not so bad!" Well, as we all know, 3 miles is further than you think it is when you aren't already a runner.

So, we began some training together. Gracie plays soccer and softball, so running is something she does on a regular basis, just not for long distances and not for endurance. So, we started out with 1.5 miles, then worked up to 2 miles, then onto 2.5 miles. We never actually completed the 3.1 until the day of the race.

And we're off! The race began! At about 3/4 of a mile, Gracie needed to stop because her chest was hurting from this awful, hacking cough she had been fighting. The great thing about Gracie? Yes, she needed to walk. Yes, she walked. But...she picks a spot to walk to and then she starts running again! She's fabulous! She walked again at about the halfway point and only one other time after that, so I was very proud of her! Especially with the cough she was fighting! :)

This is a picture of us at about the halfway point of the race. We are still smiling, so it can't be that bad! :) After we came around the back side of the barn on the grounds, Gracie said, "Where do you think Jenny and Michael are?" These are our cousins who were running the race as well. I told her they couldn't be that far in front of us and if we tried, we might could pass them, at least one of them. Well, Gracie is the most competitive 9 year old I know, so this was definitely some motivation. She picked up the pace and caught up with and passed Kelly, a friend of the family. And she also caught up with and passed our cousin Jenny! She was fabulous!

When the finish line was in sight, I let her know. This was when she really picked up the pace. Needless to say, she left Bobbie and I in her dust! Look at the picture! Yep! That's me, trying to keep up! She finished 6th place in her age group with a time of 37:12! That's a pretty awesome time for a 9 year old with tiny legs! Can you tell I'm proud!

Thanks for staying with us Bobbie!

Way to go Gracie!

Jessica's Gifts Jewelry Giveaway - GREAT CHRISTMAS PRESENT!

I have to admit, the only jewelry I wear is a watch and my wedding set. The problem is, I've seen all of this cute running jewelry and really wanted to try out a necklace. Jessica, from Jessica's Gifts, was nice enough to send me two necklaces. I was able to choose one to keep and use the other as a giveaway. They are absolutely adorable and I honestly had a hard time choosing which one I wanted to keep for myself. But, after lots of thought, I chose the one that says "Love to ride". I am a runner and a cyclist, but running is what I do most. I chose the bike necklace because I have so much running stuff, I thought I should keep the bike necklace to remind me that running isn't the only endurance sport I love! :)

My necklace is absolutely adorable! I love the hand stamped jewelry and the ball chain.

Visit Jessica's website HERE and see all the cute jewelry she has to offer!

This is a picture of the necklace I will be giving away. It is just like mine, except that it says "love to run". Gentlemen...this is the perfect giveaway for you to enter if you have a loved one who is a runner.

Ways to enter (leave a comment for each entry):

1. MANDATORY: Become a follower of my blog and leave a comment telling me you are a follower; or leave a comment telling me you already are a follower.

2. MANDATORY: Visit Jessica's website HERE and leave a comment telling me what your dream item would be.

3. MANDATORY: Like Jessica's Gifts on Facebook HERE .

4. Post this giveaway on your Facebook.

5. Post this giveaway on your blog.

This giveaway will end on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. Good Luck!

If you win, please send your mailing address ASAP to sheridunlee@bellsouth.net so that I can get it mailed out in time for the holidays! :)

YURBUDS Review and Giveaway

Okay, I have to admit that I must be a natural blonde. (I'm really not, but we'll pretend that I am. This way, I don't feel silly for wearing my Yurbuds the wrong way.)

Honestly, the first few times I wore them, I thought that I must have been sent the wrong size. They felt funny and they felt like they didn't fit. And I'd only heard great things about Yurbuds, so I decided to wear them several times before I wrote my review.

Well, after wearing them for about 3 weeks, I realized there was a more efficient way of positioning them on the earbuds and in my ears. Once I fooled with them and found the position in which they were comfortable and didn't fall out, they were golden!

Since finding the comfort zone, I can't say enough good things about my Yurbuds. They stay in my ears, they don't fall out, and my ears don't hurt after wearing them for a long run. The best part, I can hear my music much better since they go further down in your ear than regular earbuds. I can hear my music so well that my running buddy, Bobbie, has to hear me say "HUH?' way too often. So, after a few blonde moments, I have to say that my Yurbuds are one of my favorite pieces of running gear. Being a music teacher, I have to always have some kind of music playing, so Yurbuds make the music that much better!

So, onto the REALLY good part. Adam over at Yurbuds sent me my pair and sent a coupon code for another pair to giveaway.

Entry possibilities (leave a comment for each):

1. MANDATORY: Visit the Yurbuds website HERE and tell me which pair you would choose if you won.

2. MANDATORY: Become a follower of my blog and leave a comment telling me or leave a comment if you already are a follower. I'm only TEN away from 100!

3. MANDATORY: Like Yurbuds on Facebook HERE

4. Post this giveaway on your Facebook page.

5. Post this giveaway on your blog.

The giveaway will end on Friday, December 10 @ 11:59 p.m. EST.

Good Luck!

Nathan Speed 2 Review and Giveaway - GREAT FOR LONG RUNS!

The wonderful folks over at Nathan Sports - website - were gracious enough to send me a Speed 2 belt to review and another to giveaway!

I've always been skeptical of any type of hydration belt, just because of the fact that I assumed that it would weigh me down while running. So, the first time I tried it out, I wore it on a short 4 mile run. Guess what? It didn't bother me at all! Actually, I absolutely loved it! It didn't weight me down and it was very handy to have 20 ounces of water right there at my fingertips.

But, this didn't sell me on the long run. A 4 miler, sure. But what about longer distances? Would it bother me then? So, this past weekend, I took it along for a 7 miler. And...wait for it...WOW! Next to my running buddy, the belt is now my favorite piece of running gear! And I think it might be her favorite too! She drank from one bottle as I drank from the other.

The Speed 2 was a good choice for me because I am a water dropper. Before a long run, I always go out and drop water at the halfway point. I didn't want a belt that weighted me down too much, so I didn't think I would like one with 4 bottles. So, I still drop halfway water and have the belt for thirst issues along the way. Not to mention, it has a fabulous pocket for energy gels, chews, cell phone, car keys, whatever your pleasure! So, to the people over at Nathan, THANK YOU! I absolutely love it!

Now, onto the giveaway! Nathan also sent me a second Speed 2 to give away. It is a SMALL, which is a waist size of 26-32".

Entry possibilities:

1. MANDATORY: Become a follower of my blog and leave a comment. If you already are a follower, leave a comment telling me so.

2. MANDATORY: Visit the Nathan Sports website HERE and tell me what your dream product is.

3. MANDATORY: Like Nathan Sports on Facebook - HERE

4. Post this giveaway on your Facebook page.

5. Post this giveaway on your blog.

This giveaway will end on Sunday, November 28, 2010 at 11:59 EST. GOOD LUCK!

Don't forget to enter my 2011 Training Log Giveaway. The last day is Sunday! CLICK HERE!

Training Log 2011 Review and Giveaway!

I was recently given the opportunity to review the Training Log 2011. I am a runner who likes to keep track of what I do, and I would rather do it on paper than online. So, I googled running logs/journals and came across this log that has been around for 28 years. Phil was nice enough to send me two logs - one to review and one to give away. Since it is a log for 2011, I obviously haven't actually used it yet, but I have studied it quite a bit. As for the many things I love about this log: 1. It is predated for the 2011 running year. You don't have to write in the dates; they are already there for you. 2. Unlike the one I'm using right now, it has a place to record the pace of each run, not just the total time. 3. The best part? IT HAS A RACE SECTION FOR EACH WEEK! In the race section, you can record the name of the race, your time, your place in gender, age group, and overall. I love that!

All in all, this log is going to be something I love. It's so very simple, but not at the same time!

Now...onto the giveaway!

Ways to get entries:

1. Mandatory: Become a follower of my blog and leave a comment telling me you already are or have become a new follower. New followers...WELCOME!

2. Visit the Training Log 2011 website HERE and leave a comment telling me your favorite thing about the log.

3. Leave a comment telling me how you keep track of your training right now.

4. Leave a comment telling me the next thing you are training for.

This giveaway will end on Sunday, November 21, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

GOOD LUCK!

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL! Among other things...

Just a few things for a wonderful Wednesday...

1. Have I told you how much I love football, mainly Pittsburgh Steelers football? Well, I absolutely adore them. Monday night, my hubby and I were fortunate enough to be able to go to Monday Night Football in Cincinnati to watch the Bengals play the Steelers. Well, he was watching the Bengals. I was watching the Steelers. We were 10 rows from the field! It was absolutely amazing. My husband keeps chanting, "Who dey! Who dey! Who dey think gonna beat them Bengals?" And I keep chanting back, "Pittsburgh! Pittsburgh! Pittsburgh done went and beat them Bengals!" GO STEELERS! It was a close call, but Pittsburgh won 27-21. And it literally was a nail biter right down to the end. For this thought, I leave you with a picture of the hair of my fave, Troy Polamalu. This is how close we were!

2. I ran four miles with Bobbie and Katrina tonight. I haven't had much time for anything lately it seems, and it felt so good to get out there and run. I ran six on Saturday and hadn't run since due to a very hectic schedule. Hopefully after this week, that will wind down quite a bit. I miss my running tremendously when I don't have time to do it on a regular basis. I try to get in some bike rides when I can't run, but sometimes that gets put on the back burner also. I am a much easier person to deal with when I don't have to go without my runs, so let's pray that my schedule kinks go away soon!

3. How do you really know when you are ready to train for a full? It's been on my mind a lot lately and I just don't know. Bobbie and I were talking about it tonight on our run and she said, "I would like to one day, but I'm not ready right now." So, the question is, how do you know when you're ready? Because...are you ever really ready until you do the training? Who can honestly just go out and tackle 26.2 on any given day? Any thoughts?

Thanks for listening to my ramblings! We're on the down slope to Friday! ENJOY!

Inperspire Towel Review and Giveaway!

Jimmy over at Inperspire Towels was gracious enough to send me two towels to review. I chose one that says, "I Am Taking the Stairs" and another that says, "Sweat is Sexy". My niece, Gracie, is currently training with me to run her first 5K race on Thanksgiving Day at Keeneland Horse Track in Lexington, Kentucky. We went on a 2 mile run yesterday (picture above) and shared the towel after the run. I told her she had to be honest about what she thought. She thought the towel worked wonderfully! Not only does it absorb all the sweat, but it is very soft and utterly ADORABLE! I absolutely LOVE the cute sayings that are on each towel. She liked the "Sweat is Sexy" one. She thought it was hilarious!

Head over to the Inperspire website HERE, and check out their too CUTE towels. I love having a towel after a run to wipe away the sweat, but this towel is inspiring also. Even when I feel like it's been the worst run, the towel can inspire me. I was inspired when I opened the package! Thanks Jimmy! YOU ROCK!

Now...for the best part. Jimmy is giving me 5 towels to give away. So, there will be 5 winners from this giveaway chosen by a random number at http://www.random.org/. You can only win once! Read below for how to enter the giveaway.

Entries - Post a comment for each!

1. MANDATORY: Like Inperspire on Facebook HERE.

2. MANDATORY: Become a follower of my blog.

3. MANDATORY: Head over to the Inperspire website HERE and tell me which towel you would choose if you were the winner!

4. Post this giveaway on your blog.

5. Post this giveaway on your Facebook page.

This giveaway will end at 11:59 EST on Sunday, October 31, 2010. Good Luck!

AAAHHHHHH! God got me!

Okay...just last week I blogged about how I felt so free running without my Garmin during my taper week before the Louisville Half Marathon.

So, get this! When we returned home on Sunday, I plugged in my charger and put my Garmin on the charger. I took two days off to recover and had a date today to run with my niece, Gracie. She is training to run her first 5K with me on Thanksgiving Day.

So, I come home after school to get changed. I go to put on my Garmin. I turn it on! I turn it on! I turn it on! IT WON'T TURN ON! IT WON'T CHARGE!

IT WON'T DO ANYTHING!!!

God got me for feeling free without it! He thought he'd just take it away!

So, on the lookout for a new one...any suggestions?

Louisville Half Marathon Report!

The trip started on Saturday, around 3:00. Myself, my running buddy Bobbie, my mom, and her mom headed to Louisville so that we could pick up our packets for race day. Being that this race is a 'no frills' race, there was no expo, just packet pickup. We got our packets, purchased a sweatshirt, and got a free water bottle. There was a Hammer Gel in our packets, along with some electrolyte capsules, so at least there was something extra in our bags.


We then went back to the hotel and chilled until our hubbies arrived around 8:30. When they got there, we headed out to dinner to fill ourselves with plenty of carbohydrates. We went to a place called Clifton's Pizza. We had cheesesticks, sandwiches, pasta, and pizza between the six of us. It was absolutely YUMMY! Just what we needed for our pre-race dinner.

My mom, Ruby, myself, and Bobbie.

We went back to the hotel and got all of our things together for the next morning. I laid out all my things, including my birthday shirt! I threw it off as soon as I crossed the start line, but plenty of people got to see it. I have it on in the picture below, with my wonderful husband, Jeremiah. He is such a great supporter!


Below is the video of the start of the race and tossing the birthday shirt away! You see me throw my shirt away and round the bend, and then you catch a glimpse of Bobbie too!



And we're off! The race started at 8:00 a.m. Almost the entire run was along the Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky. It was a fabulous run! Absolutely gorgeous and 99% flat! Bobbie and I started pretty fast and stayed there together until about mile 4. Then, we separated, but were always in each others sights. We had our pace tattoos on, and until about mile 8, I was well ahead of it. Our 'A' goal was 2:15, our 'B' goal was 2:00 flat. The pace tattoo was for 2:00, so it was okay if I didn't make it. It wasn't my 'A' goal.

At about mile 8, I started to slow down, and at 9 1/2 miles, my Garmin stopped itself and I didn't realize it until about 2 minutes later. The slow down lasted until about mile 10 1/2 - 11. Then, I picked my speed back up and made it back to the finish line at 2:06:06. I met my 'A' goal, but not my 'B' goal, but that's okay. My last 1/2 marathon time was 2:30:07, so I shaved 24 minutes off for this one. I was very excited about that! Crossing the finish line!

Bobbie finished in 2:12! Woo hoo! We both met our goal! Way to go us! And we were even dressed alike! That's a true running buddy!


Below is a video that my husband got of me crossing the finish line! I thought he was just taking a picture. I didn't know he was video taping when I walked up to him. I pose for the picture with my finisher's medal and everything! All in all, a great race! Now...on to the Flying Pig!

Ahhh....FREEDOM!

Not really...but sort of!

This upcoming Sunday is the Louisville Half Marathon that my buddy, Bobbie, and I are running. It's my 30th birthday this Sunday, so I thought 'what better way to not feel thirty?'. Well, run a mini marathon...that will make you feel good about yourself! So, that's what we are doing to celebrate my 30th birthday. Bobbie and I are running, and our lovely husbands and mothers are coming with us to cheer us on!

On to the freedom part...

Being that it is taper week, we decided to do two runs, 3 miles each. DON'T FAINT, BUT I LEFT MY GARMIN AT HOME! For those of you who look at your Garmin every 30 seconds like I do, this is a HUGE change from the norm! And I must say, it was nice!!!
On our first run, I didn't even look at Bobbie's watch, nor did I ask to see it! I didn't even ask about our time when we got back to the car.
Tonight, I asked at the halfway mark what our time was. And I also asked our time when we finished. But...I never once asked what our pace was while we were running. Good for me! I know this sounds trivial, but you fellow runners understand! It's hard to go without it when you're so used to running with it!

R.J. Corman Duathlon for the Chrysalis House - Nicholasville, Kentucky

My trusty bike! Here we are after the race!

If you had asked me a year ago if I thought I would ever compete in a duathlon...I would have said, "Are you crazy?"
Well, I must be the crazy one because I did it! Not for the competition, but for the experience. The R.J. Corman Duathlon was put in place to benefit the Chrysalis House in Lexington, Kentucky. The Chrysalis House helps single mothers who have substance abuse problems get the therapy they need and to get back on their feet. I have a Masters and Rank One in Counseling, so this is something that is near and dear to my heart. I believe that everyone deserves a second chance, even 3 or 4 chances.

Well, I don't know what made me think I could do this, but I signed up anyway. The race consisted of a 3.1 mile run, a 16 mile bike, and another 3.1 mile run. My first goal was to be able to ride the 16 miles without stopping, so I worked on that first. Then, my next goal was to run the first 5K and be able to get on the bike and ride right after finished the run. This part wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would be. So, I wasn't worried about the first run at all.

The last step was getting off the bike after riding 16 miles, and then running another 5K. Ladies and gentlemen...there is a reason they call it brick work! :) This was definitely the toughest part for me, and the part I trained for the most. I was really worried about this part, but it turned out okay.

I was very lucky to have a bandwagon of supporters with me along the way. We left the house at 6:15 that morning. Me, my running buddy Bobbie, my sister-in-law Katrina, and Bobbie's mom, Ruby. Ruby calls herself the historian of the group because she always has her camera in tow. We love her for that!

Putting on my front wheel! Can you tell it was freezing?

We get there and no one is allowed in the transition area with me. So, I get my bike ready, lay my GU's out on my towel with my helmet and gloves, and head to the body marking tent. I got my arms and legs marked and headed to chill until the race started.

Getting body markings!

Showing off my ankle chip timer!

The race begins. I finished my first 5K in 27 minutes. But, OH NO! I was about to pee on myself when I finished. I had a 4 minute transition because I had to run to the bathroom. But, oh well!



I got on the bike and started pedaling. I thought Bluegrass Pike was good preparation, but honestly, my bike has never seen hills like it did during this race.
I approached mile 8 and MY CHAIN FELL OFF MY BIKE AND GOT STUCK BETWEEN THE GEARS! Not only were they stuck, but I had to stop in the middle of what I call, "Deliverance"! I didn't know whether to stop or run with my bike. I ran with my bike until a nice man and his wife stopped in their truck to help me. He had to get out his vice grips, but he got my chain back on. All of this made for a slow 1 hour and 15 minute bike ride.

Transitioning to the second 5K! Just got off the bike!

The second 5K obviously was not as fast...30 minutes. So, I ended up with a time of 2:17:45, which wasn't what I was hoping, but it was what I was expecting...so job well done! And, it always feels great to have people there supporting you! Thank you Bobbie, Katrina, and Ruby! You're the best!Crossing the finish line, Bobbie running beside me!

And I ended up with first place in my age group (30-34)! And I'm not even 30 yet!

Here they are, running to see if I need anything!

Pokey Pig 5K and throw in a long run as well!

Kiss the pig! I love this picture!

Bobbie has always wanted nothing more than to have a medal from a race with a pig on it! She collects pigs, and that has always been her goal. I think she even wants to run the Flying Pig Half Marathon in Cincinnati next year just to get another one! :)

Well, we went to Lebanon, Kentucky this past Saturday to run the Pokey Pig 5K, which is part of their Ham Days Festival. Needless to say, this race is one that will be on our annual calendar from here on out! The run was gorgeous and the atmosphere was amazing! They pretty much shut down the whole town for this festival. On the main drag, they have a stage set up where people perform throughout the festival. During the race, there was someone on the mic who was cheering you on as you crossed the finish line. I can honestly say that when I heard him say my number and start encouraging me, that gave me that extra push I needed to sprint to the finish. My time ended up being 26:23...with a 3rd place finish in my age group. Bobbie's time was 26:28 with a 2nd place finish in her age group. We both got pig medals! YAY! And, we got to kiss the pig!

Here we are with our pig medals!

On top of the 5K, in our half marathon training, it was our weekend to run 10 miles. So, while Mama Ruby went to the festival and shopped around, Bobbie and I (with our trusty Garmin watches), set out to complete 7 more miles on top of the 5K. We finished our 10 miles in a total of about 1 hour and 33 minutes. Well on our way to a sub 2:15 finish at the Louisville Half...maybe even a sub 2:00 finish. Anyone have any good ideas to help us with sub 2:00?

Anyhoo...we had a great time and will definitely be returning to the Pokey Pig 5K for years to come. I am very blessed to have found such an awesome running buddy and friend. Thanks Bobbie!

This weekend, a few of us are competing in the RJ Corman duathlon to benefit the Chrysalis House in Lexington, KY. Keep us in your thoughts as we tackle this stage in our journey!

Oh yes, and Mama Ruby got this picture of me crossing the finish line. My face is awful, but it's the first picture where I actually feel that I look like a runner!

Oiselle Running Lori Short and Isabel Shimmel Shirt Review!

I was sent this wonderful tank top and pair of shorts from the wonderful people at Oiselle. If you aren't familiar with their clothing, I encourage you to check out their website...HERE!

I was send the Lori short and the Isabel shimmel shirt to try out and review on my blog. One thing I absolutely love about both items is their names! The names of all of their products are so cute!

As for the garments while running, I absolutely love them both! I love the shirt because I can wear it without wearing a sports bra. Other shirts with a built in bra, I still have to wear a sports bra too. This one, I don't. The built in bra is so supportive, I don't have to wear anything with it. That makes for a more comfortable run. Not to mention, don't you love the color? It's called Oiselle Orange!

As for the shorts, my favorite part about them is the way they are cut. I almost always wear Nike Tempo shorts and have always loved them. These shorts are cut further up on the sides of my legs and allow my legs to get more air than my Tempo shorts. This was something that was really helpful on those long runs during the dry, hot, and humid Kentucky summer we had this year!

All in all, love my new attire! Thank you Oiselle!

Giveaway Scout!

Hi all! My blog is now being featured on Giveaway Scout (www.giveawayscout.com). If yours isn't yet, click on the link and add yours. It's a great way to get new followers!

Training...WHEW!

Well, as you read in my previous post, I am into my training for the RJ Corman Duathlon on October 2nd. And all I can say is, WHEW! I'm not worried about the first 5K in the slightest, nor am I worried about the 15 mile bike in the middle. It's the 5K to end it that I'm a little worried about.

I went yesterday and rode my bike 12 miles on Bluegrass Pike here in my hometown. For those of you who know it, you know it doesn't lack in hills! :) After biking the 12 miles, I proceeded to get off the bike and run 2 miles. Geez! I've never felt like such a brick in my entire life! My legs were heavy and I felt like I couldn't lift them off the ground. But, I suffered through it and stayed below a 10 minute mile pace. Woo hoo! A 10 minute mile isn't quite as fast as I would like, but after riding the bike, I'll take it!

My bike is in the shop right now...there's nothing wrong with it, just getting some things done to it to make it a little more time efficient. I can't wait to see the difference!

Duathlon Training

Well, I'm training for something I've never done before, a duathlon. The RJ Corman Duathlon which benefits that Chrysalis House in Lexington, Kentucky will take place on October 2nd. The race consists of a 5K run, 15 mile bike, and another 5K run.
I've only been biking for about two months, so I'm still a little skeptical about the bike. My first real training run was Monday night. I ran the 5K and got right on the bike and rode 10 miles. So, 13.1 miles...8.1 more to go.
It's not a question of if I think I can do it, because I know I can. The question is: Am I going to come in last? I surely hope not. When I registered, I put my target time as 2 hours. I am hoping for less than that.
I have a 15 mile ride planned with Kris on Friday after school, so we'll see how that goes. I'm still a little nervous about riding on the road, especially when there is no shoulder and no bike lane. For those of you from Danville, we are planning on riding Highway 33 on Friday. EEK! I know how I drive on that road, so what does that say about how I feel about riding my bike on that road???

Gearing Up For the First 15K!

I guess I shouldn't be freaked out too much about a 9.3 mile race, since I've already done the mini marathon and all, but for some reason, something new always gets to me. Bobbie and I have done the course before and there are quite a few hills going out, but that means you get to come back down them coming back! That rocks for me! Know why? The first half of a long run, I just kind of float along at about a 9:30 pace...then when the halfway point comes...I actually start to feel like I can run! The second half and I are definitely good friends! Give me the second half over the first half of a race any day!

Anyhoo...just thought all of my fellow bloggies would like to hear about the next venture of running buddies, Sheri and Bobbie. Our first 15K race...this Saturday...Burgin, Kentucky. It's an absolutely beautiful run...and benefits pets! I'll run to help puppies anytime! Wish us luck!

2.6 Mile Run - not really the distance we wanted! :(

Well, tonight was a four mile run with 2 miles that were supposed to be at a 9:09 pace...which is the pace Bobbie and I need to be at if we want to finish our mini in less than two hours. Well, due to the torrential downpour that began about a half mile in, we only finished 2.6 miles, but we definitely did those two miles at our mini pace. I think our second mile was about an 8:53 pace. You don't think this could be due to the fact that the rain was pelting our entire bodies and we were hoping to get to the next tree for some relief, do you? Well, no matter how it happened, we are running at half marathon pace...woo hoo! Thanks for the nice, wet run Bobbie, Gerard, Ruby, and the girls!

ALO Sports Bra GIVEAWAY!!! If I could enter my own giveaway, I would!

The ALO bra being given away is a Workout Mesh Inset Bra that retails on the ALO website for $34.00. Any person who wins this item will be a very lucky individual. I have one similar, and I love it! Read my review in my older posts. The bra is 90% nylon and 10% spandex. It is a great fit bra with soft details, open mesh area front and back with shiny contrast elastic trim for added style. Sizes available are XS-XL.

Giveaway Entries:

1. MANDATORY: Visit the ALO website and view the video about their fall line and leave me a comment about which item you liked best. Click HERE for the video!

2. Like ALO on Facebook and leave them a comment while you are there! Let them know that you entered my giveaway! :) They love to hear from their supporters!

3. Become a follower of my blog.

4. Blog about my giveaway.

5. Post my giveaway to your Facebook.


THIS GIVEAWAY WILL END ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2010 AT 11:59 EST!
GOOD LUCK!

An update on the sinus headache/cold...

Okay fellow bloggies, I have the perfect solution for a sinus headache/cold. I am allergic to penicillin, so all of the GOOD antibiotics are out of the question for me. So, I usually stick to over the counter decongestants to take care of a sinus headache/cold.

I've been taking medicine since Saturday night, and it was improving, but not by much. Yesterday, I had an appointment for an adjustment at the chiropractor. When I walked in, he said, "You sound awful!". I said, "I know. If you could fix this sinus problem, we'd be great.". His response? "Actually, I can."

He hooked me up to a stem machine with two pads right above my eyebrows and two pads just below my eyes...right where the sinus cavity is located. And...WOW! You don't feel the relief instantly, but I started to feel loads better last night. I didn't wake up during the night at all. And when I woke up this morning, almost gone! So...I went back today for a second dose!

Sinus headache you say??? Go to the chiropractor! :)

Weekend in Review! And what a great weekend it was!

What an amazing weekend, for running and everything else in life!

My weekend started Friday night with a fabulous dinner with my husband and a pair of great friends at one of our favorite places, Giovanni's! If this is how I could start every weekend, I'd be golden!

On to Saturday! Saturday was the Railroad Days 5K Race in Junction City, Kentucky. This course is known for being a very flat out and back course. Lots of PR's were set on Saturday, including myself! 26:26! Up until now, my best was 27 minutes on the nose. YAY! Not only did I get a PR, but so did so many others. Not to mention, my mom and my stepdad were both there to run/walk the race too! They did great! My stepdad ran it in 32:10 and my mom improved her time from the last race by 12 minutes. Not bad for someone who had a total hip replacement a

year ago! Way to go!

Saturday night, Jeremiah and I went to our nephew's birthday party, and had some well spent time with family. Upon pulling in the driveway at

home, he said, "Get in the shower. We're going to Carrabba's". I tell you, he sure knows the way to my heart. So we got in the car, went to Lexington, and had a great meal, just the two of us.

I was up half of the night because I thought my allergies were bothering me and I had to constantly blow my nose! Woke up Sunday, ready for a 7 miler with Bobbie! :) Love her! While running, most of my congestion disappeared and I thought it was over. Boy, was I wrong or what? Got home, took a shower, laid on the couch, and the pain began. Sniffling, coughing, headacher, you name it! I slept for one hour on the couch, then got in the bed for another two hours of sleep. My family had a get together Sunday night at my aunt's house. Good times had by all!

All in all, a fabulous weekend!

It's become a tradition to have breakfast at Cracker Barrel after our races! Here's our crew from Saturday!

SPIBelt Review! - If you don't have one, you need one!

I love my SPIBelt! When I was told I needed to try a SPIBelt, I was a little skeptical. I don't like to run with a whole lot of gear due to the fact of feeling heavier than I would like. But, I thought I should at least give it a try. So, I contacted SPIBelt and they were gracious enough to send me a free one to try and review here on my blog.

I got to pick out which one I wanted to try, which was awesome! I chose the sweat resistant SPIBelt because I am what I call, a sweat hog! I sweat everyday, all day, even if it's -10 degrees outside. I always have to layer my shirts, due to the fact that if I don't, there will be sweat spots all over my shirt. So, you can see why I chose the belt that I chose!

Being skeptical teaches you nothing! I received my SPIBelt in the mail, stuck my GU in it, along with my car keys and my cell phone. Off for a run I go! Let me just say this...I haven't run without it since! I wear it so that the pouch is on my backside and when I need something, I just reach down and turn it to the front. The best part? The sweat resistant belt, is actually SWEAT RESISTANT! When I finish my workouts, nothing is wet and my gummies aren't stuck together! YAY! I also use it to clip my iPod Shuffle to it. This way I don't have to slip it to the waistband of my shorts.

I wear it when I run and when I bike. I'm so attached to it that I may never train without it!

What an amazing concept! Thank you SPIBelt!

ALO Medium Impact Sports Bra REVIEW!

All I can say is WOW! ALO sent me this wonderful Medium Impact Sports Bra to try and review on my blog. And, I love it! It fits perfectly, the material is wonderful, and I love the skinny straps! Some of my sports bras with thick straps rub by my neck and get on my nerves. This one, I don't even feel like I have one on at all. The bra itself is 90% nylon and 10% spandex. My only advice, wash it before you wear it. I get so excited about new things that I put them right on without washing them. I wore this sports bra with a white shirt, and it bled. My shirt was an aqua color in certain areas when I finished my run. But, totally my fault! Should have washed it before I tried it out. I was just so excited! I wanted to wear it the day it came in the mail!


It also has an area on the front and the back that are strictly mesh, with no real fabric. This makes the bra much more breathable than other bras that I have. This sports bra has quickly become my favorite one to wear, especially on long runs! It's comfortable, cute, and I don't even feel it! The best part about ALO clothing??? It's all green and everything they stand for is GREEN! Visit their Define Your Green site HERE and see what they are all about!

Please visit the ALO website. They have all kinds of cute stuff! CLICK HERE to visit their site!

Road ID Review!

Road ID. What a concept! Just in case you aren't familiar with a Road ID, it is a way to let someone know who you are, who to call, and other important information about you in case of an emergency. As you can see from the picture, they can be as simple as a small band that you wear on your wrist when you train. I wear mine every time I walk out the door to run or ride my bike. Mine was furnished to me by Scott at Outside PR. And what a wonderful gift it has been!
While I've never had an accident while training, I have come close. I have had a close call both on my feet and on my bike, and I am very relieved to say that my husband's and my mother's phone numbers were right there on my wrist for anyone to find. The picture below shows a close up of my Road ID.


I chose yellow for my Road ID simply because I felt like if someone were having to tend to me while I was hurt, yellow would be an easy color for them to notice. My Road ID has my name, location, husband's phone number, mother's phone number, and a reference to a penicillin allergy, just in case doctors need to know. I feel very safe wearing my Road ID, knowing that someone can get in touch with my family and could save my life.

Not only is the Road ID a great concept, but it's made to be light and virtually weight-free while you wear it. As a runner, I don't like to wear anything that I feel is weighing me down. I don't even know the Road ID is there! It's awesome and could save your life in a heartbeat! They wear them in the Tour de France...you should wear one too! It could honestly SAVE YOUR LIFE!

Visit the Road ID website by clicking HERE: www.roadid.com