REDUCED REGISTRATION - Run Like a Diva Retreat

Last day (4/28 only) of REDUCED REGISTRATION for Run Like a Diva Retreat in Madison on May 5.  ($55 reduced rate - $99 regular price)  Registration closes May 1. 

FREE Couch to 5K Info Session

I will be leading a FREE Couch to 5K informational session at the Sun Prairie Public Library on Thursday, May 23.  Space is limited.

News!

Well, I have a little news that many of you discovered on the world of Facebook last week.  I am looking forward to sharing more details very soon, but I will leave you with this ....

 

 

How we shared the news with Little Dude and Little Diva ...

 

 

How we feel ...

Remember ... and keep moving forward ... RUN.

Core Foods Bar Review & Giveaway

I was recently introduced to Core Foods (HERE) by one of their representatives.  CORE Meals are FRESH portable food. They're as convenient as packaged products, but they're not candy, they're food. Each pack is 4 hours of stable, balanced energy. Grab instead of breakfast when you're in a rush, or after a workout for a solid recovery.  One bar plus two glasses of water is equivelant to a full bowl of oatmeal and four hours of energy.

 

 

 

I was sent an assortment of Core Food Defender Meal Bars (HERE).  I received three flavors:  Raw Almond Raisin, Raw Cashew Cacao, Raw Walnut Banana

 

A High-Fiber Vegan Meal for toning and weight management.  They carefully mix 5 fresh organic plants to pack all 13 amino acids, high plant fiber, and essential fatty acids into one balanced meal on the go.

 

This food is FRESH. Store in your freezer for maximum life and flavor. Take anywhere for up to 1 week. 

 

I liked the chewy consistency of the bar - similar, but a more moist two the standard Clif Bar.  However, these aren't sweet at all.  If you are looking for a sweet meal replacement bar, these high-fiber bars are definitely not going to be a sweet pairing with your morning coffee.  Enjoyed my bars with a carton of yogurt or a banana.  These high-fiber bars definitely left me satisfied and not hungry, though.

 

Each bar weighs a whopping 3.0 oz.  These are some solid meals in bar-form.  A box of 10 bars (meals) is $39.99.  The pricetag is a little steep for me, when you figure out the price point per bar.  Cheaper than going out to lunch, but not as cheap as I can typically pack my own breakfast or lunch.

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One lucky winner will win
an assortment of bars from

Core Foods 

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

1 – Become a follower of my blog or already are?!  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

2 – Follow Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

3 – Visit the Core Foods website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Become a fan of Core Foods on Facebook HERE (and let them know Running Diva Mom sent you!).  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

5 – Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter (@RunningDivaMom #RunningDivaMom) account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

Enter now though Friday, April 19.

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) ]

Giveaway Winners ...

I was recently given the opportunity to review several great items for active families.  You can read all about my fabulous experiences at the links below.  Please visit their websites and start shopping!

Random.org chose ……..

ChapStick

RDM Review - (HERE)

Website - (HERE)

Winner - Jamie @ A Frugal Mama (HERE)

Knuckle Lights

RDM Review - (HERE)

Website - (HERE)

Winner - Katie M (HERE)

Honest Fizz

RDM Review - (HERE)

Website - (HERE)

Winner - Jordan @ And We All Shine On (HERE) 

Congratulations!!!  Please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) with your name, email and mailing address.  And, I will get you your prize!

Thank you for following my journey!!

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) ]

Only 3 weeks left to register!!

Bella NutriPro Juicer Review

My family recently received a Bella NutriPro Juicer (HERE) to test out and review ($250 value).  Having never "juiced" before, I was curious what all of the hype was about.  I've seen a lot of blog posts, articles and Facebook statuses referring to "juicing" over the past year.

With the NutriPro juicer, users are able to get more juice and more nutrients for optimal health and wellness than other conventional juicers by thoroughly squeezing each fruit and vegetable. The Bella NutriPro Cold Press Juicer utilizes a two-stage cold press juicing technology that operates via a chewing (mastication) method to produce high-quality juice from each fruit and vegetable. The single juicing screw in the processing bowl first crushes, the compresses and squeezes out the juice. There are no fast-spinning blades that cut and pulverize the fruits and vegetables to produce juice. With the no-blade, cold press technology, oxidation is minimized, no heat is used, and more nutrients and enzymes are preserved. (Most traditional juicers and blenders that claim to juice use blades that shred and break open the cell walls of the produce, exposing it to oxygen and therefore affecting the integrity of the nutrients and enzymes. Enzymes are a necessity for the health and healing of the body. They help break down foods and tell the nutrients where they are most needed in the body. Enzymes aid digestion, keep you youthful and vibrant and increase energy.)

Besides the health value, the NutriPro Juicer users can get more juice from certain fruits and vegetables than other juicers. For example, the NutriPro got 66% more pineapple juice than one of its main competitors.

 

 

The $250 juicer pricetag will get you the following items:

-New Bella NutriPro Cold Press Juicer with quiet induction motor
-Stainless steel juice strainer
-Single juicing screw auger
-Feeding tube
-1 pulp container with handle
-1 juice container with handle
-1 pusher
-1 cleaning brush
-5 year warranty
-Instruction Manual
-Recipe Booklet

 

We didn't have many fresh fruits and veggies on hand.  We tried juicing carrots and blackberies.  The blackberries didn't work as well as the carrots.  Apparently, it takes a lot of berries to make a lot of juice!  We tried both juices separately and then tried them mixed together.  The kids didn't like either of them.  I didn't mind the taste.  But, I much prefer blending things in a blender, or making smoothies over juicing.    I'm not sure how much I will use the juicer, but I look forward to trying out some "juice recipies" and making just the right pairings next time.  The juicer would make some really refreshing summertime drinks, for relaxing out on the porch.  The box contained a wheel, to help you select the right fruits and vegetables for your tastebuds and it suggested things that would go well together.  I never realized there were so many different fruits and vegetables!

 

The juicing process was really quite easy.  The pulp and remains go into one container and the itty bitty amounts of juice go into another.  Bella also includes a a tumbler, so you can easily juice right into the tumbler for quick consumption on your way to work or while out running errands with the kids.

 

Juicers vs. Blenders:

Most Americans don’t eat nearly enough fruits and vegetables, so consuming them in liquid form is a quick, easy way to meet your healthy daily needs. Both blenders and juicers serve up nutrition in a glass, but the types of beverages they produce are very different.

Blenders pulverize the entire fruit or vegetable into a thick drink known as a smoothie, which contains the fiber from the pulp as well as the juice. In contrast, cold press juicers, like the BELLA NutriPro Juicer, extract only the nutrient-dense liquid.

According to certified holistic health coach and raw foods chef Laurie Erdman, while our bodies do need fiber for a healthy digestive system, the advantage of cold press juicing is that ounce for ounce it yields more concentrated nutrients and enzymes—the fragile proteins that support nearly every body function—that your body can quickly absorb. Fiber can block the absorption of those healthy compounds, slowing digestion.

If you drink a cold press juice you’ll get a bigger jolt of energy than you would from a smoothie, since your body doesn’t have to work to separate the nutrients from the fiber. As a result, Erdman believes, juice from the cold press juicers like the NutriPro has a cleansing, detoxifying effect on the body.

Nutrients and enzymes are also sensitive to friction and temperature. Because the NutriPro doesn’t have blades or heat up to operate like a blender does, the cellular structure of the produce you juice is not compromised. Cold press juicing allows you to quickly and easily ingest all of the healthy nutrients available in your favorite raw fruits and vegetables.

Run Like a Diva Retreat Outline Announced - Register by May 1

 

Register by May 1 (HERE)

 

Hope to see you on May 5th!!

FREE Group Run - Sunday, April 7 - 9 AM - Deforest, WI

Next Catalyst Couch to 5K Session Starts May 8

Honest Fizz by Honest Tea Review & Giveaway

I have featured so many great products from Honest Tea (HERE) over the past year - Honest Tea, Honest Ade and Honest Pouches for kids.  I was suprised to get this wonderful assortment of Honest Fizz (HERE)  recently.  honest Fizz is a zero calorie / zero sugar natural soda.  I'm obsessed with Diet Mountain Dew and love carbonation.  These were a welcome break from my addiction.

 

 

The kids, The Boyfriend and I all sampled the assortment of four flavors:

Lemon Limey

Orange Pop

Professor Fizz (Cherry)

Root Beer

 

I honestly loved them all.  I'm not a big lemon lime fan after all, so I would rank that as last on my list.  But, the other three flavors were really really great.  I also liked the slender, tall 12 oz cans. 

 

These were a nice zero calorie indulgence during my work day and laying around the house.

******************************

One lucky winner will win a sampler of
Honest Fizz
by Honest Tea 

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

1 – Become a follower of my blog or already are?!  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

2 – Follow Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

3 – Visit the Honest Tea website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Become a fan of Honest Tea on Facebook HERE (and let them know Running Diva Mom sent you!).  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

5 – Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter (@RunningDivaMom #RunningDivaMom, @HonestTea) account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

Enter now though April 5, 2013.

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) ]

[These opinions are all my own.  I received the products/samples for free and was not compensated for this review.]

Knuckle Lights Review & Giveaway

My Knuckle Lights (HERE) came in handy at the end of winter, here.  Winter seemed to be dragging on and on ... and on.  Our evenings were cut short by dark nights.  But, now with the time change, the mornings are dark again, making it difficult for early morning runners.  I'm always look for new ways to be safe out on my solor runs and out with my couch to 5k groups.  I've tried various blinky lights - but they are cheaply made, don't always work and usual bust within a few sessions.

 

Knuckle Lights is the first and only light designed specifically to be worn on your hands, in the perfect position to light the path in front of you and be seen on your next run or walk in the dark.

 

 

I received a pair of Blue Knuckle Lights (HERE).  They retail for $39.99.  These also come in black, pink, yellow and silver.  Unfortunately, the pretty pink ones were out of stock - bummer.

 

45 lumens each light

Extra wide flood beams

Blinking, Lower and High Beam options

Adjustable Silicone Strap

Weatherproof
Batteries INCLUDED

 

 

These light your path and also allow you to be seen at the same time.  Perfect for busy roads when you are running against traffic.  Or if you are out running on dark, unlit trails.

 

I totally didn't mind using these on my hands, because I always carry a handheld water bottle with me and love having something in my hands.  They are light and easy and comfortable to hold.  If you are a handheld water bottle user - you can place your bottle in one hand and a Knuckle Light in the other.  These are also perfect when sharing with a running buddy out on a run.  You both can be seen.

 

I played around with the strap too much mid-run, so one of them came unfastened and I was unable to fix it without stopping. So, I just held it in my hand.  I should have tested it out more before that first run to know how the adjustable strap worked.  But, the adjustable strap was super easy to use the next time.  The cushion on the insight of the Knuckle Light provides even more comfort for your hands.

 

I would recommend Knuckle Lights to anyone that is doing runs in the dark.  They seem to be the most powerful option out there.  My kids found them fun, too.

 

The power button on top was super easy to maneuver with my thumb.  I had fun playing around with the three different settings.

 

 

 

Free priority shipping in the US and a 5 year guarantee.  Can't beat that!

 

 

******************************

One lucky winner will win a set of
Knuckle Lights

 

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

1 – Become a follower of my blog or already are?!  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

2 – Follow Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

3 – Visit the Knuckle Lights website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Become a fan of Knuckle Lights on Facebook HERE (and let them know Running Diva Mom sent you!).  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

5 – Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter (@RunningDivaMom #RunningDivaMom, #KnuckleLights) account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

Enter now though April 5, 2013.

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) ]

 

[These opinions are all my own.  I received the products/samples for free and was not compensated for this review.]

Running Buddy, Jr.

Little Diva and I will be coaching together this spring.  I'm excited that she will be helping me coach a mommy-and-me group - ten moms with their sons and daughters.  The class sold out in just a few days.  I'm looking forward to seeing her develop some leadership skills, continuing the active lifestyle, and spending some quality time together - doing something a little bit different from the norm.  She's already talking about all of the advice that she is going to give the moms and their youngsters.

 

 

I mentioned recently that she's been enjoying the ocassional mile run on the ol' treadmill in our basement.  But, now that the weather is getting a little bit nicer and the roads are getting clearer - we started heading outdoors.  The other night we ran two miles together around our new neighborhood.  We put on our winter running gear and charged up our ipods.  We cranked the tunes and also snuck in a couple of good conversations.  It's amazing how the dinner conversation of "I did nothing today" can turn into "I did this and that" while running together.  I love our little running chats and am looking forward to many more.  I love the look of pride on her face, the sweat on her brow, and the hug and high five I get at the end of our runs together.

Cupcake Flavored ChapStick Review & Giveaway

I have had the opportunity to review products from ChapStick (HERE) before.  Who doesn't love a good tube of flavored-Chapstick!  The kics, The Boyfriend and I all love moisturizing our lips with various flavors.  I was thrilled when they wanted to work with me again and send over some of their new limited edition flavors - cupcake flavors nonetheless!

I'm also happy to announce that ChapStick is a proud sponsor of the Run Like a Diva Retreat I am hosting on May 5th (HERE).  Each participant will receive a tube of ChapStick!

 

 

 

I received both new limited edition flavors, Cake Batter ChapStick (HERE) and Velvet Cupcake (HERE).  We also received a cupcake party in a box - sure to be a good time down the road with Little Dude and Little Diva!

Supplies are limited, so place your order now!  These limited edition varieties are available now until approximately March 31^st exclusively at Wal-Mart, CVS and Walgreens nationwide.

 

 

 

These unique ChapStick flavors were a nice, little treat.  They were creamy and yummy and - definitely tasted and smelled like the really thing.  But, they were a zero calorie indulgence!  Little Diva and I both loved them.  I'm a huge cupcake fan and these didn't disappoint.  What fun for Easter baskets, little birthday party favors or a special treat for mom!

 

You can also check out all of the ChapStick Classic Flavors (HERE) and Active Flavors (HERE) for your long runs.

 

******************************

One lucky winner will win a
Tube of ChapStick

 

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

1 – Become a follower of my blog or already are?!  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

2 – Follow Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

3 – Visit the ChapStick website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Become a fan of Chap on Facebook HERE (and let them know Running Diva Mom sent you!).  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

5 – Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter (@RunningDivaMom #RunningDivaMom) account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

Enter now though April 4, 2013.

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) ]

[These opinions are all my own.  I received the products/samples for free and was not compensated for this review.]

 

“The ChapStick® product, information and gift have been provided by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare.”

Twenty Miles.

This past Sunday, I hosted a free group run for running buddies and former couch to 5k participants.  We expected about 20+ runners on Sunday morning.  But the icky forecast caused me to receive a lot of texts and emails early Sunday morning, from runners cancelling.  I keep hoping that spring will be here soon - especially when planning these events.  But, the weather just doesn't seem to want to cooperate.  I didn't pay too much attention to the forecast before we ventured out to the trailhead.  If I know it was supposed to be blowing snow, I probably wouldn't have been so unopinionated about my twenty miler that morning.  It was also going to be The Boyfriend's first twenty mile training.  So, it's especially just as well that he didn't know what was waiting for us either.  We ended up meeting about ten folks for a group run.  Everyone was different paces and running different distances.  But, it was nice to hold eachother accountable and show up and commit to our training - whatever level.  The loop is five miles.  Some were running a half-loop; some one loop; some two loops and The Boyfriend and I were running four loops.  Our friend was also running to meet us half way and finish the run with us.



 

 

We headed out for one five mile loop and I alternated running with various members of the group.  The skies were gray, but the ground was pretty clear and the snow wasn't falling.  On the second loop, the snow started to fall and then blow.  My running buddy, Michelle, ran with The Boyfriend and I on the second loop.  Snow was starting to accumulate on the path and boardwalks.  During the third lap, our friend, Dwight literally ran into us and joined us for the remaining miles.  The snow was really pelting at our faces.  I just kept looking down at the ground and watching my footwork on the snow and ice.  When we started the fourth loop, every single step was the furthest The Boyfriend had ever ran.  His knees were starting to bother him.  Even though we both took energy gels, he was starting to lose energy during the last loop.  He was running slower and walking up hills.  I kept running and would swing back to get him.  Because, I was worried I wouldn't be able to get going again if I stopped - and also a bit worried I would pee my pants!! (TMI)  Despite the weather, I was feeling full of energy.  I could have kept going quite awhile.  My hip flexers weren't acting up too badly; my knees were fine.  It was just my lower back that was starting to ache, like my other runs. My friend thinks I might try to lean back to much, while trying to keep good posture.  Next time, I'm going to try to lean forward a bit more.  After mile 17, Dwight headed home and The Boyfriend and I had about 2.5 miles to go. 

We headed back up the biggest hill on the beautiful path.  The Boyfriend tried walking it, while I ran ahead.  Again, I was worried I wouldn't be able to get going again if I stopped.  I got to the top, conquered the hill - and then I slipped on the same patch of ice we had been trying to avoid all morning.  It was now covered in snow and more slippery than ever.  I slipped, I fell on my lower back, and then I hit my head on the snow-covered 1/2 inch of ice.

I just layed there, not moving for moments - which seemed like minutes.  The skies were grey and the snow was falling on my face.  My handheld water bottle was busted.  I must've used it to break my fall.

I immediately thought, what am I going to do if I'm hurt?  I didn't have a phone on me.  I thought of the other people running with us - and all winter long in my groups.  I thought of them and was immediately thankful that this didn't happen to any of them on those cold, dark, icy nights.  I would've felt terrible.

I layed there still, not knowing if I could move.  I was stunned.  In Shock.  Then, I rolled over onto my belly.  I had my arms in a push-up-like position and tilted my head and could see The Boyfriend running again, up the hill to see me.  I was happy to be moving and happy to see him. 

 

 

I layed my head down in the snow and tears started rolling down my face.  I didn't speak.  He came up close to me, layed his face next to mine in the snow and kept asking me if I was ok.  I managed to say that I was fine.  His eyes were filling up with tears, too.  (He later stated that he was getting emotional - just at the thought of having to carry me over his shoulder for the two miles to the trailhead.)  I layed there for a bit, just trying to figure out what happened and trying to get my barings.  I stood up and looked at the sky, looked at my watch and grabbed my broken water bottle.  We still had over two miles to go to the trailhead.  I decided I was ok to run and was going to finish this.

He ran/walked the last two miles.  I ran ahead and continued to circle back to him.  The trail was getting more and more covered and the board walks were slick.  I figure that I ran about 21 miles with all of the turning around I did on our route.  We were out there for 3:38 (didn't stop my watch during the fall - but thought about it - LOL).

 

Sometimes, I really wonder why I run these monumental training runs; why I run in the sleet and snow; why I get up at ungodly hours on the weekends when I could be sleeping in my warm bed.  But, even after an accident like this, I am left with a huge sense of accomplishment for just getting out there - and then finishing.  I rarely - if ever - regret a run.  And, I have such admiration for him having completed this distance - being a non-runner just over twelve months ago.  I'm so happy we get to continue this journey together.

 

Running truly is a test of not only the legs - but also of the heart.

 

And, I am not alone in this .... THINK SPRING!!!!!

2013 Madison Shamrock Shuffle Couch to 5K Race Report

This was one tough Wisconsin winter for running.  I can't emphasize that enough.  I started the Sun Prairie Couch to 5K winter session with sixteen runners and ended up with ten that ran the race.  The Catalyst group started with nine runners and ended with seven at the race.  The men's group started with six and ended with five at the event.  From below freezing temperatures, to icy conditions, and blizzard after blizzard on Tuesday evenings - it made it especially difficult for The Sun Prairie Ladies and Mens groups to meet each week for their group runs.  Wednesdays were a little forgiving for the Catalyst group - but it was nothing mild like last year. 

 

The logistics posed a whole new set of problems this year.  But, I learned a lot.  And, I kept reminding those that continued on with the program that things would seem so much easier once spring came.  If they could start this now - they would definitely be able and willing to continue it as a lifestyle change in the future.  Many became scared of the outdoor conditions, but wanted to continue with the program.  So, they opted to run on treadmills on their own, checking in with me weekly and asking questions.

 

 

This was The Boyfriend's first time coaching and he loved getting to know the guys in his group and watching them run longer and longer distances each week. 

 

 

My Sun Prairie group varied all sorts of paces and age groups this time.  I had my youngest participant of 18 yrs old and still in high school - to a 60-something year old woman.  We completed a lot of out-and-back routes to keep everyone somewhat together in the dark, cold nights.  My whistle came in very handy this winter.

 

We ran the Shamrock Shuffle (HERE) in downtown Madison as our event.  The atmosphere was fun and festive.  However, I think the massive group of 4,500-5,000 runners was a little intimidating for some of the new runners.  I could see some stunned and nervous expressions on their faces on race morning.  Many of us had ran the course the week prior and were aware of the route and the venture up the landark hill, Observatory Drive.  They all tackled the hill - in both directions - and conquered the race.  Everyone finished in the timeframe that I quoted them from the beginning - 30-45 minutes.  It's truly amazing seeing them get their family and friends involved and seeing them change their lifestyle over a short nine weeks.  The Boyfriend and I were very, very proud of everyone that attempted and completed the program this winter.  Many new runners have started their journey and are on their way to a happier and healthier 2013!! 

 

Thank you again to Market Street Diner & Bakery (HERE) in Sun Prairie, for hosting the Sun Prairie groups' end-of-season pasta party.  The cake was delicious (and adorable!), too!

Giveaway Winners ....

I was recently given the opportunity to feature several great items/events for active families.  You can read all about my fabulous experiences at the links below.

One winner was chose at random to receive these items. 

Random.org chose ……..

Run Like a Diva Retreat Entry

RDM Article (HERE)
Winner - Bethany Pelc (HERE)

What is Your Because ... Performance Shirt
RDM Article (HERE)
Website (HERE)
Winner - Christine Uniejewski (HERE)

FlipBelt
RDM Article (HERE)
Website (HERE)
Winner - Justine @ Run Crazy Girl (HERE)

Hands Turned on Tee
RDM Article (HERE)
Website (HERE)
Winner - Sherrie @ Run for the Bling of It (HERE)

Congratulations!!!  Please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) with your name, email and mailing address.  And, I will get you your prize!
 

Thank you for following my journey!!

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) ]

Kid-Friendly Running Tunes

When I'm running with my headphones, I'm typically listening to some explicit, nasty lyrics.  The better the beat, the dirtier the lyrics, the faster I seem to run.  When some of those words come through on my headphones, I have to laugh at what I'm listening to.  But, it's what keeps me going.

However, when I plug my ipod into my treadmill speakers for a short run, and the kids are home and closeby - I can't listen to my typical playlist.  And, with Little Diva recently taking an interest in treadmill running, I've had to provide her with some fun running tunes, too.

I've had to create an additional "kid-friendly running tunes" playlist.  This has included some great remakes of our favorites Top 40 hits on various Kidz Bop CDs (HERE).

But, some of my favorites have also made the playlist:

My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark (Light Em Up) 3:09 Fall Out Boy
Anything Could Happen 4:47 Ellie Goulding
Carry On 4:38 Fun.
Change 3:18 Churchill Change
Feel Again 3:06 OneRepublic
Hold On 3:46 Alabama Shakes
I Will Wait 4:37 Mumford & Sons
One More Night 3:39 Maroon 5
Paradise 4:38 Coldplay
Some Nights 4:37 Fun.
We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monáe) 4:11 Fun. 
Catch My Breath 4:10 Kelly Clarkson
Hello 3:56 Karmin
Daylight 3:46 Maroon 5
I Knew You Were Trouble 3:40 Taylor Swift
Girl On Fire 3:45 Alicia Keys
Call Me Maybe 3:13 Carly Rae Jepsen 

2013 Run Before you Crawl Celtic 5K Race Report

This past Saturday, The Boyfriend and I headed down to his hometown to run the Green County Run Before You Crawl Celtic 5K (HERE) in Monroe, Wisconsin.  This was his very first 5K one year ago.  I did not participate with him last year.  The race started and ended at the local YMCA.  So we had a nice warm place to hang out before the race.  Packet pick-up took place in the gym and was hassle-free and there were enough indoor bathrooms.  

 

We met up with my bloggy buddy, Bill from Love to Run (HERE) and his daughter, Melissa before the race. Their plan was to run the race together.  The Boyfriend I were not planning on running together.  Even though he recently started running, he quickly has exceeded my pace, especially in short distances.

 

It had been sometime since I ran a 5K for myself - or raced one.  I've been coaching so many 5Ks and running so many half marathons in the past few years.  My 5K racing experience has been minimal recently.  I wasn't sure what to expect out of myself.  

 

 

Even though the race was only 3.1 miles, I decided to carry my handheld water bottle with me.  I love having the opportunity to sip on my bottle when I want, and not stop at water stations.  This race didn't even have a water station, so it was nice to have it with me. 

We started off in the front of the pack, and I'm not quite sure why I did that.  Again, it's been some time since I ran a 5K.  We just got out there and lined up with all of the fast runners.  Oh well.  I was immediately passed by all of the speedy participants as we headed down the first street and up the first hill.  I was going out too quickly the first mile and found myself a little winded aroudn the 1/2 mile mark.  There were quite a few rolling hills, but nothing terrible.  I pulled back on my pace and was happy when my watch read 8:10 at the mile marker.  They had clearely marked mile markets, with volunteers calling out times.  With another big hill in the next mile, I slowed a bit and crossed mile 2 at 16:28.  I knew that 25 minutes would be within reach at the finish line.

 

I was not familiar with the area, so I had no clue where I was and didn't have landmarks to keep distance into perspective.  I saw the third mile marker up ahead, I pressed up a small hill and turned righ towards the finishline.  I crossed the finishline in 25:17 and saw The Boyfriend on the other side of the timing mat. 

 

I was ecstatic with my time, but the race reminded me how much I really like the half marathon and don't really care for 5Ks.  I love training people for 5Ks, and getting runners started on their journey.  But, I personally love to run the half marathon distance, because the race isn't over in moments, I get a real bang for my buck, and I feel like I have really accomplished something major.

 

 

I finished in 25:17 and The Boyfriend finished in 23:18.  He knocked five whole minutes off of his time from last year, his very first 5K.  We drove in town to get cleaned up and for an afternoon of enjoy the local pub crawl - mainly nursing our drinks and sipping on coffee as we watched others stumble past us on The Square.  Good times.

Fifteen miles.

This winter has been a tough one to train for a marathon.  I can't even imagine if this was my first marathon.  It will be The Boyfriend's first marathon, when we cross that finish line in May.  He hasn't been strictly following a program, but he's been very good about getting the long runs in ocassionally.  I can't wait until it (hopefully) warms up later this month, so that we can tackle those twenty milers outside.

 

This weekend, we were slated to race a 5K on Saturday and then run 15 miles together on Sunday.  We delayed our long training run until after a brunch, then a drive home, then a short snooze.  I wasn't positive we were going to force ourselves out the door in the afternoon - the weather so dreary, cold and wet.  But, we did.  We drove ten minutes to my favorite new path in DeForest.  The path is an even five mile out-and-back loop.  So, we planned to run the loop three times.  Yikes. 

 

We headed out with double long-sleeved layers, hats, gloves, handheld water bottles and our ipods.  We both started our watches and our ipods and we were off.  This was one of the few times I never advanced my songs or messed with my playlist.  I was worried about the rain and tucked it under my double-layered sleeves and just let it play.  It was kind of fun just running along to whatever tune came on and set my pace accordingly.  This was The Boyfriends' first time on this path with me.  Too bad the weather wasn't better.  The path is so scenic and there are some significant inclines.  On the way back from the first lap, his pace was slowing significantly.  I wans't sure if he was having stomach issues, leg cramps, or what was going on.  He gestured for me to run ahead.  I kept a slight pace in front of him for the remainder of the loop.  There were several large puddles that were unavoidable along the path.  My feet would get soaked each time and then my socks and shoes would stomp out the water and feeling seemingly dry again after a few minutes. 

 

As we headed back to the trailhead, where our vehicle was parked, I was convinced he was done and was a little disappointed and mentally trying to plan how I would fit in the additional ten miles at home, the gym or on the treadmill.  And even more difficult for me, was the thought of trying to get him back out the door to complete those miles with me.  He needed the training run just as bad as me, if not more for his confidence.  We got back to the car and I pulled the car key out of my handheld water bottle.  He asked me what I was doing.  "I thought you were done?!".  Nope.  We were headed back out for more.  Thank goodness.

 

I told him how proud I was of him, as we headed back out for loop number two.  I was so amazed.  We traced our footsteps on the path and saw a few people out walking their dogs on this dreary day.  They were in rain gear and hunting gear and keeping warm as they walked the beautiful trail.  We weren't dressed quite the same, but I wasn't cold.  The only thing that got cold were my finger tips a few times.  The snow was melting from the rain and the path was getting significantly wetter this time.  My feet were soaking several times as I splashed around in the puddles.  I told him that I loved him several times.  And, would occassionally ask him how he was feeling.  He would give me the thumbs up.  We both had our Yurbuds in under our hats and had little-to-no conversation.  We were both in the zone, but doing this together.   

 

We got back to the trailhead again, and The Boyfriend was out of sports drink and opted to refill his water bottle.  I was fine and didn't need to replenish.  However, I was worried that if I stopped running that I may embarrasingly wet my pants after my muscles loosened up, so I laughed and told him I would run circles around the parking lot.  I ran for a few minutes and then we were ready to head back out.  The rain was really coming down now and our layers of clothing were seriously soaked.  My clothes were starting to feel heavy.  My feet were wet.  My body was starting too cool down a bit.  But, we ventured on.  We went slow and steady and again I communicated with him throughout the five mile loop.  The puddles were now out of control.  We didn't even try darting around them this time - we just dodged through them.  The hills seemed even more intense than the other climbs before them.  At the top of the largest hill, we were at 13 miles and I congratulated him for completing a half marathon out there in the cold and the rain.  We kept going, as we were in the home stretch.  Nice, slow and steady - together. 

 

 

We finally made it back to the car in 2:32 - sopping wet.  We snapped a quick photo, before taking off our soaking wet layers, putting on a few dry items, wrapping in blankets and cranking the heat.  There is no way I would have ventured out there alone, even for half of those miles.  It's amazing what support will do for you.  Just having someone there, that is going through the same thing.  The same experience.  The same discomfort.  I feel so fortunate that I have found someone that will take part of my lifestyle and help hold me accountable as well.  It just wouldn't be the same taking this journey solo.