Chi Marathon Book Review & Giveaway

Have you heard of Chi Running and Chi Walking (HERE)?!?!?

The pain-free Chi Running technique blends the powerful movement principles from T'ai Chi with running to create a revolutionary approach to effortless and injury-free running.  The cornerstones of Chi Running are postural alignment and relaxation because the combination of the two is the best way to run faster, farther and injury-free. The Chi Running technique includes: landing with a midfoot strike, using a "gravity-assisted" forward lean and engaging core strength for propulsion rather than leg strength. This approach makes your running easier and healthier for your whole body.  The Chi Running technique shares many components with the Kenyans and East Africans who are some of the most relaxed and efficient runners in the world and who have dominated the long distance racing scene for decades. Chi Running teaches this technique to all levels of runners through an easy and enjoyable, step-by-step system.

Danny Dreyer, an esteemed running coach, is a former nationally ranked ultramarathon runner. He conducts workshops worldwide and lectures frequently at races and events. He is the coauthor, with Katherine Dreyer, of ChiRunning and ChiWalking.  Katherine Dreyer has more than thirty years of experience in the health, personal growth, and fitness fields. She partners with Danny to coordinate the international ChiRunning, ChiWalking, and ChiLiving programs.

The developers of Chi Running, their books and program have now authored another book, Chi Marathon (HERE).

CHI MARATHON: The Breakthrough Natural Running Program for a Pain-Free Half-Marathon and Marathon 2as released in march 2012 by Danny and Katherine Dreyer - the bestselling authors of ChiWalking and ChiRunning – is the book that distance runners have been waiting for!



Injury among distance runners has risen to a staggering 80-90%. Most marathon books and training programs focus primarily on building stamina, but they often don’t address how running all those miles may be seriously harming your body. CHI MARATHON debunks the myth that marathons require pushing through and beyond pain and presents a technique-based plan for pain-and-injury-free high performance HALF and FULL marathons.


This books takes a whole-body approach to long-distance running—much like T’ai Chi—making ease and efficiency of movement the prime goal of one’s training. Chi Marathon also shows how to improve your performance by developing your own race-specific training plan tailored to your event, and will help you cross the finish line feeling strong no matter your age, body type, or running ability.


• Run a marathon or half marathon free of pain and injury

• Transform your racing with the training triad: form, conditioning, and mastery

• Tap into your chi, an energy source more powerful and enduring than muscles

• Teach your mind and body to work together as a team and master your event




Skimming the pages of this book, also encouraged me to visit the Chi Running website and learn more about the Chi Running techniques for all distances.  Even though this book is geared towards long-distance runners, I am looking forward to applying some of the techniques and advice to my Couch to 5K clients.  Several participants have entered the program with absolutely no running experience and have found themselves having a lot of knee and shin pain, which have prevented them from enjoying the program 100% and in worst cases from continuing the program.  A lot of the ideas in this book can be applied to runners of all levels.  It helped me rethink my running form and reminded me how in tune my mind and body have to be, to be successful with a training program. 

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One lucky winner will win a copy of
Chi Marathon

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

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

2 – Become a fan of Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

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

4 - Become a fan of Chi Running on Facebook HERE.  LET THEM KNOW RDM SENT YOU.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT.

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

Enter now though Wednesday, June 13.

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom,

please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) ]

Hero Huggers Belt Review & Giveaway

Last year, Little Dude and I reviewed a custom cape from Power Capes.  They are now offering an awesome line of belts for children, called Hero Huggers (HERE).  With kids growing constantly these belts are super user-friendly for young children and will help you get more use out of their pants and shorts.

Little Dude tried out the Skeletonz Kids Belt (HERE).

The Hero Huggers kids belts are made of fun colors for boys and girls. These belts are made using a very high quality hybrid webbing and fun ribbons, perfect for your children. All kids belts are made in the USA for your little hero. Belts are all 1" wide and vary in length depending on the size selected. 

The list price of $25 for a belt is a little steep for me (even for a belt for myself). 

There are three size options:

Small - for waists 18" - 22" (up to size 3T)
Medium - for waists 22" - 25" (up to size 6T)
Large - for waists 25" - 28" (up to size 9/10)

I love that there are multiple closure options.  Choose whether you want an easy on/off velcro closure, or our popular D ring closures.  The velcro closure is perfect for potty training.  D-Rings - all the "cool" kids get the D-Rings.  Little Dude opted for the velcro closure and was able to get the belt on and off all by himself.  He was really proud of himself and has wanted to wear it quite a few days out of the week, just because he likes that fact that he can do it all by himself.

There are so many fun styles and patterns for both boys and girls (HERE).  I love the safari and hot rod prints.  They also have lots of stripes, floral and solid belts available. 

RDM readers can use promo code: SOCIETY10 to receive 10% of your order.

****************************************
One lucky winner will win a
Belt of their choice
from Hero Huggers

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 Hero Huggers website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Become a fan of Hero Huggers / Power Capes 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 account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

Enter now though Tuesday, June 12.
Winner will be announced on Wednesday.

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

FRS Healthy Performance Product Review & Giveaway

I recently had the opportunity to work FRS Healthy Performance (HERE).  I have seen them advertised all over the web lately, and was excited to try out their vast assortment of energy products.  I had only checked our their chews prior to this opportunity.

FRS states that the advantage FRS Healthy Energy has over other energy drinks is simple. Instead of using lots of caffeine and sugar to give your body a lift, FRS activates your body's own energy-producing mechanisms, so you can stay at your best longer without fear of crashing. In other words, you get the energy you need to turn possibility into reality, whether you're shooting for a championship or just trying to make it through your workout.

FRS is fueled by quercetin, a powerful antioxidant found in foods like blueberries, red apples and grapes. Quercetin works by naturally triggering the body's ability to produce more real energy. The more energy your body creates, the longer you're able to push. And the longer you can push, the farther you'll go.

Intrigued?!?!?!?!

A single 11.5-ounce serving of FRS contains a healthy amount of quercetin, but to get the equivalent you'd have to be willing - and able - to eat 40 apples in a sitting. And good luck working out after that.

Before trying the FRS products, I was reminded that the products should be tried over a period time.  Their products do offer some pick-me-up after the first serving. But, I was told that many of the benefits and increase in energy happen as you consume it daily over time.  FRS is also a great alternative to caffeine ... which I could certainly use with my coffee and Diet Mountain Dew addition.

You can start shopping for all FRS Products (HERE)

FRS Healthy Slim

Take charge of your weight loss with amazingly delicious FRS Healthy Slim, formulated with natural ingredients proven to help curb appetite and increase energy levels so you can achieve your healthy weight goals.



FRS® Healthy Slim™ features Slendesta®, fiber, and green tea catechins added to the base FRS formula to deliver enhanced functionality. Slendesta® is clinically-proven vegetable protein that helps people lose weight by naturally managing appetite and hunger.


I LOVED the low-cal tropical flavor, but didnt' really enjoy the strawberry melon flavor. I enjoyed the tropical flavor on the tennis court ona  very hot day and it was refreshing (when served cold).  Had a great consistency, with no nasty after taste.  The flavors weren't strong, but were just sweet enough.  Yum, yum, yum!  I can't say that I experienced any increase in energy when trying these.  I also like that they were only 20 calories.
 
 
FRS Healthy Energy

FRS® Healthy Energy® - powered by a patented formula containing Quercetin, green tea, catechins, and essential vitamins. It is perfect for the active, on-the-go person to get sustained energy and to help maximize performance. It comes in 12oz bottle with 90cal and a low 20cal with no artificial sweeteners, colors or flavors.


I have trouble consuming that many calories in a drink.  I didn't like the berry flavor at all and it had an awful after taste.  I also tried the blackberry acai and orange cream flavors which were much more tolerable.  But I didn't like the after taste.  They tasted very think and like they were packed with "vitamins". 

FRS Powder

FRS powdered drink mix comes in a box of single-serve stick packs. It’s the perfect beverage solution if you’re hitting the road for a run, ride or a business trip. The packs are small, lightweight and easy to add to your water bottle. With just 10 calories each they’re also the lowest calorie way to get your FRS sustained energy if you’re watching your waistline. wild berry, orange, lemon lime


The cost of $20 for pack of 14 powders is extremely high in my book.  I'm a big fan of Crystal Light (I know, a different kind of product), but was interested in trying these.  I hate lemon-lime, so was excited to try wild berry.  It didnt' mix up well in my cup or in my bottle.  It was very thick and chunky and tasted very full of "vitamins" (again).  At only 5-10 calories a packet, I think it's a great alternative to soda and would be a great way to get in your water for the day.  But, i just couldnt' stomach it.  I didn't try this enough to experience any change in energy. 

FRS Hard-Shell Chews

FRS® Healthy Energy® Hard Shell Chews are an easy, convenient way to have on-the-go natural energy throughout the day. FRS® Healthy Energy® Hard Shell Chews are an amazingly delicious product fueled by a patented formula containing Quercetin. Three delicious flavors: Pomegranate Blueberry, Pineapple Mango and Orange.



These reminded me of the "chiclets" gums that we ate back in the day.  The pomegranate blueberry flavorite was not a favorite of mind.  I would have preferred orange, I think.  But the consistency and taste wasn't bad.  It was easer to chew and down before a run or during short breaks.  I found it hard to chew while I was on the run.  I experienced a slight increase in energy the two times I tried these on shorter runs.  They were easy to store in the container in my gym bag. But, difficult to transport the indivdiual chews when on the run.


FRS Soft Chews

FRS soft chews are individually wrapped and ideal for travel. Simply unwrap two chews and eat, no water required. You can keep them in your gym bag or purse so they are there wherever you need a boost. Each 30 count bag provides 15 servings.

I liked the soft chews much better than the hard-shell chews.  The pineapple mango flavor was awesome and the consistency was easier to handle when on the run.  I found an increase in energy when using these during training runs.    They were easy to store in the container in my gym bag. But, difficult to transport the indivdiual chews when on the run.

FRS Shots

The only shot that offers consumers two convenient ways to refuel: 2 ounce shot for instant energy on the go; Mix with water for a delicious FRS Healthy Energy drink. Healthy alternative to energy shots and drinks that rely on sugar or caffeine. Each shot provides 1 serving. Sold in packages of 6, 12 and 24.



I had to down the orange flavor in one gulp, otherwise I couldn't stomach it.  But, the benefits were gerat.  It gave me a boost when I was in a slump and needed to get some things done around the house.  I plan to try the other one while out on a long training run.  20 calories for low-cal / 120 calories for regular.  Not too shabby for a quick pick-me-up.

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

One lucky winner will win
an assortment of
FRS Products

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 FRS website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous. LEAVE ME A COMMENT


4 – Become a fan of FRS 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 account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.


Enter now though Monday, June 11.
Winner will be announced on Tuesday.


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

Ruffles With Love Custom Shirt Review & Giveaway

I was recently contacted by Ruffles with Love (HERE) regarding there custom and inspirational shirts on Etsy.  I am so happy that Vanessa reached out to me, because these tanks are absolutely adorable and I LOVE personalization!

Ruffles with Love tops are work-out tank tops with a message to motivate you!

These tanks come in adult sizes small to XL.  They are fitted, but not tight.  They are great for those of us with some curves, who want to flaunt our womanly figure, but don't want to show off our imperfections.  These tops do just that.  The racerbacks are tied with fun, flirtatious bows. 

I LOVE the Running Diva Mom top that
Ruffles with Love made for me  .............

I typically take a medium and loved how this one fit me.  It worked out great, paired with a sports bra.  These tops do not have a built in sports bras.


The best part about these tops???!!!  They are extremely affordable ... $20!  Believe it.  Vanessa has been awesome to work with and can totally customize anything for you.

These shirts are great for running, any sports, events, group activities. These would make fabulous team shirts.  You and all of your running BFF's can wear these to your next event!  These tops would be great, customized with your first name on the front.  No more ironing on cheap letters yourself or using duct tape for handmade letters, for encouragement during your next marathon.  Ruffles with Love has that handled.

 

If you don't want to customize your own tee, Ruffles with Love offers tons of fun sayings, including:

Break a Sweat

I Don't Sweat, I Sparkle

Work It

I Run Because I Can

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One lucky winner will win a Custom Top from Ruffles with Love
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 Ruffles with Love website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous. LEAVE ME A COMMENT


4 – Become a fan of Ruffles with Love 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 account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.


Enter now though Sunday, June 10.
Winner will be announced on Monday, June 11.


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

Three Things Thursday

1 - I am drawn to things bright, bold, outrageous!  And, apparently they are also drawn to me!!  I keep finding the Marathon Mommy Minivan and I surrounded by bright, bold, and outrageous vehicles. 

Check this out ....

and this .......

Yes, that is a leopard print vehicle, with shag carpet bumper!

2 - I had a goal of running 180-200 miles for the month of May.  With my marathon planned at the end of the month, I thought that would be easy peasy.  Well, with my event mileage being cut in half last weekend and only two missed workouts, I ended up logging 155 miles this month.  That is double what I did the months prior.  Yeah, me!  That, in combination with eating well and being pretty disciplined, I have been able to drop quite a few pounds, inches and a pants size or two!

3 -  It was so much fun running into RDM readers at last week's half marathon in Madison!!  If you are going to be any of the events on my 2012 race calender, drop me a line.  I would love to see you!

January 21 - Icebreaker Indoor Half Marathon, Milwaukee, WI

April 21 - American Cancer Society 5K, Madison, WI (Coaching)

April 28 - Crazylegs Classic 8K, Madison, WI

May 19 - Running Diva Mom 10K, Cottage Grove, WI (Coaching)

May 19 - The Color Run, Racine, WI

May 27 - Madison Marathon, Madison, WI

June 8-9 - Ragnar Relay (Midwest Bloggers Team), Madison, WI to Chicago, IL

June 23 - Strawberry Fest 5K & 10K, Sun Prairie, WI (Coaching)

July 28 - Waunafest 10 Miler, Waunakee, WI

August 26 - Women's Half Marathon, Bloomington, MN

September 23 - Walk & Run for Wishes, Madison, WI (Coaching)

September 29 - Dane County Alzheimer's 5K, Madison, WI (Coaching)

October 7 - Chicago Marathon, Chicago, IL

October 13 - Haunted Hustle Marathon, Middleton, WI

November 4 - Santa Clarita Half Marathon, Santa Clarita, CA

Wordless Wednesday



OK, one word:  AWESOME
(need to find me one of these)

Madison (Half) Marathon 2012 Race Report

In case you haven’t heard, the Madison Marathon (HERE) was canceled last weekend, due to high temperatures predicted (around 95 degrees). All of the full marathoners, like myself, were automatically placed in the half marathon. I believe there were about 3,000 already registered for the half marathon and about 1,500 for the half. There ended being a total of 4,390 runners that finished the half marathon this past Sunday.

There was a lot of controversy leading up the race, because people were upset that the race was cancelled. I was very upset that I wouldn’t be running the 26.2 mile event but totally understood why organizers cancelled the full marathon. I was just going to try and make the best of it.

I had a Milwaukee-area blogger staying with me on Saturday night, who is also one of my Ragnar teammates, Amy from Running is Cheaper Than Therapy (HERE). I picked up our packets at the expo at the Monona Terrace Convention Center on Saturday afternoon, before heading over to Brat Fest with my family. Packet pick up was extremely organized and efficient. We browsed the expo, ran into some peeps that recognized me from RDM (sorry, I forgot your names, but thanks for saying “hi!”), and purchased a few new Bondi Bands. The technical tees were adorable and one of my favorites!! Amy and I went on a nice walk Saturday evening, looked at the forecast for Sunday one more time, and headed to bed shortly after 9:00 p.m.

We woke up at 5:00 a.m., got on our race gear, ate breakfast, and left the house shortly after 5:45. We parked quickly at the Monona Terrace. Then met up with another local blogger and Ragnar teammate, Linda from Mom Running from Cancer (HERE), outside of Starbuck’s. We chatted and took some cute pictures, before running some things back to the car. It was surprisingly not warm. After all the debate all week about the weather, we actually felt extremely comfortable.

I ran into a RDM reader, Sue.  We exchanged hugs and wished each other luck.  Then the gals and I ydrated a bit and then went to the loooong restroom line, where a sweet gal approached me.  She reads RDM and was running her first half marathon (CONGRATS – I hope that you had a great experience!).  We finally made our way through the potty line, I ran into my friend Jason, and then headed to the start line, just in time for the National Anthem.  We split up in the sea of people and the race started. 

Amy and I zig-zagged for a good 2-3 minutes. The start area was clogged with runners … and walkers (walkers??). After about a mile, I felt like I wasn’t constantly dodging people, though it was still extremely crowded. During the first mile, I heard Jenny, a RDM reader, say “hi” as she flew past me. We were going to be meeting up after the race. I was glad she said hello, so that I could recognize her later and wish her well on her race. I was getting into a nice groove and constantly sipping on water from my handheld bottle. The first water station is the only one that I skipped. Shortly after I got into my groove, I heard someone behind me say my name. It was Julia, another RDM reader. She lifted my spirits and we wished each other luck as we ran on. We ran through downtown Madison and headed on some rolling hills towards Tenney Park. At the 5K mark, I was at 27:53. The crowd support was FANTASTIC and the water stations were long, but extremely crowded. There were people stopping to walk everywhere and hydrate. Everyone was being safe, due to the temperatures. However, it made the stations over-crowded and difficult to navigate. Speaking of hydrating, a friend Stephanie and her pals were hand out beer along this point. I passed it up. I ended up seeing J and the munchkins at Tenney Park, which I wasn’t planning on. I think they were surprised to see me, too. Because they would’ve missed me, if I hadn’t called out to them. Here, I also saw a great sign with a mask of Bill Clinton, “Keep going….Don’t pull out ….That’s what She Said”. There were lots of us chuckling. I checked out my pace and was going slower than 9 minute miles. Quite a bit slower than my usual pace, but I was doing ok with it. I wasn’t going to try and race the clock with the heat.

We headed down towards Maple Bluff, where I saw a friend, Lauren, cheering on from the sidelines. I was starting to get warm and she kept me going. We headed past the Governor’s mansion where some runners were snickering and making comments. I passed up the energy gel station and took one of my own. At the 10K mark, I had sped up and was at 56 minutes. I was happy and moving along at a comfortable pace. I continued to dump two cups of water into my handheld at every water station. I had never consumed so much water during a race. I took on Gatorade and that was it. I hate lemon lime and that’s all they were offering.

I saw my family again at the other side of Tenney Park. I was so happy to see them (Can you tell?)!! At the 15K point, I was at 1:24:42 and knew that I was going to really have to push it to make sub two hours. The whole race had been cloud covered until this point and it was surprising not incredibly warm. Although, I wouldn’t exactly call it cool. I could feel the salt hardening on my face. We headed towards Monona Terrace, where there was tons of crowd support as we headed underneath the structure. It was very cool and reminded me of running under the bridge at Chicago Marathon. We came out of the tunnel and the sun came out too. Now, it was warm. It was bright with a welcomed breeze, as we headed out along the lake. I was sweating like mad and my pace was slowing down. I continued to hydrate through cluttered water stations, though they were well organized and the volunteers were awesome.

The course was an out and back along John Nolen Drive and it was fun watching the other runners heading back towards the capitol square. Though it made me wish that I was a mile ahead ... with them. Amy and I greeted eachother in passing. I also saw my friend, Dwight, pacing the two hour group. I never did catch up to them, because I started so far in the back of the crowd at the start line. At mile 11.1 I was at 1:41:39 and I knew that I was barely going to make two hours. Push it or be comfortable?!?!? Get a slightly faster time or risk feeling nauseous and yacking all over the finish line?!?!? I made the turnaround and the sweaty salt got in my eyes. I was sweating a ton. I tried cleaning my eyes with my shirt, but it too was covered in sweat. It only made my eyes burn worse. I ran for a mile and a half with one I open and one I closed. Trying to make my eyes tear up and clear them out. Eventually it happened. But, only after being miserable. I took water at the last aid station and heard my name from my friend Dan at the Berkeley Running Company water station. That gave me encouragement for that last trek up the West Washington Avenue hill. Dreading it. I actually passed a lot of people going up the hill and saw my friend, George near the top. He yelled “The Diva’s in the house”. I smiled and increased my speed as I got to the top. I made a turn around the Capitol Square and passed everyone in sight. I wish I had only had this urge a few minutes back, and I could have broke two hours. A friend, Toby, said he was ready to take my picture, but couldn’t because I was running so fast at the finish. I’m sure he was exaggerating, but I definitely felt good with that last kick. I ended up finishing in just over 2 hours.


I got my marathon finishers medal, which I kind of feel silly about. It will hang separately, with my other 13.1 event medals.

I ran into my friend Sara and her kids, as well as J and my kids after getting some goodies and chocolate milk.  We met up with Amy and her family, then Linda.  After reconnecting, we headed down State Street to Madison Sweets for a cupcake with Jenny, who I had run into onthe course.  The coconut cream cupcake was amazing and well-deserved!!

2:00:32

131 / 438 age group

650 /2,396 females

1,764 / 4,390 overall

10Ks Rock!

In case you didnt' know ... Couch to 5K runners are fabulous!

And, this group of ladies is even more awesome,

because their determined booties are now working their way

to a

10K!!!!

This group ran their first 5K last November and eagerly waited all winter to start training for a 10K this spring.  We started our 10K training sessions with a thirty minute baseline.  Now, they are currently training for one hour.  Yes, running consecutively for one hour!!  They amaze me every single week.  Their race is scheduled for the end of June.  But, we wanted to see where they are at with pace and endurance.  So, we scheduled a practice 10K session last Saturday. 

The weather was hot and humid (of course)!  They were equipped with handheld water bottles, but we ran out of water by the end of the training run.  Kind of scary in such heat.  But, they were smart.  They paced themselves and walked when they need to.  And, you know what?!?!  They all finished.

It's amazing how they all support eachother and keep eachother motivated.  There was about a 45 minute difference from the first runner to the last.  And, they all stuck around.  They came back out on the path to finish the last bit of her journey with her.

They are amazing!
Ladies, you rock!

Madison Marathon Cancelled

When I looked at the forecast for Sunday a week ago, I was a little concerned that it said 89 degrees.  Holy crap.  Over the week, the temperature in the forecast rose and rose to 91, then 93 degrees.  Runners received an email from the Madison Marathon race directors that there was high possibility that the full marathon event would be cancelled.  Runners like myself sat on pins and needles all week, wondering what was in store for us in a few days.  Was all our training for a hot and humid full marathon or did we do all of this training for a very expensive half marathon.

I believe that race organizers were quite concerned, due to the very hot Boston Marathon this year and the Green Bay Marathon that was ended last week, due to similar (but not nearly as not) conditions, where they reported local hospitals being full after twenty or so runners were sent to the hospital.

I ran in Madison Marathon (the full) in 2010 when temperatures rose quickly and a lot of runners were rushed to the hospital or pulled of the course.  Officials stopped the race clock that year, but allowed us to finish and receive our medals.  I finished 4:27 that year. 

Race organizers said that if the forecast changed this week, that there was still a chance for the event to go on as planned.   Well, it changed.  It just got hotter ....

95 friggin' degrees! ....

Runners received notice yesterday afternoon that the full marathon is indeed cancelled.  You can read the full report on the Madison Marathon webite (HERE).  All full marathon participants are automatically entered into the half marathon event.  You will also receive a $20 credit towards the 2013 event (regardless if you decide to run the event or not).  The course will be open until 11:30 AM, thereby increasing the pace from 14 to 18.5 minute miles.

The Wisconsin State Journal reports (HERE) that race directors believe that only 1% of marathoners would actually be able to complete the 26.2 mile event.

Part of me has

felt like this all

week .....

But, I don't want

to feel like this

tomorrow .....

And, I definitely

don't want

to end up like this .....

I have come to terms with the fact that all of my training has happened, with only an expensive 13.1 mile event at the end.  I have a few HOT 20 milers under my belt.  I was extremely dedicated, with a difficult personal schedule.  Had some great runs with friends.  Some much-needed quiet moments by myself with my ipod.  I've been hydrating all week, trading out my high heels for flip flops at work, embraced the taper and watched my mileage this past week. 

I've had the marathon experience, without the marathon.

Plain and simple.  I've done it before.  And, I will do it again.  People keep telling me, there's always another marathon.  Afterall, I'm signed up for two consecutive full marathons in October.

There is always a
positive side to things:

- I have more marathon training under my belt, for next time

-  I have a great base now and can keep up with long runs throughout the summer

-  I get to meet up with some great people from this blog before and after the race

-  I still have one fabulous blogger staying with me this weekend

-  My size six jeans fit me again

-  I feel better about my body than I did six months ago

-  I can add one additional half marathon to my 20-something 13.1 event list

-  I have something to blog about

-  I still get a medal

- I have a feeling that I will be thankful for this experience, oh, say around mile 10, when I only have a 5K to go, instead of an additional 16 miles

- I'll be able to walk on Monday morning and thoroughly enjoy my day off with Little Dude and Little Diva

-  I still get to enjoy a cupcake (or at least a 1/2 of one) on State Street after the race

Goodbye, cable TV.

I use to LIVE by cable tv. I had all of my reality tv programs that I needed to watch weekly. I DVR'd them and would watch them in my free time. It was a necessity.

No longer.

When I initially moved into a place of my own, we had limited cable television.  The kids had a few channels to keep them entertained.  Over the colder, winter months my package ended.  I decided to upgrade to extended basic cable.  I never watched it.  The kids watched the same programs that they watch over at their dads and enjoyed it.  But, still they rarely watched it.  I am never home and can literally count on one hand the number of times I've watched television when the kids aren't at home.  I'm either running, coaching, running errands, cleaning, blogging ... or fifty million other things on my to do list.

It was a moment recently, when the kids were not at my house for a few days.  I turned the tv on, and it was still on the same channel from 3-4 days ago.  Amazing.  I ended up cancelling cable tv and saving $45/month.  Even more amazing.  And, I'm loving it.

Reading books from the library .... 7AM on a Tuesday morning

What I have observed:

It's interesting.  I'm noticing less distractions.  Less whining.  More "listening ears".  I only have to tell them to do something once (ok, maybe twice) to do something.  They aren't looking at the tv while "listening to me".  An increased interest in reading from both kids (who already loved to read).  Less resistance to leave the house or go outside.  They are more cooperative.  The house is more quiet.  They are more engaged and interested in sharing what happened during their day at school.

The kids have not cried about it.  They have not questioned it or whined.  I've told them we are saving money to do fun things together and that we are active and enjoy being OUTSIDE.  And, I really don't think they have missed it.  (Note:  They DO have cable TV at their dad's house)

Don't get me wrong .... Friday nights still consist of much of what they use to.  Free videos from the library or $1 movie rentals from the Redbox.  We just don't need the regular programming.  Apparently, my Facebook post recently, has also prompted other families to do the same.  Aweseome.

Do you think you could
survive without
Cable TV?

Ragnar Relay Pirate Name Announced & Goody Bag Winner ...

There were 122 entries in my recent contest to decide on my
PIRATE NAME

for

RAGNAR RELAY

from Madison to Chicago next month.

After all, we are the Panty Raiders .... and we are going to be really cool with all of this swag from .....

Running Chics

Bondi Band

Chrissy's Knee High Socks

Blue Steel Sports

Polar Water Bottles

Given Brand ArmPockets

Gu

Body Glide

My Pirate Name will be ........

"ArrrDM"

The lucky goody bag winner is ........

Betsy(no blog listed)

Please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com )

with your name, email and mailing address.  And, I will get you your prize!

Sof Sole Anti-Friction Socks Winner ...

I was recently given the opportunity to review Anti-Friction Socks from Sof Sole.  You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit Sof Sole online HERE and start shopping.

There were 99 entries in my recent giveaway. One winner was chose at random to receive a set of Sof Sole Anti-Friction Socks.

Random.org chose ……..

Erin @
Making The Most of Life
(HERE)
Congratulations, Erin!!! 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 ) ]

Lego KIDSFEST Event Giveaway Winner ...

I was recently given the opportunity to spotlight Lego KIDSFEST, that is coming to Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 15-17.  You can read all about Lego KIDSFEST HERE.

Please visit Lego KIDSFEST online HERE and see if they are stopping near you.

There were 44 entries in my recent giveaway. One winner was chose at random to receive a pair of tickets to the Friday, June 15th event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Random.org chose ……..

47 and Fearless (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 ) ]

Destination Run: Lake Michigan Lakeshore

After The Color Run last weekend, we had all day on Sunday to explore Racine's lakefront.  I had visited a triathlon even there several years ago, and knew that the Lake Michigan lakefront was awesome.  I recalled a nice running path, sandy beach and great 'dream park' playground.  You would swear you were at the ocean, during the warmer Wisconsin months.

I had 10-12 miles planned for Sunday run.  J had only run 6-7 miles with me prior.  So, I wasn't sure what he would be up for.  It was HOT and we both loaded up handheld water bottles. This was his first time carrying one.  I don't think he regretted it one bit!!

I read online that the Lake Michigan Pathway went 10 miles from north to south.  We parked at North Beach and headed north.  There were a few hills along the beach and then we headed into a nice residential area.  We came to a dead end and were told by a resident that the path no longer went further north.  So we turned around.  We retraced our steps and then headed south, toward the site of the Color Run from the day prior. 

We passed a lot of boat slips and some nice beachside restaurants.  We stopped to take a few pictures at an observatory look-out.  It was a really nice way to explore the city and see how it all fit together.  We stopped to fill up our water bottles and kept running. 

At one point, I noted that we would probably be finishing around nine to nine-and-a-half miles, by the time we returned to the car.  He was excited to be done, I think.  I reminded him that 9.5 miles was awesome, but it was not ten.  I told him that it would be quite a story to run the double digits along the Lakeshore with me … unplanned.  So impressive.  So, he agreed to keep going with me as we looped past the car and then back to the park. 

He continues to impress me with his motivation to do more.  His ability to go out and run mile-after-mile with minimal training, just to be by my side and to further develop his love for his new hobby.  His commitment to helping me stick to my plan.

It takes a great person to understand
WHY you need to go out and run.

But, it takes a partner to go out and do it WITH you.

How does your
spouse/partner
support your journey??