Month: March 2016

Oiselle Full Half Challenge

Join me in the latest challenge offered by Oiselle.   I am very excited about it.

What does the challenge entail?

  1. Make a commitment you will complete 13 times during the month of April.
  2. Share yours on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #oisellefullhalf

Example commitments:

  • Run 13 miles a week
  • Commit to 13 days of strength work
  • Save the planet by running, biking, or walking to work for 13 days
  • Map out and run 13 new routes
  • Complete 13 Jasyoga video sessions
  • Do 13 push-ups a day
  • Or of course…sign up for the full 13.1
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Source: oiselle.com/blog

So what do I hope to accomplish in April?

Oiselle Full Half Challenge

Will you be joining me?  I hope so.  Let’s do this.

 

Dove Dry Spray Product Review

I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes but all opinions are my own.

I am very picky about my anti-perspirant.  What do I look for in a brand?  Well, basically to keep me dry, have a nice fragrance, and does not leave me with wet and sticky arms.  Not too much to ask for right?  I am a big fan of a solid anti-perspirant and have used Secret, Dove, Lady Speed Stick, Mitchum, Ban, Degree, Suave.  I am sure I’ve left off a few brands but for now that is what I remember.  I dislike gels, roll-ons and sprays because they always leave me with wet underarms.  Thanks to Influenster I received a bottle of Dove Dry Spray. 

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At first I was skeptical because most sprays tend to take a while to dry hence leaving me with wet underarms. I’ve used this bottle several times after my TRX workout and will say that I like it.  The instructions are pretty clear as you can see below.  

The bottle states to “Make sure to keep it away from face and mouth to avoid breathing it.” However, I don’t see how that is possible because you need to hold it 6 inches from your underarm and you will definitely get some in your mouth.  Fortunately I like the scent but still I do not want to breathe in all of that.

Once I applied it, my underarms were not sticky nor wet.  It was definitely a dry and smooth feeling and I like it!  Did it keep me dry?  Absolutely!  I am in a classroom for 6 hours and throughout the day get hot and then cold.  My underarms were dry and still had a nice clean smell (yes, I did check).  The bottle states that the spray protects for up to 48 hours.  I do not know if that is accurate because I shower every day and honestly I don’t want to go a day without anti-perspirant.  I do sweat A LOT.  I love that there is no white residue on my clothes.

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I leave the bottle in my gym to share with others.  Plus, one can lasts up to 8 weeks!!

Sharingiscaring

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The price isn’t too bad either.  I found it for $5.40 at Target and $5.30 at Amazon.

So are you a spray, solid, roll-on or gel type of person?  What is your brand choice of anti-perspirant?

Things I’m Loving II

ThingsI'mLoving

Disclaimer:

None of the links below are affiliate links so feel free to click away!

  • AquaFlops Shower Shoes – I’ve been taking TRX twice a week at my gym from 5:15am-6:00am.  After class I shower, get ready, get coffee, and head over to work.  These shower shoes are amazing.  Love them. They’re cute, slip resistant, and have draining holes so your feet dry quickly.  Plus, right now they’re on sale for $7.99 (original price is $16.99). These will be perfect for those trips to the pool.
AquaFlops
Source: www.bedbathandbeyond.com
  • Momentum Jewelry – I am so happy I was chosen for the SharetheSPARK Campaign sponsored by Fit Fluential.  I received two motivation wraps to share with two friends.  I love these wraps and own a few of them myself.  Use code FFSpark to save 15% off your order!  Coupon expires May 31, 2016.

SharetheSPARK

  • Rapid Mac Cooker – No shame but I like mac and cheese.  Sometimes I am so hungry and do not want to wait the 10 or so minutes to make it.  This little bowl is phenomenal.  I can have my dinner done faster than cooking it on a stove.  I know the label says less than 5 minutes but that isn’t really true. Well, it takes less than 5 minutes to heat the water hot enough to cook the pasta but you still have to wait a couple more so that it actually cooks the pasta (or it will be very soupy).  I’ve used it a few times and have eaten right out of the bowl and saved the leftovers in a container for another day.  Other times I’ve eaten everything in it.  🙂

Rapid Mac Cooker

So tell me what are YOU loving lately?

Live Grit Lakefront 10 Miler

Yesterday I ran my 2nd race of the year: Live Grit Lakefront 10 Miler.  I’ve run this race in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2015.  Not sure why I skipped 2013 and 2014.  In previous years this race took place in March so I was a little surprised to find out CARA moved it to March.

This race is on the list of races to run for get guaranteed entry to the Chicago Marathon as part of the CARA Marathon Incentive Program.  I already have an entry for this year but why not get started for next year right?

I love a hassle free packet pickup.  It took me 10 seconds to get my bib at Live Grit.  I stayed just a little bit longer to check out the Oiselle gear.  Everything was marked down (about 50% off). Sadly, I did not buy anything.

I love the shirt.  I rarely keep my shirts but for sure this one I will keep.  Great color right?

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I met Emily for dinner.  It was last minute and it was great catching up with her.  I had way too much sushi but it was DELICIOUS.

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It was cold on race day.  I wanted to wear shorts but changed my mind when I saw the weather report.  Plus, it does tend to get windy along the lakefront.  I wore two long sleeve shirts and was still cold.  I left my house at 6:30am and was at the race location by 7.  I had to wait 2 hours but it was worth it because I found a parking spot next to the finish line, used the bathroom various time, and met the lovely Dani.

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Photo credit: Dani-Holmes-Kirk

I had no time goal for this race.  My only goal was to have fun.  I did wear my watch but switched it to the current time screen instead of current pace/average pace/distance screen. I only switched the screen maybe once or twice but that’s it.  I ran by feel.  I ran and walked whenever I felt like it.  I actually enjoyed this race.  It felt so good to feel the sun on my back.

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Ridiculous hill we had to run between miles 2-3 and then on the way back between miles 9-10. Seriously WHY?!?!?!

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The miles went by quickly.  I did have some pain on my right knee and quad and on my left hip.  I did not have this pain during my last race so I will be foam rolling a whole lot more.

After the race, I got a slice of pizza and went to get my beer when I met another lovely runner, Lisa.  We’ve communicated via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram but have never met.  We talked for a little bit but then she had to leave.  I got my beer but I did not finish it because I was too cold and instead grabbed another slice of pizza.  I was so hungry and the pizza was delicious.

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Photo Credit: Lisa Verdon

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Another medal to add to the collection.

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Next race is Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8k on April 3rd.

Like or dislike 10 mile races?

New Orleans Day 2

After the RnR Half Marathon, I did a couple of fun things with my sisters and nephew.

First, we did a hop on/hop off bus tour.  Even though I was not sore from the race, it felt good to sit on a bus.

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Then I played chess with the teenager.  I won.

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Last, went to see Ruby Bridges’ school.  It was pretty cool.

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Overall, it was a great trip to New Orleans!