Zenaida Arroyo

27
Mar
2016

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.

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.

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

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?

21
Mar
2016

Things I’m Loving II

categories: Things I Am Loving

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.

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. 🙂

So tell me what are YOU loving lately?

20
Mar
2016

Live Grit Lakefront 10 Miler

categories: Race Recap, Running

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?

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.

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.

Lakefront10Miler7 — 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.

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

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.

Lakefront10Miler8 — Photo Credit: Lisa Verdon

Another medal to add to the collection.

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

Like or dislike 10 mile races?

03
Mar
2016

New Orleans Day 2

categories: Adventure, Travel

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.

Then I played chess with the teenager. I won.

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

Overall, it was a great trip to New Orleans!

01
Mar
2016

Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans

categories: Race Recap, Rock 'n' Roll Race, Running

On Sunday morning I ran my first race of the year. I was in New Orleans in 2012 for the marathon and this time I ran the half marathon. I left Saturday morning along with my two sisters and my nephew. Lola wanted to join us but had to stay at home. She was definitely missed.

Time to hydrate at the airport. Seriously, Contigo water bottles are the best.

Once in New Orleans, I went to the expo to pick up my bib. I was in there for 20 minutes. My goal was not to buy anything. Mission accomplished! I was tempted to sign up again for next year. I mean, $50 is seriously a great deal.

This little park was next to our hotel.

Later I met a few friends for lunch. I was so hungry because I hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast early in the morning in Chicago. We went to Pierre Maspero’s and I had a beer along with Fettuccine Alfredo with Blackened Shrimp. It was delicious. Then we went to a couple of bars to check out the music and to drink. Well, I did not drink but my friends did. I did see the cutest cat.

For dinner I had made plans to meet with Rebecca. I met her in 2013 in San Diego when she ran the full and I the half marathon. My goal was to finish before her and indeed I did. 🙂 She is so much faster than me and her race began 30 minutes before mine. I did not meet her for dinner because I had a late lunch but I did see her after the race.

Race day. I had coffee and a waffle at the hotel.

As for the weather, it was perfect!

For some reason I thought the race started at 7am (that was the start time for the 10k) so I left the hotel at 6:30 since I still had to use the bathroom and check in my gear. I then found out that it started at 7:30. Oh well. I looked for Rebecca and Sam but I did not see them. I did see Jaime and a few minutes later it was time to go.

When I began training for this race, my goal was to finish under 2 hours (Goal A). Let’s say I had bad and good runs throughout this training period. However, I did have great runs during the month of February. I was confident but was still prepared for Goal B which was to finish under 2:17. That is my PR from 2013 and I came so close to it last year.

I was feeling great till about mile 6. That is when my legs began to hurt. They felt tired too. I took an ibuprofen and stopped at the medical tent for some of that pain spray (cannot remember what it is called). None of that worked for me and I ran/walked the rest of the way. I was disappointed. The weather was great. It was a flat course. Some parts of the route was sunny but for the most part it was all shade and it was WONDERFUL. I did not understand why I could not pick up the pace. By mile 10 I was around 1:46 and with some quick math I figured that I could still PR as long as I ran the rest of the miles at 10:30. That did not happen. My last 3 miles were done at 12:00, 11:36, and 11:51.

All this time the marathon and half marathon runners were running the same course but it was time to split up around mile 12.5. By then I just wanted to be done. There were people giving jello shots and you bet I took one. Why not? I was almost one.

Official finish time is 2:24:26. Done with race #138 and half marathon #63. I am disappointed with how my race went on Sunday. I know I should be happy that I finished the race and that I ran another half marathon (and I am). However, I can’t help it knowing that I trained for this race for months and then for it not to go as I expected.

My coach told me “Shake it off. It’s not a reflection of your hard work or self worth”. So true. I am not giving up. I still have a few more half marathons this year and I know I will get my sub 2 this year.

Next race is the Live Grit 10 Miler on March 19.