Friday & self hosted….

Well, I guess it’s really official!

I’m going self hosted! Yikes!  What have I done?  No idea honestly, but it should make things easier for everyone!  I guess since I’m making this committment to be self hosted, I’m committed to keep blogging!  I have been having fun with all of this;  meeting new virtual blogging buddies, sharing my “stuff”, keeping my self accountable which is a motivator for me & I love learning about new products  & sharing them with you.

Now, the weather is breaking & I’m going to be “amping” up my training & getting myself outdoors for my runs.  I’m hoping to get in some good runs this weekend!  Woo hoo- finally spring is springing!

There aren’t many entries for the NuNaturals rafflecopter.  Honestly, this is a great giveaway!  We’ve been finding more ways to use it around my house.  Last night I made Stone & Samantha a smoothie with yogurt, berries, almond milk & a couple drops of vanilla NuNaturals.  It was delicious!  I also added a couple drops of the chocolate to my hemp smoothie the other day.  I added a couple drops of vanilla to my overnight oats yesterday a.m. & 2 drops of peppermint to my licorice tea.  IT was a great combo.

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, check it all out here!

The only downside to all of the NuNaturals is that last night, I bumped the lemon & it shattered!  Fell on the granite counter & then onto the ceramic floor.  I love my counters & floors, but it’s not good when I break glass.  😦

I’m beat!  Waiting for the sunshine & warm weather.

I pinned buffalo cauliflower & am making it for dinner tonight.  I’m so excited, hoping it’s great!

Have a wonderful day.

What’s your favorite flavor extract?

NuNaturals GIVEAWAY

NuNaturals

I was so lucky to win all of these products from another blogger.

• Lemon NuStevia Liquid
• Orange NuStevia Liquid
• Peppermint NuStevia Liquid
• Chocolate NuStevia Liquid
• Vanilla NuStevia Liquid

I didn’t realize how lucky I was until I did a little research & learned about all of the amazing benefits of NuNaturals products, as well as all of the wonderful “non-guilty” treats I could make!

Here’s what I found so interesting from the NuNaturals website: Stevia is a great all natural herbal sweetener that can be used a great low calorie, low carbohydrate sugar substitute but some people may worry about potential stevia side effects. Well the good news is there is nothing to worry about, while Stevia’s confusing treatment by the FDA can seem alarming, there are absolutely no Stevia side effects to worry about! Now with the FDA’s decision to allow the use of stevia Reb-A compounds as food additives there is nothing to worry about when using stevia as an all natural sugar substitute.

There are a variety of products on their website.  Not only are they wonderful & have a variety of options, but they also are cheaper on their own website than I’ve found anywhere else.

This is my favorite thus far!

I have to tell you that as of now, my favorite treat to make with my NuNaturals stevia is a “mock frappuccino“.  OMG- the recipe is so simple!  You NEED to try it.  It’s amazing.  I’ve made it several times for a variety of people & everyone loves it!  I am a Starbucks fan, but hate all of those senseless calories.  No worries when you make it this way- you don’t need to count calories or fat grams!!!

2 C leftover coffee (preferably cold)

1 T instant coffee

2 C almond milk

3 droppers of vanilla NuNaturals liquid stevia

3 C ice

blend & enjoy!!!!!!

You’re in luck because the fine people at NuNaturals is offering one of my readers to get their very own package of goodies from NuNaturals.  Just enter the Rafflecopter on the right side of the page.  You know the drill.  Good luck.

I haven’t made ice cream yet, that’ll be my next guiltless treat- can’t wait!

Here’s what I had for breakfast:

Kale smoothie with Sun Warrior plant protein powder & a drop of Vanilla liquid stevia.

Ok, I’m off to run a bit & do a tabata video.  I’m still on my treadmill, as it’s dark outside & rainy today- ugggg…..

I’m really hoping that it’s nice enough to get outside this weekend for a nice long run!

Do you use any stevia products?

Esprit De She

I found out that I am now an Esprit De She ambassador!!!!!!!  Woo hoo!  Very exciting!  As an ambassador, I am going to run the event in Chicago on July 18.  Check it out here!  It sounds like a lot of fun & a great women’s race.  I’m all about the women’s events.  There’s something about the commraderie between women during a race & it’s so wonderful.  I hope you’ll consider joining me!!!!!!  Why not?

I also got my bright pink envelope from Ellie & had to immediately put on my new gear!

Now, nobody was home to help me take my photos, so please don’t look at the way my body is configured, just take a look at the adorable & comfy clothes!

The capri’s are PERFECT!  They’re not too low, nor too high.  They really feel perfect on my waist!  The top is a bit “sexy” for me.  I don’t usually wear anything low cut to show my clevage, but love the back of this top.  I know that running outside when/if the weather ever gets nice will be so great in this top.

You should hop over to Ellie and check out all the neat workout gear there.  If you click on the image on the right side of the page, you’ll get 20% off.

If you order, let me know what you chose.  I’m curious what everyone else likes.  The fabrics are really soft & they was easily.

I’m off for a nice run on my treadmill  (& a little tabata bootcamp) watching Prison Break.  I’m on season 3.  I just love it & know it’s going to end soon b/c I’ll be outside listening to my audiobooks.

Are you working out today?

I keep teasing you about more giveaways, but trust me, I’m getting them ready to post soon!

Here’s the 1/2 marathon recap & more

Well, let me tell you that thank goodness my neck pain is gone!  I was nursing it to health & it worked!  So, there was absolutely no pain from my neck while running, nor residual pain afterwards-phew!

The race was the smallest I’ve ever run (I think).  I’m used to running in Chicago, and I certainly don’t know the number of runners in each race, this seemed quite small.  1,700 people were supposed to run.  The race was not well marked, there were a couple spots that told you your pace.  A few water stations.  They did have GU at 7 miles, and a several people in front of their homes looking/cheering.  It was not crowded & neat to run through different neighborhoods.  There were a few people dressed up in “Lincoln” garb, etc.  When I run solo, I like to listen to audio books.  When I run in races, I listen to music.  This race was so quiet, that I listened to my book.  There were always people around me, but there certainly weren’t any distractions, so I was enjoying my book as I was running.  I’ve been teasing that Springfield has mountains!  Well, there were a few steep hills that after running up the 1st one & having a hard time breathing, despite my great bracelet, I decide to walk up the other 2 hills.  After all, I wanted to enjoy the run & knew this wasn’t going to be a PR race!  So, I stopped at the water stations to take a leisurely drink as well.  I was pleased with my time in the end.

NO

FN

LN

DIVISION

OVERALL

DIVPL

SEXPL

10K

RATE

RANK

TIME

PACE

811

Debbie

Harris

F4044

460

19/110

154/837

54:35

8:49

13

1:58:05

9:01

I wanted to finish in 2 hours, and I did just that.

Some snacks I brought along for breakfast!

Laura & I with Abe & Martha (pre-race)

I ran by Uncle Sam & Abe the 2nd half of the race & had to chat with them afer.  Look at those running sandles they wore.  They love them!  I’m not so adventurous!

Happy & sweaty after the race!

The famous coin medal!  It’s now hanging on my medal holder!!!!!

This was in the bag with my t-shirt & bib.  I just thought it was hysterical.  I’d think about running b/c I like the name, but it’s in Springfield & I’m not returning for a 5k.

It was interesting because, Benji ran the Chicago Shamrock Shuffle the next day.

Now, this race was an 8k, but so much different!  There were 40,000 people!  To say the least, it was mayhem!  There were bands, signs, people giving direction, first aid, volunteer, police, street closures, temporary fences, Gatorade galore, etc…

Benji before we left the house.  Not so happy about the picture.  It also took Truman a while to get excited about being out in this mayhem on a Sunday a.m.

They closed the corral where Benji was supposed to start a little early & he was in Corral B ( I think it went up to J).  Nobody was happy, nor in line in time, so they jumped the temporary fence.  CRAZY!

The race was crowded, but so exciting.  I loved cheering on the finishers.  I think I got just as much of a rush cheering on the finishers as I did running the day before!

This is a 40,00 person race!  Crowded & very exciting!  Benji finished in great time!

Truman was happy at the finish with his dad & his Gatorade he got for cheering!

These green guys were hysterical, had to take a photo to show you!

So, there’s a lot to be said for the smaller, less chaotic race.  However, the larger race is quite exciting!!!!!

What type of race do you prefer?

MEATLESS MONDAY & great recipes!

I have a couple of yummy recipes for you today.

Roasted Almond Butter 

3 C almonds

2 t honey

1 t vanilla

1 t cinammon

Preheat oven to 350

1. Spread almonds on cookie sheet & toast in oven for  15 minutes.
2. Put almonds in food processor & blend until desired consistency (could take 15 minutes).  Don’t get nervous, it takes a while.  It’ll start crummy & then will get a little thicker & if you wait it out, will become smooth & creamy.
3. When it’s finally creamy, add vanilla, honey & cinamon.

Enjoy, it’s absolutely delicious!

I also had this for breakfast yesterday & am really loving it.  It’s a bit messy, but hits the spot.

I put pepper & paprika atop.  This is the perfect Passover breakfast.

Did I show you my other breakfast concotion?

It was great because the avacado was perfectly ripe.  I added little salt & pepper & smoked paprika.  YUM!

I got out for a 3 mile run yesterday.  I’m so happy to get outside again.  However, my body is really struggling with running.  I’m not sure if it was the 12 mile run that beat me up the other day or if it’s the transition to outside.  Either way, this is my taper week, so I’ll be taking it quite easy & focusing on tabata bootcamp workouts instead of running.  Hoping that my aches go away prior to my 1/2 marathon this weekend in Springfield.

Are you having a Meatless Monday?

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for the halter top from Girls4Sport here:  http://wp.me/p30bSw-ki.

1st outdoor run & Great giveaway for summer & a burnout tank winner…

This is going to be a long one…

As you know, I’ve been swamped with Passover happenings & family stuff.  Enjoying & exhausted all at the same time.  Friday was really a nice day & I decided to treat myself to a run outside, as I have been staying up late & haven’t been able to get up at 5am as I typically do on weekdays.  Friday it was 52, warm enough for me to go outside for my first run!  So, my niece/babysitter came over at 1:30 & I was ready to go outside for my 12 mile run.  I was equiped with my new Salomon HYDRO S-LAB SET that was sent to me to review here.

It is a cool little hands free bottle holder.

I used it for the first time for my long run on Friday.  I filled it up with water, adjusted it accordingly & off I went.  Here’s what Solomon says about this:  The Hydro Sense glove is Salomon’s lightest weight solution for carrying water during races without water bouncing or sloshing.This unique system designed around the hand with soft vented fabrics perfectly fits your soft flask, bouncing free without effort whatever the volume from 150 to 500ml. Well,  the fountains on my path are not on yet, so I was happy to have this hands free option, as I knew I’d need a drink at somepoint & didn’t want to spend time going to Starbucks for water (which I do when I’m thirsty & don’t have water).  I decided that as a “treat” to myself I would wait until at least 6 miles & 1/2 way through to have a swig from my nifty hands free water bottle.  It was so easy to drink from, I loved that!  What I wasn’t so fond of was the fact that my hand did get a bit sweaty.  It was a little uncomfortable for me.  The fact that it was only 52 does cause me some concern because I don’t know what it’ll feel like when it’s 85.  I’m sure my hand will be quite hot with this holder.  None the less, it is nice and convenient.  I’m not a fan of bottle holder belts, so this is a much better solution for me.  And, quite frankly, I’d rather have this device than stopping at Starbucks & interrupting my stride.  However, the bottle is small, so on long runs, I’ll need more water than this, so I’ll have to stop no matter what!  It’s definitely a fun little tool & worth trying if you’re looking for an alternative to a bottle belt.

Now, back to my 12 miler!  Let me tell you that it was magnicifient outside.  The sky was blue, was a bit windy, but so what- it was great to be outside!  I’ve never transitioned this quickly before from the treadmill to outside.  I typically will do a few miles at a time to ease into running indoors/outdoors.  Well, this time I had no choice, as I’m preparing for my 1/2 marathon next week & had to get a long run in outside prior to race day!  It was Hard.  I finally felt pretty good after 4 miles, but at 10 miles had to fight that self talk telling me that I wasn’t going to make it home!  Well, this wasn’t a race, it was my first long run outside, so I decided to go easy on myself.  I stopped at red lights (without stopping my time), I walked around mile 10 because I wanted a break.  I even untied my shoelace & adjusted my sock hoping that it was bunched up, but found out that it wasn’t!  It was my darn bunion with a blister atop!  (I wish it was a bunched up sock!).  When I’m really into my runs, I never stop for these type of things, but this was my first run outside & it wasn’t a race.  It was difficult!  When I run next week, my goal is to feel good!  I know it will not be a PR for me.  This is early in the season for me to  run a 1/2 marathon, but it’s getting me in gear for running this summer.  I have some extra winter weight that I’m hoping will move around or come off the more I run / sweat this spring/summer!  I was absolutely exhausted on Friday night.  It was so surprising to me how tired I was, as last summer 12 miles was only exhilirating & not exhausting.  It’s really hard to be patient & build back up to where I was before.  I’m sure I can do it, just needs patience.  I also think that the tabata bootcamp which is really making me stronger & is a great cross fit workout for me is making my muscles more fatigued!  So, when I woke Sat. a.m. I was sore.  Good sore though.  You know that good sore when you feel like you get a great workout?  Well, I had that good sore.  So, that was my 12 mile run outside, the first one of the season!

I wanted to take a pic after I took off my shoe & found my blister to show you how beautiful it was by the lake (I ran by NorthWestern), but it was so sunny, I couldn’t see anything & taking off my phone mid run & re-adjusting isn’t so easy for me either).  I did have my runningskirt on, but didn’t get a pic of that either!  Ha, this photo taking thing isn’t so simple when concentrating on running!

Do you stop to take photos when running or do you just run?

In the meantime, here’s a fun giveaway for you & it’s the perfect time too….

Check out this outfit below that I got from Girls4Sport.  Their stuff is really neat & made especially with women/girls in mind.

Girls4Sport knows sun protection is important. Our fabrics have been professionally tested following the AATCC Test Method 183-200. Tested fabrics receive a UPF (UV Protection Factor) rating and are given an equivalent SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating. To simulate use and wear in real life, our fabrics are tested wet and stretched. Our tested fabrics are rated at the maximum of SPF 65 and block at least 98% of UVA/UVB rays.

Their clothing is made with a woman’s body in mind.  Provides coverage & support where it’s needed.  I love the outfit above, not only is it so comfortable, but provides sun coverage & is adorable.  What’s better than that?

Girls4Sport has a lot offer & always seems to have sales as well.  Check out their stuff here:  Girls4Sport.

They’ve offered to give away a halter top to the winner of my giveaway!  This giveaway will be via Random.org.  You can enter by:

1.  Leaving me a comment below telling me which halter top you’d like to win after checking out http://www.Girls4Sport.net .

2.  Tweet about the giveaway & leave me a comment below telling me you did.  I want to win a halter top from Girls4Sport @hlthyrunningmom.

3.  Subscribe to my blog & leave me a comment telling me you did (or already are a subscriber).

4.  Post on Facebook about the giveaway & leave me a comment below telling me you did.

5.  Like Healthy Running Mom on Facebook & leave me a comment below telling me you did.

I will announce the winner on April 8 for the halter!

THE WINNER FOR THE BURNOUT TANK FROM Ilona at Strong Confident YOU is:

Carie A. is the winner!

Please contact me with your address & full name so I can forward on to Ilona.

Winner & New Giveaway

Yesterday I had to do a 11 mile run (according to my 1/2 mile training routine by Hal Higdon).  There were a few reasons why I didn’t make it outside and ran on my treadmill!  It was a long hard run!  The good thing about doing a long run at home was that  I got to stop to use the restroom in my own, not a public restroom, got a drink when I wanted (didn’t need to wait for a fountain to appear or carry water with me) & got to watch Prison Break.  However, I am really done with the treadmill.  This body needs to get outside & feel the pavement.  I was really pushing the 11 miles today.  It was a slow/hard run!  Part of it was also that my rear & legs are sore from my tabata bootcamp.  The good new muscle building sore, but sore none the less!  I have 1 more long run (12) to do before the 1/2 marathon in Springfield in 2 weeks & I need to get outside!  Hoping for the weather to break & really turn into spring already!

 PROVEN- 11 miles on my treadmill!

 

I really needed these compression socks after that run.  I was told that it’s ok to wear compression sleeves for a run, but the socks are needed for recovery.  Here they are!

The winner of the Two Moms in the Raw giveaway is :

43 Laura Fine Leave a Blog Post Comment

Please send me your address so I can send out your samples.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Now, for a new giveaway….

I was so excited when Ilona from  strongconfidentYOU on etsy asked me what I would like to have put on a burn out tank.  Of course, I knew exactly what I wanted!

Running Through Headtrash

I love it, as I often have headtrash that I just need to run through.  She has a lot to choose from or can make a custom tank, as she did for me.

Ilona has so generously offered a tank like this for one of you.  Check out her etsy site to see all of her adorable tops.  I’m going to do this giveaway using Giveaway Tools!

Click on the link on the right side of this page to see the giveaway.  I’ve never used this before, so I’m hoping it works & you all can see it!

DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE QUEST BAR GIVEAWAY STILL GOING ON!  I had one throughout my run to help me get through the 11 miles.  They’re really tasty.

Weekend Recap-new giveaway!

The weekend is usually a great time for me to get in a lot of miles.  I had big plans, however, my “trusty” treadmill didn’t have the same in mind!  My plan was for a nice long leisurely run.  I started off by watching a rental from the Redbox; The Intouchables.  Well, the movie was based on a true story & I love those, however I didn’t look closely enough & it was SUBTITLES!  YUP- Subtitles.  It should have been great for me while on the treadmill because sometime I have a hard time hearing while I’m running, but reading subtitles while running just wasn’t doing it for me.  So, after 3 miles, I turned it off & was flipping stations looking for something to hold my attention.  I wasn’t having a lot of luck & began increasing my speed as well because I tried ENERGYbits for the first time & they were working their magic.  However, my treadmill wasn’t working it’s magic & stopped after a couple of speed increases.  I hate when that happens.  So, after 6 1/2 miles of trying to increase my speed & my treadmill dying at each increase, I was frustrated & hopped off.  I still had lots of energy from the ENERBYbits, so I continued to workout, albiet NOT on my treadmill!

I have to say that I was a little skeptical of all of the great things that these little “bits” have to offer, but I do believe they really gave me a little more zip in my step!  They recommend taking 30 bits, I took 20 & felt it.  I think next time I’ll feel 30 to see how much more “zip” I get.

The greatest thing about these little au natural babies is that they are au natural.   They’re made from 100% organicallly grown spirulina algae and loaded with 40 nutrients, ENERGYbits® algae tabs have the highest concentration of protein in the world (64%) all for just one calorie per tab. Endorsed by the United Nations as the most nutritious food on earth, spirulina algae has been a favorite of Olympic gold medalists for decades and is a super food in every sense of the word, delivering instant and enduring energy to your brain and body.

Now, I must tell you I certainly do not compare myself to an Olympic athlete, not even close ( a girl can dream though), but there are so many benefits & I do feel the natural boost.  It’s very different than a caffeine boost I get from coffee.  When I drink too much coffee, I get the shakes, this was nothing like that!   I really do like them & will continue trying them for my longer runs.  There’s actually no down side to them, so why the heck not?

It’s hard to find a natural boost with so many benefits.  Here are some more:

• Increasing Energy
• Increasing Endurance
• Increasing Mental Vitality
• High Protein Snack
• Curbing Hunger
• Meal Replacement
• Balancing Blood Sugar
• Lowering Blood Pressure
• Reducing Fatigue

I did tell Benji that he should try some in the afternoon when he gets tired & see if they give him the same “boost” that  I got from them.  I’ll let you know

In the meantime, they’re going to be a staple in this house.  Anything that’s natural & gives me that kind of a boost, I’m sold!

I did decide that enough talk about cross-fit, I need to do it.  I found a place not far from my house & within in the next week, I’m going to try it!  I’ve been a bit intimidated, but I need to face my fear-ha!  If I say it aloud or write it, I’m going to do it.  Too many people know about it now, so I must.  That’s how I absolutely commit to things- saying or writing it down!

I’m really excited because I have a few more giveaways lined up for you that’ll knock your socks off.  I’m going to post them in order as they have come to me.

Don’t forget about the giveaway with 10 other bloggers going on right now with LOADS of stuff.  There’s surely something there that’ll spark your interest.  To enter go to the rafflecopter on the right side of this page & enter as you wish!

In conjuction with that giveaway, here’s another one you’re going to LOVE!

Jenny over at Strutt your Stuff sign company made me this fantastic medal/bib display!  I couldn’t wait to get it up & I absolutely LOVE it.  It’s my inspiration to keep me going.

How awesome to have your medals & bibs hanging to keep you inspired & remind you of your great accomplishments.  Jenny has an amazing ETSY shop that has the most wonderfully creative designs.  You’ve gotta check it out!   She is so kind to offer a giveaway for this sign (below)  & medal holder  (the middle word can be MARTHON, RUNNING, or TRIATHLON):
www.etsy.com/listing/121046582/marathon-medals-display-and-bib-holder

For those not winning the giveaway she would like to offer a 10% discount and you can use the following coupon code: HRM10.

Seriously- How awesome is that?  Don’t forget to enter.  The giveaway will end on Sunday March 17th.

 

Weekend recap & giveaway

I made up for my “weak” run on Wednesday.  I wanted to get a 9 miler in this weekend & did!  Yea!  It wasn’t speedy or anything special, but it was done.  I was actually bored.  Watched a movie that wasn’t so exciting, so I had to keep telling myself to keep going.  I finished my run & the movie at the same time- it all worked out nicely!

The downside to this run was that I didn’t wear my favorite Lululemon sport bra, wore another & got a little chaffed.  Didn’t know til I hit the shower – OUCH!  I won’t make that mistake again.  And, I got a little blister on my bunion.  That hasn’t happened in a while.  Hmmm.  Wonder why?! I may have to investigate some other socks.  That’s not good.  It’s just the beginning of running season, I’m not ready for that yet.

I was so pleasantly surprised when I got home on Friday to a nice little package from Fleet Feet.  I signed up for the Chicago Women’s half marathon on June 23d & registered in February, they sent you a little goodie bag.  Here’s what was included:

great smelling candle, wickaway hat, GU, cosmetic bag, Luna bar, go red for women-heard disease pin.  Some fun things.  I really love the hat & candle best!  I love candles & this one smells great!

Here’s a giveaway for you, so you can get some goodies too!

I got a really great RunnerBox a couple of weeks ago & have been enjoying my goodies.  In my box was the following:

Well, I have no idea why some of my pictures are backwards, sorry.  However, I’m sure you get the idea.

RunnerBox is a subscription based box for runners, triathletes and other active people. It is a mini shoebox filled with running products, mailed to your front door. It has everything from energy products, gels, chews, protein shakes/supplements, nutrition bars, skincare, and other accessories! Some products will be brand new (but personally tested) on the market, and some will be tried and true favorites. With so many products coming out on the market, leave the trials and testing to them, they’ll search out the best and send them to you!

• Sign up for a subscription to join and start receiving the RunnerBox or TriBox. You can sign yourself up, or set up a gift subscription for someone else.You can choose from different options: a bimonthly subscription to gift options for both runners and triathletes.
• Once you are signed up, just wait for your RunnerBox to be delivered automatically!
• It’s really easy & there are neat products each month, look at mine above!

If you’re interested & want to give it a shot, enter the giveaway for a free RunnerBox delivered to your door.

Here’s how to enter the giveaway:

-Leave a blog comment below & tell me what you’d like to try most in a RunnerBox.

-Post about this giveway on Facebook.

-Tweet about this giveaway.

-Follow me on Twitter: @hlthyrunningmom & leave me a comment telling me you want to win the RunnerBox.

-Like Healthy Running Mom on Facebook & leave a comment telling me you want to win The RunnerBox.

There are 5 ways to win.  For each of the above you do, please list them below & let me know what you did.  On Friday March 8th at 3:00pm central time, I’ll pick a winner!!!!

Randomness

I must tell you that I had planned a 9 mile run yesterday & was so excited.  I knew that Wednesdays I typically have a large agenda, but my day begins with a nice long run.  I decided to take my kids to school first & then go home to run & finish watching Homeland! Well, I was having a hard time running.  I hit 4 miles & really felt myself struggling & not knowing why it was so difficult.  Instead of pushing it, I walked & ran the remainder of time I was on the treadmill.  I wound up doing 7 miles with a combonation of walking & running.  I was happy to complete my final disk of Homeland & finish the series ( well a little sad as well), but so disappointed in my run.  I was so puzzled as to why I just didn’t have my “mojo” yesterday & I realized a big mistake I had made.  I had coffee upon waking up & after I dropped off the kids I changed into my running clothes & went to the treadmill to run.  I didn’t drink any water, didn’t eat anything, didn’t prep. my body for my exercise.  I guess it really threw me off.  I will certainly not forget this next time I attempt a long run!  I typically wake up & go straight downstairs.  I guess the 2 1/2 hrs. I was awake & didn’t nourish my body isn’t the way to go!

So, all day long, I had to deal with the headtrash of not getting in my run that I had expected.  Do you ever do that?  When you have a goal & it doesn’t work out as you hoped, do you beat yourself up for it?  I do lots of self talk & try to convince myself it’s simply a bad day.  In fact, I’m so good at helping others through their “rough days”, but have a hard time believing it myself!  Ugg, the perils of headtrash!

I will have good runs the rest of the week!  I’m ready! 🙂

I have to tell you that I have a few really great giveaways coming up soon, I’m just getting everything ready to post for you.  I do giveaways because I LOVE winning, getting “prizes/treats” in the mail, just the thrill of it all!  I have to tell you that I read a lot of other blogs, that’s really how I got interested in writing my own blog.  In the meantime, I’ve been entering many giveaways myself & have been very fortunate to win some prizes too!  I just love getting mail when I get home that are “special treats”.

I received these cool produce bags from Diana at Veggie Next Door.  I forgot them at home yesterday when I went to the store, but I’ll be sure to keep them in my car for next time.  And then when I checked my email yesterday, I found out I won a 5 day kitchen detox from Naturally Fit Sisters.  I’m not exactly sure what it is, but I’ll be sure to share it with you when I find out!

Oh, and my PB2 came today!  That’s always a very special treat!  I LOVE this stuff!

I keep entering random giveaways because it’s so much fun for me that when I found out that I was a finalist for the February 2013 Athlete of the Month, I don’t even know how it came about to be honest!  But, since I did, here’s the link if you want to check it out & vote.     Voting takes place through noon on Friday March1.  Thank you!  I’ll let you know what this is all about if I do find out!

I didn’t get much of a chance to prep. any food yesterday (after my running debacle).  Believe it or not, I’m still eating leftovers.  I did get some spinach, I feel like I need greens & have been missing them for a few days, so I’m looking forward to having a nice salad today!

I did read a funny quote yesterday & I don’t remember it exactly; but, here goes a shot:

I’m a little chubby because it’s not training season!

That’s how I always feel in the winter.

Here’s a couple random pics of Nemo, just because!

Do you have “headtrash” when you have a bad workout or are you ok with it?