Pro Compression Sock Review!

I was recently sent a pair of Pro Compression Marathon Socks by Sweet Pink and Pro Comression! It was just in time to start my 1/2 marathon training! I've ran quit a few longer distance races and haven't really had any issues with my legs. I have always been interested in compression socks, but haven't really had any real reason to buy any. Until now. I am not sure if it is the elevation here in Denver, but my feet swell. Not enough to be uncomfortable, but enough to notice.

Here is where compression socks come into play. PRO Compression was really great to work with. Their website is easy to navigate and they have a ton of color options! The socks arrived quickly. Once I received socks, I couldn't wait to go for a run! They are made to fit your feet comfortably and are perfect for long runs or just to wear if you need the support.

With the strange Colorado weather, it is nice to have the long socks to cover up, without having to wear full pants or capris. I have always ran in shorts with low cut socks, so I wasn't sure how I would feel about long socks. I didn't mind them at all!

Here are some quick facts that I found about compression socks:

• Decrease in muscle soreness and fatigue
• Increase in blood flow
• Faster recovery
• Reduction in swelling
• Protects your legs from dirt and scratches

I can't wait to buy these bad boys for my Disneyland Avengers 1/2 Marathon this fall!!

So here is the good news, you can try the socks too! Go to www.procompression.com  and use the discount PINK to get 40% off your entire purchase!!

Do you run with compression socks?

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Motivational Monday - #strongereveryrun

Today, thousands of runners will come together and run the Boston Marathon proving how amazing the running community is. As a runner, my heart went out to all of the people affected by the Boston Marathon bombing last year. I sat there in shock as I watched the news reports of what was going on. It saddens me to think that people have the ability to make a joyful, fun event turn into a nightmare so quickly. But on the other hand, it makes me so proud to be apart of an amazing community that is able to rally together and stand up.

For the most part, running is a solo sport. But if you have ever been to a race, you would quickly see the sense of community. Runners will cheer you on, help you get the the finish line, and support you all of the way. You don't have to be a professional to fit in or even run that fast. Even though horrible things happened I am so happy to see the continued coverage of all of the stories of people that are choosing to continue to live their lives to the fullest. 

Yesterday while I was on my way to work, I was talking to my sister Stevee , who works for Converse, a Nike Company, and she told me about a social media event that Nike was running today, April 21st, for Boston. 

Today, Nike will donate 1 dollar for every mile you run! All you have to do is download the Nike+ running app, run your run, and add the hashtag "#strongereveryrun" in the notes section on the Nike+ running app  and they will donate to the Challenged Athletes Foundation and donations will go directly to providing opportunities and support to survivors of the Boston tragedy. Click Here are the full details.

I have the app and have been using it for awhile. It is by far one of my favorites. It is easy to use, stores useful data, and it's free!

So join me today and Stand Up for Boston...Run for Boston... Run for You!

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Spring is in the Air

I can't believe how quickly this year is going by. Today is officially the first day of Spring! This Spring I am going to focus on two of my favorite things: Running and Yoga.

I have been practicing yoga for a few years now, but I haven't really made it apart of my life here in Colorado. This week I finally picked a class and went. I am so happy to finally get out my yoga mat and head back to yoga class.

It is finally starting to be warm enough outside to grab my running shoes and go for a run. I love everything about running outside. It was the first time that I was able to go outside for run. I had the best workout, in 1 hour I was able to do 30 minutes of weightlifting, run 3 miles at a less then 10 min per mile pace, and I burned over 600 calories.

In celebration of Spring, I have teamed up with a few other bloggers to bring you a chance to win a $50 gift card to one my my favorite running and yoga apparel stores, Lululemon.  You can find almost anything that you need to be comfortable while getting your workout on. 

What are your favorite Spring fitness activities? 

What is your favorite fitness brand?

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

I Ran a Marathon!!!

It has been almost 2 months since I ran my first marathon. I chose to run the Walt Disney World Marathon as my first marathon, because RunDisney has a special place in my heart. My first 1/2 marathon was a RunDisney event so it was only fitting to have my first marathon be at my favorite place. 

I would like to start the recap with telling you that I did not train nearly as much as I should have. Although this was one of my worst races I have ran, I did learn that I truly can do anything I put my mind to. 

The Expo

We started our RunDisney weekend like any other at the fitness expo. The fitness expo is an expo that every runner must go to in order to get your bib. It didn't feel like I was about to run a marathon until I got to that expo. Then it all became very real. We got our bibs and realized that we were in the last corral, this was the first of many wake up calls. I figured that a marathon wouldn't be too bad, we had to maintain a 16min per mile pace (no problem, right?). But being in the last corral meant that we HAD to maintain a 16 min per mile pace. I started to freak out. We took our photo with our bibs and left the expo and went to the park. 

The Night Before
You really could tell it was race weekend and that people were serious about running. Everything was pretty empty but Joe and I decided that we would take advantage of the short lines and enjoy the park. We stayed out late and made poor food choices. Once we got to our hotel room, we picked out our outfits and headed to bed. We had to be out at the bus stop at 4:00am.

Race Day

4:00am came early, we headed out the door and made it to the race with plenty of time to do a whole lot of nothing. Being in the last corral meant that we had to do a lot of waiting around. Even being there with all of the runners I was still in a tiny bit of disbelief that I was about to run a marathon. We got some food, posed for pictures, and went to the bathroom. 

The time had come to get to our corral. We got in our corral and waited. The excitement began to build as each corral started. With every set of fireworks I felt my heart race. About 1 hour and 30 minutes had pasted and we were finally at the start of the race. My anticipation had built up and I was ready for this race to be done. 

We got to the start and the gun and fireworks went off. I started to run. Mile 1-13.1 were all a blur. I just kept running. It was my slowest 1/2 marathon time, but I didn't stop running. I had it in my  mind that I needed to keep going and that the bus that picked people up was right behind me (if you don't maintain that 16 min per mile pace you will get picked up by a bus). I never saw that bus behind me but I knew it was there. That motivated me to keep on running.

The first 13.1 miles took us from Epcot to the Magic Kingdom, through the Magic Kingdom and to Animal Kingdom. The one thing that I do remember was finally getting to Magic Kingdom, it felt like it  took forever, I was beyond excited to get to Main Street and see that castle. Joe and I did stop for a photo opt at the castle and a few other places.

Once I made it to Animal Kingdom and realized that I had ran a 1/2 marathon I was beyond proud of myself. It was a huge relief, but I really wanted to stop. Joe was there right by my side encouraging me to keep going. So, I kept going. At about mile 15 I experienced something that I have never experienced as a runner, chaffing. My inner thighs burned as I kept going. But the thought of not finishing kept me running. The chaffing allowed me to find the best thing that has ever been made for a runner. BioFreeze. At first I put the BioFreeze on my chaffing thinking that is what it was for, mistake. It burned worse. But then I realized that it was for your sore and achy body. I began to stop at every medical station to run BioFreeze all over my legs and shoulders. I did find a solution to my chaffing. 

At mile 16-17 there was a point where you can see the runners that were at mile 20-21. I wanted nothing more then to be where they were. I thought that one I got to mile 20 I would be home free. Miles 16-20 went through the Wide World of Sports, who knew that there were 4 miles to run. I stopped for a bathroom break and wasted a ton of time. But it was worth it not to have to go in a port-o-potty. Once I got to mile 20 I realized that I still had 6.2 more miles to run and the feeling of being home free was gone. at that point I also saw the bus driving on the other side of the road. That helped me pick up my pace a tiny bit. 

The toughest part of the race were the last few miles. I didn't think I was going to make it, but Joe was there to cheer me on and remind me that I could do it. I felt my pace go up and down and 6.2 grueling miles later I found myself at the end of the race. I made it.  I was finished.

I really didn't know what to think. I didn't cry and I wasn't overly joyed. We collected our medals and headed back to the hotel. It wasn't until I was on the bus headed back to our room that I was proud of what I had done. I ran a marathon. 

Have you ever ran a marathon?

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Tips on Becoming a Runner

It's Monday again and a new week means a new opportunity to get fit. The other day I saw a post on Hannah's Instagram that got us talking about running. Running is one of my favorite ways to exercise, but it hasn't always been. I know a lot of people who say that running isn't for them or that they can never be a runner. But everyone can be a runner. It may seem like a daunting experience, but once you get going, you won't want to stop. 

Here are a few tips on how to get into running that have really worked for me. 

• Just get out there - By just getting your shoes on and out the door you are one step closer to becoming a runner
• Running is mental - You  need to start your run with the right attitude, just tell yourself that you can do it. Once a little bit of doubt gets into your head it's all over. I ran a marathon with little training and made it because I continued to tell myself that I can finish. It wasn't my best run, but I did it. 
  
• Find a program that works for you - There are so many running programs out there that work around every skill level. A few that I like are Couch to 5K for beginners, Marathon training plans from runners world, and  a plan to lose weight from Women's Running Magazine. I have used a whole training program and I have also just used some as guides to make my running more interesting. Whatever you chose to do, just make sure that the plan will work for your skill level, the amount of time you want to commit, and your lifestyle. 
• Run with a friend - I have found that running with a friend really works for me. I love having someone there to run with not only for the social aspect but for the competitive aspect swell (don't tell my running partners). I like having someone to keep up with or someone to keep motivated. 
• Pick good routes - I feel strongly that your route can make or break your run. For example, I have a really tough up hill 3 mile run by my house. If I am not in the mood I will tend to walk the difficult parts and I hate running. I also tend to better on there and back routes because it forces me to run back home. I also prefer to run outside over a treadmill. 
• Get to your target - When I am running I always try to find a target that is in sight and get to that target. For example, if I am looking down the road and I see a mailbox in the distance, I will tell myself that I have to get to that mailbox. Once I get to the mailbox I find something else further away and try to run to that. This method really works for me because I break my run up into smaller distances. It also helps with my time, I tend to try to run to my target faster.  
• Reward yourself - I find that I do so much better when I have something to look forward to. If I am training for a race, then I will reward myself with something little after following my schedule for a week. 
• Just keep running - Just keep it up, it will get easier. If you are tired take a break with a short walk, then get back to it. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Do you have any tips or words of advise for beginner runners?

Why do you love to run?

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I'm Running a Marathon!!

I am excited and very nervous to share, that I am RUNNING A MARATHON!!! Joe and I will be running the Walt Disney World Marathon. This will be my 3rd Run Disney event and I am very excited that it will be my first full marathon. I always knew that I wanted it to be my first. (maybe my only)

I can't believe that a few months ago, Joe and I decided it would be a great idea to run a marathon. Looking back on it, I have no idea why we thought that. I have always wanted to run at least one marathon and I am so happy that I am going to be able to share this run with Joe, my biggest supporter. But after my last 1/2 Marathon  I was having second thoughts.

Nothing about running feels right here in Colorado. I can't make it past 2 miles without wanting to turn around and walk home. The furthest run I have done here in Colorado is a 10 mile run. I have a long way to go and not a whole lot of time to prep. I am really hoping that I can get out and put in the miles need to run a successful marathon. Wish me luck!

Have you ever ran a marathon?
Do you have any cold weather running tips?

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Running Must Haves

I am back on my running schedule. I feel like I am always on and off, but it feels good to be back on. I wanted to share with you all some of my favorite Running Must Haves. I found most of these at the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon Fitness Expo and I am so happy with all of the products. I normally don't wear all of them at once, but it is nice to have them in my running stash. 

Garmin ForeRunner 210 with Heart Monitor - I was really excited to get this watch. I have had the Nike Running Watch, but didn't like it because it was too big for my wrist. This watch fits much better and is easy to wear and control. The one thing that I do not like about the watch is the fact that I always have to charge it. I am also still getting use to the heart monitor. 

Sweaty Bands - I love these head bands. I was able to run a full 13.1 miles with out having to re-adjust  it at all. They come in so many different colors and patterns, you are sure to find one you love.

Running Sunglasses -  These are a must for me. Ever since my pteryguim surgery earlier this year I have tried my best to wear sunglasses. But I have not been able to find a pair that look good and are light. 

Running Belt - Very few of my running clothes have pockets, so this was a great addition to my running gear. It is the perfect size to hold my iPhone, chap sticks, key, money, and any running gels. This iFitness belt is perfect for all of my stuff that I "need" when I run.

Halo Running Visor - This is a really neat visor. I bought it more for hiking or being outdoors. The yellow band on the inside of the visor is made so that the sweat rolls off of your head and stays out of your eyes. It fits well and is easy to keep clean. 

What is your running must have?

Do you struggle with staying on a running schedule?

p.s. This is my 100th post!! So exciting. Thanks for reading :)

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