Archives for January 2011

Jack Black Performance Pack

One of the (many) perks about being a part of the Brooks I.D. program is that I have the opportunity to test out different products from different companies. My latest goodie box/pleasant surprise was from Jack Black, Authentic and Original. I was ecstatic to receive this in the mail:

Performance Ready Set

Honestly, this stuff is amazing and I’m pretty sure I have a huge crush on Jack Black (and no, I’m not referring to the acting variety, although he is pretty funny)

Turbo Wash Energizing Cleanser – I can’t get enough. It’s made with 3 delicious things: Rosemary, Eucalyptus, and Juniper Berry. I mean, who wouldn’t like it?! But other than the obvious, the Turbo Wash really is energizing. I don’t enjoy waking up early, but I do like showering with Turbo Wash; one whiff of eucalyptus and I’m instantly happy!

Dragon Ice Relief & Recovery Balm – Pain and muscle relief without feeling greasy or making my hands unusable for hours. When I say “unusable” I’m referring to what happened when I used the other brands – when, in an unfortunate turn of events, I touched my eye and suffered until the gel wore off, or when I unintentionally received “pain relief” on body parts that didn’t hurt, simply by brushing the spot. When I want pain/muscle relief I don’t want the rest of my body to suffer. Dragon Ice does the trick – it feels great going on (it’s not greasy) and doesn’t hinder me to from doing everyday things (e.g., scratching my eye).

Sun Guard Sunscreen SPF 45 – I’m 50% Irish, have lots of freckles and seriously don’t want skin cancer! Sun Guard Sunscreen rocks my fair skins’ world! It’s very water resistant and very sweat resistant. This is especially important when I do triathlons because I apply sunscreen before the swim but need it to last the entire race. I’m looking forward to using it more as the weather warms up.

Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 – I’m kind of obsessed with lip balm, meaning that I like to try out (and eventually buy) every brand and have secret stashes all over my house, work, purse, etc. So, I was especially excited to try a lip balm that I didn’t have to buy. Like the products listed above, the Intense Therapy Lip Balm did not fail! All I can say is, wow!! – this lip balm is awesome for running in cold and windy conditions (read: Virginia for the last 3 months).

A huge thanks to Brooks and Jack Black for partnering together – I’m excited to test out other Jack Black products in the future. In the meantime, I’m dreaming about these:
Industrial Strength Hand Healer
Body Rehab Scrub & Muscle Soak
Dry Down Friction-Free Powder

Have you had the opportunity to try Jack Black products? Do you have a favorite?

Namaste

One of my Christmas gifts from BJ was a 15-week certificate to Sun and Moon Yoga. While it was totally unexpected, it was an awesome surprise! We always talk about yoga but never make the time to go. Now, I don’t have an excuse.

I’m in my 3rd week and absolutely love it. In my past (and when I’m home in Florida) I practice (I’m using that term very loosely) Bikram yoga but my current session is more about relaxation. It’s a nice change of pace from running and “forces” me to stretch and relax. It’s glorious – especially as an overly-tight-totally-not-flexible runner.

I would in no-way-whatsoever classify myself as a Yogini but I’m getting better every week. I especially love that each class is focused on different part of the body. Last session we focused on hamstrings and calves – talk about deliciousness for my body! I’ll report back as I progress and see results.

I know there are other runners out there who swear by yoga – has it improved your running? I can’t wait to see what 15+ weeks of yoga will do for my running, strength, and flexibility.

Until next time, Namaste.

26.2

I’m officially running a marathon.

There. I said it.

Now, cue the mixed emotions:

  1. Scarier words have never been uttered
  2. I’m so excited I can’t stand it

Me running a marathon is a long time in the making and it was destined to happen sooner or later. I thought I would run one last year, but then this pretty big thing got in the way. I’ve been putting it off…but then I got this urging feeling – if I ever want to run one, and qualify for Boston, I need to do it now. I’m afraid, post kids, I won’t be able to commit to running a marathon in a BQ time. Maybe I will? Maybe I won’t? But, now I don’t have to worry about that because I’m running one pre-kids!

Criteria: Spring Marathon, within (reasonable) driving distance of DC, Boston Qualifier

Spring is kind of tricky, especially after the 2010 winter, which was super scary and snowy (read: snowmageddon, as it was referred to in DC). This year, I hope the snow holds off long enough for me to train properly. I also had spring on my mind because a) my best friend is getting married in late 2011 and b) there’s a small chance I might be pregnant. Note: I am in no way promising that I’ll be pregnant in late 2011 – but for those of you who don’t know, BJ is 40 (yes, that’s 13 years older than me) and I don’t want him to be an old dad (haha)

So, I toyed with Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Charlottesville. But, decided on a little local gem: Potomac River Run Marathon.

  • It’s small: 300 people,
  • It’s an out and back – twice (this could be a really good thing…or a really bad thing),
  • It’s local,
  • It’s a Boston Qualifier, and
  • It’s super flat and fast; it’s the “Easiest Marathon in America

I hope you will join me on my journey as I train for my 1st marathon and hopefully, BQ. I’m training with an amazing runner and friend who has qualified for Boston 3 times (her fastest marathon is 3:08 = she’s a badass) and have the support of my hubs and friends. I’d love any advice, tips, training, workouts, or encouragement (I know I’ll need it).

Cheers to 26.2!

You really shouldn’t have…

But, I’ll take it anyway!  I’ve been awarded my very first award in blog history – and even cooler,  it’s the Stylish Blogger award.  Thanks B.o.B. – you rock! 
B.o.B. received this award (from a fellow blogger) and was required (by award rules) to award this to other stylish bloggers.  But, in true B.o.B. fashion, she made up her own rules…here they are: 
1. Make a post + Link back to the person who awarded you this award (see above). 
2. Share 1 thing you love about 5 other bloggers.
3. Award those 5 bloggers with this award cause obviously you love them.  Hope they read your blog cause quite honestly you are too lazy to email them all (ha – this one is my favorite). 


So, without further ado – blogs I love, in no particular order…


1. Jess at Wannabe Phoodie.  You guys probably don’t know her – but now you will.  She’s one of my friends from college and has a love for cooking.  Wannabe Phoodie is her journey in Philly, while making delicious food!
2. Beth at Discom-BOB-ulated Running.  I’ve been following B.o.B.’s blog for quite some time (fellow Floridian) and I’ve been dying to meet her.  Unfortunately, I missed her  at MCM 2010 (I only know this because Lazy Runner posted pics on FB – boo!) She’s funny and I think we would be friends if we ever did meet (Maybe MCM 2011 is in our cards???)!
3. Stephanie at Steph’s 50 Marathon Challenge.  One word: WOW!  50 Marathons in 50 States by Boston 2011.  She rocks!  
4. Lindsey at Peace, Love and Guatemala.  My amazing sister who spent the last year of her life teaching and working with the indigenous children of Antigua, Guatemala. 
5. Jen at Caution: Redhead Running.  Like B.o.B., she is a Floridian, but like me she’s a “former” (as in no longer lives in Florida).  Redhead is awesome (there’s no denying it)!  I don’t want to live in Michigan but I wish we lived closer so we could be friends! 

This was hard, because there are SO many blogs I love.  But, if these bloggers (above) pass on the love, eventually everyone will get an award.  Easy solution, right?  I feel better already. 

Happy Friday!  Happy Running! 

Brooks I.D.

It is with great honor and excitement that I write this post…
I received this in the mail:





For the 2nd year in a row I have been accepted into the Brooks I.D. (Inspire Daily) Bluestreak program – and I am SO excited! Brooks is an amazing company and I am honored that I have the opportunity to represent the company while running, racing, volunteering, and supporting my community.
About the Program (from the website):

Rockin’ Brooks – EagleMan 70.3

Brooks I.D. stands for Inspire Daily. These two simple words guide the principles of the program. Brooks I.D. is made up of over 800 members who are active in their running communities and share a passion for the Brooks brand. They are runners who are winners in their own right: Winning their age divisions, accomplishing their personal goals, pushing their own limits, and, by extension, encouraging others to do the same. They are coaches, mentors, and leaders.

A few of my favorite Brooks things:
Ravenna Running Shoes


Green Silence Racing Flats ( It’s made from recycled materials and dyed with soy-based inks!)
Nightlife Jacket (Note: I feel like a badass when I wear this!) 


Glycerin Running Short


Rockin’ Brooks – Army 10 Miler

Brooks, thank you for accepting me into such a great team/program!  


Bloggers – Any others part of the Brooks I.D. team?  Any I.D.’ers in the DC area – I’d love to meet up with you!  


Run Happy! 



Garmin Forerunner 110 W

Happy New Year!  Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season.  I know I did – I spent 8 days in Florida with my family and hubs.  We had a blast.  And every time I leave, I wonder why I live in D.C., in the cold, with the snow (BJ is pretty much the only reason I don’t live in Florida in a bikini year-round).

One of the most fun things I got this Christmas was my 1st ever Garmin watch.  I wasn’t sure I needed one, especially since I hadn’t committed to a big race or event.  But, after spotting this beauty in Chicago, I knew I wanted one.  Unfortunately, my Christmas wish-list was quite long (especially for a grown woman) and I wasn’t sure if the watch would make the cut.  

Fast forward to December 25, 2010 and I had a mysterious box from BJ.  Unsure what was inside, I carefully opened the box.  Inside, my very own Garmin 110 W.  YAYYYY!!!

Ok, I had NO idea how cool these watches were.  I mean, it tracks everything for me – my route, my pace (moving and stationary), calories, etc.  It’s the coolest watch ever, and it’s all mine!  

I’ve been running like crazy because I can’t wait to get home, upload my data and see my stats.  It’s so much fun and a great motivator!


I know I’m not the only who is obsessed with my Garmin – who else out there loves the watch as much a me?
I LOVE my Garmin