14 things I learned as a Runner in 2014

Happy New Year's Eve!  Wow!  2014 has been an incredible year. I have done 7 Half Marathons, 3 5ks and 1 10k. I have learned a lot about myself as a person and as a Runner.  I started the year with my very first Half in Carlsbad and ended with my 7th at the Holiday Half. (Recap coming soon I promise!)

Oh and I started Marathon training. (We get it Smitha. You are running a freaking Marathon!) #sorrynotsorry 

So, I would like to share the 14 things I learned about myself as a runner in 2014!

1.  That Miles with friends are so much better than miles alone. That running has become my social hour, my happy hour and healthy hour all rolled in to one!  (Thought credit goes to MM)

2.  That it sometimes is okay to be the most stylish rather than the fastest. 

3.  That sometimes a shower is not always possible after a sweaty Runch. So you use a wipe or a ShowerPill and hope for the best!

4.  That I cannot run in a straight line. That means treadmills and narrow paths don't work for me. I need wide open spaces. 

5.  That I love Runing and living by the ocean. No better scenery!

6.  That for me, my feet and running style, there is no better shoe than Hoka One One. 

7.  That shin splints happen. But that compression socks before, during and after a run feel amazing!

8.  That running for a cause is ALWAYS better than running for time!

9.  That sometimes calling a stranger you meet on the Internet to come run with you in a strange place isn't such a bad idea. You may just make a friend for life!

10.  That balancing being a parent to two amazing little humans, a wife to an amazing guy, a full time (yes amazing) job, marathon training and blogging requires 3 people. Alas, it's just me!

11.  That you don't train for a marathon to lose weight. You can't because you are RUNGRY ALL THE TIME!  #eatallthefood

12.  That runners are the friendliest people in the world. Must be all the endorphins. But they always have a hello or a high five for everyone!

13.  That I have developed a taste for sports nutrition. I kinda sorta love Honey Stingers, Nuttzo, Shot Bloks, Skratch, Nuun and Vega. I still can't do gels though. 13.5.  You will chafe. Some day at some point on some body part. So use Sport Shield or another anti chafe item. 

14.  And finally, a bright and colorful skirt or Capri can make any run seem brighter and happier and go that much faster. And if it helps cars see you, that's a plus!

Thank you so much for being on this run journey with me in 2014!  I can't wait to see what 2015 brings for me. Hope you will stick around to find out!

Happiest of New Years to you all. I wish you happiness, health, laughter and love!

And as always, I wish you Happy Feet,

SD Mom

#FitFAbFuel Swap - the Conclusion

Remember when Brittany at Naturally Fit Sisters and I told you about the Fit Fab Fuel Swap?  Well, the partners have all been matched up and gifts have been exchanged!

Kristen from Run Away With Kristen K is my partner!  She lives in Alaska and is pretty awesome.  You should look at her blog for beautiful runs and her positive attitude.  But first things first, she sent me an awesome care package!

How fun right?!  A Bondi band, an Alaska ornament, Sport Beans and some cozy socks.  I will admit it, I owe her fuel and that is on it's way but I did send her a super cute set of ornaments to commemorate her first Half at Disney.

I couldn't find a picture of them but you can see them here.  I had a chance to interview her and get her answers to my burning questions.

ME: What is your favorite way to stay warm in Alaska?

KK:  It's not that cold here yet (usually in the 20s or 30s) but I love to layer up and go out for a run!  It's not fun on the walk from your car to the trailhead, but after 2 minutes of running I guarantee you'll be feeling comfortable and warmed up.  Running in the snow is beautiful and makes winter seem less harsh.  I'm always sweating by the end and after a chilly drive home a hot shower and some hot chocolate help bring me back to normal!  I'm also hosting my first virtual race on the winter solstice - if I don't have a good reason to go outside I tend to get lazy, and I'm not letting that happen this year!

ME:  Why Alaska?

KK:  Because it's the most beautiful place on earth!  And also, everything in this blog post.  My husband and I came here on our honeymoon last year and knew that Anchorage was the perfect place to live.  It's a big city surrounded by mountains and water.  I can drive 5 minutes from my apartment and find beautiful trails where I can run past moose and eagles, or drive 5 minutes the other way and find a shopping mall.  It's the best!  And it's been surprisingly not cold or snowy here.  It has only snowed twice so far and we only have about 2 inches on the ground.  And I think our lowest temperature yet was 18, but we had more days in the 40s than in the teens!  I think a lot of people have misconceptions about Alaska but it's more "normal" up here than TV makes it look!  Except for the sunlight, we really do have a lot less than anyone else!

ME:  How did you meet your significant other?

KK:  We were sophomores at the University of Pittsburgh and lived on the same floor.  We met the first weekend back at school and have been together ever since (over 8 years!).  I love how supportive he is of my running and blogging.  He's been at the finish line of every race I've ever run!

ME:  What is your very favorite race of all time?

KK:  This is so hard because I've run so many good ones!  But if I have to base it off of overall experience, I'd have to say my first Hershey 10k in 2013 in Hershey, PA.  It was my first 10k and longest race at the time, and the first race I ever ran that had people cheering along the course.  I felt like I was a real runner for the first time ever.  I also finished way faster than I thought I would!  My second Hershey 10k in 2014 is where I set my current 10k PR so it's a pretty good race!  Plus you get to run in Hershey Park and the post-race chocolate food options are so yummy in the town of Hershey!

ME:  If you could meet any runner, alive, dead, who would you pick?

KK:  I don't think I'd like to meet someone famous or super fast - I don't think we'd have much to talk about!  I would love to meet Joy Johnson - when I read about her last year her story really stuck with me.  I love running but I can't imagine doing it that much and loving it as much as she did at her age!  She died in her running shoes, just like she always said she would.  I'd love to talk to her about running, how she got into it at an old age, and what it was like running in the NYC marathon every year!

ME:  What is one item you will never run without?

KK:  My phone!  In Philly I ran with it so I would get help if shady people tried anything with me, and in Alaska I run with it just in case any moose or bears show up!  I've had to call my husband to pick me up a few times over the years (mostly for feeling really sick or hurt mid-run) so I wouldn't want to be caught without it!

ME:  When did you start running?

KK:  In the summer of 2012.  My husband and I went for daily walks in a state park outside Philly after work, and I realized that I was kind of interested in running like the people that we saw on the trail every day.  I tried to see if I could run 1 mile, then 1.1 miles, and so on.  I ran my first 5k that September and officially got bit by the running bug!  My first 10k was in 2013 (see above) and my first half marathon was the Disney Princess Half this February.  No marathons yet, but we'll see what 2015 has in store!  I wrote a post here about why I started running and why I keep on running!

ME:  What animal would you compare your running style to?

KK:  I seriously might have to say a turtle - like a middle of the pack kind!  I'm slow and steady and will never win a race or even place in my age group, but I finish somewhere in the middle and have fun doing it.  I have way more fun running longer distances than trying to run faster times!

How cool is she?!  I am so glad we got to know each other thru the Swap!  Now I have a friend in Alaska!  She makes me want to visit Anchorage at least!

Now go check out every one else's posts about their #FitFabFuelSwap!



I am so in love with the Blogger community!  And all of you.  Runners are awesome.  Humans are awesome.  I am one lucky girl and 2014 has been a truly fulfilling year in all sorts of ways!

As always, I wish you Happy Holidays and Happy Feet,

SD Mom

Last Minute Stocking Stuffers for your Favorite Runcher!

Disclaimer: As a SweatPink ambassador, I was sent the ShowerPill to review.  I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.  This is a sponsored post by ShowerPill.

Look, I know you know that I know that it is now December 15.  You may have bought those presents but you need to fill those stockings too.  And because I am that super nice person, I am going to help you out a little with what I would like to see in my stocking the year!

As you know, I like to Runch.  For those who don't know, Runch is simply when you Run at Lunch.  As for me, I work full time and some times, I have high level meetings with high level people in my organization.  After lunch.  Or after Runch!

And because Runching has turned into such a HUGE part of my Marathon training, I thought I would give you a DIY Runching kit you can put together for someone's stocking!

1.  ShowerPill

ShowerPill Athletic Body Wipes are perfect for every sweaty situation!  They work when you just don't have time or the facilities for a traditional shower.

They kill 99.99% of germs including staph and contain aloe and Vitamin E.  They don't leave a sticky residue and have a clean fresh scent.  They are hypoallergenic and they work for people with sensitive skin.  They contain NO alcohol!

My co-workers and people I meet with thank ShowerPill and they don't even know it!  I have started bringing three different tanks and two different pants to work out with at work every week but I still sweat - ALOT!  So thank goodness for ShowerPill!

I have a coupon code for you.  (Of course, I have a coupon code for you!)  Use code holiday20 for 20% off when your purchase 2 boxes of ShowerPill for all of you, your friends and family to enjoy (code will expire January 1, 2015).

2.  Beastie Ball from Rumble Roller
My next Runch time essential is the Beastie Ball.  If you have any kind of Plantar issues, you ned this thing.  I have a stand up desk at work and it helps so much to be able to roll your foot on this Beast while you work.  So instead of whistling while I work, I curse out loud at the "hurts so good" pain of the beastie

Since I started using the Beastie at work, I haven't had any issues with PF!  I highly recommend!

3.  Shatterproof iphone 6 case

If you are going to Runch, you need a shatterproof case.  Trust me!  I have already cracked the screen of my brand new iPhone 6.  BOO!  So I am in the market for one and I would love to find a cute one in my stocking!  Here are some of the ones I am considering and if you have any opinions or affiliate links you want to share, let me know.  And I love coupon codes.  Haha!

Cuptakes

LifeProof (in pink of course!)

kate spade (from Best Buy)

4.  iTunes gift card
I love running with music.  But I haven't been running with music lately because I have been fortunate enough to do my Runches with friends.  But when I run alone I need music BAD!  So this is a great gift for the solo runner.

Plenty of albums I am loving right now including Taylor Swift's 1989 album.  I think Blank Space is a brilliant song!  Haha!  Serious music!

Buy it here

5.  Lip Balm
I am addicted to lip balm and always have been.  Since I was in high school addicted to Dr. Pepper lip smackers with my bestie Laurie.

Buy it here.

Now I have a couple of other favorites.  These from Honest Company.

Source and Purchasing info here.

And both the vanilla and the cherry from Burt's Bees.  

Source and Purchasing info here.

You are welcome!  Awesome options for the Runcher in your life!  What would you add to this Runch stocking list of stuffers?

As always, I wish you Happy Feet,

SD Mom

11 Days of Giving: Day 11 - Puritan's Pride Pomegranate Ginger smoothie recipe & #GIVEAWAY

Disclaimer: I received a products from Puritan's Pride as a SweatPink Ambassador for review & GIVEAWAY purposes.  I was not requested to write a positive review.  All opinions are my own and I have received no monetary compensation for this post.  *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Welcome to the 11th and final day of 11 Days of Giving!  Thank you so much to my generous prize donators but most of all, thank you for you!  What a great end to the year giving away 11 of my very favorites!

We end with the final installment of my #SeasonalSmoothie challenge with Puritan's Pride.  I have to say the products I received this month were my very favorite.  

The protein powder is delicious.  I got the Puritan’s Pride Whey Protein For Her Vanilla Bean, Lehi Valley Natural Ginger, Dynamic Health Pomegranate Juice Concentrate and Vanns Peppermint Flavor Extract.  

So of course, I had to put my creative juices to work (pun intended) and get started on a Pomegranate Ginger Smoothie.  I think this might be the all time best smoothie ever.  Just saying!

Pomegranate Ginger Smoothie

4 cubes of ice

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond or hemp milk

4 pieces Lehi Valley Natural Ginger

1 scoop of Puritan’s Pride Whey Protein For Her Vanilla Bean

1 medium banana

2 TBS Dynamic Health Pomegranate Juice Concentrate

Mix.

Blend & Enjoy!

Seriously, best smoothie ever!  So excited to have discovered this combination of ingredients.  And now, it is time for a GIVEAWAY! You can win everything seen here and make your own #SeasonalSmoothie! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Contest runs 12/14/2014 to 12/21/14 at 11:59 P.M. PST

No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited. 1 winner will be selected via the Rafflecopter widget.  Open to Residents of the CONTINENTAL US 18 years of age or older.  Must have a non P.O. Box mailing address.  Winner must have a valid email address.

Winner will notified via email (if available) and blog post, and will have 48 business hours to claim prize.
If original winner does not claim prize within 48 business hours an alternate winner(s) will be selected.
Contestants must enter on the Rafflecopter widget in order to win.
All winning entries will be verified. If a winning entry cannot be verified as completed, a new winner will be drawn.
Winner will be provided the prize directly from Puritan's Pride.  Substitutions unlikely but may apply.  SD Mom not responsible for failure of sponsor to deliver product.

Can't wait to see what creations you make.  Make sure that you tag me @RunningwithSD and #SeasonalSmoothie if you post your own smoothie!

I really hope you have enjoyed the 11 days of giving as much as I have!  Good Luck!

And as always, I wish you Happy Feet,

SD Mom

11 Days of Giving: Day 10 - Pro Stretch +plus #GIVEAWAY

Disclaimer: I receive various products from Medi-Dyne as an Ambassador for  review & GIVEAWAY purposes.  I was not requested to write a positive review.  All opinions are my own and I have received no monetary compensation for this post.  

Welcome to Day 10 of 11 Days of Giving!  Thank you so much to Medi-Dyne but most of all, thank you for you!  What a great end to the year giving away 11 of my very favorites!

I am an Ambassador for Medi-Dyne.  Have you heard of them?  Chances are you have heard of their brands including Sport Shield and Pro Stretch +plus.  I have raved about Sport Shield and how I never chafe.  Well, they make other amazing products including Pro Stretch +plus.  

From their website: "proven to provide a deep, effective stretch that increases flexibility along the entire inter-connective chain, soothing tight calves, strengthening weak Achilles tendons and foot muscles - delivering the flexibility needed for lasting relief."

Haha!  Even Furry Murray is interested.  You can check out this video to see what it is all about.

But here is the thing.  I have shin splints.  And I have started using this little device and I already notice a huge difference.  It also helps with tight calfs, hamstrings, Achilles tendonitis and plantar issues.  It is essentially a DEEP stretch for your legs.  You can read more about it here.  

So now I have a Pro Stretch +plus to giveaway to a lucky winner.  So awesome!  Enter on the Rafflecopter widget!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest runs 12/13/2014 to 12/21/14 at 11:59 P.M. PST

No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited. 1 winner will be selected via the Rafflecopter widget.  Open to Residents of the US & Canada 18 years of age or older.  Must have a non P.O. Box mailing address.  Winner must have a valid email address.

Winner will notified via email (if available) and blog post, and will have 48 business hours to claim prize.
If original winner does not claim prize within 48 business hours an alternate winner(s) will be selected.
Contestants must enter on the Rafflecopter widget in order to win.
All winning entries will be verified. If a winning entry cannot be verified as completed, a new winner will be drawn.
Winner will be provided the prize directly from Medi-Dyne.  Substitutions unlikely but may apply.  SD Mom not responsible for failure of sponsor to deliver product.

Make sure to come back tomorrow for the final day and enter to win a Smoothie Prize pack from Puritan's Pride!

As always, Good Luck and I wish you Happy Feet,
SD Mom