#FridayFascinations: #Runfessions x Five #secrets

Happy Friday Friends!  It's about time you decided to show up around here Friday!  I was beginning to believe you didn't even exist!

So today's post is exciting because for the first time ever, I am linking up with Marcia's monthly Runfessions and because it is a free Friday Five topic, I am going with 5 Runfessions for your eyes and ears only.  Don't tell!

1.  I have a run gear addiction!

I have more pairs of Pro Compression socks and more Spandits skirts and more Headsweats visors than I know what to do with.  But I can't stop.  I need more...and more.  Every time a new Pro sock comes out, like this one, I have to have it.

Or every time Spandits comes out with a new product, like this one, I have to have it!

Or especially when Headsweats comes out with a new visor like this one, I HAVE to HAVE it!

But isn't admitting you have a problem the first step in recovering from that problem?  I know what you are all thinking - this was no secret.  We all know this about you!

2.  I am not a fan of running while I am running.

Running and I have had a tough time since the LA Marathon and if I am being honest, since Revel Canyon City.  Maybe I got burned out from running 3 marathons in 12 months but I am having a hard time getting my mojo back.  And its not for lack of trying.  My girlfriends have been amazing with trying to keep me positive and motivated.  Jenny runs with me every week.  Jenn joins in.  Carlee even came down to Boston Runch with me.  

Nothing helps.  In fact, I just end up feeling guilty when they run with me that I am slowing them down.  And they say running is mental.  Well, I am not mentally there.  And if you have any tips on getting me back, it would help.  If it wasn't for my run gear addiction, I don't think I would ever run but I gotta show off those outfits right?

3.  For every awesome Instagram picture, there are 45 outtakes.  

You think I am kidding.  Instagram is funny because it captures a moment but what about the 45 moments that aren't posted.  One day, I am going to do an entire blog post on just outtakes so you can giggle.  

For every perfect leap or jump, there is this.  A goofy smile, a silly pose.  And I thank my awesome friends (Kate, Jenn, Jenny, Vanessa, Jenn, Tara, so many more) for being patient with me while I take pictures while I run.  At least that keeps me entertained. 

4.  I stress eat.

There.  Can I just say, this post is incredibly soul soothing?  I feel so good getting all this off my chest.  Some people lose weight and don't eat in times of stress.  Not me.  I eat.  All day.  Constantly.  Snacks.  A snack after a snack.  Another reason why I can't stop running.

We are in the process of selling our house of the last 6 years and buying a new one.  Closer to work.  To get rid of the commute so we have more time with the kids.  But it is stressful.  And the last 4 weeks and the next 4 weeks won't be fun.  So, I need to stick to working out and try to remind myself that food doesn't bring comfort.  My family and friends do that.  If you have any tips for me on this, that would help too!

5.  I need a vacation.

And I don't mean the day I am taking before running Revel Mt. Charleston.  I don't mean Memorial Day Monday.  I mean the 2 weeks off, sleep in, mind off work and house buying stress, drink in my hand, toes in the sand kind of vacation.  The last time I took more than 1 day off from work was last summer.  I am ready.  My mind needs a break.  Maybe that will reset my love of running too.  Because when it comes down to it, I love running.  I love everything it means.  But I just need a break.  

I love my job too.  But I need a break all around.  I want to run away with my little family to a deserted island and just spend some QT with them until I get sick of them!  Haha!

Well, as I said, this was a fun post for me to write because I got to spill my guts.  I hope you are okay with that and keep coming back to read what I feel and think.  

As always, I am linking up with  Mar, Courtney and Cynthia - AKA the DC Trifecta, Nicole for Fit & Fashionable Friday and Jill for Fitness, Health & Happiness Link-Up! And as I mentioned, I am also linking up with Marcia for the first time in her Runfessions link up!

So please share a runfession with me.  Any secrets you want to spill?  Thanks for listening!

And as always, I wish you Happy Feet,

SD Mom

#SupportTheGirls: SheFit Sports Bra Review!

Disclaimer: I was sent a SheFit Sports Bra for review purposes.  I was not compensated in any other way!  All opinions are my own.

Big chested girls!  Gather around!  Men, probably a good idea to skip this post!  Spoiler Alert: Best BRA ever!

First of all, when a company uses the slogan, "When life gives you boobs, get SHEFIT," you know they will be awesome!

What makes SheFit better than any other bra out there?  It is 100% completely adjustable.  Shoulder straps, front zip and most impressive, a back strap.  For frame (haha) of reference, I wear a 34DD or E sports bra.

The front straps are completely adjustable meaning it would be perfect for a nursing mother runner.  

The back strap is totally adjustable too meaning you can get a customized fit on top, front and back making sure the girls stay in place while you run!

And I don't know about you large chested women, but I have had a tough time with finding pretty solid colors in bigger sizes.  SheFit comes in the pink seen above, black and a really pretty blue I must have.  Check out the colors here.

This video goes thru all the steps to help you figure out what size works for you and how to put the thing on.  It seems pretty cumbersome at first but it's easy once you understand.  It is completely adjustable meaning you can wear it with an H strap or X-back.  From their website:

• Personalized Support: Supportive fit so personalized, it’s your bra, your way

• Patented Adjustability: A perfect fit regardless of height, cup size, or body type

• Custom Rib Fit: Reduces instability with over 8” of adjustability in bust band

• No Roll Shelf: 2” bust band creates secure shelf that will never stretch out or roll

• Vertical Lift: 1” Non-Stretch straps with over 15” of custom adjustability

• Custom Strap Adjustments: Set a personalized level of support, high or low impact

• Two-Way Wear: Choose between X-Back & H-Back™ shoulder strap configuration

• Compression & Encapsulation: Perfect support & a flattering bust shape

• Front-Zip: Easy zip in and out; no need to be a contortionist anymore

• Performance Wicking: Fabrics pull moisture away from the skin

• Removable Pads: Easily remove, or retain for modesty

• Set It & Forget It: Adjust the fit based on your activity or desired support

• Easy Care: Wash & wear

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And did you know that they were picked up by Shark Tank?  You know it has to  be good and they totally believe in this product!  Those Sharks don't give their money to anyone!  You wear this bra and you will have to go thru life with the same warning sign I do!

Caution: HOT!  

I am linking up with the lovely Amanda at Running with Spoons for Thinking Out Loud Thursdays and for the first time, Krista at Handful of Everything for Great Idea Thursdays!  

So tell me ladies, have you found a bra you love as much as this one?  How about you larger chested ladies?

As always, I wish you Happy Feet (and boobs), 

SD Mom

Wednesday #GIVEAWAY Roundup - #WinAllThePrizes

Hi Friends!  It is that magical time of the week when we discuss all things GIVEAWAY!  As always, I am sharing my giveaway for the week with you!  I am super excited about this giveaway because I have been wearing the tank tops from Augusta Active for the last few weeks and loving them.  So colorful and well made!

You get to pick your choice of tank and win a backpack and bottle with it!  Perfection right?

Looking for just the right color tank to go with your favorite printed skirt or shorts?  Here you go!

Read all about the brand here and then enter to win the swag prize pack here on Instagram.  Ends 5/2, US Only.

And now, it is time for the Wednesday Giveaway Roundup!  Join me and Erica in the Roundup where all the best giveaways on these inter webs reside.  So make sure you link up your giveaway and enter to #WinAllThePrizes!  Remember, the rules can be found here.

If you link up, please make sure to add the end date! 

So tell me in the comments: have you had a good week?  Any Fit Fashion Find you want to share with me??  Did you link up a prize?  Did you enter to win?

As always, I wish you Happy Feet,
SD Mom

An InLinkz Link-up

Dream Race Swag & #AugustaActive review & #GIVEAWAY!

Disclaimer: I was sent some pieces from the Augusta Active collection for review and #GIVEAWAY purposes.  All opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any other way.

I am about to say something that will shock and dismay a lot of people.  I don't run races for the bling or the t-shirt.  Sure, I appreciate a good medal as much as the next guy but what I really want is good swag.  I don't wear t-shirts when I run and so race t-shirts are wasted on me.  What I would LOVE to see are coffee mugs or pint glasses like ultra races have.  Or better yet, TANKS from the races!  No more shirts - tanks instead!  Check out my favorite tanks from races - Phoenix Marathon and Revel Canyon City!  I am instantly happy when I am given a tank top option and I will even pay extra for that chance!

So, since races are so stingy with giving out tank tops, I am going to let you pick a color of your choice from Augusta Active's Training Tanks!  (nice segue way right?)  The winner will also get an Augusta Active backpack and bottle!

Augusta Active is a high quality low price sportswear manufacturer.  A tech material tank top for only $7.99?  That's a steal!  Have a race you need a specific color for?  No worries!  Augusta Active has that color for you!

Look at all the fun colors I got to try.  Purple, burgundy, kelly green, orange, navy and hunter green.  

I have looked everywhere for the dark green in a tank.  And here it is!

It helped me mach my surroundings perfectly when I was in Monterey visiting Rungry Runner!

I love their slogan too!  Go Farther, Play Longer!  They believe that active wear is for the masses so no need to spend gazillions of dollars on stylish colorful running apparel!

The kelly green made a perfect match for my Circus Act Spandits!

The burgundy went well with my For the Birds Spandits skirt!

And the rich jewel tone purple went well with my Galactic over the knee Spandits!

So, one of you gets to pick the color tank top of your choice, one back, stickers and a bottle!  Fun right?  This is an Instagram only Giveaway so make sure you are following both me and Augusta Active on Instagram to win!  Ends May 2, U.S. only.  Look for this picture on Instagram to win!

I am linking up this post with Tuesdays on the Run blog link up with My No-Guilt Life, MCM Mama Runs and Marcia's Healthy Slice!

So which color would you pick?  Head over to Augusta Active and check out the selection and let me know.  Enter the giveaway here! I already am planning my next color!

As always, I wish you Happy Feet,

SD Mom

Mother's Day Gift Guide Part II: My Wishlist!

Hi Friends!  As you know, Mother's Day is right around the corner on May 8 so you don't have much time left to shop for the Mother in your life.  Last week, I did a Gift Guide based on items I already own and love.  This time, I am bringing you my Wishlist Mother's Day Gift Guide!

Feel free to use my ideas for the Mother in your life or tell my kids!  These are the gifts I want and don't have!

1.  Prince: The Hits / The B-Sides ($30)

We will start with the one that I recently added to this list.  As you may know (unless you have been living under a rock!), Prince passed away last week at the young age of 57.  I was devastated as were legions of his fans from around the globe.  A truly remarkable talent that transcended generations and cultures.  I realize how much impact his songs have had on me and how I can relate a time or event in my life to almost all of his songs!

Probably my favorite Prince songs of all time are Thunder, 7 and Gett Off.  So good.  His talent will be sorely missed and I would love to have this collection of his greatest hits in one spot!

2.  prAna Lahari Tankini ($119)

I try to get a new bathing suit every summer and I love the way that prAna lets you mix and match the top and bottom.  They have a bunch of different styles you can put together.  And really fun patterns.  I love this green print and I think it would be perfect for the summer of 2016!

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 3.  Twinkle Twinkle Lil' Jar ($25)

Ever since I saw this company on Instagram, I have been wanting to get myself one of these sparkly glittery tumblers.  How fun are they?!  They have so many fun designs and they are dipped in gold!  Won't this be a really fun gift for a Mom who shines?  And they have coffee mugs dipped in gold and even little kid sippys!

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4.  Pro Compression Elite Socks in Neon Blue ($55 - code 40FB for 40% off)

But Smitha - how many pairs of socks do you really need?!  SDDad, is that you?  Yeah but teal.  And the elites are awesome.  They have enhanced calf support, targeted padding in the heel and toe and no toe seam.  Perfection.  hey also come in pink and black but THESE!  Neon Blue?  NEED!  WANT!

5.  North Drinkware California Pint ($45)

Have you heard of this company?  They use US Geological Society data and mold famous mountains form each state into the bottom of the glass.  This is Half Dome from Yosemite and is a to scale model molded into the bottom of this glass.  Pretty cool right?  So if you have a mama beer drinker in your life, this is a pretty cool pint glass to have!  Maybe keep it in mind for Father's Day.

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6.  I'm a Runner Tank Top by lucy Activewear ($29)

You know my friend Robin over at Knead to Cook?  She is an ambassador for Lucy Active and I think she is rad so I started paying close attention to lucy stuff and I am in LOVE with this tank.  The back of the tank says, "Not a Fighter."  And that bright sapphire blue goes with everything and proudly exclaims you are a runner!

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7.  Tickets to Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach

Okay, so I technically already have these as a gift from dear SDDad for Christmas but this event has been on my bucket list for so long that I can't quite believe it.  Have you ever heard of it?  It is a grand event where people act out scenes from famous paintings -  everything from the column to the animals.  Famous paintings brought to life.  I am going in July and I can't even stand it!  And it will be awesome to have a night away with just me and husband.

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8.  Banana Republic Floral Vee Dress ($178)

My sister is getting married this summer. I don't know if I told you all that before.  That means lots of events this summer.  I think this dress would be PERFECT for a shower!  Summery with the perfect coral/aqua combo in colors.  I do want to find a coupon code or get it on super sale, so let me know if you see a good BR deal, please!

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9.  Miles and Pace 26.2 Tank ($24.99)

Did you know that after 3 marathons, I STILL don't have a 26.2 sticker for my car?  So maybe I should get a sticker first before I get this tank but look how cute!  And it even comes in purple.  They have so much cute stuff.  I am crushing on their red, white and blue RUN trucksr hat too.  Go check out all their stuff!

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10.  Race Entry and Travel to Rock n' Roll Dublin (yes, Ireland!) 1/2 Marathon (priceless)

Some people want to run Boston as their dream race.  Me?  I want to travel to a country I have never been and run a race there.  What better way to see a city or a country than on foot?  13.1 miles at a time?  If someone wanted to gift me travel to Dublin, that would be amazing!  And it is on August 7 which would make it an awesome getaway for mine and SDDad's anniversary!  Any takers?

And there you have it.  My wish list for Mother's Day 2016!  I seriously have so much that any one of these items would be icing on the cake.  All I really want for Mother's Day is some quality time with my family, including my mom and a smooth move to our new house!  

What on this list caught your eye?  Anything you are desperate for this year?  Maybe comment with it below and someone is watching...

As always, I wish you Happy Feet,

SD Mom