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Monday, February 28, 2011

MY RUN Documentary -- In Theaters March 31 -- One Night Only


Save the Date ..... March 31, 2011, because that’s the day MY RUN (HERE) Sprints to 500 Movie Theaters Nationwide for ONE NIGHT ONLY Premiere Event! About a real life super hero Terry Hitchcock, who ran 75 consecutive marathons in 75 consecutive days to bring awareness to the struggles faced by single parent families and their children.

MY RUN has partnered with Lance Armstrong's LIVESTRONG with a portion of proceeds from the MY RUN screening that night going to benefit the LIVESTRONG FOUNDATION.

We’re all running a marathon one way or another in life. Whether it is staying afloat as a single working parent, battling a disease or trying to conquer life's obstacles, it all involves a fight. Join us for an unforgettable inspirational story about Terry Hitchcock who ran 75 consecutive marathons in 75 consecutive days. The 10 time award-winning and critically acclaimed documentary MY RUN narrated by Academy Award winner Billy Bob Thornton is coming to 500 movie theaters nationwide for an exclusive one night premiere event on Thursday, March 31st at 7:00pm (Local Time). Immediately following the film on screen, audiences will take a deeper look into the story through a 15 minute interview with star Terry Hitchcock and his son, support team member Chris Hitchcock.



Need some motivation as winter drags on?!?!
Getting ready to gear up for racing season?!?!
Need some incentive to sign up for that next full marathon?!?!
Dreading your next 20 mile training run?!?!?!


Get all of the updates on this fabulous documentary on Facebook (HERE). Get YOUR ticket TODAY and see what’s possible when physical endurance and the will of the human spirit unite in the award-winning documentary MY RUN. Tickets are Available (HERE).





More details are right around the corner
on Running Diva Mom!!
Stay tuned.

If you are local, there are 22 showings in Wisconsin and two of them are in Madison. If you are interested in attending, please purchase your ticket and drop me a line (running diva mom at charter dot net). Hope to see you there!




“THIS INSPIRING DOCUMENTARY SHOWS US HOW POWERFUL THE HUMAN SPIRIT IS AND HOW AFTER IMMENSE STRUGGLE COMES AN EVEN GREATER ELATION.”
Deena Kastor-- Olympic Medalist and American Record Holder

Build a Sign Car Magnet & Bumper Sticker Winners

I was recently given the opportunity to review several custom signs, bumper stickers and car magnets from Build a Sign. You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit Build a Sign online HERE and start shopping.



There were 49 entries in my recent giveaway. Nine winners were chosen at random to receive custom Running Diva Mom items!

Random.org chose ……..

Running Diva Mom Car Magnet:
S Club Mama (HERE)

Running Diva Bumper Stickers:
Laura Elaine (HERE)
Lesley from Racing it Off (HERE)
Amanda from Alone in Walt Disney World (HERE)
Alanna from Running 42km (HERE)
Kimert from Just Another Mom on the Run (HERE)
Amyuhl (no profile avail - email me!)
Maia from Reasons 2 Run (HERE)
Julie Weidner (no profile avail - email me!)

Congratulations!!! Please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) with your name, email and mailing address. And, I will get you your prize!

Thank you for following my journey!!

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) ]

Zym Electrolyte Drink Tabs Winner ...

I was recently given the opportunity to review Electrolyte Drink Tabs from Zym. You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit Zym online HERE and start shopping.


There were 103 entries in my recent giveaway. One winner was chose at random to receive an assortment of each Zym flavor.

Random.org chose ……

Kirsten from Living in a Girl's World (HERE)

Congratulations, Kirsten!!! Please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) with your name, email and mailing address. And, I will get you your prize!


Thank you for following my journey!!


[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) ]

Chobani Champions Kids Greek Yogurt Winner

I was recently given the opportunity to review Chobani Champions Kids Greek Yogurt. You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit Chobani Greek Yogurt online HERE and start shopping.


There were 108 entries in my recent giveaway. One winner was chose at random to receive an assortment of Chobani Champions Greek Yogurt.

Random.org chose ……..

Lori V from For the Run of It (HERE)

Congratulations, Lori!!! Please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) with your name, email and mailing address. And, I will get you your prize!


Thank you for following my journey!!


[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) ]

February 2011 Running Ramblings

February was my all time lowest mileage month in about a year and a half (I believe; maybe longer). I didn't reach my goal of running 100 miles this month. February is the shortest month of the year, I had strep throat and was on antibiotics, had several fevers, had a terrible cold and nasty cough for almost three weeks. But, those are excuses. When I was feeling well, I didn't push myself far (at all). Ran standard 5K's on the treadmill, with the intention of running a double again later (and didn't).

Despite my illness, lack of miles and lack of motivation this month .... February was fun! I ran with bloggers twice, did reach my second goal of running my second half marathon of the year, and I had a lot of non-running fun this month and have met a lot of great people and reconnected with a lot of old friends. I received some nice out-of-the-blue cards, emails, comments and gifts from friends; and that always brings a HUGE smile to my face.

I have also had so many FABULOUS developments in the racing world, and I can't wait to share them with you. This blog continues to be such a blessing for me. I secretly have had some other running-related opportunities that I know you will enjoy being apart of. Stay tuned. March is gonna be fun ... and the miles are going to be there!!

February: 71.6 miles
January: 110.7 miles
Total Miles for 2011: 182.3
Miles Needed to reach 1,500 Mileage Goal: 1,317.7
Longest Run: 13.1 miles

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Snowy Arborrrrrrrrretum Run

This mornign I met up with Linda again from Mom Running from Cancer (HERE). We were meeting up at the University of Wisconsin Arboretum. Brrr .... it was a chilly one and snow was expected. When we started out, it was a measily 12 degrees. I doubled up on technical tops and running tights and a running skirt.


I opted to wear a winter headband instead of a Bondi Band today, and my ears thanked me. I didn't wear the best mittens and my fingertips were freezing for the first mile. Thankfully, they warmed up one mile in! I told Linda that it was surprisingly chilly during that first mile. Had I been by myself, I probably would've turned around! Another reason to have a running buddy!

Linda and I did the 10K loop around the UW Arboretum and the Henry Vilas Zoo area. There were a few runners out this morning, but not too many. It was nice to have company on the run today, otherwise it would've been quite lonely out on the quiet road.


Linda and I experienced some fancy footwork with all of the ice on the roads and trails this week. Some spots were more difficult to maneuver than others. But, we survived and had a great time catching up! We ran 6.22 miles in just under 1:02.

After the run, we had to get our signature bloggy photos, back at the Visitor's Center .....



... Take 1 ...

... Take 2 ...

... Take 3 ...
Third time's a charm!!


Another runner that was headed out offered to snap a cute shot of us, too!!

I *heart* Linda --- She's the best!!



On my way out of the Arboretum, I spotted these feathered friends. Glad I didn't encounter them when I was on foot! They were on the road as I was passing through with the marathon mommy minivan!


After the run, I warmed up at Starbucks, again, with a Grande Skinny Caramel Latte and read a few more chapters out of Mr. Maybe, which was highly recommended by some friends.


Friday, February 25, 2011

Aurorae Yoga Mat Product Review & Giveaway

Aurorae Yoga (HERE) offers the best yoga mat in illuminating colors with a focal point icon. They sell extra long yoga mats and extra thick yoga mats as well as yoga bags, and yoga accessories. Combine this with the great, personalized customer service provided and you get the best of both worlds. Aurorae yoga company offers the best quality and services available on the internet and Amazon. This is why they have the best reviewed and the number one top rated products on Amazon.com.


Aurorae sells a variety of yoga mats and many, many yoga accessories (HERE). Many of these items would make great birthday gifts or stocking stuffers for your yogi friends and loved ones.


Aurorae yoga mats come in six fabulous colors (I especially love the shade of pink!). Each color has a fantastic name with a fantastic representation and message to suit each personality. I was sent the Aurorae Northern Lights Yoga Mat.

We loved the length of the mat. MUCH, MUCH longer than the other one that I previously owned. All three of us could fit on one mat for our light, family yoga session!

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One lucky winner will win an
Aurorae Yoga Mat
and Slip-Free Rosin Bag

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

1 – Become a follower of my blog or already are?! LEAVE ME A COMMENT

2 – Follow Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

3 – Visit the Aurorae Yoga website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Become a fan of Aurorae Yoga on Facebook HERE (and let them know Running Diva Mom sent you!). LEAVE ME A COMMENT

5 – Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

Enter now though Friday, March 5.
Winner will be announced on Saturday.

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) ]

Little Pim Spanish DVD for Kids Product Review & Giveaway

Little Pim (HERE), as seen on the Today Show was created in 2006 by Julia Pimsleur Levine, a mom who grew up bilingual and was looking for fun ways to introduce her young son to the French language. When she discovered there were no high quality videos/DVDs for teaching toddlers a foreign language, she decided to create them herself— something for which she was uniquely qualified as a filmmaker, language teacher, and mother. Pimsleur Levine was inspired in part by having grown up in the language teaching business. Her father, Dr. Paul Pimsleur, created one of the most popular and acclaimed audio teaching language methods for adults.


Pimsleur Levine created a series that delights kids as much as any purely entertainment show, and treats play and learning as seamless activities. The Little Pim DVDs and products all make language learning fun and easy for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their monolingual or bilingual parents.

Little Pim’s unique Entertainment Immersion Method leads with distinctive fun and high quality, and provides total immersion in the language. The method uses proven repetition techniques that help children retain the new vocabulary.

Little Pim is the most comprehensive series available today for introducing a foreign language to young children between the ages of zero and five. The series has won ten awards, including iParenting, Mom’s Best, Creative Child and Mr. Dad.

Languages available:
French
Spanish
Chinese
English
Russian
Japanese
Italian
Hebrew
German
Arabic


The Little Pim series uses the Entertainment Immersion Method™, which engages a child’s natural love of play, watching real kids and learning through repetition. Children get very attached to the lovable cartoon panda bear, Little Pim, who is the series “teacher.” He invites young viewers to join him in his playful antics as they learn the language along with real children enjoying everyday activities, such as playing, eating, waking and napping.

The entire DVD is spoken by native speakers, and words are presented and repeated at regular intervals. Each Little Pim DVD focuses on sixty words and phrases typically acquired in a toddler’s primary language, providing the essential building blocks for language acquisition.

Little Pim DVDs are designed and paced for developing minds. Young children respond enthusiastically to Little Pim’s format, a combination of animation and live action. Babies respond to black and white, therefore the panda captures the attention of even the youngest viewers. Each 35-minute DVD is segmented into seven 5-minute episodes to accommodate a young child’s attention span and encourage pausing for parent interaction. Simple sentences are broken down into easy-to-understand parts, and reinforced through repetition.

We encourage you to watch Little Pim with your little one and repeat the words together – it’s fun for kids and adults! The more you interact with the language, the easier the lessons become and the more your child will learn. You do not need to know the language your child is learning to watch with them; we have provided optional English subtitles (select SUBTITLES in the start up menu) so you can easily follow along.

At first, my kids were frustrated, because they obviously didn't know the language (beyond counting and a few basic words), but once they realized there was repetition and that they were learning something, they really started enjoying the DVD. Learning is fun, right?! The DVD is intended for children 0-5 yrs, which Little Diva immediately noted was much too junior for her. She worried it was for "babies". But, once I got her interested in learning the language, and showed her that it was for just about anyone, she enjoyed it. It's perfect for school age children, too.


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One lucky winner will win a
Little Pim DVD
(language of their choice)

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

1 – Become a follower of my blog or already are?! LEAVE ME A COMMENT

2 – Follow Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

3 – Visit the Little Pim website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Become a fan of Little Pim on Facebook HERE (and let them know Running Diva Mom sent you!). LEAVE ME A COMMENT

5 – Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

Enter now though Friday, March 5.
Winner will be announced on Saturday.

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) ]

Yoga by the Dozen DVD Review & Giveaway

Who doesn't enjoy getting their kids active and involved in their healthy lifestyle? Incorporate them into your fitness routine and you're instantly multi-tasking .... teaching them to be healthy and active ... and you are getting your workout in along side your little ones.

Get your munchkins excited about yoga with Yoga by the Dozen (HERE). Instead of popping in the latest Pixar film this Friday night, we opted to put on our Bondi Bands and do some yoga together. The kids and I really enjoyed it. My kids enjoyed all of the kid-friendly names that JoAnna had for the positions and how it was seriously made FUN! And, they liked being able to act silly at times, too. The loved seeing all the other children sitting around in a circle doing the same moves and having fun doing it. The DVD didn't hold their attention the entire time (what typically does?!), but they kept coming back for some more fun!


About Yoga by the Dozen:

Discover an exercise that fosters respect, coordination, and self-confidence for kids! It's Yoga, of course! Children are natural yogis because of their "in the moment attitude". Yoga nourishes their mind, body and spirit and paves the way for a life-long tradition of health and fitness.



"Yoga By The Dozen" DVD is a fun, interactive children's yoga video, designed especially for kids ages 2-6. JoAnna and her 12 friends demonstrate a 'dozen' fundamental poses that will introduce your children into the exciting world of Yoga.


Key Benefits:
* Increased cognitive and motor skills
* Confidence, courage and self-esteem
* Balance and coordination
* Memory retention and concentration
* Nurture creativity and self-expression
* Respect for themselves and each other


Little Diva and Little Dude;
getting their "Ohmmmm" on!

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One lucky winner will win a copy of
Yoga by the Dozen
on DVD

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

1 – Become a follower of my blog or already are?! LEAVE ME A COMMENT

2 – Follow Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

3 – Visit the Yoga by the Dozen website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Become a fan of Yoga by the Dozen on Facebook HERE (and let them know Running Diva Mom sent you!). LEAVE ME A COMMENT

5 – Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

Enter now though Friday, March 5.
Winner will be announced on Saturday.

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) ]

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Zym Electrolyte Drink Tabs Product Review & Giveaway

I was given the opportunity to try a fun, new way to hydrate. I had spotted Zym Electrolyte Drink Tabs (HERE) at various running and multisport expos last year. Zym gave me the chance to try these out their tabs on some of my training runs.

About ZYM Electrolyte Drink Tabs (as taken from their website):

ZYM is the fuel that hydrates athletes on-the-go. Available in lemon-lime and berry flavors, ZYM is a small tablet that quickly dissolves in water, giving you a portable and powerful way to replenish lost electrolytes. Great for runners, cyclists and high-performance athletes that need quick, effective hydration, ZYM delivers the essentials your body needs to keep moving.

THE ADVANTAGE

The formulas we design for endurance athletes sets ZYM apart from other sports drinks. ZYM's blend of electrolytes, B Vitamins and other elements make it effective against muscle burn and dehydration while leaving out the excess sugar. This provides athletes with fresh legs, natural energy and more endurance so they can perform their best.

1 Drop It
Drop one ZYM tablet in 16-20 oz of water. ZYM is made for a reusable water bottle.
2 Dissolve It
Let it fizz for a minute or two. Add ice.
3 Down It
Drink before and during your event.

Perform at the highest level with ZYM portable electrolyte tablets. Just drop it in your water bottle and you have a great-tasting, electrolyte and vitamin-rich drink to give you a healthy, long-lasting boost. ZYM conveniently comes in 30, 60 or 120-tablet tubes or in individually wrapped 20 tablet packages. ZYM Endurance Formula tablets contain Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Vitamin C and B Vitamins for added stamina, mental clarity, cramp prevention and more! ZYM Catapult is loaded with electrolyte rich energy. It is formulated with guarana, a natural stimulant to combat fatigue along with Vitamin B12, Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin C.

I dropped a tablet of the Zym Catapult Berry in my Fuel Belt Handheld water bottle on my half marathon last week. I typically don't like berry flavored sports drinks, but this was SUPER tasty and VERY refreshing. The taste was light and fruity, but not sugary tasting. I enjoyed it much more than drinking the standard sports drinks on the market. And, it was super refreshing since I was so sick last week. Sipping on my Zym for more than two hours really helped keep me hydrated and kept my coughing at a minimum after a few miles. I was really battling something. These version contains only four calories, too. Bonus!

ZYM Catapult Berry effervescent tablets
ZYM Catapult formula has a berry flavor and is designed to replenish electrolytes with an energy boost. The formula is infused with guaraná (100 mg of caffeine); a natural stimulant to maintain stamina and combat fatigue.

Product Features:
• No sugar_ clean finish
• Electrolytes_ hydrates + prevents cramps
• 100mg of caffeine_ energy boost
• Vitamin B12_ helps prevent the caffeine jitters
• 10 servings (1 per 16oz of water)
• Calories: 4
• Carbs: 0g
• Sugars 0g

I also tried the Zym Endurance Lemon-Lime flavor. It worked well for me, but I'm not a huge fan of lemon-lime sports drinks. Just being honest. Performance was great, but I just didn't enjoy the flavor. Would have preferred the orange, which I didn't have a chance to try. If you like lemon-lime sports drinks, you will most likely like these tablets.

ZYM Endurance Lemon-Lime effervescent tablets
ZYM Endurance formula has a light lemon-lime flavor and is designed to combat fatigue, muscle cramps and lactic acid build-up. This provides athletes with fresh legs, natural energy and higher endurance.

Product Features:
• Only 1 gram of sugar_ low calories low carbs
• Electrolytes_ hydrates + prevents cramps
• Vitamin B6_ helps in oxygen production for your muscles
• Carbonates_ soothes stomach
• Clean finish_ no after-taste
10 servings (1 per 16oz of water)
• Calories: 7
• Carbs: 1g
• Sugars: 1g

ZYM Rival Orange effervescent tablets
ZYM Rival formula has a light orange flavor and is designed to combat fatigue, muscle cramps and lactic acid build-up. This provides athletes with fresh legs, natural energy and higher endurance.

Product Features:
• No sugar_ all natural stevia
• Electrolytes_ helps in oxygen production for your muscles
• Electrolytes_ hydrates + prevents cramps
• Clean finish_ no after-taste
10 servings (1 per 16oz of water)
• Calories: 7
• Carbs: 0g
• Sugars: 0g


******************************

One lucky winner will win
an assortment of each
Zym flavor

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

1 – Become a follower of my blog or already are?! LEAVE ME A COMMENT

2 – Follow Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

3 – Visit the Zym website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

Enter now though Sunday, February 27.
Winner will be announced on Monday
[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) ]

Chobani Champions Kids Greek Yogurt Product Review & Giveaway

I had reviewed Chobani Greek Yogurt (HERE) awhile back and have been hooked ever since. I love the stuff! It's my favorite go-to treat all day long. When Emily from Chobani alerted me that they'd be coming out with a new line of kids greek yogurt in early-2011, I was so excited to have the opportunity to have the kids and I review it.



Chobani Champions (
HERE) is THE very first greek yogurt made just for kids!! The kids line of yogurt was even creamier than the regular greek yogurt line. The texture was super smooth. Different than any other yogurt we've tried. The small containers were a perfect portion size for my Little Dude and Little Diva. The yogurts are great for breakfast, sack lunches, after school snacks, car/road trips or packing in the diaper bag.

Little Diva was a little
overly eager to try the Very Berry Flavor!

The very berry and honey-nana flavors are absolutely delish! And, they are suited for kids' taste buds. I loved them, too.

Little Dude was complaining,
because he wanted .... MORE Chobani Champions!


The Story of Chobani Champions (as taken from their website):

Call us proud parents if you want, because everyone here at Chobani is excited to introduce you to Chobani Champions, the first Greek yogurt made for kids! The idea for Chobani Champions sprouted during a beautiful day of fun at the Great Children’s Read, an awesome kids event held annually in New York City. During the event, a CHO team member, Buddy Dean, fondly referred to the kids stopping by our booth as “Champs.” “Here you go Champ,” Buddy Dean would say, “Try some Chobani. You’re going to love it!” Hence the birth of Chobani Champions, beloved offspring of Chobani Greek Yogurt. Since then, we’ve worked tirelessly on Chobani Champions until it was perfect. That’s because we wouldn’t dare serve it to your kids, until it was good enough for our kids:

•100% natural
•No synthetic growth hormones, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners
•Packed with protein
•An excellent source of vitamin D
•A good source of bone-building calcium
•Five live and active cultures, including three strains of probiotics
•Gluten-free and Kosher certified
•Free of nut, soy, wheat, and shellfish allergens
•Two kid-friendly, blended flavors (VerryBerry and Honey-nana)

You NEED to check out this fabulous "Yogurt Face" video on You Tube (HERE). My munchkins and I have had a blast watching this video dozens of times over the past few months. This little girls version of Lady Gaga's tune is more than entertaining!!


******************************

One lucky winner will win
an assortment of
Chobani Champions



Kids Greek Yogurt

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

1 – Become a follower of my blog or already are?! LEAVE ME A COMMENT

2 – Follow Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

3 – Visit the Chobani website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Become a fan of Chobani on Facebook HERE (and let them know Running Diva Mom sent you!). LEAVE ME A COMMENT

5 – Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

Enter now though Sunday, February 27.
Winner will be announced on Monday.

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) ]

Clif Bar Assortment Winner ....

I was recently given the opportunity to review an assortment of bars, Roks, Blocks and Shots from Clif Bar. You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit Clif Bar online HERE and start shopping.


There were 269 entries in my recent giveaway. One winner was chose at random to receive an assortment of Clif Bar Products.

Random.org chose ……..

Jess @ Blonde Pony Tail (HERE)

Congratulations, Jess!!! Please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) with your name, email and mailing address. And, I will get you your prize!

Thank you for following my journey!!

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) ]

Sugar Plum Fairy Bows $20 Gift Certificate Winner

I was recently given the opportunity to review a Personalized High Heel Shoe Applique Shirt with Leopard Print from Sugary Plum Fairy Bows Etsy Shop. You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit Sugar Plum Fairy Bows Etsy Shop HERE and start shopping.



There were 36 entries in my recent giveaway. One winner was chose at random to receive a $20 gift certificate to Sugar Plum Fairy Bows Etsy Shop.
Random.org chose ……..

The Jogger Blogger (HERE)

Congratulations, Jogger Blogger!! Please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) with your name, email and mailing address. And, I will get you your prize!


Thank you for following my journey!!


[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) ]

Mix One All-Natural Protein Shake Winner ...

I was recently given the opportunity to review all-natural protein shakes from Mix One. You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit Mix One online HERE and start shopping.


There were 147 entries in my recent giveaway. One winner was chose at random to receive an assorted case of Mix One all natural protein shakes.

Random.org chose ……..

Pink Hat Runner (HERE)

Congratulations, Pink Hat Runner!!! Please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) with your name, email and mailing address. And, I will get you your prize!


Thank you for following my journey!!


[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) ]

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Build a Sign Product Review & Giveaway

I was recently contacted by the sweet Megan from Build a Sign (HERE), to create some custom Running Diva Mom items, to support my blog and journey. Since I love personalization, I jumped at the opportunity. And, Megan seems really excited about what Build a Sign does. The opportunities are endless with their super functional website. And, they were happy to make everything pink for me, too!

Megan created a single sided 18" x 24" sign for Little Diva to hold up at my organized events this year. The corrugated plastic custom sign (HERE) is sure to be a hit at one of my twelve half marathons this year!

I am also excited about personalizing my new home gym, in my new place, with lots of pink and lots of unique finds. This personalized Mom's Gym parking sign (HERE) will look perfect hanging up next to my treadmill!
I also received an assortment of pink Running Diva bumper stickers (HERE) and Running Diva Mom bumper magnets (HERE). These will be a great addition to the pink running decals that are already decorating the marathon mommy minivan.


Whether you are looking to sell your house, hosting a birthday party or campaigning for office, Build a Sign can make just about anything for you. You name it .... literally! Create something special for your kids to hold up during those last miles of the big event you are training for. Create something awesome for your home gym or kids' bedroom. Design some unique bumper stickers to advertise your home business.

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8 lucky winners will win Running Diva Bumper Stickers
1 lucky winner will win a Running Diva Mom Car Magnet


PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

1 – Become a follower of my blog or already are?! LEAVE ME A COMMENT

2 – Follow Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

3 – Visit the Build a Sign website HERE and tell me what you think you would CREATE. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

Enter now though Thursday, February 24.
Winner will be announced on Friday.

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) ]

Happy Belated Valentine's Day

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day earlier this week. I apologize for not posting or sharing in the excitement earlier this week. I've been a little side-tracked with that flu bug I've been battling since Super Bowl Sunday. Eventually, I caved in and went to urgent care to find out I had a fever again and strep throat ..... very attractive accessory they made me wear, huh?! .....


It really makes me realize that I do have to take care of myself and need to do what's needed to make myself STRONG and healthy. I've now missed a lot of work and missed out on three days of running again this week, and one hundred miles for February just doesn't seem feasible. It is what it is. There is always next month. I will not be absent from running, but the volume of miles, and time, just simply isn't there. I don't want to prolong getting myself healthy. And, I don't want to injure myself either. After all, I have another half marathon to run in March!

Even though I didn't have a VALENTINE this year, I did receive some awesome gifts from my wonderful parents. I also enjoyed all of the nice texts, email messages, and cards I received from my supportive friends and co-workers.


Did I mention .... I also have some of the bestest bloggy friends as well. The ever-so-beautiful Miss Katye from Long Legs on the Loose (HERE) was so sweet to try and cheer me up this February 14th with this pink technical Valentine's Day tee from Brooks. Isn't this perfect?! I love all of the little running and lovey-dovey images on it. This totally did cheer me up! As, did the leopard print duct tape Katye used on the packaging!!


In honor of Valentine's Day, I also received this beautiful LIVE INSPIRED bracelet from the sweet and generous Miss Linda from Mom Running from Cancer (HERE), a local blogger. I am so fortunate to have such an amazing person like her in my life. She's always sending emails, cards, and thoughtful items my way to cheer me up.

What made your
Valentine's Day
so special?!
Did you incorporate an active lifestyle
into your special day?

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Half Marathon #2 of 2011 Report - February

After being sick all week, I was honestly kind of dreading the self-inflicted half marathon that I had scheduled for myself this weekend. I had scheduled my second half marathon of the year for this morning and the weather couldn't have been more beautiful. And the company couldn't have been much better either .....


My blogging buddies, Linda from Mom Running From Cancer (HERE) and Kerri from Tutu Runner (HERE) met up with me at 10:00 on this sunny, Sunday morning to join me for half of my half marathon journey. We met up at Machinery Row on Lake Monona. We made a pit stop at Linda's office before heading out on a 10K-ish out-and-back loop past Lake Monona.



Temperatures were in the upper-40's today and it felt awesome to get off of the treadmill! A lot of snow fell over the past couple of weeks and it wasn't melting anytime soon. Luckily though, much of the path was melted. We didn't have to worry about slipping, but there were plenty of puddles to dodge.

There were a lot of runners and even cyclists out on the path today. The cold I've been battling was bothering me for the first couple of miles. I was coughing a lot and struggling with wheezing. But, after I found my groove and a rhythm to my breathing I felt comfortable and was enjoying myself.

Kerri is a run/walker and we listened to her Garmin when it beeped after eight minutes of running. We would then walk for two minutes. This was routine new to me, and I liked it. My lungs liked it too. And, I think that this is why I was able to finish the run, after enduring this cold all week.


A couple of miles into our run, Kerri said "Hey Jamie, there is your dream house!". Since I'm in the market for a new place right now, I was wondering what she found .... until I looked over and saw this beauty ......


Seriously, how could I not stop and take a picture (or two) with this cotton candy-colored beauty of a home!?!


We turned around after we hit the 5K (3.1 mile) mark and headed back towards the lake. There was a beautiful, sunny view of the Monona Terrace, the Capitol and downtown Madison. A lot of people were out on the frozen lake, enjoying the beautiful day.


This run was not about being fast ... it was about having fun! I really enjoyed bring my camera along and documenting our journey and the beautiful day. Kerri and I were a little camera happy, too!! Can you tell?!



Fancy Footwork


We completed 6.5 miles in about 1:09. We exchanged some smiles and some hugs. But, not before Linda gave Kerri and I some very special Valentine's Day gifts. She gave us each a unique bracelet. Kerri's said PEACE and mine said LIVE INSPIRED. Bloggy friends are the BEST! Thank you, Miss Linda!


After the girls left, and I removed some layers and I headed back out to repeat the 10K loop on my own. I ran about 25 minutes before my lungs started bothering me and I started hacking again. I stopped to walk and then continued and stopped briefly again two more times. My legs started getting heavy after the ten mile mark and I pushed my way back to the Monona Terrace. Since I don't own a Garmin, I added on an extra five minutes of running around the Machinery Row area for good measure.

I ended my 13.1(ish) mile journey in 2:19:08. Again, not fast ... but seriously fun!



Today's after-workout glow

My favorite post-run indulgence (aka addiction)


After my run, I drove to the nearest Starbuck's to indulge in a Grande Skinny Caramel Latte, update my Facebook status and enjoy some good reads from my local library.