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Friday, March 24, 2017

8 Things Not To Forget Before Running Your First Half Marathon

The half marathon is my absolute favorite distance.  It’s a journey of a lifetime and an attainable distance without too much training and time away from family.  Yet you really feel like you’ve made a strong commitment to yourself and the sport.

Here are eight things you shouldn’t forget to do before running your first half marathon.  You’re running 13.1 miles!  Don’t forget – that last .1 miles is the most difficult.  Always save a little something for that last minute or so – enough energy to smile as you sprint across the finish line – and pretend like you aren’t miserable.
 
Drive the course.  Running or driving the course before a race is really helpful.  It allows you to carefully plan where you are going to invest your energy. You will be aware of the hills and terrain along the route.  It also helps you plan where family and friends can spectate and park along the course.

Pack the nail clippers.  Don’t forget to trim your toenails.  Keep them nice and short, but don’t trim them too short.  Related to this – DON’T get a pedicure in the week or two leading up to your race.  The technician may just scrape off your calluses you’ve been working so hard or irritate a blister.  Don’t learn this the wrong way and save this pampering session until AFTER your race.  Reward yourself.

Brown bag it.  If your half marathon is not scheduled in your home town, always pack your own breakfast.  Many runners are creatures of habit and routine.  We repeat a lot of the same habits – and our breakfast fueling routine seems no different.  I always pack my English muffin, peanut butter and greek yogurt for race day.  I stay away from the hotel’s continental breakfast (which is usually not even open before a race anyway) or refrain from stopping at a convenience story.  You want to get your stomach set out correctly at the start line and fill fueled the best you can.  The only thing I grab from the hotel is my morning cup of coffee.

Lube up.  Body glide, Vaseline or whatever your choice of lubrication is – use it.  Use it between your legs, under your arms and under your bra line – all the way around.  You may be surprised where you rub and find friction during a race. 

Wear the shirt tomorrow.  Don’t wear anything new for your race – including the race shirt.  No matter how much you like it or how proud you are of it, just put it in your gear check bag or suitcase and wear it tomorrow.  You never want to try anything new on race day.  Just wear what’s proven it works, doesn’t chafe or fall-down.

Fill up.  Even though water and sports drink are offered on the race course, always bring your own handheld water bottle or hydration belt that you’ve trained with.  You will be grateful that you have these comforts with you at all times during the race.  You can always (and will) refill your bottles at the water stations.  And you can use them to store your nutrition items, like gels, chews and gum.

Bring extra.  I always suggest that runners take a gel or chew at the start line and then follow up with another at miles five and ten.  But, always bring an extra (fourth) packet with you for a half marathon event.  I also suggest not trying the gels that are offered on the race course.  Just like your clothing, you never want to try anything new on race day.

You can never pack too many shoes, right?  Pack flip-flops and an extra pair of running shoes to wear after your race.  You may have blisters, toenail problems or have wet and sweaty shoes.  You want to be prepared and comfortable for the walk back to your vehicle and the ride home.

8 Ways to Spring Clean Your Run

Don’t you just love that feeling of newness each spring?  You feel refreshed opening up the windows and stepping outdoors.  It’s a whole new world of possibility and a fresh start each time it happens.  You may be giving your home a deep cleaning, cleaning out the garage or donating items from your closet.  But you should also think about spring cleaning your active lifestyle, too.  This is a great time to spring clean your running adventures.  Here are eight ideas for spring cleaning your run.


New shoes.  You’ve heard it before – running shoes only last for 300-600 miles per pair.  This goes for running or walking.  Have you been hitting the gym all winter and pounding miles out on the treadmill?  Even if you’ve taken a hiatus over the winter, try to recall how much running you did with your shoes last fall and calculate when they are due.  If you are running or walking 25 miles per week, you should be investing in new shoes every three to six months.

Go through the sock drawer.  Just like running shoes, your socks wear down.  While you are cleaning out the rest of your wardrobe, this is a great opportunity to go through your sock drawer and clear out any worn-out socks.  Heals and toes ten do get worn down and thin.  You may even notice a hole or two.  Toss them and keep yourself blister-free.

Update your playlist.  Plug in that ipod and refresh your playlist.  Add a few of your new favorite hits and add a few oldies that “bring you back”.  A half dozen new running tunes will quickly motivate you over a two mile run.

Explore more.  Did that same 5K loop around your neighborhood get old last year?  Try out some new trails and routes.  Drive to a local park or trail head.  Run your route backwards.  Exploring somewhere new on foot can be super exciting and help time pass by.

Make a plan.  Feeling a little lost after the winter?  If you’re not sure where to start or how quickly to ramp up your mileage, hire a running coach for guidance and accountability.  Having a plan and built-in accountability partner can keep your momentum going and give you a goal to work towards.

Get charged up.  Has your watch or ipod been collecting dust over the winter?  Make sure your gear is all charged-up and functioning properly.  Get back into the routine of charging your gear after your run and making sure you are ready to head out the door the next time you have a run on your schedule.  Keep a station ready with your gear, water bottle, gum, nutrition and other running essentials.

Invest in some quality water-resistant, water-proof and wind-proof running gear.  The springtime weather can be pretty unpredictable.  You can pretty much run in any kind of weather if you have the right gear.  Dress in layers and make sure that you have an outer layer appropriate for rain or wind, if weather isn’t ideal conditions.

Protect yourself.  Even if the temperature isn’t scorching, make sure that you protect your skin.  By wearing sunblock and a hat or visor, you will protect your pretty face from the UV rays you encounter on that next long run.

Friday, March 17, 2017

FUNDRAISER - Virtual Run/Walk - March 25-26

FUNDRAISER - VIRTUAL FUN RUN for Mike Kersten's Service Dog
 
My high school classmate, Mike Kersten, was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease at the young age of thirty-three. With two young children, Mike has battled this disease for the past several years.
...
Mike is currently raising funds for a service dog to help his battle with safety and mobility, medication dosage and depression.
 
100% of the funds raised from this virtual fun run will be donated directly to Mike Kersten for his service dog, training and expenses.
 
On March 25-26, individuals may run their own virtual 5K run/walk or a family may participate in a one mile fun run/walk. Participants will be invited to participate via a private Facebook page to share their tribute run/walk, photos and stories about Mike. Participants will receive a private event Facebook invitation from Running Diva Mom during the week of the fun run/walk.
 
I look forward to sharing your gift with Mike, and reconnecting with him after 20 years, at the Parkinson's Half Marathon in Cottage Grove on Saturday, April 1.
 
You may read Mike Kersten's story on his Go Fund Me page. Please share if you are so inclined.
REGISTRATION is only $10 per person.
 

LulaRoe Jessica Lobner - Jordan Athletic Leggings Review

I finally had my first LuLaRoe experience. Instead of their basic leggings, I took a pair of Jordan athletic leggings for a long run. I tried the longer version since it was a frigid afternoon for the 9 miles I had planned.



My stylist, Lularoe Jessica Lobner sent me this fun pair. I liked how the pattern lined my long legs (making them look longer), instead of being one loud fabric. The fabric was extremely soft and the tights were thick enough to keep out the cold breeze,... yet kept me cool and comfortable. The moisture-wicking fabric was similar to any of the store brands. It draws the sweat away from your body and keeps your skin dry and prevents chaffing.


I typically wear a size 8 or a size medium bottom. These mediums seemed more snug in the legs and a bit tighter in my waistline. They didn't give very much (not quite as stretchy as some of the brands I've tried). If I purchased another pair, I would probably go up a size. They seemed a little low on my hips. Once I got moving and perspired a bit, they stopped falling down and were comfortable. I think it was just a size issue. I've tried dozens of different brands of leggings and these rank in my top five .... for both fashion and function. I just need to find the right fit.

I loved the fabric - the feel and the function of the soft fabric. As the tag says - they are "simply comfortable".

Check out Lularoe Jessica Lobner for daily outfit postings and pop-up parties. Jessica puts together some really fun outfits for busy moms, female professionals and active athletes.

Inspiration for Runners

This collection of quotes and sayings has provided me with much motivation and inspiration over the years.  I hope that these words inspire you to move a little more today.  Or move forward with a change or important decision in your life.
 





Friday, March 3, 2017

You've Got This! Running Playlist

Calabria 2007 (Club Mix) - Enur 6:30
DJ Turn It Up - Yellow Claw  3:32 
Don't (Don Diablo Remix) - Ed Sheeran  4:10
Pillz (feat. Green Velvet) - Flosstradamus   & Yellow Claw  3:43
Techno (feat. Waka Flocka Flame) - Yellow   Claw, Diplo & LNY TNZ 3:28
Hold My Hand (Feenixpawl Extended Mix) -   Jess Glynne  5:06
Sail (Unlimited Gravity Remix) -   AWOLNATION  5:51
Freaks (feat. Savage) - Timmy Trumpet  2:41
Assets (feat. The Kemist)  - Yellow Claw   & Tropkillaz  3:19
Fade - Kanye West  3:14

Duration:  approximately 40 mins


LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE Series - April 1-June 24

Are you wanting a more balanced and organized life? Do you find you’re wanting more time for yourself and your passions? Would you like to get active and live a healthy lifestyle? I want to help you get more out of life.
I’m currently enrolling clients for my newest series, LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE. This twelve week transformation series will run April 1 through June 24. All sessions are private and customized to each client.
What you’ll receive:
- One hour goal setting & planning session
- Weekly accountability check-ins and support for twelve weeks
- Two one hour follow-up sessions (over coffee, run/walk or in your home to work on projects)
- Twelve week wellness calendar designed around your life to work on your health, wellness and personal lifestyle goals
- Optional private weekly weigh-ins
What we will work on together:
- How to say “no” and give up unnecessary commitments
- Allowing yourself to say “yes” to the things that bring joy into your life
- Clearing clutter and getting your life, home and schedule organized
- Making time for yourself and your passions
- Pursuing an active and healthy lifestyle
- Meal planning for your family
If this sounds like something you'd like to work on together, please send me a message to runningdivamom@yahoo.com.
 
 
 

April Weightloss Accountability Group - $100 CASH PRIZE!

April Weightloss Accountability Group with Running Diva Mom
* $100 CASH PRIZE *
April 1 - 29, 2017
Lose 5-10 lbs & move every day in April
Investment in yourself:  $30
Run, Walk and Run/Walk training options available!
 
•Four week calendar with run/walk training program, core workouts and wellness challenges to be completed on your own
•Weekly private individual weigh-ins virtually with your coach
•Daily group fitness check-ins with your coach
•Weightloss tips, motivation and recipes each week
•Private Facebook group for motivation
Participant with the highest percentage of weightloss will receive a $100 cash prize!
If you would like to avoid the Eventbrite fee, please email me at runningdivamom@yahoo.com to pay by cash or check.

REGISTER
 

Thursday, March 2, 2017

NO MOM GUILT kids yoga + mom run/walk

Moms will have absolutely no "mom guilt" when they drop their child off for a fun, themed children's yoga class at Baby Flexible. Children ages 4-9 years will learn to stretch and relax in a fun atmosphere, while mom will complete an outdoor group run, walk and stretching with Running Diva Mom in downtown Sun Prairie. Absolutely no experience is necessary for mom or child. These sessions are limited to ten pairs.


Royal Treatment YogaThursday, March 23, 6:00-6:45 pm
Children should wear their best princess, prince or knight costumes; class will focus on fairytale storylines and fancy movements
 
Super Hero YogaThursday, April 6, 6:00-6:45 pm
Children should dress up as their favorite super hero; class will focus on super hero movements and poses