Running Diva Mom

Monday, April 7, 2014

Wisconsin wins with low fat chocolate milk

Did you know that a tall glass of white or chocolate milk contains 30% of your daily Calcium and 25% of your Vitamin D requirements. Pair that up with Phosphorus, Riboflavin, Protein, Vitamin B-12, Potassium, Vitamin A, Niacin and Vitamin C, you have a glass full of nutrients for the entire family. A glass of chocolate milk contains 135 calories. While a glass of white milk contains just 85 calories. Wisconsin Milk's nine essential nutrients can make your kids grow up healthy and strong - and you parents will benefit, too. Why not set a good example at the dinner table tonight and serve up a glass of milk with your family's meal.

Wisconsin chocolate milk is also a fantastic way to refuel after your workouts - with a perfect combination of protein and carbs to aid in muscle fiber recovery. The electrolytes will also help refuel what sweat you lost during that fantastic workout. Stock up on a couple of bottles of cold chocolate milk and keep them in the fridge for when you return home after your next long run. Why not stash a few bottles in a small cooler the next time you meet your running buddies for a training run. You can enjoy cold Wisconsin chocolate milk while you are doing your post-run stretching. Your friends will appreciate the miles you shared together and the benefits from refueling with chocolate milk.

John Dettmann, Director of Strength and Conditioning at the University of Wisconsin, is just one of many athletic professionals who have seen the direct impact that chocolate milk can have on an athlete's performance. Check out the video.

http://www.eatwisconsincheese.com/wisconsin/other_dairy/milk/WinWithChocolateMilk.aspx

Little Dude and Little Diva have been all over the hype about Wisconsin Chocolate Milk (HERE). Little Dude has always been a great milk drinker. He loves his white milk with each meal. Little Diva has not been as enthusiastic about it, but she is trying to learn to love it just as much as her little brother. When comparing milk to the juice box, milk contains 30% of your daily calcium, while a juice box only contains 2% of the daily requirement. Milk also contains double the amount of Vitamin C as that juice box in your refrigerator.

I'm looking forward to wiping the sweat off of my face with these fun Refuel with Chocolate Milk towels. The kids also are enjoying their Wisconsin Milk cows. The pink glasses were a nice touch, too.

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Two Lucky Winners will Receive a
Win with Chocolate Milk T-Shirt
(Sizes Small and Medium available)
(US ONLY)

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 Wisconsin Dairy website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Become a fan of Wisconsin Dairy 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 (@RunningDivaMom @WisconsinCheese #RunningDivaMom) account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

Enter now though April 14.

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

No sleeping in.

Yesterday was Sunday. The kids weren't with me this weekend. I could've slept in and enjoyed my comfy bed. But, I didn't. We set the alarm for 7:00 am - heck, that's sleeping in anyway, right?! I hopped out of bed, got dressed and enjoyed my morning cup of coffee and some oatmeal. Then we headed out to the Glacial Drumlin Trailhead in Cottage Grove. It's worth the 15 minute drive. It's one of my top three places to run (I seem to change which trail is my favorite on a daily basis!). We were on the trail by 8:00 am.

I ran with my tunes on low and hubby went sans tunes. We ran out to the five mile marker and turned around and ran back to the trailhead. We were pretty consistently clocking 9:40-9:50 pace and the temperature was in the low-40's with a slight breeze. I was feeling comfortable. We saw a lot of bikes. But, we saw absolutely no runners until the last few miles. I had a feeling the trail was going to be jam packed later in the day, as the temps rose. I always feel like I am a part of something AMAZING, when I run into other runners and pairs of runners out on my routes. There is something about that friendly wave and nod of the head that makes me feel like I am a part of something special ... because it is.

Last two miles were extremely fast - and emotional - for me. They clocked in at more than a minute faster than the first eight miles. I cranked my tunes and focused on my breathing and not my legs. I got into a rhythm and "danced" to my tunes as I could see the trailhead over the horizon. The last two miles clocked in at 8:43 and 8:37, even with that crazy hill at the end of the trail. I felt emotional as tears came to my eyes a few times. When I'm in the zone, I'm in the zone - and I feel it - everywhere ... mind, body, heart.

We got to the trailhead and I think I had a huge smile on my face. I needed that run - for myself, my sanity and my confidence. We will be running a half marathon at the same location in two weeks. I can't wait. After some stretching at the picnic table, we stopped at the cute coffee shop at the trailhead and enjoyed some coffee to go. I love me some non-fat chai latte. Heck, my Garmin said that I burned close to 1,200 calories.

Friday, April 4, 2014

My own bobble head!

I got home from coaching the other night, and my wonderful husband surprised me with this custom Running Diva Mom bobble head. I am still in shock. He sent them some photos, color schemes - and BAM - there I am! Unfortunately, Bondi Bands were not an option!! I can't wait until the kids see her!

Giveaway Winners ...

I was recently given the opportunity to review several products for active families. You can read all about my fabulous experiences at the link below. Please visit their websites below and start shopping.

One winner was chose at random to receive the following items. Random.org chose ……..

Running Luv Towel
RDM Review: HERE
Company Website: HERE

Winner: Breanna S HERE

Rocktape
RDM Review: HERE
Company Website: HERE
Winner: CL HERE

Thirty 48 Socks
RDM Review: HERE
Company Website: HERE
Winner: Katie M HERE

OrthoLite Insoles
RDM Review: HERE
Company Website: HERE
Winner: Darlene HERE

Congratulations!!! Please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) 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, event or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) ]

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

50% off Custom Training Programs - TODAY ONLY

THIS IS NO APRIL FOOL'S JOKE!

Running Diva Mom CUSTOM TRAINING PROGRAMS ARE 50% OFF TODAY ONLY!

Use discount code "RDMAPR1" at checkout - http://tinyurl.com/lbrnu8k

Thru 11:59 PM 4/1/2014

Valid for any distance - 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Somewhere in the middle

When I started running nine years ago, I never knew where my size ten running shoes would take me. I thought a couple of 5Ks, maybe a half. But, I never imagined that I would be a seven time marathoner, completed more than 45 half marathons and am now coaching hundreds of others in my community to complete their first 5K.

I think when people hear that I am a marathon runner and now a running coach (ahem!), that everyone automatically thinks I am fast - or am supposed to be fast. I am not. I am an average person. I am an average runner. I run an average pace. But, I don't run an average race. Every race course is a journey and a new experience for me. I'm a runner with a big heart and a lot of determination. I think that most of us in the middle of the pack would agree.

I never win races, nor do I aspire to do so. I rarely win an age group award at a small local race. I'm somewhere in the top 30-40% of most races I complete. Sometimes further ahead. Sometimes further behind. Just like everyone, it depends on the day.

I run on a consistent basis. But, I don't train on a consistent basis. Make sense? When I was introduced to running I never had an exercise routine under my belt. Running has changed that for me and led me to knew activities too. It's been an extreme constant in my life and for that I am grateful.

I like being a middle-of-the-packer. I've met some of the most fabulous people out on the race course - smack dab in the middle of a race. Feeling confident one minute and then struggling the next, pushing each other to get up another hill or around the corner to the finish line.

It's not my speed that makes me a great runner. It's my commitment and determination. I'm not out there to win. I'm out there to finish. I run in the middle of the pack.

Run your race. Run your pace.

Running Luv Towel Review & Giveaway

Running Luv (HERE) sent me one of their towels to review. These handy dandy towels are a great idea for wiping sweat off of your brow or blotting your nose. I've had so many clients carrying tissues with them on our cold, winter runs because everyone is sniffling. These are also a great option for the running mama that has little ones in the jogging stroller, that may need an extra cleaning or two!

These hands-free towels are also hassle free. Who hates dropping their energy gel or fumbling with untied shoe laces? This towel will wrap around your hand and/or wrist - and you are good to go. No fumbling for tissues in your waist pack or pocket. And you aren't going to drop this, because it's wrapped around your wrist ... allowing you to mess with everything else - including your ipod!

The towel is made of a quick-drying fabric and is lightweight and moisture wicking. It's stretchy too. The towel is absorbent and perfect for on-the-go maintenance. These towels are one fits most. These would also be great for hiking trips and group exercise classes too. I can think of so many uses for them.

Catch what runs. It's a towel. It's a tissue. It solves the issue.

You can wear this towel around the palm of your hand or around your hand and wrist. It makes you look like a super hero! Well, we are after all ... aren't we?!?

These towels are MADE IN THE USA - yeah! At only $12 these are a small investment and just think of all of those disposable tissues you won't be using! Fun, functional and customizable to your personality.

I chose to review the Pink LUVs Polka Ditzy towel. 100% of the purchase of this towel will be donated towards the With a Will There is a Way Fund - a fund created by runningluv to help Melissa and Vicky from Two for One to purchase a new wheelchair. For more information about With a Will There is a Way, please visit their Facebook page.

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One lucky winner will win a towel from
Running Luv
(US ONLY)

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 Running Luv website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Become a fan of Running Luv 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 (@RunningDivaMom @RunningLuv1 #RunningDivaMom) account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

Enter now though April 1.

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

Giveaway Winner ...

One winner was chose at random to receive the following items. Random.org chose ……..

CyndiBands
RDM Review: HERE
Company Website: HERE
Winner: Latanya T HERE

Congratulations!!! Please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) 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, event or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) ]

Breaking in new shoes (and myself) for the season

On Friday, I headed out to my favorite trail, the Upper Yahara River Trail in DeForest. It's not far from my house and the drive across town is worth avoiding another lap around the neighborhood.

The temperature read 50 degrees on the marathon mommy minivan and I was going to rock shorts and my compression socks. And a new pair of running shoes - comfy little pillows under my feet. Yippy skippy! I knew that I'd be the brightest one out on the trail, too. Why blend in when you can stand out.

I got to the trailhead, and saw my friend, Dwight, turning around for the second four miles of his eight mile loop. Great timing!

The first 2.5 miles of my five my loop went quickly, because we were chatting the entire time. Dwight is training for an ultra - 100 miler and was starting ramp up his training that weekend, with three longer runs. I was getting a little winded chatting with him with all of the hills on the path - monsters. I have not been doing any hill work lately. So, after he left to run home, I took the 2.5 miles back to the trailhead pretty darn easy. I cranked my tunes and enjoyed the sunshine.

I ran out on this trail all winter last year and for some reason didn't venture out there at all this season. Makes me a little sad. I put in a lot more miles last year, as I was training for a spring full marathon. And this year, I just did not have the dedication in me. I ran outside with my running groups, and a few jaunts around my neighborhood. Otherwise, it was running in place at the YMCA for me. Treadmill running helps my speedwork, but I rarely mess with incline and cannot get past an hour or so on the machines right now. My mental toughness is just not there indoors.

I would like to thank #SauconyPaul, my rep from Saucony for my newest pair of Mirage's. Purple and neon yellow - fun! I switched to Saucony Mirages last season and love them. These have some breaking in to do, but I love how they fit me and my awkward size ten feet. Thank you - they are going to carry me through hundreds of blissful miles this spring.

DeForest Couch to 5K - Starts May 8

Starts Thursday, May 8, 5:30 AM
Nine Week Session
Conservancy Commons Park in DeForest, Wisconsin

Running Diva Mom is leading a Couch to 5K Class in DeForest
on Thursday mornings - check out the Upper Yahara River Trail
and start your day off right!
Starts Thurs, May 8 at 5:30 am

REGISTER - http://tinyurl.com/phltec6

Friday, March 21, 2014

A little inspiration

Runner Bootcamp - Starts May 16

Runner Bootcamp

Next session starts

Fri May 16, 6:00 - 6:45 am

Group meets at various Sun Prairie

parks for six weeks

$49

Start your weekend off right!

training program & materials

introduction to speedwork, drills

30 - 40 min group runs

fun & encouraging atmosphere

www.runningdivamom.com

Email Jamie at runningdivamom@yahoo.com to register

RockTape Review & Giveaway

Have you seen runners out on the course with something taped all over their shins or their knee and wondered, "Why did they wrap themselves in Duct Tape?!?". And nope, it's not traditional medical tape either. Well, chances are they are already onto something and something great ... Rock Tape (HERE).

Rocktape stands up in race conditions better than traditional medical tape. It is kinesiology tape that has evolved and enhanced your running conditions. Rocktape not only helps aid injuries, it also provides athletes with a fuller and better range of motion.

Rocktape isn't offered in pre-cut sizes because one size does NOT fit all. A taller person will need more Rocktape than a shorter person or different areas on the body require larger portions of Rocktape than others. So, Rocktape is offered in spools.

These spools are offered in all sorts of bright (and neutral) colors and patterns. This makes treating your injury a bit more fun and helps you bring your uniqueness out on the course or trail. Match it with your favorite running gear for a fun experience. I chose a fun hot pink and purple argyle print.

What is Rocktape?

RockTape is a special kind of tape known as kinesiology tape. First used by acupuncturists and chiropractors in Japan, today kinesiology tape is used by practitioners throughout the world to treat injuries and improve sports performance. While the use of kinesiology is often associated with athletes such as Serena Williams, Kerri Walsh and Lance Armstrong, the reality is that RockTape is effective for the treatment of a wide variety of problems, not just sports injuries.

Rocktape is a natural-hybrid product and consists of 97% cotton, 3% nylon and uses no drugs. The adhesive is a hypo-allergenic acrylic based adhesive and contains no latex. The fabric is made so that it stretches in one direction and not the other. This creates a bio-mechanical lifting mechanism that lifts the skin away from the soft tissue underneath, which allows more blood to move into an injured area to accelerate healing and recovery.

Rocktape can be used all over the body. It can be used for athletes and non-athletes. Anyone experiencing aches and pains can use it. Just check out some of the common uses:

• Achilles tendonitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Jumpers knee (PFS)
• ACL/MCL issues
• Rotator cuff
• Groin and hamstring pulls
• Lower back issues
• Shin splints
• Tennis and golf elbow
• Pain associated with pregnancy
• Postural correction

I used it on my ankles after I was having some issues from old, expired shoes after a marathon. I've also used it around my nasty ole' bunions on my feet to help ease the discomfort. It's helped relieve some of the pain. Other than that, I pretty much remain injury free (knock on wood) and haven't had to use it for shin or knee injuries that are common among runners.

Rocktape won't necessarily make you a better or faster runner, but when applied properly, athletes can improve form and decrease fatigue through better blood flow (similar to compression).

Not quite sure how to apply RockTape to the effected area? Use their Instructional Videos (HERE) to learn exactly how to apply it and treat your injury. They cover everything from hands and feet to back and shin splints.

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One lucky winner will win
Rock Tape
(US ONLY)

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 Rock Tape website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Become a fan of Rock Tape 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 (@RunningDivaMom @RockTape #RunningDivaMom) account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

Enter now though March 28.

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

#RunningCoupleProblems

#RunningCoupleProblems

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Giveaway Winner ...

One winner was chose at random to receive the following items. Random.org chose ……..

Body Glove Surge Energy Shot
RDM Article: HERE
Company Website: HERE
Winner: Bert Dadtastic HERE

Congratulations!!! Please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) 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, event or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) ]

Thirty 48 Socks Review & Giveaway

Let me start off this review by saying that it's not often that I find a product that I love sooooo much that I can't wait til it's out of the wash to be able to wear it again. But, this is real. These socks are ah-mazing! Thirty 48 Socks (HERE) contacted me to review their socks and I accepted. I thought that they were going to be "just another pair of running socks". But these were different and I love them. So sad I only have one pair. :( I've washed them several times and love when they come out of the laundry, ready for my next run!

About Thirty 48 Socks (from their website):

Insert some tech for your trek with Thirty 48: The sock geeks. We exceed what normal athletic sock companies do in research and development to curate for our customers state of the art moisture wicking synthetic blended fabrics that allow your foot to breath, provide support where needed, and contour to the shape of each specific foot. It’s assuring to know that your socks have undergone testing to make sure your feet are well protected and fit like a glove to prevent blistering. We are dedicated to actively providing the latest technology and superior designs to enhance performance for everyone from weekend hobbyists to everyday enthusiasts. Swap out your socks from box-store sweat socks to sport specific science backed tech-wear that elevates your performance to the next level. We are the socks geeks because we are obsessed with sock technology so our customers can focus on their active lifestyles. You need socks that perform to your specific needs and can keep pace with your active lifestyle and most importantly YOU! Thirty 48 offers a selection of socks and compression sleeves that enhance the weekend warrior’s sporting performance. With meticulous care being put into research before any sock or sleeve enters manufacturing, our socks are an affordable option to maximize your comfort, keep your feet dry, and your blood well circulated.

There are 30.48 centimeters in a foot, and for every foot there is Thirty 48.

Thirty 48 features an entire series of socks for running (HERE). They also sell socks made for cycling (HERE).

Thirty 48’s Ru Running Series are feature packed socks to take your athleticism to the next level. Each sock is right & left foot specific for a better fit and blister prevention. They are made with CatalystAF ™ a patent pending technology which allows increased airflow, and made with COOLMAX ® fabric to move moisture away from the feet, keeping them dry. The Ru Running Series also has a padded instep, and extra cushion in the heel for extra comfort and abrasion protection. There’s even an elastic arch support to further minimize friction, and a curled tab on the rear cuff to help slip the socks on or off.

The running socks are available in blue, orange and grey and four different sizes. You may purchase these running socks from the Thirty 48 website for $13.99 (originally $15.99).

These socks are crazy amazing and well worth the $13.99 investment. It's not often I want to splurge on small pieces of running apparel, but these are great. They AREN'T just another pair of running socks. I've realized over time that I prefer a slightly thicker sock than the thinner varieties. They tend to last longer, prevent blisters and chaffing (which I am prone to) and just make me more comfortable when I run. These socks are thicker - but not too thick or bulky. And they didn't make my feet too warm either. I loved them. I loved where the extra padding and cushioning fell on my foot. And I am in love with how SOFT these socks are. I hate how some socks are too low in the back and the back of my running shoe rubs on my heels. That didn't happen with these - and the socks stayed in place and didn't fall down under my shoes. That's one of my biggest pet peeves with some socks. Only gripe is that they aren't available in pink! Hint. Hint.

I was also sent a pair of compression sleeves from their Compression Plus line.

Thirty 48 Cp Compression Plus sleeves lead to a quicker recovery. Proven to aid in better blood flow and circulation, and can help your recovery by bringing more oxygen to your calf muscles. Wear them after your workouts and feel the difference for yourself.

Available in four colors and three different sizes. You can purchase these compression sleeves on their website for only $29.99 (originally $34.99).

I was sent an orange/grey pair and liked them. I'm not a big fan of compression sleeves - I prefer compression socks, because I like them to be all in one piece. But, paired with the ah-mazing socks, these worked well. I love wearing compression socks year-round, mainly DURING my runs. I only wear them after my runs, when I've just completed a marathon. I find that compression socks and sleeves are great for springtime and fall runs, when the weather is a little brisk and you still want to wear shorts or a cute running skirt. They keep your legs warm and comfortable, without the extra layer of running tights. I liked these sleeves, just wish they were a cuter color! They kept my legs fresh, but I honestly didn't put enough miles (long runs) in yet this year to fully test them out. But, I will!