School's Out for Summer ... Treadmill Time

Well, the last day of kindergarten was last Friday and today was my first day off of work with both kids in quite awhile. School is out for Summer and they both have been pushing every single button I own today.

Last month I mentioned that hubby lost his job and four weeks later, he started in a new position today! I am relieved. He’s excited. But, I’m also still anxious how the paycut is going to work out. Now he will have a commute similar to mine, versus working just five minutes from home and daycare. I can no longer call him in a pinch, when I'm stuck in downtown traffic and have him pick up the kids from daycare. I’m not sure how it’s going to work out. But it’s something that makes him happy. So, that should make me happy, too. Change (especially in our routine) is very difficult to me. But this is a good change … and I should embrace it.

So, it was just me, Little Diva and Little Dude cooped up in the house today. Everyone wanted to play outside, but it is yucky, drizzly and blah out there today. It was treadmill time.


They built forts in the basement while I ran four miles on the treadmill. I ran a steady pace at 6.6 MPH. We all watched Cartoon Network, which is the least of my favorite kids’ channels. But, it made them both happy.

After I ran my four miles, I noticed that the kids thought the gym flooring is a “puzzle” and started disassembling it. Oh well.

I drank some water and decided to run one fast mile and see what I could do. I started out at 8.0 MPH and cranked it up after the first half mile. I finished my fifth mile at 7:23. I really hope to do this more this summer, as I run on the treadmill and see how I can better my time.

Today's after workout glow

(four steady miles + one speedy mile)

Thorlos Socks Winner ........

I was recently given the opportunity to review Experia (Cool Max - Thin Cushion) Socks from Thorlos. You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit Thorlos online HERE and start shopping.


There were 110 entries in my recent giveaway. One winner was chose at random.

Random.org chose …….. Megan from Little Daily Escape (HERE)

Congratulations, Megan!!! Please email me at jamie dot edge at charter dot net with your name, email and mailing address. And, I will get you hooked up with Thorlos! Thank you for following my journey!!

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

Long Run Mind Games

It has been almost two weeks since my marathon and my longest run has been six miles. I decided I wanted to get a longish run in this weekend and hoped to log a twelve miler. Hubby headed out for nine miles this morning. Forecast calls for rain this afternoon. I decided that I should try and head out as soon as he returned. When I headed out the door, I decided that I was just going to do nine miles and started my stop watch. Just me and a bag of Sports Beans.

Around mile three I was already feeling famished and weak. What the heck was my problem?! I just ran 26 miles two weeks ago?! I took a few Sports Beans and figured I'd at least try to get six miles in. I got to mile six and decided I would do another three and finish at nine. When I got to nine, I decided to head home and finish out at ten. As I headed home (about 1/4 mile from home) I realized that I still had something in me and headed back out for two more miles. I ended up doing all twelve miles that I initially had on my agenda. I felt accomplished and happy that I did. I don't think I would've been too happy if I would've cut the run short.

What the heck is it with the mind games we play with ourselves during long runs?!

Today's after work-out glow

Running Skirts, Clothes & Hats up for grabs!

I am cleaning out my three drawers of running apparel and posting things on eBay. If anyone is interested, you can get a lot of NEW or GENTLY USED running apparel (including running skirts!) for a good price!

All auctions are starting at $0.99!!

Lots more will be posted over the next week or so.

DIVA Lot of Running Skirts & Dresses TRIKS SKIRT SPORTS (HERE)

2 NEW BEBE SPORT Running Exercise Tanks - gold sequins (HERE)

9 Women's Nike Reebok Adidas Running Hats Visor Dri-Fit (HERE)

700 miles down ..... Half-Way There!!!

Well, today Little Dude and I set out on our journey around 9AM and went six miles ... me on foot ... him in his little car. I love how he sits there and relaxes, giving me occassional glances and smirks, then zones out. He sits there with a blank stare on his face and doesn't say a word. Sometimes his head bobs and he puts his hands over the steering wheel and falls asleep in the most uncomfortable positions. Other people out on our route walk past or drive past and laugh or point because he looks so content sitting there. This is the child that everyone remarks, "He really keeps you busy, doesn't he?!?!?". But, while we run, he just chills and enjoys the ride.

Our six miles this morning helped me cross 700 miles for the year and has brought me half-way on my journey to 1,400 miles by December 31, 2010. I know that I can do this now.

700 miles down ... 700 to go ...

Family Fan Club T-Shirt Winner .......

I was recently given the opportunity to review a few adorable t-shirts from Family Fan Club. You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit Family Fan Club online HERE and start shopping.

There were 97 entries in my recent giveaway for a t-shirt of their choice (under $25). One winner was chose at random.

Random.org chose ……..

Orange Blossom (HERE)

Congratulations, Orange Blossom!!! Please email me at jamie dot edge 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 jamie dot edge at charter dot net]

Three Things Thursday (bloggers meet-up)

1 - I'm running in the 2nd Annual Madison Mini Marathon (HERE) on Saturday, August 21st in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. Last year's innaugural event was AWESOME and scenic and sold out! The crowd support for our mid-size college town was great, too. If you are already committed to the half marathon or are interested in signing up, please let me know.


I am planning a bloggers meet-up for dinner on Friday night (August 20th) and am working with several sponsors. We will have goody bags and prizes! Please spread the word on your blog!!


Even if you aren't racing and want to participate in the dinner, please let me know, so that I can get a head count for donations.


2 - If you haven't already done so, don't forget to enter my Thorlos Socks giveaway! Remember to let me know your shoe size and style preference! And, thank you ... through this giveaway, I've realized that I'm not the only BIG FOOT! I wear a size 10 running shoe and feel like I'm the only one with such huge feet! There are SEVERAL of you that have posted that you, too, wear a size 10 or 11. GO TEAM BIG FOOT!

Also, to prevent the toe blisters and toenail problems, many have suggested going up a half-size in my running shoes. But, do many running shoes come in sizes larger than 10's?!? I'm not sure it's worth the huge investment, if I'm not sure how well a larger shoe will work for me?!?


3 - I have a couple of funny shirts and a cute mug from One More Mile HERE. I love their clever sayings and unique running-related items. They make me laugh!! My favorite saying right now is, "I'm only doing this so I can post a picture on Facebook!". I'm sure you've seen them at all of the conventions. Check out their website. One More Mile is offering my subscribers 15% off your online purchase; just enter the code RUC1326 at checkout. Happy Shopping!!

Madison Marathon Reflection

Just over a week out from having marathon #2 under my belt, I'm feeling great and am happily back at running. I hope to get a longish run this weekend.

Since the course "closed" due to extreme weather conditions, the results are posted as "unofficial". I thought my watch said 4:27, and I love it when the chip time is in my favor!!! ....

Chip Time 4:26:56 (PR by 11 mins)

Overall: 683 / 1,369 finishers (approx 1,900 registered?!)

Female Finishers: 192 / 477

Age Group (25-29 F): 54 / 122

From my race results ... I'm definitely a middle-of-the-packer!!!!!!

I have been anxiously awaiting my race photos to be posted and was happy when they arrived in my inbox last night!! I really did enjoy myself for the first 15 miles and tried to show my excitement by smiling for the photographers. As the journey goes on ... you can see my struggle with the hills and the heat.

Madison Marathon Reflections:

- My Go-Lite Hydroclutch (handheld water bottle) was an absolute blessing. I used that thing to grab my Gu packets and stuff new ones in it along the way. I kept refilling it with Gatorade and Ice (which melted immediately). It honestly didn't bother me carrying it for the entire 26.2 miles. It was awesome, awesome, awesome!

- Walking through water stations. I never walk during races and the only other time I did this was during marathon #1, towards the end. I realized that it's ok to walk. Even though I felt like a "failure" at first, the little break at the last 5-6 water stations really helped me keep on and gave my legs the rest they needed. I knew that the water stations were spaced approximately every 1.5 miles and new if I could just get to the next water station, that I could walk.

- Playing games with myself. Just like trying to make it to the next water station, when I was really struggling, I would try to make it to the next tree, port-o-pottie or fire hydrant. By the time I got there, I realized I could push a little farther and would set a new destination. I also would count backwards from 50 to 1 in sets of four ... 50-50-50-50; 49-49-49-49. Before I knew it -- close to a mile had passed.

- Can't Stomach it .... don't eat it. I love Sports Beans and Gu, but at some point the Sports Beans in my pocket were tasting way to sweet and I couldn't stomach them. Instead I would suck on a Gu Packet or sip a little Gatorade, instead of my plan of chomping on Sports Beans every 30 mins. This helped prevent me from vomiting and feeling nauseous the entire race. I also took one bite of a banana and realized that I just couldn't do it and tossed it along side the road. I grabbed an orange later which sounded yummy and it ended up giving me a boost. My body obviously knew what it was craving.

- Thumbs up, Dude! I've realized this before, but my race photos confirm it. I seem to always run with my thumbs up. Not sure why.

- Toenails are over-rated. I was much less sore post-race this time and it only took me 3 days to be able to walk down stairs comfortably. But, just lake marathon #1, my toes and my toenails are driving me crazy! I get blood blisters under my two longest toes' toenails and all of the tips of my are sore for months! Last time I only ended up losing one toenail. Luckily, it is flip-flop weather and I can deal with the pain that way. The rest of me is ready to get back into running, but my toes are driving me crazy after 3 miles on the road. I'd love to get a pedicure for the Summer, but the tips of my toes seriously hurt to-the-touch.

How do you deal with
sore piggies and

keep your toenails?!?

Thorlos Socks Product Review & Giveaway

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to review two pairs of socks from Thorlos.

Visit Thorlos online at http://www.thorlo.com/

I really liked the XCCU Experia Cool Max - Thin Cushion - Micro Mini HERE (in pink, of course!). These thin cushion socks were awesome. These are designed for endurance athletes that don't like bulky socks and prefer a thin cushion and minimal foot protection. They are NOT designed for athletes with any distracting foot issues. They claim protection without weight and an aero-dynamic fit. I would definitely agree with the protection in ball of the foot and at the heel. The achilles pad is made of a durable nylon, as this is where most people tend to wear their socks out (I experience this too!). The coolmax is used in the cushion, for enhanced moisture management.

"Sample" / Testing Pair
(a.k.a one-of-a-kind)

The Experia line was just launched in February. Be one of the first endurance athletes to try them out! Thorlo also offers several other items with more cushioning, should you prefer more.


I wear a size 10 shoe and wore the US (W) 9.5-11.5 comfortably.


I've worn the Experia Socks 4 times now and a sample (one-of-a-kind!) pair once. I really enjoyed my experience with these socks and the other sample pair I tried out. I really like the variety of color and styles they offer. A girl can find a pair to match every cute running outfit she owns! At $13.99, I wouldn't have personally made the investment (because I'm cheap ... and on a strict budget currently). But, my experience trying them out has been awesome.


Thorlo suggests that you wash them inside out with a liquid fabric softener in the wash, never bleach them and the put them in the dryer on a medium setting. They claim that they will last for years. Mine (including the sample pair) have been holding up very well in the few times I've washed them (but with a fabric softener sheet).

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

One lucky winner will win

ONE PAIR OF THORLOS SOCKS ...

size/fit/style .... just for you!!!

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

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

2 – Visit the Thorlos website HERE and tell me WHAT you want and your SHOE SIZE. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

3 – Become a fan of Thorlos on Facebook HERE. 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, June 13.
Winner will be announced on Monday.

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

Keeping Motivated; Post-Marathon

After marathon #1 (Chicago - October 2008), I got a bit of the post-race blues. I didnt' have a training schedule, the cold weather set-in and the holidays were right around the corner. I took almost a month off and it wasn't until I set New Year's Resolutions for 2009 that I really kicked my butt into gear on the treadmill.

After marathon #2 I have a bit more on my side. The weather. With doing a Spring marathon I have the whole summer in front of me, beautiful weather and more daylight on my hands.
I have taken the past week to reflect and relish in the moment. I took four days off of running. I usually take 1-2 rest days every week and it's been a nice break -- but, I've been ready to tie up my Brooks. I also indulged WAY too much this week and consumed way too much birthday cake at parties to remember. I feel chunky and out-of-shape just one week post-marathon.

Friday I ran a 5K on the treadmill and felt great. I did the same on Saturday. Hubby had a sprint triathlon this morning and the whole family was up at 4:30 AM. After we got home, he worked out again and I knew I wanted to get an hour run in the afternoon. I was ready to hit the road!!!
I am soooo over running through my neighborhood! With a few more long runs under my belt, I've been able to explore some new areas of town, parks and pedestrian paths. I decided to head to the other side of town in the marathon mommy minivan and park it at one of the parks. Over the next hour, I ran from park to park .... along the pedestrian path .... over all of the awesome bridges along the way.

I took my camera with me and captured some photos of a new favorite route of mine. I even saw five pre-teen girls along the way. They must've been returning home from one of the parks. Two of them had bright yellow Girls on the Run t-shirts on. They stared at me and I said "I love your Girls on the Run Shirts -- that's awesome!". They lit up and said "Thank you", with HUGE SMILES on their faces!

To keep myself motivated until my next big races (which aren't until the end of July, August and October), I need to keep myself interested in running and keeping the mileage up. I hope that these little "destination" training runs will help keep me going.

Today's after work-out glow

What keeps you motivated

when you're not "training"?

What do you do when you're

stuck-in-a-rut?!

Road ID Winner ......

I was recently given the opportunity to review a pink Road ID bracelet from Road ID. You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit Road ID online HERE and start shopping.

There were 138 entries in my recent giveaway. One winner was chose at random.

Random.org chose ……..

Run4May (HERE)

Congratulations, Run4May!!! Please email me at jamie dot edge 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 jamie dot edge at charter dot net]

Family Fan Club T-Shirts Product Review & Giveaway

Just in time for Father's Day ......

I had the opportunity to review several great items from Family Fan Club.

You can visit Family Fan Club online HERE.

Visit them on Facebook HERE.

FamilyFanClub is a small, privately owned company that creates and sells original endurance and multisport designs on quality apparel and gift items through the internet and race expos. We strive to deliver fun, creative products that celebrate support of athletic and fitness accomplishment.

FamilyFanClub was founded in June 2007 by Kim Taylor supporting her husband Paul during his 1st Triathlon in Greeley, CO. Kim covertly made the first shirts for their sons (4 and 2 years old) to support Dad on race day, designing, printing and ironing late into the night before the race. Paul was thankful for the support during the race and the kids had a blast supporting Dad. A number of spectators and race day participants commented how great the shirts were and wanted to know where they could get one. FamilyFanClub was born.

My kiddos wore their Run Daddy Run Shirts during my husband's 5K at Old World Wisconsin last month. I had two people comment on them, while we were waiting for daddy to finish.

The kiddos also wore their Run Mommy Run Shirts (HERE) at my marathon last weekend.

I also wore my Run Like a Girl Shirt (HERE) during my GOTR virtual race.

I love all of their t-shirts, and really think the "race bib" shirts are unique and a fun wait to support mom or dad.

If you have a really big event coming up and want something special for your support crew, you can personalize apparel, too! Your fan club will stand out to YOU on the course and everyone else spectating!!!!

Simply contact them BEFORE placing your order with the following information:

* Design and personalization

* Color requests

* Products you'd like the design to appear

Our shirts have held up great in the wash and there has been no fading, shrinking and the images are still like new. I had tried making my own fan club shirts for hubby's Disney Marathon last year and will never mess with that again. These are professional, multi-colored and a no-brainer!!! I ordered mine large enough so that they can wear them for several racing seasons .... and support us along the way.

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

One lucky winner will win a

Family Fan Club T-Shirt

of their choice (under $25)

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

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

2 – Visit the Family Fan Club website HERE and tell me what you would choose for YOUR fan club?! LEAVE ME A COMMENT

3 – Become a fan of Family Fan Club on Facebook HERE. 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, June 10.
Winner will be announced on Friday, June 11.

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

Check out these fabulous bloggers

I continue to be amazed by all of the fabulous bloggers out there .....

Thank you for following my journey!!

1 - After announcing that we are currently living on my part-time income after hubby lost his job last month, several of you have been so incredibly supportive and encouraging. I have appreciated the well wishes, low-budget recipes, budget-cutting strategies, and "free" playdate ideas for the kids. You are all so very very very awesome.

On Friday, it was my day off ... and Little Dude, my mom and I spent the afternoon picnicing and playing at the park and walking neighborhood trails. Mom even paid for me to get a car wash! We returned home and there was a card waiting for me in my mailbox. It was a card from Bobbie (HERE). The note was the sweetest note ever and very supportive. She included a book of stamps ... to help support the shipment of my recent giveaways (one that she won). I was instantly touched and started crying. I showed my mom, who read it and looked at me in amazement. I had told my mom about my blog and how much I enjoy connect with individuals on it .... but I don't think she "got it" .... until then. She said, "What's that website again?!".

Please check out Bobbie's running journey ... and she has a great Running Chics giveaway going on right now!!!

2 - Linda (HERE), whom I've only met once, was waiting for me at mile 13 of my marathon last weekend. She held an encouraging sign with my name on it. I spotted it immediately. It's amazing how the route and the crowd are a blur during a race. But, you see your name on a sign and you light up and suddenly have energy to keep moving on. Linda rode her bike along side me for about a mile and made those 10 minutes fly by .... thank you so much, Linda!!

3 - Stephanie (HERE) is one of my favorite blogs to "stalk" (I don't comment on blogs as often as many of you!!). I believe we've bonded, because of our love for animal prints! She is a running mama with one little dude. Stephanie is running the Chicago Marathon in October (which was my debut marathon) and I look forward to following her marathon journey over the next several months. Stop by her blog and follow her journey, too!

Results & Prizes ... Girls on the Run Virtual Race

I would like to thank everyone that participated in my one mile virtual race for Girls on the Run.

I decided to hold a one mile race, to encourage ALL runners (seasoned and new) to be involved. I hoped to encourage those seasoned runners to pick up the pace and see how fast they can run a mile and the new runners will be encouraged to push themselves to that one mile mark. Runners were asked to one mile on May 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20.

Participants that donated to my journey as a Sole Mate for Girls on the Run were eligible for prizes. My 26.2 mile journey was on May 30th and you helped me raise ......

$636.00

~ THANK YOU SO MUCH ~

You can read more about the Girls on the Run program HERE.

********************************
I completed my one mile race with both of my children along side me; Little Dude and Little Diva. Little Diva walked/ran along side me and Little Dude chilled in his car, while I pushed him along. We ran along the pedestrian path in my neighborhood, where I start all of my runs on. Both kids enjoy being involved in my running, whether it be outside or inside on the treadmill.

You can read all about my one mile virtual race with my kiddos HERE.

Aren’t their t-shirts adorable? You can snag your own from Family Fan Club gear HERE.

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

Thank you to everyone that signed up for the virtual race .....

donated to Girls on The Run .....

and got their families involved!!

Laura (HERE) - 8:06

Jane (HERE) - 13:34

Harmony (HERE) - Family Fun Run

Christina (HERE) - 10:32

Darlene (HERE) - 9:53

Also, thank you for your donation to the Virtual Race:

Nicole (HERE)

Amy (HERE)

Aimee (HERE)

Erica (HERE)

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

And, onto the prizes ……..

1st place: Laura
GoLite Hydroclutch Water Bottle and 2 Gu Gel Packets

2nd place: Darlene

GoLite Hydroclutch Water Bottle and 2 Gu Gel Packets

Best Running Diva Mom (or Dad!) Outfit: Jane

Pair of Ryders Eyewear Sunglasses and Protective Case

1st place prize for getting your family involved (chosen at random): Harmony

Gift Certificate to Family Fan Club HERE for any Family Fan Club shirt under $25

And just because .... you're "too cool" .... Christina

wins a Cooling Towel from Chill Towels!!

**********

Everyone, please email me your mailing addresses to jamie dot edge at charter dot net and I will get your prizes sent out to you as soon as I can.

Miles for May

May was an all time high for me mileage-wise. I have been running since September 2005 and have never logged so many miles. In May I discovered several fun, new routes during my long runs and really enjoyed the journey. I also discovered trail running (though struggling at first, really enjoyed it). I PR'd by over ten minutes in marathon #2 (despite the hills and the conditions). I also set a new 5K PR (in a virtual race and on a treadmill).

May: 163.9

April: 145.2

March: 115.9

February: 116.7

January: 132.5

Total rest days in April: 6 days

Long runs in April: 26.2 miles, 22 miles, 13 miles, 12 miles, another 12 miles

GOTR Virtual Race results and prizes

should be posted TONIGHT!
Thanks for holding on tight!!