March 2011 Running Ramblings

March was a refreshing month of running for me. Winter in Wisconsin is coming to an end and I was able to enjoy A LOT of running outside. In fact, I haven't even THOUGHT of the treadmill much. I've been packing my gym bag after work and heading out for group runs at the UW Arboretum and solo on the Capital City Trail. I've also found a nice 5K loop near my parents' home, to run on a whim when I don't have the kids. Running outside and with others has motivated me to go longer and put in additional miles on my running shoes. I am back over one hundred miles for the month again, yeah! This month, I finished half marathon #3 of 2011 and it felt great. I just attended the My Run documentary (HERE) with Linda from Mom Running from Cancer (HERE). The documentary was heart-warming and touching, but was not focused on the actually running and training, like I thought it would. March: 107.9 miles February: 71.6 miles January: 110.7 miles Total Miles for 2011: 290.2 Miles Needed to reach 1,500 Mileage Goal: 1,209.8 Longest Runs: 10 and 13.1 miles

Half Marathon #3 of 2011 Report - March

I'm short on time ... and am supposed to be taking a break from blogging to get my life in order! I simply wanted to report that even with all of the chaos and the busy schedule, that I was able to complete my March half marathon ... #3 for the year ... on Sunday afternoon on the beautiful Capital City Trail in Madison (HERE). The sun was shining, the temps were perfect, and I didn't have to bundle up, as I ran an out and back loop on the trail. It really was quite phenomenal. I felt even better when I was done! :)

I was even able to test out these babies (HERE) on my 13.1 mile journey. Review/Giveaway coming soon!

(I need to find an orange running skirt and Bondi Band!)

RDM is on the Move!!

Running Diva Mom, Little Diva and Little Dude are in the process of moving and will return mid-April after a brief bloggy break. The running will continue during our absence!

Thank you for your patience as the
three of us start our new life together.

Prairie du Chien Half Marathon - May 7, 2011

I am looking forward to running the Prairie du Chien Half Marathon (HERE) on May 7. The race takes place in beautiful Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

Make history in Prairie du Chien by participating in the 5th Annual Prairie du Chien Half Marathon & 5K

Join runners and walkers from all over the Midwest on the scenic 13.1 mile (HERE) and 5K routes in Wisconsin's second oldest community. Run past the beautiful Mississippi River, historic sites, residential areas, and view the majestic river bluffs. Set your own personal record on their scenic, flat course.

Run through historic Prairie du Chien -the second oldest city in Wisconsin!
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the famous Mississippi River Bluffs!
Celebrate your PR on our scenic, flat, course!
Pre-Race Course Talk!
Visit the many historic sites, quaint shops, and local parks!
Make history in Prairie du Chien!

Please join me and
REGISTER NOW (HERE)!!

Reading

One of my goals for 2011 was to read more .... or at all! I have NEVER been a reader. I was actually inspired by Little Diva's mad reading skills and enthusiasm for reading to get myself started. That girl can fly through a Junie B Jones in no time.

After recommendation from several friends, I started reading Mr Maybe and have really been enjoying it. I now find it helpful to wind down with a book after the kids are in bed, chores are done and when I'm caught up with emails. After having a few weeks, with difficulty getting to sleep, reading immediately became my way to take a deep breath, settle in, and take a few quiet moments for myself (aside from the running). I now enjoy lighting a candle and sipping on ice water or hot cocoa, and getting lost in each chapter.

I visited my local thrift store recently and scored several paperbacks with their buy four, get one free deal. I purchased five books for less than ten bucks! Several were made into movies and I'm looking forward to seeing how the books compare.

What are some of your favorites titles?
Do you have a favorite
place that you like to sneak
away with a book?

My Run Documentary - Movie Tickets Winner

I was recently gave you a head's up on the March 31st ONE NIGHT SHOWING of the My Run Documentary. You can read all about it (HERE).

Please visit My Run online HERE and start shopping.

One winner was chose at random to receive a pair of movie tickets to the My Run documentary!!

Random.org chose ……..

My Own Calcutta (HERE)

Congratulations!!! Please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) with your name, email and mailing address. And, I will get you your prize! Type in your Zip Code (HERE) and tell me which theater you will be attending; so that I can get you the correct tickets!!

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 ) ]

Post #500 Giveaway Winner

I recently celebrated my 500th post on RDM (HERE). And, how better to celebrate than a fabulous giveaway?!

There were 67 entries in my recent giveaway. One winner was chose at random to receive the assortment of goodies (pictured above).

Random.org chose ……..

Megan from *Fit* Crafty English Teacher (HERE)

Congratulations, Megan!!! 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 ) ]

The Little Red Car is Cruisin' the Trails Again

It was in the low 40's this morning when I was ready to run. The sun came out from behind the clouds. There was a slight breeze. And, the snow was mostly melted. I decided to take the Little Dude outside on a nice neighborhood run. I brought out the Little Red Car for it's 2011 debut. It was such a hit with him last year (HERE), and I really looked forward to seeing if he still enjoyed it.


I loaded the Little Dude up with fruit snacks and kleenex. He was ready to go!


He sure enjoys sitting in his Little Red Car, beeping the horn, putting his hands in his pockets, and taking in the scenery. Everyone can hear us coming from a mile away, because the car is so noisey out on the roads and trails. But, it seems so peaceful to the Little Dude. He just sits there and and looks at his surroundings. Never once squirms, whines or complains. Very unusual for the Little Dude, if you know him personally!!!

We logged two miles before stoppign at a neighborhood park to play and enjoy the peaceful, spring morning. We played on the playground equipment and did some exploring and picked up trash in the woods.

And, then he eagerly belted back up in the Little Red Car, as we set off on the rest of our four mile route. We ran on a path along the highway and 99% of the cars had drivers turn their heads in amazement, as we strolled along the path with the Little Red Car. It's hilarious how many people smirk at the Little Dude in his Little Red Car. He just chills ... and mommy gets her workout in.

When we arrived back home, he unbelted from the Little Red Car and said, "Mommy, that was a good run.". Apparently, he got a good workout in! Or, he just enjoyed being included in my run for the day. Yes, Little Dude ... every run is a good run with you.

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Have a great 3.17 mile run ...

Enjoy a Shamrock Shake ...

or a Green Beer!!

(or enjoy all three; just like me!!)

10 (unplanned) miles on the trail

On Tuesday, I had been in the office all day, fueling with Diet Mountain Dew and coffee, and feeling tired and sluggish. I was exhausted. I had some time to burn after work and the day was absolutely gorgeous. Upper 50's and sunny. Perfect.

I had packed my running bag and brought it with me to the office that morning. NO EXCUSES! I needed to get out there and run.

I changed at the office and headed to the Capital City Trail. But, not after stopping by to snap this quick photo.


I headed west on the Captial City Trail. I had planned for 4-6 miles. This portion of the trail is winding and wooded. Hilly and gorgeous. The snow was melting and therefore the streams were flowing and sounded amazingly calming as my footsteps pitter-pattered by.

I listened to my breathing and my footwork as I tackled each hill. And, surprisingly I wasn't huffing and puffing. I was calm and determined. I felt fantastic. I love when a run just feels good. I logged about 2.5 miles, before the portion of the trail didn't seem safe and I headed back in the opposite direction. The sun was starting to go down and I was out there solo.

Heading back, I attacked the same hills again and there were runners, walkers and cyclists keeping me company. There were a lot of families out on the trail with their strollers and bicycles, enjoying our first feeling of Spring. I loved the friendly waves and smiles from all of the like-minded individuals (even if some of them were smirking about my hot pink knee high socks and running skirt!). Another 2.5 miles done.


I headed back past my car and then ran east on the trail for another 2.5 mile out-and-back loop. This portion of the trail is more open, with rolling hills, along the prairie. There were less runners out on the trail now, as the sun was setting. I felt the temperature drop as I headed further and further east. I saw lots of little critters along the way, as they darted out in front of me. I felt so carefree before I turned around to head back to the marathon mommy minivan. I was out there, by myself, doing how ever many miles I felt up to. And, I felt up to many. If the sun hadn't gone down, I'm not sure how many miles I could have logged that night. Sometimes, it all just feels right. Those are the adventures that keep me going. That keep me running. That keep me LOVING running.
After I got back to the marathon mommy minivan, I had logged an unplanned ten miles. And, I had a huge smile on my face.

Smile :)

I've had several of my readers comment on my race photos. You are right, I always seem to have a smile on my face. Overtime, I've developed a habit of always having a smile on my face while I'm out there having fun .... running. Some may think that it means that I'm not exerting myself and probably still have something left-in-the-tank. Probably true. But, I'm enjoying the experience and loving the journey. If I wasn't having an absolute blast, I don't think I would continue to run. I love grinning from ear-to-ear, as I approach the finish line. Or hamming it up for the camera, perched out on the race course. (I do admit it; I get some of the most fun race photos, because of it!)

Running is certainly about setting goals and achieving them. But, I think that you also need to enjoy the journey. Running and smiling seem to work hand-in-hand. If you are having a bad run, try wearing a smile. Your difficult run may just turn into a good one! And, if you're having a bad day, get out there and run. It will surely turn that frown upside down.

This is so much like life .... and conquering the obstacles you encounter along the way. Recently, I've been told so many times to "keep smiling". And, I have. I think that is why I continue to have such a positive outlook on life, my goals and my future with Little Dude and Little Diva. The smile is not forced. It is real.

The shortest distance between
two people is a smile.
~Author Unknown

Smiling @ the 2011 Shamrock Shuffle 10K :)


A smile is a curve that sets
everything straight.
~Phyllis Diller

Life is like a mirror,
we get the best results
when we smile at it.
~Author Unknown


Have YOU smiled at someone today?!
:)

2011 Shamrock Shuffle Race Report

This weekend was my first official race of the year, the 2011 Madison Shamrock Shuffle (HERE). The race started at 10 am, which was much welcomed after being out way too late the night before and feeling the effects from daylight savings time that morning. There were both 5k (1,435 participants) and 10k (795 participants) events, and a 2 mile run/walk. I had never participated in a 10k event and was looking forward to seeing what the distance had to offer. I was not sure how I would pace myself. The weather was chilly (upper 30's?), but perfect for a run. It turned out to be a little cool along the lake, as the breeze picked up. But, the sun made it comfortable.

Packet pickup was on State Street at the Overture Center. Upon arrival, there were lots of runners dressed in green. I certainly would have stood out in the crowd, had I wore my typical pink ensemble. But, I opted for green and white and green shamrock knee high socks.

I planned on meeting up with some local bloggers and runners in the Overture Center Rotunda. In the sea of people, is it surprising that I spotted Kerri immediately?! That girl always is so fun and outgoing .... I love it. She was like a celebrity; several runners wanted their photo taken with her. I was surprised that no one asked her for an autograph!!

Me, Chelsea, Kerri, Linda

I met up with Chelsea from Early Runner (HERE), Kerri from Tutu Runner (HERE) and Linda from Mom Running from Cancer (HERE). We always have a blast catching up and talking about the course. After some photos, good laughs and and great conversation, we headed up stairs to use the bathroom, before heading to the start line. The women's bathroom line was semi-long as usual. There were only three stalls. But, at least they weren't porta potties! We said our good-byes as well all headed to the start line separately.

(I stole some great shots from Kerri!)

After meeting up with another runner, we were delayed and ended up at the BACK of the 5K start line. We missed the 10K start .... as they were headed off way in front of us. UGH! I tried to make the best of it.

We started once the 5K runners were given the GO, and I tried to run past all of the people at the back of the pack. I ran up and winded around the dreaded Observatory Drive hill. I felt fantastic, actually, since I've attacked the monster-of-a-hill several times. Almost every local race includes this hill in their race course. I felt phenomenal as I passed others stopping to walk. I was running SLOW, however, and my first mile was just under 10 minutes. Seriously? My goal was to run sub-52:00. I was gonna need to pick it up.

We headed to the path along the Lakeshore, after I passed up the first water station, due to inconvenience. Since most of the 10K runners were way ahead of me, it was very peacefull. You could hear everything around us. As we approached the UW Clinical Campus, the leaders of the 10K were starting to head back on the out-and-back course. Along the way, I spotted several friends and bloggers. Lots of friendly waves and shout-outs encouraged me to pick up the pace ... and I did. I was feeling great on miles three and four and passed tons of people after the turnaround. I spotted Kerri in her adorable tutu and tapped her on the shoulder. She had to take the opportunity for a great action shot, just after mile four!

I headed towards Observatory Drive and was ready to take the hill in the opposite direction. I grabbed some water at the last water station and made my way up ... slow and steady. That thing is a beast in the opposite direction; so gradual. I passed a guy in a jogging stroller, as well as Linda in the last mile and gave her a gentle grin and wave as I panted at the top of the hill! I sped down the hill and heard the guy in the jogging stroller skid behind me and some people gasp. He then proceded to speed down the hill and lost his kid's blanket and had to come to a sudden hault. It was kind of scary. I made the turn towards Memorial Union and back to state street where the chute was waiting for me. I heard a friend yell my name, as he encouraged me to push it a little more. I approached the finish line with a smile on my face.

52:03 was my chip time. I didn't reach my goal, but had an absolute blast. I know if I had actually started in the right race .... and with the group of similar pace ... I probably would have blown my goal out of the water! At least now I have a 10K under my belt and have a benchmark.

After the race, there was bottled water, bananas and Bonk Breaker Bars; which I reviewed and loved last year (HERE).

52:03
268/795 overall
35/170 age group (30-39 F)
92/448 (F)

Too early for shorts

Yesterday, it was in the mid-40's for much of the day. The sun was shining. The snow was melting. The streets were clear. And, I was stuck to my treadmill. I had the Little Dude with me all day and he played alongside me, as I ran a quick 5K.

Today, I was planning to run outside, after I dropped off the kids and had a nice outfit planned .... for YESTERDAY ....



... TODAY, the sun wasn't shining and it was windy and cold. Brrrr ....

I dropped off Little Dude and Little Diva and said my good-byes for the weekend and headed over to a meet-up point for a run.

I met a woman named Linda recently, at a meeting at Magic 98, with morning personality, Lanette Hansen (HERE). She and some of the other women were signing up for the Madison Marathon's Quarter Marathon over Memorial Day weekend. They wanted to get into running and get moving. I think it's fabulous that they signed up for a race to motivate them to strive towards their goals ... and I also think it's great that Madison Festivals offers a quarter marathon, so that everyone can participate.

Linda and I planned to meet up at 10:00 this morning. She and the other ladies had worked up to one mile at this point. I planned a quick one mile loop around a neighborhood path. We met up and we were off. Linda was dressed appropriately in winter running gear. I, on the other hand, was not. I was dressed for YESTERDAY'S weather. I was freezing from the start and my thighs were burning. We dodged some icy and snowy patches along the wooded/shaded section of the path, but the rest was clear. I ran/walked with her and we finished back up at our cars.

I always enjoy meeting other runners ... seasoned and new. Everyone is so excited to talk about where they are and where they want to be. I look forward to meeting up with Linda again. We talked about adding more distance each week and shaving off a few seconds with each training run. It's also encouraging that if we meet weekly, that there should be less and less snow on the frozen ground! I look forward to many more runs with Linda and the other ladies that are training for their first race! It should also be a blast meeting up with them race day morning.

After I ran with Linda, I headed to the WARM gym to finish off a slow and steady 5K. I have a race tomorrow ... my first 10K!

Please tell me that Spring is almost here!!
What is the weather like
where you are running?

My Run Movie Tickets Giveaway - March 31

Remember the My Run Documentary that is coming to theaters for ONE NIGHT ONLY on March 31? I talked about it a bit (HERE). Well, here is your chance to win some free tickets!!


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).

“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

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!

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

One lucky winner will win a pair of movie tickets
My Run - March 31

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 My Run Documentary website HERE and tell me why you want to attend. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Become a fan of My Run Documentary 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 18.
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 ) ]

Check out this Blogger ... Jon from Run Virginia Beach

I have been fortunate to meet so many of the fabulous running bloggers out there. Whether we have met in person, or only by email, it's been a wonderful experience connecting with so many like-minded individuals out there. I am so happy to call many of these bloggers my friends. It's amazing what a simple out-of-the-blue email or comment of encouragement can do. Their blogs provide even more inspiration. This blogger is one of my favorites.

Jon and I started corresponding last Spring, as I was training for a very HOT Madison Marathon. Having run Badwater, Jon gave me a lot of great advice for that difficult race. And, I survived! I continue to be amazed by Jon's dedication to his looooong races and overnight training runs (seriously!?), and that he continues to support the little ol' runners like myself. He gives me some of my best running advice.

Check out this Blogger ...

First Name: Jon

State: Virginia

Blog: http://runvirginiabeach.blogspot.com/ (although it hasn't been updated in about 8 months!)

How long have you been following Running Diva Mom, and why do you read?
About a year..Why do I read RDM? Cause she's awesome (Duh!). She is really a positive person (which the world needs more of) and I like that she talks about different things in her blog from her training to product reviews to completely random things.

How many miles do you run on the average month?
Anywhere from 240 to 300+ depending on where I am in training

Favorite distance:
50 Miles. Anything beyond that is just ridiculousness...which probably explains why I do them :)
Running gear/item you can't train without:
My handheld water bottle.

What is your favorite running memory?
I have so many its hard to pick just one. A few that come to mind are:
Midnight fun runs
Running 42 miles on sand
Hallucinating on the trails
Pacing at Badwater
Just helping as many people as I can achieve their dreams.

...As RDM knows, this could go on and on with many, many adventures.

Oh, a bad memory was the time that I tried both Gummi Bears and M&M's in my mouth at the same time at an aid station...NEVER EVER TRY THIS!

What event(s) are you currently training for?
Philadelphia 100 miler and then a 50 miler (maybe!) two weeks later...After that it will be training and helping my running partner get ready for Badwater!

Post run indulgence:
Coke and ice cream (although usually not together, as this gives me a tummy ache..lol)


Advice for the new runners out there:
--If you are serious about this sport, I would say to listen to everyone. Try everything. Then find what works for you.
-- Try to improve a little bit every day and with every run. Whether its running 1/10 of a mile further or 1 second faster or improving hydration/nutrition.
-- Dream big. I watched my training partner go from never have running an ultra to being accepted to run Badwater in less than two years.
-- Don't be afraid to fail...Al Arnold failed the first two times he tried to run Badwater. The third time he succeeded and became a legend. As my father once said "Without failure, you can't know success"
-- Yes, you will have bad days. You will have days where it sucks to run. Where it hurts. Where you just don't feel like being out there. Where your body just doesn't want to go. We ALL have these days.
-- Don't feel the need to conform. If you want to try something, try it..Who cares what others think?
-- Don't obsess about PR's (Personal Records) SOOO many people I know judge a race based upon whether they set a PR or not. If they did, it was a great race..If they didn't, then the race sucked. Really? Some of my best runs have been ones where I didn't come close to a PR.
-- Appreciate being able to run. So many people don't have this luxury. People that are bed-ridden and in nursing homes would do anything to be able to experience what we can. The birds chirping. The wind freezing our face. The lactic acid build up (okay, maybe not this one)

Yoga by the Dozen DVD Winner

I was recently given the opportunity to review Yoga by the Dozen on DVD. You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit Yoga by the Dozen online HERE and start shopping.

There were 22 entries in my recent giveaway. One winner was chose at random to receive Yoga by the Dozen on DVD.

Random.org chose ……..

Shannon from The Finer Things (HERE)

Congratulations, Shannon!!! 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 ) ]

Little Pim DVD Winner

I was recently given the opportunity to review a children's Spanish DVD from Little Pim. You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit Little Pim online HERE and start shopping.


There were 27 entries in my recent giveaway. One winner was chose at random to receive a Little Pim DVD of their choice!

Random.org chose ……..

Dr. Keri from a Salon of my Own (HERE)

Congratulations, Keri!!! 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 ) ]

Aurorae Yoga Mat Winner

I was recently given the opportunity to review a yoga mat from Aurorae Yoga. You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit Aurorae Yoga online HERE and start shopping.

There were 90 entries in my recent giveaway. One winner was chose at random to receive an Aurorae Yoga Mat!

Random.org chose ……..

Kara from The Exception, Not the Rule (HERE)

Congratulations, Kara!!! 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 ) ]

Post #500 (and a giveaway)

Over the past two years, I have posted 500 times on Running Diva Mom. Running ramblings have turned into race reports, product reviews and giveaways. I could never have imagined how things would transform over time and how my life would change, just because I was getting my thoughts out there publicly.

How better to celebrate than a Post #500 Giveaway!?! One lucky follower will receive all of this ......

Simply ....
Become a Follower of the Running Diva Mom blog
and
Like RDM on Facebook (HERE).
LEAVE ME ONE COMMENT

Enter now through Thursday, March 17. Winner will announced on Friday.

Thanks for following my journey!
... Here's to 500 more posts ...

Check out this Blogger ... Bethany from Our Love on the Run

I have been fortunate to meet so many of the fabulous running bloggers out there. Whether we have met in person, or only by email, it's been a wonderful experience connecting with so many like-minded individuals out there. I am so happy to call many of these bloggers my friends. It's amazing what a simple out-of-the-blue email or comment of encouragement can do. Their blogs provide even more inspiration. This is one of my favorites.

Check out this Blogger ...

First Name: Bethany

State: Massachusetts

Blog: http://ourloveontherun.blogspot.com/

How long have you been following Running Diva Mom, and why do you read? I have been following RDM for about a year and a half. I follow her because I love her energy, her festiveness, her love for bright colors and fun things and I think she is an awesome mom!! Reading her blog always brightens my day!!

How many miles do you run on the average month? Anywhere from 140-200+

Favorite distance: I like the half marathon because I can run one on a moment’s notice and the recovery time is minimal. It’s a friendly distance too :)

Running gear/item you can't train without: I’ve been running since I was a kid. I started running in mesh shorts and sneakers that were probably 2 years old. I’m an old-school runner. I can honestly say that the answer to this question is nothing! I don’t have one thing that I must have in order to train. I feel like this is supposed to be a fun answer and that I’m taking it too serious so if I had to pick something that I like, I’d say my bright pink Oakley’s.

What is your favorite running memory? Well, currently I’d say breaking 3:30 in the marathon was pretty memorable for me. I got engaged at the starting line of a marathon but that wasn’t really a running moment per se. Looking over at Ryan’s face as he crossed the finish line of his first marathon was pretty memorable too. I think I will have a new favorite running memory very soon though bc Ryan and I are running an ultramarathon and a marathon on our honeymoon.

What event(s) are you currently training for? Next up for me is the Boston marathon on 4/18, then Pineland Farms 50k on 5/29 and then San Diego RnR marathon on 6/5. I have a few things planned for the fall too including another 50 miler.

Post run indulgence: I used to get a bacon cheeseburger after each marathon I ran but I don’t really like those anymore. Sometimes I get 3 chocolate donut holes from dunkin’ donuts after a long race. The weird thing is I don’t even like chocolate!

Advice for the new runners out there: Slow down!!!! I understand that running is addicting and once you start it’s hard to stop but slow down if you are new. Take things slow. I’m a big fan of the couch to 5k program but I am not a fan of the couch to marathon plan. Sure it’s possible to go from never running, to running a marathon 4 months later, I know, people do it all the time. I think if you want to be a lifelong runner and not be plagued with injury then starting slow is the best thing you can do. I personally don’t believe, for the most part, that injuries are a part of running. Aside from biomechanical/pre-disposed issues, I think most injuries are the result of moving too fast, overtraining and poor planning. Listen to your body, less is more when you are first starting out. Put in the time and then reap the benefits!!