FlipBelt Review & Giveaway

I was recently introduced to FlipBelt (HERE).  I had not seen these awesome belts online or in the running stores.  So, I was glad that they had contacted me - and offered to have me test one out.  I'm always looking for new running gear and ways to hold all of my miscellaneous personal items and gels out on long runs.

 

 

No need to fumble with fasteners while you’re active, you don’t have to wear a fanny pack or armband... just slip your phone & items in/out of the pocket openings & slide them anywhere you want. Flip belt inward to securely lock in your items... It’s so easy & looks great. 

 

o Multi-access pocket openings throughout belt

o Turn items & pocket access up/down/inside as convenient

o Flip to lock in items

o Reflective logo - stretch non-crack 3M Quality Reflective

o Non-Bounce, Even Design

o No buckles to cause uncomfortable chafing

o Machine washable

o Great for holding medication on the go. Inhalers, insulin pumps, Epipens, etc...

o EPA Certified, Odor Resistant, Pilling Resistant, Anti-Bacterial High Tech Poly Spandex Fabric

o Available in colors, accent your workout wardrobe

Care: Machine wash cold water, tumble dry low, Non-Chlorine Bleach as Needed

 

 

Size Tips: To ensure the most comfortable fit, choose the size appropriate to how you prefer to wear the belt. If you prefer it around your waist go smaller, your hips - go bigger.  Depending on how/where you like to wear your belt, you can measure waist or hips and a comfortable stretch should stay around 2" below the stretched circumference.

 

Available in sizes XS to XL.  A size medium is supposed to fit a women's pant size 6-8.  I typically wear a size 8 and was sent both the pink FlipBelt in size medium and a yellow FlipBelt in size large.

 

I tested out both FlipBelts out on shorter runs (8 miles or less)

 

Simply step into your FlipBelt and adjust it comfortably on your waist.  No zippers or velcro to deal with.  Which also means now extra fussing or chaffing during yoru long training runs. Thank goodness!  I am a little hippy, but found it rested well along my midsection.  I didn't find it heavy or bulky.  I wouldn't put overly heavy items in the FlipBelt though.  It didn't bounce for me, but may bounce with heavy items inside.

 

The belts retail for $24.99 online and come in a wide variety of colors for both men and women.

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One lucky winner will win a
FlipBelt

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

4 – Become a fan of FlipBelt 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 @FlipBelt #RunningDivaMom) account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

Enter now though Friday, March 8.

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

What is Your Because ... Performance T-Shirt Review & Giveaway

Why do you run?  To stay fit, for your health, to set a good example for your children, or for your sanity?!?!

 

 

 

What is Your Becuase ... offers a wide selection of items (HERE) for running - and all other sports and activities - cycling, triathlon, walking to name a few.

 

You are able to customize the front and the back of all of their apparel. You can choose your sport/activity for the front and then there are several clever ideas for the back.  I chose - I Run Because ... It's my Life!   You can also come up with your own clever sayings.

 

 

I received a Long Sleeve Performance Tee (HERE).  There are ten colors to choose from and I chose purple.  I typically wear a size medium and this top was a nice fit length wise - I like my tops very long, to cover my tummy.  However it wasn't fitted.  I probably would have gone with a size small had I known.  The fabric is really light and really soft. Super comfortable.  I have worn it outside during a very chilly run, layered under a sweatshirt and it was a nice insulating layer.  I also wore it (above) for thirteen miles around an indoor track at an ice rink.  The fabric was super comfortable for that cool temparature.  I didn't get any chaffing or experience any rubbing.  It worked awesome.

 

Long Sleeve Performance T-Shirt
-100% performance polyester interlock stain and odor resistant long sleeve t-shirt.
-Ultra tight knit resists snagging.
-Moisture management wicks away perspiration from the skin.
-The moisture evaporates quickly from the fabric surface.
-Unisex fit, men and women

-Great alone or for layering!

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One lucky winner will win a
Long Sleeve Performance Tee
from What is Your Because ...

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 What is Your Because website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Become a fan of What is Your Because 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 #RunningDivaMom) account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

Enter now though March 7.

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

[These opinions are all my own.  I received the products/samples for free and was not compensated for this review.]

Giveaway Winners ....

I was recently given the opportunity to review and highlight several great products and events in the running community.  You can read all about them at the links below. 

Random.org chose winners to receive the following ……..

Med City Marathon Entry
RDM Article  - HERE
Website - HERE
Winner - Bobbi from Zero to 26.2 - HERE

Biggest Loser Run/Walk Entry
RDM Article - HERE
Website - HERE
Winner - Jen from Run for the Boys - HERE

Big Stickers
RDM Review - HERE
Website - HERE
Winner - Lisa from Slow and Steady Wins the Race - HERE

Trailheads Ponytail Hat
RDM Review - HERE
Website - HERE
Winner - Autumn from The Rushing Herd - 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 or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) ]

Weekend Winter Workouts

This past weekend was a busy one.  I worked the Catalyst booth (HERE) with Gail at the Free to Breathe Yogathon.  What a fun event.  We met a lot of wonderful, active women from the Madison-area.  It was a lot of fun getting the word out about the store and the Run Like a Diva Retreat (HERE) that we are hosting this spring.

 

 

I went home and enjoyed the sunny afternoon - on foot.  I got in a nice little eight miler around town, before my girlfriends came over for taco night.  A former couch to 5k participant let me try out her Yaktrax (HERE).  This was my first experience with Yaktrax.  Sadly, I tried them out on one of the nicest days we've had this winter and the roads and paths were pretty clear of snow and ice.  So, it didn't get to test them out fully.  But, they helped with the sketchy patches that I ran into.  I tried them again in a blizzard-of-a-run with a couch to 5k group later on and they worked like a charm.  It's nice to have some extra traction - especially in the dark, when you can't see what's beneath your feet.  I would highly recommend Yaktrax to anyone running outdoors with covered paths and slippery roads.  They are a little difficult on the feet and ankles when the paths are clear and you don't need the extra traction.

 

 

On Sunday, The Boyfriend and I traveled to The Pettit National Ice Center (HERE) in the Milwaukee-area.  We met up with my bloggy-buddy Amy from Running is Cheaper than Therapy (HERE), to run some indoor laps.  We all ran the 47ish laps last month during the Icebreaker Indoor Half Marathon at the same ice arena.  There, I finished the 13.1 miles 2:00:02.  Our goal was run about two hours on Sunday morning.  Amy and I ran together the entire time and chatted for the first hour.  Caught up on our families, our training and our upcoming races and goals.  Then at the one hour mark, I said, "OK, I have to put on some tunes".  The next hour passed quickly, as we both cranked our tunes and rarely said a word.  My pace sped up quite a bit over the second half of our training run.  The tunes were keeping a great beat and I was enjoying it. 

 

 

We never stopped - lap after lap.  We saw The Boyfriend a few times during our endless circle of running.  Amy's Garmin was keeping track of our distance and she told me when we hit 13.1 miles - and we cooled down with a nice walk.  I was absolutely thrilled to finish the indoor half marathon in just over 1:54 - almost six minutes off of my race day time.  It was a great training run - with a great friend.  Afterwards, the three of us hopped on over to Saz's (HERE) and indulged in my favorite sampler platter from Summerfest and the best grilled cheese I've ever had.  We then headed over to Amy's house to enjoy her hubby's home brewery - reverse carb loading. 

 

New Additions: "Workout Mix" Playlist

Shots 3:42 LMFAO &Lil Jon
Harlem Shake 3:17 Baauer Harlem
Girl On Fire 3:45 Alicia Keys Girl On Fire
I'm a Thug 4:14 Trick Daddy
Can't Hold Us (feat. Ray Dalton) 4:18 Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Carry On 4:38 Fun.
I Knew You Were Trouble 3:40 Taylor Swift
Thrift Shop (feat. Wanz) 3:56 Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Scream & Shout (feat. Britney Spears) 4:45 will.i.am
Gangnam Style 3:39 PSY

I love being a running mom.

Pretty Muddy Discount Code - $10 Off

Are y'all joining me for Pretty Muddy Chicago on September 7?

 

Well, hurry on up and register NOW,
before March 1.

You will automatically receive

$10 off of your registration fee.

 

This discount applies to any of the

Pretty Muddy events
nationwide!!

 

Ok now, go register .....

 

Run Like a Diva Retreat Giveaway

Do you and your girlfriends love to run?
Would you enjoy a girls weekend away?
Interested in connecting with
other active women in your area?
Or, just want to get in a good workout?

 

Well, do we have something for you .....

 

 

The first annual Run Like a Diva Retreat,
sponsored by Catalyst,
will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2013
at the Goodman Community Center
in Madison, Wisconsin.

 

All abilities welcome.

Connect with other active

women in the Madison-area.

 

 

Start off your morning, with
our Keynote Speaker ...
Jess from
Run with Jess (HERE)

Educational Sessions

from Local Experts

 

Group Runs 

Zumba, Yoga &

Bootcamp Classes

Bra Fittings, Fashion

Show & Mini Expo

Lunch & Cupcake Party

Retreat Bondi Bands,

Swag Bags & Prizes!!

 

REGISTRATON IS NOW OPEN!!!
REGISTER (HERE)

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

One lucky winner will win a
FREE ENTRY to the
Run Like a Diva Retreat
on May 5, 2013
in Madison, Wisconsin 

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

4 – Become a fan of Catalyst 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 #RunningDivaMom, #RunLikeDivaRetreat) account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

Enter now though Thursday, March 7.

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

Giveaway Winners ....

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

Random.org chose ……..

Kidz Bop 23

Kidz Bop Website (HERE)

RDM Review (HERE)

Winner - Sandra @ The Bidoli Family (HERE)

Honest Tea Pouches

Honest Tea Website (HERE)

RDM Review (HERE)Winner - Run 50 States (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 or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) ]

New Upper Yahara River Trail in Deforest/Windsor

I finally had a chance to try out the new Upper Yahara River Trail in Deforest/Windsor (HERE).  For Madison-area runners, this is a great escape from residential neighborhood running or your usual trails.  I'm a big fan of the Glacial Drumlin State Trail in Cottage Grove, but sometimes feel that by the time I drive twenty minutes in each direction, that I could have gotten in an additional four miles and time with my family.

 

This was a twelve minute drive from my front door.

 

 

With the exception of a few finishing touches, construction on the Upper Yahara River Trail is complete! Trail users will enjoy 2.84 miles (one way) of 10' wide porous asphalt and boardwalk trail. Parking stalls are available at the trail head on Windsor Road. 

Please note that there are no restrooms or drinking fountainsn at the trail head on Windsor Road.  Though, I was told that they do have portable restrooms available in the warmer months.  Plan ahead!

 

I met my lunchtime running buddy, Michelle, for a non-workday run, planned at 8:15 am on a Friday morning.  She brought along a friend and we immediately sparked up conversation about running, kids, work - the usual stuff.  The weather was in the upper 20's and the sun was shining.  I felt great.  The plan was to run one loop of the trail - around five miles.

 

I was immediately impressed by the boardwalks, paved path and how clear the path was - even in the Wisconsin winter.  Some of the other local trails I have ran on were complete ice, mounds of snow and impossible to run on.

 

This retreat was fairly flat - except for a couple of immense inclines through the woods - that you get to run up in each direction.  A great mixture of terrain.  I really enjoyed it.  The creeks were running and I enjoyed listening to the water run past.  There were about a half dozen deer prancing along side us in the distance.  It was very very cool to see and I reminded my friends that you don't see that kind of awesomeness sitting on your couch at home.

 

 

We turned around in a residential neighborhood, where one of the spokes of the path ended and were at 2.5 miles.  We went back the way we came and I continued to enjoy my surroundings.

 

 

We got back to the trailhead, in around 50 minutes, ten minute/miles.  Not too shabby.  We drove down the street to a little bakery and coffee shop.  I enjoyed a post-run skim chai.  I can't wait to sit outside at that coffee shop this spring and enjoy a coffee outside at one of their tables on the patio.  So much to look forward.  I love exploring new areas.

 

Two days later, I got out of bed shortly after my alarm went off at 6am on Sunday morning.  If I wasn't planning to meet my friend Dwight, I would've hit snooze.  But, I got out of bed in the dark, got on my running gear that I had layed out the night before, had some coffee and breakfast and headed out the door at 6:45.  When I pulled out, my car read 13 degrees, then dropped as I backed out of the driveaway.  By the time I arrived at the trailhead, it read ZERO degrees.  What the heck was I thinking?  I pulled up and Dwight was waiting for me, all bundled up.

 

 

When we headed out on the trial, within the first few minutes, I could tell that ice was starting to form on my eyeleashes.  I could see the sun glistening off of the ice on my eyelashes.  It felt weird and was making it hard to see.  Dwight reminded me how hard core I was.  I guess so.  A really good thing I had applied my waterproof mascara this morning.  Or, I would've been a mess.  And yeah, I'm sure that Dwight cared that I wore my eye makeup this morning.  But hey, it's apart of my process.

 

We saw several more deer a few times out on our adventure this morning.  I had doubled up on gloves, because I have been having trouble with my finger tips.  I carried my handheld water bottle, but rarely drank from it.  I wasn't too thirsty.  A few times when I did try taking a sip, I couldn't.  The cap was frozen shut, most of the water was frozen and the top wouldn't twist off.  No biggie.  We ran two loops of the five mile loop - for a total of ten miles.  We cut about two minutes off each loop from my pace two days prior.

 

I would totally recommend that anyone in the Madison or Sun Prairie area take advantage of this trail system.  There are several country roads and neighborhoods, that you can connect with to get additional miles in.  I can't wait to share it with friends and clients this spring.

 

Trailheads Ponytail Hat Review & Giveaway

I am soooo in love with Trailheads (HERE) products.  I recently reviewed their Twister Running Glove (HERE) - remember, the one with the touch-screen feature?!  They are super functional and comfortable - and feature a beyond-adorable print.

So, when I received the matching hat recently, I couldn't wait to run outside and try it out!  I'm so over this Wisconsin winter, and it was great to run outside with this hat (and in the daylight for that matter!).

Trailheads sells many, many cute Ponytail Hats (HERE) and Ponytail Headbands (HERE).  You can wear them with with your long, flowing ponytail and slide your hair through the clever slot in the back of the hat.  Or, if you are like me with shorter hair, you can simply wear the hat to keep you warm and cozy.  If you are all about the crazy prints, like me, Trailheads offers tons of solid colors and more-tame prints as well!

 














I totally fell in love with the Twister Beanie in Sunset Pink (HERE).  This fashionable hat retails for $26 online.   This hat is so soft and snug and is one of THE warmest running hat I own.  I just covers my ears and fits snut, doesn't bouce or shift.  And, thankfully doesn't itch like some of the other running hats I own.  The added fleece liner makes it SUPER warm - even in February in Wisconsin.  I've been wearing this often.

• Wicking polyester fleece provides moisture management for running, skiing and other aerobic activities
• Snug fit with a fleece-lined band for extra warmth
• Ponytail wrap secures long hair easily and comfortably
• Contour shape provides full ear coverage
• Fun color adds a spark to your run
• One size fits most (even my big noggin!!)

If you want, you can also add the matching Twister Running Glove with touch screen feature - Pink Print - (HERE) to your running collection. I love these. The gloves slso retails for $26 online.
And, don't forget that you automatically receive FREE SHIPPING on orders over $50.  So, purchase the hat and the gloves and they will be sent to your door for free!  That will save you on the gas, driving over to your local running store to purchase a similar set.

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One lucky winner will win a
Twister Ponytail Hat
(of their choice)

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

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

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

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

4 – Become a fan of Trailheads 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 #RunningDivaMom) account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.  @TrailHeadsCT

Enter now though Friday, February 22.

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

[These opinions are all my own.  I received the products/samples for free and was not compensated for this review.]

Bib Stickers Review & Giveaway

So, have you heard of these fancy-dancy Bib Stickers (HERE) yet???

 

- DO YOU SAVE YOUR ROAD RACE BIBS? - CHECK

- DO YOU WANT TO REMEMBER WHICH BIB YOU WORE AT WHICH RACE? - CHECK

- DO YOU WANT YOUR RACE TIMES RECORDED ACCURATELY? - CHECK

- DO YOU WANT TO REMEMBER WHERE YOU PLACED? - CHECK

- DO WANT TO RECALL THE REASONS A RACE WENT WELL OR NOT? - CHECK

- DO YOU WANT TO HAVE AN ORGANIZED PLACE TO RECORD YOUR FOND MEMORIES OF EACH RACE EVENT? - AND, CHECK

The "No Fibber Bib Sticker" makes recording those important race day stats easy and fun! It is a quality-built, die-cut label where you will record all of those pertinent race day memories that are too valuable to ever forget. The "No Fibber Bib Sticker" adheres directly to your bib after your race to permanently imprint that irreplaceable personal information, transforming each of your bibs into a collectable piece of your racing history.

 

 

You can purchase a pack of of Fibber! Bib Stickers online (HERE).  Ten individual 4x6 stickers sell for $11.99.

 

You can now make sure you remember all your special race days forever, by accurately organizing all those race stats on the fun, effective "No Fibber" Bib Sticker that sticks right to your bibs.  Make bib collecting fun by recording your stats in the same, organized fashion race after memorable race!

 

I keep all of my race bibs and organize them on a bulletin board.  I designate one safety pin bunch per year.  Sometimes I record my times on the back and sometimes I don't.  I wish I would've started this process back in 2005.  I record some of that information the RDM website and various scraps of paper or electronic files that I started at some point (but never kept up to date).  There is no way I could recall the dozens and dozens .... and dozens of races I've finished.  This would have been an easy way to keep track of everything - from the very beginning.  I could record the good .... and the bad.  What a great way to reflect on your accomplishments and see where you went wrong (a good way to learn about yourself and your training).

Don't forget to also check out the "FLAUNT-A-MANTRA" STICKERS:

 

When on the last mile of a road race (and sometimes on the first mile) we runners often turn to a saying, chant or mantra to provide encouragement to propel us along the course.

You can now, keep that mantra close to heart (literally) with "Flaunt-A-Mantra" Stickers. These words of energy stick right to the front of your bib without interfering with any timing devices and support you all the way to the finish line!

You can purchase ten "Flaunt-A-Mantra" Bib Stickers fonly or only $8.99.

 

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One lucky winner will win
a pack of ten
No Fibber! Bib Stickers

 

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 Bib Stickers website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

 

4 – Become a fan of Bib Stickers 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 #RunningDivaMom) account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

Enter now though Thusday, February 21.

 

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

 

[These opinions are all my own.  I received the products/samples for free and was not compensated for this review.]