Running Diva Mom: April 2014

Friday, April 25, 2014

FlexPower Pain Relief Cream Review & Giveaway

FlexPower (HERE) sent me their FlexPower Performance & Recovery Cream (HERE) Available in 2 oz and 4 oz tubes online, you have two options to try it out. I have bunions and some major foot pain at times. This is not only from running, but several years of wearing pointy, high-heeled shoes have also contributed to my foot pain. I used this cream on my feet and it really helped. It also didn't have that stinky medicinal scent that other creams on the market have. A win in my book. As if having the bunions weren't already attractive enough. I also tried it on my sore hamstrings and shins after a recent half marathon. I was in a lot of pain for several days after my latest event and this helped temporarily reduce the soreness. It wasn't sticky or too think. The consistency was similar to lotion. I like that you can apply it at any time of the day and not just before bed, because it doesn't have that stinky scent.

Here is what FlexPower has to say about their products ....

Performance & Recovery - Original formula used for relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, simple backache, strains, sprains and bruises. FlexPower Performance & Recovery utilizes a unique technology to deliver ingredients through the skin. The cream is clean scented with no medicinal odor and includes trolamine salicylate, glucosamine, MSM and contains no parabens. FlexPower provides relief and gradual heat that is perfect before activity for warm up and after for recovery. Used by weekend warriors, everyday active individuals, baby boomers, and professional athletes and teams in the Olympics, NBA, NFL, NHL, MLS, MLB and other leagues.

How does it work?

FlexPower’s combined ingredients with unique skin-delivery system is what makes it so effective.

FLEX-SOME^TM TECHNOLOGY

FlexPower Pain Relief Cream utilizes a unique technology to deliver active ingredients for pain relief through the skin. We call this technology Flex-Somes™, which is comprised of microscopic capsules that penetrate quickly and deeply to provide long lasting relief without skin irritation. Flex-Somes™ are a proprietary liposome technology, used to microscopically encapsulate nutrients and pharmaceutical ingredients. Liposomes were originally used by the pharmaceutical industry to deliver medications. Liposomes are highly complex microscopic lipid spheres. The membrane of a liposome is made of highly purified natural lecithin that encapsulates water and ingredients.

With a clean scent and lotion feel, you can apply FlexPower any time of the day.

Unlike sticky pain relief sprays and menthol-smelling sports gels, FlexPower products are formulated into a luxurious cream base and feature a Clean or Light scent. Contains NO medicinal or menthol smell. Goes on like a lotion.

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One lucky winner will win a
Sampler Pack from
Flex Power
(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 FlexPower website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

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

Enter now though May 1.

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

Couch to 5K - Starts May 7 - Wed at 5:30 pm

Couch to 5K - run / walk

Next session starts in Madison, Wisconsin at Catalyst

Wednesday, May 7, 5:30 PM
Group meets at Catalyst for nine weeks

2045 Atwood Avenue

Email Jamie at runningdivamom@yahoo.com to register

Training for DMB Freedom Run on July 4 or any other July 5K
(race registration not included)

$75

Outdoor running - no experience needed

Includes program, training materials and social atmosphere

Thursday, April 24, 2014

XC Thrillogy Events - July 14, 2014 - Kenosha, Wisconsin

Looking for something a little different?
More fun? More variety? Less hassle?

The XC Thrillogy has it all!

A trilogy of races – all running at the same time, all in one location, all ending in one day. In other words, it’s “Run. Fun. Done. In One!”

Whether you want to walk (or run) a 5K, tackle a 50K ultra, or have a team of up to 10 people coveringover 100 miles, the XC Thrillogy has you covered!

Run over gently rolling hills on a beautiful, tree-lined, dedicated cross country course that’s nationally known. When not running, hang out with teammates and meet new friends in Thrillogy Village. Games, contests, food and fun will keep you refreshed, energized and entertained all day and into the night.

XC Thrillogy is about camaraderie, enjoying running in a cool setting, and not worrying about logistics.

CHECK IT OUT!!!
• The Hills Are Alive 5K
• Hot, Hilly, Hairy 50K
• Hilloopy 100+ Relay

Hills Are Alive 5K Race

When was the last time you did a 5K – and didn’t see a single house?

The Hills Are Alive 5K meanders along a beautiful, tree-lined nature trail over gently rolling hills.

If you’re a runner, you’ll love the soft surface (no big rocks and roots like on some trails) of this dedicated cross-country course. And you’ll get to run in the footsteps of greatness. The course record is held by Dathan Ritzenhein, 3-time national cross country champion and former American record holder in the 5000.

Can you take top honors? The overall male and female winners will receive $100 each!

If walking is more your style, then you’ll enjoy a wonderful walk in the park. Take in the lush scenery while feeling the energy flowing from hundreds of runners participating in the XC Thrillogy races!

Hot, Hilly, Hairy 50K Race

You’re a little bit badass. We get it. Let those other people run a 3-mile loop and hand off to someone else. You’ll just keep onnnnnnn running through the exchange zone! You’re an ultra runner.

Whether this is your first 50K or your 50th, “Hot, Hilly, Hairy” has something for you. Rookies and veterans alike will enjoy:

Plentiful aid stations. The looping course doubles back on itself, so you’re never more than about 1.5 miles away from aid.
Great crowd support. With a 3-mile loop, you’ll see your supporters often and get a great mental boost from the fans in Thrillogy Village every time you pass through.
Easy-on-the-legs course. Don’t get us wrong – 50K ain’t “easy.” But the gentle hills will engage multiple muscles at different times, so you’ll be less likely to tighten up. And your legs will take less of a pounding from the dirt trail than asphalt.
Hot, but not without relief. It’s July in the Midwest, so temperatures could be up there, but the tree-lined course offers plentiful shade almost all they way around.
Prize money! Overall male and female winners receive $250!

Hilloopy 100+ Relay Race

The Hilloopy 100+ Relay is the signature race of the day! Form a team of 6 or 10 runners and tackle this one-of-a-kind relay event. No vans, no overnight stays. Just a beautiful nature trail that keeps looping you back to the cheers of your teammates and spectators.

All teams will begin at the same time in a thrilling mass start. To spice things up even more, this will be a “costume leg,” so you can show off your sense of style and humor from the opening gun! If your costume is good enough, you could be the first contest winner of the day!

Your team will cover about 102 miles of a beautiful, gently rolling course - 3 miles at a time. If it’s not your turn to run, don’t think you’ll get bored! You'll be hanging out in our exclusive Thrillogy Village, cheering, chilling and participating in games and other competitive non-running contests.

Why you will love Hilloopy 100+ Relay!

Intimidated by longer runs? Each loop is only about 3 miles. You can do that!
Tired of complicated logistics? We are too! Don’t worry about splitting up your team in vans and only meeting at major exchange areas. Send your runner on a 3-mile loop and wait for her or him to come back to you!
Maybe you want more miles. On each 10-person team, there will be 4 "bonus loops.” You can add 1, 2, 3 … or all 4 to your personal log! Lots of options to “go long”!
Eager to meet other runners and have more fun? When you’re not running, you can mingle in Thrillogy Village and take part in a special game or contest every hour!
Want to crank out some fast splits? Each mile is marked, and we’ll have a special prize for the “Hot Laps” of the day.
Looking to relive your glory days of cross country? This is a dedicated, nationally recognized XC course, so you don’t have to worry about rocks and roots. Let ‘er rip!
Want to run in the footsteps of greatness? The course record is held by Dathan Ritzenhein, 3-time national cross country champion and former American record holder in the 5000.
Ready to turn on “Beast Mode”? Form an Ultra Team of 6 runners. Each of you will run at least 5 loops of about 3 miles. But wait, there’s more! You decide how to divvy up 4 “bonus loops” among your team. Maybe you take 1 bonus, giving you 18 miles, or maybe you’re Wonder Woman or Superman and take all four – giving you 27 miles for the day!

Check out XC Thrillogy on Facebook

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Parkinsons Half Marathon Race Report

Last Saturday, hubby and I competed in our first half marathon of the year. We registered for the Parkinson's Half Marathon (HERE) in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin. We love driving out to the Glacial Drumlin Trailhead and running there, so I was excited to run a race on the beautiful, flat trail.

We drove out to Cottage Grove on Friday evening to pick up our packets and stopped for a short walk on the trail. It was a beautiful evening. We then made a stop at 1855 Saloon at the trailhead for a beer and fish fry. With our marriage last fall, I moved way up in the alphabet and always receive #2 or #3 on race day ....

I saw a lot of familiar races on race day morning -seasoned and new runners. I love small local races! I even had a friend announcing the race - he was the one that inspired me to start running back in 2005. So, Running Diva Mom received some special shout outs before and after the race.

Instead of doing a simple out and back this year, they opted to start with a 1.5 mile loop around the neighborhood to help with congestion this year. We were off and .1 miles into the race, I was pumping my arms and I heard a snap. It wasn't my shoulder, or my ankle. It was my sports bra. The strap. Dang it. Good thing it was a pretty tight compression bra. The one side was keeping me pretty supportive, but I continued to tug on the left side for the next thirteen miles. Ugh. It kept me distracted from other things though!

We ran out towards Deerfield and turned around about mile seven. I love out and back courses. I saw hubby and some friends before the turnaround and then several more friends and bloggers on the way back. I gave a lot of high fives and friendly waves.

I sling-shotted several girls throughout the entire race. I consumed two gels and a few cups of Gatorade during the race. I would get a boost of energy and pick up my pace and then slow down again. They were doing the same. The last three miles, I felt like I was almost home and started kicking it into gear. I played some of my favorite tunes on my playlist and repeated a few of them several times. Once I hit the twelve mile marker, I really got in the zone and pushed it through to the finish, passing several of the people that I previously had been jockeying position with. I knew that there was a big hill at the trailhead, that I always dread. The rest of the course was completely flat. I used my momentum to get me up the hill and finished at the trailhead with a 1:58:02 according to my watch.

Medal and broken bra strap

We hung out for quite awhile, enjoying the company of friends and cheering on fellow runners and had some great beer and post race refreshments. The pizza was awesome. Then we headed back to our vehicle where I luckily had a change of clothes - and a functional sports bra. We headed to downtown Madison for the first outdoor farmers market of the year and an afternoon on State Street and grilling out at home. What an amazing spring day. One of those where you just love life - and running!

Unfortunately, I forgot to "practice what I preach" and forgot to stretch in all of the post-race festivities. I am still sore, three days later. Ouch.

After all of the running and walking around in downtown Madison, I cringed at taking off my Mirages when we got home. I knew I had a nice blood blister, but had no clue how bad it was.

161 Overall

12/39 age group

59/200 females

1:58:23 chip time
(9:02 min/mile)
1:58:02 watch time

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Minerva Running Tote Bag Review & Giveaway

Minerva Running (HERE) sent me this super, fun tote bag a couple of months ago. Isn't it cute?? I love how simple and neutral it is - but it makes a statement all at the same time. I carried all of my treadmill essentials to the gym in this tote the past couple of months - a water bottle, a sweat towel, ipod, phone, water bottle, etc.

The Love Love to Run Tote is light yet durable and is extremely generous in size. This has all of the space you need to head to the gym or to hold a quick change of clothes or your race day essentials. And it fit nice and easy into the gym lockers during my workout. There is a nice zippered top and the straps are super durable. The bag retails for only $15 - what a steal. It is made from 600 denier polyester and contains 50% recycled materials.

I wish that the tote came in other colors - like pink. But, the basic black goes with everything.

Minerva Running also sells adorable running-themed tees, tanks and hoodies as well as other fun running accessories.

I look forward to hanging with Micaela and the Minerva Running peeps at the Women Run Pewaukee Half Marathon Weekend on May 10th! Make sure you stop by the expotique and check out their booth!!

Minerva Running Discount Code for RDM Readers!!
Use discount code RDM15 for 15% off your order
(expires 9/30/14)

SHOP NOW

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One lucky winner will win a
Minerva Running Tote Bag
(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 Minerva Running website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Become a fan of Minerva Running 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 April 24.

[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 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 ……..

Cool Relief Ice Wraps
RDM Review: HERE
Company Website: HERE
Winner: Frickin Fabulous at 40

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 8, 2014

Cool Relief Ice Wraps Review & Giveaway

Cool Relief (HERE) knows the importance of fast recovery for athletes and runners. As runners, we are trying to do something good for ourselves, that we enjoy - only to be sidelined by an annoying injury. We want to get back out there - FAST! In an effort to help athletes recover quickly - and at a decent price - they set out to provide many versatile ice wraps and ice packs at an affordable price. They have also expanded their selection to ice pack accessories and coolers, which are great for summertime running.

I received two different wraps to test out and I also had the opportunity to share them with some of my clients - new couch to 5k runners and runners training for 10K and half marathon distances.

I received the Cool Relief Soft Shell Universal Wrap (HERE) to test out. This wrap is available in three colors. The University Wrap is great for the elbow, forearm, neck, back, thigh, knee, shin, calf and more. My clients tried it on their knee and ankles. The cold compression lasts for up to two hours. There is a nice adjustable strap that is stretchy elastic and allows for a custom fit every time. You can put the gel insert in your freezer or refrigerator. Its made from non-toxic materials and is safe for kids, too! Great for inuries from sports.

I liked that I could walk around with this wrap on and wasn't restricted to the bed or couch. I could apply ice while folding laundry and emptying the dishwasher. It also works great for driving if you want to ice on your way to work, after your morning run. It was comfortable too. A little heavy, but fine for wearing for an hour or so.

This wrap is also great for carpal tunnel, arthritis and tendinitis. If you are sitting at a desk all day and having trouble with your hands, you may just want to check this out.

I was also sent the Flex Ice Ankle Wrap (HERE). This wrap is great for sprains or ankle problems. I tried this wrap out after having some trouble after trying out my new shoes too quickly. I was having some ankle problems and this was an easy way to ease the pain and ice it. My ankle is all better by the way. There is a fitted boot and there are two sets of removable ice inserts. It felt cold on my ankle by the wrap also eased some of the cold temps on my skin. Nicer than wrapping a towel or paper towel around the typical ice pack.

This wrap is also great for planter fasciitis, bursitis, Achilles Tendinitis and heel spurs.

As I mentioned, some of my clients had the opportunity to test these out, too. Here's the feedback I received from one runner:

The Cool Relief Soft Gel Ice knee wrap is definitely a necessary item if you are having knee troubles with any activity. The inside part of the wrap is a very soft and smooth and is comfortable directly on your skin or over a thin piece of clothing. There are two velcro bands to help strap on the wrap that allow you to put the wrap on as loosely or tightly as you want. This is a nice feature for those who have larger or smaller calves and thighs. The cooling gel is very easy to use with the instructions printed right onto the actual gel pad. The gel pad is a bit larger than you would think but is does get all areas of the knee if that is what you are looking for in a knee wrap. The specific directions call for the gel to be in the freezer a few hours before use. I have used knee wraps before and only placed mine in the freezer an hour before my run and when I was ready to use it, it was cool for over an hour on my knee.

Since the knee pad is so large the gel pack is actually comprised of two long rectangular gel pads in one, each placed horizontally on top of each other. My only complaint about this is that when I initially put this on my knee it cooled all the areas around my knee except the direct sides in which I was having pain. But if you turn the gel pad around before placing it in the cloth cover you can both of the outer sides of the knee and not the front and back. I would also recommend this product if you are planning to remain inactive while wearing this knee wrap as it is rather large and slightly heavy. You can remain active if you tighten up the velcro around your knee. This product was easy to use and did its job. My knee felt significantly better after each run after using this wrap. I have used smaller wraps before but this is nice to get all areas of your knee at once. I believe the directions say you can also warm the gel as well but this aspect of the wrap I did not try. If you have knee problems then this could be a great starting point to getting you back on the right foot! (Pun intended)