Kidz Bop 22 Review & Giveaway

Little Diva and I always love working with Kidz Bop (HERE).  They have some of the music that the kids and I both love singing, but can safely enjoy together.  It's great for blasting in the Marathon Mommy Minivan.  Or, Little Diva loves rocking it on her CD player while she tests the acoustics in the bathroom.  These songs are sung by kids, for kids.

Kidz Bop 22 (HERE) features sixteen totally hit tracks, featuring the Kidz Bop Kids and kid-frendly (kid-safe) lyrics.  Little Diva and Little Dude both love so many of these current Top 40 hits.  The CD was just released in July 2012.

		Stronger KIDZ BOP Kids
		Call Me Maybe KIDZ BOP Kids
		Starships KIDZ BOP Kids
		Domino KIDZ BOP Kids
		Payphone KIDZ BOP Kids
		Wild Ones KIDZ BOP Kids
		Glad You Came KIDZ BOP Kids
		Drive By KIDZ BOP Kids
		Part Of Me KIDZ BOP Kids
		What Makes You Beautiful KIDZ BOP Kids
		Dance Again KIDZ BOP Kids
		Boyfriend KIDZ BOP Kids
		Feel So Close KIDZ BOP Kids
		Somebody That I Used To Know KIDZ BOP Kids
		Tonight Is The Night KIDZ BOP Kids
		Set Fire To The Rain KIDZ BOP Kids feat. Ethan Bortnick

 

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One lucky winner will win
a copy of Kidz Bop 22 on CD

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

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

2 – Become a fan of Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT 

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

4 – Become a fan of Kidz Bop 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 Thursday, August 30.

[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 on RDM.  You can read all about my fabulous experiences at the links below.

Random.org chose ……..

Noodles & Co Summer Salads - (HERE)Winner:  Kathy (HERE)

Sparkly Soul Headbands - (HERE)
Winner:  Tabitha @ Tab a Dilly (HERE)

Casall Sports Bra - (HERE)
Winner:  Bonnie Michaels (no blog)

Vega Smoothie - (HERE)
Winner:  Cupcake @ Bigger Girls Can Run Too (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 ) ]

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Don’t forget to enter my current giveaways, and read the reviews:

Gu Sampler - Ends 8/22 (HERE)
Pretty Muddy Chicago Race Entry - Ends 8/26 (HERE)
Color Me Rad 5K Madison Race Entry - Ends 8/26 (HERE)
Hydrapak Softflask - Ends 8/27 (HERE)
Injinji Socks - Ends 8/27 (HERE)

Jovial Pasta - Ends 8/27 (HERE)

Hydrapak Soft Flask Review & Giveaway

Hydrapak (HERE) recently sent me a Softflask.  I looked at it and then had to visit their website, because I wasn't quite sure what it was intended for ... gels or water.  Turns out you can use it for both. 

Hydrapak claims that the Softflask (HERE) is the perfect companion for almost any energy gel. It is superior to any hard gel flask because it’s flexible material allows you to squeeze the entire contents out of the flask instead of waisting the contents in a hard flask.  The Bite Valve works well with fluid, gel, or a mixture of each

I squeezed water into it and tried running with it.  I always run with water, and it didn't work well for me.   I like having some sort of handle or pocket to wrap my hand around to secure the bottle while I run.  I don't want to cramp up or have to think about it.  The bite valve worked wll however.  Surprisingly, really easy to use. 

I then tried filling it up with three gels and headed out for a run.  It was a great idea, so that you can just sip as you go.  One would think that was awesome.  But, I love to carry lots of water with me (often have to refill multiple times on a twenty miler).  I can't carry both.  So this left me kind of frustrated.  The ideas is treat though, because I hate dealing with wrappers and storing the wrappers or discarding them and the mess that goes with it.  If you are into gel flasks, then this soft version may be for you.  But, I will probably continue to store mine in my handheld water bottle in the future.

Have you tried a flask?  Can you change my mind?

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One lucky winner will win
a Soft Flask from Hydrapak

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

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

2 – Become a fan of Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

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

4 – Become a fan of Hydrapak 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 Monday, August 27.

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

Injijni Socks Review & Giveaway

Injijni (HERE) contacted me ahile ago and asked if I'd like to try some of their Performance Toe Socks.  I looked at the website and wasn't sure how comfortable they would be, especially for running.  But, why not.  That's why I review things ... some things shock me and change my mind.  So, did these.

Injinji Toe Socks (HERE) retail for $10 online.  I was sent a size medium.  I wear a size 10 running shoe.

When I first put them on, and each toe in the toe slots, it honestly felt a little weird.  I wasn't sure I would run in them .. or just walk around the house or take the kids on a bike ride.  But, I ended up wearing them on a quick 5K around the neighborhood, and am glad I did.  Honestly, as soon as I hit start on my stop watch, I forgot about the socks and my toes.  They were thin and comfortable.  I hate heavy, thick socks.  And these were lightweight, just like they claim.  The toe slots were now comfortable too.  And they kept my feet dry.  The coolmax material really lived up to its name.  My only complaint is that these were too high for me.  I either like a knee high sock, or something a bit lower.  If I wore these on a really long run in the summer, they would give me funny tan line!  They also slouched a bit during my 5K, causingn some bunching around the ankles.  They also offer a lower sock (mini crew or no show), which I would've preferred.

The Performance Series Lightweight Toesock is designed as an ultra-thin interface for performance in any shoe, climate or terrain. The Performance Series™ is engineered with Injinji's patented AIS Technology and constructed with CoolMax®, Lycra® and Nylon fibers that help keep feet dry, cool and comfortable.

Details * Engineered w/ AIS technology and constructed with: * 75% CoolMax® * 22% Nylon * 3% Lycra®

Material CoolMax® in an enhanced polyester fiber and is the industry leader when it comes to moisture management. CoolMax® fabric is specifically designed to provide not only superior moisture management but also to enhance the wearer's comfort. All benefits of CoolMax® are built into the fiber requiring no chemical treatments like many other wicking fabrics.

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One lucky winner will win
a pair of Injinji Socks

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

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

2 – Become a fan of Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

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

4 – Become a fan of Injinji 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 Monday, August 27.

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

Jovial Pasta Review & Giveaway

I was contacted by Jovial Foods (HERE) to see if my active family would like to try their Whole Grain Einkhorn Pasta (HERE).  We eat pasta at least once a week and usually eat whole wheat pasta.  I was eager to see what the kids thought too, because they totally love whole wheat pasta, just like mama.

We received the Einkhorn Spaghetti and the Rigatoni.  Both were delicious.  We used the spaghetti with a meat sauce and we used the Rigatoni with a traditional spaghetti sauce and used some leftovers from a rotisserie chicken.  I baked it as a casserole, with the chicken and some cheddar cheese smothered on top.  The kids went to town.  I swear ... Little Dude ate six (yes, six!) servings.  It was fantastic.  Little Diva loved it too.  I thought we'd have leftovers, but we didn't.  We all left the dinner table full and satisified.

Jovial Whole Grain Einkorn Pasta is a delicious foundation to a nutritious and enjoyable meal. Although Whole Grain Einkorn is a healthy source of dietary fiber, it does not have a grainy or gritty texture. Packed with protein, B vitamins and minerals, it will leave you feeling very satisfied. Our pasta is masterly crafted in Italy by expert pasta artisans, who only enhance the inherent goodness of this most ancient grain.

• High in Thiamin, essential dietary and trace minerals
• Good source of protein, dietary fiber and B Vitamins.
• One 2oz. serving contains as much of the antioxidant Lutein as a whole egg.
• Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) twice that of whole durum wheat pasta.

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One lucky winner will win
a Jovial Pasta Sampler Pack

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

4 – Become a fan of Jovial Pasta 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 Monday, August 27.

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

Off the Bucket List: Ziplining

One of the items on my bucket list was ziplining.  I've been slowly crossing things off of my list over the past two years, since my new life began and I've unfortunately had less mommy time and more me time.  I've filled my time with running, friends, family, and dating.  I've become more social, more adventurous and have forced myself to step outside of my comfort zone, to try new things, see new sights, meet new people.  I'm slowly crossing things off my bucket list ... some big; some small.

The boyfriend and I have similar interests and have both been discussing ziplining since we met last winter.  With our busy schedules, we've had August 11 on our calendar for quite awhile ... ziplining was going to be tackled one way or another. 

I looked online for different places in Wisconsin to try this out.  There were places in Door County and Wisconsin Dells ... and then I heard that it was also offered in Lake Geneva.  Door County was too far of a trek from Madison.  And, Wisconsin Dells just didn't seem epic enough for me.  If I couldn't travel to some scenic mountains or glide across the bays of some tropical scenery ... I wanted to be ziplining through some beautiful woods.  We ended up making a reservation at Lake Geneva Canopy Tours (HERE).  It was going to cost $100 each (a little steep for my single mommy budget).  But, I had saved up some money from coaching and thought that this would be well worth it ... and it was .....

We showed up for a 2pm excursions with three other couples.  The 2.5 hr trek was upon us.  We checked in, used the restroom for the last time and got on the scale.  The owner thought he was funny when he stepped up behind me and put his body weight on the scale and I was asked if I really weighed 225+ lbs.  Nope, funny guy.

I never participated in extracurricular activities or sports, because I was always worried I'd embarrass myself in front of my peers or in groups of people I didn't know.  I was worried I wouldn't know anyone and that I wouldn't know what to do.  So, setting out in an adventure like this with a bunch of strangers was more intimidating to me than the heights.  But, I did it.  I embarrassed myself, yes.  Goofed up a bit.  But, who cares.  I really realize that running has given me more confidence to do things like this.

We had to write nicknames on our partner's helmets.  I wrote Steve on The Boyfriend's helmet.  He wrote RDM on mine.  There were lots of questions about what RDM stood for.  I still don't think they got it.  One of the other gals had a race shirt on and we got to talking a bit.  After the excursion, she looked up RDM online and reached out to me.  She's currently training for her first full marathon (one that I've completed).  So, now I'm excited we are in touch online and keep eachother posted on our running excursions, too.  Running just connects people.

We were anywhere from 10 ft to 75 ft off of the ground.  It wasn't the heights or the speed that scared me.  I was just worried I wouldn't be able to stop or would goof up and embarrass myself.  But, after a few smaller runs (they gradually got longer and faster), I was more comfortable.

I believe the two faster runs had us going 35 MPH and 50 MPH.   We ziplined from tree to tree and walked across long, wobbly bridges and up several spiral staircases.  They were just too cool.  There were a lot of fun animal sculptures hiding throughout the canopy tour.  The last line was a double zipline, where you raced your partner.  You literally had to jump off of the platform and it was exhilerating. 

Our guides were hilarious and totally made me feel comfortable and safe. They definitely had that personalities for this. "Sean" and "Kevin" (not sure if that was their real name or not) were awesome and I'd love to have them as guides again in the future.

I really thought that this bucket list item was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But, The Boyfriend and I both agreed that we will be back in the future. Not sure if we'll zipline at the same location or maybe I'll get to go to some tropical island someday and actually fulfill my dream of ziplining in the rainforest. We'll see. For now, this will do, and has fulfilled the adrenaline rush. So glad I did this.

Color Me Rad 5K Madison Race Entry Giveaway

I was recently at a local brewery and saw some flyers for a race that was coming to town, Color Me Rad (HERE).  The next day, I had an email in my inbox that they were indeed coming to Madison and picked up my business card at Catalyst Activewear, where I currently am coaching.  So, Little Diva and I will be participating in the Madison, Wisconsin Color Me Rad event on October 13, 2012 at the Alliant Energy Center (HERE). 

I've participated in a similar run earlier this year with my boyfriend, and I'm looking forward to experiencing this event with Little Diva, and seeing how it is different.  It will be one week after I run Chicago and one day before I run another full marathon.  I'm not expecting any PR's, people.  But, after running something similiar, I don't expect to race this event (even if I was running solo), because this event is just about having a total blast and getting down, dirty and full of color.  I look forward to seeing how the events are different and what little diva thinks of it.  Fun, fun, fun!!!

Want to join in on the fun?? ..... Here's your chance to get Rad in Madtown ......

This 5K will have you starting with a white tee shirt and by the end of 3.1 miles, you will be covered in Blue, Green, Pink, Purple, Yellow.  It will be tossed at you, you'll roll around in it, you'll smother it all over your face.   You'll sweat colorfully.  You'll laugh.  You'll have great memories.

So, grab a group of friends, neighbors, teammates and sign up.  This is a family friend event.  And kids under 7 yrs even get to participate free with a paid adult!

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One lucky winner will win
Entry to Color Me Rad 5K
in Madison, WI
on October 13, 2012
& a Color Me Rad Tee

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

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

2 – Become a fan of Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

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

4 – Become a fan of Color Me Rad 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 Sunday, August 26.

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

Pretty Muddy Chicago Race Entry Giveaway

These mud runs are EVERYWHERE.  I still haven't tried one, but it is on my bucket list.  I'm a little intimidated by it, honestly.  But, endurance sports are all about stepping outside of your comfort zone a bit.  The idea of competing in a mixed gender competition like that has kept me away for the time being.  But there are more and more all female mud runs popping up all over the place.

When I was recently contacted by Pretty Muddy (HERE), to alert me that the Chicago event was right around the corner, I almost jumped at the opportunity to participate.  I'm a sucker for all-female events and this may just have been my chance to try out a pretty cool mud run with some pretty cool women.  Unfortunately, I'm tied down with Little Diva's commitments the weekend of September 15 and can't make the trek across the Wisconsin border to Chi-town.

This is YOUR chance to participate in a pretty darn cool event.  Don't pass this up!!  I hope to participate in 2013.

There are five other Pretty Muddy events nationwide, so check out their site, if you can't participate in Chicago on September 15.

This 5K run/walk is for women-only and filled with tons of mud and tons of fun.  A non-competitive atmosphere is going to be filled with all sorts of enthusiastic groups of women just trying to get outside and be active together.  There are going to be some outgoing costumes, colors and fun technical gear ... getting dirty, wet and full of mud.  Here's your chance for a girl's weekend getaway!!

There is goin to be one fun course in Chicago, filled with tons of fun girly-colored obstacles.  There is also going to be an epic finish line party and celebration.  You don't want to miss this, ladies!!

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One lucky winner will win

Entry into Pretty Muddy Chicago
on September 15, 2012
and a Pretty Muddy Tee

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

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

2 – Become a fan of Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

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

4 – Become a fan of Pretty Muddy 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 Sunday, August 26.

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

RDM Featured in Brava Magazine

I was contacted by Brava Magazine (HERE) earlier this summer, Madison, Wisconsin's leading magazine for women of style and substance.  They wanted to send out a freelance writer to interview me about my coaching experience, see what it's like to start running, discuss the benefits of running, and then also to see what it's like to run a marathon.  They also said I could pick them the time, the best running location in town and that we would be running a few miles during the interview.  Seriously?!  How cool is this?

I left work early one afternoon and met up with Ann at Machinery Row, near Monona Terrace in downtown Madison.  It was in the 80's a HOT!  Ann was a short distance runner, but hadn't been running regularly as of late.  We ended up running back and forth with a photographer, Amber, for about a half hour, to get some good shots.  Then, we headed out for a run.  We ended up running between 5-6 miles on the Capital City Trail, while she asked me questions about how I got started with running, how I encourage others, appropriate gear and what it's like to advance from shorter distance to long distances races.  It was a blast!  It was fun to reflect on my personal experiences and those of my clients.  It also helped me think about future plans, goals and race expectations.

After the interview, I stopped at a local convenience store and treated myself to a fountain Diet Mountain Dew ... and waited a month or so until I could see the article in print ....

You can pick up your August 2012 issue of Brava Magazine (HERE) now at select locations in the Madison, Wisconsin area. 

Full Moon Kids Run

A couple of weeks ago, we were attending the Movin' Shoes Full Moon 5K (HERE).  The race took place on a Thursday night at 9pm, on the evening of the full moon (howl!).  I was spectating the 5K, which ran around Monona Bay and near Lake Monona, finishing at Olin Turville Park.

There was a very affordable kids race prior to the 5K at 8:30.  I asked the kids if they wanted to participate, and they did.  Little Diva has ran in races before.  This would be Little Dude's first.

Blinky lights and glow bracelets were encouraged.  You don't have to tell us twice!! 

For only $1, the kids were able to register for the kids race and got a bag full of swag ... mini water bottles, glow bracelets, blinky lights, snacks.  They were psyched.  They were giving kids the option to run one lap or two around the park. 

The sun was setting and the moon was shining bright, as the little munchkins toed the start line.  Little Dude was a little aprehensive to join the other Little Dude's that were doing jumping jacks and dancing around at the start line.  After some gentle nudging from his sister, he decided to join in on the fun.

Just like the 5K, there was a wolf out on the course and you had to try to beat him to the finish line.  This young guy was dressed with a wolf mask and Little Dude was motivated to stay ahead of him.

The kids were off, as they did one full lap around the park.  It was fun seeing him come around the corner with a huge smile on his face ... especially when he realized he beat the wolf.  He must've told the wolf 3-4 times that he beat him.  His sister came in fourth place.  We will definitely run this race again in the future.