Winner, winner, chicken dinner.

I had a great time at the Disney Princess Half Marathon.  Race review coming soon.

I just wanted to announce the winner of my "breathe" Lift Your Sole necklace.

Congratulations!!!  Beach Mama send me an email to amandamarie83 @ gmail.com with your address and I'll get your necklace too you, maybe a few extra goodies as well.

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes

All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. Walt Disney

I started running again in 2008 after I saw the ad for the inaugural 2009 Disney Princess Half Marathon in a Fitness magazine.  It was winter in Maryland when I started running so I joined a gym that was on my way home from work.  I would stop after work 3 days a week and hit the treadmill for 3-7 miles.  When Smooth and I decided we wanted to move to Florida, I knew I wasn't going to run the Princess that year.  I stopped running and left the gym. 

The Princess section of my running board.

Last summer I was bitten by the running bug again when my coworkers from Hopkins said they were coming down to run the Women's Half Marathon in St. Petersburg.  I told them I couldn't wait to see them and I would run it with them.  Great decision.  We had the an awesome time.  I signed up to receive more information at the expo and got my tiara. :o)  I registered for the Princess 2 days later!

Danette, Cyndi, and I after Women's Half in St. Pete

And now the big day is just around the corner.  I just finished packing, loading my iPod, and getting my outfit together.

I wanted to have Ariel's colors so I found a shirt that was Little Mermaid purple, like her shells.  I tried to find a sea foam green running skirt, but was unsuccessful.  I thought about making a little skirt to hook to my SpiBelt, but I worked overtime this week and didn't make it to Joann's Fabric.  I guess my bib will have to do.  I filled my shuffle with Disney music and other awesome tunes.  I even made sure the headphones were on the correct sides in the picture, remember the AR I mentioned before.  I have my Shot Bloks hooked onto my SpiBelt with the toggles they give you for your bib number.  I hope they have a stand at the expo, I'd like another pair of toggles.  And yes, the AR made me put the Shot Bloks right side up in my belt.  Can't have upside down words.  Geesh.  And of course, I'll have my inhaler in my SpiBelt.  All the awesome-est people carry Albuterol, you didn't know?  I haven't had to use it during a run since the horrible bronchitis, but I'd hate to die in the magic kingdom.  After I took the picture I realized my sports bra wasn't in it, so I had to check and double check my bag to make sure I had it. 

Patchouli wants to go to Disney too.

I have the coffee pot timer set already.  Night shifters have a hard time living day shift hours.  I'll be picking up my RBK and heading to Orlando.  We will be hitting the expo first thing.  I am hoping to recognize some of the bloggy pack. 

My next post will be to announce the winner of my giveaway.  Are you entered?

Good luck to all my fellow Princesses out there!! 

Who is your favorite Princess? 

3 days til I'm a princess!!

I can't wait!  Only 3 more days until the Disney Princess Half Marathon.  My RBK (Running Buddy Kristina) and I did a 6 miler Monday morning and I felt great.  It was pretty foggy along Bayshore so we couldn't really tell how much further we had to go to get to our turn around spot.  It seemed to make it go by alittle faster. 

Last training run!!

Today we only did a 3 miler and it kinda kicked my butt.  It was our last training run before the big day.  I wore my Sauconys for the first time in a long time.  I wanted to make sure I wanted to run the half in my Bikilas.  Well, I'm sure.  I love my Vibrams.  I started running in the KSOs about a year ago after I read some articles and got a good review from a friend.  I wasn't doing all my runs in them, but I was working my milage up in them.  They really helped my find my natural gait and made running so much more enjoyable for me.  I got my Bikilas a few weeks ago and they are even better.  I can tell my feet are getting stronger and my toes used to be super curled and now they are much more straight and supportive.  I really don't think I'd be loving running as much as I do if I had discovered these shoes. 

My loves!

Another one of my coworkers has been doing the C25K program and I helped him find a 5k to run after he "graduates".  I  found one that serves beer afterwards as a little bit of motivation.  We both registered for it last night.  So far there are 3 of us registered and 1 other coworker is interested too.  I love sharing the running bug.  I'm hoping for a PR with a significant improvement over my last 5k time.  *fingers crossed*

I want to try another style minimalist running shoe, any suggestions?

Are any of my followers running the Princess?

Only 3 days to enter my giveaway.  Lift Your Sole will be at the Princess expo, be sure to check out there jewelry.  I can't wait to pick out my next necklace.

Valentine's.

Since Smooth and I didn't get to celebrate Valentine's Day Monday, we had our celebration last night.  We had a nice dinner at home, then went downtown, walked around the parks and had gelato and a couple of drinks.



Yum, gelato.

Cheers.

My Valentine.







I was supposed to go run 10 miles with Kristina this morning along Bayshore.  Unfortunately, my alarm didn't go off and I over slept.  Sorry running buddy.  I think we are going to do our long run in the morning after work.  So today I went to Weedon Island and ran 3.4 miles.  It was a little busier today than the last time I was there.  The first 1.5 miles felt really good and I think I had a good pace going, but the second half I had to slow down to get around the other people.  I used a different running app on my phone today too, RunKeeper.  So far I think I like this one the best.  I like how it shows the map of the course and I didn't have to wait for the GPS to find me.  I haven't played with it too much yet to see what else it does.

Taken the last time we went to Weedon Island.

Part of the trail is boardwalk.

Part is sandy trail.

After I finished the run, I came home and did my first day of Jillian's 30 Day Shred.  I like it for a quick workout before I have to go to work, but I am going to stick with my P90X cross training days.  Tony Horton is awesome!

What XT do you do?

Saving Babies, One Step at a Time

I realized I asked for your support for my March of Dimes team for my giveaway but I haven't explained why I am so passionate about the cause.  Sorry this post isn't running related.

In 1988, my little brother Nathan was born.  He was a cute little red head with a temper to match.  Not long after he was born my parents noticed he was having seizures and having a difficult time breathing and eating.  After several tests, he was diagnosed with holoprosencephaly, a rare birth defect where the frontal lobe of the brain is not fully developed.  He was unable to breathe through his nose and had to have an airway placed in his mouth to keep is tongue down to allow him to breathe.  He also had to be fed with a feeding tube, because he was unable to breathe, suck, and swallow at the same time.  My parents were taught how to administer his medications and give him tube feedings which allowed us to bring him home.  I was only 5 years old but I still remember going to the NICU to see him, dressing him in a Santa outfit at Christmas, giving him a Valentine's Day card, and letting him taste chocolate at Easter.  I was such a proud big sister.  Sadly, Nathan was only with us for 5 months, but of course he touched our lives forever.

Me and Nathan
(This is the only digital picture I have of him right now, I'll try to post more.)

As I was finishing Respiratory Therapy school and trying to decide where I wanted to work, I had a clinical day in an NICU and knew instantly that is where I was meant to work.  I have enjoyed helping premature and other sick babies breathe in the NICU for almost 5 years. 

From Google images

The first March of Dimes walk I participated in was in 1993.  This year is the first time I am building a team of walkers and supporters.  I'm very excited to be a part of March for Babies and hope you will join my team. Every day, thousands of babies are born too soon, too small and often very sick. The money we raise will support March of Dimes research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. And it will be used to bring comfort and information to families with a baby in newborn intensive care.

Please join my team. You can do so on my team Web page. If you can't walk with me, please help the team reach our goal by making a donation. You can do that online as well.
Thank you for helping me give all babies a healthy start!

Check out my giveaway here. 
“Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more; Love more, and all good things will be yours”

My mama's Nathan tattoo, my Breathe tattoo.

Is it my birthday?

What a great day!  Well, I guess it's been a great week.  Monday, Smooth gave me my new iPod shuffle for Valentine's Day.  He got a couple of disc golf discs that he had wanted.  He was sick when I got home from Pennsylvania on Monday, so we are going to have our Valentine's Day dinner Saturday night. 


Smooth is the bomb.com

 I got to use my groovy new tunes for my run today.  It was just a quick run to get me back in runner mode.  I ran from our lake to the bay.  I really needed that run to reset my mind and get my motivation back.  My legs felt kinda heavy when I started, but taking a week off will probably do that, huh?  It felt nice to go easy and enjoy the beautiful 70 degree weather.

The fountain in our lake.

My little turtle and my awesome Vibrams.

Rockin my Turtle shirt.

Across Tampa Bay.

Creeper van.  White vans scare me.

After I finished my run I went to the mail box.  Lots of great surprises.  I got my awesome gym bag from Jess.  It had lots of fun goodies in it, and Patchouli likes it too.

He thinks he got a new "bucket".

We also got a check for $15.00, a coupon for a free yogurt, 2 Breathe Right Samples, a free little multitool, and Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.  Last I checked my birthday was in November.  Well, except for those couple years I celebrated my birthday June 17th because I wanted a summer birthday.  But I could get used to getting gifts in February.

Not to mention it's Pizza Wednesday!!  Eggplant, mushrooms, and spinach other half sausage and cheese.

I love Goodfellas!

What a fun unbirthday!  Did you get any gifts today?

Don't forget to enter my giveaway here! 

Just Breathe...

I had such a great time visiting my mom and spending time with family.  I also had a blast at J Dubs wedding.  It was so nice to see my former coworkers and dance our butts off.  I'm so happy for Jen and Brad, they are such a sweet couple.

Mr. and Mrs.

I was so caught up in eating seafood and playing poker, I did not lace up my running shoes a single time.  And I loved it.  I missed running, but I missed running in Florida.  Running in 19 degree weather or even 35 degree weather is just not my style.  I'll jump back into it tomorrow.

But I did come up with a giveaway. 

Do you want it?

I love this necklace from Lift Your Sole.  My mommy got me one for Christmas.  Want one too?
Leave a comment to tell me which of the following you have done:

1.  Become a follower.
2.  Share the giveaway on facebook, twitter or on your blog.
3.  Like Lift Your Sole on Facebook.

BONUS
1.  Join my March of Dimes Team.  Even if you can't walk, you can join us and help spread the word.
2.  Or donate $1 to our team Here.

Last day to enter is February 27th.  The day of the Disney Princess Half Marathon.

Good luck.

Pay It Forward

I won!! 

Jess had an awesome gym bag giveaway and I am the lucky winner.  I don't currently have a gym bag, so the timing couldn't be more perfect.  I figured the only fair thing to do would be to have my own giveaway.  I just don't know what to giveaway yet.  I'll have to come up with something good.  I am going out of town this week, so maybe I'll find something fun while I'm on vacay. 

Jess and the bag. 

There is a free 5k tonight at American Running Company with Captain Morgan drinks afterwards.  Darn it for the alcohol free detox, that ends tomorrow.  They are letting people demo a pair of Newtons again.  I tried them once at another ARC event and fell in love with the shoes.  I am hoping to get the night off work to take care of somethings before I go home, so a free 5k would be a great way to get in a 3 miler before I take off.

Rockin my free-for-a-day Newtons

Check back to find out what I'll be giving away.

:o)


More Giveaways!!!
Miss Zippy
Endurance isn't Only Physical

The Hungry Runner Girl

A for Awesome.

What is it about running in the rain, (for the first time), that makes us feel so hardcore?  Kristina and I went to Bayshore for a 9 miler yesterday after work.  It was a little bit drizzly when we got there, but no big deal.  A few minutes into the run it was more sprinkly.  A little while later, rain.  It was so exhilarating.  It took alot to keep me motivated.  We had both worked 12 hour shifts before the run.  But we did it.

Wet Rats.

During the run I was noticing hot spots on my feet at the arches.  I was hoping it was just because my feet were wet and that there was not a problem with my beloved Vibram Bikilas.  When I got to the car, I took my shoes off and there are funny marks on my feet, not quite blisters, not quite cuts.  But man do they burn.  Covered them with Vaseline gauze at work last night.  They are starting to feel better.  I am going to run in my KSOs until they are gone, then try my Bikilas again.  Hopefully it was just because of the rain.

I was also trying out my new phone apps.  I downloaded the Runstar app and was excited to see how it would work.  I should have played with it before we went out for the run because I couldn't figure out how to get it to change from km to miles or how to lock the screen.  Once I figured it all out, it worked great.  We had our doubts until we sat down a breakfast and checked out the phone.  9.1 miles.  A for Awesome!! 

Speaking of A for Awesome, we finally made it to Daily Eats.  I am on a detox diet for the week.  No meat, no dairy, no sugar, no caffeine, no alcohol.  I still managed to eat a delicious breakfast.  Eggs aren't meat.  And I had decaf coffee because I was freezing. 

So stoked to eat here.



Yum!!  Don't worry, that's not all my food.

I feel great doing this "detox", except for missing the caffeine.  I probably shouldn't have started it before a 5 night stretch at work.  Oh, and I miss cheese...alot! 

Wednesday I leave to go back up north for a wedding and to see my mama.  I can't wait to see my friends and family, but I am not looking forward to running in the cold.  I don't have any cold weather running gear.  But I'm excited to be getting some hill work into my training.  Florida is FLAT, except for the race courses, they always seem to find a hill to throw in there.



Does anybody know any other good Android running apps?

How do you keep warm during your run without buy specific cold gear?

I'm a runner.

"This ain't no sissy sprint you know!"-Col. Potter


I am a huge M*A*S*H fan.  I watched this episode last night and it was very motivating.  Father Mulcahy had to run a 12 mile race against a guy that was faster than him.  Ok, so in the episode, he makes the other guy throw the race to help the orphans.  It was still a good race.



Father Mulcahy runninng a 12 mile race.





Proving the turtle really can win.





I am so proud of myself for sticking with it this time.  When I started runninng, each time, I would think, "I want to be a runner."  Not, I want to run or I want to lose weight, but I want to be a runner.  I am pretty sure I can say it now.  I may not be a fast runner or the most dedicated in my training, but I'm a runner.  I make dates with my running buddies, I wake up early to run, I ran 8.5 miles without walking.  I'm a runner.  Did anyone else have an "I'm a runner" moment?

Check out Jess's giveaway.  Tell her I sent you.

:o)

Bayshore Rocks!

 

January was a pretty good month.  I ran 44 awesome miles, found 2 new running routes, started this blog, bought a new pair of Vibrams, and got a new 5k PR. 

Today's run was so fun and the view was fan-tastic.  I met Kristina after work for a 5 miler. 

View along Bayshore

It was going pretty good, but we couldn't figure out where to turn around.  I mapped out the course on Google Maps, but couldn't tell the sidewalk just...ended about .5 mile short of our turn around spot.  We are both fairly new runners and haven't invested in Garmins yet.  Someday. 




New turn around "nook"

Random action shot

"A" for Amanda

 All along the route there were lots of quirky things.  There was a parade the over the weekend and there were trees with Mardi Gras beads in them.  I tried to get a photo but it didn't turn out well.

But I got this cool photo of Kristina, random guy, and Tampa.







We made it, touch the fence!



After the run we went to breakfast.  We had planned to go to a place called Good Eats which had a great menu.  But last night a guy at work suggested a different place.  It was right by where we parked, so I thought it was a great idea.  





Strange





Cool decorations



Not so much





Our last breakfast experience set the bar so high, it took alot to impress.  This did not. 



Breakfast fail!



Next we walked to a running store neither of us had been to before.  I tried on 8 pairs of shorts, bought none.  I want a cute outfit for the Princess Half, but I think I'll stick to something tried and true and buy fun stuff at the expo instead.  I did get a Sweaty Band that I love, and I tried on a Running Skirt, that I am very interested in.

We also made a goal for ourselves to run at least one race a month this year.  So far we have them planned until May.  It will be fun to look for more races.

I know I don't get alot of traffic or have many followers but we need advice.  Both her and I have had strange experiences with seeing spots and having blurry vision, lasting about 15 minutes or so. Then when that goes away, a headache comes.  A half hour or hour later an arm and hand goes numb.  We are both 27, work night shift, run, and eat fairly healthy.  Anyone have a suggestion as to what may be going on?