It's race season!

The weather is getting warmer (on some days), the days are getting longer, and the race calendars are getting busier! It's my favorite time of year,

4 steps to achieving a new fitness goal in 2016

It's a new year and you're ready to challenge yourself; awesome!  Now, what's next? After you have determined (with the assistance of your doctor) you are physically ready to attempt a new goal, here are a few easy steps to help you achieve success in 2016.

2016 runDisney Dopey Challenge recap (and tips)

My favorite way to start a new year off on the right foot (pun intended) is to take part in the runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend each January. Since 2014, this has meant maximizing my fun by running all of the races during Marathon Weekend; appropriately titled the "Dopey Challenge".

If you're not familiar with Marathon Weekend here are a few quick bullet points to get you acquainted:

Checking things off the bucket list; in bulk

I've always been pretty adventurous, spontaneous, and the kind of person that wants to live life to the fullest.  Over the last few years, I've taken on an even bigger appreciation for this outlook.  I don't want to look back on my life and wish I had done something I chose not to.

How to balance work, running, health, and a social life

It seems like our lives keep getting more and more full and we are being stretched thin and in about a hundred directions at once.  Whether it's kids, being a caregiver for an aging family member, a career that demands long hours and lots of travel, or a multitude of other things, there's never a shortage of something to take up your time (that you just don't have).  So, how do you balance it all without offending people, dropping the ball at work, or driving yourself to sheer exhaustion?

Virginia Wine Country Half Recap and a Healthy Pineapple Dessert Recipe!

Yesterday was the Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon, and, if you saw my post from a few days ago, you know I did not train for this race and knew I wasn't fully prepared going into it.  So, it's not surprising that it was a slow race, but that's okay because I still finished and felt great at the end.  (I didn't even have any knee pain after all of the hills!)

I can't stay away

So, I had decided to take a break from doing races and just focus on my health and do fun/easy runs without the need for a rigorous training schedule.  That lasted for about a month, then I realized I'm simply not that kind of person.  By focusing on my health, that's really all I did, continually focus on my health and get frustrated that I can't fix everything.  I kept being reminded that it is something that isn't within my control and since I didn't have a training schedule or goal to distract me, it actually had a negative impact on my well-being.  Once I realized that, I quickly located some races and registered for them.  I instantly felt better after hitting the register button; I now had something to distract me from the aspects of my health that I can't control (and work of course) and a goal to focus on achieving.

So, as of right now, here's what my schedule looks like:

Pure LYFT Clean Caffeine Review

As a SweatPink Ambassador I was given the opportunity to review a new product called Pure LYFT.  I was really excited to have this opportunity, especially since I am just returning from a trip to Europe and even more exhausted than usual.  And, with all of my digestive issues, coffee and soda are not options for me. I usually drink soy chai, but even that causes some pretty intense pain and discomfort.

I'm usually tired enough from my health issues and work, but add in all the marathon training and cross-training and I can barely function about halfway through my day.  The package says you can mix it into any beverage, so I chose to mix it into my water aroung 2 in the afternoon when I hit my wall at work. There was a slight fruity taste, but it was barely noticeable and I definitely got the nice little pick me up that I needed to finish the day.

Here's a little information from their website:

LYFT^® Energy Stir Sticks are an innovative “clean caffeine”™ energy product infused with all natural caffeine and vitamins that provide a sophisticated energy experience.

• Zero Calories
• Clean Taste
• Can be used with a variety of different beverages from water to freshly pressed juices to coconut water and cocktails
• Vibrant Alertness
• No artificial flavors, sweeteners or preservatives
• Caffeine equivalent to one tall coffee

If you're looking for an all natural alternative to drinking coffee or soda but still getting that caffeine boost, I definitely recommend checking out Pure LYFT.  For more information on #cleancaffeine, take a look at their website www.PureLyft.com or their Facebook here.  Check them out!

In like a lion...

I think it's safe to say that March really does come in like a lion.  We started March off with another snowstorm.  Thankfully, it wasn't as much snow as the last one, but, I was just starting to be able to see the sidewalks and could almost taste an outside run...now I have to wait again for everything to thaw out.  I'm holding my breath and hoping the "out like a lamb" part comes true also.  At least I have some great tea filled with wisdom to keep me warm and cozy. This is my Muscle Recovery Yogi Tea; it smells so amazing, you HAVE to try it.  Plus, who doesn't like tea that has a fun inspirational saying on each teabag?

Marathon on a whim and more race discounts?!?!

My first marathon was on March 17, 2013.  Since then, I ran two more marathons (one of them being part of the 48.6 mile Dopey Challenge). After completing my last marathon as part of the Dopey Challenge I've been kind of taking it "easy" and just running (mostly speed workouts) and focusing on strength training, yoga, and mixing more cycling into my routine.  It's been going great, but every day I have this nagging in the back of my mind telling me that I need to do a fourth marathon before March 17th.

Free Pretty Muddy Race Entries!

Happy Friday AND Happy Valentine's Day! :)

Back at the beginning of the week I posted about a great mud race called Pretty Muddy (http://prettymuddywomensrun.com/).  Just a quick reminder, it's an awesome women's only untimed 5k with obstacles that has a partnership with Susan G. Komen to help find a cure for Breast Cancer.

I have a total of four race entries (two standard race entries - up to a $69.50 value; and two family edition entries - up to a $45.00 value) to give away to four lucky ladies!  For more information on what a family edition entry is, please visit http://prettymuddywomensrun.com/.