Esprit de She Ambassador - Third year in a row!

I am so honored to be an Esprit de She ambassador.    This is my third year with this company and I'm so excited to be able to share this wonderful opportunity with you!

I found out about this opportunity in the Winter of 2012 and ran my first Esprit de She in Cary, NC.  I will once again travel to Cary, NC and be a part of the amazing race in a beautiful location.  

Gildan Esprit de She has started a new campaign "Be Your Potential".  Being a part of this company has allowed me to achieve my potential!  I know that we all strive to be better and that is what Esprit De She is about.  You can find their new eight week campaign here at Be Your Potential.  

If you want to participate in an a wonderful and empowering racing series you can use my ambassador code (GEDS16AMB028) for $5 off your race entry.  It is good for all the events and please feel free to share this code.  

THE 2016 EVENTS are:  

Woodlands 5K/10K (TX) | April 21
Tempe 5K/Du/Tri (AZ) | May 8
Cary 5K/10K (NC) | May 12
Lakeville Du/Tri (MN) | May 22
Naperville Tri (IL) | June 12
Chicago 5K/10K (IL) | July 21
Maple Grove 5K/Fitness Jam (MN) | August 4
San Diego Du/Tri (CA) | October 16
Atlanta 5K/10K (GA) | November 3

When you register you will receive:

• An offical Mondetta race performance tank for running races or an official Moxie Cycling sweetheart jersey
• Personalized race bib if registered by date indicated for each race
• Gift Bag
• Finisher's medal with removable charm (races only)
• Two complimentary drinks at our Signature Bubbly Bar (21 and over only).  Some locations will have coffee bars instead of a Bubbly Bar.  
• Healthy post-race foods.
• Access to our Panasonic Beauty Bar powered by LifeSpa with complimentary massages, mini manicures and hair braiding
• Professional event timing and live results messaging to track and promote your race success (5K only)
• Invitation to join Finish Line Training from Life Tim Run
• Aware necklaces will be presented to the top three overall 5K finishers as well as the top three finishers in each age group.

I look foward to running in Cary, NC and wish my fellow ambassadors success in their race venues.  I wish to thank Esprit de She for choosing me once again.  I hope to see you in Cary, NC but if not, good luck at your Esprit de She venue!

Till next time and remember, my journey continues...If you can dream it, you can do it as Walt Disney said!

Captain's Log Date 20160125.1500: Destination: United Earth (Home) by Blizzard Jonas

Captain's Log Date 20160125.1500:  Finally, we are at United Earth.  After surviving the storm, managed to get off the ship to survive the damage.  Here's what it looked like on 20160124.0900.  

Bow Street

Bow Street 

Captain

Shuttlecraft

We managed to dig out the shuttlecraft today and did a measurment of the snow for historical purposes.  27 inches total!  Historic storm according to the comm. 

27 total inches

We all survived and are happy to be home and life back to normal until our next journey.  This captain is looking forward to her Balega socks, Sparkle Skirts and getting back to a normal running/exercise routine!  Thanks for being on this mission with us-I've enjoyed having fun while surviving Blizzard Jonas!  

Remember, running and space the final frontiers!  To Boldy Go Where No Man Has Gone Before

Boldy Go! Till next time and remember, my journey continues...If you can dream it, you can do it as Walt Disney said! 

Balega sock WINNER!!!

I survived Blizzard Jonas however I'm still digging out.  I can't seem to get this song out of my head though!  We dig, dig,dig.

The winner is Lex R with a total of 26 inches.  We received 26 inches!  Fantastic guess!

Lex R, please send me a message on Facebook so I can mail you the pair of Balega socks!  Congratulations! :)

Thanks to all who left a comment.  Stay tuned as I will have more contests in the future as an Impi Balega Ambassador!

Till next time and remember, my journey continues...If you can dream it, you can do it as Walt Disney said!  

Captain's Log Date 20160124.0900: Destination: United Earth (Home) by Blizzard Jonas

Captain's Log Date 20160124.0900:  I woke this morning to a  message on the comm:

"Captains log 20160124-we survived the first day of our interment.  This morning, however, I sense something amiss.  Yesterday's wonderful smells of brewing coffee and cinnamon rolls have been replaced with the dire aroma of nothingness.  Have my crew blizzard mates succumb to cabin fever?"

Why can't they give a captain a break of sleeping in one day a week!!!  Looking out, it appears the storm has stopped so now we try to get back to normal life. It also appears that we had visitors from another life source either late last night or this morning.  I wonder who stopped by to check on us!

Morning picture from the bow (0900 hours)

Morning picture from the bow (0900 hours)  It appears we had visitors!

Morning picture from the bow (0900 hours)

Morning picture from the stern (0900 hours)

Morning picture from the stern (0900 hours)

Still no exercising/running as there is a lot of work to be done so we can get home and back to normal life!  I'm feeling it but once we get working, I will probably be okay.   Let the work day begin after breakfast.

Boldy Go! Till next time and remember, my journey continues...If you can dream it, you can do it as Walt Disney said!  

Captain's Log Date 20160123.1900: Destination United Earth (Home) by Blizzard Jonas

Captain's Log Date 20160123.1900:  We've survived the day but the crew is starting to get a little cabin fever!  The storm continued throughout the day and got worse in the afternoon. I took some pictures for historic records as the storm ranged on!

Afternoon picture from bow (1400 hour)

Afternoon picture from bow (1400 hour)

Afternoon picture from stern (1400 hour)

For historical purposes, I ventured a spacewalk outside the ship and took some videos. Star Date: 10207169100340334 and Star Date:1667426200/10207169100820346.

The crew survived the afternoon through movies and recorded shows on the ship's computers but I could tell were a little crazy with each other!

Dinner was served:  Beef Stew, Corn Muffins followed by Gingerbread for dessert.

Beef Stew

Cornbread Muffins

Gingerbread

As evening falls, the storm still continues and more pictures for the log before bed.  Blizzard Jonas is the final frontier for us and our journey continues til tomorrow. " A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory." LLAP

Boldy Go! Till next time and remember, my journey continues...If you can dream it, you can do it as Walt Disney said!  

Captain's Log Star Date 20160122.100 and Star Date 20160123.0800: Destination:United Earth (Home) by Blizzard Jonas

Captains Log Day 201601222100: Our destination is United Earth however we've encountered a storm by the name of Blizzard Jones. We've battened done the hatches here with a well stocked pantry.  All is well.  The crew (4 cats and three adults) are settling in for the long haul.  It doesn't look too bad out there now but according to the subspace communications from our home planet, the worst is yet to come!  We're supposed to survive this storm without going anywhere for a couple of days but who knows what tomorrow holds. This is the final frontier here-storm bound and stuck!

First picture from spaceport!

Captain's Log Day 201601230800:  While overnight was a bit rough (high winds and still storming), we all survived!  Upon waking up to Thundersnow, I quickly got dressed and went to the galley for coffee.  The cook (me, yes and captain too!) made homemade cinnamon buns and started the beef stew for dinner.  Definitely much worse out there and again Subspace communications from home appear that we're stuck here for several days.   Looking out of the bow, it looks like the storm has left more of an impact on us.  

Looking from the bow

Looking from the stern, it doesn't appear to be much better!

Looking from the stern

The inhabitants on the neighboring planet where we were supposed to restock look like they are having fun though.  I hope that the crew doesn't see this! :)

More to follow.....Till next time and remember, my journey continues...If you can dream it, you can do it as Walt Disney said!

Balega Blizzard sock giveaway!

While those of us who live on the East Coast are battling the blizzard and whatever you call it (Snowzilla, Blizzard of 2016, Blizzard Jonas) , I have decided to have a little fun with it as a Balega Impi Ambassador.

First picture of storm on 1/22/16

Front yard on morning of 1/23/16

Backyard on morning of 1/23/16

 Guess the number of inches total that I will receive by the time the storm ends (Sunday evening, January 24, 2016) and the person that comes closest will receive a pair of Balega socks!  Post in comments below and winner will be announced on Monday morning!

 Till next time and remember, my journey continues...If you can dream it, you can do it as Walt Disney said!

Winter Running Tips

Running outside in winter? Are you crazy? Although cold weather and the holidays can really play havoc on your running regimen, winter is one of the best seasons to be a runner. The weather is cool, the path isn’t crowded, and the running outfits are adorable! It’s easier than you think. All you need are a few key strategies and a firm running goal, and you’ll be running in any kind of weather.

Set a Specific Goal
There is nothing more motivating than to train for a race or specific goal. Runner’s World has a number of titles to help you plan your first 5K, half marathon, or reach your desired number of miles every month. You’ll have instant motivation in knowing you have to train for the race or hit your target mileage. Reward yourself when you reach your goals, then set another one.

Run with a Buddy or Group
Make your workouts safe and social. You’ll have a built in motivational resource, a friend to chat with along the way, and it’s safer to run in numbers. Running with others (or pets) is a great way to beat the winter doldrums. If that’s not enough motivation, reward yourself with a fun race destination like Florida, California, or anywhere warm. Alexandra Heminsley’s book, Running Like a Girl, provides useful insight to the value of support when integrating running as a part of your life.

Accessorize
Having the right apparel makes all the difference in any athlete’s world. Layering is the key to avoiding over- or under-dressing. Consider wearing a layer that blocks the wind; pants, tights, and tops that wick the moisture away from your skin; and, for the coldest days, a mid-layer that fits more loosely (like fleece) that insulates and moves the moisture from your base layer away from your skin. Your winter running wardrobe should include a running jacket, hat or headband, gloves, tights, and a few long-sleeve shirts. Your body temperature increases as you run, so you don’t need many layers in most winter conditions.

Take Extra Time To Warm Up
Your body will warm up more slowly in cold weather, especially if you run in the morning. Take at least five minutes to walk briskly before you start to run. It may take 10 – 15 minutes of running before you are completely warmed up and in your running tempo. Take a hot shower to get your circulation going or put your clothes in the dryer for a few minutes and then, head out for your run. Runner’s World Complete Book of Women’s Running is packed with tips to make your run an injury-free and pleasurable journey.

Keep it Fun
Mix up your route, run through the neighborhood, or run a fun race such as The Ugly Sweater Run. There are tons of great wintertime running events that will get you outside and enjoying winter rather cursing it.

 Till next time and remember, my journey continues...If you can dream it, you can do it as Walt Disney said!

Balega Impi Ambassador

Yesterday, I received the news that for 2016 I am a Balega Impi Ambassador.  Now, what is a Balega Impi Ambassador.  First, Balega is a well-known sock company for runners. Balega is a Zulu word meaning "to run with speed".   Their core pillars are performance, excellence, harmony, creativity and community. This is why I love this company-they embrace these pillars in many ways.  You can check it out on their website and read more about them.  You can also check them out on YouTube,  Balega.

All Balega socks are manufactured in Cape Town, South Africa using the best performance yarns manufactured in the United States.  Their distribution center is located in Hickory, NC.  All of their socks have a hand linked toe closure which helps eliminate abrasions and blisters.  Every pair is hand inspected and the company states that their greatest asset is the people who work for them.

I love this saying on their website:

"My heart is at home in Africa
Where the sound of drums beat in my chest
And the songs of time ring in my ears
Where the rainbow mist glows in my eyes
And the smiles of friends make me welcome"
"I know a Place in Africa" - Wayne Visser (Reprinted with permission)

Second, the word "Impi" is a Zulu work roughly translated to mean "Warrior".  As you know, my middle name is Louise which means warrior.  How perfect of a fit is this!  I'm so blessed to know another word for warrior and to have this be part of my running!

I love my Balega socks and have several pairs.  I'm looking forward to getting more in 2016 and I love the new ones that are being made and will be available later in the year!

Do you own Balega socks?  Do you love them as much as I love them for running and other activities?  Let me know; leave me a comment!  I look forward to sharing news about Balega and their initiatives and products throughout 2016!

 Till next time and remember, my journey continues...If you can dream it, you can do it as Walt Disney said!

Mayor's 40th Icicle 10 Mile Race Recap

As part of my New Year's goals, I had decided to run in three new states for races this year.  I saw this race on US Road Running and registered for it.  This race is held in Wilmington, DE every year in January.

I put together my flat me while making my shirt since I had limited time to try to find an appropriate shirt for the race.

 I was hesitate about what to wear since the weather forecast called for rain but it was quite warm.  I drove to Wilmington, Delaware on Sunday morning around 6 am and very easily found the start of the race.  This race starts and ends at the YMCA in downtown Wilmington.  Parking was easy to find and free.  I arrived safely and picked up my shirt and bib at the YMCA.  I really like the shirt, nice material and little logo advertisement on it.  I also managed to snap a picture of the course map.

The race started promptly at 9 am and had almost 300 runners.  The course itself was really nice going through part of downtown Wilmington leading into Brandywine and Rockwood Parks.  These areas were wooded along the Brandywine River and the it was so beautiful.  There are numerous trails throughout these areas and I am jealous of runners who live locally and are able to enjoy these areas.  

This race was my slowest yet as I had fallen on a treadmill on Monday and badly bruised and skin burned my knees. However all the runners during the race were extremely friendly and kind.  The volunteers along with the police officers were friendly and helpful in directing the course and the course was well laid-out with markers along with water/gatorade stops.  I met some very nice women prior to the race and they stayed at the end to cheer me into the finish along with a Sparkle Skirt sister who hugged me half way through the race.  She noticed me since I posted my flat picture in a Facebook group for Sparkle Skirts.

The best features of this race were the after-party and the hot showers available at the YMCA afterwards.  The after-party was held two blocks away from the finish line at an Asian Grill and Sushi Bar, Mikimotos.  There were free beers along with water, cereal and milk, granola bars, pastries galore, yogurt and fresh fruit.  Included were sodas and huge pretzels for the trip home.  I went there briefly and then back to the YMCA for a quick use of my Showerpill and a hot shower.  

I really enjoyed this race and it may become a standard New Year's race for me.  I love my first medal of 2016 while striving to achieve one of my goals for the new year.  

What race have you done to start this New Year?  Show me a picture in the comments.   Till next time and remember, my journey continues...If you can dream it, you can do it as Walt Disney said!