"My Run" movie review & giveaway

September 26, 2011 by 8 Comments

This weekend I got a chance to watch the movie “My Run,” which just came out on DVD last week.

It’s the true story of Terry Hitchcock – who ran the equivalent of 75 marathons in 75 consecutive days, as he ran from St. Paul to Atlanta in time for the start of the Summer Olympic Games in 1996. Given that he was 57, not in great health, on blood pressure medication and not a runner – makes the fact that he decided to take this on quite remarkable in itself. 

But, his goal was not a spectacular personal accomplishment – instead, Terry’s goal in running so far was to bring attention to the many challenges facing single-parent families. Hitchcock found himself a single parent to his three young children after losing his wife to breast cancer. After 10 years of dealing with his grief and raising his children on his own, Terry want to spread awareness of the difficulties single-parent families face.

Throughout his journey, Hitchcock deals with logistical challenges, a range of weather conditions, bone fractures and chest pains. You see him endure not only the physical, but the mental challenges as well — can you imagine the mental toughness and heart it would take to run a marathon every day?!

The movie is both inspiring and entertaining (though I must admit I found the use of the late 70’s/early 80’s tunes for the run sequences distracting). And his message to use your life – your talents and gifts – to help others really resonated with me.

Interested in seeing “My Run” for yourself? The nice folks behind the DVD release have two copies to share with Running with Attitude readers! Just be a follower of my blog and leave me a comment saying so – easy peasy! Blog or Tweet about this giveaway for additional entries – again leave me a comment for each. I’ll use Random.org to select the winners on  Friday, October 7 (by the way, they can only ship to US residents).

If you want to order a copy of the DVD now, just use the code “INSPIRES” on the My Run Movie website (http://www.MyRunMovie.com) and receive a 10% discount. A portion of the DVD sale proceeds go to two great charities – Livestrong and Soles4Souls!

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Filed Under: giveaways, product reviews

Week 2 Begins & Gotein Winners

August 22, 2011 by 9 Comments

So week 1 of Philly training is complete – it was a little all over the place as I making tweaks. After checking out the boys’ school schedule, adding more hill and speed work, and taking into account a couple of 10ks I hope to run, I think I’ve got a plan that will work.

On the decks for this week:

Monday:          Yoga

Tuesday:          Hill repeats (6)

Wednesday:     Easy run (3) plus Strength work

Thursday:         Tempo run (5)

Friday:               Rest

Saturday:          Pilates Reformer

Sunday:             Long run (8 or 9)

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Gotein Giveaway Winners!

With the help of Random.org, the winners are Danielle (DEM) and Jenna Z! Congrats ladies! Shoot me at email at runningwithattitude (at) yahoo (dot) com.

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Filed Under: giveaways, Gotein, hill work, Philly Half, training

Friday Five

August 19, 2011 by 7 Comments
  • It’s funny sometimes where and how you can connect with another runner — yesterday I was having my refrigerator fixed again (that’s a whole other story!) and after the repairman had explained to me what the problem was, he then paused and said “So how’d you do?” I, of course, had no idea what he was talking about then he pointed to our whiteboard calendar hanging on the wall and said “The Rock n Roll – how was it?” Turns out he’s a runner and had wanted to run that race but had a conflict! We proceeded to spend the rest of the time while he was fixing the fridge talking about running and local races. He was a great guy with funny running stories – and best of all the parts were under warranty so it didn’t cost me anything!
  • After some tweaking, I think I have my training plan for Philly figured out. I used Smart Coach for my last two races, but when I looked at the plan it gave me this time it just felt like too much of the same. So after poking around and some Twitter conversations, I’ve modified the plan using some elements of Hal Higdon’s Advanced Half Training plan. My revised plan includes more speedwork throughout the entire training cycle and also incorporates more hill work in the first few weeks — both are areas I really want to improve on.
  •  My core work challenge continues. To be honest, I’ve missed a day here and there but overall I’m much more mindful about trying to get some core work in (at least planks) – I think it will pay off for me over time.
  • This has been a l-o-n-g week! For no particular reason, it just seems like for the first time all summer it has taken forever to get to Friday — anyone else feel like that?
Have a great weekend!
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Filed Under: giveaways, Gotein, Hal Higdon, Philly Half, running community, Smart Coach

Gotein Review & Giveaway

August 15, 2011 by 9 Comments

I seriously cannot believe how long it has taken me to write up this review!

Anna at Gotein contacted me several weeks ago to see if I was interested in reviewing their product. I had been hearing a lot about them around the blogosphere and definitely wanted to try the product first hand – so I immediately said yes.

(Source: Gotein website)

For those of you who don’t know – Gotein is a powered protein drink that comes packaged in convenient stick packets. It’s available in three flavors (Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla), and is formulated for a typical 16.9 oz water bottle. Simply drink 1/3 of the bottle to make room for the power, add Gotein, shake and drink! Pretty easy, right?

What I liked:
  • Taste — Mixing it with water, I was expecting chalky, but was pleasantly surprised. I found the vanilla and chocolate to be pretty good. (I have to admit I didn’t try the strawberry – unless it’s the fresh fruit, I’m just not much of a fan of strawberry-flavored foods.)
  • Combination of high protein, low carbs and low calories — each packet gives you 16-17g of protein, 5-6g or carbs and 24 vitamins and minerals for just about 100 calories (depending on the flavor).
  • Convenience — I especially liked being able to use Gotein post-gym while trying to get errands done.
What I wasn’t as crazy about:
  • I tend to use a refillable water bottle more so than disposable ones, so I did have to wash out my water bottle and when you’re on the go that’s not always so easy. Not the worse thing in the world, just something to be aware of.
  • At just over $2 per packet ($24.95 for a box of 12), Gotein is a little pricey, especially for everyday use. I can see myself keeping some on hand as a good back-up for when I know my schedule’s going to be really crazy or for when I’m traveling.

So would you like to try some for yourself? Gotein was nice enough to send two packs (each with all three flavors) to give away!

To enter – please leave a separate comment for each:

  1. Be a follower of this blog.
  2. Tell me what’s your favorite protein source post-workout.

For a bonus entries – tweet about this giveaway. Please make sure you include @RunAttitude and @Gotein in your tweet so I can keep track.

Entries will be accepted now through August 21st and two winners will be selected using Random.org on August 22nd. (Only shipping to the US for this giveaway – apologies to my non-US readers) Good luck!

 

Disclaimer: I was given this product to review. However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own.

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Filed Under: giveaways, Gotein, product reviews

Monday Motivation & Compression Sleeve Winner!

July 18, 2011 by 2 Comments
“Don’t bother to just be better than your contemporaries or predecessors.
Try to be better than yourself.”
— William Faulkner
Love this quote – it’s a great reminder that we’re really only in competition with ourselves!
And, the winner of the McDavid Compression Sleeves is DEM from Happy, Healthy and Strong. Congrats! Shoot me an email at runningwithattitude (at) yahoo (dot) com and I will put you in touch with the folks at McDavid.

To everyone else – thanks for entering and don’t forget the great folks at McDavid are offering Running with Attitude readers a special promotion of 15% off any of their products! Just use the code RWA11 – it’s good thru 7/31/11.

Happy Running!
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Filed Under: giveaways, McDavid USA, Monday Motivation, Quotes

A Good Morning

July 15, 2011 by 3 Comments

Ran 10.25 miles this morning.

It was a perfect summer morning – still cool, a slight breeze, the sun bright but not intense yet. There were lots of runners out taking advantage of the break in the humidity — everyone I passed seemed to be enjoying the morning, enjoying being a runner…there were a lot more “Morning” ‘s today and the runner’s wave…even some smiles…better than the grunts and pained looks I’ve seen on recent runs. Saw a couple of friends out running too and chatted briefly – always a pick me up to see friendly faces!

I love that I still get a little giddy when I see that double-digit on my Garmin. I remember where I was last summer, when getting to 6 was a huge deal. I love that sense of accomplishment (both then and now)…hope that feeling never goes away!

Hubs took on getting the kids ready and off to camp – I actually had the luxury of stretching and foam rolling post-run instead of the usual mad dash! So now it’s me, the dog, a cup of coffee and a quiet house – perfect way to start a Friday 🙂

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Don’t forget my McDavid compression sleeve giveaway ends Sunday!

Have a Great Weekend!
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Filed Under: early morning runs, giveaways, long runs, McDavid USA

McDavid USA Compression Sleeves Review & Giveaway

July 6, 2011 by 56 Comments

Since I started training for my first half marathon back in March, I have quickly become a big fan of all things compression. So when the folks at McDavid USA contacted me and asked if I was interested in trying a pair of their new True Compression Leg Sleeves, I was quick to say yes!

For those of you who don’t know, McDavid USA began as the first widely used lateral knee brace in football and expanded into a leader in sports medical products and technical performance athletic wear.

The first time I tried the sleeves on, I was surprised by how light they were. They were snug and supportive without that intense compressive feel. Within a couple of minutes I forgot I was wearing them.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve used them mostly for recovery after long runs and track work. I even used them after a long day of gardening. The McDavid Sleeves definitely did the job to help reduce any soreness in my calves. While I was reluctant to wear them during a run ’cause I just didn’t want any additional layers in this crazy heat & humidity, I did take a run in them and enjoyed how supported my legs felt (and how fresh, post-run). I will probably take advantage of these sleeves during my runs even more as the weather cools.

Overall, these leg sleeves are keepers. Now if McDavid would only consider making them in additional colors beyond black and white 🙂

Interested in trying the True Compression Sleeves for yourself? The folks at McDavid are offering a pair to one lucky winner.

Here’s how to enter — please leave a separate comment for each entry:

Mandatory:
  1. Be a follower of my blog; and,
  2. “like” McDavid USA page on Facebook
Additional entries:
  • Post a comment on McDavid’s FB page telling why you want to try the sleeves and let them know Running with Attitude sent you.
  • Follow @McDavidUSA on Twitter
  • Share about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter (be sure to include include @McDavidUSA in your tweet) — or do all three, one comment for each, please!

You can enter from now until 11:59 EST on July 17th. A winner will be selected randomly on July 18th. If you just can’t wait to try McDavid for yourself, McDavid is offering Running with Attitude readers a special promotion of 15% off any of their products! Just use the promotion code RWA11 (now thru 7/31).

Disclaimer: The product was provided by McDavid USA for the purpose of a product review. The opinions provided here are solely my own.

Good Luck!
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Filed Under: compression sleeves, giveaways, McDavid USA, product reviews

Fun in the mail

June 20, 2011 by 5 Comments

I love getting new stuff in the mail!

So first the UPS man showed up with ….more new shoes! I know I’ve mentioned on more than one occasion how much I’m loving my Saucony Mirage. I started rotating these shoes into my runs in March and have steadily increased my miles in them – I even ran the half in them! I’d been thinking that once I put a fair amount of miles on them I’d look to add the Saucony Kinvara into the mix – one more step on the minimalism path.

Well, lucky me, Beth at Shut Up and Run recently hosted a giveaway with Online Shoes.com for a pair of Saucony Running Shoes – and  I won! So yeah it’s not hard to see where this is going…I selected the Kinvara! To say I’m excited to have these shoes to add to the mix is an understatement! Big thanks to Beth for the giveaway and to Online Shoes for getting them to me so quickly!

Then, the folks at McDavid USA sent me a pair of their new True Compression Leg Sleeves to try out! I’ve already used them for recovery after my 8-miler yesterday and will try running in them this week. Stay tuned for a full review and giveaway!
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It was a pretty good training week last week, but I did end up missing one of my easy runs. On tap for this week:

Monday — Rest day. I’ll be spending part of the day at my oldest’s school picnic and then my youngest is having a friend over so I’m not sure how much rest will actually take place!

Tuesday — Tempo run (5)

Wednesday — Easy run (2) and strength training

Thursday — Yoga

Friday — Long run (8)

Saturday — weekly Pilates class

Sunday — Easy (3 or 4). If I make my schedule work, I might try a group run. I always run solo, so running with a group might be a nice change.

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Filed Under: giveaways, Kinvara, McDavid USA, Saucony, training

May Rewind and Giveaway Winner

June 3, 2011 by 6 Comments
Good things for the month:
  • Completed my first half marathon – ‘nuf said!
  • Logged my highest total ever of 74 miles.
  • My love affair with my Saucony Mirages continues – rotating them with my Brooks Adrenaline has worked well to make the transition easier. Even used them for my race!
  • Discovered the benefits of KT Tape!
  • Hosted my first giveaway!
  • 98 of you now follow this little journey of mine — welcome to the new followers — and to all, as always thank you for the support!

Things I could do without:
  • My ongoing annoyance with Mother Nature – we had one of the coldest and wettest Mays on record in NE. That is of course until my race weekend!
  • Return of my left leg/knee issues in the final week of training.

On the decks for June:
  • Start training for the Providence Rock’n’Roll Half!
  • Get real about my strength training – more on this to come.
  • Log more than 80 miles

And speaking of my first giveaway….the winner of the copy of Running on Empty is lucky #5 — Kittee at Running Half Crazy! Congrats Kittee – shoot me an email at runningwithattitude (at) yahoo (dot) com and I’ll get the book off to you.

Have a Great Weekend!

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Filed Under: giveaways, month in review, RnR, Running on Empty, Saucony

Thursday Thoughts – aka 3 things

June 2, 2011 by 5 Comments
  • Took my first post-race run this morning — it was a very tentative 2 miles. While my knee felt ok, my hamstring was not having it! It was such a beautiful morning, I wish I could have gone further, but I’m playing it safe.
  • Don’t forget about my Running on Empty giveaway – it ends tomorrow. You can click HERE for details. There are some really great giveaways going on in the blog world – I have a bunch listed on the sidebar if you want to check them out.
  • I’m WAY behind on my “spring cleaning” so I’m back on a huge clutter purge. With the end of school coming, it time to go through all the many school papers and projects that seems to be taking over my dining room table!
 It’s almost Friday – love a short week!

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    Filed Under: 3 things, giveaways, injuries, Running on Empty