Monday, July 31, 2017

Marathon Training and Coaching with Knuckle Lights

I received this beautiful pink Knuckle Lights Colors for the purposes of this review as part of being a BibRave Pro (ambassador). Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews!



Marathon Training is in full swing and I'm starting to hit big mileage. This month I ran 80 miles and hit 501 for the year so far! I also coach for Run For Your Life in Charlotte and we meet up 3 times a week for group runs. Two of those days we meet before dark and finish in the semi dark. This makes safety a huge concern for me and the ladies that I coach.



Until recently I have been running with a headlamp. Headlamps work just fine, don't get me wrong, but even after wearing one on my trucker hat, I still have lines on my forehead for a couple hours afterward. Luckily, I don't work outside of my coaching job, or it would be a very awkward couple of hours!



Knuckle Lights Colors is super comfy. The band that goes around your hand is adjustable and you can reach the power button without taking them off. The beam of light that they give off is enough to light the way for you, plus whoever is to your right and to your left. It's a very wide arc, perfect for group running!



If pink isn't for you, Knuckle Lights Colors is available in black and light blue as well. There are 2 in the package, one for each hand, and the batteries are included! They are also waterproof, which is super useful on super sweaty days, and those rainy days that we pray for here in the south!



When I first started using the Knuckle Lights Colors, my only complaint was that when the sun came up I still had to hold on to them. I felt more than a little silly when I realized that they conveniently fit in the pocket of my running skirt! It only took me about 4 runs to figure that out. I blame the early hour.



If you worry about batteries running out while you're running, Knuckle Lights also carries a rechargeable version called Knuckle Lights Advanced. It comes with a charging dock that you can put your Knuckle Lights into after every run. They are also twice as bright as the Colors.
Both versions have magnets so they lock together when you aren't using them. No more fishing around in your gym bag for that second light, they will stay together for easy storage.



I know, I used this pic twice, but it bears repeating. Check out knucklights.com and use the discount code to get your favorite color!

What's your favorite feature of Knuckle Lights Colors?

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Thursday Training Update

Chicago marathon training is coming along pretty well so far. I've also started swimming for the triathalon in September, although that's not going quite as well! Don't worry, I won't drown, but I won't break any records either.
I started the training week off with a cold so Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday I didn't work-out at all, unless you count holding the couch down as exercise.

Saturday..... I had 10 miles planned but I settled for 8.4 since I was still feeling a little rundown.



Sunday we went kayaking for about an hour and hiked the trail behind our house.





Monday, I ran 2 miles, went for a swim, and hit 9 Round....





Tuesday I ran 3 miles and walked 1...



Tuesday night I held our development's first ladies yoga night. We got together and did some DVDs, nothing crazy, but almost an hour of yoga...



Wednesday I took a day off. I was exhausted.



What was your favorite workout last week?

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Getting In My Veggies With Luvo Bowls!

I was given coupons for free Luvo Meals as part of being a BibRave Pro (ambassador). Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews!



It's no secret that I struggle with healthy eating. Most days I try to stay within my calories but I struggle with focusing on actual healthy foods. I have been trying to fill up on fruits and veggies during the day and I've been blessed with these amazing meals for my lunches.



This is still my favorite. I'm not a huge red meat eater but this meal makes me so happy. I couldn't resist getting an old favorite while also trying some new flavors!



Yum! Mighty Masala and Greens. So many wonderful flavors, including coconut, and a whole cup of veggies! I really enjoyed this one and I'll definitely be adding this to my lunch rotation!



Great Karma Coconut Curry was a delightful surprise. A little spicy, and I loved the coconut flavor! A whole cup of veggies in this delicious bowl! These are making it so much easier to get in my veggies!

I also tried the SoCal Kale and Beans. I was sure that I would hate it, because Kale scares me, but I was determined to try something new. It was so good! I loved it and I'm so glad I have another one in my freezer!

There are so many other Bowls, Power Bowls, and Meals to try, check them all out at luvoinc.com
their Store.

Luvo has Vegan, Gluten Free, Nut Free, Vegetarian, and/or Dairy Free options! They are very clearly marked on the front of the boxes. This makes it so easy for those with restrictions or choices to find the meals that will work best for them.

They also have an online store so if you can't find the meals you want in your grocery store, you can get them online! Be sure to check out the coupons and promotions tab for the best deals!

I've been having a good time trying some new meals, and there are some that I can't get at my local store. You better believe I'll be ordering those online!

What's your favorite Luvo meal?
posted from Bloggeroid

Saturday, July 8, 2017

SmellWell Giveaway Winner.... Take Two

My first winner provided an invalid email address and did not respond to my last post, so I have chosen a new giveaway winner.



Congratulations Gigi!

posted from Bloggeroid

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Thursday Training Update

It's getting hotter and more humid in the South! We have been getting advice from different speakers before our long runs (thanks, Run For Your Life) and I'm trying to take their advice to heart, as well as the advice of my MDA Team Momentum Virtual Coach. Even coaches need coaching from time to time.

Thursday: 3.5 miles coaching, but not with my usual runners. No one from my group was there that day, so I ran with a member of one of the other pace groups, since she was taking it easy.



Friday was a rest day so I just did my streak mile and that's it.

Saturday long run: 10.5 miles plus some time in the pool.





Sunday we played cornhole.....



Monday was the expo in Georgia and a 2 mile walk, plus lots of walking around town.



Tuesday was the Peachtree Road Race 10k....



Wednesday I walked a mile and went to 9 Round.... ouch!





It has been a long time between 9 Round workouts and I'm paying the price today. I wasn't this sore afterthe NYC Marathon!

Have you ever been so sore you can barely walk? What workout killed you?

posted from Bloggeroid

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Peachtree Road Race pics

I will write a review tomorrow, but for now, here are some pics from the 10k.














posted from Bloggeroid

Monday, July 3, 2017

Peachtree Road Race Expo

Wow, this was one of the largest expos that I have been to, and it's only a 10k! I've been to smaller expos for a half marathon!

We arrived in Atlanta, and with almost no trouble, found the parking lot and headed over to the expo.



Before entering, we found a wall of names, like the one at the New York City Marathon, and found mine easily.





After collecting my bib, (no tee yet. You get that at the finish line) we found another great wall...





The expo was a little crazy, but there was no pushing and shoving like I've seen at other races. Lots of prize wheels where I won some mostly useless swag, and lots of races and stores to look at.



I did manage to spot a fellow Skirt Sports Ambassador, Heather, so we snapped a quick pic and found out we are in corrals next to each other. Hopefully I can find her among the 60,000 runners that will be out there tomorrow.



The hubs and I tried to check out the Coca Cola tour, and then the Aquarium, but the lines were too long, so we gave up and went to the hotel instead. Time to find a dinner venue and score some cookies before we turn in for the night.



Have you ever run such a large race?

posted from Bloggeroid