Runner Spotlights #7

This morning I am running my 10th half marathon!!! I'm so excited! I promise I will get the recap up this week!

Now...it's time for another runner spotlight!!! If you are interested in being spotlighted on my blog please send an email to mindy@roadrunnergirl.com!

This week it's all about Yoli from Tough and Tiny! This short distance runner is amazing!!! She's also a fellow Sweat Pink sister! Keep reading to learn more about her!

Name: Yoli Worth

State: New Jersey

When and why did you start running?

I’ve been running my whole life; I don’t even remember when I started. It was just something I was good at. I’m more of a sprinter and short distance runner, so I run to be fast, and I run because I love it. It’s just my legs and me on the road.

What is your favorite race and race distance?

I don’t have a favorite race; in general I love 5Ks so any 5K race.

What is your race day routine?

Stretch, stretch, stretch! And I obsessively tie my shoelaces again and again.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

Does the iPod count? I enjoy running to beats and picking up the pace as songs pick up.

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running?

I have a whey protein shake after every run and workout.

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running?

I wish I’d known about the pain that comes with running. I’ve had a couple foot and knee problems over the years, however, I don’t think knowing about it would have stopped me from running.

What is your fondest running memory?

When I was in high school, I played field hockey. During our fitness test, I was paired to run with (race against) the goalie who was much taller and had longer legs than me. We ran 200m. I think she and I were head to head for a second, then I took off and finished seconds ahead of her. Everyone including the goalie was surprised, but I knew I had it in me. “And though she be but little, she is fierce.”

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?

I’m adopted. :-)

Here are all the different ways you can connect with Yoli!

Blog: http://toughandtiny.wordpress.com           

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/yoliworth 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LadiesWhoLift

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/yworth

Instagram: @yoliworth

Thanks for sharing with us Yoli!

QOTD: Do you prefer short distance or long distance running?

Ready for #10!

So I'm running my 10th half marathon tomorrow! I'm excited! It's been an awesome summer of training some awesome ladies...my Sole2Soul Sisters! I'm so proud of each and every one of them and can't wait to see their faces tomorrow after they finish their 1st half marathon!!!

But...I did something stupid this week. I went with my friend to her personal training session and the trainer worked me out pretty hard. Of course at the time I didn't think it would be a big deal. This happened on Wednesday. Getting out of the bed on Thursday morning was quite the sight! I almost fell trying to stand up! Seriously! My calves were killing me! They loosened up some so I went ahead and went for my run. By that night my legs were hurting so bad! And yesterday was awful!!! I had to sub in a kindergarten class and it was awful when I sat on the carpet with them to play a game and had to get back up...OUCH!!! My son Hayden asked me why I was walking like a grandma! Yeah thanks son! Today my legs are feeling a little better...they are still super tight but I'm hoping by tomorrow they will be feeling close to normal. Fingers crossed!

Me and the boys headed out this afternoon to the race expo and packet pickup. It was pouring down rain and the expo was outside so there weren't a lot of people hanging around shopping. This is the first year for this race...there's only around 300 people registered so the expo wasn't anything exciting. We grabbed my number, shirt, and swag bag. We stopped and talked to a few of the booths and then we were on our way.

I'm hoping this number is a good one! :-)

We stopped to take a quick picture in front of the water during a slack in the rain! Aren't my boys just too cute??? :-)

Then we stopped by our local running store so I could pick up one of these:

Why do I need a visor tomorrow? Because don't I normally wear a cute headband? Yes! But tomorrow's forecast looks like this: 

So yeah...I'm pretty sure I'm going to get rained on at some point during tomorrow's race. It was bound to happen...so far ALL of my races the weather has been gorgeous. 

But I'm still gonna have fun!!!

I'm ready!!!

QOTD: Any tips for me for running in the rain?

Fitness Friday...Taper Week!

It's Fitness Friday! Are you ready to hear all about my workouts this week? Here we go!

• Saturday- #plankaday 2:07, 8 mile run in 1:28:45 average pace 11:06
• Sunday- #plankaday 2:12
• Monday- #plankaday 2:28, 25 burpees
• Tuesday- #plankaday 3:14, 3.11 mile run in 32:41 average pace 10:31

• Wednesday- #plankaday 2:08, Leg workout with my friend Stephanie and her personal trainer (blog post about this coming soon!!!)
• Thursday- #plankaday 2:04, 3.11 mile run in 32:21 average pace 10:24

• Friday- #plankaday 2:16

All in all a great week of tapering...yeah I wasn't very good at tapering.  Although I did slow my runs down a little. And I did some strength training this week...burpees at home and then a leg workout which consisted of wall sits, calf exercises, and pushing a 45 pound weight across the floor. I will be telling you all about that soon! :-) But let me just say that on Thursday morning (the day after the leg workout) that I got out of bed and almost fell to the ground because it hurt to straighten my legs! My calves were that sore!!! Ouch!!!

I'm super excited that Sunday I will be running my 10th half marathon!!! And it will be with the wonderful ladies I've spent the last 3 and 1/2 months training! So excited!!!

QOTD: Are you good at tapering when you are supposed to? What awesome workout did you do this week?

Music and Running!

Is music a must have for me while I'm running? What are some of my favorite songs and music to listen to when I run and work out? I answer these questions in the vlog below! :-)



Thanks so much for watching! And if you want to see more of my videos then head on over to my YouTube Channel and subscribe! :-)

Also don't forget to enter my giveaway for a SPIbelt!!! 

QOTD: Do you listen to music while you run or workout? What is one of your favorite songs that I need to add to my running playlist?

SPIbelt Review and Giveaway!

Have you ever heard of a SPIbelt? I've been wanting one of these for a long time! On my long runs I always have my hydration belt on so I have a place to store all of my stuff. But on my short runs or when I run 5K or 10K races I don't have any options to store my stuff in. I need a place to carry my iPhone, keys, GU, and money. Enter SPIbelt...which stands for "small personal item belt." I've been eyeing these at all the race expos I've been to but just never broke down and bought one.

Luckily, SPIbelt offered to send me one to try and review on my blog. Yay!!!

When I first got it I was a little skeptical...how in the world was I going to fit my iPhone with the Otterbox Case in that tiny little thing???

Let me tell you...it was easy! And I decided to test it with more stuff. I put my iPhone, my keys with the key fob, a package of sport beans, and one GU in there.

Amazingly...it ALL fit with room to spare! I am amazed how much this thing can hold!!!

The next test was to actually go for a run with it on. I was looking for NO bounce. I wasn't sure that would be successful with a heavy iPhone in there. I made sure to wear it the correct way...below my waistline...and with the larger items against my body. I also made sure it was snug.

The results....NO BOUNCE!!! I was amazed! In fact...I forgot I was even wearing it when I was running!

Even after my run...the SPIbelt had not moved from where I placed it! Awesome!

The only complaint I have is that the SPIbelt didn't keep my iPhone from getting all sweaty. The next time I just put the phone in a ziploc bag and it was fine. After further research I learned that SPIbelt has a waterproof SPIbelt or you can buy the waterproof bags for any SPIbelt. Problem solved!

This will definitely be my belt of choice for my short runs and short races!

So...would you like to win a SPIbelt of your own??? SPIbelt is going to provide a SPIbelt to one of YOU!  All you have to do is follow the directions below to enter! (Please be honest and follow the entries correctly. I WILL be moderating all entries...if you don't enter correctly I will delete your entry. Sorry I'm having to say this but I've had people do this in the past.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!!! :-)

Disclaimer: I was sent a SPIbelt to review. I received no other compensation. All opinions in the above post are mine and mine alone!

Auburn vs. LSU Game!

Saturday Andy (my hubby) and I headed to Auburn for the football game. One of our friends from church offered us tickets and we just couldn't turn him down!!! :-) We got Andy's parents to watch the boys for us and we set out on the 3 hour drive to Auburn. Andy and I haven't had any date time since New Year's Eve so we were pretty excited! We had a blast on the drive just talking to each other...I know that sounds weird but when you are wrapped up in life, working, and raising kids sometimes it is hard to have any quality talk time. It was great reconnecting!

We made it to Auburn around 3:00 and met our friend at the Buffalo Connection for some wings. They were so good. I don't eat wings often but I love them! After eating we piled in one car and drove to the campus. Kickoff was at 6 and so we didn't have time to walk around campus like I would have liked. But that's ok...we will hopefully go to another game this season and can plan to walk around a bit then.

Of course, I took several pics in front of the stadium!

We made it inside the stadium and watched the players warming up. Luckily our seats were on the shaded side of the stadium so it wasn't too hot.

The coolest part of an Auburn game is when the eagle flies before the game. It's the best college football tradition in my opinion!! :-) I didn't take any video of it this time because I thought I already had one...but I couldn't find it. So because you MUST see this awesome tradition I found a fan's video of it on YouTube. :-)



We went into this game knowing we weren't going to win. Auburn was playing the number two team and Auburn isn't ranked this year. But I do believe that Auburn played very well. It was a close game and very exciting! We were on the edge of our seats the whole time! Our defense played awesome but our offense just couldn't score. I know they are working on it though! The final score was 10-12. It was much better than I thought it would be and I'm very proud of how well my Tigers played!

I was so into the game that I completely forgot to take any pictures of them playing! I did get a few of us at halftime!

Even though our team lost, we had a blast!!!! War Eagle!!!

QOTD: Who is your favorite college football team and do they have any awesome traditions?

The Weekly Chase...Taper Week!

I had an amazing week last week! I had TWO sub jobs and got calls for two more! :-) I was able to attend Skate Day with my boys for the first time since I wasn't working every day. I had great runs and an awesome last long run with my Sole2Soul Sisters half marathon training group. Me and the hubby got some much needed time away at the Auburn football game (picture post coming soon). And we had an awesome family breakfast Sunday morning with Andy's parents who watched the boys for us while we went to the game. Amazing and I'm feeling so blessed!

It's time for another Weekly Chase and new goals! Melissa at Live, Love, and Run hosts this awesome weekly post and I just love it! I hope you join in if you haven't already!


Here are the goals I had last week:

• Goal #1: Get all my stuff tagged and priced for the consignment sale. DONE! I did this all on Monday and dropped off my stuff on Monday night. I don't expect to make much money this time because this is all the leftover stuff from the last sale that didn't sell!
• Goal #2: Get all my runs and workouts in this week. 50% done! I got ALL my runs in but no other workouts except my plank a day. It was a busy week with the sub jobs!
• Goal #3: Read my son's Sunday School Bible verse with him everyday. DONE!!! Yay! We made this part of our bedtime routine and it worked! We both remembered and he got all his verses read for the week! :-)

Here are this week's goals:

Goal #1: Get all my homework done for my Bible Study. I started going to a women's Bible Study at church this past week. It is a study by Beth Moore and I LOVE her studies! I always learn so much! But there is also a lot of homework and I want to stay on top of it so I can learn what God wants to show me through this study.

Goal #2: Taper, hydrate, rest, and fuel for my 10th half marathon. Yep! I'm excited to run my 10th half this weekend with the Sole2Soul Sisters group that I've been training! I want to make sure I hydrate, rest, and fuel myself well for the race so I can be there for the ladies running their first half!

There are my goals for this week! I just decided to have two this week since it will be a busy week for me. And hey...I have a full day sub job on Friday!!! Yay!!!

QOTD: What are your goals for this week? 

Runner Spotlights #6

This weekend has been great so far! Yesterday we had our last long training run before the half next weekend! And yesterday me and my hubby drove to Auburn for the football game last night. We had a great time walking around the campus and just having some us time! I'll share some pictures with you this week! :-)

It's time for another runner spotlight! If you are interested in being spotlighted on my blog please send an email to mindy@roadrunnergirl.com!

This week I am spotlighting Kayla from Keep Moving Forward! This girl is seriously too cute! And she loves to match her toenails and fingernails to her race day outfit...just like I do!!! Keep reading to learn more about her!

Name: Kayla Moothart

State: Oregon

When and why did you start running? I started running in college. I had never really participated in any sports growing up because my mother couldn’t afford it so I never thought of myself as athletic. My boyfriend (now husband) had just transferred to OSU from another college where he had a cross country scholarship - he wanted us to run together so I decided to pick it up. I didn’t want to run with him until I could do at least 2 miles comfortably, by the time I got there, he didn’t want to run anymore at all! So now he is my coach!

What is your favorite race and race distance? I think that my favorite distance would be the half marathon - long enough to be challenging, but not soo long that it takes a ton of time to train for. Though I truly love all distances 5k to the marathon! It is too hard to pinpoint an exact race that is my favorite - so many of them I loved - you can check out my race review page to see them all!

What is your race day routine? I wake up bright an early - my biggest fear is being late (but that is me everyday of my life) I usually go to the bathroom, get dressed, begin breakfast, pick up the house (a new nervous thing I’ve been doing) prepare Austin’s breakfast, wake up Austin, eat my breakfast, hop in the car and finish my breakfast, when we get to the race site I cover all of my usual chaffing spots with vaseline and do a little bit of jogging around followed by the leg swings portion of the Myrtl Routine. Then I’m off! Before the race day I remember to paint my fingernails and toenails to match my outfit!

What is your most favorite piece of running gear? My most favorite piece for usefulness is my sports bra - I can’t run without it. Other than that I really like my new GPS watch because it gives so much information - and I love details!

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement

your running? I make sure to take in protein after runs to help my muscles repair quicker. I have found that I have been stronger while I really stick to this.

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running? To be fearless. I have always been a runner who wants to “save some for later.” My husband thinks I need to run more full out - but I am afraid to run out of steam. Very few times have I done this and I performed well, but I thought I was going to die.

What is your fondest running memory? So many!! There have been so many runs where I have been able to think about life, enjoy the moment, and even cry and feel rejuvenated afterward! There have also been runs that have been so tough, but finishing them is a complete victory. Or races where I have had such a great time. Or runs with my friends that were so incredibly enjoyable. There is no way to pick just one!

What is one thing that most people do not know about you? This one is always a funny question to answer - I guess that I am very claustrophobic- but it is more being trapped in a small space with no way out - I’m ok if I know I can get out - weird.

Here are all the different ways you can connect with Kayla!

Blog: Keep Moving Forward 

Twitter: @kmMovingForward

Thanks for sharing with us Kayla!!!

QOTD: What exciting thing did you do this weekend?

The Taper Run!

Today was the last long run with my Sole2Soul Sisters Half Marathon training group. Bittersweet. These ladies have done AMAZING with this training! I am so blessed that God gave me the opportunity to lead them and share my passion of running with them. I cannot wait to see their faces after they complete their first half marathon next weekend!!!!

Today we ran 8 miles as our last long run!

The route I chose for them to run was the first 4 miles of the race course. It was very hilly. Then we turned around at mile 4 and encountered the biggest, longest, and hardest hill I've ever ran!!! I almost made it to the top before I had to stop and walk a bit. It was to the point where I could walk it faster than running it. Remember my tips for running hills? I used those big time today! Luckily that hill is NOT on the race course! Whew! And actually the race course was changed on Thursday....so part of the route we ran today isn't even a part of the course anymore. It's not a super hilly part though...we didn't get that lucky lol!

This run was a little challenging for me today with those hills but it ended up being a great run! The half marathon is next weekend and then marathon training for Disney begins!!! :-)

Today me and the hubby are heading to Auburn for the football game tonight! We are playing LSU and I'm pretty sure it's not going to be pretty but we are going to have a great time anyway! Win or lose I'm ALL IN and love my Auburn Tigers!!! War Eagle!!!

QOTD: What fitness activity are you doing this weekend?

Fitness Friday...Getting It All In

This week was a little different for me. I had two sub jobs this week...yay! I will say that it was hard to get all of my workouts in. I DID do all my runs but the weight training didn't happen this week. Oh well...I had awesome runs to make up for it...AND I had a new plank a day PR!!!

So here are the stats for my week:

• Saturday- #plankaday 2:12, 5 mile run in 56:12 average pace 11:13
• Sunday- #plankaday 2:22
• Monday- #plankaday 2:18
• Tuesday- #plankaday 2:04, 3.11 mile run in 31:05 average pace 10:00

• Wednesday- #plankaday 2:21
• Thursday- #plankaday 4:07 NEW PR!!!!!! 3.11 mile run in 31:10 average pace 10:01

• Friday- #plankaday 2:11

Tomorrow I have my last long run with my Sole2Soul Sisters half training group. We are running 8 miles...tapering for the half that is NEXT WEEKEND!!! I've had sooo much fun training these awesome ladies!!!

QOTD: Did you have an awesome workout/run this week? Please share!

How I Fell In Love With Running!

Do you want to know how I fell in love with running? I'm gonna tell ya...in the vlog below! :-)



Thanks so much for watching! And if you want to see more of my videos then head on over to my YouTube Channel and subscribe! :-)

QOTD: What's your favorite fitness activity and how did you fall into loving it?

Wordless Wednesday

I had so much fun subbing yesterday!!! :-) It made me miss having my own one of these!

QOTD: What is one thing you used to have that you wish you still had?

It's Bling..I Mean Race Season!!!

Woohoo!!! This is one of my favorite times of the year...race season!!! I love training for races because it gives me a goal to work towards. My husband and boys know that there will be several weekends around this time of year when I won't be home...I will be off racing. Although they miss me they seem to understand!

But let me just say...It's All About My Race Bling!!! I LOVE bling!!! :-)

I get super excited about my races and wanted to share the ones I'm doing with you!

September 30th- It's About the Shirt Half Marathon

source

This is the half that I've been training the Sole2Soul Sisters for! So it will be very dear to my heart since this is the first group of women that I've trained for a half! I cannot wait to run this race with them and watch them cross that finish line!!! 

October 14th- Gulf Coast Half Marathon on the Louisiana Northshore

source

This will be the second year I have run this race! It's a flat and beautiful course! I LOVE this race series...this race will finish out my races with them for the year...they host 3 races each year. This one and then one in Gulf Shores, AL and one in Pensacola Beach, FL. I've done all three this year and have heard that there will be a special prize for doing all three races that we will receive in Louisiana!!! I LOVE prizes!!! Plus the bling for this race is super cool...it's a bottle opener!

November 11th- Pensacola Half Marathon

source

This race is pretty special to me because it was my first half marathon in 2010! I haven't raced it since then but got a chance to run it for free this year so I jumped on it! Plus I am from the Pensacola area so it's really cool to race there and see all the landmarks from my childhood!

November 17th- The Color Run New Orleans

I am soooo excited about this! This one is definitely all for fun! Especially since I will be in the thick of marathon training and will have an 18 miler at some time during this weekend. So this will be an easy and colorful recovery run!!! ;-)

So those are the races I have planned...who knows I may add more! :-)

If you want to read any of my past race recaps...head on over here!

I promise each of the above races will be recapped too! ;-)

QOTD: What races are you running this fall?

The Weekly Chase and Premier Protein WINNERS!

Ok I have some exciting news!!! I have TWO sub jobs this week!!! Yay!!!! I'm excited!!!

And...it's time for The Weekly Chase! What is this? Goal setting! This was started by Melissa at Live, Love, and Run! Link up with us if you haven't already!!!


Here are my goals from last week:

• Goal #1: Take my sub info to one more school. DONE! Hence...one of the sub jobs I have this week! :-)
• Goal #2: Do at least one household chore a day. I did so much better with this this week! Although I didn't get to one a day...I did get a couple done on two different days this week. Much better than I've done in the past. Can I just say that a clean house feels so good???
• Goal #3: Do 2 strength training workouts this week. DONE! I did my Give Me 5 workout on Wednesday and an arm workout on Friday! Yay!

So here are my goals for this week:

Goal #1: Get all my stuff tagged and priced for the consignment sale. Yes I'm doing another sale! Although I sold a lot of my stuff in the last one...I did have a few things left and I'm going to try to sell them in this one. Everything has to be dropped off by Wednesday morning at the latest...my goal is to get it all done today and drop it off tonight.

Goal #2: Get all my runs and workouts in this week. Last week I missed one of my short runs because I felt like my body needed a rest day. This week...I'm on it! It will be a little more challenging since I'm working two days this week.

Goal #3: Read my son's Sunday School Bible verse with him everyday. Hayden is supposed to read one bible verse everyday for Sunday School. We only did it half the days this last week. If he reads them all he gets a prize. I love that he wants to read his Bible and want to help make this a routine for us both.

So there are my goals for the week! Hopefully I conquer them all! And please wish me luck on my two subbing days this week!!! :-)

Are you ready to know the winners of the Premier Protein prize packs? I'm so happy that I get to pick 5 winners!!!! Thanks to everyone for entering!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congrats!!! Please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com with your mailing address so you can get your Premier Protein prize packs!!!

QOTD: What are your goals for the week?

Runner Spotlights #5

After my run yesterday morning I spent the day with my sister Christy shopping and just hanging out. Then we headed to her house (which is about an hour and 45 minutes away) for a little sister girls night! It has been great having this time with her!!!

It's time for another Runner Spotlight! If you are interested in being spotlighted on my blog please send me an email at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com! I'd love to spotlight YOU! :-)

This week it is Darlena from Run Find Your Happy Pace's turn! This lady is super inspiring as she started running in her late thirties! And...she runs for cupcakes!!! Keep reading to learn more about her!

Name:  Darlena - Run Find your Happy Pace
State: Virginia

When and why did you start running?  I started running at the ripe “old” age of 38 while my husband was deployed in Afghanistan for 14 months.  I really needed some “me” time on that long deployment.  However I didn’t start any serious distance running until I was 40.

What is your favorite race and race distance?  I feel like a super hero when I finish a half but I love a good 10k!

What is your race day routine?  Get up way too early ;) get dressed, eat toast with peanut butter and hope to “download” (eww!) before leaving for the race.  I also take a snickers energy bar with me and a bottle of water.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?  My Zensha Compression Sleeves no question.

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running?  No, trying to stick to the healthy whole food diet most of the time.  However I do have a tradition of chicken fajitas the night before a race and a big old cupcake as a post race treat!

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running?  Chirunning form and cross training to prevent injury

What is your fondest running memory?  My fondest memory would have to be when I finished my first Half Marathon (Rock n Roll Half Virginia Beach in 2011).  I actually cried tears of joy after I crossed the line and walked around for a week thinking I just ran 13.1 miles.  13.1 MILES!  Something I NEVER thought I would do.  It changed my whole perspective of myself.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?  I am quite goofy and don’t like to take myself too seriously.  Life is short...Love the Lord and make it happy and fun.

Here are all the different ways you can connect with Darlena!

Blog:  www.runfindyourhappypace.com
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/runfyhp
Facebook: www.facebook.com/runfindyourhappypace
Instagram: @runfyhp

QOTD: Do you have a sibling you are close to? Do you get to spend a lot of time with them?