Let's Hit 2016 Out of the Park!

I saw this picture today from Running on the Wall.  It really hits home because our New Year's resolutions will be in full swing in a few short days!  What are your running goals for 2016?   I also follow Deb over at Deb Runs and today her Wednesday Word happens to be RESOLUTIONS!  How fitting!

I posted this picture to my Facebook page, RUN gina RUN.  I asked my followers what their goals were and immediately got a number of responses.  Some posted they wanted to remain injury free.  One person commented that she didn't want to gain anymore weight ever again.  Some others posted about race goals.  

For me, my initial goal is to complete 1000 miles for the year.  It really was a rather "thoughtless" goal.  I completed just over 900 miles this year, so 1000 miles shouldn't be too difficult of a task if I keep the same level of activity throughout the year.  However, the more I thought about my goals, the more I realized they go so much deeper.  Keep in mind, I focused only on running related goals. Of course, I have personal goals for my family etc.  I don't ALWAYS talk about running.... Oh wait! I DO.  ( j/k)

Remember to link up with Deb for her Wednesday Word linkup. 

 

Here are my Resolutions/Goals in no particular order:

1.  Buy and FIT into a "sporty" Nike 2-piece swimming suit and ROCK IT!  I have until Minnesota cabin Season - usually in June.   ( Ok, that one isn't that deep.....but a woman's got to have goals right?)
2. Eat more healthy and prepare dinners the night before so there is no guessing at meal time. I have a parenting fail when it comes to good balanced meals for my boys.  I'm working on it and it's a struggle and a work in progress. 
3. Stay injury free.  I have been working on listening to my body this past year. So far, I have been sticking to 20-25 miles per week and I've remained injury free.  If I start to have any areas that are uncomfortable or feel any pain at all, I immediately rest until the pain is gone.  This July,  I took 3 weeks off due to a nagging calf strain and it killed me not to run, but it really was the best thing I could do.  
4. Finish my FIRST MARATHON! Stick to my training and TRUST.THE.PROCESS!  
5. Try NOT to get my hopes set on a sub 4 hour marathon, just FINISH!
6. Continue to work on my speed.  I see track workouts and hill repeats in my near future.  My friend Susan I'm sure will kick my ass doing it too! 
7. Try to maintain 4-5 days per week of exercise; not to always ONLY be running.  Currently, I'm working on my form for push-ups.  I am Terrible and can't even do ONE complete nose to the ground push-up.
8. Perfect my planks.  1:30:00 and holding - I will get to 2 minutes this year! 
9. Run as many races as my pocket book will allow.  I think so far I have 7 scheduled.  
10. Have FUN!  

Overall, I want to take 2016 by the horns and never look back!  I'm going to make this my best year yet!  What about you?  What are your goals? Just remember, whatever they are... they are YOURS!  Make them happen.

Got Sunglasses? XX2i 4K ultra high-defintion sunglasses do NOT Disappoint!

Disclaimer:  I received the XX2i sunglasses to review as part of being a BibRave Pro.  Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro ( ambassador ), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews. 

One of the fantastic perks of being a BibRave Pro is the opportunity to review and test out awesome products for our active lifestyles!  I am a runner who logs many hours and many miles per week outdoors.  With that being said, running is sometimes uncomfortable.  Sometimes... it down right STINKS!  Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't be a runner if I didn't really love it. I DO. I love running. I love ALL things running. 

But.... when the going gets tough outdoors, why not make it that much better with a super cool, comfortable and functional pair of sunglasses!?! XX2i Optics, check out their website here, sent me some awesome polarized sunglasses because I am a BibRave Pro.  Make sure you check out BibRave to write your latest race review and learn about local races in your area!

There is nothing worse than having sun blazing down on you during an already uncomfortable run.   For me, winter in Minnesota is particularly crazy.  The sun glaring off the white snow can be blinding at times.... and this week we got some fresh stuff. What a perfect time to run with my glasses!  Plus the added bonus is no wind in your eyes.  In Minnesota, sometimes my eyes water and it freezes coming down my face, but not today!

Try out these XX2i 4K high-definition sunglasses to make your run more enjoyable!   And look just a little bit more bad-ass doing it!   I received mine a few weeks ago - and immediately took a picture!   Early Christmas present to me!  See, aren't they awesome???? 

Disclaimer:   I received free xx2i optics sunglasses to review as a BibRave Pro.

Check out Bibrave.com to write about your favorite local races!

I've had the opportunity to try out these glasses now for a few weeks.  I've worn them both casually and while running.  Actually, I almost like them more when I'm being active then when I'm just wearing them for fun.  Today on my run, it was sunny and we had fresh snow on the ground.  I needed the glasses to help with the snow glare and streets where the sun was shining bright!  I usually do most of my miles in the early morning in pitch black, so it was really fun running during the daylight hours! 

In my opinion, one of the great features of these glasses is the adjustable/bendable nose piece.  I have a very narrow nose bridge so I absolutely need nose pads to help me hold up my glasses; especially when running with sweat dripping off my face!  These glasses did not slip even ONCE during my run, even with a sweaty nose, and at no time during my run did I feel the need to squint when looking into the sun.  To tell you the honest truth, I didn't think it would be possible for a pair of sunglasses not to slip.  These babies didn't budge!  These 4K ultra high-definition optics also have interchangeable colors for the ear and nose pieces.  I am wearing the black color, but it also comes in blue and red. 

Overall, I am very happy with the functionality and the look of these glasses!  They will definately become a staple for me during my workouts and after for everyday kicking around!  

Don't think you can live without these babies??  It's your lucky day!  Right now, through January 2016, you can score your very own for 50% off retail!  Just use code XX2iROCKS at checkout.  I promise you will not be disappointed. 

Don't forget to check out BibRave to write your own race reviews and spread the love and give us a share! 

Happy Running!

Fifteen thoughts of an over-planning, type A, slightly obsessive-compulsive, runner-mom preparing for her first marathon.

It's been about 3 weeks since I had the courage to push the registration button for my very first marathon.  The 40th running of Grandma's Marathon will include me this year! 

I have conquered my fear of Golum. (Refer to my previous post) 

There are still so many thoughts rushing through my head about the upcoming 7 months before the big day.  So, with that my latest blog post.  

Fifteen thoughts of an over-planning, type A, slightly obsessive-compulsive, runner-mom preparing for her first marathon. 

1: How the H--E--double hockey sticks am I going to be able to run for 4 + hours? 

2: Duluth can be cold and windy in June.. I better start planning my outfit now. And.... It of course has to be cute. I mean.. It's my first marathon and they'll be lots of pictures. I can't have crazy clothes on. I'll look at the pictures forever. 

3:  Where will I run my 20 mile long runs? I can't possibly do the route I do every day! Maybe the cabin? No... It's too rural. What if I get abducted? 

4:  I better register for those half-marathons in the Spring so I can get race training in. But what if they are already full? 

5: How will I fuel for the marathon? Chews? Gu? Will they make me poop my pants? Yes... True story. I think about this. 

6: What if my stomach gives me issues during the run? Oh my god... Am I going to be one of those runners that just drops trow right on the side of the course? 

7:  I wonder if this race will have plastic or paper cups? 

8:  How will I ever have enough water?

9:  What will that finish line feel like? Will I collapse at the end?

10: Will my husband be able to track me? 

11: Does my current hydration belt hold my race fuel? 

12: Should I race in underwear? Yes... I think about this too! Apparently this is a trend I am unaware of. I've never been one to NOT wear underwear. Will it make me faster?

13: How many shoes should I train in? OH LORD!  I heard the Mizuno Wave Inspire 12's have a skinny toe box. I love my 10's.  What if they don't fit right? Can I find them on sale? They have to be a cool color too! (Even though I'm smart enough to realize comfort over style)

14: I wonder if it will rain? It seems to always rain at Grandmas. 

15: I wonder if it will be sunny? The race would be so great if it were sunny! 

Yes. I am a bit crazy. I do tend to over analyze which is why it's taken me so long to commit to the marathon. I will have many more pre-race thoughts. These are for now. Maybe more to come. 

Until then.. I'll try to remain calm and stay in my seat.