Be A Part Of The Cure!

Disclaimer:  I received a pair of PINK TREKZ TITANIUM bone conduction headphones from Aftershokz as part of being a BibRave Pro.  Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out www.bibrave.com to review, find and write race reviews. 

I have had the privilege of having TWO pair of these amazing wireless headphones.  How can a girl get so lucky?  They honestly are my all-time favorite headphones.   Please follow the link here for my last review of the TREKZ TITANIUM bone conduction headphones.  Rather than commenting on all of their amazing features, this blog post will focus on just how amazing the company Aftershokz is! 

The Aware With Pink campaign is now LIVE.  Read on for more details.

For these super-fly PINK headphones,  Aftershokz has partnered with Bright Pink®.  Bright Pink® is a non-profit on a mission to promote awareness for breast and ovarian cancer.   Most importantly, they want to give women the life-saving tools for detection!  Their mission is to focus on educating and empowering women to take control before they become a breast or ovarian cancer statistic.  

Many of us, if not ALL of us, have known someone that has been affected in some way by cancer.  In addition, most of us look for any way we can support the fight.  As a runner,  I'm always looking for great gear to make my runs more fun.  If you are looking for a pair of fantastic wireless headphones, look no further!  

Aftershokz had a great statement recently about one of the reasons they partnered with Bright Pink®.  Because their mission is to make women more aware, Aftershokz thought their headphones would be a great partner for the SAME reason - to be more aware on your run.  How cool is that!  Due to the bone conduction technology, runners can hear surroundings and still enjoy their music, or podcast; in turn making them more aware. 

Last week, the BibRavePros banded together in a social media storm to promote how YOU can help!  

From Sept. 1st - October 31st,  25% of all sales of the PINK Trekz Titanium will go directly to the non-profit Bright Pink®.  In addition, to score a super cool FREE hardcase with your purchase, add the case to your cart and use code "PINK" at checkout.  Congratulations your case is FREE!  You can't beat that!

I'll even make it super easy for you!  Place your order here – http://aftershokz.com/collections/wireless/products/trekz-titanium-pink  

It's possible you already own an awesome pair of these headphones.  Don't despair, you can still help! If you're active on social media use the hashtag #AwareWithPink on all of your social platforms.  Every time that hashtag is used 25 cents is donated to the cause!

Or, click to tweet!
 

Get PINK with @aftershokz! Order your Limited Edition PINK headphones today! @BeBrightPink https://t.co/ryKVQBQywA #AwareWithPink #bibchat

— RUN gina RUN (@hanzelboyzmama) September 3, 2016

Commando, Cheating & Crows - It's RUNFESSION TIME!

It's my most favorite time of the month! 

On the last Friday of the month, I link-up with Marcia to share

my months runfessions!

It just so happens that my runfessions all happened this week!  An otherwise non-eventful running month had a few unexpected turns. 

First, I RUNFESS.... I've cheated.  I've cheated bad.  You know, when you feel so guilty for doing something wrong even though you haven't really done anything wrong?  

I love my Mizuno Wave Inspires.  I love them so hard.  I am a loyal servant to these amazing running shoes.  Well, at least I thought I was.

In comes these beauties.  Who wouldn't love these? They're pink for goodness sake!  They are amazing!  All the soft cushiony goodness.  They glide on like butter on bread.  Let me explain. 

I visited my parents in Wisconsin this past weekend.  Of course, with the chaos of life and getting my boys ready to go, I forgot my running shoes.  Normally, this would be no big deal.  I could take a couple days off.  But, I knew my week ahead wasn't going to include much running as I was "single-parenting" it.  My sister came to the rescue with her running shoes and OH - EM - GEE!  They rocked my socks off.  I even had negative splits for the first time in a WHILE.  I flew through those miles.

Check out those splits!  WAHOO!!

Maybe it was a placebo effect from the high that I was on for cheating on my beloved Mizunos.  I'm just not sure, but for five years I've only loved one.  My Mizunos.  I cheated.  Yes,  I CHEATED and it felt oh so good.  Needless to say, these Brooks are coming to my doorstep next week.  Whoops.  #runnerproblems

Along the same lines with my forgetfulness, I RUNFESS:  I "may" have run commando this weekend.  OK FINE - so I DID run commando this weekend.  Oh - how freeing it was!   Maybe THAT'S why I ran so fast??? 

Again, with the chaos of getting everyone out the door and in the car for our road trip, I forgot to pack underwear.  Of course, I could have gone to the store when I got there to get more underwear, but in my world of mommy-hood that can sometimes be just too difficult.  And, I also RUNFESS...  sometimes that extra trip to the store to get underwear I don't really "need" is just TOO much work. 

I must also RUNFESS..... I actually got scared on my run in the broad daylight on Sunday.  We're talking.... heebie-geebie, creeped-out, someone lurking in the bushes waiting to murder me scared.  That doesn't happen to me often.   The hair on my arms stuck up and I quickly decided to turn around and run home.

I was running a half mile loop around the seminary.  It's a huge catholic church, priests home and school all wrapped up in one.  It's a beautiful area with a winding loop road.   I approached the area in this picture and in that huge tree were three crows.   Nasty, huge, ugly,  good-for-nothing crows.  They were screaming so loud at me I heard them over my headphones! 

I stopped to take a picture and yell back at them, when one flew over the building.  If you look close you can see a black speck on the building in the center of the photo.  It was as if they were warning me of danger.  I had such a bizarre feeling.  They just looked at me and screeched, continuously.

I quickly turned down the street and decided three loops was all I needed.  I best be getting home.  On the way back to my parents,  I pictured Alfred Hitchcock and Edgar Allen Poe and all the creepy crows and ravens in the horror films.

Have you every been scared on the run?  What do you think about running commando?  Do you have any any must-have gear obsessions?

Thanks for reading!  Don't forget to head on over to Marcia's blog for other great runfessions from my fellow bloggers!



8 Reasons to Run The Bellin Women's Half Marathon

Fun, Excitement, Epic Swag, Finisher Medal:  

All Great Reasons to Run the Bellin Women's Half Marathon!  

But, there's SO much more! 

Here are my TOP 8 reasons to run this very exciting race! 

www.bellinwomenshalf.com

 

 

 

 

1.  Women's ONLY race.  How cool is that?!?  There's something neat about the camaraderie of women in running.  Lots of laughs.  New friendships and so much FUN!   Plus,  women who run half-marathons for fun are known to be a little bit "bad-ass." 

2.  Amazing finisher medal for ALL participants.  The design is still top-secret, but I'm sure it will be amazing!

3.  Great Swag.  Who wouldn't want this awesome hoodie.  It's so adorable!

4.  All finishers get to ride the Sea Dragon at Bay Beach Amusement Park!  The park is opening the ride exclusively for the women who run this race!  Seriously awesome!  This is also the starting line of the race!

5.  Race participants get a FREE ticket to the Friday night Women's Inspirational Dinner.  This is a great place to mingle with your friends and maybe even meet new ones!

6.  All finishers receive a Bellin Women's Headband FREE as well!  It's so cute!

7.   Opportunity to buy more great gear!  I really love this long sleeve shirt!

8.  Bellin Women's Half Marathon is the FIRST race to partner with 261Fearless!    

"261 is named after the famous bib number Kathrine Switzer wore when she was the first  women to officially run  the Boston Marathon. The number now stands for 'Fearless', and 261 Fearless, Inc is about the community of women who are transformed by running and their global movement to empower other women everywhere.  For more information, go to www.261fearless.org."  

Disclaimer:  I took the above information DIRECTLY from the race website.  

How amazing is this?  If that doesn't empower you.... I don't know what will!  

If you're looking for a great October race, make the drive to Green Bay, WI and join hundreds of other like-minded women and take home the satisfaction of finishing a great race!  I'm sure you won't regret it!  

The race is Saturday, October 8th.  Go to the race website, here for more details!   Read on for a few racer testimonials! 

           Amy says:  "I can't say enough about this amazing event -- from the fantastic course to the well run operation."

Julie says: "AMAZING event all around!!! From the Friday night speaker and dinner to all the details of the course and race-day...can't say enough about the attention to detail, energy, everything! Glad to be a part of the inaugural. Will be on my calendar every year!

Amanda says: "One of the best organized races I've done. Great energy. Great message. Great day."

Review of the XX2i Australia1 8K polarized sport lenses

Disclaimer:  I received the XX2i Australia1 sunglasses to review as part of being a BibRave Pro.  Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave to review, find and write race reviews.

I'm starting to feel a bit spoiled in the sunglasses department;  not that I'm complaining.  I do love my sunglasses and have used each pair uniquely.   My latest pair of sunglasses that I've been able to test are the Australia1 Polarized Sport Sunglass.  I elected to try out the Matte Tortoise color because I felt that they were very feminine looking.  They are even prettier in person and I've received many compliments on them! 

I have been wearing sunglasses for as long as I can remember so my eyes really require a great sunglass for protection!  These are a fantastic option for polarization because they offer 8K polarization!  I never squint and have clear lense clarity.  This particular model has blue lenses in them. 

I have worn these lenses running, biking, swimming, boating, hiking, paddle-boarding and gardening.  I have sweat, jumped, bent-over;  just about any activity and I've never felt that I would lose these glasses.  This may sound silly, but I place my sunglasses on the top of my head A LOT!  If they are not on my eyes, they are on my head.  Never once did these babies slip out of place and they never fell on the floor.  They fit my head snugly but yet the feel very comfortable.  

 

What makes these sunglasses unique are two features.  First, is the removable padded insert that fits onto the lenses.  These are the first sunglasses by XX2i with this great addition.  This pad protects against additional elements when outdoors!  I would imagine they would be a mountain bikers dream for the extra dust that is kicked up on the trails!   These glasses also include an interchangeable temple arm / strap system so there are no worries about slipping during intense activities!  See my photos below where I demonstrate the padded insert and the interchangeable strap! 

These are the first pair of sunglasses by XX2i that are available with prescription.  How cool is that?  Also, did I mention that ANY sunglasses purchase with XX2i has a lifetime guarantee?  The shipping and service is top-notch.  If you are an adventurous person with an active lifestyle these are the perfect pair for you!

And.... to make the deal even sweeter, use CODE: XX2iROCKS for 50% OFF your pair!

DON'T FORGET. Join @BibRave and @XX2i for #bibchat on Tues. Aug. 16th, 8PM CST. WIN a pair of #Australia1 sunglasses pic.twitter.com/fGFicAGUPe

— RUN gina RUN (@hanzelboyzmama) August 11, 2016

Running Treasure Hunt: The Weird, Creepy & Beautiful Sights of Summer Running

Every wonder what us runners think about or see on our runs?  Well, my friend Wendy was curious to see what her fellows runners found on their summer runs, so she's hosting the very first 

Running Treasure Hunt link-up.  

Make sure that you go give her blog a shout and follow because she's hysterical, inspirational and authentic!  

Read on for some funny, creepy, weird and beautiful sights I see on my morning runs! 

Summer running in Minnesota can be quite the adventure.  Usually, my runs are pretty status-quo.  I get up at 4:45 before the sun.  I head out for my 5-6 mile run.  I come home.  I jump in the shower and I'm off for the day.   And, basically... that's all she wrote.

But like I said, summer can bring adventure.   Let's talk about bats for example.  You know... the tiny, cute-faced, rabies-carrying blood suckers???  Awe, aren't they cute looking?

WRONG!  Summer brings humidity and summer brings bugs!  Thankfully, I believe these bats really could care less about me, but I've been dive-bombed too many times this summer!  The first 1/4 mile of my route is swarming with bats!  We live near a wetland so they have a great feeding ground with the pond.

I focus on the end of the block, keep my head down and try not to think about the little beast flying so low over my head I can feel their breeze.  I'll have to admit, the first time I encountered these guys this summer - I may have screamed and flailed my arms a bit.   Much like what a ninja would look like walking into a spider web.

Let's also talk about WHO I see while I'm out running at zero-dark-thirty.  A few days ago, I wanted to get 10 miles in before my husband went to work.  That meant a 4:30 am alarm and a solo 4 miles before I picked up a girlfriend who was running with me.   I texted my girlfriends joking about getting abducted so early in the morning all by myself.  "We haven't seen anything suspicious in a while" was one response.  "Criminals don't get up that early!" was another.  Supportive friends.   Just kidding, of course they were supportive, but maybe I was just overreacting.  Nonetheless, it doesn't hurt to be cautious.

However, for those 4 very dark and lonely miles, all I could think about was someone lurking in the bushes or jumping out at me; much like Jack Nicholson in 'The Shining.'  That movie gave me nightmares for weeks!  

But seriously, all joking aside.   We do, in my small, pretty darn safe town, have some shady activity going down at wee hours in the morning.  I know for a fact that the small park I run through almost daily has some drug activity.  I've seen it happen.  It must be a meeting point for exchanges, or drops.  I don't know.  I'm not a drug-dealer.  BUT, what I do know is that a teenager doesn't drive to the park at 5 am, sit in his/her car for 10 minutes and then drive out and NOT be doing something wrong.  This happens on the regular.  I know that the same person that I see often HAS to see me too?!!?

Anywhoo - on to sights #3 and #4.   Let's talk about clothing as being optional in this next segment.   Minnesota is HOT.  Smoking hot and humid in the summer.  So hot and humid that sometimes I feel like I'm trying to run with a wet wash cloth on my face.  My legs fatigue easier, I sweat in ALL.THE.PLACES and all I want to do is run in as little clothes as possible.  Yesterday, I commented "I wish I could run naked!"  Which, got a lot of laughs and sparked some pretty hilarious running convo.

BUT, then I realize ain't nobody wants to see me running naked!  Can you imagine?  I picture all of me just hanging out, much like that dog!  Ha!  I am also extremely envious of the hot-body, sports-bra wearing runner with the tight abs I see some mornings running.   And, then quickly my thoughts change to, 'I bet she doesn't eat pizza on the daily.'   I wonder what she thinks as she runs by me?  Maybe I should ask her someday!

Sight #4 ties in nicely with the no clothes talk.  I promised myself last winter when my nose hairs were freezing and I had icicles on my face I wouldn't ever complain about summer running.  EVER.  I broke that promise.  I want the humidity to end.  It's miserable.  In a tank and shorts, I have TOO many clothes on.  I sweat everywhere and my terms of SWOOB, SWASS and well.......SWUSSY are just used too much.  Sorry for the crass words, but you can pretty much figure out that's all the places we sweat.  It's horrible.  Makes for some funny talk, but make.it.stop.

I'm dead.  Stick a fork in me. 

I've saved the best for last.  Running really does bring great joy into my life.  Every once in awhile, I get to see the amazing beauty around me.   If I didn't get up in the wee hours of the morning, when the birds are first chirping, and most people are still snug in their beds,  there would be no THIS ----

A take-your-breath-away moment that only summer skies bring.  The sky was a fiery-red that early morning last week.   The horses along the white picket fences were still.  No traffic.  Just beauty.  It's these moments that drag me out of bed.   It's these moments that make all the other crazy, weird and creepy moments worth it.

Go out.  Get yourself out of bed.  Embrace the beauty around you!  But first, make sure to visit  my friend Wendy over at www.takinglongwayhome.com.   

Hope you enjoyed the post!  What do you see on your runs?  I'd love to hear from you! 

Friday Five: Five CRAZY Sights Along Grandma's Marathon Course

One month ago, I became a marathoner.  It's actually hard to even believe it's true!

I wrote my blog post about it last week, but realized there were quite a few sights along the way that I just had to blog about.  Since I'm a first-timer linking up with Courtney, Cynthia and Mar for their Friday Five.... I thought this was the perfect time!

If you'd like to read my race recap here that would be great!  This post pokes a bit of fun at the sights I saw on the race course! Enjoy!

Let me begin by saying this was the most incredible experience of my life.  I am thankful that even in the heat, I was able to keep my wits about me and take in all the sights along they way!  

1:  Spectators were everwhere at the race.  Most were cheering loudly at the runners with encouraging words along the way.  A few in particular stood out.  At a few different points on the race  course, a few women had a small card table set up with the sign that said something like:  'Runner's Pharmacy:  Everything except weed.'  I thought this was very clever, hysterical and actually very helpful. I'm sure that they got many runners to partake in what they had a their table.  From what I glanced at they had bandaids, tyelnol, vaseline, water, sunscreen and much much more.  I absolutely should have used the sunscreen as I was completely burnt to a crisp.  Lesson learned on that one. 

The real magic started happening in the latter half of the race about mile 20.  That's about when everything started to go hazy.  Runners were delirious, the hot sun was ruthless, the finish line was close but yet so damn far away.  

2:  I poke fun at this next photo.  ONLY because had I NOT seen the photographer a few blocks before I approached, I would have looked horrible!! I put on my best face and smiled right at the photographer.  This photo is a lie. I was dying. 

It was so hot.  Black flag conditions.  This was just after mile 21 - the infamous lemon drop hill was ahead.  All I could think of was "Oh Shit, there's the hill."   A little over 2000 runners did not finish that day.  

3:  Bacon.  Did someone say bacon?  I love me some bacon.  Bacon fries. Bacon & Eggs. Bacon on my cheeseburger. Bacon on my cereal.  No... kidding.  Basically, bacon on everything.  

But, under NO circumstances do I want bacon at mile 21 of a marathon!  OMG!  Bless this man's heart.  He had a tent all set up and was frying pounds and pounds of bacon.  This is not a new thing for this race either.  He's been doing it for years.  But honestly, the smell of the bacon was nauseating.  I coudn't have imagined trying to eat a piece of bacon at mile 21.  I could barely gut down 1/4 of a banana!  

4: Another crazy sight were the troll dolls. You know the kind. Remember? The plastic, freaky-looking neon hair kind? When I was a kid I had tons of these little demon creatures. Between mile 21 and 22 they line the block! I bet there were 100 of these babies. Maybe more. Truly a sight! 

5: I save the best for last! At mile 23 the guy in front of me BONGED A BEER!! Yes... You heard that right! I could barely put one foot in front of the other and this guy bongs a beer?!?! Amazing! He must have had some crazy frank n' beans to have the guts to do that! The frat boys were going crazy. And.... I was too! Remarkable. Disgusting. Crazy. It sure made me laugh and all I could think about was FRANK THE TANK from the movie 'Old School' with Will Ferrell. If you haven't seen the movie it's great! One of my favorites! 

There was so much more to a memorable Grandmas Marathon weekend, but that's all for now! 

This was fun! Make sure to visit Courtney, Cynthia, and Mar!! 

Grandma's Marathon - The race Recap is FINALLY here!

My first marathon.  Hours of training.  Sweat.  Smiles.  Tears.  Injury.  

I FINALLY wrap it all up on the blog. 

I've wanted to write about my marathon for some time now.  

Three weeks ago,  I became a marathoner.  So much joy, so much emotion, so much dedication.   Unfortunately, the elation all came crashing down the day after my finish when I had to say goodbye to my beloved dog.  I was hurting so badly.  My brain was in a fog.  My kids needed me.  Work needed me.   How could I possibly talk about my "BIG DAY!"  

Fortunately and with time, my heart is mending and it's time to spill it all.   

Grandman's Marathon was a race I won't ever forget.  As a "first-timer," I wasn't sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised at how seamless the entire race was.   My husband traveled to Duluth with me and took in all of the festivities before and after the race.  He was planning on biking much of the route to cheer me on and snap unforgettable photos of me on the race course.  There were times on the course it felt like I only kept going so that I could see him at the next stop.  Oftentimes,  I repeated to myself 'just another mile and you'll see his face.'  He was my support.  He kept me going. 

This photo was the first time that I saw Brad.  He was at mile 14! I was so happy to see him!

This race was hard.  Damn.Hard.  It was incredibly HOT, with temps in the mid-80's at the finish.  It wasn't as flat as I had expected and I didn't have sunscreen.  That was a major fail because I was burnt to a crisp!  I found out later that 2000 runners did not finish.  There were so many people walking it was unbelievable!!

Wow, saying all that out loud seems crazy!  It took me 45 minutes longer to finish than I had anticipated.  BUT,  I FINISHED!!  

My official race finish time was 5:00:16.  It's funny.  My first half I finished in just under 2 hours.  I was elated as I was on pace for my goal time.   The first 15 miles were pretty darn good and as you can see from my face I was pretty dang excited to be running this race!

The support along the race course was tremendous.  Although there aren't many spectators until you get to mile 20, the water stops were packed with people cheering loudly and shouting encouragement.     The homes, maybe 10-15 along the race course from miles 2-18,  all come out to lend aide and water.  Many had their garden hoses attached to high ladders for all the runners to run through.  Thank you for that! 

At the start of the race, the white conditions flag was flying.  By mile 20,  it was black flag conditions and I was truly worried I'd have to stop because the race officials would call the race due to the heat.  Thankfully, they did not.  This sign says it all.  This was at mile 21, and by that time, I truly had had enough.  My husband took this picture and kept saying that I could do it and I shouldn't be concerned if I had to walk a bit.

The water stops were amazing.   Each stop you were able to get ice cups as well, which quickly went right down my sports bra.  The ice lasted about 1/2 mile.  It was a great way to stay cool.  Also, at many of the water stops, we were handed cold sponges which were also amazing.  I carried them a ways and wiped my face and squeezed water on my arms and head.   

At mile 22 is the infamous Lemon Drop Hill.  To tell you the truth, at first glance the hill doesn't look that intimidating.....until you're running it and at mile 22 no less.  I refused to walk up the hill.  I would NOT let it defeat me.  

The last 4 miles to the finish line is packed with people.  I would image that in the early hours of the race there were even more.  It was incredibly hot that day, so I'm guessing there were many spectators that were calling it a day.  

Mile 25 was hard.   I rounded a corner and yet another hill,  it was ever so slight, but I had to stop and walk.  A volunteer came up to me, looked me in the eyes, put his hand on my shoulder and said, " don't worry honey, you'll get there. "  I cried.  It was just such a caring gesture.  It was like he knew my thoughts.  It felt like I was NEVER going to get there. 

The last 1/2 mile comes into canal park where you weave around the major tourist attractions.  I could see the lift bridge. I was so close.  I rounded the corner for the last .2.  My husband snapped some photos and then yelled, " you did it, put your hands up, you did it!" If you look close he's in the background in the yellow with his camera!  I just love this photo!!

   

To be perfectly honest, the finish line was a blur.  I didn't cry.  I walked very slowly through, was given my medal,  and basically brain-fogged it to the t-shirt pick up.  I couldn't even make the decision on my size because I just didn't have the energy. 

I met up with my husband and that's when I cried.  He was my strength that day.  He carried me through.  At times, he was biking right by my side, encouraging me the entire way!

My girlfriend Kris also met me at the finish line.  When she screamed, " you did it!"  I just sobbed in her embrace.  I'm not sure how long we hugged as I cried, but it was a looooooong time.  

I also met up with my crew.  They never let me take a picture of them on our morning runs.  Here they all are.  These girls pushed me every.damn.day.  I wouldn't be here without them, and for that I am forever grateful.  I love them with all my heart.  

Heather, Susan, Myself, Kris

I am a marathoner.   I set my goal high and I completed that goal.  There was disappointment and worry during the journey,  but I never gave up.  Will I run one again.  Absolutely.  In winter.  In 30 degree temps.  You think I'm kidding. :) 

This week I'm linking up with Holly and Tricia for their weekly wrap.  I am very late with this post, but couldn't wait to share it with all of you!