An Award For Me? And GIVEAWAY Winner

 I feel absolutely honored as I was recently notified that I have been nominated the Liebster Award by AnnMarie from FitFoodieMama. 

Now for those of you who are unaware of what the Liebster Award is, it is an award given to bloggers by bloggers! Neat idea, huh? The idea is to nominate smaller up and coming blogs in order to get them a little more exposure. So obviously, I feel extremely honored to be nominated. Thank you AnnMarie for your support and nomination! Make sure you head over to FitFoodieMama and check this awesome lady out! Okay, well to go along with this nomination, AnnMarie has sent me some questions to answer. So let's get to it, shall we! 

Questions:

1.  Where is your favorite place to travel and why?

I don't know that I have a favorite place to travel to because I just love to travel in general! I grew up traveling as my dad's job transferred us to new areas constantly and with each new move, I always remember weekend trips or school vacations to new places. As an adult, I definitely feel anxious when I haven't been to a new place after a certain period of time because it is just kind of ingrained in me at this point. But my favorite place that I have ever been to would have to be Venice, Italy. There is just nothing in this world like Venice. I truly believe that it is a place that everyone should try to go to at least once in their life. It's a different way of life there and it is just so beautiful. Man, I could go on for DAYS about some of my favorite travel spots but that's a whole other post... ;-) 

2.  What is the last good book you read?

I hate to admit it but I'm really not a huge reader. I don't know if it is because I am unable to sit still for long periods of time or what. I do however read a lot of articles (mainly health and running related) online. I love Runners World. I read my Runners World every month. This month there was a great piece about the Boston Marathon survivors, so touching and absolutely inspirational. So I guess if Runners World counts, that's my answer!

3.  What did you want to be when you were little?

I wanted to be a veterinarian for the longest time. I grew up loving animals (and still do)! At one point I realized that part of the job was to put animals down and I just could not fathom the idea of doing that. So yeah, being a vet was out of the picture for me at that point. I decided I would just adopt all neglected animals instead. I'm still working on our little zoo we have started (2 cats and a dog) I'm still trying to convince my husband that we need more!  

4.  What is your favorite way to be active?

Running is my absolute passion, it's what keeps me sane and healthy. However, I also grew up in multiple dance classes (mainly ballet) so I still love to dance as well. Along with Barre3, yoga, hiking, pilates, kickboxing and oh man, the list could continue! I just really love any excuse to be active (as long as it isn't swimming or biking) Triathlons are definitely not in my future...

5.  What is your go-to breakfast?

I am usually running out the door in the mornings so I typically have a piece of toast with organic peanut butter, a glass of milk and a banana in hand. 

6.  If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Pasta. Hands down. Carb queen for life! 

7.  What are your hobbies outside of work/blogging?

I love crafting and anything health and fitness related. I am a huge running nerd and love learning more about the sport any chance I can get. 

8.  Would you ever be able to go a day without your phone?

Yes, I totally could. I feel like I rely on my phone more for emergency purposes. I always feel like the day I go without my phone, something terrible will happen and no one will be able to get ahold of me. I know, morbid thinking, right? 

9.  Do you prefer to exercise in the morning or at night?

Morning exerciser all the way. It gears me up for the day and gives me the energy I crave. I work with little ones so at the end of the day I am pouring myself onto the counch--evening workouts just don't work for me. 

10.  What is your favorite thing about blogging?

I love hearing comments from my readers about what material is working for them, what inspires them and how they feel motivated to keep moving because of the things they read. It keeps me inspired to keep this blog going every single day.

I now pass the torch to 10 others!

       Lauren Breathe Deeply & Smile

Mary Four The Health Of It

Heather Divas Run For Bling

Jess Just Call Me Janks

Sarah Licorice And Olives

Michelle RunBakeBlog

Joshua A Runners Enduring Excursion

Sarah Sweet Miles

Jeremy Confessions Of An Amateur Athlete

Ashley Snow Cream And Syrup

I love each and every one of these blogs and read them frequently. Watch out for this group of fit fanatics, they have extraordinary content and are just growing by the minute!  And here are my 10 questions for this group...

1. If you had one day devoted to doing whatever you wanted to do, how would you spend that day?

2. Name a food that you have tried to like over and over again but just cannot stand...

3. If someone gave you a plane ticket to anywhere in the world, where would you go?

4. What is your favorite song and why?

5. What is your guilty pleasure? 

6. Who was your first celebrity crush?

7. What exercise do you despise doing the most? 

8. What is your absolute dream job?

9. What is your favorite quote?

10. What have you learned about yourself through blogging?

And last but not least...

Gregory Pochron 

You have WON the Spartan Race Series FREE entry! I'll be contacting you shortly with details. 

Thank you for all who entered! If you didn't win a free entry this time around, I do have 15% discount code for you, so technically, everyone is a winner!
The code will work one time for any open heat (non-confirmed start time) in any 2014 Spartan Race in the continental US. 

{Q&A} Lauren from Breathe Deeply & Smile

Hello!

I hope the weekend treated you well. We have been getting all of our things moved in this weekend and I am more than exhausted. Lucky for me, I've got a great guest blogger on today to keep you entertained! 

Have you heard of the Breathe Deeply and Smile blog? If you haven't, you better get your tush over there right now and follow Lauren! She recently ran her FIRST marathon and even landed a STELLAR time! So proud of you girl!

 Let's dive in and get to know Lauren!

1.    Tell us a little about yourself and your blog. What inspired you to create a blog?

I started my blog Breathe Deeply and Smile a little over a year ago after reading lots of other running and healthy living blogs and figuring I could do it too! I blog about learning to live a happy and healthy life while documenting my races, training, eating (there’s a lot), and random things I like. I also often discuss trying to balance fitness, work, relationships, and life while trying to stay stress-free!

2.    When you’re not running, how do you stay active?

When I’m not running, I crossfit 1-2x a week and sometimes throw in a spinning or yoga class.  I love trying new fitness classes and mixing things up!

3.     If we took a peek into your gym bag, what would we find?

My gym bag is a mess because I’m always moving things in and out of it.  My stand-by gym bag items are chapstick, lifting gloves, a tube of Nuun, an empty water bottle, an extra pair of socks, hand sanitizer, my heart rate monitor, and an extra headband.

4.    If you could only run in one shoe for the rest of your life, what would it be?

This is difficult because I don’t know if I’ve found the perfect shoe for me yet! I mostly run in Brooks running shoes, and the ones I’ve run the most in are my Pure Connects!

5.    What is your pre-race (or race day) tradition?

I feel like I need to refine my routine a little bit! I always have trouble sleeping the night before and don’t like getting to the race area too early because it makes me anxious standing around waiting. I wake up and get dressed and eat some toast or a bagel with nut butter and a banana. I usually have a half a cup of coffee and go to the bathroom and make sure I have everything I need before heading out (a post-it reminder is a necessity for this!). 

6.    If you could run anywhere in the world, where would that be?

Oh gosh I want to run everywhere! I’ve never run in a different country and think something exotic would be beautiful, like on an island or the Great Wall of China or something crazy!

7.    If you could have only wish in your running career be granted, what would that be?

This is a great question! My only wish would to stay injury-free so I would be able to run for many years!

8.    What is your worst running experience to date? How did you come back from it?

I don’t have one really bad race or run story but a couple months ago I went out for a long run by myself, and it just seemed everything was going wrong. The weather was beautiful but my Garmin wasn’t locating satellites, my iPod battery had died, and my legs felt like lead. I had gone for a run later in the morning and had two cups of coffee that were not sitting right with me. I felt very uncomfortable and needed to find a bathroom so I stopped at Starbucks, but it seems my whole digestive system was still just off (without being TMI!) and I had to slowly make it a few more miles to run back to my apartment.  It was an awful run. I’ve learned to limit the coffee right before runs since then!

9.    What advice do you have for those who are just beginning their interest in running?

Besides getting a solid pair of running shoes (I recommend getting fitted at a local running store!), my advice would be that it is important to switch up your workouts. Besides keeping things interesting, incorporating speed work, longer and slower runs, and hills helps you become a stronger and faster runner!

10. What race do you wish of competing in (or) what race has been your favorite to date?

I like many runners, my dream is to qualify for Boston! I just ran my first marathon this past year at the Baltimore Marathon and met my time goal of 3:45 and even though it was hard and awful at times, I crossed the finish line knowing I was going to run another one. It was a great day!

11. (Finish this sentence) “I cannot leave for a run without ____”

A headband. I’m assuming I’ve got shoes on already J Seriously I can’t deal with hair and sweat in my face when working out!

12. Tell us about a moment where running has changed your life.

I believe in that cliché that running is my therapy.  After I ran my first half marathon almost 2 years ago, I found my boyfriend at the finish area and just started crying. It was this involuntary thing and so strange to me. I was happy, but after running this race that took a lot of hard work, dedication, and training, I just needed a release of emotion.  That’s when I knew that running was going to be something special in my life. 

13. Tell us how you stay motivated. What inspires you?

Like many people I think my motivation goes up and down depending on how I am feeling. There is nothing like the endorphins from a workout and that feeling you get afterwards when you kickass in the gym or on a run. I’ll keep running for those happy workouts, moments of crossing finish lines, and days when I feel strong and unstoppable. 

14. What aspect of running challenges you the most?

The most challenging aspect of running for me is the mental part of it. You are always competing against yourself, your previous times, and your mind. Sometimes it’s harder to fight the words telling you that you can’t do it in your mind than it is to put one foot in front of another!

15.  What is your go to power song?

One song that has been on my workout playlist for years has been Florence and the Machine’s Dog Days are Over.  I like that the song has a strong and positive message and the chorus of “run fast for your mother, and fast for your father…” is especially motivating when running! Kanye West’s Stronger is a close second for the same reasons and the awesome beat!

Thank you so much for sharing your story! Make sure to check out more of Lauren at Breathe Deeply and Smile .

Please check me out all over the web!

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{Q&A} Jess from Just Call Me Janks

Good morning to you! 

This morning, I have Jess from Just Call Me Janks on my Q&A series of posts. I have to tell you, it has been so wonderful chatting with Jess, I feel like we could be great friends (if we didn't live across the country from one another)! I am so happy to have her featured today on my blog and hope that you enjoy getting to know her, just as I did. 

Well, let's get down to business... :) 

1.    Tell us a little about yourself and your blog. What inspired you to create a blog?

I’m Jess, a public relations professional by day and a chemistry teacher’s wife and puppy mom by night. I live in Baltimore, MD (where I was born & raised) and love wine, running, and barre classes. I started Just Call Me Janks a few years ago on a whim after seeing that a high-school classmate of mine had a blog. I thought, I can do that! Almost three years later and I’m still going strong. :)

2.    When you’re not running, how do you stay active?

I love barre classes. I danced from first grade through senior year in high school – taking ballet, modern, pointe and jazz classes. I’m so excited that someone translated that athleticism and balance into ballet-inspired workouts. I also have a newfound respect for yoga. In training for my first half-marathon, stretching is key and yoga challenges me in ways I never thought possible.

3.     If we took a peek into your gym bag, what would we find?

Headphones, deodorant, a towel and probably some errant hair ties and bobby pins.

4.    If you could only run in one shoe for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I’m still figuring that out! I started running in Nike Zoom Elites and loved their breathability. Right now I’m running in Brooks Ghosts 6s and really like them, too.

5.    What is your pre-race (or race day) tradition? 

Banana and PB toast for breakfast, lots of stretching, and a kiss for good luck from my husband!

6.    If you could run anywhere in the world, where would that be? 

Oooh, good question. I’ve always wanted to visit Australia, so I would say on the coast there. Coastal California would be a close second. I just want some pretty scenery and a slight ocean breeze!

7.    If you could have only wish in your running career be granted, what would that be? 

Right now, to make it through my first half-marathon in May with a goal time of 2:05 or less.

8.    What is your worst running experience to date? How did you come back from it? 

Can I have two? My first worst running experience to date was trying to run in the snow and ice this winter. I fell and bit it on the side of a busy road during morning traffic. My second worst experience was coming extremely close to being hit by a car. As a relatively new runner, both of these occurrences were terrifying.  I came back from both by learning from my mistakes and being more cautious and aware of my surroundings.

9.    What advice do you have for those who are just beginning their interest in running?

Don’t worry about speed. That was my first mistake when I tried to start running a few years ago. I would get defeated after burning out from going too fast.  I didn’t enjoy it until I realized that I didn’t need to sprint – going at a pace that’s right for me will get me further and allow me to truly take pleasure in the sport.

I would also recommend training with a local running group. It’s how I restarted my running journey & was a great resource. Plus, you’ll meet other people who have the same interests and hopefully make some friends!

10.  What race do you wish of competing in (or) what race has been your favorite to date?

I would have to say my favorite race would be my most recent one – the Shamrock 5K here in Baltimore. After training all winter it was great to get back on the road and PR in my first race of the year!

11. (Finish this sentence) “I cannot leave for a run without ____”  

The right shoes! I don’t use my running shoes for any other activity, and having the right footwear is critical in preventing injury.

12. Tell us about a moment where running has changed your life. 

Running my first 10K was quite the experience. It was 26 degrees outside but with wind, it felt like 6. I made it through under my goal time and knew that if I could do that, I could do anything. It was a character-building race and began the long thought process toward me registering for my first half this spring.

13. Tell us how you stay motivated. What inspires you?

I’m not going to lie – some days it’s really hard to be motivated. I’m lucky enough to be training now and imagining crossing that finish line is enough to inspire me.  

When I’m not training, my husband, other bloggers, and running friends really help to motivate me. I’m lucky to have people in my life who support this new habit of mine and encourage me to continue.

14. What aspect of running challenges you the most? 

Post-run stretching. I’m horrible at it. I’ve learned to love my foam roller a few quick yoga stretches that aid in my muscle recovery.

15.  What is your go to power song? 

 I don’t have a signature power song, but right now I’m digging Wagon Wheel by Darius Rucker. It’s easy to get caught up in the run - so many things to think about: pace, stride, breathing, posture, cracks in the sidewalk, etc. Having a song that makes me smile and relaxes me has become an important component in my playlist.

Thank you so much for being on the blog today, Jess! 

If you aren't already following Jess, head on over to her site and check her out!  You can access her site here: Just Call Me Janks 

And if you'd like to follow her social media accounts, you can locate them here: 

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{Q&A} Sara from Loving On The Run

Happy Hump Day!

Today, I have Sara from Loving On The Run answering questions on my Q&A series. Sara's blog is rockin'! If you aren't following her, you need get your booty over to her site and follow her now! I'm excited for you all to get to know her a bit better today. 

Enjoy!

1.    Tell us a little about yourself and your blog. What inspired you to create a blog?

My name is Sara and I run the blog LovingOnTheRun.com.  Running has always been a huge part of my life because my husband is a sub-elite marathon whose goal is to qualify for the Olympic Trials in 2016 or 2020.  While I’ve been in the support role for quite a while, I started running about 5 years ago.  Running has become not only a passion but also a way of life to me. I have run two marathons in total and have now set out on the goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon, no matter how long that takes me to achieve! My blog documents my running journey as well as my journey as a runner and wife.

2.    When you’re not running, how do you stay active?

I will cross training (spinning, swimming, pool running), take my dog out for a walk or strength training. I used to not put a focus on strength training but have made a goal to make sure I do it at least 2-3 times a week now.

3.     If we took a peek into your gym bag, what would we find?

A LOT! Swim suit, weight lifting gloves, headphones, phone charger, a change of clothes, makeup, shampoo, conditioner and all the other necessities to shower and get ready for work. I am on the go a lot with 3 part time jobs right now.

4.    If you could only run in one shoe for the rest of your life, what would it be?

You are going to make me choose? That’s cruel! ;-) I’d say Nike Lunaracer. Those are my favorite right now, but ask me again in a couple months and I could easily have a different answer for you.

5.    What is your pre-race (or race day) tradition?

On marathon morning I usually will get up and eat a bagel with honey and lots of water. I’ll get dressed, put in my headphones and try to get in my “zone.” I usually will bring some energy chews to take while waiting at the start line so that they kick in about 2-3 miles into the race. I have found I have a weak stomach and combined with the nerves of a race I like to eat pretty plain the night before and the morning of.

6.    If you could run anywhere in the world, where would that be?

The beach. Any beach. I just love the beach!  Though I have always wanted to run in Italy as well. I’ve never been there, but it looks beautiful!

7.    If you could have only wish in your running career be granted, what would that be?

That is pretty easy - to qualify for the Boston Marathon and race it at least once.

8.    What is your worst running experience to date? How did you come back from it?

That is a tough one. I have had a few really tough races, but I don’t look at those at “bad experiences” really only learning experiences.  I’d say the worst thing I’ve dealt with while running was my femoral stress fracture over 8 months ago.  I am just now coming back from that. Injuries are brutal for a runner and that was a long 12-14 week recovery!

9.    What advice do you have for those who are just beginning their interest in running?

1.     Start out slow and work your way into it.

2.     It will be hard at first, but stick with it and I promise it will be worth it!

3.     Find a running buddy or become a part of the running community.

4.     You are stronger than you think! (I used to repeat this to myself a lot during races)

10. What race do you wish of competing in (or) what race has been your favorite to date?

In terms of marathons, I have only run the Chicago Marathon. I ran it in 2011 and 2012. I would love to run the Disney Marathon, Nike Women’s Marathon and one day the Rome Marathon! Just to name a few!

11. (Finish this sentence) “I cannot leave for a run without ____”

My Garmin and my music! I am slave to my Garmin unfortunately. I have been trying to break that habit a bit on slow easy runs. Music is also so helpful to me when I run, especially when the run gets tough!

12. Tell us about a moment where running has changed your life.

I have always struggled feeling confident. My husband and I have been together 9 years and you could ask him how hard it was for the first 4-5 years being with someone who had little to no confidence in herself.  Running has in so many ways made me a more confident woman. Of course there are still times when I struggle with self-doubt, but running gave me a since of accomplishment and confidence I had never known before.

13. Tell us how you stay motivated. What inspires you?

1.     My Goals/Dreams – to some qualifying for the Boston Marathon is something they do a lot, however for me it is my dream.  That is what keeps pushing me every day. Even when I know I am still a long ways away I remind myself of my running goals and dreams.

2.     My husband – He is an amazingly talented runner and to see all that he has accomplished and strives for really motivates me. 

3.     My future – I have no idea what my future holds, but the confidence and positive outlook that running brings me keeps me happy, focused and healthy for the future to come.

14. What aspect of running challenges you the most?

That is the amazing thing to me about running; it’s always a challenge.  Sure we have good days where it seems effortless, but the struggle and difficulty of running at times always keeps me challenged.  I always remember the quote, “nothing worthwhile ever comes easy.” Running is a challenge and I love every minute of it!

15.  What is your go to power song?

This actually changes very often. I always love to update my music playlist and finding new power songs! Right now I’d have to say, “Last One Standing” by Mayday ft. Tech N9ne (warning: explicit) or for those who enjoy country like I do “Lose Control” by Charlie Farley. I also love taking it back old school and “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey has always been on my playlist as well!

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us! 

Make sure to check out more of Sara at http://www.LovingOnTheRun.com

And make sure to you stop by her other social media sites, here! 

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{Q&A} Jeremy from Confessions Of An Amateur Athlete

Well, you made it through Monday!
Hooray! 
Happy Tuesday everyone!
 I've got Jeremy from Confessions Of An Amateur Athlete on my Q&A series today. I am so excited to have Jeremy on my blog. He is such a positive and inspirational individual!
Let's get to know Jeremy!! 


1.    Tell us a little about yourself and your blog. What inspired you to create a blog?

 The name of my blog pretty much says it all: Confessions of an Amateur Athlete!  I’m a mid-pack runner, an average athlete, striving to improve myself, well-seasoned but definitely far from a “pro”.  I’ve got just enough experience to spread a little advice to those just starting out, aiming for a new distance, or even those at my “level”.  I love sharing my adventures with everyone, and hope to inspire and entertain others along the way!

2.    When you’re not running, how do you stay active?
 When I’m not running I love to spend time with my pup, hiking with friends, or dabble in rock-climbing/rappelling. I’m always looking for new outdoor adventures!

3.     If we took a peek into your gym bag, what would we find?
  If you’re going to look in my gym bag, open at your own risk! Lol.  I’m sure there’s probably a forgotten smelly sock and an old water bottle drifting around in there.  But I make sure to clean it out before it gets TOO out of hand!

4.    If you could only run in one shoe for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I’m a Brooks shoe guy all the way.  I’ve tried others but Brooks has always worked out the best.  I love the Trance 12’s but they discontinued that line.  Right now the Ravennas are treating me great!

5.    What is your pre-race (or race day) tradition?

Pre-race, I like to take a shower, eat some overnight oats, and enjoy a cup of coffee.  It means I have to get up pretty early to get all that in on time, but it also helps to settle any pre-race jitters.  After a race, I celebrate with my running friends.  We love to race together and celebrate together!

6.    If you could run anywhere in the world, where would that be?

I’d love to run in Hawaii or any other island with volcanoes!  I don’t know why but volcanic islands are so beautiful to me and running around one is just something I’ve always wanted to do!

7.    If you could have only wish in your running career be granted, what would that be?

I’d like to travel more out of the country to races.  Right now I stick to the U.S. but hopefully when I get a little older (and a little richer) I can travel to far off corners of the world for some really awesome adventures (like a volcanic island)!

8.    What is your worst running experience to date? How did you come back from it?
  I’ve had some bad runs but that happens to all runners.  My worst *race* was last year.  I got food poisoning and was… well… let’s say I spent a LOT of time in the bathroom the day before and morning of the race.  I was set to run the San Diego Full Marathon and had planned on PRing.  On the way to the start, I was getting nervous.  Horrible images of passing out from dehydration on the course or searching for a porta-potty at every mile kept running through my head.  But I decided I had worked hard to run this marathon, I may not PR but by golly I was going to finish it!  And finish it I did!  It ended up being my worst race experience, but I turned it into one of my most triumphant accomplishments!!

9.    What advice do you have for those who are just beginning their interest in running?
  The great thing about running is that it is a sport EVERYONE can do.  You don’t have to be fast, or need tons of experience, or even have expensive gear.  If it’s your first race remember everyone started out just like you.  It takes practice, determination, and a positive attitude.  If you have those three, than you are ready to be a runner and you’ll be GREAT at it!

10. What race do you wish of competing in (or) what race has been your favorite to date?

One day I hope to compete in the Western Sates 100-Mile Endurance Run.  I’m slowly working up to begin running in Ultra-Marathons.  So in a way I’ll be a “beginner” all over again!  But I look forward to the new adventures it will bring!

11. (Finish this sentence) “I cannot leave for a run without ____”

“I cannot leave for a run without my music!” It helps me through the tough runs, and makes the great runs even better!    

12. Tell us about a moment where running has changed your life.

I hear a lot of people say “running changed my life”.  For me, I don’t think that.  When I began running it felt like it was something that had always been a part of me.  It was always in me, I just had to bring it out.  Now it’s something I don’t ever want to give up.  I run because it’s who I am.

13. Tell us how you stay motivated. What inspires you?

I love challenging myself and pushing my limits.  Tackling a new goal keeps me motivated.  I look to my running friends for inspiration and we motivate each other.  I highly recommend finding a running friend, or a dozen, that you can connect with like I do.  Also, I look to the runners of all ranges that I meet through social media or through my blog for inspiration.

14. What aspect of running challenges you the most?

Although, I have PR goals to get faster, and improve my speed…Distance is more my area.  I dread speed work and only do it out of necessity.  I’d rather train for an ultra-marathon then try to qualify for Boston.  Pushing myself to see how much further I can go entices me much more than being a speedster. 

15.  What is your go to power song? 

I have tons of “go to” songs… but one of my favorites has been “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons.  Always good for settling into a pace or a powerful kick when needed.

Thank you so much for sharing with us! 
If you aren't following Jeremy, you need to head over to his blog now!

Make sure to check out more of Jeremy (below)

Confessions Of An Amateur Athlete

Twitter: @runblogaz

Instagram: runner_blogger_az