Winner Winner Chicken Dinner.

FRIDAY HELLO! I guess I will get to the reason everyone has tuned in on this lovely Friday to announce a winner of the BodyGlide for Her.  I do not know why but there is something fun & exciting about hosting a giveaway!  I think next giveaway I am going to make you all work for it and put on your thinking caps and give me a creative reason on why you want the free schwag and I shall pick the winner on creativity.  Later.Later. Well thanks to random.org and their random number generator number 20 was chosen. 

20 = Amanda – Run to the Finish!

Congrats! Message me via email (barbara.a.vines@gmail.com) your contact info and I will drop that bad boy in the mail ASAP. I have really enjoyed getting to read my new follower’s blogs and I am excited to share moments with so many of them.  YAY!

I tried to start my for real Marine Corp Marathon training this week – I was scheduled to.  Granted, I was not off to a GREAT start … skipping cross training and pounding out only my 3 miler I have a long run (8 miles) planned for Sunday morning and I WILL wake up and do it.  My 3 miler was an easy one and I really got in the groove at the beginning…  I was actually bummed about missing my 5 miler for a client happy hour (and found a new beer to love. hello blue moon).  I am really thinking about incorporating a Saturday swim into my weekly workout too.  ….which means I should be swimming (and drowning) tomorrow at some point.

I am still toying with the idea of running the Women’s Half Marathon in Nashville in September and treat it more as a training run than a real race to set a PR.   It would be a quick easy thing and I could change my clothes real quick, throw on some compression socks (provided I break down and buy some between now and then), and head back to Atlanta right after, whereas if I did RnR VA Beach I will up there for a long weekend.  Still thinking thinking thinking.

Have a wonderful weekend all!!

Friday Favorite: body glide for her + giveaway.

In true Barbie fashion, I am stealing an idea from one of my favorite fellow running bloggers Aron.  Every Friday she talks about 1 of her favorite running products/things.  Granted, I will not have a favorite every Friday – but this week… I DO! 

A few weeks back I had tweeted that I needed Bodyglide for my poor feet since my heels where killing my feet after a long day of cold calling in Midtown Atlanta.  A few hours passed and Bill from Bodyglide emailed me asking for my address to send me a free product.  His reasoning - “since I was thinking of them, he was thinking of me”.  SCORE!  A week passed and tada a white box was waiting for me at my apartment and in the box was two samples of Bodyglide For Her.   I have been a faithful user of Bodyglide ever since I started running, especially in the hot summer months here in Atlanta.  But I was REALLY excited to give this line a spin.  I loved how I was sent the mini sticks because I tend to pack them with me on long runs and when running my half or full marathons. 

I found this product to go on softer but just as easy as their normal anti-chafe stick. Evidently it is made from some plant-derived wax that helps moisturize your skin, which lets be honest girls love to have soft skin. I found it to work just as well as their anti-chafe stick and it is just as much a staple in my running bag.  I have never had bra chafing so I do not know how well it helps in that area but I ALWAYS use it on my inner thighs to help with the rubbing and to keep my shorts in place.  It doesn’t work as a “glue” to keep the shorts in place, but it definitely does help keep the fabric from running up.  The anti-chafe kind tends to leave your skin (at least mine) feeling a tad bit sticky if you go overboard and put on too much, but I did not notice this with the “for her” formula. **Granted, the more you run the less sticky your thighs feel with the other line of BG** Like it’s brothers and sisters, the for her formula can withstand long, warm runs.  I went out for a run last Friday, realized I took a wrong turn and got lost (awesome, I know).  It was hot (80 degrees) and I was sweaty but the BG stayed in tact and worked the whole run. 

And guess what – you can use it for things OTHER than running.  I used it for my shorts at spin class because boy do those things ride up and it worked super well.  I also use it on my feet for when I am out making sales calls and wear the cute but painful heels.  The pain stays but the chafing is eliminated. 

You may be saying that it is too expensive but speaking from experience, I know this stuff lasts a while so it is well worth the $7.00 sticker price at REI (where I buy mine).  You do not have to cake it on – apply it like deodorant (up, down, stop) and it will last. BG really is a runner’s best friend.

Since they sent me 2 sticks I have decided to share the wealth with my followers.  SO!  Starting today I will take submissions to win.  Want to win? This is how you can (and make 1 comment in my comment area for each thing you do):

1. Become a public follower of this blog or comment that you already are. (+1)
2. Become a Fan of BodyGlide on Facebook.  You can do so here (+1)
3. Add me to your blog roll. (+1)
4. Tweet about it, blog about it, whatever. (+1)

I am going to pick a winner NEXT Friday!  So happy entering!

have a great weekend everyone!  good luck if you’re running and racing!

Free Bodyglide. What?!

**This post has very little to do with running. For once, I am letting you into the non-running life of me. Doesn't happen often, so enjoy it**

I am never lucky. I never win anything. I never get free things mailed to me (especially free things that I love and use a lot and spend too much money on). Well the times are changing my friends!

I work in sales. One of the crucial parts of my jobs is walking from building to building, riding the elevators from top to bottom of buildings, schmoozing with clients and prospects, dropping off promos, but mainly it is the walking your territory to learn it. Today I decided to drop off Easter gifts to people and re-canvas some buildings in Midtown Atlanta. The weather here is gorgeous so I decided to throw on a skirt and well, I think skirts and dresses only look good with heels so I put on a pair of heels too. 5 buildings later, I wanted to die or cry or maybe both. As I was heading back to the office to pick up my co-worker for a client lunch my feet were screaming and I was tweeting "I need Bodyglide for my heels, cute shoes but I can feel the blisters forming".

As I am walking out of the office, I had an email from the President of Bodyglide asking for my address and he would send me some because "We are thinking of you, because you were thinking of us!"

Now for real. Most runners know what Bodyglide is but strangely many do not. So - let me take the moment to enlighten the unenlightened. Basically, it is an antiblister sport stick. It helps prevent chafing, blisters, and well anything that really irritates your skin (shirts, bras, shorts, etc...). I use the Bodyglide Anti Chafe when I run and normally put it on the tips and sides of my toes and my inner thighs (especially during the summer) and I swear I cannot run without it on super hot summer days. They even make it in small sticks that are perfect for long runs and half and full marathons when you need to reapply in areas. They actually have Bodyglide for Her, which I really want to try because well, I am a her. But, what I REALLY want to try and will end up trying is Bodyglide Foot Formula - because according to their website it can protect against heels and that was what started the whole Bodyglide chatter today!

I ended up cold calling 8 buildings today and having 1 client lunch - basically walking all over Midtown. I took my heels off every chance I got (elevators, parking garages, driving from building to building, in my office while documenting) but I still am the proud owner of 4 new blisters. ....I have decided that I am going to use my FREE stick on my feet when I wear heels and I hopefully I will be able to report back that Bodyglide not only works when you're hitting the pavement for a good run but also when strutting around town in your cute heels!

**BTW - I work in staffing, so if you ever need any help recruiting, filling an open position (or positions), or need some contract workers... I am your girl!**

Have a great weekend and Easter everyone! Good luck to everyone racing or running for fun!

26.2 Things I’ve learned through my Training (so far)

I posted this originally on my facebook page. Why I did not share it here, I have no idea. But now I have. However, from then to now I have slightly modified it!

As the world knows. I am running in the Nike Woman’s Marathon to help find a cure for blood cancers. Go here to learn more - http://pages.teamintraining.org/ga/nikesf09/bvines

Mile 1 – I’ve been more than impressed by the generosity of family members, co-workers, long lost friends, neighbors, people I thought that hated me, and strangers.... but surprisingly disappointed by some of my friend’s lack of support. People who I wouldn’t expect to donate/support me have taken time to look at my page, donate, read my blog, and send encouragement throughout the process. Then on the other hand, I have some friends who have watched me struggle through every part of this experience and haven’t given me a dime or even offered some of their time. It’s been shocking.
Mile 2 – Fundraising large amounts of money is not an impossible challenge. It is terrifying on the front end, but amazing as the funds start rolling in. It just requires a lot of time, effort and creativity. My biggest suggestion to anyone who takes this challenge on is to START EARLY and TELL EVERYONE!!
Mile 3 – People are willing to give you $25.00 without much too much begging and $25.00 from a lot of people adds up. Heck... $10 from a lot of people adds up!
Mile 4 – People are even more willing to help if they get something out of the deal. But I cannot blame them one bit! $25 AMEX cards are quite enticing.
Mile 5 – Many people want to donate but cannot donate with money. People are more than willing to help out in any way they possibly can. I had some great friends review local business... and a lot of local business at that. My marathon was highlighted on two friend’s blogs I have had GREAT people standing behind me 110%.
Mile 6 – It feels good to know you’re making a difference in someone’s life, even if the someone is a 7 year old stranger or someone you have not seen since High School.
Mile 7 – Granted, I am no where near as active with my Team in Training team as I should be... getting to know members of your community and becoming an active member of the community is rewarding and a great time.
Mile 8 – Early morning long runs really aren’t that bad (and I hate mornings). You can nap when you’re done and it’s kinda neat to be up and moving before the rest of the world. Plus, it is no where near as hot at 8am as it is at 1pm.
Mile 9 – Knowing that you burned over 1000 calories before 9am feels pretty good.
Mile 10 – Gatorade, gels, bagels and pretzels are your friend. Make sure you hydrate before, during and after your run because dehydration headaches are the awful.
Mile 11 -Body glide [even though sometimes I swear I am not using it right], wicking shirts and shorts will make the heat and humidity just a little bit more tolerable. Cotton is not your friend.
Mile 12 -Make sure you thank everyone who donates. People really appreciate the recognition, as well as updates on your progress. My Dad has relayed to me how much my thank you notes have made people feel. I am sure that thank you note or my hello email, pales into comparison for the feeling I felt when they donated!
Mile 13 – Take care of your feet. Having the right pair of running shoes matters. But having that right pair of socks matters so much more than you would ever think. ($17 for one pair of socks?! What?! ....So worth it!!)
Mile 14 – Getting injured is a total bummer, but it is all about how you handle it. Take it in stride. Stay active so you won't lose focus and motivation.
Mile 15 – A good playlist on your iPod can and will make or break your workout. Your ‘good’ playlist only lasts so long. Switch it up.
Mile 16 – 26.2 miles is a long distance. Make training fun. Throw in some actual local races. Races give you a total sense of accomplishment and will make you want to train more and harder. Make running a game. Do something to liven up the training. You won’t dread hitting the pavement. [I am doing 13.1 one now... and that is even a long distance!!]
Mile 17 – Run with a group. I love/adore my hour of alone time. I get to clear my head and listen to Miley without getting crap from my boyfriend. But there is something about having someone push you just a half a mile farther. Having someone encourage you when they’re going through the same trials and pains is an inspiration. If they can do it, you can do it!
Mile 18 –Keep a log of your training experience. It is a total adventure and wild ride. You will want to look back at the moments and smile. My log is on dailymile.com [to track my actual mileage] and my blog is what tracks the training as a whole
Mile 19 – Don’t be prideful. Whether you’re running your 1st or 40th marathon... it is never bad to ask for training tips, great doctors, and new running routes. Yes, this is my 1st marathon but I have learned so much from my coach and running friends made on twitter and dailymile.com. What is inspiring? The people who run 10+ miles per day, but they’re still asking for suggestions and swapping tips.
Mile 20 – Admit defeat. You cannot always run more than you ran yesterday or even last week. It’s a fact of life; everyone has “off” days. As long as you’re getting in some sort of running you’re in the clear.
Mile 21 – Endurance/Stamina is key and it’s amazing how quickly you can lose it. Stay active – even through injury. It will do a world of difference once you can get back at it! Also, get enough sleep, water, and the right foods. For me, being tired and undernourished will break my run.
Mile 22 – Having a reason to run makes is 10 times easier and better. Set goals. Set them high. Sure my reason to run is HUGE… find your reason to run (lose 10 pounds, get back into shape, whatever) and run. Overall it makes you feel better in general.
Mile 23 – Respect the miles. Like I said before, 26.2 is a long distance. It is better to get your head around just how far it is early on … it will only push you that much more when it comes to training.
Mile 24 – Don’t obsess about sticking to the “official” training schedule. Make sure you do what is expected of you… but if you want to run on a rest day. Run! When I first started training, I stuck to the schedule… but now I just make sure I am getting in 5 days of running, 1 day of “active recovery” and 1 total rest day.
Mile 25 – The athletic world just really wants you to succeed. Runners encourage runners. Runners encourage cyclists and triathletes. Cyclists encourage runners. I was doing a 5K one weekend and was taking a quick walk break, only to be given a high five and a 'you can do it' from a cyclist going the other direction. Talk about encouragement.
Mile 26 - The first and last mile will always be the hardest. Just know that it’s all worth it once you’ve gotten past those hurdles.
Mile 26.2 – Most importantly, running is 100% a mind game - it’s all about the mental toughness. You can do only as much as you think you’re capable of, set the bar high. When your body says 'no more' you have to say 'yes more'.

.kickin butt and takin names.

Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today? -- Peter Maher

I have been absent. I apologize. This has been one hectic out of control week in every aspect of my life. Work was/is insane. We lost our recruiter so my branch manager and I [being in sales] have had to dig up the past and step back into the recruiting role while keeping up with what we're being paid to do. I spent many nights at work past closing time. I had/have a sick dog. My dog dug a hole in the drywall of my bathroom [we are in an apartment. joy.] I just have not had a moment to sit down and write. Forgive me. I also had zero time to really run which was a total bummer since this week was scheduled to be the start of kick butt work hard marathon training.

I got 2 runs in this week and I think it totalled about 10 miles. Ekk. However, in my defense... my lower legs were giving me major troubles and pains and I was 'letting them rest'. Yes. Letting them rest, we'll go with that statement. I have started running to the dog park to meet my boyfriend and dog. It's a little over 3 miles but practically all uphill. I need to start running back rather than hitching a ride though. Last night I had a phenomenal run. I did a little over 5 miles and it felt great. I meant to grab my phone and my ID as well as insurance card (2 runners had tree branches fall on them this week... better safe than sorry) but of course I forgot them. I don't know if it was the new play list, the nighttime Atlanta temps (little to no humidity), my sheer determination to have a good run or the fact that it was getting dark and I am in Atlanta and I was running alone [getting snatched is not on my bucketlist] ... but it was great. I was told to never stop moving... if I had to walk.walk. gallop.gallop. skip.skip. ....well I did some dancing (ehh.. half dance/run ... more like me waving my arms in the air to the beats) down Peachtree... I am sure cars passing by were wondering what in the world. but hey... it kept me moving and made me smile. I also realized that I was/am in desperate need of a tan.

I need to get some more body glide because my fat inner thighs are rubbing together and it feels uncomfortable. Plus I was told to get a mini one to carry on race day since it wears off... ...or someone can inform me on how to slim my monster thighs! =)

The one thing I have really begun to realize is that running is 110% a mental game. You brain is telling you you're too hot and too sweaty. Your brain is saying you hurt. I just realized I have to suck it up and keep plugging along or the paramedics are gonna be the ones carrying me across the finish line. And well... I want to cross it on my own with a big fist pump in the air. Whether it takes 4 hours or 7 ... my little feet are gonna cross that finish line. I just have to suck it all up and train!! Who cares about the people I see on dailymile who are running 10+ miles per day... they probably have been running since they left the womb. I have been running for a few months after a whole year off... ....all good things come in time!

In regards to cross training... I just ordered a swim suit and goggles and I am going to start incorporating swimming into my training and I am going to use my Crunch membership and hit some spin classes. Maybe it's my effort to just get in all around great shape but all the cardio in the world can and will help me come October 18!

The current question is: to run the Disney marathon or to not run the Disney marathon. it is 75% full so i need to make a decision.

In complete unrelation [is that even a word????] to running - I have decided to start carrying around a journal with me so when I get frustrated with anything I can write it out. Or if I see a great quote, hear a song lyric, or statement I can jot it down!! I feel like I carry so much stress in my mind/body and if it just wasn't there I would be able to run/train more ... rather than wanting to go home and sleep it all off.

Overall. life.is.good. :o)

PS. I am still fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! It is an amazing cause that is so near and dear to my heart. Every donation helps their mission and hopefully there will one day be a cure. Make your donation here: http://pages.teamintraining.org/ga/nikesf09/bvines