Discounts

Throughout the year, I hear about great race discounts through my BibRavePro ambassadorship, through running for Team Nuun, and by being on the internet. I want to share those with you. For that purpose, I've created a page I will keep up-to-date on my blog, but wanted to start by also sharing that with you in a post.

Race Discounts

	Back on My Feet Dallas - Peace, Love, Run 5k! (June 13, 2015) http://dallas.backonmyfeet.org/event/dal-peace-love-run-5k Save 15% Code: BIBRAVE No expiration. #PeaceLoveRun
	The North Face Endurance Challenge (Ontario, Wisconsin & Utah) http://www.thenorthface.com/en_US/endurance-challenge/ Save 15% off 3 locations. Code: BIBRAVE15 Ontario - July 18 Wisconsin - Oct 3 Utah - Sept 26
	Runner's World Half & Festival (Oct 17-18) http://rw.runnersworld.com/rwhalf/ Save $5 off all distances. Code: BibRavePromo Valid until July 14, 2015 Added bonus, I'll be there!
	Laughlin/Bullhead Half Marathon (Dec 5, 2015) http://runlaughlin.com/ Save $15 off the half, $5 off the 5K Code: BIBRAVE Valid until June 30, 2015

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Walt Disney World Marathon Registration | Magical Mickey

Welcome back to another edition of the Magical Mickey linkup: the linkup centering around a love for Disney, sharing that love and connecting with others. I hope you find this linkup as a great place to turn to for Disney content each week and help all the bloggers participating out by helping readers find that great mouse-eared content. I'm co-hosting with Katie from Adventures by Katie, so of course check her blog out.

This week's Magical Mickey post is a bit of a public service announcement. Ok, less of a PSA and more of an FYI. Some important information, if you're considering runDisney. This week I'll be talking about...

Walt Disney World Marathon Registration

If you're an annual passholder, you've already had your day for clicking. If you're like the rest of us, tomorrow is the day where you get the opportunity to register for the biggest runDisney event of the year, Walt Disney World Marathon. On Tuesday, April 28 at noon EST registration for Walt Disney World Marathon weekend opens.

I've written about WDW Marathon weekend on several occasions. You can read a great description about the weekend and all the events on my past post about the runDisney schedule. You can also read my recaps of the 5K and half marathon or read up about the expo. The weekend offers 4 races, 2 challenges and the opportunity to earn 6 medals. That's a lot of hardware: 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, Goofy Challenge and Dopey Challenge. You can also follow up the weekend with a cruise to land the Castaway Cay Challenge. Not to be left out are the little ones, with a wide range of kids races. All the prices (but also add in some fees for Active.com) can be found but clicking on the registration menu on the WDW Marathon page. Sometimes it feels hard to find.

If you don't feel like waiting until tomorrow, you don't have to wait. In fact, you can register right now... in  special case. If you're interested in running the Dopey Challenge, you can take on the Runner's World Challenge. The RW Challenge includes a lot of extra perks to do with your race entry, including a training plan from the Runner's World experts, The Runner's World Complete Book of Running, access to Pasta in the Park, Race Retreat and the weekend breakfast. The registration is open now, and as of my last check, 50% full.

If you're looking to run at Walt Disney World next January, set yourself a reminder. runDisney races have been going a little slower lately, but the big challenges still go quick.

Have your run WDW Marathon weekend? Will you be running at Walt Disney World in 2016?

Onto the Linkup

Here are the guidelines:

The post just needs to be about anything Disney related. There have been posts on runDisney, on the parks and even on the Moms Panel, so just give it some Disney and count it.

New posts are fantastic, but for now, if you have a great old post you want to share, drop it on in.

Try to visit as many of the posts that you can as time allows. The point of this is to share and support each other.

If you're going to be a regular, please link back to the host posts. It's just good etiquette and frankly, that's how others will get to your fellow Disney lovers content. Without that link back, they can't find the linkup and therefore the other blogs. Help me help you.

You also have the option to add the linkup code to your post if you'd like. It is not required, just another option. If not, please follow the above link back guideline. Get the InLinkz code

An InLinkz Link-up

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Five Blogs to Love: runDisney Edition | Friday Five

Welcome weekend! Last week's Friday Five was Five Brands to Love. I enjoyed that post because I enjoy sharing things I love and reading about brands and products others love. It's a great way to discover new brands. This week's Friday Five linkup topic is another that I enjoy writing and reading. It's a topic we've covered before, but always worth a revisit for more sharing. This week's topic is

Five Blogs to Love: runDisney Edition

1. Fairytales and Fitness

Fairytales and Fitness is a great blog by two great gals, Lacey and Meranda. They share their experiences traveling, training, running, and have a healthy love of Disney. Their blog is one I'm sure to check in with regularly. They are also one of the reasons why Rock 'n' Roll VA Beach is high on my list. They always have a lot of great things to say about that race. When I started running, it was one of the blogs I found early, largely due to all their posts around runDisney, while I was doing my early research about what I got myself into. I came for the runDisney, stayed for the awesome blog.

2. We Run Disney

Speaking of runDisney related blogs that I found early and still read, We Run Disney is a blog by a mother-daughter racing team, Pam and Christine. They write great posts about their training and races, but you get two very different angles in one blog, which makes for a good reading experience. Pam even just recently completed the Boston Marathon and Christine the BAA 5K. They have some great experiences together and have an awesome bond that is fun to read.

3. Team runDisney

Sticking with the Disney related blogs, Team runDisney is a great resource to read about runDisney races. After signing up for my first half as the WDW Half Marathon, I came across this site. It's not just one person's blog but a plethora of posts about runDisney. There are so many posts about individuals' experiences at runDisney. I spent time over two days binge reading them all. I loved reading about the races, the courses, and the experiences. It really built my excitement to run the race. If you're thinking of runDisney, this is a great one stop shop. Team runDisney is more than just a blog, it's a community. They have an awesome, active, and welcome community on Facebook. Go ahead and join for lots of great conversation.

4. 4 Well Rules

4 Well Rules the running and healthy living blog of Juliana. I know what you're thinking, "what, no more Disney blogs?". Now her title may not say "Disney" but Juliana is a regular contributor to the #MagicalMickey linkup that I cohost every Monday for great Disney posts. She even has a page on her site dedicated to her runDisney recap posts (something I should probably do). One of the things I love about her blog is she always seems to have lots a pictures. It's something I enjoy and want to do more pre-thought and planning on for my blog. Go check her out.

5. Run the Great Wide Somewhere

The last blog on my list is the blog of April over at Run the Great Wide Somewhere. She is another blogger is a healthy love of Disney and a regular contributor to the #MagicalMickey linkup (you should be too). Her bio on her site starts with "I love Disney." That's what it takes to round out my list of running and Disney related blogs. Her blog covers her journey, successes and failures, to get healthy. Her journey has some elements much like mine, using a runDisney race as something concrete on the calendar to boost getting healthy. Her blog is a great read, and she also regularly participates in this Friday Five linkup as well.

Linking Up

Check here for some links out to others sharing, staring with our three lovely hosts: Courtney, Cynthia and Mar. Check their posts (Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up for What?! and Mar on the Run to see the full set of links). I will add some others, usually randomly, as I read them to share the love. Go visit and keep reading!


Our hosts:

You Signed Up for What?!

Mar on the Run

Eat, Pray, Run DC

Some other good reads, pulled from the link up:

This is where I usually put more links from the linkup to go read, but I just gave you 5 blogs to read, so go read those now instead. Your Disney side will thank you. If you don't have a Disney side, we'll work on that.

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runDisney Training with Jeff Galloway | Magical Mickey

Welcome back to another edition of the Magical Mickey linkup: the linkup centering around a love for Disney, sharing that love and connecting with others. I hope you find this linkup as a great place to turn to for Disney content each week and help all the bloggers participating out by helping readers find that great mouse-eared content. I'm co-hosting with Katie from Adventures by Katie, so of course check her blog out.

This week, I want to talk about training. Specifically, runDisney training. Weather is warming up, races are all around. All that means plenty of running and plenty of training. With that in mind, this week I'll be talking about...

runDisney Training with Jeff Galloway

runDisney holds many fantastic events throughout the year. For many people, runDisney races are their first foray into the world of running. In fact, runDisney was my first half marathon. When tackling something as formidable as a half marathon, a full marathon, or a multiple race challenge, you need the right guidance. You need a plan, a training plan.

runDisney partners with Jeff Galloway to provide proven training plans tailored to the race distances and challenges. His plans have lead thousands of runners across the finish line. His plans and run walk run method also help reduce the risk of injury. His plans generally only require 3 days of running, with maintenance runs and one long run a week. I used the Jeff Galloway plan when training for my half, and went from a non-runner to running 14 miles in just 16 weeks. With his run walk run method, I gained confidence out the gate which helped me to become hooked on running. I plan to use the Glass Slipper Challenge Plan as the basis for my training for the Runner's World Half Marathon & Festival Hat Trick that I will be running as a BibRavePro.

The training plans provided can be easily leveraged for other races of the same distances. You can visit the training section of the runDisney site to see their plans, available in PDF and downloadable calendar. The page also provides great tips to get you started running.

Thinking of running? Check out the plans from Jeff Galloway. Want to know more about his run walk run method? Go to his site for more or order his book (a fantastic read). If you'd like to read some tips from Jeff Galloway on training, motivation and staying injury free, you can read the tips I've been sharing from the Jeff Galloway Blogger Program:

Training and Motivation Tips #1
Training and Motivation Tips #2 - Training
Training and Motivation Tips #3 - Injury Free
Training and Motivation Tips #4 - Why Do We Get Injured
Training and Motivation Tips #5 - Energize Your Day

Do you use a training plan? Have you runDisney?

Onto the Linkup

Here are the guidelines:

The post just needs to be about anything Disney related. There have been posts on runDisney, on the parks and even on the Moms Panel, so just give it some Disney and count it.

New posts are fantastic, but for now, if you have a great old post you want to share, drop it on in.

Try to visit as many of the posts that you can as time allows. The point of this is to share and support each other.

If you're going to be a regular, please link back to the host posts. It's just good etiquette and frankly, that's how others will get to your fellow Disney lovers content. Without that link back, they can't find the linkup and therefore the other blogs. Help me help you.

You also have the option to add the linkup code to your post if you'd like. It is not required, just another option. If not, please follow the above link back guideline. Get the InLinkz code

An InLinkz Link-up

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Jeff Galloway Training and Motivation Tips #5

I'm happy to let you know I already have another set of tips from Jeff Galloway, as part of the Jeff Galloway Blogger Program. I'm very excited to be a part of this program, to share (and learn) some motivation and training tips from a runner I hold in high regard. I'm happy to share with you the latest tips from Jeff, helping you get you energized and clear your mind to get the most out of day.

Four Ways To Energize Your Day & Clear Your Brain

By Olympian Jeff Galloway

www.jeffgalloway.com

It's natural to become focused on the big things in life, and worry about outside forces, building stress.  A few simple lifestyle adjustments can result in greater control over attitude and energy, while reducing stress and fatigue.  Yes, you can exert more control over your life, produce positive attitude hormones, and blend together body, mind and spirit by planning and taking action.

Walk or run, one day and a walk (or cross train) the next.

While the exertion will wake up the muscles, you're away from the phone, allowing the mind a little freedom.  Most who start with a blank mental state, finish their exercise session with the day planned, and a few new ways to deal with problems.  Others like to walk/run during lunch hour, while munching on an energy bar.  This can clear out morning stress and prepare mind-body for the challenges of the afternoon.  Many evening exercisers believe that the weight of the day's stress is erased or contained with the after-work workout.  Scheduling these outings gives you control over your existence.

Don't sit--walk!

The addition of a few extra short walks, throughout the day, will energize the body and activate the mind.  Park farther away from work, the food store, the transit station, etc.  Many of my clients use a step counter for motivation and calorie counting.  It helps to find one that is consistent and reliable (usually @ $30).  Shoot for 10,000 steps a day.  You are rewarded for  getting out of your chair (or  the couch) more often.  These short walks burn fat, which adds up (up to 30 pounds a year!).  The best reward is the head clearing effect, which can power you through the mid morning or mid afternoon energy crises.  Even a 3-4 minute “recess” walk at work, can result in clearer thinking, more energy, and greater self-confidence.

Eat more frequently.

Each time you eat, even a small snack, you'll boost your energy level. The longer you wait to eat, the more likely your metabolism will slump into drowsiness and laziness.  This also means that you're not burning many calories.  If you divide up your daily calorie budget into 6-9 snacks a day you'll burn more fat (up to 10 pounds a year).  Eat a snack every 2-3 hours, and you can feel better all day.  It helps to choose foods that have (percentage of calories vs total calories) about 20% protein, about 15% fat and the rest in complex carbohydrate.  This combination will leave you satisfied longer with fewer calories consumed.  To experience a fat loss, consumption can be managed through websites or journals.  For more information, see A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO FAT BURNING by Jeff and Barbara Galloway.

Help someone exercise.

The psychological benefits are significant when you help someone improve the quality of their life.  Offer to walk (run, hike) with your spouse, parent, friend co-worker, child—or all of the above.  My books WALKING & GETTING STARTED have proven programs with motivation which can lead you  and your “coach-ee” through the training.

Olympian Jeff Galloway has coached over a million runners to their goals through his clinics, wonderful retreats, training programs, books and e-coaching.  Sign up for his free newsletter at www.JeffGalloway.com.

How do you energize your day?

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Five Brands to Love | Friday Five

It's another Friday. Which means another Friday Five. This week's Friday Five linkup topic is about fantastic brands. Everyone has ones they love for one reason or another. I have my own as well This week's topic is

Five Brands to Love

1. Nuun

It was an easy first choice. I run for Team Nuun, but I applied in the first place because I loved their product and their brand. Nuun active hydration, Nuun energy, Nuun all day, I drink them all. I tritely love they're product. They are also very active on social media and interact with everyone. If you follow their accounts, they also give away plenty of Nuun swag and product to drink, so it pays to follow them.

2. BibRave

My second brand to love is an easy choice as well. BibRave is a fantastic place where you can find and write race reviews. For a runner, the site is incredible useful. A second thing that BibRave does is host a weekly Twitter chat, #bibchat, every Tuesday at 9pm EST. They cover great topics, from training to goals to bucket lists. They also offer some great giveaways. This past week, they gave away entry into the Honolulu Marathon and some race swag. They also have a great community manager, Julia, so they are very engaging on Twitter throughout the week.

3. RoadID

My third choice is for a great company that is out to make us all safer when we're out there running and biking. RoadID (affiliate links) sells ID bracelets and tags that you can use to store your personal emergency information on, so if the unthinkable should happen, someone can contact your loved ones and know your important health information. I think every runner and biker should always be wearing a RoadID. But that isn't all they do. They also have a free breadcrumb app. It allows your friends and family to track you in real time. You simply select their email or text and they will get a link allowing them to see where you are in real time. You can set up alerts for when you are stationary for too long as well as customize your lock screen with additional information.

4. Google

Google is a company you may have heard of. They have a couple of projects you may have heard of as well. Why do I put them here? Outside of the obvious things you'd think of, as a developer, I love the work they do in open source. In particular, I use AngularJS in my daily work, that is created by Google, but made open source to all. They make money, but do great research with that money. If you're not familiar, read up on Google X, the semi-secret facility where Google researches their bold projects, such as the self driving car, nanoparticles, and human health. Their research is far reaching, unique, and important.

5. Lego

The last brand on my list is a fun one. I've always loved Legos. A toy with unlimited possibilities to build anything. A great creativity tool but also an enjoyable time. My daughter has the larger blocks, and loves them. Of course, while I love the freedom and creative side of Legos, you can't ignore the fantastic sets they have. Not only that, they make some fun video games. When I visit my favorite place, Walt Disney World, I'm always sure to stop by the large Lego store in Downtown Disney. Now, I just need to make my way to Legoland.

Linking Up

Check here for some links out to others sharing, staring with our three lovely hosts: Courtney, Cynthia and Mar. Check their posts (Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up for What?! and Mar on the Run to see the full set of links). I will add some others, usually randomly, as I read them to share the love. Go visit and keep reading!


Our hosts:

You Signed Up for What?!

Mar on the Run

Eat, Pray, Run DC

Some other good reads, pulled from the link up:

Fit Balling Running Mom

Sweaty Mess Mama

From Dancing to Running

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My Disney Coffee Side | Magical Mickey

Welcome back to another edition of the Magical Mickey linkup: the linkup centering around a love for Disney, sharing that love and connecting with others. I hope you find this linkup as a great place to turn to for Disney content each week and help all the bloggers participating out by helping readers find that great mouse-eared content. I'm co-hosting with Katie from Adventures by Katie, so of course check her blog out.

This week, I want share about a drink near and dear to my heart. Yes, I mean coffee. I love my coffee. I need my coffee. How does this fit into #MagicalMickey and Disney? Did you know you can have the same coffees served at the Disney Parks and Resorts? See, full, well roasted, circle. This week I'll be talking about...

My Disney Coffee Side

Yes, you can own the same coffee served at some of your favorite Disney locations. Joffrey's Coffee and Tea Company offers the Disney Parks and Resorts Specialty Coffee Collection. I happen to receive some from some legendary figures, Santa and the Easter Bunny. I received two flavors: the Kona Blend as found at Disney's Polynesian Resort and the coffee from Victoria & Albert's.

I always enjoy a kona blend of coffee, and the Kona Blend of Disney's Polynesian Resort is right up there at the top. I love the smell of kona blends. Cap that off with the smooth flavor and just little hint of something a little fruity, and it leaves me wishing I was I could have a plate of Tonga Toast.

Second up is the coffee of Victoria & Alberts. What kind of coffee could you expect from a AAA Five Diamond Award winner? "Something rare." The coffee is a single origin coffee with beans from a remote Indonesian island. The aroma is fantastic and the taste even better. There are hints of chocolate and something a little nutty. I don't brew it in the siphon method like at the restaurant, but it temps to give it a try and go to the Googles.

I am not at all disappointed with the coffee selections I have tried from here. In fact, it makes me want to try some more, though keeping these two in stock. I even brew them in my Keurig, with my reusable filter. Now, plenty of coffee snobs may look down on the brew method, but it is still quite tasty and I enjoy it. Plus, it's nice and quick.

Do you enjoy any of the coffees at the Disney Parks?

Onto the Linkup

Here are the guidelines:

The post just needs to be about anything Disney related. There have been posts on runDisney, on the parks and even on the Moms Panel, so just give it some Disney and count it.

New posts are fantastic, but for now, if you have a great old post you want to share, drop it on in.

Try to visit as many of the posts that you can as time allows. The point of this is to share and support each other.

If you're going to be a regular, please link back to the host posts. It's just good etiquette and frankly, that's how others will get to your fellow Disney lovers content. Without that link back, they can't find the linkup and therefore the other blogs. Help me help you.

You also have the option to add the linkup code to your post if you'd like. It is not required, just another option. If not, please follow the above link back guideline. Get the InLinkz code

An InLinkz Link-up

Read More

Jeff Galloway Training and Motivation Tips #4

Just in time for the warming weather are another set of tips from Jeff Galloway, as part of the Jeff Galloway Blogger Program. I'm very excited to be a part of this program, to share (and learn) some motivation and training tips from a runner I hold in high regard. I'm happy to share with you the latest tips from Jeff, looking to keep you healthy as you pick up in your training.

Why Do We Get Injured

By Olympian Jeff Galloway

www.runinjuryfree.com

1.  Be aware of irritation of weak links.

The Key Weak Links are body parts where my runners tend to experience injuries are these: Knees - Feet -Calf - Achilles -Hip - Glute/piriformis/sciaticia

But the body parts that YOU need to be aware of are the sites where you are injured or suffer more aches and pains.

So if you're sensitive to the first indication of irritation in these areas and take immediate action it's possible to avoid injury.

2.  Stress buildup due to the way we train.

Training schedule is too intense-not enough rest between stress.
Adverse Training Components-speed is too fast or has too much, too soon.
Running form-too long a stride, forward lean, bouncing too high off the ground.

So staying focused on the way one runs and following these guidelines, can often allow runners to maintain a manageable increase without injury

Olympian Jeff Galloway has coached over a million runners to their goals through his clinics, wonderful retreats, training programs, books and e-coaching.  Sign up for his free newsletter at www.JeffGalloway.com.

Promotional News

Register now for the Jeff Galloway 13.1 with no risk!  The 2nd annual half marathon on Dec. 13, 2015 is currently $95. You can sign up with no risk! Take advantage of this low price, and if you can't make it, you can roll into the virtual option with no extra charge!

Register today at JeffGalloway131.com

Do you use Run Walk Run?

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Electrical Water Pageant | Magical Mickey

Welcome back to another edition of the Magical Mickey linkup: the linkup centering around a love for Disney, sharing that love and connecting with others. I hope you find this linkup as a great place to turn to for Disney content each week and help all the bloggers participating out by helping readers find that great mouse-eared content. I'm co-hosting with Katie from Adventures by Katie, so of course check her blog out.

Last week I wrote about an overlooked dining option, Tony's Town Square Restaurant. This week, I want to share something else you may have overlooked on your last trip. This time we'll look at your entertainment options, but we're not going to constrain ourselves to the parks. Instead we'll get our feet wet in the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. This week I'll be talking about...

Electrical Water Pageant

The Electrical Water Pageant is a combination parade and show on the water. The pageant makes various stops around the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake to perform. The music and style match that of the Main Street Electrical Parade. You can catch a view of sea creatures, a dinosaur and even the king of the sea. You'll also get a patriotic send off with flags and stars shimmering. I actually saw the parade boats used as part of the 4th of July fireworks as well.

The parade makes a loop around stopping at the hotels and other viewing areas. The viewing locations include Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, Disney's Contemporary Resort and right outside Magic Kingdom park. One of my favorite locations to view the pageant is from Narcoossee's. If the stars align, and your reservation as well, you can watch the Electrical Water Pageant, Wishes nighttime spectacular, complete with music at the restaurant, as well as having a fantastic meal.

The show is a fun little divergence. I remember always really enjoying it as a kid. What's not to love for a kid, a big green dinosaur eating, a sea king being pulled by seahorses? It's not as large of a spectacle as some of the other parades or firework displays, but if you're going to be around one of the many resorts at the right time, take some time to slow down and give it a little watch.

Have you ever seen the Electrical Water Pageant?

Onto the Linkup

Here are the guidelines:

The post just needs to be about anything Disney related. There have been posts on runDisney, on the parks and even on the Moms Panel, so just give it some Disney and count it.

New posts are fantastic, but for now, if you have a great old post you want to share, drop it on in.

Try to visit as many of the posts that you can as time allows. The point of this is to share and support each other.

If you're going to be a regular, please link back to the host posts. It's just good etiquette and frankly, that's how others will get to your fellow Disney lovers content. Without that link back, they can't find the linkup and therefore the other blogs. Help me help you.

You also have the option to add the linkup code to your post if you'd like. It is not required, just another option. If not, please follow the above link back guideline. Get the InLinkz code

An InLinkz Link-up

Read More

Zensah Ultra Compression Leg Sleeves Review | BibRavePro

Disclaimer: I received a Zensah Ultra Compression Leg Sleeves 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!

I finally got the chance to try my first product as a BibRavePro. I was so excited when I found out what it was going to be. It was coming just in time for my early half marathon of the year, Rock 'n' Roll DC. I even got to pick the color, which was great because I could pick to match my planned outfit for the race. So, I share with you my experience with

Zensah Ultra Compression Leg Sleeves

I've used compression sleeves for a long while. Well, long being relative to my short time as a runner. I got my first pair of sleeves over the summer of 2013 when training for my first half marathon to use during my very long training runs (such as my 14 miles at the beach). Now, I'll admit, up until this point I've used another popular brand of compression calf sleeves and socks. The reason being, when I bought my first pair, they were on sale and I like saving money. But want to know the funny thing? When I first started running and was doing my research, I bookmarked things that I wanted to eventually invest in for running. One of the first bookmarks in the 'Gear' folder, even before my shoes I bought? "Zensah Calf and Shin Compression Sleeves (Pair)" on RunnersCorral.com. At the time I had been hearing about compression sleeves being good for recovery and maybe even during runs, and I liked all the color choices. Funny how things come full circle. Now, I have my own pair, straight from the source: Zensah.

I received the opportunity to review a pair of the Ultra Compression Leg Sleeves. Here's the description from the site:

Zensah Ultra Compression Leg Sleeves give athletes a tighter fit in the calves and shins to increase performance and decrease muscle recovery time by stimulating blood flow while stabilizing the muscles to help prevent injury.

That description is exactly why I love calf sleeves. When I got to pick my color, I knew I would pick a neon one, because that's just how I like my running gear. A benefit of neon clothes? You might get a chuckle out of a driver, but better seen than dead. In the end I went with neon yellow. My reasoning was I wanted to wear them for Rock 'n' Roll DC, and the neon yellow would go well with the yellow stripes in my US Army Original Sport Kilt I planned to wear.

The kilt and sleeves look good together, right?

I love ordering things from online. While you may have to wait, it's great because suddenly a package shows up and it's like Christmas! That's how I felt when my sleeves arrived. Just in time too. I got in one short run in my sleeves ahead of the half. While I wanted to wear them for my half and give them a good test for my review, I didn't want to break the cardinal rule of race day of "nothing new". The weather hasn't been cooperative this winter, but the stars aligned for a warmer day, so I went out for a run with my daughter in our jogging stroller. She's a great running buddy because she often yells "Faster Daddy! Faster!" on most run intervals. Unfortunately due to the large snow mounds at cross roads, the run was cut shorter than I had liked, but the sleeves felt good enough to use them for their real test, 13.1 miles.

The big test: RnRDC

When it came time to run in the rain for Rock 'n' Roll, I pulled on my Zensah sleeves as I got dressed at "too early in the morning". The course, which I was running for the first time, was not supposed to be too bad, but having one rough hill around mile 6 and then a mostly downhill after that. I was admittedly undertrained for the race, but my race had one goal: helping my sister complete her first half marathon. We pushed out at a slower pace to take our time and not go too fast too early. The miles cruised by, and while my legs not only looked good with my kilt and bright compression sleeves, they felt good too. The big hill wasn't exactly pleasant, but wasn't too bad. Toward the very end of the race, my thighs started getting tighter, but my calves stayed feeling as good as when as I started. When I was finished, when I was home, even the next day, the same was true. My upper legs were tight and sore, but my calves felt great. Usually I still feel pretty good post race (my calves, not my all of me), but this was even better than normal. I have to say, the Zensah Ultra Compression Leg Sleeves passed the test with flying neon colors. Five stars from me.

The Takeaway

So what's the final takeaway? I always wear compression on my long runs. I love calf sleeves. And now, I love Zensah calf sleeves too. They were bright, tight, and carried me out of sight. They left my undertrained legs feeling perfect after 13.1 miles. That's testament enough for me.

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Five Good Turns | Friday Five

Today is Good Friday. While not all observe it, or may even know what it is, we can all agree good is good, right? Well, this week's Friday Five linkup topic is all about that. Small good acts, large good acts, all matter. Doing a little good in the world keeps the human spirit alive. For this post, I'm going to throw out some things you can do for that. I understand some of these can fall under "I'm not they're mother, I'm not cleaning up after them" but they're just varying suggestions. The heart of this is to have your heart in it. Find your own way. This week's topic is

Five Good Turns

1. Hold a Door

We'll start small. Hold a door open for someone. I don't mean when you're the first in a line of people stop to hold the door, though that's good too. I mean stop and hold the door for someone in a situation where it will require you to hold up for a second for them.  Pause and wait for them to get there and hold the door. Slow down from the rush for someone else.

2. Help Someone Who Needs It

It happens, you see the person struggling to carry their box with two bags and a ball on top. Offer to help them carry their stuff. You see the person who just dropped everything all over the floor? Take a moment and help them gather it all up. If you can see that they need help, go give them some.

3. Pick Up that Trash

This one can easily be applied to running but also anywhere. We all see it, all the garbage down the road way, mess on the sidewalk, maybe even mess by the trashcan at work. Do everyone a little favor and pick that cup up. Use, cleaning up the streets, you should consider gloves and I understand you also don't want to carry a discarded McDonald's cup for 20 miles, but you get the point that I make. That paper towel that didn't make it into the trashcan? You can pick that up, can't you.

4. Spread Good Words

This one falls under the "things you hear on the internet". The person you just left a small note to a stranger saying they appreciated something they did, or to tell them they're a good person and to have a good day. How nice would it be to get one of those sometimes? Just to have a little note that reminded you "You're a good person. Make it a great day." Why not be that person that leaves that note? Yeah, this is a comfort zone one, but I did say "varying suggestions".

5. Help a Runner Out

This IS a running related blog so I had to put one for the runners. Help another runner out. Take you're old but still usable running shoes to your local running store. I will bet you that they have a way to donate them to others. They don't have to be your $120 running shoes either. They can be your $30 trainers you didn't buy specifically for your 10 mile training runs. Or how about donating to a running friend raising money with the miles they're running for a charity? There is plenty of that going around that goes to some pretty great causes. It's on my list to do it for a future race of mine as well.

Or how about helping a runner make their dream come true? Ok, this one is less idea and more concrete. I have a friend who qualified for the Duathlon World Championships by placing 15th overall at Nationals. She's also undefeated in NJ since 2013. She deserves to be there. However, Worlds is in Australia, so she needs help to make the dream happen. You can go read her story, I can vouch it's true. If you feel like giving, consider giving some to her. Even a couple of dollars can add up. Go help Tiff, and make her Dream Come True.

Challenge

I really like this week's topic, because I am an Eagle Scout. The slogan of the Boy Scouts is "Do a Good Turn Daily." This is where this week's title comes from. It's something important to remember. The Boy Scout Handbook explains how their are big Good Turns, but also many are simply "small, thoughtful acts" I really like the way the also say it in the Handbook "A Good Turn is more than simple good manners. It is a special act of kindness." I challenge you to go out and do your Good Turn today. If you like it, do it daily.

Linking Up

Check here for some links out to others sharing, staring with our three lovely hosts: Courtney, Cynthia and Mar. Check their posts (Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up for What?! and Mar on the Run to see the full set of links). I will add some others, usually randomly, as I read them to share the love. Go visit and keep reading!


Our hosts:

You Signed Up for What?!

Mar on the Run

Eat, Pray, Run DC

Some other good reads, pulled from the link up:

Fairytales and Fitness - Five Good Things Runners Enjoy

Gretch Runs - Five Happy Things

Running with Diapers - Five Good Food Practices

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