RIP Treadmill

Today I laid my first treadmill to rest.  I bought that ProForm baby home almost 8 years ago.  In fact, I had just started dating my husband.  I remember us having a "date night" assembling it together.

I never did give it a name, but our treadmill had 3 different homes over the years... my old apartment, my brother's house, and our current homestead.  The last 3 years, I really gave it a run for the money.

It was the home of many speed intervals.

The treadmill is the only place I can really get into those.

It was my docking station for motivation.

I watched many movies and news updates while the 'mill cranked mile after mile.

I made the decision to run my first half marathon on that treadmill.

It was my refuge when weather turned to this...

It was my last resort when the kids were sick or napping.

The treadmill broke down this past spring. We fixed it, only to have it break down again.  A new ProForm is on the way... so this weekend we needed to make room for our new baby.  Hauling a treadmill out of the basement is never an easy task, but my hubby & dad did it smoothly.  Today we made the solemn trip to the dump...

Yes, I climbed in the dumpster to give 

one last hug to my trusty treadmill.  

It's been a long good run, but now it's time to 

REST IN PEACE.

Day 10 of a Fit Christmas

The weekend has started... there was a dip in fitness activities yesterday.  Let's bounce back and get moving today! The random winner of Day 9's Sparkly Soul headband is... MAGGIE W, who did 45minutes of a Hard Core class followed by arm and leg weights.  Maggie, please email me at runwithjess@comcast.net to claim your prize.

• • •

There's nothing like running attire that pronounces your passion, your strength, your attitude.  That is what Tough Chik is all about.  Their unique running, cycling and tri clothing line is more than just a pretty design on fabric.  It's about a feeling, a way of life. Tough Chik celebrates women of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds who celebrate life and seek to conquer its adventures and challenges.  If that sounds like YOU, then you may want to join me on the 2012 Team Tough Chik!  They are accepting memberships until January 1, 2012.  Click here for more information.

Recently, I received one of Tough Chik's most popular t-shirts for review.  You may recognize it from the August edition of Runner's World when TMB rocked the style with her girls.  The infamous iRun shirt is 100% cotton and pure comfort.  It comes in burgundy (as I model) or navy blue.  The front features a simple "i run" while the back shoulder has the tough chik emblem... "this is what tough looks like."

With a cap sleeve and relaxed fit, this Tough Chik tee is pre-washed to eliminate that "first wash shrink".  I found the shirt really comfy to hang out in.  It would be great for a short run too, although I'm kinda a tank top girl.  (Can't wait to get my Team Tough Chik performance tank!)  The fabric is super super soft and just kinda feels like a second skin. It does run a bit on the small side, so I would suggest ordering up a size unless you like them fitted.

If this doesn't encourage you to get out there on a cold Dec weekend and exercise, I don't know what will!  The winner of today's Fit Christmas giveaway will receive one of these Tough Chik t-shirts.
So GET MOVING... GET BUSY... and GET FIT!  Have a great Saturday!

Be sure to check out Tough Chik's website here.

They are graciously offering my readers a 20% off discount!!

HERE'S HOW TO WIN TODAY'S PRIZE

 from Tough Chik 

First you gotta work out!!  That's #1 priority here folks.  Get your sweat on and then come back and tell me about it!!  Make stuff up and Karma will come knocking at your door...

1.  BLOG

Comment below on this blogpost:  Answer me this... "How did you stay FIT today?"  Simple answers such as "I ran 3 miles" will suffice, or you can brag it up and give me a detailed summary.  One entry per person per day.

2.  TWITTER

Tweet, tweet, tweet!  Tweet something like this... "I ran 6 miles to win a @tough_chik t-shirt in the #FitXmas giveaway @RUNwJESS"  Of course, you should replace the underlined part with what you actually did.  Key is to include the hashtags #FitXmas, @RUNwJESS and @tough_chik.  No need to come back and tell me about it... I'll see it on Twitter if you tag me appropriately.  One entry per person per day.

3.  FACEBOOK

Comment on today's Facebook post that asks, "How did you stay FIT today?"  Again, no need to come back and tell me about it... I'll see it on the Run with Jess FB page.  One entry per person per day.

No matter which social medium is your forte, 

you can play the 12 Days of a Fit Christmas!!

If you do all three, you'll earn 3 entries into today's drawing.

Day 10 closes for new entries at 12:00 midnight CST.  Winner will be announced on Dec. 11.

THE FINE PRINT

• You must follow Run with Jess via Google Friend Connect (click Join button in the right sidebar), on Facebook and/or on Twitter.  I don't mean to force you to like me, but I gotta be able to get in touch with you.

• Giveaway items were supplied to me by the named companies.  However, the opinions expressed here are all Jess.

• Open to U.S. residents only. Sorry my international buddies, but postage is getting expensive.

• Each person may only win once.  Gotta spread the holiday cheer around...

• No sign-up or registration required.  Just come back each day from Dec. 1st thru the 12th.

• Each person is allowed a maximum of 3 entries into each giveaway (1 for a blog comment, 1 for a tweet, and 1 for a FB post).  Each entry must answer the question, "What did you do to stay fit today?"  

Day 9 of a Fit Christmas

So many miles, so much sweat... You guys are rocking it!  My parents are visiting so I got a little treat... 5 miles in the afternoon. I never get to run at that time of day!  The random winners of Day 8 for the Tribute Sport runner necklaces are...

NICOLE, who ran 4 miles yesterday and 
COURTNEY C., who did some lifting, focusing on her triceps and chest, 
followed by shabam and dance.  I had to google "shabam" and find out 
what that was (here), so thanks Courtney... I learned something today!  

Ladies, please email me at runwithjess@comcast.net to claim your prize.

• • •

I love to wear a headband while I run.  If you've been reading my blog for even a wee little bit, you know that.  Every picture, every race, I'm sporting a headband.  For the holiday season, I decided to jazz it up a bit with some SPARKLE around my head.

Yup, I'm officially a Sparkly Soul gal now!  I tried out the Sparkly Thick 5/8" size, but there is also a Sparkly Thin 3/8" size.  The entire band is elastic and the glitter goes all the way around with no gap.  I'm usually leary of the "one size fits all" label, but the headband truly has a lot of stretch.  I have kinda a big head (no, really...) and this headband fit nicely without being too tight that it causes a headache.

What I really like about these headbands is how versatile they are. Not only do they add a little pep into your run, but the headband is ideal for a night on the town too. I can totally envision this silver sparkle with my little black dress... especially during the festive Christmas and New Year holidays.  There are 11 different colors to choose from.

The inside of the band is a soft material that is really comfortable against your forehead. No matter how intense your workout, Sparkly Soul offers the no-slip promise.  I have an awkward shape to my head, so sometimes I need to slip headbands more forward on my head to avoid movement on the run.   

Yup, the Sparkly Soul headbands get a Thumbs-Up from Jess!

Would you look good with a little sparkle around your head?  GET MOVING - GET FIT today and we'll find out!  Because the prize for Day 9 of a Fit Christmas is a royal blue Sparkly Soul Thick headband.

These make great stocking stuffers too! There can only be one giveaway winner, but all my readers get 15% off their entire order at Sparkly Soul.  Happy Shopping!

HERE'S HOW TO WIN TODAY'S PRIZE

 from Sparkly Soul

First you gotta work out!!  That's #1 priority here folks.  Get your sweat on and then come back and tell me about it!!  Make stuff up and Karma will come knocking at your door...

1.  BLOG

Comment below on this blogpost:  Answer me this... "How did you stay FIT today?"  Simple answers such as "I ran 3 miles" will suffice, or you can brag it up and give me a detailed summary.  One entry per person per day.

2.  TWITTER

Tweet, tweet, tweet!  Tweet something like this... "I biked 40 min to win sparkle headband from @sparklysoulinc #FitXmas @RUNwJESS"  Of course, you should replace the underlined part with what you actually did.  Key is to include the hashtags #FitXmas, @RUNwJESS and @sparklysoulinc.  No need to come back and tell me about it... I'll see it on Twitter if you tag me appropriately.  One entry per person per day.

3.  FACEBOOK

Comment on today's Facebook post that asks, "How did you stay FIT today?"  Again, no need to come back and tell me about it... I'll see it on the Run with Jess FB page.  One entry per person per day.

No matter which social medium is your forte, 

you can play the 12 Days of a Fit Christmas!!

If you do all three, you'll earn 3 entries into today's drawing.

Day 9 closes for new entries at 12:00 midnight CST. Winner will be announced on Dec. 10.

THE FINE PRINT

• You must follow Run with Jess via Google Friend Connect (click Join button in the right sidebar), on Facebook and/or on Twitter.  I don't mean to force you to like me, but I gotta be able to get in touch with you.

• Giveaway items were supplied to me by the named companies.  However, the opinions expressed here are all Jess.

• Open to U.S. residents only. Sorry my international buddies, but postage is getting expensive.

• Each person may only win once.  Gotta spread the holiday cheer around...

• No sign-up or registration required.  Just come back each day from Dec. 1st thru the 12th.

• Each person is allowed a maximum of 3 entries into each giveaway (1 for a blog comment, 1 for a tweet, and 1 for a FB post).  Each entry must answer the question, "What did you do to stay fit today?"  

Day 8 of a Fit Christmas

Mid-week slackers?  No way. Not here! You all were working hard on Wednesday.  It inspires me how much some of you workout.  The random winner of H20 Audio Trax Custom Fit Sport Headphones is...  CHRISTA H., who took a 30 minute Step class yesterday.  Christa, please email me at runwithjess@comcast.net to claim your prize.

• • •

I love to run.  In fact, sometimes when I'm crossing over the big bridge, I stop at the top and yell it for the all of Peoria to hear. (Mind you, no one hears me but passing drivers probably do a rubberneck...)  Even when I'm not on the run, I enjoy reminders in my daily life on just how wonderful running has been to my life.

One touch to a necklace says, "Yeah, I kicked butt in that last 13.1"

One look at a keychain says, "I'd rather be running..."

An ornament on my Christmas tree that says, "I'm a different woman this year."

Even a clock reminds me, "Get the rest of your crap done so you have time to run!"

These runner gifts are all available at Tribute Sport.

What a unique collection!  

I recently had the opportunity to review one of the runner girl necklaces from Tribute Sport. I'm a work-from-home mom, so honestly I don't dress up very much.  When I'm not in fitness gear, it's a tank and jeans for me.  So this necklace is the perfect style to sport my love for the run.  It's playful, yet casual enough to wear on a daily basis with simply anything.

No matter what your latest achievement, there's a charm for you!  I, of course, went with the 26.2 charm.  I still can't believe I did it this year! (And silently happy that none of the Biggest Loser contestants beat my time on Tuesday's show!)

Today by participating in the 12 Days of a Fit Christmas, you can score one of these necklaces for yourself.  (Yes fellas, you can win too!  It'd make a great gift under the tree for that special lady!)  All you have to do is GET BUSY, GET MOVING & STAY FIT this holiday season!

As an extra bonus, Tribute Sport is giving away

TWO of these darling necklaces!!

And just in case you don't win (or you think that ornament would look great on your tree...), Tribute Sport has a great discount for my readers in their Gifts for Athletes Shop...

HERE'S HOW TO WIN TODAY'S PRIZE

 from Tribute Sport

First you gotta work out!!  That's #1 priority here folks.  Get your sweat on and then come back and tell me about it!!  Make stuff up and Karma will come knocking at your door...

1.  BLOG

Comment below on this blogpost:  Answer me this... "How did you stay FIT today?"  Simple answers such as "I ran 3 miles" will suffice, or you can brag it up and give me a detailed summary.  One entry per person per day.

2.  TWITTER

Tweet, tweet, tweet!  Tweet something like this... "I biked 40 min to jewelry from @tributetrophy #FitXmas @RUNwJESS"  Of course, you should replace the underlined part with what you actually did.  Key is to include the hashtags #FitXmas, @RUNwJESS and @tributetrophy .  No need to come back and tell me about it... I'll see it on Twitter if you tag me appropriately.  One entry per person per day.

3.  FACEBOOK

Comment on today's Facebook post that asks, "How did you stay FIT today?"  Again, no need to come back and tell me about it... I'll see it on the Run with Jess FB page.  One entry per person per day.

No matter which social medium is your forte, 

you can play the 12 Days of a Fit Christmas!!

If you do all three, you'll earn 3 entries into today's drawing.

Day 8 closes for new entries at 12:00 midnight CST. Winner will be announced on Dec. 9.

THE FINE PRINT

• You must follow Run with Jess via Google Friend Connect (click Join button in the right sidebar), on Facebook and/or on Twitter.  I don't mean to force you to like me, but I gotta be able to get in touch with you.

• Giveaway items were supplied to me by the named companies.  However, the opinions expressed here are all Jess.

• Open to U.S. residents only. Sorry my international buddies, but postage is getting expensive.

• Each person may only win once.  Gotta spread the holiday cheer around...

• No sign-up or registration required.  Just come back each day from Dec. 1st thru the 12th.

• Each person is allowed a maximum of 3 entries into each giveaway (1 for a blog comment, 1 for a tweet, and 1 for a FB post).  Each entry must answer the question, "What did you do to stay fit today?"  

Day 7 of a Fit Christmas

We're halfway through the 12 Days of a Fit Christmas!  How's your streak going?  I kicked my own booty in Day 6 and certainly wasn't the only one!  Lots of entries in Monday's Fit Christmas giveaway, but only one can win!  The random winner of a BondiBand running hat is... trailrunningchick, who ran 8.5 miles on trails yesterday.  Please email me at runwithjess@comcast.net to claim your prize.

• • •

When I started running, there were so many things I needed to figure out.  What clothes to wear for comfort yet performance, what style of shoe my foot likes, a headband that stays put, and then there's the music.  Oh - the debates are rampant about running with music!  I have learned over the years that some days, I like the silence of a run or a chat with a running partner... and other days, especially those when I'm not "feeling it", music helps me get into the groove and rock my run.

The frustrating problem I've had for years was the HEADPHONES.  I must have weird ears or lots of bounce in my step, because every pair of ear buds would fall out of my ears.  Yeah, even the kind that promise not to. I eventually went to the headphone style that wrapped around your ear, but even those didn't fit perfect. They tend to be a universal size (men), so the plastic mold was bigger than my female ear.  

Alas! I found H20 Audio Trax Custom Fit Sport Headphones.  These are so cool!!  And I swear they cure every headphone problem you may have.

BEST FEATURE:  A moldable memory wire that forms around your ear for a custom fit.  This not only keeps the headphone in place, but the wire is super thin for maximum comfort.  This means you can still wear sunglasses without them sitting awkward on your face.  Even it you don't have the need for an ear wrap, the memory wire will help to guide the cord away from your face. Nothing like a cord sticking to your sweaty neck, right?!

Of course the most important part is the sound, right?!  The angled shape of the buds work with your ear to maximize sound performance without the feel of having something jammed in your ear.  The comfortable fit, combined with quality sound, reduces the fatigue/headache that comes with listening to music too long or too loud.

Another element I really liked about the Trax Custom Fit Sport Headphones is the clip that came on the cord.  When I run, I tuck the cord down into the layers of my clothing (sports bra in the summer).  As the miles tick off, the cord tends to pull down and eventually tug the bud from my ear.  My redneck fix for that was a little duck tape and a safety pin (Ingenious, right?!).  Well now I can look stylish with H2O Audio's sweet little clip to hold the cord in place. 

The Trax Custom Fit Sport Headphones come in either green or blue.  They are waterproof up to a 3' depth for 30 minutes.  Each package (retails for $39.99) contains the headphones with clip, 5 sets of earplugs, and a nylon carrying case (big enough to store your ipod too!)

For a full demonstration of the Trax Custom Fit Sport Headphones , check out this video...

HERE'S HOW TO WIN TODAY'S PRIZE

Trax Custom Fit Sport Headphones

 from H2O Audio

First you gotta work out!!  That's #1 priority here folks.  Get your sweat on and then come back and tell me about it!!  Make stuff up and Karma will come knocking at your door...

1.  BLOG

Comment below on this blogpost:  Answer me this... "How did you stay FIT today?"  Simple answers such as "I ran 3 miles" will suffice, or you can brag it up and give me a detailed summary.  One entry per person per day.

2.  TWITTER

Tweet, tweet, tweet!  Tweet something like this... "I biked 40 min to win @h2oaudio headphones #FitXmas @RUNwJESS"  Of course, you should replace the underlined part with what you actually did.  Key is to include the hashtags #FitXmas, @RUNwJESS and @h2oaudio.  No need to come back and tell me about it... I'll see it on Twitter if you tag me appropriately.  One entry per person per day.

3.  FACEBOOK

Comment on today's Facebook post that asks, "How did you stay FIT today?"  Again, no need to come back and tell me about it... I'll see it on the Run with Jess FB page.  One entry per person per day.

No matter which social medium is your forte, 

you can play the 12 Days of a Fit Christmas!!

If you do all three, you'll earn 3 entries into today's drawing.

Day 7 closes for new entries at 12:00 midnight CST. Winner will be announced on Dec. 8.

THE FINE PRINT

• You must follow Run with Jess via Google Friend Connect (click Join button in the right sidebar), on Facebook and/or on Twitter.  I don't mean to force you to like me, but I gotta be able to get in touch with you.

• Giveaway items were supplied to me by the named companies.  However, the opinions expressed here are all Jess.

• Open to U.S. residents only. Sorry my international buddies, but postage is getting expensive.

• Each person may only win once.  Gotta spread the holiday cheer around...

• No sign-up or registration required.  Just come back each day from Dec. 1st thru the 12th.

• Each person is allowed a maximum of 3 entries into each giveaway (1 for a blog comment, 1 for a tweet, and 1 for a FB post).  Each entry must answer the question, "What did you do to stay fit today?"