Day 5 of a Fit Christmas

Great Job on Day 4!  The random winner of the 3pk of Fitsok athletic socks is... JODI N., who followed 7 miles with cooking and baking!  Jodi, please email me at runwithjess@comcast.net to claim your prize.

• • •

Several months ago I added a motivational gym towel to my treadmill.  It was a experiment in "beating the dreadmill".  When I run on the treadmill, I tend to stare at those little red digits that seem to tick away so slowly.  I once read a tip online that suggested drapping your sweat towel over top the treadmill dash to remove the temptation of constantly staring at the dash.  "Really? It's only been a 1/2 mile?" 

The trick worked for me.  I was able to concentrate on my run and fall into a groove. Plus this cool gym towel from Inperspire had a motivational message staring at me... hardcore Jillian style.  And when the sweat began to drip, I had a nice clean towel to wipe my face.

These 16x25" white cotton fitness towels from Inperspire come in 21 different colorful slogan and designs.  They are much larger than your average gym towel... and SOFTER on the face! That's a huge bonus in Spinning class when I seem to whip my forehead raw.  Plus all the ladies thought I was pretty cool with my "Sweat is Sexy" towel hanging on my Spin bike.

Since I started bringing my own sweat towel to the gym, the thought of using the gym-supplied ones kinda creep me out now.  Sure they get washed, but it's like wearing someone else's underwear.  Eww, right?! The other day I saw a guy blow his nose into his towel before dropping it into the bin at the gym.  Yeah, I'm glad I won't be wiping my face with that tomorrow.

So get ACTIVE today and report back for your chance to try out one of Inperspire's great motivational fitness towels.  Even if you don't win, Inperspire is offering my readers a great discount to shop on your own...

HERE'S HOW TO WIN TODAY'S PRIZE

from Inperspire

First you gotta work out!!  That's #1 priority here folks.  Don't tell me what you're GOING to do, tell me what you DID.  I know more than anyone what happens to the best laid plans during the holiday season... So go 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 did TurboKick in the 12 Days of a #FitXmas to win an @Inperspire towel @RUNwJESS"  Of course, you should replace the underlined part with what you actually did.  Key is to include the hashtags #FitXmas, @Inperspire and @RUNwJESS.  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 5 closes for new entries at 12:00 midnight CST. Winner will be announced on Dec. 6

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?"  

Jingle Bell 5K

I'm happy to report that yesterday I ran for the first time in a week.  For new followers (lots of you! Thank you!), let me bring you up to speed... I had a very embarrassing face plant via twisted ankle during a Thanksgiving race that left me with a badly injured left foot.  I moped around for a couple days feeling sorry for myself.  By Wednesday I picked myself back up and started cross training on the bike.

In other words, I had a terrible week in the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge (HBBC).  It looked a little like this...
Sat - 1 pt for my fruit/vegetables
Sun/Mon/Tues - big fat ZERO.  Injury depression.
Wed - 5 pts for 15 miles on the Bike
Thurs - 6 pts for 18 miles on the Bike
Fri - 5 pts for 50 minutes of Spinning
WEEKLY POINT TOTAL: 17

I started HBBC's 3rd week with a Jingle Bell 5K on Saturday.  It wasn't really a pleasant run, but at least we looked cute...

The weather didn't cooperate, producing the day's worst rain exactly at start time.  To make matters worse, the race started late.  Big pet peeve of mine, especially when we're huddled in the rain.  The starting chute was rather chaotic starting in the middle of a parking lot with cars on both sides.  Just weird setup.

My hubby had to work so I had the kids tucked into a double jogging stroller and lined up towards the back.  The crowd moved forward really slow.  I finally realized that I was behind the WALKERS.  Ugh.  So I started the slow process of working my way through a packed race trying to find my running pace.  The race only had 1 car lane reserved for runners.  We needed two.  Ridiculous congestion, but maybe I felt that more than normal because I was pushing the stroller.

All I know is that I was happy to be done.  We snapped a quick picture with some of my Sole Sisters and then hurried home to hot chocolate.  I have no idea what my time was, but pretty sure it'll be my worst 5K time on record since it was gun time, rather than chip times.

The best part of the day was seeing all the Sole Sister shirts in action that I designed for our running group.  The printer delivered on Wednesday and it's been mass distribution ever since.

The left foot is still sore.  I have to be careful of my placement and not twisting it.  But I'll slowly work my way back to running this week.  My initial plan was to begin my training plan for the Myrtle Beach Half Marathon (Feb. 18) on Monday... but I'll have to prolong that and make it a 10-wk schedule instead.  It's more important to give my foot an extra week to heal.

Hope you had a great weekend!  I'm so impressed on all the entries for the 12 Days of a Fit Christmas!  Don't forget to log your fitness activity on Day's 4 post {here} or on Facebook and Twitter.  Good Luck!  Nine more prizes await!

Day 4 of a Fit Christmas

Congratulations to all the racers in Day 3!  Practically 1/3 of you stayed fit yesterday by running in a race, many with PR's!  The random winner of the MetalART Wall Display from Gone for a Run is... KASSIE H., who ran a Jingle Bell 5K yesterday.  Kassie, please email me at runwithjess@comcast.net to claim your prize.

. . .

There are several parts of a runner's body that get poorly mistreated.  Our feet is one of them.  I really need to give my hard-working feet more pedicures... and my hubby could certainly throw in extra foot massages too!  So when it comes time to dress my feet for a daily run, I treat them right.  It can be a tricky balance finding the right socks.  In the heat of summer, feet sweat more than you believe and blisters happen.  In the heart of winter, the little toes get darn right cold!

I recently had the opportunity to test out some Fitsok athletic socks.  These babies are heaven on my feet and I've quickly fallen in love.  The comfortable fabric was the first thing I noticed.  The Fitsok CF2 are made of Shadow Yarn (78% hydrotec polyester, 20% nylon and 2% spandex), which transports moisture and heat from areas of highest to lowest concentration for a comfortable, thermally balanced sock.  Microban®, an antimicrobial product, fights the growth of odor causing bacteria to keep socks cleaner and fresher.

Along the bottom of the sock are FLOWTEK channels that promotes airflow on all sides of the foot.  The heel of the Fitsok CF2 sock is engineered to reinforce the shape of your heel and reduce discomfort and stabilize ankle support (Yes please!).  The top arch of the foot has a supportive fit to help alleviate foot fatigue.  The toe has a contoured fit to eliminate bunching and irritation at the end of the foot.  The entire sock provides a light cushion to prevent blisters.

If you're looking for a good sock, I would definitely recommend the Fitsok CF2.  They feel light on my feet, no clunky thickness, yet warm in the cold weather.  Best of all, I really like how soft they feel.  Fitsok is engineered and produced in the good ole U.S.A.

The Fitsok CF2 comes in three different colors.

Keep your feet happy!  By staying ACTIVE during the 4th day of a Fit Christmas, you can win yourself a 3pk of these fine athletic socks!  But just in case you don't win, Fitsok is offering my readers a 15% off discount in the Fitsok Shop...

HERE'S HOW TO WIN TODAY'S PRIZE

from Fitsok 

First you gotta work out!!  That's #1 priority here folks.  Don't tell me what you're GOING to do, tell me what you DID.  I know more than anyone what happens to the best laid plans during the holiday season... So 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 did a Yoga DVD in the 12 Days of a #FitXmas to win #Fitsok athletic socks @RUNwJESS"  Of course, you should replace the underlined part with what you actually did.  Key is to include the hashtags #FitXmas, #Fitsok and @RUNwJESS.  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 4 closes for new entries at 12:00 midnight CST. Winner will be announced on Dec. 5

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 3 of a Fit Christmas

Hooray for all the fabulous workouts on Day 2!  The random winner of a new SparkleSkirt is... BETHANY N., who ran 2 miles with her puppy followed by 20 minutes of crunches and stretching.  Bethany, please email me at runwithjess@comcast.net to claim your prize.

. . .

One of the best online sources for a huge variety of runner-specific gifts is Gone for a Run.  They have everything from apparel to jewelry, safety products to office items. The list is literally endless.  I have a field day visiting their website.  With the holidays right around the corner, it's the perfect place to shop for the runner on your list.

Recently, I had the chance to review one of their MetalART Wall Displays.  After two years of racing, I've compiled quite a collection of medals.  I truly treasure each one of them.  They represent the finish lines and the work it took to get across each one.  Occasionally, I like to browse through the medals, hold them in my palm and reminisce the day.

Now I have the perfect presentation for them on the wall next to my treadmill (broken but the new one is on the way!).  Hand sculpted from black metal, the MetalART Wall Display measures 14x4" and will display up to 24 medals.  It hangs easily on the wall with two screws, plus an optional third if you choose to secure the bottom.  Medals are easily added and rearranged by sliding them along the bottom arm.

Now you have a chance to win one of these cool "Run Like A Girl" Wall Displays to showcase your race medals.  Simply get active today and stay FIT during the Christmas season!

Like Gone for a Run on Facebook HERE

HERE'S HOW TO WIN TODAY'S PRIZE

from Gone for a Run 

First you gotta work out!!  That's #1 priority here folks.  Don't tell me what you're GOING to do, tell me what you DID.  I know more than anyone what happens to the best laid plans during the holiday season... So 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 in the 12 Days of a #FitXmas to win a MedalART Wall Display @GoneforaRUNcom @RUNwJESS"  Of course, you should replace the underlined part with what you actually did.  Key is to include the hashtags #FitXmas, @GoneforaRUNcom and @RUNwJESS.  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 3 closes for new entries at 12:00 midnight CST. Winner will be announced on Dec. 4

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 2 of a Fit Christmas

Congrats to everyone who got busy in Day 1.  The random winner of the Endorphin Warrior Training Bracelet was... MARY, who hit the gym treadmill yesterday and worked on her mile splits.  Mary, please email me at runwithjess@comcast.net to claim your prize.

. . .

And now for Day 2 of a Fit Christmas, where I have a real treat for you!  It's no secret I love to have fun while I run.  I dress in costume. I wear funky socks.  I wave like crazy and talk to spectators.  And I LOVE to wear skirts when I run, especially if they S*P*A*R*K*L*E!!

I recently had the opportunity to try a SparkleSkirt for the first time.  I tested out the SparkleTech skirt, which has built-in undershorts.  This is seriously the most comfortable running skirt I've ever worn.  First of all, it's gorgeous!  The fabric quality is simply stunning.  My SparkleSkirt was a beautiful royal blue with sparkles on it.  The A-line cut of the skirt is flattering for all body types and gives the perfect amount of flair as you run.  I felt like a sassy girly while I ran... and that is a FUN feeling!

This is important... SparkleSkirts are made in the USA.

All SparkleSkirts have a handy 12" zippered compartment by the waist to store keys, an ID, energy gels, etc.  (SparkleSkirts are also versatile enough that you can wear it backwards to put the compartment in the back.)

The SparkleLight style is just that... a skirt.  You can wear it overtop leggings, capris, or by itself.  I however still have thighs that touch, so I tried the SparkleTech with built-in shorts.  I have a variety of running skirts in my drawers with "built-in compression shorts"... most in which the shorts are pointless because they are either too short or they ride up once you get running.  The undershorts in the SparkleTech are the best I've ever worn!  First off, they are extremely well made with moisture-wicking material.  You actually feel like you're being "held in" if you know what I mean.  The undershorts have a 6" inseam so they are plenty long enough even for thick thighs like mine.  SparkleSkirts guarantee these undershorts not to ride up... and after a test run, I can tell you - they don't!

 

The SparkleTech has so much storage that makes it ideal on long runs.  In addition to the front compartment by the waist, there is also a large 4x4" pocket on the outside of both thighs, perfect spot to slip my iPhone.

SparkleSkirts are available up to size 4x.  I love this fact because I believe all shapes of women deserve to feel good on the run... and SparkleSkirts do just that.! The customer service from owner Leah is outstanding.  She's super nice and passionate about her beautiful creations.  If you're looking for something unique, inquire about SparkleCostumes. The SparkleSkirt team will create a look perfect for your race... Elvis, Ariel, Cinderella or even a wedding skirt.

Now you have a chance to win one of these glorious running skirts!  So get your sweat on and then come back to tell me about it!

Follow SparkleSkirts on Facebook HERE

HERE'S HOW TO WIN TODAY'S PRIZE

from SparkleSkirts

First you gotta work out!!  That's #1 priority here folks.  Don't tell me what you're GOING to do, tell me what you DID.  I know more than anyone what happens to the best laid plans during the holiday season... So go 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 in the 12 Days of a #FitXmas to win a SparkleSkirt @RUNwJESS"  Of course, you should replace the underlined part with what you actually did.  Key is to include the hashtags #FitXmas and @RUNwJESS.  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 2 closes for new entries at 12:00 midnight CST. Winner will be announced on Dec. 3

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 1 of a FIT Christmas

It's December 1st which is exciting for one main reason... the 12 Days of a Fit Christmas has begun!!  I hope you get your booty moving today so that you can earn yourself an entry into today's giveaway from Endorphin Warrior.

Shortly after I finished my first marathon in September, I knew I wanted something special, yet simple, to remind me of the journey.  It was an amazing accomplishment to cross that finish line and I knew it would never quite feel the same again.  I wanted to bottle that feeling and remind myself every day of why I push forward... and keep on running.

I found the perfect solution at Endorphin Warrior...

See, in many ways I feel like I'm married to my running. It's made me cry tears of joy... and tears of pain. Running can be a lot of hard work at times, but the rewards of the journey are incredible.

This Warrior Training Ring is sterling silver and handmade to order.  Endorphin Warrior offers this ring in 14 different empowering keywords to choose from for women and men.  It's the perfect gift for someone starting out on a journey or after they cross the finish line.  I like the simplicity of it.  And all it takes is one look down to remind myself, "I'm a Marathoner."

Like everyone, I have dips in the road... low times when I feel defeated.  Right now this darn injury has me hanging. I'm finding this new piece as a source of strength...

I am UNBREAKABLE.

There is nothing that can break me unless I allow it.

This is a Warrior Training Bracelet, also from Endorphin Warrior.  Made to wear during your workout, this bracelet features a powerful keyword to help you train with a strength of body and mind.  With 18 different words/sayings, you're sure to find one that triggers your inner athlete.  The bracelet attaches with a sturdy snap and is available in an abundance of sizes to fit both women and men.

By staying FIT today, you have the opportunity to win 

your choice of a Warrior Training Bracelet from Endorphin Warrior.

HERE'S HOW TO WIN TODAY'S PRIZE

from Endorphin Warrior

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 a #FitXmas to win prizes from @RUNwJESS and @EndorphnWarrior."  Of course, you should replace the underlined part with what you actually did.  Key is to include the hashtags #FitXmas, @RUNwJESS and @EndorphnWarrior.  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 1 closes for new entries at 12:00 midnight CST. Winner will be announced on Dec. 2

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?"