Showing posts with label Running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Running. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

It's That Race Time Of Year Again

bling it on color run shine tour(1).jpg

Race season is upon us people. I know, I know real runners it's never off season. For those of us who have to train for 5K or  maybe 10K while you are training for wonder woman gazillion mile-ers (or that is what it feels like to us) we need a little help. Or should I say motivation, not help. For me once I have paid the money for something I then feel obligated to get as much of my monies worth as possible. For example I meant to buy a year family zoo pass for the longest time. Once I finally did buy it I went as much and as often as I could. I feel the same way with races. If I say I'll train for one then buy it I'll push it off. If I pay for the race then I'll start training right away so that I am ready for it.

So where do I start? What should my first race be? I suggest a fun one, like the the color run. I love the color run.  I have done one by myself, and one with my whole family. This year I am looking forward to my first race with just my husband and I. The Color Run, also known as the Happiest 5k on the Planet, is a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality.
Now the single largest event series in the world. I am super excited that this year the color run has a new twist as well. A new shiny twist. 

Here is what they said about the shine tour:


We're pumping up the 5k course and finish festival too! Look for a unique Sparkle Zone and killer photo ops on the course. At the finish festival, get ready for confetti cannons, shimmering clouds of color, and more. Everyone in 2015 will receive a limited edition Shine Tour Participant Kit, including: custom race tee, gold finisher's medal, tricolor headband w/ silver stitching, brand-new shine packet, and shiny tattoos. Talk about "bling" with benefits!


How awesome is that? I also have 2 cool opportunities. 1 is a $5 off code just for you! Hurry quick because this code expires May 15th! The next is a giveaway. I also have a giveaway for 2 entries for the color run! Make sure you read the rules closely on this one though! Since it is for any of their race's across the US, there are a few more rules than usual on my giveaways.
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$5 OFF code will NOT work on newly launched cities.



Giveaway Rules and Info:

Once you have won you must register with your code online asap, because the code you will be given won't last forever. You will not be admitted at the gate if you have not registered online with the free code.  The staff at the gate will not know anything about the giveaway and won’t be able to help you.  If your event that you want to attend is not open yet for registration, you will need to email the person I tell you to when you see it open as we can’t order codes for them until the event is open. The r ace you want to register for cannot be the upcoming weekend as the turnaround time for codes is at least a week. The race you want to register for cannot be sold out. You must respond to my email within 48 hours. Then It will take at least a week for you to get your code(s) for your free entry. List of locations can be found here: http://thecolorrun.com/events/ The giveaway closes 5/9/15 12:00 AM EST




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, May 19, 2014

Tum-E Yummies & Color Vibe 5k Giveaway


I am so excited for the race this weekend, I can't wait. I also can't wait to announce the winner for the race this weekend. I loved some of the ideas you shared for how you would color your world for the race. Using random.org the winner is...

#4       2ManyBells

"One way I encourage my kids to run is to have a yummy destination point. We live 1/2 from a Great Harvest & smoothie shop. When we up it to 1 mile, we park at the store, run home and back to the shop. It seems to motivate them more.  
I definitely think you should run with goggles for the race!"

Make sure to send me an email ( utahqueenofchaos@gmail.com) within the next 48 hours so I don't have to pick a new winner. I hate doing that! Don't be shy share your pictures with me from the race this weekend or any other Color Vibe race. 

Monday, May 5, 2014

Tum-E Yummies Color Your World & Color Vibe 5k Giveaway

One thing I have been wanting to do is spend more time running as a family. What better way to motivate everyone than with a Color Vibe 5K? These are the most fun races out there. Plus for once you get to give your family an excuse to get dirty!

Since today is Cinco De Mayo I figured what better way to "spice up your life" than by putting together our own family's Color Your World Kit. I went to the store to grab some fun, hands on and bright things to do as a family in prep for the race. 
One thing I knew we would need for the race is some fun, bright colored socks. That way we can stand out and put our best foot forward.


Then I got some white T-shirts. You can find these just about any store.  I love looking at peoples before and after pictures from Color Vibe races. Starting out with a white shirt is the best way to show off all the fun from the race.
Also if you have lots of hair like me or blond hair like my daughter I suggest using a bandana. Getting chalk out of your hair is probably the hardest thing in the end to clean up. I had a hard time choosing between these white bandana's and the all white ones. My girls liked these ones better, so that's what I went with.



Then I got some fun fabric markers so we can make our own designs, fun saying or put our names on them. I'm excited to do this as a family. I will be sure to post pictures of the finished product when I announce the winner of the race.

 
Another colorful favorite for me are window markers. I love strolling up in our van with bright colored and encouraging windows. I also use them on mirrors to help encourage the kids while training or on the morning of the race.


One of my kids favorite most colorful drinks are Tum-E Yummies. They love these drinks. They were so excited when they sent us some of their favorite drinks and are sponsoring us in the race.





Want a chance to win your own Tum-E Yummies and 2 tickets to the Color Vibe 5K on May 24, 2014 in Cache Valley? Make a comment below of what you would do to color your world for the Color Vibe 5K. Bonus entry for sharing on Facebook or twitter. Just comment that you shared. Giveaway ends May 17, 2014 at midnight.


Also check out some of the other race locations and color your world kits here.



Monday, October 21, 2013

American Fork Halloween 5K Fun Run


This Saturday is American Fork's Halloween 5K for Autism of Utah. I was lucky enough to giveaway an entry for it. The winner of this fun run is...
Megan Maibaum             

Congratulations. Please respond to my email within 24 hours, or I will have to pick a new winner.
If you want something fun to do this weekend it's still not to late to sign up for the fun run yourself. Visit AmericanForkChamber.org for more information or to register.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Giveaway- The American Fork Chamber Halloween 5K Fun Run


The American Fork Chamber of Commerce is hosting a 5K on October 26th. Besides it being a chance to get out and exercise its an opportunity to support a great charity, and dress up for some extra Halloween fun.

The AF Halloween fun run supports the Autism council of Utah.  "The Autism Council of Utah is an independent council working to foster collaboration, communication, and learning among families and agencies. Our aim is to promote access to resources and responsible information for individuals of all ages who have, or are affected by autism, or related conditions."

The fun part about this 5K is you get to get one more use out of your Halloween costume. They are having a costume contest with several different categories. Even if your not racing you can come participate. If you have a family or group with a fun theme come enter and show it off. Judging starts at 6:30 and all are welcome.

The race starts at 7 pm at the American Fork Recreation Center, 454 N Center American Fork. Check in is between 5 and 6:30 PM.

Entry is $25 for adults which includes a $10 of egifts cards from Gandolfo's (Mmm Gandalfo's, I will have to go get me a polo grounds after the race ;), Yogurt Bliss, and Purple Turtle.
$18 without a shirt for adults, includes registration and egift cards.
$20 for 17 and under with a sirt.
$13 for 17 and under no shirt.
They can register at bit.ly/funrunaf or americanforkchamber.org


If you are registering 4 or more email Debby at chamber@afcity.net for 10% off.

AF Chamber is also giving away 1 entry to their 5K Halloween fun run. Use the rafflecopter below to enter. FOR UTAH RESIDENTS ONLY.  Ends 10/20/13 at 12:00 AM. Must respond within in 24 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Week 1- Run, Run As Fast As You Can


If someone had asked me 2 Years ago to join them running I would have barfed in my mouth a little. Seriously, the thought of running for enjoyment would have literally killed me. Now I feel quite the opposite, I look forward to those moments of peace and quiet. I can't wait to leave my house, my kids and husband behind and just run.
It all started last March when my sister sent my cute niece to me. She gave me her big puppy dog eyes and asked if I would do the Color Me Rad 5K with her. How could I say no? I was working out 5-6 days a week, a little adjustment to keep my body guessing would be ok this once. Well I fell in love.
 


I ran my first race with my sister and my niece. We had a blast. This is a great fun starter race to get you motivated.
There are different reasons to run. The two most popular reasons I have discovered are to build endurance or to burn fat. Make sure you aren't doing the wrong kind of running for the right reasons.
Endurance Running
Endurance running is typically to build your endurance and have a distance goal in mind. If you are training for something like a race or just trying to push yourself. A beginner is usually trying to run a certain distance. A more experienced runner typically tries to increase their speed or endurance. Summer is one of the best times of year for running. There are so many types of runs available. I recommended here to just pick one and pay for it. Once it's paid for, who is going to let the money go to waist? Start training now. Even if it's only to get to a mile, that's ok. Don't compare yourself to marathon trainers. Even they had to start at a mile once. Our bodies are amazing and can do amazing things. They are meant to move, so why not try running.
Burning Calories
Moving, sweating, and running all help burn calories. If your only goal is to burn fat and calories I don't recommend running slow long distances. Although that will help, it's not the best and fastest way to utilize precious workout time. The key here is intensity not endurance. This is a little easier if you have access to a treadmill. That way you can adjust speeds, inclines and track timing.

 If you don't have a treadmill try using your playlist. Alternate songs with different styles and speeds. Pick a few key songs that when they play you push yourself hard, and when slower songs play match the tempo. It's ok to alternate walking with running.
Reduce Injury
An injury not only is hard on your body but can make getting back in the saddle that much harder. A lot of injuries happen from going too far or too fast too soon. Please listen to your body and know your limits. Stretch, stretch, stretch. Stretching and cooling down are very important and should never be overlooked. The increase in blood, nutrients and oxygen to your muscles can help decrease muscle soreness. Stretching not only increases your range of motion, but can lengthen your muscles and help create better posture. Pay attention to your body as you run. Do you clench your fists? Or raise your shoulders like me? Loosen up. I have to remind myself to loosen my shoulders, neck, and arms all the time. Please invest in proper shoes. Especially if you are going to be doing this often. Bad shoes, or shoes not meant for running can be "no bueno." Your shoes do more than support your feet. They support your feet, legs, knees, and even hips.
Running has so many benefits! Even if the only one is just to stop huffing and puffing when walking to and from the mail box. I suggest experimenting what works for you. Do you like running outside or with a treadmill? Do you like the camaraderie at the finish line of a race or just the peace and quiet on your own? Whatever your reason is, find it. The sooner you do the better off you will be.
 

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Week 1- Work Out From Home


Yesterday I spoke about some fun classes you can attend at a local gym. What if you don't live close to a gym? There is still lots you can do from home.  Now that I have moved further from my rec center, I find that the 1 hour round trip can be better spent at home working out. Here are some things I use to help me stay on task at home.

 Try some free online video's. There are ton's of videos on You Tube of just about every kind of work out. Cross Fit, Zumba, Turbo Kick, Weight Training, Yoga and many others. One of my favorite videos is this Jillian Michale's video from Be Fit. It is a combo of short cardio exercises, strength training and abs all in one single video. She uses some light weights in it. If you don't have any weights try a heavy soup can or fill a gallon jug. Growing up we didn't have weights yet that didn't stop my brother. He would rinse and fill empty milk jugs with water. I'm sure if you look hard enough you can find something to use or buy some really inexpensive weights off Craig's List.



Try the app Nike Training Plus. My cousin showed this to me over the holidays, and it was an instant love/hate relationship. The training app has tons of workouts to do. You start out by picking a goal. For instance you can choose to get lean, to get tone or to develop muscle strength. There is also a list of 15 minute workouts each targeting different parts of your body. You can then choose an intensity level for your work out. They kick my butt, quite literally sometimes. I suggest downloading the app and at least giving it a try. What's the worst that could happen, you burn calories and look silly?
Near me are a lot of  running trails. This makes biking and running close and easy. Well not easy, but easier then driving to a gym. It's the time of year where, 5K's, 10K's, half and full marathons are everywhere. I recommend just scheduling one. Once you have paid the money you won't want it to go to waste, and you'll start running. There are lots of running training guides on pinterest, the internet and even the app I mentioned, NTC. Another app I love for running is Time Keeper. Not only will it track your running distance and time, it also has training plans and target paces.  For more on running check back tomorrow when I dive into this topic a lot more.

When working out from home sometimes it's ok to not go crazy and just stick to the basics. Simple exercises like jumping jacks, lunges, squats, jump rope, sit ups and push ups.  I recommend a mixture of cardio and strength for the fastest results. Try doing 3 minutes of cardio, then 3 minutes of strength at least 3 times, that's a total of 18 minutes. Plus with 4 minutes before and after of stretching you are at 24 minutes. That's like watching a half hour episode of your choice.

Some great cardio that can tire you out (which is the point) are burpees. Here is a one minute clip on burpees and how to modify them.


Try doing stair runs if you have stairs. Do them in intervals like up one, and down, up two and down, up three and back down, and so on. Or just run up and down for 3 minutes straight. Alternate jumping jacks and jumping rope.

Some of my favorite strength training exercises from home are sit ups, squats, and planks. Squats can be done while waiting for some water to boil, or for an independent kid to finish getting dressed. Planks are also one of the best exercises, because they work so much of your body. Here is a video clip of me doing some of my favorite planks and sit-ups. Keep in mind I am not an expert and either is my help on making the video. You should get the general idea though.




These are some tips and idea's to help you work out from home. I recommend mixing it up every now and then. Keep your body guessing. Come back tomorrow for more on running.