Review & Giveaway: Bloom Herbal Organics!

Spring arrived in Maryland and my allergies quickly surged out of control, complete with sniffles and a lovely scratchy throat and eyes.  Since this month was all about picking up my mileage with my Hood to Coast training, I still needed to get outdoors for my training runs.  With the help of Bloom Allergy Relief, I have to say that my allergies issues are much better.  I can tell you that it wasn't an overnight magical cure all, but after a few weeks of regular use, I do feel relief.  And since I am adding those extra days of running to my schedule, I have also included Bloom Recovery into my routine.  Now, I'm not sure if I don't have major soreness because of the Recovery formula or if it is because I am being smart and careful about incorporating more mileage but I like to think that it is a combination of both!

So how do you Bloom?  Well, you simply add one dropper to water, tea, juice, etc. and gulp it down!  I do want to give you fair warning that it is best to drink your Bloom quickly!  The taste bites a bit until you get accustomed to it.  Don't say I didn't warn you.

The team behind Bloom is all about promoting an active, healthy and organic lifestyle.  And this Austin based company (Hook 'Em!), is willing to let one lucky Lisa Runs for Cupcakes reader check out their ENTIRE line of products!  This is a pretty amazing offer!  This giveaway will contain a bottle of each formula!  That means you will receive the Allergy Relief, Recovery, Sinus Relief, Immune System Booster, and Cough Relief formulas.  This giveaway is a great opportunity to see what Bloom has to offer since the typical retail price is $26.00 per bottle.

Don't forget to visit our friends at Bloom Herbal Organics on their website, FaceBook, and Twitter!  Please let them know that Lisa Runs for Cupcakes sent you!

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Disclaimer:  Bloom Herbal Organics provided me with their products in exchange for a review and giveaway! As always, these opinions are my own.  Thanks!

Review: Tune Belt Sport Armband

If you are runner or enjoy working out with your iPhone within reach, there are a ton of different armband options on the market.  Here are my thoughts on the Tune Belt Sport Armband.

First off, the price is friendly as it retails for $22.99 on Mobile Fun.  Some of these cases are big bucks!  This lightweight neoprene case is not only the right price, but it is comfortable.  I mean, it actually fits my arm.  This is a big deal since any excess velcro can be incredibly uncomfortable and cause chaffing.  Plus, there is no question about the security of your phone with this armband.  It doesn't bounce and my iphone 4s fits very securely in the pocket, with or without my case.  And my favorite part about the Tune Belt Sport Armband is a tiny strap that you can use to secure your extra earphone cord!  It is genius and one of the the reasons why I love this case!

But, as a blogger, I enjoy taking photos on the run.  I have to admit that it is a bit difficult to take the phone in and out of the sleeve while sweaty.  And along those same lines, despite having the phone in the case, the screen is not taught which makes it hard to navigate through your iPhone while you are on the move.  For those of you that don't take quite as many photos on the run, this is a comfortable armband that you will love to take on the go.

So, do you run with your phone?  How is your current armband treating you?  Check out this armband and lots of other Mobile Fun iPhone 4s cases on their site!
Lisa

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Disclaimer:  Mobile Fun provided me with the Tune Belt Sport Armband AB82 in exchange for this review. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

ZOOMA Annapolis Pre-Race Fun!

Reusable Totes From ZOOMA!  

After work on Friday, we drove to Annapolis for the ZOOMA packet pick-up and Honest Tea Mocktail Party.  We quickly checked into our hotel and then made our way over to the race host hotel, Loews Annapolis for the evening.

As a race ambassador for ZOOMA Annapolis, I received complimentary registration for my race of choice.  Since we were not pre-registered this was my last chance to bail on the half marathon and run the 10k.  Since I hate the idea of going back on a commitment, even with a HOT forecast, I still signed up for the half.

The packet pick-up line went super quickly and that left a bit of time to check out some of the vendors. I got a chance to meet fellow Team Tough Chik member Tonia and chat it up with fellow blogger, Kara, which was really nice!  Soon after, Lara, the ZOOMA Challenge coach and Brae, ZOOMA founder, gave a course preview to runners.  I always make sure to preview course maps!  It was quick and informative which was perfect since Cora was getting really restless.

With time to spare before the Honest Tea Mocktail Party, we made our way over to the hotel restaurant, West, for dinner.  Everything we had was delicious!  So glad we made the pitstop!

Always pushing my buttons!  

After dinner, the hubby took Cora back to the hotel and I went to the Mocktail party with my best bud, Niki.  Honest Tea had some really great drink ideas!  I mean, they would be perfect paired with some vodka, but Friday was not the night for that!  My favorite of the night was the 'Light Foot Lemon-Limey' made with Lemon Limey Fizz, cucumbers and limes - DELISH!

I also had the chance to meet fellow ZOOMA race ambassadors and catch up with the soon-to-be first time half marathoners of the ZOOMA Challenge Program!

Melissa, Anne, ME, Katie, Theodora & Tina

And with that, I headed out to get back to my hotel and lay out my race gear before the big day.  Thank you Honest Tea and ZOOMA for a fabulous night of catching up with old and new running friends!

Lisa

Be a KINDRUNNER today!

About a week ago, I mentioned that Kindrunner would be launching their website.  Well, guess what?  They are officially open for business!

Here are some of the very unique features of Kindrunner:

• Confident Runner Pricing:  This checkout option waives the Free Return Shipping but offers shoes at below retail price.  Shipping is still free, as is the return shipping of donated shoes for Kindness Cash Rewards Program.  This is for the buyer that knows exactly what they want!
• Free 3 Way Shipping:  Free shipping of your order to you, free shipping of any returns for any reason, free shipping of your donated shoes back to Kindrunner for re-purposing with Soles 4 Souls or The More Foundation Group.
• Kindness Cash Rewards:  You send in your old shoes and you receive credit towards the purchase of a new pair from Kindrunner!  Upon receipt of their footwear order, customers have the option to place their old shoes into the KindRunner shipping box and place the pre-paid return label on the box for shipment back to us.  Upon receipt of the label, Kindrunner will scan the bar code and place the KCR onto the customers account for future use.  Each return label (whether it contain one pair or 4 pairs of shoes) is worth $10 KCR per new shoes purchased (5 pairs purchased on that order, you can earn up to $50 KCR) or credits towards future purchase. The KCR can be used to purchase ANYTHING that kindrunner sells and will never expire.
• Expert Product Reviews:  Check out Kindrunner's youtube page for reviews on every product they carry!  
• Easy 365 Returns:  You have 365 days to return any product as long as it is in the original packaging and in original condition.  No pesky return policy here! 

Sounds pretty good right?!

And, if you are one of their first 500 customers, you will receive FREE SOCKS FOR LIFE! Each time one of the first 500 customers returns and purchases a new shoe their order will ship with a free pair of socks of their choice from our sock inventory.  As long as this customer continues to run, they will continue to get socks from kindrunner.com!  Love this PERK!

Go check out their site and let me know what you think!

Lisa

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Disclaimer:  I was not compensated for this post.  All opinions are my own!  As a Kindrunner Ambassador, I will receive products and promotional items in exchange for reviews on this blog.

The Future Spartan is...

CONGRATS SHANNYN!  Be sure to e-mail me at lisarunsforcupcakes at gmail dot com to claim your race entry!  I can't wait to hear which race you end up running, climbing, and mudding your way through!

And, thank you all for entering for a chance to win the Spartan Race series entry.  Don't forget about the coupon for 15% off Spartan Races...  Just use this link:  http://bit.ly/spartanwarrior!

Lisa

ZOOMA - Coming Soon!

I cannot believe that ZOOMA Annapolis is almost here.  It feels like ages ago that I applied to be a race ambassador and was accepted!  And well, race week is here!  I swear, I love this race but this race must not love me.  Last year, I almost didn't run because of some family issues that interfered with my training.  And this year, I have to say, with the stress of work and the move, my lack of training has me doubting myself yet again.   Plus, my IT Band was extra cranky during 5 miles yesterday... not exactly the way you want to head into race weekend.  So I hate to say this but I am contemplating dropping down to the 10k.  I have a whole lot of running ahead of me this summer with Hood to Coast and don't want to risk hurting myself.  But, I am stubborn and feel like I have to run it since that is what I signed up to run!  Yes, the inside of my brain is a scary place!  I have no idea what to do but plan to run a few miles today to see if the leg is any better.

But, aside from being a debbie downer about MY race, I am SO EXCITED for the ZOOMA Annapolis Half Marathon Challenge ladies!  These gals have been working so hard to run their first half marathon with ZOOMA {article here}.  It has been such an honor to work and run with them and I can't wait to see their faces when they cross that finish line!

To celebrate the training cycle, there is an end of the training party tomorrow at Charm City Run in Annapolis!  There will be a short run at 6pm followed by festivities at 6:30pm.  Click HERE for more details and to RSVP!

If you can't make it to the end of training party, be sure to check out the Mocktail Party with Honest Tea on Friday night from 7-8pm at the Loews Hotel Atrium.  Runners and their support crew are welcome!  Click HERE for more details and to RSVP!

Let me know if you are attending any of these events!  I would love to meet you!
Lisa

Giveaway! Want to be a SPARTAN?

One of my running bucket list items is to run an obstacle course race.  Yes, that means a run with fire, mud, rope climbs, water hazards, etc.  I have one friend that assured me that it is “fun” and he competes in these types of races on a regular basis.  That being said, I’m still not entirely convinced.  And, I am such a weenie, that I have yet to put one on my race calendar. But, I think after my first marathon this fall, 2014 might be the year I tackle an obstacle course race with the Reebok Spartan Race Series.

Since I consider myself a “weenie” that needs some serious training before tackling this race, I will probably look to enter a Spartan Sprint for beginners (3 miles with 10+ obstacles).  But, if you are feeling bold, there are a whole lot of longer race distances you can cover.  There is the Super Spartan (8 Miles with 12+ obstacles), Spartan Beast (10-12 Miles with 18+ obstacles) and Death Race (48 Hour Race from Hell… I wonder what that means?!).

And one of the great things about the Reebok Spartan Race Series is that you can bring the whole family!  Spartan Kids races occur at every USA venue and include about .5 miles of small obstacles for your 4-8 year olds, while 9-13 year olds have the chance to take on a mile course.  To check out more details about the Spartan Kids races, visit their website!

Want a chance to race for FREE?  One lucky Lisa Runs for Cupcakes reader has the opportunity to win an entry into any Reebok Spartan Race Series open event within the continental United States!   See below to enter using Rafflecopter!

And if luck isn’t on your side (AKA you don’t win the super amazing giveaway), you can still receive 15% off any Spartan Race using this code:  http://bit.ly/spartanwarrior. 

So, which distance and race location catch your eye? 

Lisa
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Life Update: Celebrations and the Unknown

Every time I look at the calendar, another month is whizzing by...

After work on Friday night, I flew to Florida to celebrate the middle school graduation of my little brother.  He had no idea I was coming so it was a great surprise!  Some look at me like I'm crazy for flying down to celebrate a middle school graduation but I think that it is important to recognize educational milestones, especially very impressionable youngsters.  Since I don't have the luxury of living nearby, it was really important for me to be there as he takes the next steps in his education by entering high school.

On Monday morning, I flew back to Maryland for an equally important graduation.  This time, it was Jake's turn to graduate!  To say his Master's program was a family affair is putting it mildly.  These two years here at Maryland were more challenging than either one of us anticipated, especially with my work schedule and having a very busy Cora.

So, with graduations and celebrations, that leads us to a lot of unknowns about the next chapter of our lives.  What we do know is that we will be moving to West Point, NY, where Jake will be teaching at the United States Military Academy for the next few years.  What we don't know is when that move will happen.  I'm trying very hard to have patience with the Army but the planner and Type A personality in me is dying to receive orders and set up our moving date.

And, I am dying for moving dates and details because, that leads me to another big unknown... my job.  As some of you may remember, I started a new job in December.  I am in negotiations to keep my job and telecommute from NY with some travel to DC each month.  I am keeping all of my fingers and toes crossed that this will all work out and I will be able to keep my job.

Hopefully a lot of these questions will be answered soon!  And, I have to say that I am really looking forward to the move to West Point.

Lisa

The Kindrunner SOLE-lution

In this post last year, I talked about various SOLE-lutions for your growing "retired" running shoe collection.  This year, I would like to introduce you to Kindrunner, a new online running store will be launching their web efforts on June 1st.  

Aside from helping place you in running shoes via online analysis, their program looks to repurpose your worn shoes by partnering with Soles 4 Souls.  Plus, for each pair of shoes that you send in to Kindrunner, you will receive Kindness Cash Rewards to use towards your next pair.  

And, prior to their launch, be sure to enter their "Win Free Running Shoes for a Year!" giveaway on their Kindrunner homepage.  To be entered, you and your running partner need to register.  If either one of you is selected to win the contest, both of you win free running shoes for a whole year.  That's three pairs each!  So go grab your best running friend and sign up for a chance to win!

For more information on their program and site launch, be sure to check them out on their website, FaceBook, Twitter, and Instragram pages.

Do you repurpose your shoes?  Would you consider sending your shoes to Kindrunner in exchange for rewards to use towards a new pair?

I would love to hear your thoughts on the program!

Lisa

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Disclaimer:  I was not compensated for this post.  All opinions are my own!  In the future, as a Kindrunner Ambassador, I will receive products and promotional items in exchange for reviews on this blog.

Race Recap: DC Race for the Cure 5k

Saturday, I ran the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in DC.  This race snuck up on me!  I always drag convince my friend Niki to run races with me and this was the first time she asked me to run a race.  How could I say no?

The 8am start was really nice for a change.  I didn't have to set my alarm too early which always makes me happy.  I was disappointed there was no bag check at the event.  Given that it is 5k strongly geared towards a HUGE group of walkers, I get that it might be a technical issue.  But, it is hard to bring just the necessities on an overcast day when you know you will have a long metro ride and wait before the start.

Since there was no bag check, I was thankful for the somewhat warm temperatures as I headed out.  I decided to wear my Sweat Pink shirt ad Sparkleskirt since it seemed VERY appropriate for the event! I made some last minute arm warmers out of socks that I found on clearance at Target and I was off to the metro in all my pink sparkle.

When I got into DC, someone approached me and said she recognized me from my blog.  That was kind of cool and the first time that it has happened.  It put a smile on my face.  I got off the Archives Metro stop so that I would have a little bit of a jog to the Washington Monument.

The start was empty but the vendor area was bustling with people.  What a sea of PINK!  Thankfully I was able to find my friends for a quick meet up before the race!

After watching a bit of the opening ceremony, we headed to the start area.  We decided to part ways because I knew I wanted to shoot for a PR and didn't want to get stuck in the crowd.  

Once the race was underway, I was so happy that I made my way towards the front because I didn't feel any major congestion and was able to run my own race.  I knew I was going out pretty fast but I wanted to see if I could hang on to sub 8 minute miles.  I haven't run a 5k since the 9/11 Heroes Run back in September but knowing my fitness has improved since then gave me a great boost of confidence.

This race was a blur.  I don't remember taking in much of my surroundings... I guess running longer distances gives you more time to check out the scenery!  But, I was so, so happy to see the three mile flag and cheerleaders that I didn't even mind the sharp turn and incline to the finish.  At this point I could hear the race announcer and he was mentioning that everyone at this point was finishing at a sub 7:50 pace. What? For real?  So, so happy!

And that race announcer was right on...

Plus, later on, the official results clocked me in at 24:12!  YESSSSSSS!  

My friends would probably kill me for posting their finish line photos so I won't but it was so fun being able to catch them all as they finished!  And with a little bit of luck, the rain held off until after we were all done.  All in all, it was the perfect way to start Mother's Day weekend!

Has anyone else Raced for the Cure this year?  How was your race experience?

Lisa