a look back on summer

Hi all! I figured with October's arrival and the end of summer (I know, it was officially fall last week), I would take a look back on how my summer went as far as training, blogging, and just life in general.

By the date of actual summer, I was in the middle of my first ever Running Streak. I was participating in the Runner's World Streaking Challenge, which began on Memorial Day and was lasting until Independence Day – 40 consecutive days of running! I extended it by 20 days, and ended with a 60 day running streak. I really enjoyed it, and it was very motivating to get out and run even when I wasn't feeling it. It was also a great way to push myself and showed me that even when I'm tired, I can accomplish a decent run.

Summer also began my journey of training for not only my first marathon, but the Dopey Challenge. Maybe for some, a 29 week plan (week 28 is the challenge and 29 the week after) is extreme, but I really liked the idea of having a long time to train my body to run the long miles, while also (hopefully) avoiding injury. So far it's been going really well. I've had some aches and pains in my feet and hips, but I've been working on keeping them just aches. I really like how every other weekend is a long run, while in between are shorter ones to help the body rest and recover.

I'm proud of myself, because this is the first time I have been sticking to a plan to the T (granted, some days I have to switch the miles around, but I've gotten in every long run so far), and keeping up with the run/walk method consistently. I'm happy with how training is going, and am anxious/excited/nervous/all the feelings about my 'firsts' coming up – first 15 miler, 17 miler, etc.

This year, thanks to the running streak and being consistent with training, I have my first runner's tan! Now, I don't tan much. I have fair skin and generally just burn. This summer, however, I have actual tan lines, so to me, I am tan haha. I have the lovely watch white line on my wrist, visible shorts lines on my legs, and the racerback tank lines on my shoulders and back. As a reminder, I was very good with putting on my sunscreen, but for those long races, I didn't reapply. 

Another thing I began in the summer (well, late May... but that's really the feel of summer starting) is joining up with the DC Trifecta for Friday Five posts - Cynthia, Mar, and Courtney. Here is my first link up post on Five Places I'd Like To Run. A few other favorites include: Friday Favorites, Fall Preview, and Five Things I Love About Blogging. It was also very exciting to be featured on one of the hosts Friday Five posts: Blogs To Love!

I've run a handful of races in the summer, but I generally just have fun and don't race race because I have issues with the heat (pass out type issues - my Irish body hates the heat and humidity haha). I'm still in the process of recapping, but here's a few: 13.1 Chicago Half Marathon, Burgers & Beer 5k, Rock 'n' Roll expo/5k. For all of my races/recaps, click here.

Rock 'n' Roll Chicago 5k - Shalane Flanagan's autograph!

 

13.1 Chicago Half Marathon

In late August, I became a BibRave Pro Ambassador! It's been such a joy getting to know the co-owners, community manager, and the other pros over the past few months, and even more so now that I'm a Pro myself. I haven't had the chance to run any races officially as a Pro, but I've been rocking my tank and shirt during races I registered myself for and my training runs. I have had the opportunity to try out some amazing products, though, which you can expect reviews on in the next few weeks (Jabra Sport Wireless+ (went for the first test spin yesterday, which went well), Zensah Ultra Compression Leg Sleeves (will wear after my 15 miler this weekend), and Hoist (also tried yesterday – very tasty! Will bring on my 15 miler for more testing). 

Don't forget to head on over to BibRave.com and review the races – you can link back to your own blog posts as well! It helps other runners decide which races to register for :) I have a few discount codes for you for some races, so head over here to grab them and register. Also, set a reminder for every Tuesday night at 8PM Central Time for #bibchat! We discuss a different topic every week pertaining to running, nutrition, safety, obstacle races, etc. It's super fun!

Finally, in September, I became an Ambassador for ENERGYbits. I had tried these little green tablets back in June, being skeptical, but found out first hand how wonderful they are. You can read about my experience with it here. They help keep my hunger at bay, give me energy needed when tired, and help me to focus. 

I use them before running, in the morning when I need an extra boost (I'm not a coffee drinker), and before other workout classes. I've found them extra helpful for race mornings, as I have a nervous stomach and can't eat anything before the race – just pop some of these bad boys and I'm off (15 minutes later)! If you'd like to try a sample, send me an email, or if want to buy a bag (of any bits), you can receive a 25% discount using code 'HeatherRuns'. Let me know what you think!

It's been quite the whirlwind of a summer. A few fun personal happenings included a wedding for my college buddy, Lollapalooza, Riot Fest, girls trip to Michigan, dinners/drinks with friends, taking Bar Method classes (I still need to write up my review for that), and a lot of fun races.

Women Rock Chicago 10k - bubbly at the finish :)

Greenbush Brewing Co. with some great friends.

St Joseph, Michigan.

Summer in the city.

Riot Fest necessities.

How did your summer turn out? Did you meet the goals you set for yourself? Anything you missed out on? Hope this post wasn't too long and boring for you!

energybits ambassador & a giveaway

Hey guys! You might have noticed on the right over there that I added an ENERGYbits Ambassador badge. That's right. I've become an Ambassador! I think it's a great product and it really helps me to during my workouts – it keeps me focused, keeps hunger at bay, and gives me a steady stream of energy to help me finish strong. You can read more about why I love ENERGYbits on the review I wrote up a few months ago, prior to becoming an Ambassador. I wouldn't endorse a product I didn't use or believe in.

One of the great benefits of being an ambassador is that I have a discount code to offer to my readers/blends/friends/twitter pals! If you want to buy a bag and try them out for yourself, use promo code 'HeatherRuns' to receive a 25% discount! 

I know the price seems high—I thought so too, myself—but when you feel/see the benefits, it's worth it. Plus, if you do the math, it's not so bad. After receiving the discount, it's $86.25 for the bag, which is 30 servings. That means each serving is roughly $2.88, which is comparable to most gels or chews. As an added bonus, it's only one ingredient. There's no preservatives, caffeine, sugar, gluten, soy, are vegan, have lots of protein, and they are low in calories. What else could you be looking for? Want to end sugar crashes? Try these bad boys out. 

I'm anxious to try the RECOVERYbits, especially with cold season right around the corner! They're next up on my list :) 

Anyway, you can only find them online (or samples through an ambassador... read below), so head on over to energybits.com if you want to buy a bag.

I really like to take them before my barre classes and before any runs/races. I have trouble eating before working out, so ENERGYbits give me the energy I need to perform my best. Give them a try, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I was a skeptic at first, but they really do work. Plus, they are FOOD, not pills. Even though they are small like a pill, they are not.

I'm happy to answer any questions you may have. There's also plenty of information on those green little tablets on the ENERGYbits website. However, I know it's great to have first hand experience or to get information from someone that uses them already. 

Finally, the good folks at ENERGYbits were nice enough to offer up a sample to one lucky winner! Follow the instructions for the Rafflecopter below. It'll be open until Friday, September 18 at 12am and I will announce the winner that afternoon! Good luck! 

And don't worry, if you don't win, you can still use my promo code 'HeatherRuns' to get a discount on any bag of bits! Or, if you aren't quite ready to commit, let me know. There is a single serving sample program where you can purchase a sample size to give them a test run (see what I did there?).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*US residents only. Sorry!*