Workout Recap - Week 9

Sunday, February 21st – 5 miles run with the hubby, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Monday, February 22nd – Strength Training (abs, back, legs [minus squats due to this weekend's marathon] and arms), 4 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Tuesday, February 23rd –  3 mile run with the hubby, 4 mile solo run, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Wednesday, February 24th – 10.5 mile bike ride, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Thursday, February 25th –  3 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Friday, February 26th –  REST DAY {travel day}, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Saturday, February 27th –  Phoenix Marathon, Stretched & Foam Rolled

45.2 miles for the week... Not too shabby, especially with most of it being a "taper"... And can you believe I don't have any marathons in March?! HA! I am pretty sure my body is THRILLED, but what it doesn't realize is because I have another one at the end of April (Big Sur), we are technically in the thick of that training right now too! Good thing I LOVE this running thang!

How were your workouts this past week?

Friday Favorites

WE MADE IT! Can you believe it?! Some weeks it feels like Friday will never get here... But low-and-behold, thankfully it always comes! (Although, I gotta keep it real, this week flew by for me, because, by the time you read this, the hubby and I will be on our way to Phoenix and my SEVENTH marathon! HOLY CRAPOLY, WHO AM I?!) Anywho, onto the main event, the reason you all are here... The random things I am LOVING lately!

Get Hope. Give Hope. MudLOVE bands

I have talked about MudLOVE a couple times on the blog before [my original review can be found here, as well as my post during my #12DaysOfCarleesChristmas]. They are an AMAZING company with AWESOME products. When I heard about the new campaign that they had going on, Get Hope. Give Hope. with Ben Higgins, I was STOKED!

Get Hope. Give Hope. is a collaboration with local nonprofit, the Humanity & Hope United Foundation. Over the last 5 years, Humanity & Hope has built relationships with villages in Honduras, helping those trapped in the cycle of poverty to learn, grow, and prosper. Through this partnership, every "hope." band purchased will create one day of employment for someone in a Honduran community. Sustainable job opportunities, such as farming, will allow families to live freely and confidently. Each band will also provide one week of clean water in the Central African Republic through the work of MudLOVE's giving partner, Water for Good.

You can read more about the campaign and Ben Higgins' role with the product here.

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Hanging Around Run8va Medal Hangers

I know, I know, runDisney races are all about the magic and the memories, but the medals aren't too shabby themselves... And with so many amazing races and challenges to choose from, you can start to accumulate lots of BLING! Well, that's where my friend, Joe, and his Etsy shop comes in.

Source: @run8va's Instagram Feed

Although I don't have one of these racks personally (not yet anyway), I can only imagine how AMAZING they are! Each hanger is made to order and hand cut - and if you know Joe, then you know Disney love is handcrafted into each and every piece! Customize your rack with as many or as few hooks as you'd like and start showing off those medals that you worked so hard to earn!

Market Pantry Antioxidant Fruit Blend

I don't know why I've never tried this frozen fruit mix from Target before... IT'S DELISH! I throw some of the frozen mix in with a heaping handful of spinach, a banana, and a splash of juice (or almond milk) and the smoothie that appears is SCRUM-DIDILY-UMPTIOUS! Sure, fresh fruit is always better than frozen, but for a smoothie this works amazingly well!

So, anything new that has struck your fancy lately that you are willing to share with the rest of us?

Meet Ultra #TeamSparkle 2016!

The team has been selected, legs have been assigned and we are ready to announce it to THE WORLD! So, without further ado, please meet Ultra #TeamSparkle for the 2016 SoCal Ragnar Relays! 

Emily: The treadmill is her playground. You'll find her doing 99% of all her training on it. When this vegan isn't running....she's still running her 16 year old to all things volleyball or running after her 1.5 year old. You can follow her on Instagram at @runemz.

Carlee: This vegetarian, puppy mama caught the running bug about 4 years ago and hasn't stopped since. She loves sunshine, encouraging others and spending time with her hubby. If she could find someone to pay her to run, take pictures and blog she'd be in HEAVEN! Follow her adventures on Instagram and Twitter at @CarleeMcDot.

Allison: Mom of two, who runs for her daughter because Rett Syndrome has stolen her daughter's ability to run & do anything independently. Now Allison runs for her & all the girls who can't, so that someday they will. You can follow her on Instagram at @afoley09.

Elise: She’s a cupcake-loving, triathlon-addicted, sparkle-wearing Ironman who can't get enough of her two kids, trail running, and all the sweets nearby. You can follow her on Twitter at @cupcakeactivist and Instagram at @elisewallace.
Kristen: She's a runner that took up triathlons on a whim and fell in love. Kristen works out to work off her two favorite food groups: pizza and tacos! Cousin Martilee, born with Rett Syndrome, inspires Kristen to always run, bike and swim #untilshecan. Follow along on Instagram at @kgriff_run.

Carrie: This mother of 4 uses running and biking to make new friends and keep her sane. She loves cheering races almost as much as running them (as long as #teamsparkle and unicorn masks are involved). She’s the happiest with sun on her face, dirt on her feet and sour candy in her hand. You can follow her on Instagram at @thisiscarrie.

And, as I've mentioned before, just because you won't be physically running the relay with us, you can join in the fun and participate in the Virtual 5K! Register HERE, then head out and run/ cartwheel/ walk 3.1 miles on the weekend of April 1st - 2nd, while we are tackling SoCal! Use the hashtags, cheer one another on and spread the word UNTIL SHE CAN!

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Another way to help is to donate directly to Girl Power 2 Cure in honor of #TeamSparkle! You can head over to the site HERE and donate as much (or as little) as you can - remember, every penny matters!

Have you ever ran for a cause before?

Random Ramblings

Had some random thoughts bouncing around in my head today... Nothing super important or lengthy enough in and of themselves for their own post, so I figured I'd wrap them all together with a bow and present them this way ;)

Empty Inbox

I posted this on my Twitter yesterday, but I am SO proud of myself that I have to share it here as well! MY EMAIL INBOX IS COMPLETELY EMPTY! I don't know if this has EVER happened before, and I don't know how long it will last, but I am STOKED and I will live it up for as long as I can!

My Friends GET Me

Today I checked the mail after getting a text from a friend saying there might be something for me! Well, shoot doggy, who doesn't love surprises?! I had an AWESOME care package from sweet Shelby with a card (congratulating me on another successful marathon training cycle and reminding me that the race is the VICTORY LAP) AND my FAVE candy - Sour Watermelon Slices (from Target)! I gave up sweets/ treats as of January 31st until after both of my marathons this month, so I can't wait to dig into these on the drive home from Phoenix!

HONORED

Sometimes you never know how much of an impact you have on those around you. Sure, I say that I want to change the world and be a light to those around me, but who knows if that is actually an obtainable goal?! Well, today I got a Twitter notification that I was tagged in a post, so went to check it out. A sweet runner actually featured me (and two other AMAZING ladies) on her blog today as runners that inspire her... WHAT?! I guess I am doing something right ;)

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New Reactions On Facebook

So, if you are on the book of face, you probably noticed that new reactions were launched today. Now, instead of liking a post, you can go a little "deeper". If you are on your phone you can hold down the LIKE option and if you are on a computer you can hover over the LIKE option - this will open up a world of possibilities... Well, at least the option to LIKE, LOVE, HAHA, WOW, SAD or ANGRY a post. [I've gotta say, I've been throwing around the LOVE a lot today, but would have still appreciated a DISLIKE button.]

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Nothing Packed

Can you believe that the Phoenix Marathon is Saturday morning and I don't have an outfit ready yet?! The hubby and I are planning on heading out by 5:30am on Friday morning (we've gotta be at the Expo by 1pm so we are there in time for the #WeRunSocial Meet-Up) and I have NOTHING packed... Well, I have my #WeRunSocial banner and now a bag of Sour Watermelon Slices, but other than that - NADA! It's actually freaking me out a bit... I guess I have TOO MANY options. I am sure my final outfit will include PRO Compression socks, a Sparkle Athletic skirt, a Sparkly Soul headband, a Handful sports bra, and a pair of Brooks shoes, but WHICH ONES?! AHHHH THE CHOICES!

What random ramblings you got rollin' around in that head of YOURS?

JHill Design Giveaway

Do you follow me on Instagram? If not, now is the time to head over and give me some love.

https://www.instagram.com/carleemcdot/

Why am I asking you to head over to my IG account? Because I have an AWESOME giveaway going on right now, but the ONLY way to enter is via Instagram!

The lovely ladies over at JHill Designs reached out to me a couple weeks ago about teaming up for a giveaway. I was STOKED when I saw the email because I have been eye ballin' their Marathon Map Prints for a while now.

Entering the #JHillDesign Marathon Print Giveaway is easy:

          1. Like the giveaway image
          2. Follow @CarleeMcDot
          3. Follow @JHillDesign
          4. Tag a friend on the giveaway image (this can be done as many times as you'd like for additional entries, but each tag must be its own comment)

The  giveaway will run through midnight Thursday, February 25th with the winner receiving their own 8x10 personalized print of their preferred marathon map.

I received a personalized print from the Los Angeles Marathon last week and LOVE IT! (I can't wait to order my Big Sur print after I complete the race in April.)

And, just in case you aren't the lucky winner of the personalized print, EVERYONE is a winner because JHill Design is offering up a discount code for ALL of my friends, family and followers! Use RUNCARLEE for 15% off sitewide until 2/26.

If you are interested in following JHill Designs on other social media platforms, check out the links below!

          Twitter: @jennifer_hill
          Facebook: JHill Design
          Pinterest: JHill Design
          Google+: JHill Design

Have you found a creative way to commemorate your races? If so, I'd love to hear about it!

Workout Recap - Week 8

Sunday, February 14th – LA Marathon, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Monday, February 15th – 4 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Tuesday, February 16th –  5 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Wednesday, February 17th – 16.3 mile bike ride, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Thursday, February 18th –  3 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Friday, February 19th –  12 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Saturday, February 20th –  REST DAY (5.4 mile hike with the hubby and puppy), Stretched & Foam Rolled

I know this week included the LA Marathon, but still... 50.2 miles of running is pretty great, don't ya think?! And now it's time to "taper" again for the Phoenix Marathon that I've got coming up on Saturday... The forecast is anticipating 90* temps (I guess this whole global warming thing is for real, huh?!) so I will be turning it into a "fun run" and taking the time to enjoy the scenery and some great running friends!

How were your workouts this past week?

Friday Favorites

It's that time again... Friday ;) So why not share a few things I am diggin' on lately?!

QALO Rings

You may have seen my post about them last week (and if you didn't, you should check it out here), but I'm loving these rings! They are a perfect alternative to your engagement ring or wedding band - silicone, colorful and comfy! I'd HIGHLY recommend them to anyone wanting to share their commitment with the world while living an active lifestyle (because who wants to get hit on at the gym just because the meat head doesn't see a ring on your finger?!). And if you use THIS LINK you can save $5 on your order (full disclosure: I would get $5 off my next order too)!

Um, when my QALO Ring matches my weights you KNOW it's gonna be a good day!
And, PS, I enjoy stacking them depending on what colors I am wearing that day ;)

Touch The Sky - Hillsong UNITED

I normally try to keep my blog pretty secular (with a bit of Jesus sprinkled in, since he is my MAIN MAN), but I couldn't help myself with this one... Worship music FTW! This song has been my JAM for about a month now. We sang it at church a while back and it has been in my head since then. LOVE IT! "You traded heaven to have me again"

Phone Case Wallet

Specifically the "Speck Products CandyShell Card Case". I received an Amazon gift card for Christmas and this was one of the first purchases I made with it. I have to be honest and confess, there are many times when I drive without my license/ wallet; for example, when I head to the beach to run for a couple miles or if they hubby and I are going somewhere and I know he has his wallet. I realize how bad this is (not only if I were to ever get pulled over, but God forbid, if I got into an accident or something), but I would do it constantly. With this phone case wallet (doubt that is the correct term, but at least it's descriptive) I always have my ID and two credit cards with me. Now I just need to make sure I never lose my phone or else we will have a BIG issue on my hands!

You are able to use the smaller opening to push the cards up and out - EASY PEASY!

Ninja Blender

Ryan and I ordered a Ninja Blender last week. We both try our hardest to eat healthy, but have wanted something a little better for ourselves, especially when it comes to breakfasts. I'd been doing a bit of research and came across this blender. I love it because not only does it have two single serving cup options, but it has an EXTRA LARGE blender jar as well. We've been wanting to try smoothies with spinach and more leafy greens, but the cheap single-serving blender that we had just didn't have enough space to allow for it. We've only had the blender for a couple days now, but I can tell we are definitely going to get our money's worth out of it!

This smoothie had a heaping handful of spinach, a banana, a half a can of pineapple chunks with the pure pineapple
juice, and a few frozen berries. DELISH! And the blender chopped the crap out of everything in SECONDS! 

Any favorite goodies you've been enjoying lately?!