Future Runner Shirt Winner Is....

Angela from Happy Fit Mama! Congratulations Angela. Please send HappyMotherRunner@gmail.com the preferred shirt size for you child; as well as, the shipping address that you would like your child swag sent to!

Thank you all for reading and participating!

Wardrobe Wednesdays: Brooks Women's Infiniti Jacket (GIVEAWAY)

Like most runners, I have important pieces of gear in my wardrobe. I do have a lucky pair of race socks, favorite undies, as well as a go to jacket. My go to jacket is the Infiniti from Brooks. I don't only use it for running, but I also throw it on when doing errands or taking a walk. I LOVE this jacket for a few big reasons:

1.) The Infiniti doesn't necessarily look like a running jacket
2.) It has a million pockets (ok not really a million, but enough that I don't have to wear a SPI belt).
3.) It does a great job at keeping you warm and shielding the wind. Perfect for mild conditions.
4.) The Infiniti is waterproof.

Brooks did a great job with the design as well as color selection (with options in Cobalt, Cerise, and White). The Infiniti details can be read below:

• Full zip jacket with lockdown zipper, garage and decorated wind flap
• Windproof and water-resistant material with Durable Water Repellent Coat (not seam-sealed)
• Perforated back for venting
• Soft, lightly brushed collar
• Side hand zipper pocket (6"W x 7"H)
• Color contrast paneling
• 3M Scotchlite reflectivity front and back
• Moisture-proof media pocket on left bottom (2.5"W x 4"H)
• NOTE to customers with longer arms: sleeves are slightly shorter than average jackets

Fabrics
Infiniti Shelter (100% Polyester), a lightweight windproof and water resistant fabric with a sheen, silky hand

This is a great spring jacket because it's not too heavy, but perfect for cool days.
Where can you find it? Running Warehouse ($49.88), Amazon ($65.00), RoadRunner Sports ($89.99), Brooks ($65.00).

- If you go with Running Warehouse the coupon code FB15D will get you an extra 15% off ($7.00 savings)
- If you go with Road Runner Sports the coupon code CX12D054 will get you 10% off and free shipping.

**How to win a Brooks Infiniti Running Jacket**
+1 entry - Like me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HappyMotherRunner
+1 entry - Make a facebook status that says "@Happy Mother Runner I want to win the Brooks Infiniti Running Jacket.http://bit.ly/GKCHk0" Then post on my facebook saying "I entered to win the Brooks Infiniti Running Jacket.http://bit.ly/GKCHk0"
+1 entry - Follow me on twitter @HappyMotherRun
+1 entry - Tweet @HappyMotherRun I want to win the Brooks Infiniti Running Jacket. http://bit.ly/GKCHk0

+1 entry - Tell me in the comments below what your favorite part of spring is.

A lucky winner will be randomly chosen using random.org on  April 7th.

Until next time...
Be Inspired, Stay Motivated, Run Strong!

Wardrobe Wednesdays: Our Little Cheer Squad (Plus a GIVEAWAY!)

It's wardrobe Wednesday again!

Lately I am all about shirts that have awesome sayings that reflect my personality. But what about the people who come out to cheer us on? Since spring seems to have arrived, children will begin to line the race routes to cheer on their favorite people (mom, dad, aunt, uncle, grandma, grandpa, etc.). Along with those cute signs that say "free high five's" and "Go Mommy Go!" I think it's adorable when children wear shirts that scream "My loved one is da bomb!" or "I can't wait to be a runner also!"

So here are some of my FAVORITE children's running tees that I have come across!

 All these can be purchased at CafePress. They are currently providing shoppers 31% off their order with the promo code PiDay314 (Today Only!)

OK Now for the Giveaway...

I am also giving away one "Future Runner" t-shirt to a lucky mommy/daddy for their precious little one (you choose the size and color). 

All you have to do is tell me what your family's favorite activity is in the comment section below. One lucky winner will be selected using random.org on March 23, 2012.

Be Inspired, Stay Motivated, Run Strong!

MultiSport World Conference and Expo NYC Recap

Today was pretty awesome. I love conferences and seminars. Learning new information is one of my passions (that's probably why I am still in school). And I will never pass up a opportunity to do some shopping for new running gear. So there was no way I could pass up a day that incorporated both!

The MultiSport World Conference and Expo "gives you everything you need to prepare for the new season including seminars offering guidance on training, nutrition and injury prevention training clinics to help you improve your swim stroke and running technique workshops on strength training and completing your first triathlon... competitive events for an early season test of your endurance vendor expos featuring race directors, certified coaches, local multisport clubs and retailers and manufacturers of products, gear and apparel... and more! "

Me talking with the CEO of TryChips. Photo taken by MultiSport Conference

Even though I am not a triathlete, I thought by attending the conference I could walk away with a better understanding of endurance sport training. And I was right. The conference provided breadth and depth on numerous topics ranging from exercise and quality of life to avoiding injury during race day. The speakers were professionals in their fields holding PhD's, MD's, and RN's. Each seminar section was approximately 15 minutes (without question and answer sessions). The speakers utilized power points, videos, and even live demonstrations. 

Live demo on high to properly ride

In between each speaker the coordinator would give away awesome prizes for people who could correctly answer questions that ranged from basic history to  pop culture. Some of the prizes given away included swimming clinics, gift cards to athletic stores, signed books, etc. The grand prize was a CompuTrainer Pro valued at $1,500. Overall a great place to grab some free swag. 

The registration bags also came with some nice goodies.

And the expo provided some great take homes.

I also walked away with some purchased items.

Orange shirt says "Run like a Mother" and the Yellow says "Thirteen point freaken one". The TryChips are amazing snacks that I just couldn't get enough of! And of course some new CEP compression socks

Besides the vendors and expo, the seminars were excellent. Some of the important tips and information I took away from the conference were the following:
Exercise

• In recent research, people who could run longest on a treadmill had lower chronic disease.
• If you stay active, there is no reason you shouldn't be doing the same thing at 80 as you did at 25. 
• Exercise is the vaccine needed to prevent & treat chronic disease. Everyone needs to take it.
• Low levels of fitness are larger risk factors of mortality compared to mild/moderate obesity 
• Exercise increases the quantity and quality of life.

Nutrition

• Cut back on the crap food, it's better to be fit and fat than thin and inactive.
• Be happy with your weight by making the best of your body.  
• Not everyone is built the same. So to compare is to despair. You should not compare yourself to other runners.
• Athletes should eat evenly throughout the day this prevents the body from getting too hungry. This can be accomplished by eating carbs.
• Best way to lose the extra weight is to chip away calories at end of day
• All athletes need to take rest days to allow their body to refuel. These rest days will not cause a decrease in ability, but will allow for the body to recover from intense training.

Racing Smart and Being a Happy Athlete

• Newbies represent 50% of the field in shorter race distances, 25% of the field in longer race distances.
• Some of the down falls newbies face during racing include being disorganized, being surprised by the race course, experiencing emotional fatigue, having heighten external awareness (being hyper-aware of the people around them).
• Newbies can beat these problems by making sure that they have fun, they really get into race, focus on finishing, enjoy it enough to want to do it again, make sure to get fit for the race, know the course, learn competitive skills, set goals and achieve them.
• A runners physiology affects their emotional happiness as well. So athletes can prepare correctly by properly hydrating, consume electrolytes, intake enough calories, manage your heart rate, and being aware of the heat you are racing/training in.

Preventing Overheating While Racing

• Prevention of overheating is as simple as these few steps: slow down the pace, stay properly hydrated, be aware of environmental conditions, acclimatize, and listen to your body.
• Practice drinking fluids while training, this allows for your body to understand what it needs to stay properly hydrated as well as it allows for you to feel comfortable in-taking fluid while being active.
• Athletes should train in the heat if they are racing in the heat. This allows for the body to become accustom to the hot conditions and increases sweat glands.
• Athletes need to watch their sodium levels by utilizing electrolytes.

Injury and Injury Prevention

• Why do athletes get hurt? Two main reasons: acute injury or overuse. Overuse is the most common form of injury. And women are most likely to suffer from it.
• When is it good to say no and to stop pushing through the pain? When the mechanics of what you are doing changes. If the athlete begins to compensate for the pain they are feeling (by limping, shifting weight, etc) this is an indication of a major problem. By pushing through the pain, you run the risk of increasing the damage and being out for the season.
• Injury prevention begins with strength training, this should be done at least twice a week.

Here are some great videos taken from today (not by me).







Overall it was a wonderful day! Thank you MultiSport for putting on a wonderful conference stocked full of great information!

Keep your eyes on Happy Mother Runner because we will soon be chock full of awesome giveaways!

Until then...
Be Inspired, Stay Motivated, Run Strong!

Win a $25.00 American Express Card!

I am working on a series of posts that are dedicated to Racecations. Also know as building a vacation around a race. And I would love for you to be part of this series!

Ok..ok.. I know you are thinking "how the heck do I win a $25.00 American Express gift card?" and my answer is this:

Submit a picture of you on your favorite racecation to HappyMotherRunner@gmail.com.Your picture will be featured during one of my future racecation posts (so please only submit pictures you are ok with having online). You can submit a total of two pictures (either different races or two from the same race), and yes with two pictures your receive two giveaway entries.

Along with the picture I need you to provide the following information:

• Your Name (it will also be online, so if you only want your first name that is fine)
• Your place of residency
• A link to your blog, twitter, dailymile (anything you want your picture tagged to)
• The location of your racecation
• The name of the race
• The date of the race and vacation
• And why this was your favorite racecation

So your email should look like this:

Amanda (NYC) from www.happymotherrunner.com (Twitter:HappyMotherRun).
Walt Disney World Florida, Marathon Weekend (Jan 2012)

I love running Disney, because there is no other race like it. The feeling of running through the most magical place on earth is amazing. Plus recovery time consist of parades, rides, and awesome pool time with night time fireworks! *Picture taken after race at Animal Kingdom with my good pal Mickey Mouse*

For those of you who haven't had the chance to go on a racecation, don't worry you can enter also. Just send me (HappyMotherRunner@gmail.com) your dream racecation. Please submit the following:

• Your Name (it will also be online, so if you only want your first name that is fine)
• Your place of residency
• A link to your blog, twitter, dailymile (anything you want your picture tagged to)
• The location of your dream racecation
• The name of the race
• And why you dream about running and visiting.

One submission will be chosen at random (using random.org) to win the $25.00 American Express gift card! Told you it was pretty simple! You have until March 15th, 2012 (next Thursday) to send me your photos.

Be Inspired, Stay Motivated, Run Strong!

Winner of Disney Swag Giveaway

runDisney T-shirt Winner:
Congratulations to Heather Montgomery, the winner of the runDisney "In Training" Performance Tee giveaway! Please email HappyMotherRunner@gmail.com with your requested size and shipping address.

Runner-up Winner:
Congratulations to Megan from Running Towards the Prize, for being selected runner-up! You won the runDisney ''In Training'' Performance Mickey Mouse Cap! Please email HappyMotherRunner@gamil.com with your shipping address.

Good luck with all your Disney running and thank you for reading Happy Mother Runner!

Be Inspired, Stay Motivated, Run Strong!

**GIVEAWAY** Wardrobe Wednesday: My Recent Racing Outfits

** SWAG GIVEAWAY ALERT (read until the end for awesome swag)**

In this wardrobe Wednesday, I am highlighting my most recent racing outfit.
What I loved about this outfit is that it is bright and fun! I usually don't wear bright clothes, so I let myself go crazy when it comes to running gear. I find that the moment I put on a HOT/Bright color it motivates me to run stronger.

What I wore:
Shirt: Nike Legend Women's Training Shirt 
Shorts: Adidas Women's Marathon 10 Grete Short (The Adidas shorts are currently on sale for $14)
Socks: RunLove Compression Socks

What I love about the outfit, besides the color coordination and brightness, is that everything stayed in place. As a mommy who is still trying to lose the last bit of baby fat, I find that some running clothes easily ride up. The shirt stays in place nicely, the shorts don't cause chaffing.

 One lucky reader will become a owner of a pair of RunLove socks.

HOW TO WIN:
Comment below and tell me how you brighten up your run on such a cold and gloomy day.
That's it! Good luck and one lucky reader will be chosen on 1/28/2012.

Be Inspired, Stay Motivated, Run Strong!

Calling all Disney Lovers - Disney Swag Giveaway!

If you are like me, you love a Disney race. What I love just as much is training for one :)

Car I saw marathon weekend!

If you have read my previous post you know that I just finished marathon weekend at Disney with back to back halves. And I am still celebrating my awesome accomplishment and beautiful medals! I was even accepted into the Half Fanatics this week!

Celebrating with Mickey Mouse

To culminate this joyous occasion, one lucky reader will walk away a winner! I am giving away a Disney in Training T-shirt. If you are training for a Disney race, hope to train for one, just love Disney, or want more running apparel this is your giveaway!

How do you enter to win?
1. Put the following status on your Facebook: "I want to win @Happy Mother Runner Disney Swag Giveaway!"
OR
 2. Tweet (share your tweet url in the comments below) "I want to win Happy Mother Runner's (http://bit.ly/w2bTMU) Disney Swag Giveaway"

One lucky winner will be randomly selected on January 21, 2012.

Be Inspired, Stay Motivated, Run Strong!

Winner for November Giveaway Week 3

Congrats Karen Kidwell!! Please email HappyMotherRunner@gmail.com with your address! Happy Running!

The winner of the Headband Swag is...

Helene Melchert LaFaver! Congratulations on being the first winner of Novembers Bounty Giveaway! Helen, please email HappyMotherRunner@Gmail.com with your mailing address to receive your running gear! 
There will be another giveaway next week, please stay tuned. Happy Running to All!

November's Bounty Giveaway

As the title suggests, November is going to be filled with amazing goodness at Happy Mother Runner! Why? Well, I am giving away some AWESOME running swag! Each week in the month of November one lucky reader will win a nifty running gift.

How do you enter? Easy... sign up to follow me on my blog or like me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/HappyMotherRunner). If you do both, you are entered twice! I said it was easy :)

The grand prize gift is a Preppy Blue Athletic Skirt from runningskirts.com. Stay tuned to learn how to win this amazing piece of swag at the end of November!

Good Luck and Happy Running

NOVEMBER'S BOUNTY GIFT LIST
Gift #1: Headband Swag
White DANCE! Headband from Lululemon
Great for running, yoga, and everything in between. Made from luon, our signature fabric: breathable with 4-way stretch
Size: One size fit all
Value: $12.00

Blue Slipless Headband from Lululemon
Great for running, yoga, and everything in between. Sticky grip holds it in place
Size: One size fit all
Value: $9.00

Gift #2: Stay Hydrated On-The-Go!
Sigg 1L Sport Top Bottle from Lululemon
Super lightweight aluminum bottle. Contains no PVC, BPA or phthalates that might be harmful to your body. Internal coating does not retain smell or flavour and is bonded to the metal so it will last the lifetime of the bottle. Virtually unbreakable and fully recyclable when you're done with it. Swiss engineered, leak proof lid! Complies with all FDA health regulations
Value: $19.00

Gift #3:The Best Support System
Nike Victory Adjust X-Back Sports Bra
Ideal for high-impact sports like running, soccer, tennis and basketball. Adjustable shoulder straps and back closure for a fully customizable fit. Open mesh X-back for ventilation. Molded cups for separation, lift and shape
Size: S(C-D)
Value:$55.00

Gift #4: Keeping the Style
Spin Me Tank from Lululemon
Medium support and coverage tank with bra adjustability and a twist! Made for the gym, cycling or yoga. Made with super soft stretch luxtreme™ - lightweight, inherent wicking performance to keep you dry and comfortable. Wide mesh straps are wicking, and quick drying, with an anti-stink Chitosan finish. Mid length, body skimming fit - follows your curves but doesn't ride up. Mesh shelf bra comes with removable cups.
Size: 6
Value: $52.00

GRAND PRIZE - Gift #5: Running with Class
Preppy Blue Athletic Skirt from runningskirts.com
Super versatile navy, royal blue and pool argyle print with white heart detail in lightweight performance fabric. 2 Roomy Velcro closure pockets at the hips. Attached compression shorts with no chafe flat seams have a longer inseam for thigh protection and a fit that does not ride up. Inseam length 6-8".
Size: 4
Value:$68.00