If Your Friend Told You To Go Run A Marathon, Would You??

     I find myself preaching to my kids all of the time, "You are who you hang around with". One of my kiddos had an incident at school the other day and if one kid got in trouble, they all did. I admire the teacher who enforced that punishment. In fact, I applaud her.

     Moral to the story? If you don't want to be associated with something or someone, remove yourself from the situation. I found myself using the old phrase, You know the one...the one that your Mom used to tell you, "If your friends told you to go jump off a bridge, would you?"....

     This was a situation that turned out not-so-good for some of the kids. However, not all peer pressure is bad.

     The bridge phrase got me thinking.."How could I relate this concept to my own life?" The concept works and it's genius! Accountability or "pressure" between your peers can be a beautiful thing. 

     One of the reasons that I love the social media world so much is that I get to see a little glimpse of people either through a Facebook status, and Insta-moment, or through a 140 character clever statement. Granted, these little snippets are just that. Little snippets. Most likely, they do not represent that person's entire life or maybe they do. Some people post some things that I would just rather not see! But, for the most part, most of my friends post good things with a little drama thrown in every now and then. Not gonna lie, the drama makes for good late-night reading. ;) Personally, I do not share everything about my life on Social Media. There are just some things that only my close friends or family know and that is just the way I intend to keep it. #SorryNotSorryCreepers. 

     I say all of the above because I do love to see the progress, the dreams, the goals, and the accomplishments that my online friends post. Again, you ARE who you hang around with or who you communicate with. Online or off.

     There is nothing I love more than waking up on a Saturday or Sunday morning and seeing hundreds of my friends posing with medals that they earned, Garmins (or Nike+ Sport Watch in my case) full of miles they ran, families on vacation at Walt Disney World or just overall silliness that just makes me laugh. 

Social Ramblings :)

     I like to throw out a "good job", a "woohoo" or a "have a magical day"! I like to keep up with friends that I know are training for their first race, heading to Disney for their first time or ran their longest distance. Sure, it's a time-sucker but I find myself seeing those running posts and suddenly I feel the urge to get my training miles out there! Am I an over-poster?!? Probably so, but I don't really care. The last time I checked, my accounts were my accounts. I'm inspired daily by these posts and I hope someone out there is inspired by mine.

If you follow me on Instagram, then you know that I post most of my training runs.
And I'm totally OKAY with that.

     Lately, I've been training for several marathons and one of my BFF running partners, Carrie and I have decided to hold each other accountable. We don't really post it online but we are all about sticking it to each other. I could NEVER post some of the texts that we shoot off to each other. Some go like this..."Girl. No you didn't." or "Are you kidding me?" There's no sugar-coating it. Speak your mind. Keep it real....We need to be on the same page and since we live hundreds of miles from each other, this is the next best thing that we could do. We like to have a ballpark idea of where where we are in our training. So far so good. 

Keep Me posted.

          Having friends who run in your same circle is just a part of life. And we all know that life is full of its ups and downs. I just try to keep my circles as full with positive uplifting people as possible. I will have to say that I am having to go against what I preach to my kids just a bit though because when my girl Carrie asked me if I wanted to run the Full or the Half Marathon in Las Vegas...without two seconds of consideration, I asked her what she thought. She gave it two seconds and within a minute, we were in for the Full. So yeah, I guess we caved under each other's peer pressure but we will train hard and hold each other accountable. I like to say that we reached this decision together, just don't tell my kids. ;) 

My Circle of Peeps.

     I am half-heartedly joking when I said that about coming to the decision. We probably discussed it for about 5 minutes. Ha! Seriously, it's much easier to train or take that step out the door if you are being held accountable. So keep posting those runs, medals and inspiring quotes. Ya never know who just might need to see that at that very moment. And for those who don't want to see it?? Well, they can scroll past it and go on about their business. It's as simple as that. 

     So my ultimate question is this. "If your friend told you to go run a marathon, would you?" 

     Again, I will cave on this and answer not yes, but HECK YES! So, THANK YOU to all of my friends (online and off) who keep me striving to be a better runner and a better person. And to those who allow me to post my social media ramblings?? I owe you a HUGE Thank you! You actually "like" or "favorite" my silliness! My circles are full and my life is better because you are in it. :) 

Happy Running, Happy Rambling and Happy Marathon Training! 

     

Disclaimer: My friend Carrie and I really did come to the decision to run the Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas FULL Marathon vs. the Half Marathon within a 5 minute conversation. We are both bloggers for the Rock 'n' Roll Competitor series and will also run several runDisney events together throughout the remainder of 2014 and 2015.  However, running and registering for a marathon is not something that I take lightly. I do train very hard, eat properly and of course stay very hydrated. Please do not attempt to run a marathon without proper training.  The end result may not be a positive one for you. 

My Manitoba Harvest Review and Instagram Contest! #SweatPink

HempPro 70
Chocolate and Vanilla

     Being a runner, I am CONSTANTLY trying new protein powders. I usually drink at least one protein shake a day so needless to say, I want to use products that are healthy, low in sugar and that will not upset my stomach. 

     I've said it before, I'm not much of a breakfast eater so protein shakes work for me. This week, I am trying out HempPro 70 in Chocolate and Vanilla. 

Information on HempPro 70:

*The only water soluble hemp protein powder on the market.  It's super smooth and it doesn't need to be mixed by a blender or vita mix.  Unless of course you want to whip up a tasty smoothie.

* Pure plant based protein that's 95% digestible.  There are only four ingredients in either flavor of HempPro 70. 

* Sweetened with organic coconut sugar - so it's low on the glycemic index.

* Protein and Omegas! Our Vanilla flavor has 15g of protein and our Chocolate flavor has 14grams, both are chalked full of Omegas!

Chocolate HempPro 70 Protein Shake.
Roll Tide. ;)

     I tried Chocolate first and I mixed the sample packet with straight up Vitamin D whole milk (that's what we drink in my house) and mixed it up with a regular spoon. It was a little clumpy but not too bad. Maybe I didn't mix it up enough??

     I have kicked the sugar habit so this protein powder was good for me. It was not sweet at all. It was definitely not like a glass of chocolate milk (to me, chocolate milk is much sweeter)....there was a little more "protein" flavor than plain chocolate milk. I can REALLY taste the cocoa powder goodness. This product is probably used best when mixed into other beverages (smoothies, coconut water etc.).

     Next up, I tried the Vanilla flavor a few days later for a quick breakfast protein shake. For whatever reason, the vanilla was alot less clumpy than the chocolate flavor and was really good too! I did the same thing with this sample and mixed it with Whole Vitamin D Milk. Again, I would drink this product the way I mixed it or would mix it in with my regular smoothie recipe for added protein.

Vanilla Hemp Pro70.

     Overall, I really liked these products and would continue to use them. Selling points for me were that they were plant-based, only contained four ingredients, and are low in sugar and calories! Sold!

11oz. HempPro70 Vanilla
available online

Ingredients: Hemp protein concentrate, organic coconut sugar, organic vanilla flavor, natural plant extracts.

Nutritional information for Vanilla HempPro70.

11oz. Chocolate HempPro70
available online.

Ingredients: Hemp protein concentrate, organic coconut sugar, organic fair trade cocoa powder, natural plant extracts.

Nutritional Information for Chocolate HempPro70.

Now for the fun part of this blog post!

Contest Alert!

Share the hemp love and you could WIN! Snap a pic and tag on either Instagram or tweet to @ManitobaHarvest, and use the hashtag #pro70 in your comment. Do this, and you are automatically entered a win a case of your favorite flavor! Don't forget to specify if you would like to win Chocolate or Vanilla!

Good Luck! Hurry! Contest ends 9/30/2014

For more information on these products and other plant-based Manitoba Harvest products, please visit ManitobaHarvest.com

Disclaimer: I was provided free samples from FitApproach and Manitoba Harvest in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own!

Runner's World Magazine Gets a Makeover! #ANewRW

The October of the redesigned Runner's World Magazine

     Have you heard the news?!? Beginning in October, Runner's World Magazine is getting a makeover!

     I'm so excited to hear this news. I've been a subscriber to Runner's World Magazine for as long as I've been running (almost 8 years now) and not that there's anything really wrong with the content of the magazine or the cover models that they have now but it's just time for a change!  Previously, there are Celebs, Olympians, and just overall fantastic runners that have graced the cover....all good models to feature on the cover. However, the new October issue will feature a "real" runner and will cover content that focuses on the "real" runner. It's a "magazine for all runners". That's crazy important to me!!!

     As most of you know, I'm not an Olympian, am far from the speedy type, most likely will never be able to run NYC or Boston Marathon (not based on qualifying time), don't have a perfect cover model body and do not have a flawless running form. I am full of flaws, people!!!! But what I do have is a deep passion for running, am genuinely interested in products that work or don't work, love reading about races around the world and am just an overall marathon running nerd. I feel like I'm about to subscribe to something new but something that's familiar also. Told ya that I am a nerd. ;) 

     I read the editor's letter on the Runner's World Website about all of the changes coming to the magazine and I will be stalking my mailbox for when it hits the newsstands on September 9th! I know that change can be hard but sometimes it's just so necessary. I am sure that the Runner's World readers will see the benefits in the change. And to the new cover model, Micah Risk, YOU GO GIRL!!  That girl has a 3:18 Marathon PR and is a working Mom from Boston. And she's REAL. I love it!!! 

Happy Running and Happy Reading! 

 

Ohana! I love my Maui Jim's!

Happiness in the form of Maui Jim Sunglasses!
I chose the Honomanu in Antique Gold/HCL Bronze

     As part of a campaign with Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon Weekend, I was given the opportunity to try out a pair of Maui Jim Sunglasses. I will be honest and tell you that I really didn't know too much about this company when I first received the news so I dug around on their website and learned a little bit about them. They seem like a super cool and friendly company with a great product! I've always dreamed of visiting Hawaii, so this got me dreaming a little...they had me at  "Ohana". :)

Via the Maui Jim Website:

HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Now the fastest growing premium polarized sunglass maker in the world, Maui Jim got its start in 1980 as a small company selling sunglasses on the beach in Lahaina, Hawaii. Seeing a need in the market for technology that could combat intense glare and harmful UV while bringing the brilliant colors of the island to life, our fledgling company engineered the revolutionary PolarizedPlus® lens. Incorporated into seven new sunglass styles, our Classic Collection was introduced. And with that, we have steadily built a cult following.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE MILESTONES
Over the years, Maui Jim has continued to offer our fans high-performance design developments. In 2004, PolarizedPlus2® technology revolutionized the sunglass market - patented, color-enhancing treatments in the form of rare earth elements were added to our lenses to really pop the colors your eye takes in.
In 2006, our new 24,000 sq ft state-of-the-art direct surfacing lab was built to ensure precision prescription optics. A year later, we introduced MauiReaders®. MauiPassport™  followed in 2008, offering prescription wearers wide views and outstanding acuity. That same year, our new MauiHT™  lens brought clarity to low-light conditions.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE VIEW
The Aloha Spirit permeates our philosophy at Maui Jim. Our "ohana" (Hawaiian for family) is passionate about creating the best sunglasses on the planet. Because at the end of the day, we want to see the world at its best - and we know that you do, too, no matter where you live. Aloha, friends!

     I chose the Honomanu style. I have wanted a pair of Aviator-style sunglasses to run in so this was a no-brainer for me. I went to the website, clicked on "Women's", then under "Activity", I chose running and there they were! This particular style is also made for a wide face. Perfect for me! I'm not a tiny-might so I appreciate that. The rims are a durable tortoise shell and even though the lenses are bronze, they do not make you think it's some weird color outside. I don't feel like they are too flimsy to run in either. I will run in them and wear them out and about too!

First run in my Maui Jim's!
I'm in LOVE!

Now for the real test...time to run in my Maui Jim's!

     I took my Maui Jim's out for the their first test run today! I got a cool 5 miles in and they were absolutely FABULOUS!!! I can honestly say that they did not slip once, were crystal clear and did not press into my temples. Great fit and I think they make me look pretty cool too. ;)

      Thank you Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series and Maui Jim for letting me try these out! I'm a new fan and am happy to be a member of the Maui Jim ohana! :)

**Make sure to stop in at the Health and Fitness Expo and say Hi to the folks at the Maui Jim if you will be attending one of the Rock 'n' Roll Series events!

Disclaimer: I am a blogger for Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series and was given a pair of Maui Jim Sunglasses of my choice to review and try out. All opinions are my own, however, I love these sunglasses so I'm giving them an extra dose of Bamagirlruns love. :)

Marathon(s) Training Update

Ready to #RunDega! 

      Its been a few weeks since I've updated my training runs here on my blog. The reason? I keep adding races!! Help my soul. Not only did I add in Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas  but I chose to run the FULL MARATHON option! That changed everything. I knew that I would be ready for Chicago Marathon  but to follow it up a few weeks later with Vegas?? Ok. Now I'm starting to stress!

      I'm changing several of the things now that I've been doing lately. I'm really focusing on my diet...Not trying to lose weight, just trying to eat a little "cleaner". I struggle with getting breakfast down so I'm making a concious effort to get some sort of breakfast in. Protein shakes, oatmeal, yogurt and banana are about all that I can handle.

     Another thing that I'm doing is working on my core. I want abs, dangit. That's the one thing that I read about in the running mags....get your core strong! Not to mention it just looks better. The crunches are a killer but I do think that they are working!

     Last week I got in 2 6-mile runs, a 10-miler, and 2 3-mile runs. Not bad.  Looking ahead to next week:

3 miles

5 miles

8 miles

12 miles

     Nothing too exciting going on right now...just trying to knock out the miles. I will be really excited to run Talladega Half Marathon in a few weeks. If I'm going to get a long run in, I like to get a medal in the end. Talladega is also one of my favorite races so it's a win/win for me! I'm keeping my eyes on the prize!

See my full Dopey Challenge training schedule here.

Happy Running and Happy Marathon Training!

FlipBelt Review and Discount Code!

My FlipBelt...I chose Carbon (Dark Grey).

     As part of a #SweatPink and FitApproach Campaign, I was given the opportunity to review a FlipBelt! I was really excited about this because I have owned other belts and am not too fond of a fanny-pack type thing over my running clothes. I like to run as light as possible and don't want things bouncing around. I've got enough of that back there and don't need to add any more if you know what I mean. ;)

     First I was given the option of what color and size FlipBelt that I wanted to order. I was so torn! I really liked the bright fun colors but ended up going with the dark grey (Carbon) option. I chose functional (something that I could wear with lots of things). I'm all about getting the most bang for my buck.

A Rainbow of options!

Royal Blue

Neon Green

Lime

Jet Black

Hot Pink

Nuclear Yellow

Carbon (Dark Grey)

Aqua

Neon Punch

Violet

     I measured my waist and decided that I would need a size Medium. Not ever owning one of these before and having to order online, I was a little apprehensive as to what size would be too big or fit just right. I read some reviews and decided that I would want it to fit a little more snug. I don't want it to stretch either and be too big.

More info on FlipBelt:
*A sleek way to carry phones, cards, keys and cash
*Easy Multi-Access Openings
*Turn to Lock in Items
*Reflective Logo
* Machine Wash and Dry
*Slide Items Anywhere
*No bouncing
*No chafing

aLOKSAK--Water Proof 3"x6" Bags Qty 3
These were listed on the website and although I did not receive any of these,
I  am seriously thinking about purchasing some! I can think of one million uses for them...
back up battery pack, camera, phone, lip gloss etc. :)

     First, I'm a big nerd so I wore it around my house for a day. I wanted to see how it fit doing daily activities. I know that it's a fitness belt, but it can totally be worn underneath your normal clothing when you need to be "hands-free".  On a sidenote, one thing about me: I listen to music all day long so I love the idea of having my phone next to me as I'm zipping around the house without having to hold it.

     My phone fits inside the belt but I'm not sure that I would run with it inside of the pockets (I'm a live tweeter, instagrammer etc. when I run). However, I did snap a couple of pics with my camera inside so you can see the fit.  This belt will be perfect for holding all of my essentials while I run....ID, Debit Card, Money, Gels and Lip Gloss. ;)

     There's also a little hook inside one of the pockets. Hello Safety Pin holder!!!

     Here's a pic of the FlipBelt around my waist. It fits snug and seamless! It is not bulky AT ALL and I can barely tell that its on underneath my clothing. In this pic, I have not "Flipped" my belt....I will flip it to lock in my items when I run!
 

Bathroom Selfie Time!
Yes, I'm standing on my tub and I apologize for the toothpaste on the mirror. #RealLifeProbs

The fit is perfect and it seamless against my shorts.

Pockets are big enough for my camera.

I can wear this on my hip. :)

     Now for the REAL TEST....Running with the FlipBelt on! Here are my thoughts.....

FlipBelt flipped during my run.

        I tucked my lip gloss, a few of my business cards (so I could tell if things would get wet or not), a keychain (because it was a little bulky) and a gel inside my pockets and I set out for a 10 mile run on my treadmill.  After I tucked everything in, I flipped my belt over to lock the items in place. My belt did not budge. It stayed exactly where I put it until I got to mile four and had to reach in for my lip gloss. Apparently, I'm not a good flipper because when I put it back in the pocket and flipped it again (while running), my lip gloss flew out! I think I will work on my flipping skills while running. :)

Things definitely get wet from being tucked in side of the FlipBelt
so the waterproof baggies are a much needed accessory.

     The next thing that I noticed about my belt is that it was soaking wet. My shorts were soaked too so no big surprise there. That was not necessarily a bad thing for me. The directions say machine washable so I'm good with that!

     Other than my minor flipping issue, I really like my FlipBelt and will definitely recommend it to anyone! I kind of like it unflipped better though....seems a little less bulky (flatter) and I like the extra support around my hips.

     This product could not have come at a better time for me as I have (3) 5K's, (2) 10K's, (1) 10-Miler, (6) Half Marathons and (3) Full Marathons on the schedule from now until February 2015. Did I just type that out loud?? Woah. I'll be putting the miles on my FlipBelt!

Use Code SWEAT33 for 10% off to order your FlipBelt and let your love for FlipBelt be heard! Click to Tweet! <a href="http://ctt.ec/0eW_0"><img src="http://clicktotweet.com/img/tweet-graphic-1.png" alt="Tweet: Run, play, explore with #FlipBelt! Use the code sweat33 for 10% OFF your entire purchase!http://ctt.ec/9fPaF+ @flipbelt @fitapproach" /></a>

Discount Code expires 9/4/2014.

Happy Running and Happy Marathon Training!

**Where do you put all of your "stuff" when you run or workout??

Disclaimer:  I received a FlipBelt in exchange for my review as part of a SweatPink/Fitapproach Campaign. All opinions are my own. However, I really like this product so it receives an extra dose of Bamagirlruns love. :)

The Dirt on The Dirty Dash!

     While we have some REALLY GREAT races in my home state of Alabama, but sometimes I see other races that I wish I could run! I learned about The Dirty Dash and it looks like a pig-sty load of fun! (Pun totally intended).

     On the website, they claim that The Dirty Dash is "the race that puts all other races to shame". Woah. You know I had to check this one out! How much fun does this look?!?

More information regarding The Dirty Dash:

     Well, welcome to a new kind of race: THE DIRTY DASH. This race that puts all other races to shame. The Dirty Dash is a mud run obstacle course where a military boot camp meets your inner five-year-old’s fantasy and subsequently converts boy to man and then man to swine.

You’ll need endurance to trudge up mountains of sludge, courage to overcome uncompromising obstacles, a complete lack of shame to wallow in pits of mud and a smile to show through at the end!

     So let this mud run obstacle course become your new guilty pleasure. Go solo or with some of your dirtiest, filthiest, & uncouth friends. Either way, you’ll be able to look at yourself in the mirror and say, “I am a Dirty Dasher!”… and then proceed to clean yourself off.

Interested in running the Dirty Dash in your area? Use Code 20DD for 20% off your registration.

--8/23/2014 New Mexico, NM

--9/06/2014 Missoula, Montana

--9/13/2014 Utah Fall, Utah

--9/28/2014 Virginia Beach, Virginia

**Happy Running and Happy Dirty Dashing. :)

New Races Added To My Race Calendar! #stripatnight #runkeywest

     I've been working on the details of my 2014-2015 race calendar and I'm super excited to say that I will be adding two races that have been on my race bucket list for a while now! As I am training for Chicago Marathon and Dopey Challenge, I've got a ton of long runs to get in... I want bling if I'm going to be putting in all of those miles!

     Both of these races are brand new to me (which I love a new race) and I never thought in a million years that I would be crossing these races off of my list. I'm incredibly honored for the opportunity to be able to run in such awesome places!

     First, I will be joining forces again as a Rock 'n' Blogger with the great team over at the Rock 'n' Roll Series/Competitor Group and will be running the #StripAtNight! This will be my second Rock 'n' Roll event. I absolutely LOVED running Country Music Marathon in Nashville back in the spring so I knew it would definitely not be my last. I think I'm hooked. ;) 

     I've had my eye on Las Vegas for about seven years now and when they moved the race to be a night race a few years ago, I knew that this had to happen! I'm a night runner so this totally up my alley! I feel an Elvis costume coming on. Thank ya very much. ;) 

     Registration for this event is still open. Check out the deets here.

Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon & 1/2
November 14-16, 2014

     The next race that I will be adding to my calendar came as a TOTAL surprise to me Sunday night from the fabulous guys over at The Run Chat ! I'm running the Key West Half Marathon!! I knew that Runner's World Magazine had proclaimed this race to be one of the best and of course, I thought it was just out of my league. Much to my surprise, won an entry!!! 

I still cannot believe this!!!! OMG!!

Key West Half Marathon
January 18, 2015

     This course is BEAUTIFUL, the event shirts and medals are very unique and the race weekend is just perfect for me. I'm in love with this race already!!! 

     As it turns out, this race is the weekend after Dopey Challenge so I'm thinking I will just have to stay in Florida for another week. I'm not sure of all of the legistics just yet and haven't told my hubby either so I may have to surprise him with this trip...I'm thinking I might do that after he crosses the finish line of Chicago Marathon. :))) 

     I did hear that these room sell out fast so if anyone has any tips or suggestions for accommodations, I'd love to hear them. There are so many options and they all look excellent. This is going to be a hard decision! 

     So there ya have it. I'm so excited about these races that I can hardly stand it. Run chat will be giving away more entries to the Key West Half Marathon all month so be sure to tune in and try to snag one for yourself! And then come find me in gorgeous Key West!!! 

     I'm so grateful for these great opportunities and I cannot wait to share my experiences with everyone...Follow along as I'm sure I will be posting zillions of pics on Instagram. :) #BamagirlrunsLasVegas and #BamagirlrunsKeyWest 

Happy Running and Happy New Race Running! 

**Have you ran multiple races in a single race series??

Some Fans Can Just Be Jerks. Period.

      Sunday afternoon was spent at Bryant Denny Stadium with my kiddos and hubby. It's a tradition. We have been going to Alabama Football's Fan Day for as long I can remember. It's the one time that my kids can be up close and personal with the players, grab lots of autographs from the players and coaches and even get a few pics with Big AL and the cheerleaders. It's a laid back super fun day in Tuscaloosa. We usually make our Christmas card on the field. Yes, we are those people. :) #RollTideYall

Traditional Family Photo on the Field!

     This day was no different until......right at the very end of the autograph session in the middle of the field, yes the middle of the football field, the players were walking back to the end zone. It was crazy busy and hectic. One of the players, (pretty sure it was Austin Shepherd), stopped and asked my boy if he wanted his football gloves. My boy was over the moon excited!! He said "here ya go buddy".  We spotted #85 Malcom Faciane and got a quick pic with him. I turned around and was trying to get a pic of my girls with another player and that's when it happened.

Love this picture so much more now.

     Apparently, some jerk had seen the player hand my boy his gloves. As I was turned around there was a man that told my little guy that he was a manager and needed the gloves back. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??  I didn't see it happen but my boy said as soon as the man walked off he handed the gloves to a little boy (maybe 5 years old). He just took something away from my boy that he was so proud of. I mean, WHAT KIND OF PERSON DOES THAT?? That's like snatching away a homerun baseball that a kid is trying to catch. Seriously. Grown men need to GROW UP.

     I didn't realize this was happening. It was very hectic. The players and fans were being rushed off of the field. The announcers were telling everyone to leave. My boy started telling me what happened. My husband didn't even see it either. It happened within two seconds.

     What REALLY makes my blood boil about this situation is that I could go buy my boy some new gloves. Heck, I could have stood on the field and ordered them from Nike.com from my phone. That's not the point. Is this guy REALLY going to snatch something like that from an 11 year old kid?? COME ON. That was a jerk thing to do.

     What that jerk doesn't realize is that my boy can't EVER play tackle football. That's right I said EVER. I don't talk about this too much because we try not to make a big deal about it at home. Justin has Von Willebrands disease (bleeding disorder) and when he was around two years old we heard these words from the Pediatrician. "I'm sorry. He can play sports, just not contact sports. No football, no wrestling, no diving on the swim team". At that moment, there was a look on my husbands face that I never want to see again. For the love, we live in the heart of the SEC. My husband was the quarterback of his football team. We eat, breathe, sleep Alabama football here. Crazy I know but that's just the way it is.

     We are a competitive and sporty family. That's just the way that we are wired. Now I do not care if my boy EVER plays a down of football in his life. In fact, it's probably a good thing. I am thankful and blessed that he is here and that contact sports are his only set back. It could be MUCH worse. However, that doesn't help when he tells me that he wants to be on the team. He wants to wear a jersey to school. All of his friends play and he can't. He's fast and he's a big boy. He's "ALL-BOY"...people ask me CONSTANTLY why I don't let him play. Then I have to go into the spill. ugh.

     I'm really trying to not be a spoiled sport about this but my "Mama Bear" has kicked in and I hope that guy thinks about what he did. Clearly, he doesn't know how many times I've tucked my little guy in at night and wiped away tears. He doesn't know how many heart to hearts I've had about playing football. He doesn't know that I've told my boy ONE THOUSAND times..."Just think, If you're not playing football, then you can be their biggest fan ever." No I don't really think he knows that.

     It's not about the gloves. It's about treating people decently. I had to tell my boy that there are just mean people in the world and people will go to ANY length to get things that they want. They are just gloves and one day I'm sure something really good will come of all this. But in the meantime, my heart was just crushed for him. Unfortunately, this is a life lesson that he just had to learn.

Proud Mom Moment. 

     Regardless, we will still go to Fan Day again next year. We still love our Crimson Tide, we made great memories Sunday and we know that there are just idiots out there in the world. It doesn't make it any better but it does give me consolation in knowing that I can teach my kids how NOT to treat people. Perhaps the lesson in all of this is much better than any pair of football gloves. And for that, I am thankful. :) 

#FFPushUp Challenge Complete!

     Last month I decided to participate in the Fitfluential #FFPushUp Challenge. Hence the pic above. #GunShow #Lol

     Who am I kidding?!? I'm no good at strength training. I can run for hours and hours non-stop but am a total wimp when it comes to upper body strength. Clearly, I'm not good at cleaning my bathroom either. Sorry about the clothes on the tub and toothpaste on the mirror. Whoops! Cleaning all day is just not my thing.

I'm changing that! The strength training, that is... ;) 

     It's depressing every month when I get my Runner's World or Women's magazine and I see those fabulous models with chiseled beautiful arms when they run. And please don't let me look at the Athleta catalog! I don't even notice the clothes because of those ripped girls. I mean, those girls have rocking bods. Not ashamed to say I'm totally jealous! 

     So what is the #FFPushup Challenge?! I committed to do 31 push-ups everyday for the 31 days of July. Fitfluential designs a different challenge each month to spice up your workouts! Sounds easy enough right?!? Omg. No. My arms are Jell-o. That's right, mushy gushy wiggly Jell-o. 

     The first few days were OK but by day  5, I wanted to call it quits. I kept pushing through...sore arms and all. By day 20, I was finally starting to see results. Not much but a tiny tiny little bit of results. By day 27, I was starting to actually like it and by day 31, I didn't want it to end! 

     I've decided to continue on through the month of August and see how it goes. I'm adding in double the amount of crunches that I do too. Now I want abs. Maybe by the last day of August, I will be able to post a pic with real "guns" and abs and not my flabby old lady arms with a pudge tummy :) 

     Just for kicks I added up my total. 931 Push-ups later and I had achieved my goal. No wonder I've got sore arms! 

      I'm ready to take on another 931 more. Get ready magazine girls...It's going to be a GunShow throwdown..BamaGirl Style! Ha!

*Have you ever taken on a Fitness Challenge? Did you stick with it?