Who are You??

594? 594? REALLY? I feel so blessed to have 594 people who have hit the "Follow" button on Tall Mom to join the Bloggy Pack!! This week and the next couple weeks I will be a bit off my usual running, work, life schedule due to Jury Trial... BUT I would love love to spend this time getting to know YOU..

CHALLENGE:

• Leave a comment giving me a quick bio to introduce yourself. If you are a WA local please let me know :) If you have a Blog leave the link in the comment, that way others can get to know you too!!
• Those of you I "know" tell me something I may not know :)
• If you do not feel comfortable leaving a comment email me at tallmomontherun (at) hotmail.

HINT- those who leave a comment on this post will be automatically entered in the next Tall Mom Giveaway.. Which is sponsored by CSN HERE where you can buy everything from LIGHTS to purses... You won't want to miss it!!

Test Lab Tuesday

On Sunday my buddy Tan Jen (TJ) and I were able to meet EARLY for a 13.1 mile jaunt on our favorite trail. They day after my 5K, I probably should have taken it SLOW but Jen and I clipped along and ended with a 1:56 and some change Half Marathon. I felt GREAT up until mile 10 when my energy was totally ZAPPED!! Half Marathons 2 weekends in a row. It is tough to stick to a Half Training plan when most of my running buddies are training for Marathons. I figure I will run the miles with them until they get in the 20's then have to go solo.

One GREAT thing on this run was my new Nathan Speed 4 Fuel Belt.

Note the random dude on a bike in the photo, HI!!

I own the 2 bottle version, the Speed 2 and I LOVE IT! But I need more water in the summer month and for anything over 10 miles. I was worried about the weight around my waist with 4 bottles, but this belt fit AMAZING and I did not notice it at all. I love my handhelds, but it was super to have my hands free.

The front of the belt has a zipper pocket with I put my license, money and chapstick, I did not test my Blackberry in the pocket, not sure if it would fit?? But it was good to have my valuables zipped away.

The back of the belt is all about RACING. It has an easy open pouch perfect to easily access Gu's and chomps, I carried 2 Gu's and a sleeve of chomps and had lots of room. And there is a hook for a car key! The back 2 bottles are different than the front, the spout has a quick sip top for a fast drink and no fuss. I LOVE these bottles and am almost tempted to buy 2 more and have the whole belt with them. All in all I give this HIGH marks! I see many runs and races in my Nathan Speed 4 in the future. Visit the website HERE to learn more.

The Bloggy world has been ATTACKED by a trend, HEADBANDS! I love love my Bondibands, but this time of year it is a little too hot with my thick hair. So I was PUMPED to test this Cute thin headband from Deshler Designs HERE . I am generally a visor girl, but I think the Headbands are so feminine and cute! I have always been a bows in my hair type of girl (believe it or not). I braided my hair so there were no flyaways to hold back, the headband stayed put and looked CUTE! Speaking of CUTE, Emily is going to make our team "Will Run for Ice Cream" Ice Cream Ribbon Headbands. I am so excited! she is flexible and willing to work with you, so go to Etsy and SHOP!!

Matchy Matchy! I have 3 pairs of shoes with red as the main color and 1 red tank top.. I will be reviewing Somnio shoes in the weeks to come, but first I have to wash my tank. I am soooo addicted to matching. I used to race in just Spandex compression type shorts, because I have Mommy thighs and I need to be comfortable.

My FAVORITE pair is from Moving comfort HERE, the shorts are tight and long. Don't ride up and help alleviate chaffing. I could not wear running skirts without them. Paired together with a Skirt I feel cute and comfortable.

For my most Recent 5K I also wore the Bracelet that Gone For a Run Sent me to test. Mine says "Never Back Down," and looks like the bracelet above. It is almost like a hair tie and can be pushed up the arm if you want it tighter. I don't usually wear bracelets in races, but sometimes it is FUN to have an inspirational message on the Run. Check out ALL of the Gone for a Run Bracelets HERE. If you LIKE Gone for a Run shopping check out Angie HERE and Melissa HERE, these lovely ladies are hosting Gone for a Run GIVEAWAYS!!

• I was summoned for Jury Duty. After just 1 day I am really enjoying learning something entirely new. This also means I will not have computer/phone/Internet access for most of the week.. So hang with me :)
• If you have an item you would like reviewed on TEST LAB TUESDAY please email me at tallmomontherun (@) hotmail

HAPPY TUESDAY!!

My Weaknesses

"Success is achieved by developing our strengths,

not by eliminating our weaknesses."

Marilyn von Savant

Have you ever thought about how your weaknesses can eventually become your strengths? I still remember when I threw shot put in high school. I could do the footwork. I tried but my body would not comply. This was a weakness for sure compared to some of the girls spinning around the circle. My strengths? Long strong arms and an explosive follow-through. I used my strengths, made up my own version of the footwork, and placed second in State my senior year.

Why am I telling you this? First, because I have jury duty today so I only have time for a quick post. Second, and more importantly, to tell you do not eliminate your weaknesses!! Find ways to make your strength shine, learn from your weaknesses and keep moving!

HAPPY MONDAY!

Enumclaw Street Fair 5K

The night before the race was clear and warm. Full moon high in the sky before darkness set in. I snapped this photo of Mount Rainier from our back porch.
Race morning I wore my Deshler Design polka dot headband HERE, running skirt and Brooks Green Silence shoes. The weather was perfect about 66', there was a large crowd when I checked in, so I thought it would be best to find the Honey Buckets. The men in front of me in line were FUNNY and noticed my bright shoes.

With 10 minutes to go I was out of line and back with hubby, we snapped a couple photos.

The race was even chip timed, VERY COOL!!

It was pretty sunny, so we tried this photo again in the shade.

Getting a 4+++ year old and a 2++ year old to pose for a photo is FUN (sarcasm).

I decided to get in position early, I was alone until a beautiful blond woman started chatting with me. She had a bright blue shirt with sparkly glitter, my kind of gal!! She introduced herself as Erika, a nd let me know that she reads Tall Mom. AWESOME! I love meeting new people, we exchanged a High Five and I got glittered :) Pre-race sparkles.

• The race directors made an announcement about where the 6 minute miler should be and Erika left me. I was hoping for 6:45 pace, so I stayed up front. We were warned about the single track dirt trail...URGH! My Green Silence are road shoes, not dirt trail or gravel.. I chatted with a tall fit woman who was most likely in my age group. And we were OFF!
  

Muscle Man the photog, I always flash him a smile at the start and a grunt at the end :)

The woman to the right of the photo is Delene, she is very lean and made for running. I WISH I could have kept up with her!! I positioned myself with young guys, fit older men and Delene, in retrospect I should not have been so close to the front. Once we reached the single track I noticed I was going WAY TOO FAST! This is a classic Tall Mom Mistake. I go out fast, then CRASH. Not a smart race strategy. I slipped and struggled to find my footing on the little trail through the weeds. Once out I immediately got a side ache. Mile 1 chimed 6:26... Hence the side ache, that was 20 seconds faster than plan.

• Yep not even half way and I was STRUGGLING! Just then I was passed by two lovely blond teenagers. I wanted to stay in second, but my pace was slowing, I settled for 4th. The turn around a little backpack and I could not get my pace below 7's. Mile 2 chimed 7:18, wow I had slowed significantly. My confidence took a punch as a woman who appeared to be my age passed. I could not speed up! Erika passed on the opposite side and cheered me on, I wanted soooo badly to make her proud, I love that she took the time to cheer. I also spotted Sarah my Facebook buddy and former basketball competition in high school.

Back to the trail and I stopped looking at my watch, I knew it was BAD! Another woman passed me. Defeated I TRIED to speed up. The last stretch was PAINFUL, why do I sign up for these races when I am not ready????

I have been training for Marathons, I need to rethink my training if I want to have a strong 5K all the way to the Finish.

Although I did not follow my race plan, I finished with a race PR!! 21:38, which is 6:58 pace. I love that I could finish with sub 7's, although I wish it would have been consistent. 3rd in my age group and I think 6th or 7th female. Delene got a 20:01 and made her Grandpa proud, we chatted for a bit post race.

• The Little Studs were getting fussy, I like to wait for the announcements and to cheer others on, but it was clear our kids were DONE. Family had to come first. We perused the street fair ending with the Firefighter booth.
  

The Little Studs each got a hat and badge and the GREAT Firefighter let the boys sit in the truck.

All in all it was a fun day. I made a fatal mistake, but still ended with a race I can be proud of. I plan to work on speed and consistency to get ready for a comeback 5K in August.

• How did your weekend go?

High Five Friday

Hello Sports fans!! (I have always wanted to say that) And welcome to FRIDAY! This has been a LONG and busy week for me, so I am excited to unleash some pent up STRESS at my 5K race tomorrow!! The little town of Enumclaw will play host to a 5K road race, if my legs don't give me issues I should get a PR!! When you wear shoes like these you are pretty much forced to run FAST.

Yes Sports fans (there I go again) my Brooks Green Silence HERE will be making their racing debut tomorrow. With a matching red and black outfit. These shoes are super light weight and cozy, like running in nothing, perfect for a FAST 5K.
And the talented Emily Deschler at Deschler Designs HERE sent me an adorable black polka dot headband to top the outfit. So if you are in Enumclaw and see a TALL gal in a red tank, running skirt, crazy McDonalds looking shoes and a polka dot headband, say "Hi" I will be HARD to miss :)

My running has been less than stellar this week. Yesterday my awesome Boss bought the office lunch, SCORE!! Then I got a text from my college buddy that she was bringing her 3 kiddos and hubby for a visit. No time to run, but so worth every non running minute!! My legs are WELL RESTED!

Some links are missing, I hope to get them added tonight. Click names to go to websites :)

High Five Racing & Events:
Rachel- San Francisco Marathon

Jill- San Francisco Marathon
Aron- 2nd Half of the San Francisco Marathon
Amanda- 2nd Half of the San Francisco Marathon

Katie A- 2nd Half of the San Francisco Marathon
Runsher- Queens Half Marathon

Kim- Lacamas Half Marathon
Diva Mom- 10 miler
Chris (Sticky Fingerprints)- First 10K
Jill- Ragnar NW relay
Little Jill- Triathlon
Bethany- Triathlon
Marlene- 5K portion of Tri relay
Janna- 10K
Kate- Mud Mountain 5K Sat and Peach Pedal bike race Sun.
Morning Runner- 5K
Kelly- Lumberjack 5K

Kimert- 5K
Sarah- 1.5 mile run

High Five Congrats:
Shelly- Completed 100 consecutive runs
Katye- 1 year of running and becoming a TNT Coach
Jesse- 2 years of running
Tonia- CONGRATS on the new business HERE

High Five Happy Birthday:
Alisa and CONGRATS on the house!!

High Five Giveaways:
Click the name to link to websites, please tell them Tall Mom Sent you. Thanks to TMB HERE for letting me copy her list ;)

The (Mis)adventures of a Jogging Stroller Mom: CSN Giveaway
My Reason to Run: Gu Giveaway
Endurance Isn't Only Physical: GoLite Giveaway
One Run at a Time: Scape Sunscreen Giveaway
Racing With Babes: Nuu-Muu Giveaway
Rad Runner: Alo Clothing Giveaway
Barefoot Angie Bee: Gone For A Run Giveaway
I'm a Sleeper Baker: I Run Like A Girl Giveaway
My Life as a Tri-Mommy: Nuu Muu Giveaway

• What do you deserve a HIGH FIVE for today??
• The WINNERs of the Lift Your Sole Giveaway will be announced HERE in the next few minutes.

HIGH FIVE ITS FRIDAY!!!

LAST CHANCE

I will Accept entries to the Giveaway HERE until tomorrow morning at 7:00AM. So go HERE, Check it out and ENTER!!! Thanks to JILL at Lift Your Sole and her amazing talent. Go SHOP HERE!

PS. I know it is a PAIN to have to go to 2 blogs....to Thank you, you get an extra entry by leaving a comment here...Answer the Question: When is your next race? .....But you will only get credit for an entry AFTER you have entered on Tall Mom Giveaways :)

Beware of Blue Ice Packs

My Half PR training plan called for 5 miles yesterday. I set out on my lunch hour and I was SORE!! My knees ached, I felt OLD and GROSS! After about 1 mile, my knees were better then my right Hamstring twinged.. URGH!! I had the same issue just before the Eugene Marathon.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!!

As a Runner to avoid injury LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. At 1.5 miles I reversed the route, headed back to the office with 3 miles total and called it a day. I am not sure what is up with my hamstring?? Cutting out 2 miles is worth avoiding an injury.

WORKED A LONG DAY AND HEADED HOME...After my shower my knees were still aching so I plopped down and put on my Blue McDavid Ice Packs, the kind you can get at Sports Authority. I have used these ice packs for a while now and generally I put them directly on my skin (BIG NO NO).

• NOTE: I played competitive basketball from 6th grade to 18th grade, I have YEARS of court pounding on my knees. Couple that with 2 knee surgeries on the left knee and you get some PAIN. Icing helps keep the inflammation down so I can continue running.

After practice in college (Basketball at Gonzaga) the trainers would make us dip our lower half into a COLD whirlpool as they dumped buckets of ice in the frosty water. I am TOUGH when it comes to icing. So I found it strange when my knees hurt from the Blue Ice Packs. I could not get comfortable. Generally I use for 30 minutes and don't even notice it.

I did not use the Blue Ice Pack pictured above, just thought it was cute. After 10 minutes I could not take it. I took off the packs to see my right knee was grey and the skin was hard. WTH?? NOT GOOD! My knees stung and the skin began to swell. GROSS!

TALL MOM MEDICAL OPINION:
Using the Blue packs directly on my skin after taking a hot shower caused a mild form of Frostbite or possibly a chemical burn. So now I have lovely red knees and a lesson.

• BEWARE of BLUE ICEPACKS!! Stick to ice baths or good old Ice!
• Doing some quick research I found countless people who have suffered the same fate. Has something like this ever happened to you?
• High Five Friday tomorrow!! Are you racing this weekend or have a GREAT Giveaway going on? Leave a comment or email me at tallmomontherun (@) hotmail

HAPPY THURSDAY!