How to run 20+ miles with a smile

 Don't miss out on my ULTRA FUEL Giveaway HERE! Ends 8/31!

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I prepared all week for Saturday's long run. 20 miles.
I hydrated, ate clean, fueled up with Ultra Fuel, and got good sleep.
The plan was to run 6 miles on my own starting at 5:30am and then meet Angie at her house at 6:30am.
We have a 14 mile out and back that we really like. It has a good combination of hills and straightaways. Before the run I drove a cooler with iced towels, gatorade, and water to the half way point. Best idea EVER!

The run started well, I left a little late, so I was only able to get 4 miles in before meeting Ang.

6:30AM: 80 degrees already.  I knew it was going to be a scorcher.

Mile 6.4: Garmin died. Not a problem. Ang had her Garmin.

Mile 7: Stopped at the cooler. Thank God for the iced towels and coooold water! I don't know why I haven't done that earlier!?

Mile 12: I pulled ahead of Angie. She still running strong, but without my Garmin I decide to just listen to my body.  I felt like I was running about a 9:30 pace. My goal pace for long runs is between 9:45-10:00, but even with my garmin it's hard for me to keep that pace.  I usually end up around 9:30per mile. 

Mile 17: Back at the cooler. It is HOT! Some of the rubber on the bottom of my shoes actually melted off.

Mile 20-21: Temperature 89. The last leg of the run is done in our neighborhood. I no longer had Garmin, so I just kept running.  I knew that I was going over 20, but I wanted to make sure that I didn't shortchange myself.   I drove the course later and it said 21 miles. 
I jogged back to Angie's house when I was done and she had an ice cold chocolate milk waiting for me. What a great friend!

I have to say this was one of the hottest, but BEST long runs I have ever done. The reason?  I stopped focusing on myself around mile 6 and started focusing on God. The majority of the run I focused on God's goodness, how He has blessed me, and the change He has made in my life.
When I would start feeling fatigue, or a sore muscle, I could think about how my life used to be...and smile because of where it is now. 

•I am blessed with a husband who is faithful, kind, and a man of integrity. 

•I am blessed to have kids who love the Lord and aren't ashamed to pray out loud. My three year old can pray heaven to earth!

•I am blessed to have a family of friends that build me up and encourage me.

•I am blessed to have a job that allows me to serve God. 

•I am blessed with new doors of opportunity everyday!

•I am blessed because I know God has a special plan for me and my family. A good plan! God's word says in Ephesians that God will do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think"

 Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Now that is something to smile about!

Have you counted your blessings lately? If not, you should! Do you have enough blessings to get you through 20 miles?

Grace and peace,

READ MY STORY OF HOPE HERE

Recharge Your Run- Ultra Fuel Giveaway!

As promised I have a giveaway today!

I told you a few weeks ago about a product that has really changed the way my body handles runs and recovers post run. Twinlab: Ultra Fuel.

This product has changed my life!

Ok. A little too dramatic?


Maybe it hasn't changed my life, but it has sure changed my running.

Go HERE to read my review on Ultra Fuel.

Here is what Twinlab says about Ultra Fuel:

Superior Carb Blend for Superior Performance*
Maximizes Replacement of Glycogen to:
• Extend Endurance*
• Speed Recovery*
• Help Improve Overall Performance*
Vegetarian Formula

How It Works: 

More advanced than simple carb energy products, Twinlab^® Ultra Fuel^® is a complete performance supplement.*

The superior carbohydrate profile contains an advanced blend of 100 grams of high quality carbohydrates in the form of glucose polymers (the ultimate complex carb), plus important carbohydrate and energy metabolizers.

Clinical studies show that a balanced ratio of complex and simple carbohydrates, like those found in Ultra Fuel, provides energy and enhances recovery, enabling participants to perform longer and produce greater output.* Scientific studies also prove glucose polymers are direct precursors to glycogen synthesis in muscle.*

Ultra Fuel maximizes replacement of glycogen in hard-working muscles, extending endurance, speeding recovery and helping to improve overall performance during training.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 This is what I say:

Before Ultra Fuel:

 The night before a long run (anything over 10 miles) I would carbo load. Most of the time it would be some type of pasta.  The next morning I would wake up for my run with a heavy stomach.  I hate that feeling. Sometimes I would bonk right in the middle of my long run and other times I would bonk post run.  We have ALL been there. You finish a long run and are useless the rest of the day...or for the next 2 days!

After Ultra Fuel:

I have only been using Ultra Fuel for a little over a month, and this is my experience so far....
I take 2 scoops of Ultra Fuel 2 days before a long run, and 2-4 scoops the day before my long run.  I certainly don't have a heavy stomach since it's a liquid and quickly absorbs into your muscles. During my long runs I have notices an increase in my endurance. The biggest difference I have noticed is post run.  I feel like at the end of the run I could keep going and that my recovery time has been cut in half. It really has been huge.  I have felt great!

I have the fruit punch flavor and I am going to be honest; it isn't the most pleasant taste. Taste aside....the results are worth it!

Dean from Twinlab was gracious enough to send me a 52.8oz. tub of Ultra Fuel in the orange flavor for one of you amazing people to try!  
I know you will love this as much as I do!


So, would you like a chance to try Ultra Fuel for yourself?

Here is how you can win:
Make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry.

1. (Mandatory)Become a follower of Mommy's Fit for the King and leave me a comment.(1 entry)

2. Visit the Twinlab's website HERE , and leave me a comment telling me something you learned on their website. (1 entry)

3.  Follow Twinlabs on Facebook and let them know that I sent you, leave me a comment.(1 entry)

4. (+1 entry for each, leave separate comments) Spread the word about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter.  Make sure to leave me the link.

Deadline to enter is August 31st at midnight

Winner will be randomly selected and announced shortly after.

Happy Running!!!!!!!!

*Disclaimer:Twinlab provided this product for review/giveaway purposes. I was not compensated in any way.  All opinions and reviews are my own.*

Grace and peace,

3 Things and a giveaway winner!!

First off, I want to thank all of you (all 12 entries...what the heck) who entered the giveaway for the awesome Auria earphones!  And the winner is:

Rene' from the amherst shuffle

 Congratulations Rene'!!

Email me your mailing address and I will have them sent out asap! You are going to L.O.V.E. them!!

Thanks again to Auria for allowing me to try out their awesome product!

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3 Things

"Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours."
- Les Brown

1.The Rock n Roll Savannah marathon is 15 weeks away. This is full marathon #2 for me. I'm feeling pretty good about my training so far....It's only been 2 weeks. But still.   We have a group of about 20 running. Half of the group that is running came out of the Fleet Feet No Boundaries class I help coach.  I could not be more proud.  When No Boundaries ended, they formed their own little running group and are training for the half together! That is what it is all about folks!! Spreading the love! The love of running. Encouraging each other. Building each other up. And helping others reach their goals.

2. Ultra Fuel: 

How do you carb up before a long run?  I have been experimenting with my pre long run nutrition and I think I found a little gem.....Ultra Fuel by Twin Labs is a powder that you mix in with 16ounces of water and take one to two days before a scheduled long run. For me, cowing down on pastas and breads, and whatever else I can shove into my mouth...just wasn't working.  I would feel heavy and lethargic half way through my long runs.  I tried this the day before my long run last Saturday along with my normal diet and felt better on my long run than I ever have! Seriously, twin labs isn't paying me to say this(though they could in the form of product...hint hint twin labs) ;)  I didn't feel heavy and even when I finished I felt I could keep going and I didn't fall into that post long run haze.

This is what Twin Labs says about Ultra Fuel:

The superior carbohydrate profile contains an advanced blend of 100 grams of high quality carbohydrates in the form of glucose polymers (the ultimate complex carb), plus important carbohydrate and energy metabolizers. Clinical studies show that a balanced ratio of complex and simple carbohydrates, like those found in Ultra Fuel, provides energy and enhances recovery, enabling participants to perform longer and produce greater output.

Now, I got the fruit punch flavor and I will admit I wanted to vomit....it literally tastes like crap.  However, I will eat anything....and I mean anything if I know it's going to benefit me.  I always wanted to do that Fear Factor show where they eat crazy bugs for a million dollars....I could totally do that!  Anyway, maybe next time I'll try the orange flavor but I have a feeling it won't be much different.

I was a little concerned about the calories, it's 400 calories per serving 4 scoops= 1 serving, but I figured it still beats shoveling spaghetti or lasagna into my mouth in the name of "carbo loading".

If you haven't tried it, I recommend it!

3. My kids say some of the craziest things!!  A couple days ago I had a conversation with my 3 year old that went like this:

Maddox: mom do pigs have boobs?

me: yah, I guess they do....mommy pigs have boobs. 

long pause .....

Maddox: momma do you have pig boobs?

WHAT!?

Me: ummm well, I  don't think so, I mean I didn't used to....

Seriously!?

this is probably an accurate description of what I looked like when the boys were little

My life would be so boring with out my boys!

I have something very special to share with you next time.  I will be running for a charity that is very near and dear to my heart....I'll share the details with you soon!

Thanks for stopping by today!!! Leave a comment and let me know what your thoughts are!

Happy Thursday!!

Grace and peace,