Who wants a Road ID??

In case you haven't been by my blog recently, I am having a giveaway/raffle to raise money for the Fetal Hope Foundation.
For a minimum donation of $5.00 you can be entered to win some really great prizes from Running Chics, NUUN, Allied Medal Displays, Balancing Act Clothing, Iron Girl...and today, I am adding one more prize to the package!

 Road ID

If you are a runner, cyclist, triathlete or just an active person, Road ID is for you. In the event of an accident, if you can't speak for yourself, your Road ID will. It's not just a piece of gear - it's peace of mind. 

 The winner will have their choice of either

the Wrist ID Sport:

OR

the Wrist ID Slim:

So how do you enter?

All you have to do is make a minimum donation of $5 to the Fetal Hope Foundation

  Go HERE

or click on the link on my blog sidebar to find our how...

Thank you for all of your support!

Grace and peace,

Oh the paces you'll go...

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own.  And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

You'll look up and down streets.  Look 'em over with care.
About some you will say, "I don't choose to go there."
With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,
you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street.

~Dr. Seuss

First of all...if you haven't already, please check out my "runners" giveaway HERE 

Saturday I ran the Rebuilding Together 5k.  It's a flat, fast, course. Last year I set a PR with a 24:10.  This year I expected another PR...and I did.  I ran a 23:55..avg pace 7:41.  So why was I disappointed?  This year my training is twice what it was last year. I could have and should have(according to my training) run it in under 23mins.  So why didn't I?  A few factors.
I am not that great at internally gauging my pace.  I started out pretty fast and felt good...so I slowed down.  I was afraid if I went out too fast I wouldn't have anything left at the end.  I was wrong. Too much self doubt!
I finished and felt like I still had a good bit left. I have decided to run another 5k in two weeks. The Liz Hurley Ribbon Run 5k.  This time I have a friend, a Fleet Feet Racer, who offered to pace me to a PR. My goal is a sub 23.

Last night my training schedule called for 6miles w/6 strides.  

Mile 1:  8:12

Mile 2: 7:51

Mile 3: 8:20

Mile 4: 8:10

Mile 5: 8:12

Mile 6: 7:56

Most of my training for this marathon has been solo.  There have been times where I feel like I'm just not pushing myself hard enough.  Or that I was too ambitious thinking I could ever qualify for Boston. Last night, before my run I considered calling it a rest day.  I just wasn't feeling it.  I was tired..the kids have all been sick....it was cold outside.  I had come up with every excuse I could think of to NOT run.  In fact, by 5pm I was already in my pajamas and ready to have an "I can't do this" pity party.
And then....
I got mad.  I got mad at myself for letting doubt creep in.  For letting a "feeling" get the best of me. I got mad enough that I put my running shoes on and hit the pavement.
I had to remind myself that my goal to BQ is not just a "feeling". I won't always "feel" like running or stretching or eating right. But every time I choose to push through...every good choice I make gets me one step closer to my goal and makes me that much stronger.


God reminded me during my run last night:
This is also how faith works. Faith is NOT a feeling. I don't always "feel" God around me.  I can't always see Him moving and working in my life. But I KNOW that God is here always working and moving on my behalf.  There are times when I "feel" like I have come against a wall or that the devil is testing me; those are the times when I KNOW that if I push through...if I don't let my feelings and circumstances dictated to me what to do..the blessings are always on the other side...and I will always come out stronger.

You'll be on your way up!
You'll be seeing great sights!
You'll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights.

You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed.
You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you'll be the best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

~Dr. Seuss 

Grace and Peace,

Please check out my giveaway HERE

Running for Fetal Hope Raffle/Giveaway

On Nov. 5th, 2011, I will be running the Rock 'n Roll Marathon in Savannah, GA., with a goal of running a race that will not only qualify me for Boston but will more importantly help raise funds and awareness for Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome(TTTS) and Twin Reverse Arterial Perfusion(TRAP) through the Fetal Hope Foundation. This is a cause that is near and dear to my heart. In 2003 my twin pregnancy was diagnosed with TTTS and later with an even more rare condition TRAP. You can read the full story HERE. I will be running this race in memory of my son Eugene and in honor of my son Sebastian, who because of an early diagnosis and treatment is a healthy 7 years old!

My fundraising goal is $1000.00 by November 5th.
I have currently raised $350.00.
$650.00 to meet my goal!!

So here is where it could get fun for you!  I am having a running raffle to benefit the Fetal Hope Foundation. Through the generous donations of several companies I have put together two amazing prize packages that you could possibly win!!

Here is the First place prize package:

 Road ID

If you are a runner, cyclist, triathlete or just an active person, Road ID is for you. In the event of an accident, if you can't speak for yourself, your Road ID will. It's not just a piece of gear - it's peace of mind.

 The winner will have their choice of either

the Wrist ID Sport:

OR

the Wrist ID Slim:

Balancing Act Clothing has offered one of their "Tink" inspired wings shirts.
Balancing Act clothing is unique clothing geared toward runners.  Each shirt is screen printed by hand in Alissa's home, and made with LOVE!!

Whether you're running a race or just running around town, you should feel comfortable. And there's no reason you shouldn't look good, too! We're Running Chics… just like you. And we know that fashion and performance can go hand-in-hand.

 

Running Chics-Bella Long Sleeve Burnout(S)

Running Chics- Messenger Bag

Running Chics- StretchFlex ALO Headband

Running Chics- Cotton Tote

Allied Medal Displays generously offered up two medal displays towards my fundraising efforts.  So both winners will be able to choose their own personal Medal Display!!! 

Any Medal Display you want!

  Allied Medal Displays are the ORIGINAL and BEST medal hangers on the market.  Their quality and customer service are absolutely top notch.  From custom displays to one of the prefabricated designs, you can not go wrong.  All displays come with a mounting kit, installation instructions, a packing slip, and instructions for returning or exchanging products. The mounting kit includes #4x1” stainless steel screws, #4x1/4” plastic nylon wall spacers, and #4x15/16” drywall anchors.

And last but certainly not least in this prize package is one pair of Iron Girl Sunglasses.

The winner of this package will have their choice of one of these two pair:

 IRON GIRL- Fitted B Sunglasses

OR

 

 IRON GIRL- Fitted D Sunglasses

Second Place Prize Package: 

Allied Medal Displays generously offered up two medal displays towards my fundraising efforts.  So both winners will be able to choose their own personal Medal Display!!! 

Any Medal Display you want!

  Allied Medal Displays are the ORIGINAL and BEST medal hangers on the market.  Their quality and customer service are absolutely top notch.  From custom displays to one of the prefabricated designs, you can not go wrong.  All displays come with a mounting kit, installation instructions, a packing slip, and instructions for returning or exchanging products. The mounting kit includes #4x1” stainless steel screws, #4x1/4” plastic nylon wall spacers, and #4x15/16” drywall anchors.

Nuun New Flavor Mixed Fruit 4-Pack: The kid in us has been begging for these flavors for years. Uncomplicated, classic, delicious flavors without the sugars that always made us crash a few minutes later. These retro favorites will keep you hydrated on the road for hours, but make sure you stay close enough to hear mom yell for dinner!  

1 tube each of Grape, Fruit Punch, Strawberry Lemonade, and Tropical.

So, do you want to win? First thing you have to do is go buy a virtual raffle ticket.. sound hard? It's not....

*note* you do not have to be a blogger to enter, just email me at mommysfitfortheking@yahoo.com letting me know you donated 

1) Mandatory entry:
Make a tax deductible donation to the Fetal Hope Foundation on my donation page HERE
http://www.runningguru.com/RunWithMe.asp?mID=2075
Leave me a comment letting me know you donated.

$5 = one entry
$10= 2 entries
$15 = 3 entries
$20 = 4 entries

 and so on....so, every $5.00 = 1 entry 

*if you have already donated, leave me a comment letting me know!

2) BONUS ENTRIES! 
Share this giveaway! Twitter, facebook, your blog, dailymile, etc etc.  Every time you share, leave a new comment and you will get an extra entry.

This will end November 1st at Midnight, winners will be drawn by random.org and notified by email and on the blog.

Remember, this is for a good cause! With your donation, we can make a difference in bringing hope and changing lives.

Thank you so much for your support!!! 

**all items were graciously donated by their respective companies. If you have a product you would be interested in donating for future fundraising raffles or reviews, please contact me, mommysfitfortheking@yahoo.com

Grace and peace,

Quick Update

Quick update:

Thank you for all the prayers for my friends and their family. Please continue to keep them in your prayers as they grieve the loss of their precious daughter.


I have had several things going on lately.
First, last Saturday I completed my second Warrior Dash.  My friend Angie and I rocked it 80's style. 

My goal was to finish top 3 in AG....well, it didn't happen but I did finish 15th in my AG out of 1045! I am still happy with that!  I think I could have finished better but I fell and busted my shin open in the second obstacle.  Thank God for legwarmers, I pulled them up to cover the wound and try to stop the bleeding. 

I look like I was crying and I probably was because my shin hurt like CRAZY!

Post Race after a rinse off....Maddox had a great time too!;)

I'm going to do the Warrior Dash one more time to attempt a top 3 placement and then I think I'm going to try the Tough Mudder.:)

Marathon training is going well.  I actually purchased a new training plan a few weeks ago because I didn't feel like the one I was using was going to take me where I need to be to BQ in November.  I ordered it off of Runner's World though Training Peaks.  I'm pretty happy with it.  I get an email every day straight to my phone reminding me what I need to do that day.  I'm growing more and more confident that a BQ is within my reach.  I know it is only because of God's ability in me that I am able to run at all.

Bonus! I won a SnorgTee from Running Diva Mom  and it came last week.....

how cute is that!?

Tomorrow is the day.  I have been promising you an amazing raffle/giveaway for weeks and it is finally ready!
Come back tomorrow to see all the goodies!!!

Hope your day is full of laughter and blessings!!!!

Grace and peace,

Prayers please.

This week has been trying to say the least.

Monday I started the preparations to go out of town for the Warrior Dash, this Saturday.  Going away even for one night with 4 kids take a huge amount of planning and preparing.
Our plan was to leave tonight for Manchester Tn, where we would camp out with some friends until the Dash on Saturday.

Tuesday, our plans changed. I got a phone call Tuesday afternoon from a very close family friend letting me know that they had lost their 9 month old baby girl, Ivey, due to a tragic accident.  I can not even begin to put into words how heavy my heart is for my friends. This is the second child they have lost. When something like this happens everything else is so unimportant.  There are no words.... I can not begin to imagine what they are going through.
Tonight is the visitation and the funeral is tomorrow. 
I have a giveaway and some other posts prepared but will not post again until next week.

Please say a prayer for this family.
My prayer is that they will cry out to God. That God would surround them with comfort and peace.  That God would bring restoration and healing in a supernatural way.

Maddox & Ivey

Sebastian & Ivey

Ivey Madelyn

Grace and peace,

3 Things and an Ultra Fuel Winner

Thank you to everyone who entered the Ultra Fuel Giveaway!

The winner is Jen@ Run for Anna!

Congrats Jen! You are going to love this stuff!!

Jen, if you would, send me your mailing address to mommysfitfortheking@yahoo.com

•••
Three Things

1. Running in New Orleans
I spent 4 days in New Orleans last week for work....I have never had a desire to go to New Orleans before this.

New Orleans is now in my top 3 favorite cities! I had an amazing time and fell in love with it's historic charm!  I'm a big city girl anyway, I love the sounds and smells of a big city.  The history, music, food, and people were amazing!

The Cathedral was my absolute favorite sight to see.

These are my "bosses" and my spiritual mother and father...two of the most amazing people you will ever meet!

We stayed at the Hotel Provincial which was the first Confederate Hospital. If you go to New Orleans and want to stay in the French Quarter, I highly recommend this hotel.
The hotel didn't have a fitness room, and so I was a little concerned about getting some mileage in.  I wasn't  afraid to run by myself on the streets of NOLA but J had told me not to.
The first night there, I saw a lot of runners out on the streets. So I figured I "technically" would not be running by myself if there were other runners out too......right?
I woke up early the first morning around 5am and headed out. I ran three blocks down to Jackson square, where there were several groups of homeless people.  I made my way past Cafe Du Monde( which is open 24hrs) and seriously considered scraping my run for beignet and a coffee. Behind the Cafe is a walk way that leads to the River Walk, a half mile walk way on the Mississippi.  I decided to do several out and backs on the walk way. And when I got there I was happy to see several other runners already out.
I felt safe the entire time and got to watch the most beautiful sunrise over the Mississippi river.
Maybe it was a false sense of security...though I do believe that I am under God's protection...because I learned while I was on the River Walk that a few hours earlier the police had pulled a dead body from the river!!!  I still wasn't afraid...however, I did think it was wise to hold off on the solo running the rest of the time there.;)

2. We are back to the boots. If you remember, Maddox(3) wore rubber boots everyday for 5 months straight.  We were finally able to coax him into some sandals right before going to the beach. 

Then last night.....

Total meltdown .....all because I asked him to put his sandals on for church....

3. I am putting together an awesome giveaway/raffle to raise money for the Fetal Hope Foundation.

It should be ready by sometime next week, I have some awsome prizes from companies like:

Nuun

  BornFit

Allied Metal Displays

Running Chics

So make sure to check back next week!

Hope you have been blessed in every way this week!

Grace and peace,

Running in the Big Easy....I'm NOLA Bound!!

  Don't forget!!!! My Ultra Fuel Giveaway HERE ends 8/31

I am heading to New Orleans tomorrow morning. I will be there until Saturday. It is technically a work trip, but we always have a great time.  My Pastor/boss is a director of his Ministerial Association and so every year we plan a retreat and invite about 100 Pastors, evangelists, missionaries, teachers...and there spouses and staff.  Every year we pick a new location; we have done a Caribbean cruise, Florida Gulf Coast, Gatlinburg, and now New Orleans.
This is one of the most loving group of people you will ever be around and it always feels like going I'm going to a family reunion....actually...maybe less dysfunctional than a family reunion...but you get the picture!



I don't know if I will be posting much the rest of the week.

Not sure how I'm going to work my long run into the weekend yet.  20 miles on a hotel treadmill is just not going to happen, and hubby has forbidden me to run the streets of NOLA by myself...Maybe not the long run...surely I can find someone to run a few miles with me...oh the sights I would see!!!!:)
I could do my long run on Sunday, but I would have to start running at 4am to get it in before church....hmmmmmm....what to do?

I got a solid 6 in this morning.
mile 1- 9:50
mile 2- 9:10
mile 3- 9:08
mile 4- 8:22
mile 5- 8:34
mile 6- 8:15

I have hill repeats on the schedule for tomorrow and since I'm also flying out in the morning I will be up at the crack of dawn running hills....


How do you get your run in when you travel?


Grace and peace,