Thankful for the Kindness of Strangers

This past Sunday, my oldest daughter and I experienced stand up paddle boarding (SUP) together for the first time. We explored the brackish waters of Crystal River and searched for manatees with our friends. It was a wonderful day trip and one that deserves a full post review (to follow shortly), however, this post is dedicated to the kind people who helped Allana and me.

Once we reached the springs, Allana and I took the moment to take in gorgeous view and snack on the blueberry Larabars that that I packed which contained cashews. Unbeknownst to me, Allana is severely allergic to cashews and she immediately went into anaphylactic shock. Her throat itched; her breathing became labored. She began to swell and turn beet red with hives all over her body. After only ingesting one small bite, our fun adventure now turned into an emergency situation.

Due to my walnut allergy and my other daughter’s allergy to bee stings, I normally carry two EpiPens, but I left them back in the car along with allergy medication. I asked our guide if he had a first aid kit containing Benadryl or an EpiPen, but he did not. I quickly paddled over to a dive boat within sight and asked for first aid, but they did not have any medication on board either.

Then, I spotted a boat idling past and I flagged them down to ask for a ride back to the public park where we launched our paddle boards. With 14 mph winds, I knew I didn’t have the strength nor the time to spare. Thankfully, they graciously offered assistance.

I share this story hoping someone in the six degrees of separation in this big blogosphere may know Gary and Amy of Crystal River. (Other than they have two children a boy and girl ages 3 and 4, that’s the only information I have.) Please let them know Allana is safe and we are truly grateful for their kindness.

Random Thoughts about Some Rain Delays, Another Boston Run, a Joggermom Marathon and an UnTrack Tuesday

When it rains, it pours. Boy, does that expression have some irony to it this week. My kids were sick last week and I thought Little Lion Man was feeling better, but now he has this nasty cough. I think it may be allergies, but I may take him to the doctor tomorrow if it doesn’t clear up.

Then, this morning a violent thunderstorm rolled through, so no speedwork. I attempted some slow and heavy weight-lifting instead. I really miss Body Pump and I can’t wait to join the YMCA to participate in that class again.

I guess it’s good that the rain made me miss my speedwork, because I feel like I’m stagnating with my sprints. Since I’m not getting any faster, I think I need to kick it up a notch with 4 x 800m sprints. Maybe I’ll try again tomorrow.

I’ve been doing well with my running, but I’ve really slacked off with my triathlon training. The weather has been all over the place with hot and cool days, so our community pool hasn’t had a chance to really warm up. I can’t remember the last time I rode my bike, so that’s never good. If the weather cooperates, I plan to ride 10 miles Thursday morning. I really need to get back into the swing of tri training because participating in Iron Girl Clermont in September, which will be here before I know it.

Iron Girl in Training_badge

Tomorrow starts the Joggermom Marathon. This will be my third year participating in the month long virtual marathon. Each week, there will be lots of prizes and weekly drawings, so if you want to join me, sign up here and 10% of your entry will go to the American Heart Association Heart, because as you know, heart disease is the number one killer in women.

Next week, the Florida Gulf Beaches Road Races added another race to their lineup to support the One Boston fund. The 2.62 Tampa Bay for Boston Memorial Run will happen on Wednesday, May 8. Chris Lauber organized an amazing Boston Run event and requested my friend, Marcia, to share her Boston Marathon experience. I can’t miss this one! I have to show my support my Marcia and Boston.

And speaking of races, registration for the Best Damn Race opens tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. and I’m hoping to score a dollar entry again. It’s like the NYC marathon slogan says, “a dollar and a dream.”

Last Thursday, I met some friends to run a 6 mile tempo run. With all my PF issues, it hurts to run fast or maintain a race pace for too long. Since Heather and Jennifer G only wanted to run 4 miles, I ran one warm-up mile to the clubhouse, ran a good 4 miles tempo with them and then I ran one mile home. I guess the combination worked because I shave about 30 seconds off my 10K time, which is a good start. Hopefully, in time, my 10K will be under an hour again. I would love that!

6.2 miles
Time 10:01:55
Ave Pace 10:00
Max Pace 7:32

While playing nursemaid to my sick kids, I didn’t have the strength to run on Friday. Then, Saturday Allana and I volunteered at her Girl Scout Troop’s Run 4 Respect, so once again no running happened. I couldn’t let Sunday slip by without a run, but I was seriously exhausted. I wanted to run further than I did and ride my bike, but I only ran 3 miles and it wasn’t a great run. But then, at least I ran!

3.1 miles
Time 30:38
Ave Pace 9:58
Max Pace 7:27

Looks like my speedwork will be scrapped this week, because I’d like to attempt another tempo run on Thursday with my friends and then ride my bike later that morning after I drop Liam off at daycare. As for the rest of my workout plans this week, I will be trying out a new Kickboxing class with my friends tomorrow night. Hopefully, I won’t be too sore for a tempo run the next morning.

So, what’s your workout plan this week? Did the weather force you to skip speedwork this week too?

Psst…even if you miss your workouts, don’t miss out on this FRS giveaway.

FRS Healthy Energy Review and Giveaway

*Disclaimer: FRS sent me product and compensated me for my honest review of their product as part of a FitFluential Campaign. The opinions shared are my own.*

Recently, FRS sent me an assortment of “Healthy Energy” drinks and chews to try. FRS Healthy Energy provides natural sustained energy without the crash which every mom on the run needs. I am always looking for natural pick-me-up drinks and I liked the variety of the FRS Healthy Energy flavors.

FRS Healthy Energy products are powered by a patented formula containing the powerful antioxidant Quercetin (found naturally in many fruits and vegetables such as apples, blueberries and grapes,) green tea catechins and more that 100% RDI of seven essential vitamins. Plus, FRS Healthy Energy products contain the highest level and purity of Quercetin available.

Although FRS was originally developed to provide chemotherapy patients more sustained energy and stamina while also helping to support their immune system, FRS has been a favorite for many top athletes, such as pro quarterback Tim Tebow. However, FRS isn’t just for elite athletes or those fighting fatigue. The combination of Quercetin and other natural ingredients in FRS is perfect for anyone looking for natural healthy, sustained energy without the crash.

Since the FRS Health Energy is chockfull of vitamin and minerals, I drank it in place of my usual coconut water recovery drink after my tempo run. It was very refreshing, but despite being low in sugar, I found the Low Calorie Citrus Pomegranate to be quite sweet. Another day, I drank the Apricot Nectarine in place of my afternoon cup of tea to see if it would sustain me. Surprisingly, I did feel a healthy energy boost, just as FRS promises.

This morning, after a sleepless night between my coughing toddler and my restless howling puppy, I need an energy boost. I decided to give the FRS pomegranate blueberry soft chews a try. Within moments, I felt focused and didn’t even need my usual morning coffee. These FRS soft chews are also great healthy energy replacements for my usual running snack, gummy bears and Cliff shots.

The full line of FRS Healthy Energy products (including ready-to-drink beverages, chews, powdered drink mixes, shots and concentrates) can be purchased at GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Kroger, Whole Foods, Rite Aid, Meijer, Walgreens, Harris Teeter and FRS.com.

Right now, Run DMT fans can save $1 off of a 4-pack of FRS Health Energy at GNC with promo code 21460. Blog post must be printed and presented to cashier at GNC as a coupon or must be shown on smartphone. Coupon expires on May 31, 2013.

Visit FRS.com to request a sample pack of FRS hard chews, soft chews and low-calorie powder valued over $25. Pay only $3.95 for shipping and handling.

Also, stop by FRS.com to enter the FRS Ultimate Fitness Giveaway for your chance to win FRS gear. Enter each week to better your chances at a grand prize package with a personal trainer, sessions with a nutritionist and a one-year supply. Entries FRS Ultimate Fitness Giveaway must be submitted by May 31, 2013.

In the meantime, double your chances of winning a FRS Healthy Energy sample pack by entering my giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Girl Scouts} Run the World – Run 4 Respect

On Saturday, Allana’s Girl Scout Troop hosted an anti-bullying 5K fun run, “Run 4 Respect” to earn their Bronze Award. Advertised and publicized solely by word of mouth, the inaugural event had 125 registered runners.

Over the past few months, the girls planned every aspect of the event: the route, the signage, their shirts, awards, finisher ribbons, refreshments and entertainment.

For the entertainment, there was a DJ, a bouncy castle, a face painter and a volunteer to make balloon animals, a first for any race I’ve attended!

Allana selected me to serve as a cheerleader along the course and I wore my green tutu just for the occasion. I thought the color coordinated nicely with the Girl Scout’s t-shirts, but the color would also keep the runner’s spirits bright.

The troop invited Mrs. Universe, Kelly Lightburn, to emcee, present awards and speak to the crowd after the race about standing up to bullies and the importance of self-confidence.

The inaugural event was a huge success and it was evident the Girl Scouts worked very hard on their Run 4 Respect Fun Run from start to finish.

For Music Mondays, I’m now teaming up with my good friend and fellow Marathon Mama, Chrissy.

Visit Xmas Dolly and Jade Louise Designs for more Music Monday.

Random Thoughts about Stroller Strides, Being Boston Strong and Track Tuesday

My husband’s American Airlines flight was canceled due to some IT difficulties and he was unable to book another because everyone was trying to do the same, which limited the number of available flights. While still on edge from the Boston marathon bombing, I was so relieved to have him home.

Between FCAT, my youngest daughter behaving poorly at school and my husband’s traveling, the past few weeks have been so stressful and I so glad to have it all behind us now. Throw the Boston bombings on top and I felt so riddled with anxiety, which only a good night sleep or a good run could fix.

Since I knew I would be running with my kids’ running club and also participating in a trial Stroller Strides class with my moms group, I decided to sleep in on Wednesday morning. It seemed that the stress was draining me and I needed the rest.

The Stroller Strides class led by Regina, a sweet little pregnant instructor, was fun. Even Liam enjoyed it! I wasn’t sure how he would do sitting in a stroller watching Mommy work-out, but he seemed to like it or perhaps he liked making faces at me. I enjoyed soaking in the sun while exercising.

We met at the trail and after an introductions and a warm-up, we did a short jog. We stopped between runs for intervals, like lunges and squats singing toddler songs like “The Ants Go Marching” or bandwork singing ABC’s or “Hurry, Hurry! Drive the Fire Truck!” (Liam’s favorite) I appreciated all the strengthening exercises, but I thought they were a bit easy. Or at least I thought they were a bit easy until the next day. Man, my legs were sore for two days. I guess I could use a bit more toddler song lunges. Expect a vlog post about that soon!

Later that afternoon, I ran a couple miles with my girls at running club. It was crazy hot, but I encouraged the kids to keep running Boston Strong.

Thursday, I ran 6 miles. I tried to do a tempo run but my PF heels couldn’t handle it or maybe my heart wasn’t it to it, because I still had Boston on the brain. Whatever was going on in my brain (Boston bombings and bad behavior) had me deep in thought, however, that concentration quickly broke when a poodle came charging at me. I jumped back into a body combat stance and nearly kicked the mutt in the head. The flat of my foot was inches away from that poor pooch’s snout before he whimpered off back to his house and all I could think was “Chamber your knee!” But it’s like I always say, all dogs look like Cujo when they come charging at you and a kickboxing Kung Fu kick is literally my knee-jerk reaction.

6 miles
Time 1:02:19
Ave Pace 10:03
Max Pace 7:52

Saturday and Sunday, I slept in. Again, I just wasn’t on my game. But Monday, I needed to shake off whatever funk I was feeling and get my head back into running along with the rest of the country. All across the nation, runners met to run #BostonStrong and Fitniche Running Stores hosted our local #BostonStrongTampa. Proudly wearing blue and yellow (Boston colors), my girls and I joined the run at the Shops of Wiregrass location along with over 400 other runners. It was truly a tear-jerking sight.

*Photo credit to Fitniche*

We ran along the main boulevard of the mall and exited out onto a road for the long mile stretch. I let my girls set the pace along the 3.1 mile course but encouraged them to stay with it.

My girls wanted to walk more than I would have liked to, but I was just so proud of them for even wanting to be part of this moment. It was so wonderful to see runners of all abilities out there showing love for Boston.

I even saw a few Striders (Kim, Rachel and Christina) out there. I loved bumping into them during the run. Of course, they passed me and my junior running group.

At the mile and a half point, we stopped for water provided by Fitniche and the girls ran the second half even stronger. Once we reached the entrance to the mall, I told them they had to run back to the running store without stopping, which they did.

Surprisingly, Emmalynn snuck a sprint in the last tenth of mile (just like her mama). When we reached the finish line she said, “I finished STRONG, mama!”

“You mean you finished BOSTON STRONG!” It was a true proud mama moment.

3.2 miles
Time 47:56
Ave Pace 15:05
Max Pace 7:17 (Emmalynn’s sprint)

This morning, I ran sprints. Funny thing with my speedwork, I’m not showing any progress. I think it may be time to bump it up to 6 x 400 sprints and to push myself a bit more.

1 mile warm up
Time 9:57

Lap 1 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:55
Ave Pace 7:44

Lap 2 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:55
Ave Pace 7:44

Lap 3 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:54
Ave Pace 7:34

Lap 4 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:52
Ave Pace 7:34

1.1 mile cool down
Time 10:36
Ave Pace 9:41

Total Time 28:13
Total Distance 3.1
Ave Pace 9:07

Is Boston on your brain these days or are you staying Boston Strong?

*Also linking up at*

Dare You to Move {Music Monday}

Today, we celebrate Earth Day, but really every day should be treated like it’s Earth Day. Thinking about your carbon footprint shouldn’t just happen one day. Instead, do something every day to help keep the planet beautiful.

However, this Music Monday post is more than a friendly reminder to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Today is also one week after the Boston Marathon bombing. My friends, Andrea and Marcia, were only a half mile from the finish line when the explosion ignited last week. Their friends and family anxiously watched Facebook feeds for updates and prayed for their safety. As the world watched the events unfold, we learned that the Boston Marathon came to a halt as did their dream of crossing the finish. Our hearts ached for them, but we were grateful for the safety of our all-star athlete friends.

Marcia and Andrea have vowed to return to Boston next year and they have the entire running community behind them. Some of our other mutual running friends are determined to qualify for next year’s marathon. Others, like me, have made Boston Marathon a goal, even if it takes a lifetime to get there.

Prayers4Boston

Collectively, runners across America have banded in spirit for Boston with impromptu 26:20 runs on last Tuesday and #BostonStrong runs happening in cities everywhere this evening.

Several people have asked me if what happened in Boston changes things for me. Yes, it changes everything. I will run even harder. Prior to last Monday’s events, I would have never thought about trying to qualify for Boston, but now it’s on my running bucket list. What happened at Boston won’t stop me from applying for the New York City Marathon for the third year in a row this Thursday. I can’t live my life in fear.

And so, I dare you. I dare you to move for Boston. Don’t say, “I can’t run. I’m not a runner”. Just get out there and try. Start small. Run a block and then walk. Pick a loop in your neighborhood and run. Aim for 3 times a week and build up your endurance. Eventually, you will find yourself walking less and less. That’s exactly how I started 6 years ago.

Be strong. Be Boston Strong. Run Boston strong.

I dare you to move.

And pick up some litter while you’re at it.

For Music Mondays, I’m now teaming up with my good friend and fellow Marathon Mama, Chrissy.

Visit Xmas Dolly and Jade Louise Designs for more Music Monday.

Random Thoughts about an Oil Spill, New Shoes, Boston Marathon and Track Tuesday

Last Wednesday, I wanted to get a quick 6 miles in before my husband left for his business trip. When crunched for time, I seem to run better under pressure in my training runs. I was so impressed with myself.

6 miles
Time 1:03
Ave Pace 10:32
Max Pace 8:30

Hubby has been working on the yard and therefore, the garage is a disaster. As a result and there is no path get in or out. I managed to maneuver through the garage before my run, but somehow I slipped trying to work my way back inside after my run.

I tripped over my hubby’s recycled oil container and used motor oil glubbed all over my shoes. I went into hysterics and probably woke the neighbor up with my cussing. I immediately took the shoes off and vigorously attempted to scrub them clean with an old toothbrush and Dawn dish detergent. I then threw them the shoes in a bleach cycle in the washing machine in the hopes would come clean. Another Dawn scrubbing and two more bleach cycles in the wash and the motor oil stains and smell remained.

I was devastated. These shoes were less than two months old and now I needed to replace them, however, I’ll hang onto them until Pretty Muddy. I’ll wear them for the mud run and then donate them at the end of the race. Hopefully, their industrial commercial washing machines can remove the smell and stains.

So, ordered a new pair of shoes form Brooks in the hopes they would arrive in time for Iron Girl, but they didn’t. They arrived on Monday by Fed Ex in this nifty shoebox free packaging.

Following the directions printed on the packaging, I turned the FedEx envelope inside out and it become a groovy tote. Don’t you just love that! It’s so green. Earth Day came a week early!

But oil spill shoes, new shoes and fun totes seem so trivial after the events that unfolded in Boston yesterday. I had been watching the live streaming on Facebook to stay up-to-date on my friends, Marcia and Andrea, but the live stream marathon updates were overshadowed by devastating news of explosion near the finish line. Patrick (Marcia’s husband) couldn’t locate her for about 40 minutes and we were all on edge until we had word of their safety.

When I finally watched the news footage later that evening, I cried. That could be any of us at any race. Why would someone do this? Is it some anti-government person trying to make a statement on Tax Day?

Well here’s my statement to the sick bastard who bombed the Boston Marathon.

You didn’t just bomb some race. You bombed THE race. Boston Marathon is the race that all runners dream and aspire to in a lifetime. It’s on every runner’s bucket list and some, like me, only qualify in our dreams.

Yes, these marathons are our dreams. Marathons are our goals and while your goal was to put fear in a nation with dodgy explosives, we don’t fear you. You make us stronger. You make us want to run more. You make us long for Boston even more. We will train harder and thanks to your cowardly ploy, you made Boston Marathon attainable.

We survived 911 and stupid shoebombers and we didn’t stop flying. We fly more.

You may have caused another massacre in Boston, but you messed with the wrong community. Runners are a resilient bunch. We are a strong people. Runners compete in wheelchairs and others with prosthetic limbs. Even bombs won’t stop us. Our will, our love and our passion makes us stronger. Just give us a reason to run and we will run until we die.

Though it turns my stomach to learn of the death of a young child who died while cheering for the world’s finest athletes, it won’t stop me from bringing my children to races. My children will keep running with me and we will keep cheering for others.

Furthermore, the actions of a lone lunatic won’t stop me from applying to the NYC marathon again this year, because I refuse to live in fear. Much like those who ran Boston, NYC is my dream. Once we stop dreaming, the terrorists win.

For Boston, I will keep running and dreaming.

And so will my children.

To prove it, my girls and I ran 26.2 minutes for Boston after dinner.

Today’s Track Tuesdays speedwork is dedicated to the speedy runners, the spectators and the lives lost at the Boston Marathon.

“I got sole, but I’m not a soldier.”

1.1 mile warm up
Time 10:45
Ave Pace 9:48

Lap 1 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:58
Ave Pace 7:54

Lap 2 – 0.25 mile
Time 2:00
Ave Pace 8:02

Lap 3 – 0.25 mile
Time 2:00
Ave Pace 8:03

Lap 4 – 0.25 mile
Time 2:00
Ave Pace 8:02

1 mile cool down
Time 9:34

Total Time 28:18
Total distance 3.1

*Also linking up at*

Pasco Challenge Half Marathon 2013 {Recap}

In a quest to reattempt my half marathons from two years ago, the Pasco Challenge was a must-do do over. Having run the Starkey Trail numerous times while training for the Disney marathon, I thought I would have a home turf advantage to PR and possibly qualify in my age group. After all, I had PR’d once before and won for my age group at this race.

For the start of the race, the temps sat at 44 degrees and I was thankful for the cool temps. Despite the cool weather, I decided to wear my pirate Sparkle Skirt Running Skirt, the same one I wore the week before at Gasparilla. With its deep wide pockets for my Cliff shots, lip balm, car key and cell phone, I find it’s the perfect skirt for a half marathon.

While we crowded around waiting for the race to begin, the race director called all cyclists to start. Corralled in the crowd, I bumped into my friend, Sheila, who was running the 5K while her husband ran the half.

Once all the bikes were on their way, the runner race could begin. The race director then called all half marathoners closer to the start line. We all nudged our way forward and then the foghorn blasted.

I started with about a 9:00 mm pace and it felt good. Definitely a push compared to my usual pace, but I held onto it for the couple of miles. I also didn’t stop for many photos or chat with the runners around me. I focused on my running playlist and let the music carry me through the miles.

Around mile 2 when we passed the added leg on the return trip, an older woman struck up a conversation with me.

“Huh? I asked while I tugged the earbuds out of my ears. “I am sorry. What did you say?”

“There’s the added leg.”

“Yes, thank you for pointing that out. I spotted it on the map last night.” I popped my earbuds back in and tried to refocus my attention to the course.

“Last year….muffle muffle…muffle”. I hardly heard her say.

“I’m sorry. What?”

“Last year, people ran passed that and missed the added part of the course.”

“Yeah, that’s too bad. Got it. Won’t miss it,” I replied while returning my earbuds but also finding it difficult to return to my concentration and my race pace. At that pace, I can’t carry on a conversation and with the break in concentration for this unexpected conversation, I lost my mojo. I lost my focus. I lost my push and my pace, however, the elderly female runner kept trotting along while I fought with my focus.

Then around mile 4, a couple pushing a jogging stroller passed me. UGH! There’s nothing more defeating and deflating than be passed by a runner and a jogging stroller. These parents were running with resistance and passing me. I tried to pace with them to find my focus again, but I couldn’t keep up.

Then, I started to cuss the race. Why am I here? Why am I doing this? Who cares about beating times and PRs? Where is Chrissy when I need her?! Why isn’t she here pacing me? That’s when the false notion of a home turf advantage hit me. It’s only a home turf advantage when my running partners are pacing me.

Much like my running, the volunteers lacked enthusiasm for the water they dispensed. Against my better judgment, I didn’t wear my fuel belt and I had started to regret that decision after several bad water station experiences along the course. A few times, I had to grab my own water from the tables and at one station they offer a full bottle of Gatorade instead of a cupful. To save a few seconds on time, I found myself warning the water stations about my arrival. “I need water!”

Around mile 6, I was done with this race. I was almost at the halfway mark and yet I was ready to be finished. As faster runners began their return journey home, I redirected my energy on them and cheered for them as they flew by me.

Once I reached the turnaround, I walked. I needed the break. Then, my calf started cramping. UGH!

Letting go of any hope to PR, I just did my best to finish. The cool weather wore off as the sun started to shine and the temperatures were rising quickly. I found myself walking more and more. As I approached the additional leg the elderly female runner pointed out earlier, I noticed that many of the other participants mirrored how I felt.

With only a couple more miles left to go, I still battled with cramps in my calves but I was thankful for compression socks. While I may not have earned a new PR or an age group place, I would beat my time from two years ago and that’s all I ever really wanted to achieve. By shaving nearly 20 minutes off my chip from two years ago, this would most definitely be a PB PB (Post Baby Personal Best) redemption.

Chip Time 2:20:35.9
Garmin 2:20:36
Ave Pace 10:37
Max Pace 7:37
Div Place 5/9
64/91

After the race, I ran into the Run Tampa crew and Johanne, who I met at the Armadillo Run last year and we joked about it being our race anniversary or our raceversary.

I don’t know about Johanne, but next year, I’ll be back at the Armadillo. I think I’m over the Pasco Challenge, redemption runs and running without friends.

Purple Day 5K

When planning our Purple Day 5K event, I wanted to emphasize the phrase “fun run”. Many people are intimidated by runs because they think they’re too slow or they walk too much or they can’t run at all. To maximize participation among our friends, the Purple Day 5K was designed to be stroller friendly, kid friendly, walker friendly and even dog friendly.

Despite a frigid (by Florida standards) 48 degrees, we had a great turnout for a last minute fun run.

Plus, I bribed everyone to join us with purple cupcakes and other purple treats.

For the 5K, we ran along a 1.5 half route along a boulevard in our neighborhood and then turned around for a return 1.5 trip to the back to the community park.

“Mom, we’re beating you!” my oldest daughter, Allana, hollered out.

“We’re supposed to beating epilepsy, not each other!” I shouted back.

My SIL, Kirsten (an epilpesy advocate), worked as our race photographer and distributed first aid seizure cards and pamphlets to “talk about it”.

The purpose behind this Purple Day event was to educate and show support for epilepsy awareness, because someone we love needs a cure. There are approximately 65 million people around the world living with epilepsy. My niece, Meghan is one of them.

The response to our last-minute Purple Day 5K was truly overwhelming. We had people all over the world wearing purple, running and sharing photos. Thank you to everyone who supported our cause!

“Respect the purple!” – Allana, our own Cassidy Megan lookalike.

Cassidy Megan created the idea of Purple Day in 2008, motivated by her own struggles with epilepsy. Cassidy’s goal is to get people talking about epilepsy in an effort to dispel myths and inform those with seizures that they are not alone. The Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia came on board in 2008 to help develop Cassidy’s idea which is now known as the Purple Day for epilepsy campaign. - Purple Day

To learn more about Purple Day and how you can help educate others about epilepsy, visit purpleday.org.

I’m Outspokin

Imagine all your favorite spots in one shop. Imagine a place where your children can be entertained while you entertain the idea of a new bike or new clip-in shoes or try on some fabulous new cycling shorts all while sipping on a latte in over-sized dressing rooms. This place does exist! I have seen the promise Outspokin land and it was a Giant cycling heaven.

I was a tiny tri-athlete in a Giant world.

Outspokin of Clearwater has a new location on South Dale Mabry. Though most cycling shops cater to male clients, Outspokin certainly appeals to many cycling moms on the run like me.

The warm, welcoming colors and gorgeous layout will please all cyclists from novice to semi-pro.

Set a course for your next ride with the help of Outspokin’s Compu Trainer Rooom. Mount your bike and ride through any road course to prepare and train for your next race. Invite your friends to train with a group and add a new spin to your usual Moms Night Out. Iron Girl Clermont, here we come!

With high tech customized calibrations, riders are guaranteed for a bike best suited for each individual with the aid of Outspokin’s amazing Fit Room.

Test bike seats are also available, another aspect that sets an Outspokin experience apart from other bike shops. Since I’ve had some issues with my bike from the beginning, I will be scheduling a fitting after viewing this cycling Mecca.

Before our tour of Outspokin’s cycling nirvana, we took a group bike ride along Bayshore Boulevard to experience the group rides soon to be offered at this location. Although I am still very nervous to ride in the road, our fearless leaders Denise and Kelbie led us safely along Bayshore into David Island. Even with a bridge, it was a gorgeous not-so-scary 15 mile ride.

Experience this Giant cycling paradise and group rides at Outspokin’s Grand Opening March 15 – March 23 with special events, deomonstrations and prizes this Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17. Follow Outspokin on Twitter and Facebook for updates, specials, group rides and workshop events.

Run DMT

I'm a mom on the run!

Category Archives: sports