Snowing on the Gulf Coast, RNRNola tweet up, and a Colorful Winner...

Yep that's right, SNOW on the Gulf Coast. This weather is crazy. it was 60 degrees yesterday and now we are expecting snow, sleet, and ice tonight. Oh, and not to mention its supposed to be 70 degrees this weekend. CRAZY!

Ill take the 70 degree weather this weekend because its Rock n Roll New Orleans weekend. YAY!

If your going to be in New Orleans this weekend come check out the expo.

Some fellow bloggers Abby and Dani are going to be taking over the expo stage at 10 am on Saturday to tell you guys how Social Media and online communities affects the modern runner.

They will be interviewed by my dear friend Mindy and Sarah. I hope to get in town in time to meet up. If you will be in New Orleans even if you are not running the race, the expo is free to the public and come and say hi to these awesome ladies.

If you are not able to attend you can follow these ladies on Twitter as they update the #RNRTWEETUP live from expo.

Abby:  @BackatSquare0

Dani:  @IrishEyes1982

Mindy:  @MindyBobe

Sarah:  @MomonEmpty

 

I will be in New Orleans sometime on Saturday to run the race with my racewife, Melanie. This is the 3rd year in a row I have ran the RNRNola. I love this race and the city.

2012 Half marathon

2013 Full Marathon

And this year Melanie and I will make our way down the streets of New Orleans as a relay team for 2014. I am excited about doing all 3 options for the Rock n Roll New Orleans, half, full, and relay. I will give you my thoughts on all of them next week. Stay Tuned...

Speaking of races, I have a winner for the 2014 Color Run entries...

                                                                                                                    

Carlee Padot McClurg January 22, 2014 at 11:13 PM

Following on Instagram, reposted the picture, and tagged you and The Color Run in it. Sure hope I win!!

                                                                                                                                                                             

Congrats Carlee, You have 24 hours to contact me at [email protected].

 

Now to bunker down for some extreme weather, have a great Tuesday...

But first if your going to be in New Orleans area this weekend let me know.

THE COLOR RUN Kaleidoscope Tour Giveaway...

Announcing the 2014 Kaleidoscope Tour!

THE COLOR RUN Tour is hitting your cities like never before... Amazing new participant gear (t-shirt, headband, wrist band and sling bag) , Fresh music, and Color crazy race attractions. This is 5K Magic like only The Color Run can do.

What is THE COLOR RUN?

The Color Run was founded in January of 2012 as an event to promote healthiness and happiness by bringing the community together to participate in the “Happiest 5k on the Planet”. We are the original paint race and have created a completely new genre of running events that continues to grow exponentially. Now the single largest event series in the United States, The Color Run has exploded since our debut event. We have more than tripled our growth, hosting more than 170 events in 30+ countries in 2013. Click here to join the party!

 

I had the opportunity to run THE COLOR RUN in New Orleans with a bunch of friends last year representing Swiftwick Socks, and let me tell you it was a total blast...

Before...

After...

This was one of those races that anyone can do. So grab your friends and family and join us for the 2014 Color Run Kaleidoscope Tour

Right now they are offering everyone a special discount. Just enter promo code COLOR5OFF will give $5 off a registration to ANY city. Important: code must be entered at time of registration, cannot be retro-applied. Also please type the code in, do not copy/paste. Not valid on flash city sales.

SIGN UP HERE

 

Now for the fun part. I have 2 free entries for you guys. They will be good for ANY COLOR RUN race. YIPPEE!

Who's excited?

HOW TO ENTER?

Lets make this easy. 2 ways to enter...

1. Leave me a comment below letting me know which city you would like to get COLORFIED in and who you would take with you.

2. Head on over to Instagram and FOLLOW 0to26point2 and repost THE COLOR RUN image I have on my page.

 

I will run the giveaway from 1/22/14 to 1/26/14 at midnight. And announce the winners on Monday 1/27/14.

GOOD LUCK!

I was given 2 giveaway entrees by THE COLOR RUN. All opinions are of my own and no one else.

Under Armour39 Heart Rate monitor review

This post was sponsored by FitFluential, LLC on behalf of Under Armour.

 

I had a chance to review the new Armour39 heart rate monitor by Under Armour. Let me tell you this thing is amazing. It tracks your workout duration, calories burned, heart rate, and actual real time intensity. I have used other heart rate monitors in the past, but what stands out about the Armour39 monitor is that it actually tells you your WILLPOWER. it tracks how hard you are working based on a scale from 1-10. That means "NO CHEATING", lol!

One of the things I love about the actual strap is that it is thicker than most straps, therefore it didn't bunch up when I was moving.

 I found that the other monitor I was using felt uncomfortable at times because it would roll up. The Armour39 belt stayed in place and never slipped throughout my workout.

Simply download the app on from the APPSTORE and start working out. It syncs with your iPhone therefore you can workout without having to wear a watch to track all of your movements. They do have a watch you can purchase seperately and sync to the strap. It will even stores your workout in case you are out of range of your cell phone for up to 16 hours. The Armour39 app is only found in the APPSTORE and is only compatible with the iPhone 4s and above and the iPod touch 5th generation.

No matter what your workout is or who you are having to keep up with:), the Armour39 heart rate monitor will be right there with you.

 

If you are looking for a way to keep track of your workouts and an accountability partner, the Armour39 heart rate monitor is for you. Check it out at UnderArmour.com I am looking forward to using it in Crossfit next week. I will keep you guys posted on how well it keeps track of my "WILLPOWER"

 

2014 Fitness must haves...

This post was sponsored by FitFluential LLC

2014 Fitness must haves so far...

We are 2 weeks into 2014, can you believe it? I wanted to tell you about some of my favorite things I have been using this year so far.

 

1. Max Flow Sports headbands and Jost Running Virtual Race medals

I am loving the non slip head bands from Max Flow Sports. They actually fit my head well and stay in place. I have really long hair and it stays back pretty good in a ponytail but the Max flow headbands helps with them little whispy hairs that get in my face esp during Crossfit.

 

I have been earning some pretty fantastic looking bling through my partnership with Jost Running Virtual races. The races have been really cool to use as my training runs. they have kept me interested in training. Check out all of the Jost Running races and see if there is one that fits you.

 

 

 

2. Koss Headphones- Headphones designed specifically for women, by women.

I was given both the FitClips and FitBuds from the Koss Fit Series for review through a FitFluential Campaign.

I have been using the Koss FlexFit Fit Clips for the past week, and they are amazing. I have not had to adjust them on my runs or rides at all. They also have yet to fall off while I attempt to do yoga. I will say they are not as loud as the previous headphones I have used, but are definitely more comfortable and fit better. My husband has smaller ears and he keeps trying to steal mine.

I am not a big fan of the ear bud style headphones, mainly because they come out, however the design of the Koss FitBuds are amazing. The entire "bud' fits in your ear making it harder to just fall out.

Overall both pairs of headphones have been a great addition to my fit gear so far this year. They are also very affordable at a retail price of $29.99. You can find them available at the following stores,

Wal-Mart

Sears

Best Buy

Walgreen

Kmart

 

You can also connect with Koss Headphones via

Facebook www.facebook.com/koss

Twitter www.twitter.com/kossheadphones

Instagram @Koss

Pinterest www.pinterest.com/kossheadphones

 

2. Swiftwick Socks and Mizuno Running shoes

If you followed my adventures into the New Year, you would know that my Swiftwick Socks and Mizuno Running shoes took me to a lot of really cool places for 10 days. I never leave home without a pair of Swiftwick socks on. If you haven't tried them yet, your missing out. I have been wearing my Mizuno Running shoes for the past year now, they have been extremely helpful in getting me across the finish line.

 

QOTD: Do you have any Fitgear that is helping you take over 2014?

 

 



 

 

 



Do you need Motivation? Encouragement? Accountability? Check this out...

Staying Motivated with FitFluential

I know the first thing that most people will tell you about their lack of working out, or eating healthy is motivation. Trust me I have the same excuse as everyone else. We all need a little encouragement and motivation sometime.

I am part of an amazing group of Fitness minded people that come from all walks of life and backgrounds. That group is FitFluential! I can not say enough things about how wonderful this group of people have been to my success in my weightloss and health. 

They have started a new #hashtag on Instagram, #FFCHECKIN. #FFCHECKIN is a daily dose of what everyone did that day to make their day a little brighter. It can also be used if you just aren't feeling great about what you accomplished on that particular day and maybe need a little encouragement. This is a great way to help motivate not only yourself but so many others. Its all about motivation, encouragement, and accountability. So is you have an Instagram account start your daily #FFCHECKIN right now. IF you don't, sign up, its FREE:)

Once you have signed up or logged in, you can FOLLOW me at 0to26point2.

Kelly Olexa, CEO of FitFluential, posted a blog post explaining how the #FFCHECKIN works. You can read it HERE!

What was my #FFCHECKIN for last night? This...

I needed a reminder of how far I have gotten in my health and fitness, I have had many downfalls in my journey. I am sitting on about 20lbs from my after picture that I need to lose. I know I can do it especially now with all the motivation I am going to get through the #FFCHECKIN page. I say good luck to all of you guys and I look forward to seeing your post.

And if you would like to join @FitFluential you can. Trust me you wont regret it.

 QOTD: Do you have Instagram? If so leave me a comment with the URL or name, so I can follow you.

Crescent City 10k, running the streets of NOLA!

One of my favorite races of the year is the Crescent City Classic New Orleans. It is one the largest 10k's in the US, and it is so much fun. on April 19th 2014 Runners come from all over the world will line up on the streets of New Orleans to run this amazing 10k. You can read my recap of the 2013 CCC10k HERE!

I wanted to tell you guys about the "RUN FOR IT" program...

 

RUN FOR IT! OFFICIAL CHARITY PROGRAM

Everyone is welcome!  Seeded runners, joggers, and walkers alike!
 

STEP 1) CHOOSE YOUR CHARITY
Our 10 Charity Partners are listed below.  
All charities offer unique training and fundraising programs, however, all will require a minimum fundraising donation of $200.  

STEP 2) REGISTER
To register for the 2014 CCC10k Race as a Charity Runner -  CLICK HERE!

STEP 3) SET UP YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE 
To officially join your team & set up your Fundraising page on Crowdrise.com - CLICK HERE!

STEP 4) FUNDRAISE & HAVE FUN!
Raise a minimum of $200 by Race Day [April 19, 2014], pick up your Charity bib number & T-shirt from your Charity's booth @ the Health & Fitness Expo & have a great race!

 

---

 

“Run For It” Perks & Incentives:

Official Charity Runners of the Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic will receive…

·      Unique Charity Bib number with First name & Unique Race T-shirt, if you register by March 14^th

·      Pre & Post-race gathering spots with private port-o-lets & refreshments on Race Day
 

+ The highest fundraisers from each Charity Team will win a 2014 Commemorative Print
& the highest fundraiser overall will receive a free hotel room at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans for Race Weekend!

 

Auto-Qualify for Seeded Positions

Charity Runners that raise the following amounts for their chosen Charity will automatically qualify for a seeded starting position in the 2014 Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic:

• $1,000 for Group C
• $2,500 for Group B
• $5,000 for Group A (START WITH THE ELITES!)

About the “RUN FOR IT” Program
 

The “Run For It” Program is the Official Charity Program of the Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic 10k. The goal of the “Run For It” Program is to raise $1 million and serve the Greater New Orleans area needs.  Each year, the Crescent City Classic choses 10 local Charities to support and partner with for the following year’s Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic 10k race.
 

The Crescent City Classic donates 100 Charity bib numbers (guaranteed race entries) to each Charity Partner for the Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic 10k.  Official Charity Partners recruit 100 runners/walkers who can commit to raising a minimum of $200 for their Charity by race day (next year on April 19, 2014).
 

The Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic is produced by the Crescent City Fitness Foundation, a 501C3 non-profit entity.  The funds and positive impact of the “Run For It” Program are important to the success of the Crescent City Fitness Foundation’s mission, and the Classic is proud to support local charities and their fundraising endeavors.

For more information, please contact our Charity Coordinator Hilary Landry, at [email protected]

 

This is an amazingly easy way to make a difference. So I hope you guys will join me at the start line on April 19th, 2014. See ya there!

 

QOTD: Are you running the CCC10k?

Going back to Crossfit, OUCH! and my wonderful weekend...

Hey guys, I hope you had a great weekend. I actually started my weekend on Friday with a trip back to the box! Yep that's right THAT box, lol!

CROSSFIT!

I haven't been in about 6 months and I paid the price for that this weekend. LOL! Just getting out of the car was a challenging act. I had forgotten what it felt like to be truly sore. You know that kind of soreness that you know you did everything right because you feel it in the area you really worked! FANTASTIC!

My Crossfit box has moved to a much larger building and when they get it finished its going to be amazing. The awesome Rogue VTX equipment will be delivered on Friday and I am sooooooo excited! So stay tuned....

 

We also had some awesome visitors this weekend when 2 of my sister n laws came to visit for one night on their way to Phoenix. I love it when any of my husbands family comes to visit us. Even though I could barely move, lol!

 

For all of you guys who have not entered my @CorePower giveaway, CLICK HERE!

 

I am so excited to tell you guys about a couple really awesome races I have coming up, so I will give you a total upcoming race post tomorrow...

 

QOTD: How was your weekend? Did you do any "First?

Homemade Sunbutter for the win!!!

I have a little bit of a nutbutter obsession. After seeing my favorite running store manager post his "collection", I of course had to post mine!
One nut butter I love is Sunbutter, but it is so expensive. The cheapest I have found it was about $6 a jar, so I decided to do it myself;)

Let me tell you it's the easiest thing to do. 1. By unshelled roasted sunflower seeds. ( I found a huge bag for $2 at the grocery store. If you only find raw,  just roast in the oven for about 10 minutes on 450 in the oven.)
2. Pour into food processor and start blending. It will go through a few phases...
  Chopped nuts, then meal, then it will start to cake up on the sides, just stop and push it all back down, you will have to do this a bunch of times. After a while the oil in the nuts will start to release and you will have a creamy substance. You can add a little olive oil or coconut oil to it if you like it real creamy.
3. You can add in a little honey our agave syrup if you like a sweet taste.
4. Enjoy.

QOTD What's your favorite nut butter?

Core Power Protein Fit Kit Giveaway!!!

#Healthy2014

Who wants to get into shape this year?

2014 is going to be epic in my health book. What better way to kickstart your workouts than a Fit Kit from Core Power?

Introducing Core Power.

A delicious post workout recovery drink for your active lifestyle, Core Power is a real milk protein drink made from fresh, lowfat, lactose-free milk and real honey. Its optimum protein to carb ratio and nutrient-rich profile make for the perfect last stage of every workout. From endurance sports and bodybuilding to running, yoga and cross-fit, Core Power helps you recover faster, build lean muscle and stay at the top of your game. No matter which game you happen to play.

That's right, Core Power, the Official Protein Drink of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics wants to give one of my readers a Official Core Power Fit Kit to help one of you guys get in shape. I received my Fit Kit in the mail yesterday and let me tell you its amazing...

It is complete with a Core power-branded gym bag, exercise ball, Camelbak bottle, RTD shakes, yoga mat and holder, and gym towel.

Now for the fun part. Enter below for your chance to win your very own Core Power Fit Kit...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway will be open from today until Wednesday 1/15/14 at midnight. I will choose a winner via Rafflecopter on Thursday 1/16/14 and announce it on the blog. Please allow up to 4 weeks for delivery.
GOOD LUCK!
I was given a Core Power Fit Kit for review purposes and no other compensation. The Core Power company will send the winner their own Fit Kit via mail. All opinions are my own.

The Biggest Loser Winners, an awesome new headband, new medals earned, and nother giveaway announcement.

2014 has been great for me so far. I returned from a glorious vacation with my husband and kids. 2 weeks of making memories is what's important to us. So therefore I am declaring 2014, the year of Memory Making. What does that mean? I am aiming to do a lot of "first" this year. So I challenge you to join me this year in making memories.

 

I will post some of the amazing pictures I got while on vacation throughout the week, but first I have a couple winners to announce...

The winners of The Biggest Loser Run/Walk giveaway are...

Shannon W

and

Suzanne

You guys have 48 hours to contact me at [email protected] otherwise a new winner will be chosen.

 

I had some amazing mail when I came home from vacation 

The awesome people at Max Flow Sports sent me a couple of their cross grip non slip hair bands to test out. I have to say they are amazing. It did not slip one time during my run yesterday and I even wore it most of the day with no problems. I suffer from flat head in the back and its hard to find hair bands that don't slip off my head, so it is nice to have a band that doesn't slip. Check them out...

I also received my January Jost Running Medals. They are amazing. I have already earned the 5k, and I am looking forward to earning the half marathon medal later this month. I think I am going to use the full marathon as a bike training. If you need a little push in your training or just don't like to race with a lot of people, you should check out Jost Running Virtual Races.

I also have a great giveaway for you guys tomorrow. Core Power was recently named the “Official Protein Drink of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.” and they want to give one of my readers and official Core Power Fit Kit.

Stay tuned tomorrow to enter.

 

Until tomorrow, I would love for you to tell me what "First" you are looking forward to in 2014. Leave me a comment and I will have a little surprise for one of you.

 

Vacation

I just returned from 2 weeks of vacation with the family. I will have my winners of The Biggest Loser RunWalk race giveaway on Monday along with an awesome new giveaway for all of you fitness lovers. I can't wait to tell you guys about my awesome adventures in Arizona, until then...