Mizuno running shoe giveaway!

Lucky day!

Recently, I was invited to be a founding member of Mizuno's Mezamashii Run Project. I received information about Mizuno, the project, a pair of running shoes and -- this is where you come in -- a free pair to give away!

Before I get to the giveaway, though, let me share some information.

Mizuno designed the project to help runners have a more brilliant run, thus the name, Mezamashii, which means "eye opening" or "brilliant" in Japanese. Instead of spending money on an extensive ad campaign to promote their shoes, they decided to put the shoes on the feet of real runners, with the belief that those runners would achieve a "mezamashii feeling" and spread the word.

Well, here I am spreading the word.

Now, let me share some of my history with Mizuno. It hasn't always been the best. Back when I was wearing heavier shoes, I tried out a pair of Mizunos that just weren't for me. They were great for kicking around, but not for my running gait.

So, I was a little apprehensive when I was invited to be part of the Mezamashii Run Project. Would I hate the shoes? Then what would I do?

I didn't even need to worry.

I ordered up the Mizuno Wave Inspire 8 and have worn them for my last five or so runs. They are awesome. 

I love how they feel and, I admit, I love how they look! Check them out:

Slick, right?

Right.

Take a look at this video to learn more about the project:




Excited? Want to win some new kicks?

Well, OK!

The Giveaway!


One lucky reader will win a pair of Mizunos of their choice (just not the Wave Prophecy). To enter, just leave me a comment telling me why you want to win a pair of Mizuno running shoes.

As always, you can gain extra entries. Remember, though, you must complete the required entry first! (Leave one comment per entry for the additional ones to count):

• Follow this blog, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment) 
• Follow me on Pinterest, or let me know that you already do  (leave a comment) 
• Pin the image from this post to share the giveaway on Pinterest  (leave a comment) 
• Link to this giveaway on Twitter using this tweet (leave a comment): 

I want to win @MizunoRunning shoes from @TheHappyRunner  http://tinyurl.com/c8y4c6j

• Follow me on Twitter, or let me know that you already do  (leave a comment) 
• Link to this giveaway from your blog  (leave a comment)   

This giveaway will run through Monday, July 9th at 11:59pm EST and the winner will be announced on Tuesday.

Good luck!

~ Felice

Disclosure: I received a free pair of running shoes but was not otherwise compensated. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Boilermaker 15K plan.

Sunday is Boilermaker day! 

Last year was my first time running the race and I loved it. Positively. It helped that I was there with friends:

Elisa, Bridget, me before the race.

It also helped that the crowd rocked. It was just a fun, fun, fun race.

And it helped that I set a PR (1:13:59).

This year, I'd like to break that. My running has been going very well so I believe I am in a good position to set a new PR.

I mean, after all, last year I was still nursing my baby, still getting up with him at least once -- sometimes twice -- overnight. And yet, I ran a PR.

Last year, running strong near the end of the race.

So, here's what I hope to do on Sunday:

A Goal: break 1:13 (1:12:59 or better)
B Goal: 1:13:08 or better
C Goal: PR -- 1:13:58 or better

If it isn't too hot on race day, I believe I can at least reach my C goal -- I'm confident of that. We'll see what happens!

Are you racing this weekend? Have a big goal?

Have a great weekend, everyone!

~ Felice

Heatwave.

This has been one hot week of running. To beat the heat, I ran at 8:30pm on Monday and 8pm on Tuesday. Both nights were still pretty warm, but not nearly as hot as my Wednesday run.

Wednesday was hot as can be. Owen had the day off so he went out to play golf early in the morning and I was home with the boys. We had plans with friends at 4, for a BBQ and to watch the 4th of July fireworks, so when he got home at 2, I quickly got it together and went out for a run.

I had some grand plans to run 7.4 miles. You know, in honor of the day. But, yeah. That didn't happen.

Instead, I ran a nice-and-easy 4. And dripped with sweat the entire time.

Now, after all of these hot runs, I hope that we can enjoy some cooler temps on race day (Sunday!). As much as I can handle the heat, racing is just better when it is cooler.

Speaking of the Boilermaker race, I'm finalizing my race day plan and will share it tomorrow. So, until then, enjoy the day -- thanks for stopping by!

~ Felice

June recap.

June was a busy month. We had field trips and school events, my little guy turned 5 and then he graduated from preschool, we went away for a long weekend at the Jersey shore, and there's been all the regular stuff that goes on when you're determined to make the most of the summer season.

(Here are a few pics from our recent NJ trip.)

Loving the warm water!

  

Goofy big brother!

Head in the sand . . . why not?

There's also been a bit of running. After dipping under 100 miles for the month in May, I finished June with exactly 100. I'm slowly building back up.

I'm also slowly getting back into training mode. I admit that, since the marathon, I've been pretty much in easy running mode. Sure, I've kicked it up with a speed workout here and there and a few strong long runs. But, overall, the running has still been easy. I hope my Boilermaker performance doesn't suffer for that because I've enjoyed this month of running and I'd like to think it is setting me up well for my half marathon this fall.

Here's a look at June.

June stats:


Running (miles): 100
Races: 1 -- the Freihofer's Run for Women 5K where I set a new PR!
Cross training (sessions): lots

I added in a lot of cross training in June -- mostly in the form of box jumps, lunges, squats and a few key arm exercises. Oh yeah, and chasing after my toddler on playgrounds, the beach and at pools. That has to count as cross training!

Now, I'm looking forward to a great July of running. And a good race on Saturday.

How was your June? Did you hit your mileage or other running goals?

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Felice