Give it up for the Strong Running Mamas!

Almost two years ago, early on in my second pregnancy, I started a running group to help non-runners become runners and train for a 5K. I've gushed about the group here and there and, honestly, it was a terrific experience. In celebration of their accomplishment, I made up some bracelets for them (and the other rocking mothers who helped with the group).

The bracelets said, "Strong Running Mama" on them because that's what those women had become.

A year later, I started a little Facebook group called Strong Running Mamas and the group has grown from the original dozen or so to almost 50!

These women rock! We support each other, run together, motivation one another -- it is awesome. I love it.

So, I had this idea. You know how people say that if you put something "out there" to the universe, it will happen?

Well, I asked each of the Strong Running Mamas to give me their numero uno goal for 2012 and they did. My idea? I'm going to put their goals "out there" and ask you all to support them as they work to achieve them. I figure, I put their goals "out there" for them, you guys wish them some luck, the universe responds and viola! the Strong Running Mamas accomplish their mighty awesome goals in 2012!


Should work, right?

YEAH!

So . . . the goals. Now, not all the Strong Running Mamas gave me their goals, but a bunch did. Please, friends, read these goals and help me give them some support!

(You can click on the image to enlarge it.)

Awesome running goals, huh?

Leave a comment, send me an email (I'll pass the love along), or just wish the Strong Running Mamas good luck in your mind (or out loud, if you prefer) -- whatever you want. Just help us get the good vibes going for their 2012 goals!

Throughout the year, I plan to check in and see how everyone is doing and I'll let you guys know how the Strong Running Mamas are progressing.

Thanks, friends. Your support will be greatly appreciated!

And, if you believe in karma, you're sure to get something in return ;-)

Have a great day, all!

~ Felice

Recommendations?

Today's not my day so just a quick post.

Does anyone have suggestions for a blender?

I make smoothies every morning (banana, frozen strawberries, plain yogurt and flax meal) and my blender can't really handle it. I have to stop the machine several times to mix up the ingredients to get things moving. I need something better, something that will support me through my smoothie-making days! Seriously, I need a powerful machine and I'm looking to you for recommendations! THANKS!!!!!

And don't forget: My Champion gear giveaway ends tonight!

Yay, tomorrow is Friday!!!

~ Felice

Only because I *really* need it . . .

I don't write too much about personal stuff on this blog, preferring to stick mostly to running and running-related things. But, today, I'm veering.

I have some stuff going on and tomorrow morning I could use some good vibes. Do you have any to spare? Can you send them my way? Your good vibes, your well wishes, your happy thoughts . . . I could use any and all of them.

Cryptic? Yes, I know and I know how annoying that can be. Suffice it to say that I wouldn't ask if there wasn't a need. And since there is a need, I'm asking. And thanking. I always appreciate my bloggy buddies and will appreciate whatever good vibes you can send my way!

* * *

OK, now that that's done, what of the running? Ha. My hamstring felt a little stiff today so I decided to loosen it up with an easy treadmill run. I slogged my way through 3 miles and that's about all I could do. My hamstring feels a lot looser and better after the run but I just couldn't handle too much more on the 'mill. Plus my son had an "accident" and needed an underpants -- and regular pants -- change so 3 miles seemed like a good time to stop.

Not sure how much I'll be blogging in the next few days. So, I'll wish you all a great week! Oh, and don't forget to check out my giveaway if you're interested in entering to win some natural shielding lotion.

Thanks for reading!

~ Felice

Winter gear!

This year, I am determined to be less of a wimp about running in the cold weather. Last year, I gave in to my inner softie and ran on the treadmill quite often once the temperature dipped and the days shortened.

It's time to toughen up!

The weather is already getting chilly here and it is getting dark earlier and earlier. Yesterday, for example, was a fine day but very windy in my neighborhood. When I set out for my run around 6, I knew I was going to have to deal with a sharp wind. I psyched myself up and went for it, not giving in to the part of me that wanted to bail and just run a few easy miles on the 'mill.

Nope, I put on tights, a long-sleeved top, my windbreaker and gloves (gloves!) and headed out. Chilly and windy though it was, it was also a refreshing run.

Now, here's the thing. I need more and better winter running gear if I'm going to be successful at running outside this season. I have a decent windbreaker from Target (cheap but functional) and an OK pair of (also Target) running tights. I was sent a high-tech pair of Opedix tights to review and they are more or less fine, so that means I now have two pairs of tights.

Does anyone have a recommendation for good tights or not-too-loose running pants?

On the jacket side, the windbreaker works for now but it doesn't have any reflective properties. Since I'll doubtless be running in the dark, I'd like a reflective (and warm) jacket. I recently tried this jacket from IllumiNITE:

I had to send it back because the sleeves were too short. That's my problem: I have broad shoulders and long arms. Tops and jackets that fit well in the body, often have sleeves that are too short. Other than the fit, I liked the jacket, especially the highly reflective properties.

Has anyone tried IllumiNITE jackets? Do you have any other jacket recommendations?

* * *

My Take it Easy Training Plan kicks it up a little today with hill repeats. I'm ready!

Have a great day and thanks for any gear recommendations that you have!

~ Felice

In case you need something to run for . . .

Yesterday, I received an email from Hannah at Women to Women International asking me to help spread the word about a series of races that will support women and children in Congo.

Well, once I read some of the material that Hannah sent and that is available on their web site (here), I had to write about it right away. Sure, I'd read things here and there about the situation in Congo, and I'd heard a mention or two about the Oprah episode, but I guess I hadn't really paid attention.

So now I am. Now I'm getting more informed. And now I'm sharing some info with you. There are six Runs for Congo Women planned for this fall. If one is in a city near you, I encourage you to check it out! Here is the information on the series from Hannah:

Change Your Life. And Hers.

Join Women for Women International and stand up for women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo! Participate in a 2009 Run for Congo Women.

Run for Congo Women began with one woman’s determination to raise awareness about the dire situation in Congo and has become an international movement.

• More than 5.4 million people have died since 1998 in this conflict.
• Half of these deaths are children under the age of five.
• For women in Congo, brutal gang rape and torture are a daily reality.

Run for Congo Women is your opportunity to support these women and children as they rebuild their lives.

Visit www.runforcongowomen.org to learn more and register for one of the following runs today!

Morrison, CO - Saturday, September 19^th

Portland, OR – Saturday, September 19^th

New York, NY - Saturday, September 26^th

Tempe/Phoenix, AZ - Sunday, September 27^th

Chicago, IL - Saturday, October 3^rd

St. Louis, MO - Saturday, October 17^th

By signing up today, you will support Women for Women International’s program in Congo, in which women receive direct assistance, rights awareness and job skills training that make it possible for them to start their own micro-enterprises. You also allow them to provide for their family and to regain their role as an active member of their community.

When you join us, you help spread this message: Congolese lives matter. The lives of Congolese women are significant. The lives of Congolese children are precious. We are running to help.

Run on! Oh, and if you do decide to sign up for one of the Run for Congo Women races, let me know! I want to be able to send you lots of good vibes :-)

~ Felice

Mama needs a new pair of shoes.

I'm perfectly happy with my Brooks running shoes. And the ugly Birkenstocks clogs that I wear around the house suit me just fine. My problem is with public shoes, the shoes I wear with jeans when I'm out and about.

Even though I'm at an age and stage where shoe comfort counts, I can't get myself to wear my sneaks or Birks in public. Just can't do it. Instead, I've been wearing the same old pair of shoe/booties (shooties? Shebooties? Not sure.) for years while searching for a more comfortable replacement pair. Really, years. I think I bought the shoes in 2001 or 2002 and have been wearing them almost every non-sandal weather day since.

And now, these formerly comfy, increasingly worn out shoes are done. They need to go and I need a new pair of shoes.

Please help!

I need advice on a good pair of comfortable shoes for a runner gal with an annoying bunion on her right foot. I tried this pair of Dansko shoes and they did not work. I think that something about the up-curved toe pushes my inflexible toe into an uncomfortable position. My feet hurt when I wear these shoes so I usually don't.

Do you have any suggestions for me? I'm willing to try just about anything, but I would prefer that the shoes aren't completely orthopedic looking. Please help! I'm desperate!

* * *

March Madness may be my undoing. I stayed up way too late last night, watching teams I didn't really care about, simply because it was a close game. Tonight is going to be just as bad because our local team, Siena, plays at 9:40. Go Saints!

Before I settle in to enjoy the games, though, I have speed work on the schedule for this evening. For some odd reason, I'm really looking forward to it. Yeah, I think I'm weird, too.

Happy Friday, everyone!

~ Felice

A call for Hope.

Maybe you're read about Hope Runs in Runner's World or elsewhere. Maybe you've never heard of them. Either way, I'm here to request that you check them out and learn a little more.

Hope Runs is a non-profit NGO working in Kenya and Tanzania, using athletics, education, and social entrepreneurship to empower AIDS orphans. Claire Williams, one of the founders, emailed me with information on their Hope Runs 777 Challenge.

Here's some information on the Challenge:

In 2010, Hope Runs will be leading a Guinness World Record-breaking endeavor to complete 7 marathons on 7 continents in only 7 weeks. With a team of dedicated runners, we are committed to breaking some fantastic Guinness World Records (yes - there are some left to be broken in the area!). We are also proud to be running a green event through carbon-emissions-offset sponsoring.

The Hope Runs 777 Challenge will help bring the issues facing the 14.5 million AIDS orphans in Africa alone to the forefront of the world’s consciousness. By pushing ourselves to the limit, our team will raise awareness for the issues facing orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs) all over the world, mobilizing people everywhere to become more involved. With each member of the team covering his or her own costs and committing to raise thousands more toward the cause, this effort will help to make a lasting impact in places that need it most.

The Challenge has lost some of its team members and is looking for new ones. Maybe some of you intrepid runners would be up for the challenge? You can visit their blog here or their web site here. Or, send an email to info@hoperuns.org for more information. Even if you are not interested in running, check out their sites. I spent some time reading about them this evening and have been very impressed by what Claire and her Hope Runs partner Lara are doing. It is really amazing.

Thanks!!