I Run. You Run. We Run Social.

You might’ve seen a social media explosion over the weekend about the new running group/organization/club, heck, party is really the best word to describe it–that is We Run Social.

#WeRunSocial

#WeRunSocial

This past February in preparation for Phoenix Marathon, a ton of Instagrammers, bloggers, social media-ites, got together and formed a Facebook group where we basically talked about our excitement on meeting up and tackling Phoenix. A lot of us had never met before but “knew” each other through various social mediums. We stared using the hashtag #ItsGoingDownAtPhoenix and thus began a huuuge buildup to what would become an epic race (epic for me in a different way lol!). But it certainly went down in Phoenix as everything about the race–the expo, the race itself, and post race festivities lived up to the hype we’d created.

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#ItWentDownInPhoenix

Afterward, we were sad. It’s kinda like that post-prom, post-graduation “What do we do now?” Was the party over?

NO WAY.

And that’s how #WeRunSocial started. Now, everyone was invited–it doesn’t matter where, when, what race, who, why–as long as you are running, a good time, you’re in and we’re in! It was so much fun meeting up with people who share the same interests as you, who “get you”–why not let that happen ALL. THE. TIME. At every race.

There’s a Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter page for We Run Social where runners can connect and follow each other. It’s cool to chat with people running the same races as you and then talking about training, race day, and post race stuff. I mean, it’s cool just talking about running. And then if you can meet in person, even better.

I’ve had so much fun getting to know people on social media. They may still be strangers in that I’ve never met them in “real life,” but we’ve formed a bond over something we love: running.

In the short span I’ve been fundraising for Chicago Marathon and the Ronal McDonald House Charity, I’ve been blown away by the support of the running community. Sara @LifeBetweenTheMiles, Charissa @charissarunning, Colby @ItsAMarathonAndASprint, Jennifer @WeAreRunningAMarathon?, Hailey @StridingStrong, and Amber @PbandPrs have all contributed to my cause and have I met any of them in person? Nope. But they’re awesome, and love running, and are supportive of those who run. And for that and much more, I’m thankful.

We Run Social.

I hope you all have a great Monday and week!! ❀ , helly

Friday (4+1) Five! {link up}

So one of my faves, Hailey @StridingStrong, tagged me in a fun About Me post where I share 4 things on different topics.

I was looking forward to linking up again with the DC Trifect ladies, Mar, Cynthia, and Courtney, and when I saw their Friday Five topic was an About Me, I figured, why not add a +1 to Hailey’s post?? I mean, you all wouldn’t mind getting some extra Helly info, right?? πŸ˜€

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Okay, here goes!

4 (+1) Names People Call Me

1. Peke (short for “pequena” which means “little” in Spanish)–I’m the youngest of 3 siblings
2. Helly–My real name is actually Angelica (the ‘g’ sounds like an ‘h’) and my college girlfriends decided it was too long and shortened it to Helly
3. Hells–My name to close friends
4. Mrs. B–My teacher name πŸ™‚
5. Mama–My favorite name ❀

4 (+1) Jobs I’ve Had

1. Tutor–I tutored in high school. It’s like I always knew I wanted to teach.
2. Boot Seller–I also worked at a western store during high school where I sold cowboy hats, boots, and saddles. Yep, I wore Wranglers and the whole bit πŸ˜€
3. Sales–I worked at a few high fashion stores in college. I love, love, love dressing up and wearing heels and I had some of the best times working in the fashion industry.
4. Waitress–I got a job working at a sports bar/restaurant and it was the best because I never missed any basketball games working the late shifts.
5. Teacher–Still have this job and I love it so very much.

4 (+1) Movies I’ve Watched More Than Once

1. Dumb and Dumber
2. Tommy Boy
3. Forrest Gump
4. Gone In 60 Seconds
5. Grease

4 (+1) Books I’d Recommend

1. The Last Lecture (great non-fiction book–get your tissues ready)
2. The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns (same author)
3. Anything by Jeffrey Deaver (if you like suspense/mystery/horror)
4. Nothing (good, albeit disturbing, YA book)
5. Where The Red Fern Grows (my favorite book from childhood πŸ™‚ )

4 (+1) Places I’ve Lived

1. My hometown in southern AZ
2. Phoenix, AZ
3. Tempe, AZ
4. Scottsdale, AZ
5. I’ve never lived outside of AZ. You can’t move me from here ❀

4 (+1) Places I’ve Been

1. Italy
2. Spain
3. France
4. Puerto Rico
5. Costa Rica

I’ve been fortunate to travel to some pretty cool places.

4 (+1) Places I’d Rather Be Right Now

1. San Francisco–my husband and went last year and had one of, if not the best, trips ever
2. Ohio–I miss my brother and sister
3. Baltimore, Maryland–Salt. ‘Nuff said.
4. Chicago, Il–the next cool place I want to visit (and race!)
5. Home–I’m currently at work.

4 (+1) Things I Don’t Eat

1. Peanut Butter
2. Ranch dressing
3. Mushrooms
4. Cooked carrots
5. Pecans 😦 This is a new allergy

4 (+1) Of My Favorite Foods

1. Bread. Any kind. That includes tortillas.
2. David’s BBQ Sunflower seeds. The addiction is real.
3. Red chili tamales. Mexican food in general. Tacos.
4. The Caribou sub sandwich from our local sub shop, Silvermine’s (ooh, and their broccoli cheese soup!)
5. Pizza. With just pepperoni.

Story. Yesterday, I went to a local pizza shop near work and ordered my usual, 3 slices and a soda. It was a new guy I didn’t recognize behind the counter and upon placing my order, he says, “Are you sure? That’s a lot of food.”

Um, yeah, I’m sure.

4 (+1) TV Shows I’ve Watched

1. Mickey Mouse Club House
2. Doc McStuffins
3. Octonauts
4. Princess Sophia
5. Mickey Mouse Club House

Our house only has one channel.

4 (+1) Things I’m Looking Forward To This Year

1. My little girl turning 3!
2. My little guy turning 2!
3. Phoenix Marathon
4. Chicago Marathon??? (I hope I get in!)
5. The unknown πŸ™‚

4 (+1) Things I’m Always Saying

1. “Seriously?” (or “Really?”)
2. “I’m hungry.” (like, all the time)
3. “There’s a reason I don’t teach elementary school.” (to my students when they’re being squirrely)
4. “Besitos!” (asking my kids for kisses πŸ™‚ )
5. “It was on sale.” (to my husband, always)

I’m supposed to tag people, but I’d so much rather YOU choose something from the list to tell me!

I hope everyone has a good weekend! I’m supposed to do 20 miles tomorrow –eeek!!!

❀ helly

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why taking a racecation is the way to go {a Guest Post}

Hi guys! I’m having a local blogger buddy/runner guest today. She’s been on some pretty neat race-cations and I have to say, I’m quite jealous on some of them. I’m a visitor on her blog, The Sunny Side, so if you’re itching for some Helly, head on over to her page πŸ™‚ I hope you all have a fabulous Friday!

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Hi! I’m Emily and I’m a runner in the Phoenix area who loves to travel, eat, drink and RUN!

I must admit, I’ve always had the travel bug, ever since I was a little girl. We took plenty of family vacations growing up, and I have never gotten tired of it.

When I decided to do my first full marathon back in 2000, I will totally admit that the reason I did it is because it was in HAWAII! That was all the motivation I needed to get me through 26.2 miles. I fundraised over $3,200 for the Leukemia Society with their Team In Training Program.

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Of course I had been bitten by the marathon bug, so the next marathon I chose was in Cozumel, Mexico. That was a unique experience for sure. Not one I would recommend, but it was still very cool to be down in Mexico for a race. I even got my hair done in braids (like Bo Derek in 10) so the beads in my hair were making a lot of noise while I ran. Then my next marathons were back in Honolulu and Rock n Roll San Diego.

I frequently travel back to my home state of Michigan for some of my favorite races (Charlevoix Marathon and the Crim 10 mile). Great excuse to experience cooler weather and see family.

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I decided that the combination of running a race and traveling was the perfect marriage. I will take ANY excuse to travel just about anywhere. Luckily I have a partner in crime who will go with me on some of these adventures. Our next one together will be in Hilton Head, SC in February. Woo-hoo!

Hawaii race

The only downside of being in a beautiful resort town and running a marathon is having to act like a saint the day before. No drinking, not too much walking, no sunburn, and watching what you eat. Aside from that, it’s really ideal.

Next up is the Detroit Marathon next month where I get to meet up with one of my new buds, @jennvoss.

 

Keep Calm and Travel On!

Follow Emily on her travel and running adventures:
Blog: http://azsungoddess.weebly.com
Twitter: @azsungoddess1
Instagram: @azsungoddess
Facebook: #/emilysattlerwhite

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Thanks for visiting Emily!

–What’s been your favorite race-cation?

–Where in the world would you like to run?