A Part Of Something New

While on vacation this past weekend, I got some good news via e-mail.

A few months ago, I applied to become an Athleta Esprit de She ambassador. This women’s community is connected to my gym–Lifetime Fitness and I’d see ads about races and events every time I went. I saw one last year for a 10k and wanted to sign up but I was pregnant (for what felt like eternity lol!)

I was reminded about that same 10k in January during one of my gym visits and immediately signed up when I got home. As I was filling out the entry, I saw on the website they had an ambassadorship program and I jumped at the chance.

And I was chosen!

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I have loved being a part of athletic communities, especially ones made for and by women. No offense dudes, I like hanging out with you too but there’s something empowering about a whole bunch of girls working hard towards a goal who like doing the same things you do. Who are working moms, stay at home moms, wives, sisters, who have a busy life yet do whatever they can to make sure they take time out for themselves. It’s just awesome to see.

The Esprit de She event series consists of 5Ks, 10Ks, triathlons, duathlons, and cycle tours. I’ve always wanted to do a tri but am not the best swimmer in the world. The duathlon that Esprit de She puts on is absolutely perfect: a 1.5 mile run followed by a 12.4 mile bike ride followed by a 1.69 mile run.

I won’t be able to do it this year because of the Canyon but it’s on the top of my list for next. (I did sign up for the series 1ok in October though.)

Another one of the reasons I love this community is that its official charity partner is Girls on the Run. Girls on the Run is a youth development program geared at girls 3rd through 8th grade. It’s focused on building confidence through physical activity with the goal of preparing girls mentally, emotionally, and physically to finish a 5k put on just for them. It’s something I’ve wanted to become a part of and am much looking forward to.

You don’t have to be an ambassador to participate in Girls on the Run. Check out their website for details on how you can become a part of something awesomely inspiring.

While you’re surfing the web, check out dates for Esprit de She events near you! (U.S. only) If there’s an event you’re interested in, type in the code EDS68. Unfortunately, there’s no discount involved–EdS events are pretty reasonably priced though–but it does help track referrals).

Happy Friday Eve!!

–Are you a part of a running or athletic community?

–Have you ever done a triathlon or duathlon?

Don’t forget that the Shwings giveaway is happening right now! Go here for the chance to score a free pair 🙂

My shiny silver Shwings :)

My shiny silver Shwings 🙂

 

 

A Birthday Means Giveaway Time!!

Today I have a 2 year old.

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I still can’t believe how time just flies by. It’s funny because before kids, when I’d hear parents say how fast the years go I’d always give an eye roll, “Yeah, okay…” But, I’m one of those parents now. Time seriously speeds up when you have kids.

Speaking of flying, in honor of my beautiful little girl turning two, I’ll be giving away a pretty sweet pair of Shwings!!! (Does anyone else think 90’s Wayne and Garth? LOL)

My shiny silver Shwings :)

My shiny silver Shwings 🙂

You’ll be able to choose your own style and color from their website: shwingsonline.com

I wore my wings during my rainy 5k this past weekend and within an hour of hanging out I had tons of compliments. Plus, I think they helped me run faster 😉

My Shwings and my AG award :)

My Shwings and my AG award 🙂

 

To enter the giveaway,

Visit shwingsonline.com and tell me in the comments which wings you’d want. Make sure to click the Rafflecopter link below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more entries:
1. Like Shwings on Facebook
2. Like Helly On The Run on Facebook
3. Follow Shwings on Twitter
4. Follow Helly On The Run on Twitter
5. Tweet about the giveaway
6. Follow Helly On The Run on Instagram

Fine Print:
Giveaway ends Monday, April 7th and the winner will be announced that morning.
I did receive my Shwings free of charge but that doesn’t have any affect on how cool I think they are 🙂

Hope you all have a great day!

–How did you spend your most recent birthday?

–What’s on your birthday wish list?

 

A Family 5k Affair {Recap}

I’m back and boy does it feel good to be home.

I don’t get to visit my mom, sister or brother often. Most of the time, they trek out here to Arizona–I mean, who goes to the cold when you can come to the warm beautiful weather here in Arizona?? Ja! Anyway, it was nice to go there for a change and see them in their element.

The morning after we got there, my sister (who we stayed with) took me to her gym for one of her regular group classes she takes. I’m not much of a class taker but more of a solo workout gal. I don’t mind them and like them when I do do them but it’s not something I would choose over going for a run by myself.

Anyway, this class was a strength and stability class which I though was perfect. If you remember a way earlier post where I shared my sister’s story, she doesn’t have full feeling in the left side of her body. She likes this class because it helps her balance and helps build strength using her own body. Let me tell you, this was not an easy class. It was 60 minutes of non-stop work and I was winded a third of they way through. I loved seeing my sister in action though and would often just look at her go through the movements. I don’t think she’ll ever fully know how much I admire her strength and how much I look up to her. She’s so amazing.

We had our 5k on Saturday and one thing my sister told me was that Ohio weather is schizophrenic. Thursday when we went to her gym, it was cloudy and sprinkling. Friday was absolutely beautiful. Cold but sunny. Saturday was a full out pouring rain and cold festival. I felt so bad having coerced my brother and sister (and my husband) to sign up for the race. They were all-in though, and we bundled up in my sister’s car and headed over.

The race was an out and back inside a mall parking lot. We were worried about slipping on the asphalt with all the rain but decided we’d go ahead and just take it easy making sure we were careful.

Everyone waited inside the mall’s food court until go-time as to avoid getting drenched–it was inevitable. With about a two minutes til the start, a volunteer began ushering us outside. My husband and I are got as close to the front as possible to hopefully avoid the crowds that typically gather at the beginning. My brother and sister were in the middle.

We all had mini goals with the 5k but nothing we’d be upset not reaching–my husband and I always hope to PR (but we weren’t expecting to with the inclement weather), my brother hoped to finish in around the 45 minute mark and my sister’s goal is always to finish strong.

The announcer let out the go signal and we were off!

It was raining right from the get-go and I was so glad I had decided last minute to wear a hat. I could feel the water start to seep inside my shoes as I ran. I tried to avoid the puddles that gather in parking lots but it’s pretty unavoidable. My shoes eventually filled with water but I just ran anyway.

My watch never picked up signal; I figured the weather had something to do with it. I was kind of glad in a way. I wouldn’t be concerned with my time and could just run at what felt like a good pace to me naturally.

When I reached the mile mark, I saw my husband already heading back and yelled out a “Great job!” but he was in focused mode. I kept going and finally it was my turn to head back. On my way, I saw my sister and we waved. She was doing awesome. Not too far behind her, I saw my brother! He was running! He saw me and we high-fived–I seriously got teary eyed with pride. I was so happy seeing him do something challenging and rocking at it. And with a smile on his face!! (As if he’d do anything differently–he’s such a good natured guy.)

Focused, I picked up my pace knowing I was getting close to the end. We turned a corner and started up the last up hill towards the finish. I could see the time ticking on the big clock and saw the first two numbers: 24. What?? Yes!!! I was going to get my sub 25!!! I hustled the last bit and saw 24:20 over my head as I crossed (my official time ended up being 24:18). I was so happy and in complete shock because it was definitely an uncomfortable run. Nonetheless, I was ecstatic and felt like having continued to run and train and be committed has helped me prepare for times like this when things aren’t always working in your favor. You can still succeed 🙂

As soon as I crossed, I went inside the mall to dry off. I was 100% soaked. I met my husband and asked how he did–a new PR for him too–21:49!

After doing as much as we could, we went back out and I went to the finish to wait for my sister. I could see her coming up hill and cheered her on to the finish. We immediately turned around and headed back to look for our brother. We were about to jump over a divider when we saw him turn the corner towards the finish! Holy smokes, he was killing it! We ran back and yelled the entire last point one. He had the biggest grin when he saw us and he pushed it to the very end finishing in 35:10. Ten minutes better than what he had expected! He. Did. Awesome.

My brother on the run

My brother on the run

As soon as it was over, he gave us a big hug and told us that he’d had fun 🙂 It was hard but that he felt like he pushed himself. Oh my goodness, I was just so, so happy.

A few minutes later, my happiness increased when I realized BOTH my husband and I had placed! He placed third in his age group and I placed second in mine–our first double placement 😀

It was such a fun race despite the horrible weather. On the way home, my brother was even talking to my sister about potential 5Ks in the future! Looks like the bug bit!

Our after pic :)

Our after pic 🙂

–Have you ran with soaked shoes before?

–Would you rather run in snow or rain? (We were told we were lucky it wasn’t snowing lol!)