My advice on running costumes

To run in a costume or not to run in a costume that is the question. 

My answer is always run in costume! Everyone has their own advise on what to wear. So here's mine.

I don't run in tutu's. Why? I made a tutu once. I spent hours on it. It was pink and I tied these little pearls on it.

 

It was cute! I had it around a pillow while I was making it. Just loved it. Then I put it on. It wasn't comfortable. It was horrible. I'm still not sure how women do it.

I threw that thing away and never looked back.

I had made that tutu to run in the Princess 1/2 marathon in 2011. Well life happens and I ended up signing up to run in 2013. Now I wanted to dress up. I wanted to be Sleeping Beauty but there was no way I was going to run in a tutu. Google is such a great thing. That's how I found Sparkle Athletic. 

My first skirt was red. I wanted to wear it for holiday runs. The first time wearing my skirt I PR'd and placed 3rd in my age group!

There really is something magical about running in a Sparkle Athletic skirt! And that is why this one red skirt has now turned into me owning 23. Yes that's right I'm a total Sparkle Athletic addict! I own more than just skirts, I have most of the stuff on their website. And now I've started getting my niece skirts. Everyone should have sparkle skirts!! 

Ok back to the subject. When putting a running costume together you really need it to be light and comfortable. All of my costumes are running clothes with some added features. 

My first princess costume. Easy, no sewing machine required! It's just a Sparkle Athletic skirt, running shorts, a yoga top and sleeves. The white collar required some work but it took 5 minutes. I cut off the bottom of a race shirt. I chose a soft wicking race shirt. I sewed the two ends together and folded it so you didn't see the seem. I took thread and tied it together to get the look in the front. I didn't attach it to my shirt in case it bothered me during the race and I needed to toss it. But I lasted the whole race with it! I did throw it away at the end of the race cause it was so sweaty and gross. 

I'm not an expert on running costumes, but I've run a lot in costumes. If you are trying to decide to run in a tutu vs. sparkle skirt go with the sparkle skirt! There are other brands of sparkle skirts out there. I chose Sparkle Athletic because the are affordable and they are comfortable. They also have great customer service.

Here are several pics of costumes I've worn.

An 80's themed run

My mom actually wore this.

Disneyland 10k

I made this and never wore it. Next year!

Snow White

Elastigirl

A halloween run

This is just my advice. Do you run in costumes? Do you wear a tutu or sparkle skirt?

Princess 1/2 Corrals and Maps

The Princess Weekend is only 21 days away!! I'm like a kid waiting for Christmas when it comes to runDisney races. I LOVE running Disney!!

Today the course maps were released! The half starts and ends at Epcot. And you get to go through Magic Kingdom and Epcot!

Me last year on Main Street!

Running in Epcot!

The 5k and 10k map were released also! I didn't do the 5k last year, and this year is the first 10k! The course looks like it should be fun! I love Epcot so what's not to love about the course!

The corral assignments also came out today! There are two links, half marathon placement and Glass Slipper placement. This year I'm in F corral. The new corral system seems to have less princesses and princes in them. 

I'm just a little excited about running the Princess half marathon again this year! I've already got all my costumes together and they are all packed and ready. I've made my three main costumes, plus two backups for just in case reasons.  

Are you running Princess weekend?

RECOVERYbits

Have you tried RECOVERYbits? 

They are great! They do so many wonderful things for your body. 

The following information was copied from the RECOVERYbits website.

RECOVERYbits® Health Benefits

Health Benefits

• Helps prevent colds and flu
• Helps speed recovery or prevent most illness
• Helps build the immune system
• Helps with detox and cleansing 
• Helps rebuild RNA and DNA - highest concentration in the world
• Helps build and cleanse blood
• Helps prevent hangovers
• Helps improve digestion and digestive disorders like IBS, Acid Reflux and Chrohns
• Helps improve elimination
• Helps restore healthy bacteria and probiotics to gut
• Helps reduces anemia
• Helps fight inflammation
• Helps fight free radicals
• Helps kill bacteria and viruses
• Helps remove mercury or other toxins
• Helps damaged cells and organs like the liver to recover
• Helps enhances longevity and wellness- considered the fountain of youth
• Helps introduce oxygen to the body and help prevent many chronic illnesses
• Helps with rapid recovery from sugery
• Provides most daily nutritional needs
• Helps balance body functions - is100% alkaline
• Raw food, great for vegans or those who hate greens
• Safe nutrition for anyone of any age, from newborn babies to seniors

More RECOVERYbits® Health Benefits

The list of health benefits from our RECOVERYbits® algae tabs is so long that we only have room to mention a few here. They are 60% protein which is the second highest concentration of protein in the world (second only to spirulina), three times the protein found in steak, over 40 nutrients, and just one calorie per tab.  But more importantly, they help build your immune system and bring vital oxygen into your body. Viruses, bacteria or cancer can’t survive in an oxygenated environment so the chlorella in our RECOVERYbits® defend your health, 24/7. Yes, even while you sleep. Chlorella has the highest concentration of chlorophyll and antioxidants (which fight free radicals) and its unique structure allows it to swiftly absorb toxins and safely remove them from your body and bloodstream. Yes, even alcohol.  So next time you have partied too much, just SWALLOW (or you can also chew) 25 -75 RECOVERYbits® before you go to bed and bye bye hangover. But it gets even better. Chlorella’s high concentration of minerals and electrolytes balance your internal chemistry, all naturally and its high concentration of chlorophyll (the highest in the world) cleanses your blood. Chlorophyll is what makes plants green, but did you also know it’s a powerful antioxidant and a natural disinfectant that fights inflammation? Amazingly, chlorophyll’s chemical composition is virtually identical to our blood so it was often used during WWII when there were blood shortages for transfusions. Are you starting to comprehend the vast healing properties of chlorella? We hope so. Just imagine what it could do for you! We hope you’ll road test RECOVERYbits® soon. But try not to wait until you have a cold, or have partied too much. Take them every day like we do so you can see for yourself they’re the easiest, fastest way to regain or protect your health.  You can throw out most of your other vitamins when you take RECOVERYbits every day (just keep taking D3 and Omega 3). RECOVERYbits® algae tabs give your immune system a daily boost, help fight disease and enhance longevity. All naturally too. Some claim we’ve discovered the fountain of youth. We’re not so sure about that but we do know RECOVERYbits® make you look and feel great. No additives, chemicals, caffeine, sugar, gluten, animal products or artificial ingredients either  Nada. Just 100% chlorella algae, 100% natural, 100% green, 100% raw. Straight from Mother Nature herself.  Thanks Mom.

I have been taking RECOVERYbits on and off for over a month. Some days I forget to take them. But just over a week ago I have been taking it daily. I put the tin next to my bed so I don't forget to take them before bed. I have also had to take them before to prevent a hangover. Yes it does work!! 

This month when you order a bag of RECOVERYbits they are giving a free gift with purchase. Ok I'm a sucker for a free gift so yes I ordered my bag so I wouldn't miss out. 

I think Mousse liked the sunglasses more than me!

If you were ever thinking about trying them now is a great time. You can use my promo code 'MEGAN' and still get the 30% off and get the gift. Order before February 21, 2014 to get your free gift!

30 days on ENERGYbits

For the last 30 days my husband and I have been taking ENERGYbits, and we LOVE them! I am so glad we started using them. We will always take them. 

They are low calorie and full of vitamins. 

And of course they are organic!

Yes it really does help with anxiety. My anxiety is GONE!!

Yes I run better with bits! I will always run with bits!

If you haven't tried them you really should. Check out their website www.energybits.com read the info. You won't be disappointed. And of course when you go to order your bits use promo code 'MEGAN' and receive 30% off.

Review of The Flip Belt

A few days ago I purchased The Flip Belt. I had seen them online and read great reviews. The only reason I hadn't bought one was because I wasn't sure what size to order. Luckily for me they were at the runDisney Expo during Marathon weekend. I volunteered at the Sparkle Athletic booth and The Flip Belt booth was just a few doors down. After my shift I went over and tried one on. 

So what is The Flip Belt? (I copied the following description straight from their website)

Gone are the days of baggy sweat pants with bulky pockets. Active wear is sleeker and more stylish than ever before. The only problem is there’s nowhere to hold your phone, music and keys. That’s where FlipBelt comes in. Who would have thought a singular tubular waistband could solve one of the biggest nuisances that athletes face—where to tuck must-have items while exercising.

Every bit as flattering and contoured as the rest of today’s athletic wear, FlipBelt is designed to carry your on-the-go essentials without tying up your hands. Made of a moisture-wicking, spandex-lycra blend, FlipBelt slides right on and sits snug on your hip. No bulk. No bounce. FlipBelt is also machine washable and machine dryable.

To keep items secure, all you have to do is flip the belt inward. Now, everything you need while exercising fits right around your waist.

Sunday was my long run so perfect time to try it out. I started out with just my iPhone and bag of ENERGYbits. Long story short, my 10 miles turned into 1.6 miles. When I came back into my house and sat down at the table, that was the first time I felt The Flip Belt. I totally forgot I had it on. I never felt my iPhone bounce. It never moved off my waist. I usually run with a SPI belt or two and part of the way through any run I always have to readjust. Not with The Flip Belt! AND all my stuff fits. Yes I have had to run with two SPI belts because they don't hold much stuff.

I was determined to get more miles in, so I set out for round two. This time I decided to add more stuff. I added my iPod and Gym Boss timer. It has four openings. Two in the front and two in the back. If you want to "lock" your stuff in place, just flip the belt over and the openings will be against your body. I did "lock" my stuff in place and everything stayed where I left it! It is awesome!!

My run may not have turned out the way I wanted BUT that's ok! My Flip Belt was a success! All my stuff fit and never moved. There was no bouncing at all. I'll be taking it with me to Epcot tomorrow!

Have you tried The Flip Belt?

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this review. All opinions are my own.

Week 2 & 3 of ENERGYbits

Let me start out by saying I'm writing two weeks worth in one post. The holidays have been very busy and I haven't been able to sit down and write. So my week two review is late, BUT my week three is early!!

I won't give you a day by day review, but I will say I'm still in love with ENERGYbits! I have had to use the "bits" a couple of times now as a snack. It's a great thing for me to have being out and about and not being able to just stop at a drive thru. 

While buying a car!

And while at Disney!!

A couple of things I've noticed since taking ENERGYbits is I don't have as much anxiety and I've noticed I don't have as much acne. When I run a lot my face breaks out, my face has cleared up. Not all of it's gone but the majority of my face is clear. 

For the last three weeks my husband has been taking ENERGYbits. He's a commercial airline pilot. They work crazy schedules. He has to deal with delays, maintenance issues and lots of other stresses. As of January 4th the FAA has changed all pilots rest requirements. No more 8 hours off at a hotel between flights. He worked two crazy trips before the new rest requirements while taking "bits". He noticed a huge difference in how he felt! He would take his 30 in the morning and if needed he would have more in the afternoon. It also helps him with snacks. They often don't have a chance to leave the aircraft to get food. So somedays he only gets to eat what he packed from home. He will never leave home without them!

Have you tried ENERGYbits?