Posts tagged Virtual Run
Rev3 Run Across America
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If it isn’t obvious enough from my blogs (here, here, or here) or my tweets, I have to tell you I love Rev3. Why do I love Rev3?
Besides their cool visors and shimmer swimsuits?
They are a first-class company that puts on fantastic races with a charismatic group of people. I am not a Rev3 Staff Member or even an Age Group Team Member, but I’ve witnessed their workings first hand and am beyond impressed. I can’t say enough about them or the work they do. I believe in Rev3…what they’re about and what they do. I have since become ”friends” with some of the Staff Members/Team and have signed up to run my first Half Rev3 distance triathlon this summer at Cedar Point, in Ohio, with them. But if you’re familiar with my blog, you already knew that.
Recently Rev3 has kicked it up a notch and announced that it’s staff would be running across America in hopes of raising $100,000 for The Ulman Cancer Fund. The Revolution3 Run Across America consists of 10 people on a core team, doing 15 miles each day, to get from Oceanside, CA to Washington DC (3,080 miles), in 21 days (March 26th to April 16th). Along the way the Rev3 Age Group Team will fill in days where they can. In addition to the main group, there will be many “virtual teams” throughout the United States logging running miles where they can, raising funds towards the cause.
The Ulman Cancer Fund was started by Doug Ulman and his family after his cancer diagnosis while in college. Since its inception in 1997, UCF has worked tirelessly at both the community level and national level to raise awareness of the young adult (ages 20 – 39 years old) cancer issue and ensure all young adults and families impacted by cancer have a voice and the resources necessary to thrive. As Rev3 runs across these great United States of America they will strive to spread their good word and give many children and families inspiration and access to the services provided by the Ulman Cancer Fund.
Where do I come into all of this? I’ve come to the realization that yes, I love to run, but it’s time to do something more with my running. I’d like to raise money and awareness for organizations when and where I can. As you know, I’ve already signed up with Team RWB to raise money for our veterans and I have now signed up to raise money for the Ulman Cancer Fund by helping Rev3 Run Across America. Unfortunately I am unable to take 21 days off of work to run across America, so I’ve joined forces with Harmony Davis and the rest of her virtual team to log miles when and where I can. This will be during the same time period the others will be running across America.
Where do you come in? Donate! Although I’ll be kicking up my Team RWB donation efforts in the future I’m currently looking for my readers to donate to Rev3 Run Across America. I’ve also added a widget to my right side bar. Just click and follow the prompts to donate. When asked, choose to donate in the name of “Team Davis”. No amount is too little. And word on the street is that Rev3 is working on a raffle for those that do donate. So if you donate you could be walking away with something fun. Hot dang!
Thanks everyone!
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Putting The Fun Back Into Running
14February 20, 2012
As you know, this past week I posted about doing a Team Sparkle Run. I invited anyone and everyone to wear their Team Sparkle skirts out to run, cycle, etc. It didn’t matter if it was a typical training day or if you had a race. The point: putting the fun back into running. I’m grateful that some people joined in. Some even joined in if they didn’t have Team Sparkle skirts by wearing bright flashy clothing. Fantastic!
I had 6 miles on tap for my half marathon training schedule. It was in the high 30′s to low 40′s, partly cloudy, and 16 mph winds. I decided to wear my turquoise skirt and going with the loud colors = happy theme. I must admit that my non-matching running motif is actually my normal thing. Although I have OCD-like tendencies this doesn’t seem to translate to my running gear. Most days I look like Rainbow Brite when I head out. I took a few pre-run photos. It was quite interesting trying to get a decent shot since I was using the timer function. Let’s just say I worked up a sweat running back and forth to the camera. Ha!
Given I live along the shores of Lake Erie it’s no surprise that almost every running route I take goes past the lake. Sometimes I get to enjoy the view but oftentimes the wind whips off the lake. This run was no different. Thankfully I made it the beginning part of the run so I wouldn’t have to deal with it so much later on in the run. For some reason I couldn’t get a handle on the direction of the wind. And for some reason at mile 2 it really hit me. Simultaneously LMFAO’s “Sexy and I know it” came on my iPod. I couldn’t help but chuckle and think to myself, “Oh yes, I bet I look so sexy right now. Rainbow Brite fighting the whipping wind gusts.” Alas, it ended and the rest of the run was pretty uneventful. I’ll admit my bum and thighs were pretty chafed due to already dry skin and the cold. One of the downsides of northern winters. Even with that it felt excellent to get out there and to ENJOY it. Yes, enjoy.
I shot this video immediately after my run. I tried out Vega Sport Hydrator for the first time. I’m not sure about it yet. It’s not that I don’t necessarily like it, it’s just that I think I prefer non-flavored drinks while working out. i.e. water. I have another sample so I’m going to give that a try. My Instant Boost Chocolate Balls also arrived from my fellow FitFluential Ambassador Nicole Culver. She recently started her own business called Pure Bliss Eats. I love the concept. I love the balls. More to come on that =)
I went ahead and continued the fun, sparkly, crazy colored energy today while taking to my bike trainer for an hour ride. I got 13+ miles in and felt pretty darn good. I really need to work on my endurance with the bike. I thought the bike would be the “easiest” for me when it comes to the triathlon. Needless to say I think it may be the hardest. But that’s something to discuss in another post. Either way, I was able to get a few shots of myself riding today in my Team Sparkle skirt. (Believe it or not these are the first ever photos I’ve had taken while “riding”. I’m taking note of some things I need to work on….Please, no harsh criticisms on my form. Remember, I’m still new to my bike and really cycling in general.)
This concludes Week 3 in my half marathon training. I’m glad I chose to mix things up by adding in my Team Sparkle skirt and think I’ll do it more often. I hope others joined in and found the same thing. I feel good heading into Week 4. Things may get interesting in Week 5 since I’ll be heading down to Columbus to meetup with other FitFluential Ambassadors for the Arnold Sports Festival. (Beyond psyched for this!!) But we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Calling All Team Sparkle Members
9February 16, 2012
I’ve been a bit overwhelmed lately. With training, jobs, and just general life stuff I’ve been worn out. Almost to the point where I can’t even move. Think: walking zombie. I wake up at 4:45a, work one job for several hours, come home, grab a quick bite to eat, clean the house, get my workout in, eat, then head off to my regular job from 2-10:30p. Get to bed by 11p and then start all over the next day. Some days I work even more jobs. Yes, it’s safe to say I’m busy. On the weekends it doesn’t get much better as I still have at least one job to work a day. I’ve been doing this for well over a year. Initially with all of my less demanding jobs it was less stress than my previous one job. Now, that’s not the case. All of that along with the wonky weather has made my runs very difficult. I almost dread my runs and have lost sight of why I run.
Long story short(er) I took my own advice, submitted my two-weeks notice at one of my jobs, I took a bereavement day Tuesday for my grandpa’s death, and slept and slept and slept.
Wednesday I woke up alive and energized, ready to take on the world. I’m ready to be re-centered and get back to the joy of running.
While on my run today I thought, “I wonder if anyone ever wears their Team Sparkle Skirt out for training runs…” 
Why? Because I don’t have a race to run for several months and want to wear mine out to run.
Why? Because I want to get back to the basics of running for me…fun. And Team Sparkle skirts = fun.
Why? Because I believe my Team Sparkle Skirts have special powers. Many a PRs have been made in Team Sparkle Skirts…and not just by me.
Why? Because Team Sparkle Skirts are kind of like wearing sexy underwear. You just feel feminine when you wear them.
Why? Sparkle. Need I say more?
Alas, I still had personal doubts (darn self-confidence) and turned to twitter for an answer. 
The answers started rolling in. Some have run in them while training while others have had the same idea. So I posted, “Maybe I need to try it…this weekend?” The response I received:
Enter The Virtual Team Sparkle Run!
We’re calling all Team Sparkle Members to rock out their skirts this weekend.
Date: February 18 and/or 19
Location: No matter where you are - from hot Florida to cold Ohio…throw it on over shorts, tights, or pants. Make it work!
Doing What: Running, snowboarding, cycling, yoga….
The idea is to wear your skirt and wear it with pride.
Please share, retweet, re-blog, etc to spread the word!
Don’t forget to take photos and tweet them to @RunTeamSparkle or post on their Facebook page. If you write a blog post, even better! Link it up!!
Don’t have a TeamSparkle Skirt? What are you waiting for?? Go order a skirt to join the “team”. You may miss out on this virtual run, but there will be more!
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
**Have you entered my Coach’s Oats giveaway? If not, make sure to check it out!
What Are You Doing This Saturday?
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Most everyone has heard about Sherry Arnold’s story. For those that haven’t, Sherry was an avid runner in Sidney, Montana who recently went missing while out on a run. Without going into all of the details here, 2 men have since been obtained and have acknowledged that they not only abducted Sherry but also murdered her. It’s a very sad story.
I think most runners, especially females, have had that fear enter their minds at one point or another as they’ve headed out for a run. No matter what precautions we take we are still vulnerable. However, we can back down and either not run or shut ourselves inside on a dreaded treadmill…or we can fight back. I’d like to choose the latter.
You see, well over a year ago I had several incidences that left me jarred. I continued to have moments on my runs where I felt vulnerable. There were men that would come out of nowhere during my runs and act suspiciously. Whether it was all in my head or actually happening is still up for debate. Either way, I found myself scared and settling for runs on the treadmill. Although I appreciate the option of a treadmill, it’s not my method of choice. Ultimately I overcame my fear and am back outside pounding pavement. I’m still overly cautious, but I’ve taken back my freedom. Now, more than ever, us runners need to claim this freedom.
Fellow runner/blogger Beth of Shut Up and Run, and also Sherry’s SIL, has organized a run in Sherry’s memory on Saturday February 11th. The cool thing, it’s virtual and can be completed anywhere. The point: no matter where you run/walk/bike, no matter how far you go, do it for Sherry. A Facebook page for the virtual run has also been setup.
Many people, including Heather and Kimi, have even taken it a step further to organize local events. Theirs is set to take place near Cleveland, Ohio and are inviting anyone interested to please join in.
So, are there any Northern Ohio runners/walkers who would like to join in? I’m working on adjusting my schedule so I can make it. Either way, you better believe that no matter where I run come this Saturday, it will be to honor Sherry.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Back To Running In The Snow
7January 15, 2012
For those that follow me on Twitter, you may have noticed that lately I’ve been determined to run outside. You see, when I first started running back in 2007 the only option I had was to run outside. I didn’t own a treadmill nor did I have access to a gym, and I had also signed up for the 2008 Cleveland Half Marathon. With that being said, I was out pounding pavement (more like snow) throughout that winter. I didn’t care. I just went out and did it.
For some reason, the following year I became a wuss. It was then I had access to the full fitness center at our local school, where my husband worked. I had never attempted treadmill running and I hated it. The treadmills faced cinder block walls. How boring! As time went on I got used to it and I was thankful for the option. Unfortunately I got into the rut of running inside at the drop of any precipitation, bad weather, or snow. What had happened to me? On top of that, within that time I had several medical issues (kidney stone and endometriosis). That called for me taking a hiatus from running races, but I never gave up running. Without races my drive for running was pretty poor. I still did, but didn’t have that zest I had in the past.
I feel I’ve almost come full circle this winter. My health seems in check, I’m back racing, and my next half marathon is scheduled for April 2012, The Glass City Marathon. With that being said, I’m back out pounding snow. Yes, I still have access to the gym and although there may come a time when I HAVE to use it, I’m going to try my best to avoid it.
Yesterday was such a day. We’ve had quite a mild winter here in Ohio thus far. Friday was our first true snowfall and yesterday I woke up to snowy conditions, 20 degrees (that according to Accuweather felt like 10 degrees), and 13 mph winds. I thought long and hard, “Gym? Swim? Indoor trainer? Run outside?” It came down to the realization that, as stated in a previous post, I will continue to cross-train, but I really need to focus on running with the half marathon coming. And it’s now or never to bite the bullet and get outside. Out I went.
Added another hat and I was ready to go!
I figured I’d take advantage of the moment and make it my run for Toni’s 34th Birthday and 1st Blogiversary 3.5 mile Virtual Run (check it out, there’s still time to participate….there’s no cost and you have a chance to win some goodies!!) I won’t say it was the best run pace-wise. Actually, my pace sucked (39:11.92 – 11:01 min/mile), but I was out there. Unfortunately I have the choice of running unplowed side streets that call for me to high step or slippery plowed main streets that call for me to run in the street and deal with traffic. I choose the latter. Either way, my pace suffers (not that I’m fast anyway) and I use muscles I don’t normally use.
With all that being said, it felt good to be out. There’s something about winter running that makes it so different than that of any other season. There’s a peace and quiet, even if there is traffic, and once I get moving and warmed up, nothing can hold me back. Running outside throughout this winter may be a challenge to keep up with, But there’s something I do know…I’ve done it before, I can do it again.
Here’s to many winter (and possibly snowy) miles in my future….
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
