Time For Training, Races And A Giveaway!

A couple weeks back I talked about my Word Of The Year and why I chose it. For those of you who missed that post I chose CONQUER. I have been reflecting on my chosen word and using it as a focal point for my runs, workouts and moments through the day when I need that extra push. Those moments when I just want to escape and not follow through. Yes, I do have those moments. It is not everyday that my runs are amazing, that my workouts make me feel strong, or that I feel like I have this parenting thing down. Each one of these things takes commitment, devotion, patience, acceptance and discipline.

With choosing a Word Of The Year I wanted to have it on a something as reminder to me to always push forward, to take control of my life, to overcome my fears and doubts, and to remember that this is my life and I am ultimately in control of it. I started to look at the Endorphin Warrior Bracelets and when I saw that they had my word of the year I knew I had to have that bracelet!

The bracelet itself is beautiful in person, pictures do not do it justice. I chose a black band with the word Conquer. The band is soft and it snaps shut for a nice fit. I like that they have sizes XS to LG. I have a little wrist and I wanted to be sure it fit snugly. I really dig the sleek look of the silver plate. This is jewellery you can wear on your runs, workouts or as everyday jewellery. I plan to wear this bracelet for training and on my race days. Motivation comes in all forms and having my Word of the year on my wrist is a reminder of what I plan to accomplish in the year ahead.

Speaking of training, I have a few races on the books for 2016 and am anxious to add more. This is what it looks like so far: 

Unplugged Half Marathon on Saturday, April 9th  

Vermont City Marathon/ Doing a HALF as a two person relay on Sunday, May 29th 

Worcester Running Festival Half Marathon on Sunday, June 19th

Having races already on my calendar helps to keep me accountable. Last year I did the Unplugged Half Marathon and used it as a training run for the Vermont City Marathon Half that I did. This year I plan to be ready for the Unplugged! This will be Half Marathon #7 for me and this race is an easy, pretty run along Lake Champlain.

January I was happy to get in 126 miles for the month. Last year I only hit 82 miles in January so I am excited that I was able to get in the miles I did. Truth be told, I wanted to hit 130 but I am happy with 126. The goal this year is to hit 1,500 miles, and I will make sure I get there!

Strength training has been going great. I have been doing a Ultimate Sandbag Training twice a week. I really enjoy the workouts and like how it challenges me. On the other days I work with my hand weights or do a video workout. I try to switch it up and be sure I am targeting different parts of my body. Creating a strong core is a focus of mine. A stronger core means a stronger runner. In order to be a stronger runner I have to put in the work and believe that I can be better. I must focus on the fact that there is always work to do, form to perfect, a pace to strive towards and a PR to beat.


Now, let's start the week off with another giveaway! In the beginning of this post I told you about my new Endorphin Warrior Bracelet. The awesome team over at Endorphin will give one of my readers a bracelet of their own where you can choose from one of their five words. Click on the Rafflecopter Giveaway to enter! 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!! If you don't win you can use a special code of: CrystalR15 for 15% off at checkout until February 29th, 2016. Please feel free to share! Have a fabulous week!

Disclaimer: I was provided with an Endorphin Warrior Bracelet for review. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are proudly my own.

The Power Of One Word; My Word Of The Year

It's a new year and that means my fellow bloggers have been filling social media with goals, hopes, and positive power. I have been inspired by all the amazing and influential posts that this new year has brought. I have read a few blog posts putting emphasis on the: Word Of The Year. There was one post in particular that resonated with me and inspired me to to the same. I decided I wanted to find that one word that would be my focus point for the year.

When I first began my fitness journey I held onto a mantra that would give me strength in those moments when things seemed difficult. "Always Believe You Can". I have this on my running ID bracelet and there have been several times that I have had to chant these words to myself in order to reach a goal, to overcome an obstacle or simply get through a day. These words have carried me through runs that seemed almost impossible to finish. They have helped my feet pound the pavement to reach a new PR. They have also reminded me that I am in control of my own life. That is the amazing power of words: they inspire, they give you strength and they can heal you. 

In choosing my word of the year I wanted to first reflect on what it is that I want out of the year to come. I wanted to find a word that truly exemplifies what it is I am seeking in the year ahead. I spent a few runs contemplating a few different words yet I kept coming back to this one word. It seemed to relate to all parts of my life and no other word fit quite like this one.

My Word Of The Year:

The simple meaning of Conquer is:


* To take control
* To defeat
* To gain control of (a problem or difficulty) through great effort

I feel this fits into many aspects of my life and what I plan to achieve for the following year, physically, mentally, and spiritually. This is my life, my year, and I am in control! I know what area's I need to work on. I know exactly who I aspire to be. Now it is just traveling on that journey to reach that person and achieve the goals I have made for myself.

I know that there will be obstacles along the way that will challenge me in the year to come. I know that I will need to work harder at several aspects in order to be where I want to be. I am ready to accept what is thrown at me and come out a stronger person. I plan to make the most of the obstacles I come across and embrace them as learning experiences. I will stay committed to my goals. I will CONQUER!  


A new year means a chance to start over. It is new beginnings and the hope of happiness, health and love. It is forgiveness, acceptance, and knowing when to let go. If you need to wipe the slate clean and start over than do it! It is never too late to write a new chapter. Life is a gift, each moment is sacred. Do not live with regrets of things you wanted to do. We are only given one life, make it amazing! Make it yours!



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Running Into A New Year: Lacing Up For New Goals
Finding Time To Exercise And Staying Active With Your Children