SLS3 Dual Pocket Running Belt Review & GIVEAWAY!

WHAT IS JUST AS GOOD AS NEW JEWELLERY, A GREAT PAIR OF BOOTS, OR THAT HANDBAG YOU HAVE BEEN DROOLING OVER? RUNNING GEAR! I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON OUT THERE WHO GETS EXCITED FOR A NEW PAIR OF RUNNING SHOES, LEGGINGS, OR ANYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH RUNNING. WHICH IS WHY WHEN I WAS ASKED IF I WAS INTERESTED IN TRYING SLS3'S NEW DUAL POCKET RUNNING BELT THAT I HAPPILY SAID YES.

IN THE WINTER I WEAR GEAR THAT HAS POCKETS YET I PREFER NOT TO HAVE ANYTHING BOUNCING AROUND IN MY POCKETS. I PREFER WEARING MY PHONE, FUEL, AND OTHER BELONGINGS AT MY WAIST. ONCE SPRING AND SUMMER RUNNING ARRIVE IT BECOMES ESSENTIAL TO HAVE A PLACE TO HOLD MY BELONGINGS. ESPECIALLY IF I AM DOING A LONG DISTANCE RUN OR AM IN A RACE WHERE I DO NOT HAVE ANYONE TO HOLD MY KEYS FOR ME. I CURRENTLY OWN TWO DIFFERENT RUNNING BELTS I SWITCH BETWEEN. THE SLS3'S RUNNING BELT IS NOW MY FAVORITE.

I LIKED THAT IT HAD TWO LARGE COMPARTMENTS TO HOLD MY "THINGS". I SOMETIMES WORRY WHEN I HAVE MY FUEL AND MY PHONE IN THE SAME COMPARTMENT THAT WHEN I AM RUNNING AND ATTEMPT TO GET MY FUEL FROM THE POCKET THAT MY PHONE WILL FALL OUT. WITH THIS BELT I DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THAT SINCE MY PHONE GETS IT'S OWN HOME ALL TO ITSELF.  

THE SIZE OF THE POCKETS ALSO PLEASED ME. I WAS ABLE TO BRING ALONG MY PHONE, FUEL, AND MACE. CARRYING MACE IS IMPORTANT FOR ANY RUNNER. SAFETY FOR OURSELVES IS ALWAYS IMPORTANT AND SHOULD COME FIRST. I WANT TO BE SURE ON MY RUNS THAT I AM SAFE WHETHER IT IS EARLY MORNING OR IN THE DARK EVENINGS. MY MACE IS NOT JUST TO PROTECT MYSELF FROM PEOPLE BUT ALSO ANIMALS. I HAVE BEEN CHASE BY WILD TURKEYS AND DOGS. (THE TURKEY'S SCARED THE SHIT OUT OF ME!) ON THOSE OCCASSIONS I DID NOT HAVE MY MACE AND HAVE SINCE DECIDED IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO KNOW THAT I CAN PROTECT MYSELF FROM ANIMALS ALSO. I HOPE TO NEVER HAVE TO USE IT, ESPECIALLY ON A DOG (I LOVE DOGS!) YET WHEN I HAVE BEEN GONE AFTER TWICE IN THE PAST MONTH, I THINK IT MAY BE A GOOD IDEA "JUST IN CASE".

ONE OF MY FAVORITE FEATURES IS THAT THE POCKETS ON THIS BELT ARE WATERPROOF. SINCE I DO NOT OWN A TREADMILL (SOMEDAY MAYBE) AND ALL MY RUNS ARE DONE OUTSIDE, THIS MEANS I RUN IN THE WIND, RAIN, SLEET, HAIL AND SNOW. LAST WEEK I HAD A RUN WHICH INVOLVED EACH ONE OF THOSE ELEMENTS. THERE ARE TIMES I COME BACK PRETTY WET, SOAKED RIGHT THROUGH MY CLOTHES. BOTH POCKETS ON THE SLS3 BELT ARE WATERPROOF! HAVING WATERPROOF POCKETS IS IMPORTANT FOR MANY OF US.

THE BELT ON THIS IS THICK AND STURDY. I LIKE HOW IT FITS AND I COULD GET IT NICE AND SNUG. I LIKE TO WEAR MY BELTS WHERE THE POCKETS ARE IN THE BACK. I CLIP IT ON AND TURN IT AROUND. IT JUST FEELS BETTER FOR ME THAT WAY INSTEAD OF HAVING EVERYTHING IN FRONT OF ME. IT IS SIMPLE ENOUGH TO TURN THIS BELT AROUND WHEN I NEED TO GET INTO IT ON A RUN.

Picture taken by the Five year old

HOW DID IT FEEL ON MY RUNS? I TRIED IT OUT TWO DAYS IN A ROW ON MY LONGER RUNS. I WORE IT OVER MY BASE LAYER SHIRT AND UNDER A FLEECE JACKET. IT WAS NICE AND SNUG, NEVER SLIPPING UP OR DOWN. I HARDLY NOTICED I WAS EVEN WEARING A RUN BELT. THE ZIPPERS WORKED WELL AND IT WAS EASY TO GET INTO THE POCKETS.

OVERALL REVIEW: I REALLY DIG THIS BELT AND IT HAS BECOME MY NEW FAVORITE RUNNING BELT! THIS BELT HAS ALL THE FEATURES I NEED AS A RUNNER: WATERPROOF, LARGE POCKETS, GOOD FIT AND TWO POCKETS. THIS WILL DEFINITELY COME IN RATHER HANDY ONCE TRAINING SEASON IS IN FULL GEAR FOR ME THIS SPRING. 

I AM HAPPY TO TELL YOU THAT SLS3 IS GIVING AWAY ONE DUAL POCKET RUN BELT AWAY TO ONE OF MY READERS!  HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO ENTER:

   a Rafflecopter giveaway


IF YOU DO NOT WIN, SLS3 WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO VISIT THEM OVER AT THEIR AMAZON STORE TO GET THIS BELT FOR A SPECIAL LIMITED TIME INTRODUCTORY PRICE OF $12.99 AND FREE SHIPPING (ORIGINALLY $29.OO).



PLEASE COMMENT, LIKE AND SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!!!! HAPPY MONDAY!!!!

Disclaimer: I was provided with  a Dual Pocket Run Belt for review. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are proudly my own. 

A Letter To My Five Year Old

I was not expecting you when you decided to come into my life. There was an overwhelming feeling of excitement, joy and intense love when I knew you were coming. I loved you from that very first moment. To be honest, I have loved you even longer than that. I felt as though I had known you for a lifetime and dreamed of you for several years. I tried to picture your face and imagine your features. I was already wondering who you would grow up to be. You are a prayer that was answered. You saved me in ways that I may never be able to explain to you. I don't need to though because I feel you already knew that when you chose me. You taught me how to love in the most unselfish, unconditional, and intense way and I thank you for that.

On January 18th, 2011 you came crashing into our lives. You didn't make things easy my love. None of that mattered in the end... I had YOU! From that very first moment that you came into this world you made sure that everyone knew you were here. Just as today your presence in a room cannot go unnoticed. You have this glow about you that radiates. It's in your smile and seen in your eyes. 

You have a way about you that makes me so proud. You are compassionate, sweet and wise. You are kind and thoughtful in such an honest way. I adore the love you have for your brother. You are protective of him and your bond with him is genuine. Watching the two of you together brings me such joy.

You are also one of the funniest people I have ever met. You make me laugh, really laugh! The kind of laughter that makes me snort and tears roll down my face. You have an incredible imagination and know how to tell a good story. I can't help but laugh at the pranks you pull on your father. You love to sing, dance and make believe.

Photo Taken By Wild Clover Photography

You have made me the woman I am. I am an entirely different person than I was before you. You have shown me parts of myself that I never knew, both good and bad. When I look at you I may see your father, yet you are so much like me it astounds me some days. I believe you and I will always be close. I can imagine years from now sitting on your bed with you discussing sports or one of the many girls that will break your heart. Always remember sweet boy, I will always be there.

I will be there when the world feels too heavy on your shoulders. I will be right there when your heart aches. I will protect you in any way I can from the pain of the world. When it all seems like too much, remember that you can always come back to me. My arms are your home, I will always be there to hold you. I promise you that you will always be able to feel my love. It is not easy growing up and life throws us curve balls from time to time, you my love, you will never walk alone. I will be right by your side pushing you through. I will always believe in you and support you.

Taken By Moonshine Designs and Photography

You are strong, determined and full of will power. You are capable of anything! Be brave and bold. Do not let anyone ever tell you that you cannot do something. You my love, you can do anything! This is your life, live it adventurously.

Remember that you are never too old for a good belly laugh. Hold onto that humor you have and sprinkle it around for everyone. Laughter is healing, it brings happiness, and is good for our soul. 

I wish you a year ahead filled with amazing adventures, discoveries, and happiness. Thank You Chase for choosing me to be your mother. Five amazing years have flown by, I only wish I could freeze time. I cannot wait to see what the next five, ten, fifteen and beyond bring to you. 

Happy FIFTH Birthday Bubba! Just so you know, not only are you my favorite person, you are also my Super Hero! 

Love,
Mama
xoxo

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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Winter Running And A New Year Are Here

Happy 2016 Friends! We had a wonderful time ringing in the New Year here in VT. Mother Nature also decided to come out of hiding and cast white stuff down upon us finally. Last year we had a pretty brutal winter. The snow wasn't that bad, it was more the cold and bitter temperatures that challenged us. For many of us runners the unwelcoming weather conditions do not stop us from getting out there and doing our runs. I have been happy that December was so warm and cannot complain that winter has finally arrived. I am hoping spring decides to grace us with her presence early as well. Until the I will bundle up and pound that pavement no matter what the conditions.

This means I get to use me new winter running shoes. A proper shoe for winter conditions is really important if you plan to stay on your feet an injury free. A couple years back I invested in a pair of Salomon trail shoes that were awesome. It was time again for a new pair and even though I have to admit I looked at a few other brands I ended up going with the Salmon Speedcross 3. The first time I took them out it took some getting use to. Now that I have gotten to put a few miles on them I really like them. The tread is like a snow tire, they hug my feet, keep me warm and grip the road. Of coarse I still have to be cautious as I run and my time is slower than I like.

Which leads me to hating my slower times! I know I need to be safe and realize this is only temporary. Yet I am a bit obsessive with writing down each run, miles and time. When I look down at my Garmin and see that I am 30 seconds to a minute behind what a normal pace would be for me it does get to me. I have worked hard at getting to a pace that I am proud of and like challenging that pace and pushing myself. I know a run is still a run and getting out there in the winter months means I need to change some of my own expectations of myself. I am not in control of the weather or conditions. The bottom line is staying safe and having fun on my runs. Letting that go is something I need to work on and I know this.

At the end of November I talked about "Taking The Focus Off Of Running". Now it is time to put that in affect. It is time for me to dedicate some time to my cross and strength training on the days I am forced to stay inside. To be a better runner we have to be sure to take care of every part of our body. This means working different muscle groups in order to perform better when we are out on our run. A few important benefits of cross training is that it helps to prevent injury, allows your body to rest and recover from your runs and increase a runners performance with power and efficiency. I strive to be a better runner with each run. It has nothing to do with anyone else but myself. When I first started running I only ran. Once I added in strength training I saw a difference in the way I ran and felt withing my runs. Over the next couple of months I will be putting in more time to cross train before I start training for my Half Marathons in a couple of months. In retrospect I am in training mode, working on being stronger and more flexible for those runs.

Last week I talked about my goals for 2016 . I was able to get one last run in for 2015 and finished with a total of 1,444 miles. That ended the year for me with 255 more miles than last year. To add to my 2016 goals I would like to hit 1,500 for the year. It's a new year with so much to look forward to. I am excited to see where this year will take me physically and mentally. Working on being a better runner means I am also a better mother, partner, friend and a happier and healthier version of who I aspire to be. I am a work in progress, there is always room for improvement and growth. I am ready to work on all of it! 

Happy New Year! What are your goals for the following year?  

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My Top 5 Posts for 2015

I decided this year I wanted to make a list and share my five top read posts. 2015 was such a wonderful year and this blog has changed and evolved over the past year in such a special way to me. I was actually surprised and pleased to see which ones you all liked. Here it is, my top five posts for 2015!

#5- Being The Other Woman

I wrote this as the woman I am looking back and reflecting on the woman I once was. It's a tribute to yesterday and learning to let go. "I use to know this woman. There were many things about her I will never forget. She lingers in my memory and once in awhile I can catch glimpses of her if I close my eyes and take a moment to drift back in time". This post is about evolving into the person you are meant to be while not forgetting where you came from. 

#4- Stronger With Every Mile

This post was a recap of my fourth Half Marathon and the second time I ran in the Vermont City Marathon as a two person team with my father. This is one of my favorite Half's I have done and this particular race was a physical and emotional challenge. It's about pushing yourself, believing in yourself and achieving your goals. 

#3- 7 Life Lessons That Running Has Taught Me 
  
Running has done more than just make me stronger and a healthier me. Running has given me life lessons that I can apply every day. It has taught me patience, discipline and gratitude. "When I began running I had no idea how it would change me. I started running to get into shape, be more fit, and live a healthier lifestyle. I never understood all the other things it would give me until some time and miles later. Running would not only physically change me, it would also become a metaphor for many things in life".

#2- Cold Weather Running: Staying Warm And Safe

Since I do not own a treadmill all my runs are done outside and through the winter. In this post I share cold weather running tips along with safety tips for running in the dark. Check it out and see some of the ways I stay safe and warm while running in the winter. 

#1- The Scar Only I Can See 

This post was personal to me as I share my feelings on the births of both my boys. My oldest son was born via emergency c-section and when I found out I was pregnant for my second son I planned and was passionate about a VBAC (Vaginal birth after cesarean). In the end both my children decided they had other plans for their birth. This post shares the struggle of my feelings not to have had been able to experience a vaginal birth. 

Thank you everyone who takes time to read my words. I appreciate and enjoy all the commenting, sharing and connecting that this blog brings. Cheers to a wonderful 2015 and here's wishing you all a year ahead filled with new journeys, love, laughter, good health and happiness!

Running Into A New Year: Lacing Up For New Goals

With the end of 2015 upon us I have been thinking hard about what I want 2016 to look like for me. I was thrilled to meet my goal for 2015 of completing four Half Marathons bringing me to a total of six Half Marathons in the books for me. In those races I was able to hit a PR of 1:36:43, I ran one of those Half's without looking at my watch at all and I managed to exceed last years miles logged for the year. With a new year brings new fitness goals. I want to push myself harder and come out even stronger in the year ahead. Here is what I am envisioning for the year ahead:

Running a race out of state: I am so excited that the day after Christmas I decided to give myself a gift and I registered for my first Half Marathon for 2016. The best part about this is it will be my first Half Marathon not in Vermont. Since I lived in Massachusetts for years and consider it "home", it seemed fitting that I run my first out of state race there. I signed up for the Worcester Running Festival Half Marathon! I got butterfly's in my stomach the moment I received my confirmation email. I am excited about the coarse and think this will be a fun race. 

A minimum of  Five Half Marathon's: Last year I set a goal for three to four Half Marathons from April to October. I was thrilled to hit four! This year the plan is to do four to five Half's by then end of 2016. Five of coarse is what I have in my heart set on yet the Vermont City Marathon that I split with my father is a race that is by lottery if you do not do the full Marathon. This was my first half in 2014 and has always been one of my favorite events, as a runner and a spectator. Fingers crossed when it comes time that the Running God's help me out so we get it! 

A race each month: Whether the distance be a 10K or 13.1 I would like to have a race on the calendar for each month from April to November.  This allows me to work on training in the early spring and continue with racing throughout the summer. I am a dedicated runner yet still find it pushes me harder to have a race scheduled. It becomes a challenge against myself to work on my intention and/or speed with each new race. I already have a growing list going of potential races to sign up for as registration opens for each one in the following year.

Increase my distance: The farthest distance I reached in 2015 was sixteen miles. The goal here is to complete a 30K in September. I will be honest, this one makes me nervous. I do believe it is attainable for me and with the right training I will be ready for it by the end of the summer. I figure with a few Half Marathons prior to the race and some longer runs in between, I can do it!

2015 was such a wonderful year personally and physically. I am grateful for my health, my body, and these legs which have carried me many miles. I am excited for what the next year will bring! 

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Finding Time to Exercise And Staying Active With Your Children

Hello mama's. I know how hard it is to try to stay fit when you have little creatures running around and always demanding something of you every second. They want "this" and they want "that." What do you want? Just thirty minutes to do something for yourself. You try your best to stay fit and squeeze in exercise as often as you can. Most days it seems near impossible! Once you think you have the kids occupied with something else all you have to do is start exercising then suddenly everything is falling apart and you can't even manage to get through the first five minutes without yelling pleading with your kids for a few minutes so mommy can do her exercises. I get it!

The best way I have discovered to try and stay active with having toddlers around is to include them. Be an example for your children. Living a healthy lifestyle is important for them to witness in order for them to continue to make healthy choices for themselves as they get older. Here are some ways to be active with your children:

Go for a walk or hike: My children love to be outside. If it is looking like a day where I may not be able to squeeze a run in or I just want to get moving with my kids, we often go for a walk or hike. I have been hiking with my almost five year old since he was a babe. He loves to be in the woods and calls it an "adventure". He often is the one to request a hike and we have a couple spots we frequent. Just the other day I was driving with the boys to run an errand and my son requested a walk in the Forest. Instead of doing my errands I turned the car around and went to the town forest so we could hike. I usually wear my two year so it becomes an even better work out for me. Hiking is definitely one of our favorite things to do together.

Yoga: Okay, so yes, I typically prefer to do yoga by myself. But let's not forget about the theme of this: having kids and exercising. My two year old does a pretty good downward facing dog. He definitely can get his hips up there better than I can. He is pretty hysterical trying to mimic poses. When there was just one child in this house I use to take my oldest to a Baby Yoga class. It was filled with little toddlers doing yoga and dance. Little yogi's are the cutest! Explore if your area has any classes like this, it is so much fun.

Strength Training: If you are trying to get your workout done and your kid wants to join in: improvise. Children love to imitate our actions! My oldest is really good at coming up with his own set of "weights" or "sandbag". For weights he uses two play handheld footballs and for a sandbag he stuffed it with his stuffed animals.  This way he can still exercise with me and I don't have to worry about him dropping the the kettle ball on his toes. So if your kid doesn't want to leave your side challenge them to join you and be creative with their own exercise equipment.

Have A Dance Party: We almost always have music on in our house. Both boys love to have me dance with them. We hold hands, jump, twirl and bounce around the room. It's not only fun but it gets us all moving in a healthy and happy way. Next time your kids are complaining they are bored or want to do something turn on some music and have fun.

Use Your Children As Exercise: This can be a fun one! If they won't get out of the way then pick them up and swing them around. Lay on the ground and suspend them in the air. Have them jump into your arms from the couch and lift them up. Who needs weights when you have toddlers! They will have a blast and you are sure to get a good workout. Believe me, it can get exhausting!

Stroller Running: Last but not least, if you are in need of a run but cannot find the time to do it without children, bring them along. I will be honest, I love running (I think we have all figured that one out by now!) yet I much prefer to run solo. Stroller running is not my first choice and it becomes a different workout. It takes a different mindset to get through a run and is not always the most enjoyable for me. The upside is I get to put in my run and my son gets to nap. It's a win-win. He loves to come along and we will sometimes stop after at a park to have a snack. It becomes quality time together which makes it worth every second of pushing that stroller for a few miles.

Staying active and being healthy is important for me and for my children. Obesity in children is sadly a problem for many children. While every child and situation is unique, we as parents are solely responsible for our children's health and well being. As parents we need to be setting healthy examples for our children in the food choices they make along with teaching the importance of being active. The CDC estimates that:

* Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years.

* Approximately 17% (or 12.7 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years  are obese.

That is sad to me. We are doing our children such a misfortune by neglecting to teach them about being healthy and making good choices for themselves. When they are not old enough to make these choices it is our responsibility to make decisions for them. We are our children's biggest role models. We are the ones they watch every day. They see every little thing that we do and desire to mimic us. They strive to be just like "mommy" or "daddy".  

Being active with our children is important. It doesn't have to feel like work, make it fun! Along with creating a healthier lifestyle you are also making some incredible memories. Both are pretty priceless if you ask me! 



Happy Holidays!!!

 
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