Category Archives: Triathlon

Pro Compression Calf Sleeve Winner

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The winner of the super cool Pro Compression Calf Sleeves is #17 – Ali-Lopez.com

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Ali, please email me at amanda@tootallfritz.com and let me know which color & size calf sleeves you would like.  It looks like the current color options are:  black, lime green, pink & white (not pictured below). 

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Please reference the size chart so that you get the appropriate size:

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For the rest of us, it appears the calf sleeves are currently on sale for $30.  We also have a coupon code for 40% off regular priced marathon socks & sleeves, plus free shipping using discount code: FIT40.  So if you miss this sale (or would like to try a pair of the Pro Compression marathon compression socks), then feel free to use the discount code.

Enjoy!  These are really great socks/sleeves!!

** Happy Compression ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com **

Pro Compression Calf Sleeve Review & Giveaway

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As we know, compression is all the rage right now.  It has taken our running and endurance activities to another level by helping us recover faster and get back out on the trail sooner than ever before, to push harder and get results.  Compression works.

There are various compression products on the market.  Last week we talked about compression shorts, this week we will focus on compression calf sleeves.  Regardless of where you run or race, you will see colorful compression socks or sleeves on many runners. 

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I personally prefer calf sleeves when I run which is why I was super happy to see them recently added to the Pro Compression line up.  I’m very picky about my running socks.  I wear one brand and its a little thicker and cushier than the normal “ultra thin” running sock.  All my running shoes are laced to fit that particular sock and compression socks are not the same thickness.  So I prefer the sleeves while running in order to reap the benefits of compression and still be able to wear my favorite run sock.  Then I wear the full compression socks for after run recovery and traveling.  🙂

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According to the Pro Compression website:

Your feet and legs are your engine. Anything less than peak performance and full recovery means unnecessary discomfort while operating at less than your best. Change all of that with the advanced design and materials that make PRO Compression socks your ultimate recovery tool…..

PRO Compression socks are designed specifically to deliver both maximum comfort and speedy recovery times. The science is complex, but benefits such as improved blood flow, stability and comfort are universally understood.  The moment you put these socks on your feet and incorporate them into your game, you will feel and understand the difference.

I was super excited to try out the Pro Compression calf sleeves. I know their calf sleeve line is new but they know compression.  If I’m going to wear compression socks to work around the house with my slippers, Pro Compression socks are my first choice.  So I was ecstatic to try out the calf sleeves for running.

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I love them.  I love that they are green.  I love that they fit like a glove. I love that they are green.  I love that they didn’t move when I ran. I love that they are green.  I love that they compress without putting too much pressure on my legs to create discomfort. I love that they are green.  I love that they don’t stretch out after multiple wear sessions. I love that they are green.  I love that I can pair them with capri’s for warmth & compression as the temps turn cooler. I love that they are green.  I love that they are at the top of my drawer and my current new favorite thing. I love that they are green.  I love that they match my new favorite shoes so well.  🙂

Regardless of whether you wear compression for function or fashion, I recommend trying out the new Pro Compression Calf Sleeves.  I look forward to adding more colors to my line up!

Pro Compression has generously agreed to give one lucky reader a pair of calf sleeves ($45 value), in their size/color preference.  To be entered in the giveaway, please comment below and tell me what you prefer:  compression calf sleeves, full compression socks or none of the above?

You might also want to follow Pro Compression on Facebook HERE in order to be up to date on the latest specials!   If you want to shop now, use the discount code: FIT40 for 40% off, plus free shipping.  That brings the calf sleeves down to $27 each!  Good deal!

One winner will be chosen on Monday, December 17th at 9am.  Good luck!

** Compress Happy ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

2013 Team Tough Chik…..

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The registration period for the 2013 Team Tough Chik is NOW open! 

You may have seen me announce this on my facebook page last week but I wanted to do an official post.  The registration period is only open through October 29th so don’t put it off too long or you will have to wait for another year to be part of this amazing community of active women! 

As I await the influx of new “Toughies”, I look back on this year and recall how Team Tough Chik has supported me unconditionally thru the ups and downs of what came to be for 2012.  I did spend a lot of time in Team gear but it was mostly on the bike since my run was put on hold  for several months due to injury.

Aby and I first raced in the Team Tough Chik singlets at the Devils Dash in Peotone in May.  Here were are with my friend Nicki (who will be on Team Tough Chik for 2013!!) and Michael, then a couple of “on the run” photos.

Devil Dash_group   devil dash 2012_aby4  devil dash 2012_me2

Then I got hurt and spent a considerable amount of time cycling:

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And some time teaming up with Aby for a bit of duathlon action:

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And some time doing 2/3 of triathlon races for which I was already registered:

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And you know, when I look at it this way, 2012 doesn’t look so bad! 

When I originally heard about Team Tough Chik, I had never even purchased one Tough Chik item but I was intrigued with the all women team concept and being part of something a bit bigger than my local community.  I truly wanted to be part of an international team of amazing women.  Then when I heard that Tough Chik was lining up sponsors and all of the team members would be getting a “mystery” package, along with their Team gear, which would include samples, full size products, and a year’s worth of discounts for not only Tough Chik but also ALL OF OUR SPONSORS, I was hooked.  They had me at “mystery” package.  I took the gamble and immediately signed up for the team and it has been an amazing experience. 

What did the sign-up entail?  I had to purchase a Team gear package.  The least expensive package was for the running singlet only and it was very reasonably priced.  It will be the same this year.  If you want to be “part” of the team, you may purchase any of the packages HERE, and they start at $25 and go up to and include the “Whole Enchilada”.  The least expensive (running singlet only) package also includes 5% off of all regular Tough Chik gear for a full year, plus the random goodies & discounts from our new sponsors.   Cool, huh?  And most importantly, we once again have a kick ass awesome design.  Here is a peak at the 2013 TRI kit:

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Check out today’s Tough Chik blog HERE for a few words from myself, Susan, Karen and Tonia  as to what Team Tough Chik has meant to us for 2012.  Hope to see you on the 2013 Team!

** Cheers ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Whooha Gear Giveaway…….

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Whooha = Women Having Optimistic Objectives & Healthy Attitudes

Aurelia R. introduced me to Whooha Gear about 6 months ago and I immediately fell in love.  Although their acronym is a mouthful unusual, the words speak to me.  Plus the gear is amazing.  Normally fit is an issue for me and I was pleasantly surprised when the first item I ordered fit the first time.  I was even more surprised that it was also something that I actually wanted to wear.  If you know me, and know me well, you know that I return about 90% of the items I order online and I give away another 5%.  My success rate with clothing is very low.

In addition to my love of the fit and feel of Whooha, I am also in love with the company motto and focus.  This is directly from the Whooha homepage:

image Inspire yourself…that is the goal Whooha Gear has set for you! Started by two women athletes, Whooha Gear provides athletic wear made for women by women. Our shirts and accessories have inspirational sayings for active women that range from runners, climbers, triathletes, cyclists, hikers and much, much more.

My first Whooha item purchased was the Doesn’t Hurt to TRI V-Neck Heather Tee which is currently on close out for $20.  I paid “full” price, which was $24.  That’s reasonable in my opinion.  It’s also soft and fits my “curves” without hugging me inappropriately.

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I’ve worn this Doesn’t Hurt to TRI Tee several times, including to work on a Friday the Ironman Muncie 70.3 expo where a woman seriously ran me down to find out where I had gotten this shirt.   It’s cute and chick at the same time, plus feels comfortable enough that I actually don’t mind it being a t-shirt.  I normally won’t ever wear a t-shirt, not even for running or workouts.  I’m very picky, but this I love!  🙂

After the above shirt being torn to shreds by jealous women at the Ironman expo such a huge hit in Muncie, I finally ordered another one.  Ironically, I like this one even more than the first!  My second purchase was the TRI & Triumph Triblend Scoop Neck.  Once again I paid full price at $24.  This shirt looks and feels amazing and I have to consciously wear something different on the weekends so people don’t see me in the same shirt over and over.  LOVE.THIS.SHIRT.  Its super soft and fits perfectly with a little flare at the tummy so it doesn’t stick to my rolls mommy tummy.  Thank you, Whooha!

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You “might” want to go browse around the Whooha site yourself because they have generously agreed to let the winner of the giveaway PICK THEIR OWN ITEM!!!  The main shopping section is HERE, which includes a lot of closeouts and everything is priced reasonably. Currently, my favorite product is the I Run Burnout Hoodie, which I don’t own yet, but I’m hoping Santa will bring it for me in a size large.

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If you would like to be entered in the giveaway:

  1. Go check out the Whooha Gear store and then tell me in the comments below which item you will be selecting if you are randomly picked as the winner of this giveaway. (1 entry)
  2. Go “like” Whooha Gear on Facebook HERE. (1 entry)
  3. Tweet, Facebook, Blog or share the giveaway via any social media outlet possible (1 entry for each share).

In order to be entered in the contest, you MUST make a comment below.  In that comment, please tell me which of the above items you completed.  There is a possibility of 5 entries.  A winner will be randomly drawn via a random number generator on Thursday, October 4th at 9am.

For Santa those of you who can’t wait to get your hands on some Whooha Gear, feel free to use the 10% off coupon code:  TTFWhooha  

**  Good luck & Happy Browsing  **  Amanda – TooTallFritz  **

Great Illini Challenge – CANCELLED

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Yesterday, I should have been TRIing my heart out in Mattoon, IL at the Great Illini Challenge.  Earlier in the week I had decided to drop down to the Olympic distance race so that I could finish something this season and try to end on a positive note amidst a summer of injury and rehab…….. but as the weekend approached, I was doubting my decision.  I was questioning whether I would be disappointed that I didn’t do as much as I could do, that I didn’t do as much as I had trained for all summer long.  I contemplated racing the 70.3 distance up to the last lap of the run where I would have needed to step off the course and take another DNF. 

In my heart,  I knew I would be disappointed either way so I really couldn’t decide which dose of disappointment would be best.  I was undecided right into Friday morning when I got the email that the race was cancelled due the possibility of inclement weather in the area from Hurricane Isaac.  Cancelled.  I know I was supposed to be disappointed but I laughed.  It was the absolute perfect end to my season.  I just giggled thinking about the Ironman 70.3 Muncie in July being reduced to an Olympic type distance race and my not even being able to do the full bike/swim there and having to take a DNF without even running one step.  Then I hung all my hopes on this race only to realize one week prior that my foot was not healed up enough and I wouldn’t be able to complete the run and would need to take another DNF.  I was all done with disappointment and relieved not to be worrying about it anymore.  So I’m done TRIing for this year and look forward to hanging up the 3 sport genre for a while and just relax and focus on healing and increasing my speed on the short distance run. 

So instead of spending 3-5 hours on the swim/bike/run on Saturday morning, I instead hit the road with Aby for a few miles.

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She, of course, bitched the entire time enjoyed spending some quality time with her momma.  She even tolerated my photo requests.

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Aby and I running together is very difficult but I hope that we will eventually look back at these years and laugh.  Of course, that may be many years from now but I know that at some point in her life she will actually appreciate the fact that I could actually get out there and hit the road with her and push her pace past the comfort zone.  Maybe, like when she has her first child, we will laugh about these years, right?

So although, the weekend wasn’t what I had planned, it was still good.  No, it was great!  And tomorrow, I’ll hit the trail at the Turtle 10 and run 6 miles of their 10 mile event.  Yes, another DNF although, not such a big deal at this laid back event.  Why are all the good runs/races so long?  The bottom line for me, I race to keep myself motivated and my mind focused on fitness.  It doesn’t really matter if the race happens or not but if I keep moving over the prescribed period of time “because” I want to be my best on race day, then the purpose of the goal has been accomplished regardless of the finish time or the cancellation of the event.  This is about health & fitness for me, not race results.  I hope I can always keep my eye on the ultimate prize…….fitness……and not lose sight of my priorities amongst fancy finisher gifts, age group awards and results.

** Fitness First ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Big Girl Decisions…..

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I had to put on my big girl panties over the last couple days and make some tough decisions.  As most of you know, my entire summer has been formulated around the Great Illini 70.3 which will occur this Saturday, September 1st.  

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Things became much more difficult when I tore the tendon in my foot on June 2nd but we pushed forward in rehab with the only goal being that I complete the 70.3 on September 1st.  In order to make this happen, the plan was to run the first loop of the run portion (6.55 miles) and then run/walk the second loop at whatever pace I could manage.  No time goal, just a quest to finish.  This focus to finish, to not let anymore bibs die, to not add another DNF to the roster, to not give up and just go sit on the couch and gain weight has propelled me forward this summer when honestly, I was pretty empty and upset inside.  I remained positive overall but I was bummed out!

I also spent a lot of time on the trainer inside due to mechanical issues and not being able to run scheduling issues and that didn’t help my attitude mood!

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So week after week, I rode, swam, did rehab exercises and then at the beginning of this month we brought back the run.  The run, the glorious run, that is so freeing to the soul and puts a smile on my face even in the most trying times.  Things were good again.

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But not really.  Although the foot is “better” as in better than it was, it is a long way from normal.  Even further from being pain free.  So last Friday, during rehab/therapy, it was laid open like this,  “Well, you do what you want and I’ll fix whatever damage comes from it…… but this is probably not a good idea”.  Awesome. 

The bottom line is that I “could” finish the 70.3 on Saturday but why risk causing further damage?  Why chance making this rehab process even one day longer?  Or worse yet, re-tear the tendon which is in healing mode and have to start completely over.   Or rupture the stupid Plantar Fascia which screams at me daily.   There isn’t a reason in my opinion.  I have nothing to prove.  This process for me has always been about my health and gaining a higher level of fitness and it would be counter productive to move forward with the 70.3 on Saturday due to the fact that I am not properly trained or healed up for the 13.1 mile run.

I am, however, perfectly able to participate in the Olympic distance event (.94 mile swim, 24.9 mile bike & 6.2 mile run) without causing further damage.  I’m certainly not running fast at this point but I can cover the distance and that’s what I plan to do in order to get a FINISH and be proud of the fact that I didn’t just give up when it would have been the easy thing to do. 

I saw a TRI necklace on CafePress and it was titled TRIumph. 

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I really feel like this is what 2012 is to me, learning to TRIumph when the cards aren’t stacked in my favor.  Learning that being tough, or a BAMR, isn’t about pushing thru the pain but rather taking a minute to listen to the body and focus on myself so that I can heal and be better in the future.  So Great Illini, I’m still coming, just downgrade me to the Olympic distance, please!  I mean, if it’s good enough for the Olympians, it’s good enough for me!

I’m so happy to put a close on this season Saturday and start fresh again.  New strategies and goals are on the horizon.  It’s a new dawn, a new day……

** Happy TRIumphing ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Positive Community Development…….

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Sometimes that little “extra” that you need in your life is not sitting right next to you.  Some of us need motivation to get off the couch workout, run and give life a TRI!  It’s just too easy to be lazy!

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This is why I started the TTF blog, to meet other people who were as crazy motivated as myself and to hold myself accountable.  I am a decent self motivator but it’s always good to think that “we are in it together” and that was what I was missing, a group of like minded people with whom to share my insanity passion.  I did know a lot of people in the running community, and ran on and off with various groups but due to my hubby’s work schedule I was mostly on my own.  I got thru all of those “solo” years with on and off, training partners (Lisa E, Abby S, Kerry C & Shelly O) and the mantra, “If it’s easy, it’s not worth it”.   I pushed forward, not for any reward but solely because the desire burned inside of me to be stronger, faster and better than ever.  I raced a lot to keep from being lazy focused on the end goal:  Staying Fit!

I am certainly no longer alone in my quest.  It seems the last year or so has brought an onslaught of positive community development on various levels.  I credit social media in helping to increase the awareness of fitness groups and new area running clubs, like the Frankfort New Lenox Running Club (aka:  The F’N Runners – photo below).   Plus, the creation of websites like Chicago Running Bloggers brings together like minded people who may or may not have ever come together otherwise. 

So now, as I hit the trial, I see more and more people out there giving it their all on a Saturday morning before the sun rises.  Last week, I saw the F’N Runners, the Park Forest Running & Pancake Club, Tinley Track & Trail, Tri Smart and I knew the Looney Chics were out there somewhere too.  We continue to increase awareness of our groups and develop a massive community to support and motivate each other in life, training, & racing.  We know that regardless of where we go, there will always be a “friendly” in the crowd and for that reason we keep pushing our limits to better ourselves and each other. 

Thanks to all my virtual, real life, and on the run/trail training partners who continue to push me when I’d rather be sitting on the couch. 

Have you noticed the growth and how much more visible the fitness/running groups have become as of late both online and in real life?  Do you credit the internet and social media for getting the word out and helping our community grow?  Does the growth of our community push you to be better?

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Refocusing……

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Summer is hard for everyone but this summer has been particularly rough on me since I’m not marathon training running my “normal” amount of miles.  The torn tendon injury was a blow to me both physically and mentally.  I kept moving and tried to have a good attitude but biking and swimming is not the same for the body or the mind.  As a result, I’ve noticed the scale creep up higher than ever before during non-pregnancy fitness stages.  I was 168 a couple weeks ago and am 166 this week.  Not cool.  I tend to normally float between 158 and 162.  I know you are might be thinking, “that’s not that bad” but it is that bad because it doesn’t want to go away!  As a maturing mother, those extra few pounds creep up and keep piling on and it is harder each and every year to fight it.  This is why I haul my ass self out of bed in the middle of the night early morning to run/workout before Michael wakes up the day gets started.  Today was a rough one.  I didn’t want to get up…..but at least I had my BAMR shirt waiting for me!  I’m totally loving this shirt and have worn it several times without even washing it.  It’s a prefect fit & feel (SportTek brand).

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So I  hauled it up and out for 4.22 miles this morning.  The pace was somewhere in the 9:20s range which is decent for “in the dark” running.  I’m happy.  Now to just refocus and knock out those few extra pounds.

I started Kelly’s DietBet Challenge at the beginning of August and to be honest, I thought that it would be piece of cake.  I’m an AdvoCare distributor and immediately ordered a 24 Day Challenge bundle and I was ready to get started. However, I apparently didn’t “submit” the order, a mistake I have never made since I began my distributorship circa 2006, and the bundle never came.  I have now received it after “reordering” last week so I’m a little late to the game, in addition to the fact that August is one of my worst months with lots of travel, celebrations and the start of school.  Super overwhelming but fun month, each and every year!

Instead of busting my butt in the fitness and clean eating areas, I have instead been spending time with friends & family, drinking and eating out.

Olympic Marathon Brunch with champagne and lots of yummy food  Kate, Maggie, Me, Amanda, Susan;  Bottom:  Sara, Kelly, & Nicole.

Boating and drinking hanging out on the water with friends:  Me, Hillary & Nicki.

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Amusement Parks and drinking more beer travel:

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Indiana Dunes, beach play, hiking & fun with the kiddos:

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   Dunes_Aby & michael_8-11-12

 

 Dunes_stairs_8-11-12  Dunes_stairs down_8-11-12  Dunes_me & michael_8-11-12 Dunes_stairs down lake_8-11-12 Dunes_Succession Trail_8-11-12

So while I refuse to miss an opportunity to put my toes in the sand with the kids,

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I can probably cut a few alcohol related calories, refocus on drinking my water instead of Corona Light and clean up my at home eating.  While I do well eating at work where I take my fruits, veggies, lean proteins & drink lots of water, I fail miserably in the evenings.  There is no need to eat a cookie, just because I give one to Michael.  There is no need to eat 30 potato chips just because I give some to the kids.  There is no reason to drink a beer just because it’s fun everyone else is doing it.   I will do better.

I’m refocusing NOW!  How about you?  Summer is hard but now is the time to get back at it.  I heard on the radio yesterday that 20% of American’s in EVERY state are obese.  I certainly don’t believe in perfection but also know that we all  need to work at it in order to be healthy, productive, positive examples for our family and children.  Refocus now and tell me what you will be changing immediately in order to get back on the healthy eating train. 

** Eat Well ** Amanda – TooTallFritz.com ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

BAMR….

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When I returned to running in 2004, it was because I wanted to hike the Grand Canyon with Lisa E needed to get back into shape after the honey/baby-moon period.  I needed to improve my mental & physical health and become a better role model for my children.   Things have progressed a lot since that time and I’m no longer alone in my quest to improve my health and be a good example.  I have a lot of friends, and all of you, to help keep me focused and motivated. 

Somewhere along the road, while hiking the Grand Canyon running, I realized that I was a bad ass Tough Chik.  There are many things that make up a Tough Chik, and it is, of course, different for everyone.  For me, it is about being able to focus, set goals and push my limits.  To keep going when I really want to give up, go home, sit on the couch and nurse a six pack beer.  On the Team Tough Chik Intro HERE, they asked:

“What makes you a Tough Chik”:

I don’t think of myself as “tough” but I am determined and sometimes that means that others view me as “tough”.  I really believe that accomplishing a goal is more about making the decision to do it and then following thru to make it happen.  I have a “tough” schedule and could have lots of excuses but I try to be flexible to get in what needs to happen at the appropriate time.  That may mean a 3:30 am wake up call but I am willing to lose a little sleep to make sure that I have done as much as possible to reach a specific goal.  I encourage all women to be flexible and realistic, recognize limitations due to family and finances but NOT to let fear limit what they can accomplish.

Today, I was bestowed the very coveted bad ass mother runner BAMR status by Dimity McDowell & Sarah Bowen Shea, authors of Run Like A Mother and Train Like A Mother, on their Another Mother Runner blog.  Look for me hitting the trail in the official BAMR tank soon!  I’m honored and proud to be the newest BAMR! 

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They featured me HERE on the “Follow This Mother” segment.  Pretty, Pretty, Please take the time to go over and visit Dimity & Sarah on their blog and read my interview, you might even catch a photo, or two, of YOU!  They do a lot of great stuff, offer tons of awesome advice, and if you like giveaways, they have some of the best.  Check them out at Another Mother Runner!

Now that its official and I’ve been granted both BAMR and Tough Chik status, my life is almost complete.  Now to just chase down that ironWOman status!

What makes you a BAMR or Tough Chik?  Don’t think that you aren’t worthy of the titles because you absolutely are, now tell us why!

** Happy Running **  Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Mission Athletecare Giveaway

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As most of you know by now, I’m a huge fan of Mission AthleteCare!    Their motto is to Perform, Protect & Rehab. 

  • Perform – Enhance performance during competition!
  • Protect – Combat elements before competition!
  • Rehab – Restore body after competition!

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Those are things which I can really get behind, particularly when their products are formulated to not only to work for you NOW but also in the future by being paraben free.  If you are not familiar with the paraben issue, my friend Bridgett has broken it down into laymen’s terms HERE and uses ScienceDaily as a reference.   If I understand it correctly, many scientists are concerned about parabens causing health issues including breast cancer.  More information and scientific detailed reports on the Eves-Best  & Livestrong websites.  The paraben issue is enough of a concern to make me pay attention to the ingredients in products I buy and be thankful when I come across paraben free items.  I’d personally rather be safe now than sorry later.

I have randomly written about Mission AthleteCare products multiple times in the past as I stumble across a new favorite and I have even given way items out of my personal stash for the Favorite Training Items Giveaway.  More recently, I talked about the Mission Athletecare EduraCool Towel which Aby and I are still fighting over.  You can read that post HERE.  I actually read a review on it from another blogger yesterday who didn’t think it was that “cool” but then she also mentioned she lived in a no humidity area.  Our towel, that we use in the Midwest, is awesome, stays cool for hours and we find it very refreshing.  The fact that it is reusable, washable and big enough to fight over is just a bonus!

EnduraCool_me 

I am also in love with the 5 Hour AntiChafe Stick which I am now using exclusively  to combat the infamous chub rub.  This product is smoother than some of its competitors, goes on very easily, does not crumble and stays on for hours under very nasty hot and sweaty conditions.  The sticks is $9.99 and I have 2 for the giveaway!  I use it for running, triathlon and keep one in my purse for skirt/short days.

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The Foot Rehab Cream is a new product to me.  It has a light peppermint scent that I love, tingles slightly upon application and helps the feet repair from those long/frequent training runs.  This is also a good product if you are in sandals all day, every day and your feet take a beating.  The kids and I love this one and hubby is thankful that it’s not nearly as stinky aromatic as the Burt’s Bees Peppermint Foot lotion that he always complains about we used before we received this.  The Foot Rehab is $9.99 and I have 2 to giveaway.

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We also just recently ventured into the Mission Athletecare Suncare line.  We use so much sunscreen that I should buy stock.  Skin Cancer runs in my family so we use it liberally, we frequently reapply, then reapply again.  We are constantly outside, at the pool or on the lake and go thru as much as a large spray can of sunscreen (or more!) a day.  However, I keep buying different brands because I can’t find one that we like.  My biggest complaint is that the sunscreen burns our eyes and is greasy and/or sticky.  For a family that runs & plays hard, sunscreen burning the eyes is just not an option but I haven’t been able to get around this problem.  One of the Mission ads, below, specifically identifies the problems with sunscreens “stinging eyes, clogging pores, leaving hands greasy” but I was still a little skeptical.

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We tried both the Kids Continuous Play SPF 70 and the Sun Defeated SPF 30 which both retail for $9.99 per can.  The kids loved this stuff and there was no saving it for a “special” occasion because every time they got called in for sunscreen, Aby would demand that I use the Mission because it didn’t burn her eyes.  Ummm….Okay.  She didn’t know anything about what it should or shouldn’t do but knew that’s the brand she wanted.  That’s as good of an endorsement as I can possibly give so after we use up our current stock of randoms, it will be all Mission sunscreen for us. The applicator worked well, didn’t spray too hard and the spray dried immediately without leaving a sticky film. This was a big win for us!  I have 2 cans of Sun Defeated SPF 30 and 1 can of the Kids Continuous Play SPF 70 to give away.  This totals 7 items available to win!

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So let’s get some winners!  I will pick 7 winners via a random number generator on Tuesday,  August 14th at 9am.  In order to be entered in the giveaway, please do one or all of the following then make one comment below to let me know what you did.

  • “Like” Mission Athletecare on Facebook HERE – 1 entry
  • Write on Mission’s Facebook wall that TooTallFritz.com sent you for the giveaway – 1 entry
  • “Follow” Mission Athletecare on Twitter HERE – 1 entry
  • Tweet, Facebook or blog about the giveaway – 2 entries for each share
  • Comment below and specify which product you would most like to try (this will help me distribute the goodies!) – 1 entry

In all there is a possibility of 10 entries.  Good luck and please share the giveaway to throw some love Mission’s way for being so generous! 

If you want to try a few Mission AthleteCare products use the 20% off coupon code:  TooTallFritz20   I won’t make any $, you will just save some!  Coupon code good thru August 30, 2012.

** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com