Run YOUR Way….

Posted on December 27, 2012 by tootallfritz

I leave for Ragnar FL Keys in 7 days!!! One of our sponsors, Family Fan Club has created way more than 7 things for me in the last year.

I first became familiar with them thru their sponsorship of our Ragnar Chicago ultra team, You Just Got Chicked. My teammate & friend, Run with Jess designed a kickaxx shirt and Family Fan Club did everything else.

Shirts:

Chick 3

Headbands

Decals for our van. Shirts for a friend’s Ragnar Chicago Team. The experience was so good, I decided to let them do a quote for our running club. We wanted something that would “pop”, make us recognizable since we were new but growing at an ~~alarming~~ fast rate. We wanted to create a brand that everyone would identify as our running club. So we stuck with the gold because ~~you can see it a mile away~~ it pops. The FNRC brand was born with the help of Jeni H’s awesome designs skills and Family Fan Club chasing down anything and everything GOLD, which is really not an easy task.

Shirts (long sleeve, sleeveless, short sleeve, gender specific, hoodies):

Hats & Visors:

Christmas Ornaments:

iPhone Case:

I can only hope that the FNRC did Family Fan Club proud this year. We wore our colors and FNRC gear everywhere and collected a “few” awards too.

I also utilized them for shirts a few friends wanted made with the “Go Live” theme. It reminds me of the “go big or go home” slogan. Go Live …. if you are going to show up, then be ready to play, run or do WHATEVER at your best.

And last but not least, Family Fan Club is hooking up my newest Ragnar team with shirts, designed by the fabulous Jeni H and decals for our Ragnar vans.

If you want to run YOUR way, whatever way that is, in whatever design you can create, then call Family Fan Club and they can hook you up. This is definitely a “you dream it” …… they can make it type company. Prices are good too. Reasonable and they will work with large groups to get you the best price available. I’m a big “fan” of Family Fan Club!

Thanks for all the support this year, Family Fan Club!

** Run YOUR Way** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Christmas Fun….

Posted on December 26, 2012 by tootallfritz

Christmas is by far my favorite holiday. I love the spirit. I love the excitement of the lil ones. I love the celebration with family and friends ~~whether you like them or not~~. I love the decor. I love the endless streaming of Christmas music. I really love it all …….. even the commercial aspect where some go above and beyond, for once, to give things that “normally” would be impractical. But my most favorite aspect is the little extra time I get to spend at home with the family. ~~We may drive each other crazy but we love one another~~.

I did take advantage of the time to get in a few runs. A nice 12 miler as the sun came up on Saturday. 6 miles of flats, 6 miles of slow rolling hills.

7 flat miles on Sunday.

4 miles of zigzagging on Christmas Eve to avoid loose dogs, then lots of hanging with the fam.

A cool gift from a friend….

And more family time…..

Lots of eating and drinking, movie watching and just chilling to the sounds of ~~screaming~~ laughing children. Now we play with the goodies and enjoy the spoils of another great Christmas. We thank the Lord for our blessings. And we sent out special thanks to all the family and friends who celebrated with us in one way or another.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!!

** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Lighting the Fire of Motivation….

Posted on December 21, 2012 by tootallfritz

It’s no secret that I love motivation quotes, pictures, sayings and people. In fact, I enjoy sharing things on my Facebook page that I come across via various web pages. For some, the “motivational” pics and quotes are tired, old and redundant. For me, they make me smile, nod my head and frequently say, YES, I LOVE THAT!

I stumbled on this one today. I’ve had a rough week, too much work, too much stress, not enough holiday focus, and very little running. I was looking for a “pick me up” and found this……

I know, you’ve seen it before, right? Probably. But it reminded me that I need to get my ass out ~~of the office~~ the door for a run, ASAP.

Running makes me appreciate things more. It gives me energy and motivates me to DO things that I would NOT do if I hadn’t ran. I find this particularly true on the weekends. If I start my Saturday or Sunday (preferably both!) with a run, then it automatically makes me more productive throughout the rest of the day. It lights a fire within me to MOVE. To do things. To NOT be lazy. To live. To not just snuggle into the couch with a cup of coffee but to actually handle the things in my life that need my attention. Things that I would otherwise be content to put off for another day, or week, or month….. for as long as I could avoid it.

That’s the secret. Running/Working out GIVES energy, it doesn’t take it away. Everyone always says, “Oh, you ran 10 miles this morning; you must be exhausted!?!?” No, I’m not exhausted. I’m energized and ready to tackle life. Whatever that means for today.

Move your body, in any way you can. Walk, run, hit the gym and you too will wake up and not just go thru the motions of your day but you will FEEL alive, FEEL motivated, FEEL ready to take on whatever comes your way.

** Light the Fire of Motivation ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

ShowerPill Giveaway Winner!!!

Posted on December 21, 2012 by tootallfritz

The winner of the box of ShowerPill athletic wipes is #18 – BetyBliss!

According to Betty’s comment, she is a fellow Ragnarian so hopefully she will #StayFresh for her teammates!

Betty, please contact me at: amanda@tootallfritz.com and send your mailing address for the ShowerPill wipes!

For the rest of us, there is a 20% off discount code: STAYFRSH which we can use to purchase ShowerPill wipes at Amazon HERE ($9.99 each). I really love these things and encourage you to try them. I buy them for my gym bag, my running bag and use them at least once per week after my lunchtime runs. I really love these things!

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

ShowerPill Review & Giveaway….

Posted on December 19, 2012 by tootallfritz

Ragnar – Floridia Keys is 15 days away and I’m already thinking about my packing list. Fortunately, ShowerPill is one of our sponsors and is supplying us with ShowerPill wipes for each van so that will be a major help in the hygiene department.

ShowerPill™ – A new state of freshness

Not a pill, not a shower and definitely not a baby wipe…

It’s the hygiene supplement to maintain your freshness while you lead an active, busy lifestyle.

One of the “interesting” things about a relay race which goes on for days, is that showering is ~~non-existent~~ sporadic. Added to the lack of showering, is the fact that you are cooped up in a van with 5 other people, who are also in desperate need of a shower. All of whom have ran in the 80 degree Florida heat, for many miles, for multiple legs. Everyone stinks. It’s disgusting.

I was first introduced to the ShowerPill wipes when they sponsored our ultra team for Ragnar Chicago (2012). Although, I didn’t actually get to run due to my torn tendon, I did score a couple of the wipes. I wanted to try them but I must admit, I was leary. I never believe that things work like they are advertised because let’s be honest, advertisements sometimes embellish the facts to get us to spend our hard earned $ on something that we just don’t need. Although, I liked the idea of a “shower” in wipe form; I didn’t necessarily know if I “needed” it.

I had a couple of the body wipes in my running bag, in my car. I didn’t try them. Then I was out of town, at the Ironman 70.3 Muncie event, standing outside my car smelling worse than I had ever smelled after a race and I was dreading the 4.5 hour drive home. The temps that day were in the 90s, so hot that our race was abbreviated. I couldn’t even run b/c my foot was still rehabbing but I still smelled BAD after just the swim & bike. Plus the water was so dirty that I had weeds & muck inside my tri kit. So nasty. I grabbed a ShowerPill wipe and hoped for the best. As I ripped open the pouch, a nice aroma hit my nose. The wipe was a nice size and very wet, a few drops even dripped from a corner. I washed up with it, locked my dirty clothes in the trunk and got in the driver seat. I was in absolute amazement that I not only “didn’t smell bad” but that I actually smelled good! I was sold right then and there in a grassy parking area in Muncie, IN after using the product one time. (IM 70.3 Muncie photos below)

Since that day, I’ve used the ShowerPill wipes a lot. I bought a couple boxes on Amazon and they are now my go to product when I need to “freshen up” after a run or race. I also frequently run on my lunch hour at work. Everyone always asks me if I sweat, if I stink, if I shower. Yes, I sweat & stink but there is no time for showering! Pre-ShowerPill, I used either baby wipes, or the Say Yes to Cucumber wipes, for cleaning up. That worked, if they weren’t dried out. If I remembered them. If I wasn’t too nasty. Now with ShowerPill, I only need one wipe, plus I don’t need to carry an entire package of wipes that may or may not be dried out when I need them. And I feel clean and fresh when I go back to work. One wipe, that’s all I need.

I think ShowerPill was invented specifically for people like me. People on the “run”. Busy mom’s who run directly from a workout to pick up the kiddos at school. People who have to squeeze a workout into the middle of their work day. People who travel to/from racing events and don’t always have the option of showering off after a major endurance adventure. Relay runners who will spend days in a van with stinky teammates. Regardless of how hectic your life, ShowerPill wants me & YOU to #StayFresh.

ShowerPill™ The Athletic Body Wipe™

Premium, 9×8 inch, thick and durable wipe that is individually packaged for true on-the-go versatility
Put it in your gym bag, purse, pocket or backpack
Proven to kill germs1 yet safe on sensitive skin and infused with moisturizing Aloe Vera and Vitamin E
Quick dry solution, does not require rinsing or extra dry time
Light fresh scent is not overpowering or “perfume-like”

ShowerPill™, it’s the Athletic Body Wipe™.

ShowerPill is giving away one box of athletic body wipes to a lucky reader. If you would like the opportunity to win a box, please comment below and tell us in what aspect you would most likely use the wipes. Since the holiday is fast approaching, the winner will be drawn on Friday (December 21st) at 9am.

ShowerPill wipes are available on Amazon HERE for purchase ($9.99 each). If you would like to grab some for stocking stuffers, or to throw in your gym bag/purse/car then feel free to use the 20% off discount code: STAYFRSH

Good luck & please #StayFresh for yourself and all of your friends and family!

** Stay Fresh ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

2012 …… In Review

Posted on December 18, 2012 by tootallfritz

Seven days out from Christmas and I’m in disbelief that the year is almost gone. Most of the time at year end, as I’m sitting in this position looking back, I’m able to take pride in the goals set and attained. Not so much this year. I struggled to build back up after some time off at the end of 2011 (a failed attempt to clear the plantar fasciitis). Then I tore the tendon in my foot at the beginning of summer. I will not run 1000 miles this year. I did not run a 1:50 half marathon ~~which I thought was an absolute no brainer~~. I did not break 6:30 for a half iron event ~~which I also thought was a no brainer~~. I did not complete even one triathlon. I did not run a marathon. I did not maintain my weight. I did not do a lot of things that I had thought were so very possible at the beginning of 2012. But alas, it wasn’t a bad year.

Occasionally, we just need to “let go” of our goals and go with the flow. Some things are absolutely beyond our control. You know the difference between being lazy and not making it happen verses life/injury got in the way and derailed the plans. So if your life, or God’s plan for your life, got in the way this year and you DID NOT #MakeItHappen, then please take a minute, right now, and let it go. Next year is another year. The point of making goals is to constantly challenge oneself and be the best person that you can be at any given time. Sometimes, the best we have at a given moment is sitting in the rocker ….. rocking our sick child. Or icing an injured foot ~~over a cold Corona Light~~.

So as I look back, I do not see failure but instead I look at the positive things that I did accomplish.

I got a photo with THE Green Men at the Shamrock Shuffle this year! Major accomplishment! Expect to see this photo several times a year from now til eternity. I’m VERY proud! (Nicole F, me, Green Man #1, Maggie, Green Man #2, & Kelly)

I raced my first relay event with my “baby” girl, Aby. Tinley Park Duathlon where my “baby” OFFERED to run for me so that I could still participate even though I was still very early in the injury stage and couldn’t even walk without a limp.

I watched that same baby girl become not just her own person but a really FAST runner.

I managed to keep my crazy lil man safe “enough” to make it through 2012.

I’m still married. (This will be the only time that you will see me in a bikini…..only photo I have of hubs & I from 2012 and I may delete this section before I actually publish).

So 2012 was not only a good year but a great one! I encourage you to focus on the positive and do your damndest to make 2013 EVEN better. We only live once. Make it count.

** Cheers to Making It Count ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Pro Compression Calf Sleeve Winner

Posted on December 17, 2012 by tootallfritz

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

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).

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

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 **

Circling……

Posted on December 15, 2012 by tootallfritz

Like a shark circling its prey, I stuck very close to my car today. I went out with the goal of running 10 miles in the rain with the F’N Running Club:

FNRC_12-15-12

However, it didn’t take me long to realize that my legs were dead and weak from being sick and I needed to stick close to the car. The car being my life line & safety net! This is exact opposite my normal MO. On a normal day, I would rather someone drop me off 10 or 20 miles from the house and let me fight my way home rather than keep running past my car and each time having to talk myself out of getting in it and going back home. But I know my body and when it’s weak, it’s weak. I knew that my car had an emergency bag which “might” keep me going for 10 miles. Worth a shot, right?

First “Circle”: I ran 2 miles ( 1 mile out, then back), then stopped at the car to grab my calf sleeves, a sip of water & blow my nose on a tissue ~~rather than my sleeve~~.

Second “Circle”: 4 miles – 2 miles out & then back. My legs were DEAD, so I took a gel, drank some water, shed one of my wet layers & grabbed my iPod….. yep, I was desperate. I honestly can’t remember the last time that I used a gel for a 10 miler. It’s been more than a few years. However, I did today and it was a life saver!

advocare_rehydrate gel

Last “Circle”: 4 miles – 2 miles out & back in the opposite direction. It actually felt okay. By this time the rain was coming pretty hard and it was difficult to stay warm but overall, I was pretty happy. The gel gave me the little boost that I needed to keep me moving and the music was a nice distraction. I’m sure it didn’t hurt either that I was almost done and knew that I could actually get in the car and leave this time! 🙂

My pace was all over the place. As I ran away from my car it was slow going, but as I ran back toward my car each time my ~~body was fooled in to thinking it was done~~ pace quickened. It worked. 10 miles complete. 9:30 pace. Not the norm but a total win considering how my body feels. I absolutely dedicate this run to my FL Ragnar Team. If not for them, I’m not sure I would have been strong enough to haul it up and out of the house today. In the cold. In the rain. When I really just wanted to sleep.

Don’t be afraid to change your game plan after you get out on the trail. You know your body. You know how you feel. Each day and each run is different. Sometimes, you need to stick close to home base (your house or car!) for practical or safety reasons. No big deal. Just get out there and do what you can do you, adjust the plan accordingly, and you “might” surprise yourself.

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Restoration….

Posted on December 14, 2012 by tootallfritz

res·to·ra·tion

the act of restoring; renewal, revival, or reestablishment.

a return of something to a former, original, normal or unimpaired condition.

There have been a lot of things weighing me down as of late and I think that is one reason the “sickies” caught me x2. Things that a good run can’t fix. Things I can’t fix. Things I can’t understand. As a ~~control freak~~ Type A personality, it’s hard to let go and realize that there are some things, no matter how important, which are beyond my control.

As my body repairs itself from the “sickies”, I look within and begin the process of restoration. What makes me happy? What makes me feel good? What can I do to “return” to my former self?

First, I need to pay attention to my health and not take it for granted. I’m an AdvoCare distributor but “may” have been lax about taking my ImmunoGuard. Why? Not sure. I know it works. I know that it normally keeps me healthy when others are sick, but I wasn’t taking it. So this week, I’ve been focusing on my ImmunoGuard, and the olive leaf extract that Dr. Alexis likes, and Emergen-C (since I ran out of my CitriZinc Chews). Overkill? Maybe but who cares if it works!

Second, as soon as I could breathe, I wanted to run. Okay, let’s be honest, I wanted to run before I could breathe but tried on WED and it didn’t work out so well. Today, I laced up and headed out to run.

Thirdly, I ran toward the water. I always feel better when I’m near water: a lake, a stream, a river, an ocean. The water has restorative powers for me and makes me feel calm inside. At peace. Healthy. Alive.

Fortunately, Chicago has an abundance of water. Its just a short run from my office building and I have…..

Sand.

Water. me_lakefront_12-14-12

And a little sunshine.

I’m feeling better already! Now to focus a little more on getting back into my normal routine, taking my supplements, building my miles and letting go of things I can not control. Only then, will my body and mind truly begin the process of restoration.

What has restorative powers for you? Do you feel at peace when you are near something, in a particular location or just sitting at home cuddling with the kids and pets?

** Restoration In Progress ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

Tis the Season of Giving….

Posted on December 13, 2012 by tootallfritz

While I absolutely understand that the season of giving is upon us there are few things that I have been gifted with as of late that I would like to return.

The “Sickies” – This is my overall generic term for whatever ailment the family contracts. And man, an army of these sickie germs has paraded through my house over the last couple weeks. Enough is enough, I’d like to make a return. Reason? Although 39 may not look so attractive to some, I’d like to see that birthday. In the spring. When these germs are dead.
Ill Behaved Children – While I won’t be naming names ~~MICHAEL!!!!!~~, someone forgot to tell my lil one that Christmas is coming and that presents are not guaranteed! The child is a maniac. It doesn’t matter if I talk nicely and try to negotiate. It doesn’t matter if I yell and scream. It doesn’t matter if I spank. It doesn’t matter if I use the time out chair. It doesn’t matter what I do, the lil man is a flippin’ maniac. He screams. He fights. He swears. He hits. He won’t listen to a damn thing I say but come bedtime, the lil monster turns into an angel batting those eyes and telling me I’m his best friend. He just wants to be with me. He NEEDS me to sleep with him cuz he’s scared. Manipulator.
Vomiting/Spewing Pets – I’m not really sure what has happened but we can’t get thru a day without stepping in, cleaning up, or shampooing something that shouldn’t be on our floor! Last week about took the cake when Miss Liberty ate a rabbit. Yes, a rabbit. No easy feat mind you. She had to first catch it and kill it. All within our 3 measly acres of property which she can’t leave due to the e-fence. Once she stuffed herself, she then brought me the leftovers. I thanked her and then disposed of the back legs and spine, which apparently are the “junk” parts if you plan to eat a rabbit anytime soon. And if you ever ask me why I don’t like to eat meat “much”, let’s just refer back to this, shall we? Then 45 minutes later, she proceeded to vomit said rabbit all over my living room and kitchen floor. What’s worse than a fresh rabbit corpse? A freshly eaten rabbit vomited up on your floor. Awesome.
Bad Attitudes – I feel like I’m going crazy. I’m tired. I’m miserable. I’m tired of being tired and miserable. And don’t jump in here and tell me to drink my Spark b/c this isn’t about an actual lack of energy but about the fact that everyone is sucking away my good vibes. I try to be upbeat and positive but I’m getting worn down by life. It may be lack of sleep for so many years straight. It may be because every aspect of life is so much work. It may be because I have no down time. Whatever the reason, I’m getting a bad attitude. I’d like to make another return, please. Bring on the good times, happy thoughts and overall love of life!