The (crazy runner) Plea

Alright here is the deal, kids... 

I have 14 days to raise the last $910.80 for the commitment I made to raise $3800 for Team in Training.

I appreciate ALL of the amazing support you have all given me throughout this journey, but I still have a big last leap to go.

So here's what I'm going to do:

For every $25 donated in the next 48 hours, I will run 1 mile New Years Day.  

So if I raise the rest of the minimum of $910.80, that's 36.4 miles. Snow, sleet, freezing temperatures, hangover, whatever New Years Day in New Hampshire brings me, I will run through it. 

Because yes, (I am THAT crazy & ) I HATE cancer THAT much. 

http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/tinkerb12/runfastermommy

Not me, but I'm certain my "I hate running in snow" face
is more miserable, haha

So, how far do you want to see me go?  Spread the word, tell your friends.  I'll check back in Sunday afternoon with an official Garmin picture.

The funds raised go towards helping find cures and better treatments for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. With your support, I can help improve the quality of life for patients and their families as well.





Thank you for your constant support & love!  And please check out my friend Hope's blog post to see the results of our virtual "Lousy Medal" run!

edit:
***10:20 am update:  we are up to 4 miles...
***11:23 am update: 16 miles...
***3:48 pm update: 33.4 miles!!! Almost there!


PLEASE let me know if there is someone you would like to add to the "honor roll" list. I plan to run each mile in someone's memory or honor. Because running is a piece of cake compared to the fight so many have to put up against cancer...

Race to the Apocalypse

I write the post to you from the comforts of my brand new, bubblegum pink snuggie, the most amazing and heartfelt Christmas present I've ever received, picked out by my 5 year old son.  Yes, I actually requested this infomercial wonder, and I'm pretty sure it just about killed the little dude to NOT tell me what was in that box before I opened it on Christmas morning, as he was so excited to fulfil my request.   Christmas was exactly what I hoped it would be: I spent time with my family, watched the magic of "Santa" in my children's eyes, I ate a lot, drank too much, and enjoyed every second of it.  I hope you all had an equally as amazing holiday weekend.

So, you know, 2012 is just a few days away. According to the Mayans and Hollywood, we've only got one more year left before the great Apocalypse, so we better live it up.   And as I mentioned last week, LIVE is what I fully intend to do this year.

Buuutttttt I wouldn't be an obsessed runner without even a loose race schedule and/or fitness goals.  It is really fun to look back at the end of next year and see what you have checked off your list.  It's also fun(ny) to look back at the things you didn't even come close to attempting and wonder "what was I thinking?" as well as fill in the blanks with random things that you did accomplish that you never even dreamed of putting on the list.

And so, since the trend seems to be "blog your New Year goals", here goes nothing:


Fitness goals: 

-run 2012 miles.  Since it's 2012 and all.  Back up plan (in case of unforeseen stupid injuries at ridiculous mud runs because it's happened before) 1,012 miles.

-do a real pull-up.  Just one will do. Yes, I hope to march up to that assisted pull up weight machine, lift up the bench because I won't need it, and knock out a pull up, or even two. And feel totally bada$$ when I do.  (Don't laugh at my toothpick arms)


Race calendar: 

For me this year is all about going with the flow, both from a stress free point of view, and a now single mom who has to figure out child care and finances even more so than I did before point of view.   For the most part, race requirements are as follows:

Local (within 3 hours)  Cheap.  Race morning packet pickup is ideal (less time away from the kids, the better!)

I've been very blessed to have some of these races sponsored, which totally helps with the cost factor.  And even though my location parameters are small, there are A LOT more races in New England than I ever suspected.  So here's what I've got so far (only a few are set in stone)

1/29 Tinkerbell half marathon, Anaheim CA.  Ok that goes against all three of the above rules. But I committed before all of this chaos uprooted my whole world, so to CA I must go.  I feel kind of silly flying across the country right now, but at the same time, I know the fundraising has been for an amazing cause, and I can't wait to see one of my besties, Hope, and run through the West Coast version of the most magical place on earth!   Speaking of, I'm about $900 from my fundraising goals. I'm about to start begging ;) so if you are looking to make an end of the year charitable donation (and tax deduction!) please consider helping out. Let's kick cancer's a$$ together, for good!  http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/tinkerb12/runfastermommy

3/3  Heather's 30th Birthday Ultra. Here in Keene. No packet to pickup.  No race entry fee.  Grandma will babysit as she rolls her eyes and worries that I've lost my mind (long time ago, ma).  The goal is 50 miles, but a 50K will suffice if  any extreme (though probably quite normal for this location) weather conditions appear (I'm a giant pansy in the snow).  Pacers wanted and welcome.  My mom makes a mean jello-cake.

4/21 Blue Ridge Marathon, Roanoke VA. They invited me, I couldn't pass it up.  Toughest road race in the world? Yes please!  This will be one of two "travel" races this year. Destination if you will, (sounds so fancy).  My only hope is to finish this beast in a respectable time.

5/6 New England Tough Mudder, Mt. Snow, VT.   I'm working on my ankle strength already.  I don't even know what to say, other than, I hope I don't die.  In a sick, twisted way, I can't wait for this challenge :)

5/27 Vermont City Marathon, Burlington VT.  Was totally bummed when I got hurt at the Warrior Dash back in 2010 and had to sit on the sidelines of this race. From what I saw as a spectator, it was a beautiful course with tons of crowd support. I'm excited, even for that mile long hill . I think this will be my "A" race of the year. Hoping to PR, even with the mountains

7/1 LoziLu Women's Mud Run, Boston MA.  A dailymile friend and his cohorts designed this race, and frankly I think it's a fantastic idea.  I'm certain a stark difference from the Tough Mudder, but tons of dirty fun all the same. I'm really looking forward to this one, and hoping I can round up some girlfriends to join me!!

9/30 Clarence DeMar Marathon, Keene NH.  How can you NOT run a marathon that runs through your hometown (and almost practically by your house?)  The answer is: you can not. So I'll be there.

Non fitness goals:

Live. Love.  Be the best mom I can be.  Do not let the past dictate my future. And be thankful, for each day is a blessing, and everyday has something beautiful in it, if only I choose to see it.  I promise to never forget that!

Happy New Year my friends, be SAFE this weekend!


I'd love to hear about your 2012 goals or races, feel free to share! 

Step Three

Run Faster Mommy's Unofficial Guide to Training for an Ultra Marathon: Step Three

by Heather, who has in fact, never run an ultra marathon. 

Step Three: Monogamous Relationships.

One of the unique things about my fitness journey (and the reason why I can never seem to log as many running miles as my peers) is my lack of an attention span for one single activity.  Some call it a lack of commitment. I call it being a free spirit.  I will find one thing I LOVE to do, and run with it (sometimes literally) until it bores me or the next new thing catches my eye. Running. Bootcamp. Insanity. Swimming.  It always comes back to running, but it seems I have fitness-wander-lust.

And so after a month of hard core mileage for this ultra training....I inadvertently cut my mileage back almost ten fold.  But not because I was being lazy.

Because I stumbled upon a new love.

Meet the Precor Adaptive Motion Trainer (AMT).  Handsome, isn't he?

As you might remember, when I moved here to New Hampshire I started working at the local YMCA as a Wellness Coach/trainer (which, by the way, I looooove!).  And two weeks ago, we moved from  a very, very, uhh...lets call it "well loved and utilized" (and like a hundred years old, and no I'm pretty certain I'm not exaggerating) building to a brand new, $15 million facility.  Therefore, over the last 2 weeks, in addition to logging work hours I've been logging some serious gym rat hours.  I can not lift enough it seems, and more so, I can not get enough of the AMT.  What the heck is this thing? Funny you should ask, I googled you a video (I swear this isn't a sponsored post, I just really love this thing)



Needless to say, logging 70+ miles a week, I have not.  Being perfectly able and in shape to run 20+ miles at a time, yet feeling like I may pass out and die after 30 minutes on this torture device? Check!  It's like a non stop uphill run that makes your quads burn and cry uncle.  It hurts. It's exhausting. I love it. Seriously the thighs in my jeans are getting tight, and it's not because of any hostess cupcakes.  All muscle, baby.

Alas, while I'm feeling stronger than ever, I did learn a thing or two in school.  Like the principle of specificity of training.   In other words, if you are going to run 50 miles at once you best practice running for a long, long time, or face impending doom (or stress fractures).

And so run for a long, long, time I must.  Cross training is stellar, but low impact only isn't going to help me one bit in this venture.

Plans have changed a little. I will no longer be able to attend the Mississippi 50 miler on my birthday weekend. Funds, kids, flights, you get the idea.  Instead I fully intend on running all 50 miles here in Keene, on my birthday (March 2nd.  So if you are in the area and feel up for a few, or 50, miles, come join the party.  I'm serious, my mom will make cupcakes. GU flavored even).  That leaves me 70 days to continue what I started.  Reel in that wander lust and focus Heather, focus.

Sorry AMT, but I'm already seeing someone else. His name is "run your a$$ off", and I believe we have a date.

Now, where'd I put that Garmin....?

Santa wears INKnBURN

Or at least he should, I highly doubt that jolly red suit is sweat wicking, and crossing the globe in 24 hours sounds like a lot of work. Talk about an "ultra"!

Seriously though, two lucky winners will get to choose the INKnBURN 4arms of their choice as an early Christmas present!

Thank you to all of you who entered 

A big congratulations to:

Patrick (I think that's your name?)

of Bourbonfeet 

aaaannnndd.... 

erindegroff of Skirts Rock!

Congrats to both of you! Email me at heathergannoe@gmail.com so I can get you in touch with INKnBURN to claim your 4 arms ! 

Once again a HUGE thank you to INKnBURN for this giveaway, and for creating an amazing clothing line for those of us who like to "distance" ourselves from the crowd.  

If you missed out on the first review, be sure to check it out...and don't forget to like them on facebook for updates on their latest products, like the new shin skins!  

Awesome photo courtesy of www.facebook.com/INKnBURN

Relentless Forward Motion.

It only seems appropriate that I dedicate an entire post to unplugging from the internet, only to find myself with blog post time and inspiration.  Go figure.

Thanks to my kids, there has been no overlooking the fact that there are only 5 days left until Christmas.  But until I just now walked past a calendar, it seemed to have escaped my mind that there are less than two weeks left in this year.

When did that happen?

A year ago today, I clearly had no idea what I was in store for. Heck, as I sit here today, a thousand miles away from where I was this time last year,  I still have a hard time wrapping my mind around all that happened.  The last 354 days feel like decades that went by in an instant.

In 2011, I became a Marathon Maniac, an ACSM certified Health Fitness Specialist, a New Hampshire resident, and a single mom.

I battled my last semester of undergraduate classes, guys with pugil sticks, and unexpected heartache.

I was honored to be a part of an amazing triathlon team, and even if the opportunity seemed to strike at the wrong time in my life, I will forever have a new little triathlon family added to my heart.

I raced at the happiest place on earth, twice, with some amazing people and opportunities beyond my wildest runDisney loving dreams.

I rode aero for the first time. I ran trails for the first time. I swam with gators for the first time (maybe).

I ran a lot. I loved a lot. I hurt a lot, and I lost a lot.

...but I gained a lot too.

I have learned that sometimes, no matter how much it hurts, you have to stand up for yourself.  You have to trust in your heart,  have faith, and know that while the eventual outcome is still a big, fat, scary mystery, in the end everything will be OK.

I learned who my true friends are. I learned I have an amazing family that would do anything for me.

But mostly, I've learned a lot about myself.  The good AND the bad.  And the bad is never any fun to face, and incredibly humbling to admit.  But once you do it, it can change your life.

As the old year ends and new year nears, now is the time everyone starts to make plans. Resolutions.  Goals.  And for 2012, I have just one.

Live.

Live my life to the fullest every day. Enjoy every second of my life.  Do not look back. Do not wallow or fret. No envy or pity.  Know that everyday that I face brings adventure if only I will seek it, thus I will meet it head on with a smile on my face.   Just LIVE.  For so far in my life,  not much has gone the way I have planned it, but somehow it still always seems to turn out OK.  And while the immediate rough times are certainly not over,  I am still truly and wildly blessed, and I have faith that while I might not be where I had hoped right now, I am on a greater path to end up where I am meant to be.   I will never take this beautiful life for granted.

To my family, my friends, and those of you whom I've never met, but have reached out and held me up when I needed anyway: thank you.  I'm so thankful to have you in my life :)

Gone for a RUN! review

Gone For a Run (GoneforaRUN.com) is basically an online gifts-for-runners super store, created by a family of runners, for runners, where you can find tons of unique gifts for the runner in your life (world record for "runner" in one sentence?). Seriously, they have a little bit of EVERYTHING over there, and I'm really not exaggerating when I say that each time I check their website, there are always new fun products.  And by "everything", I mean: jewelry, coffee cups, sweat pants, hats, coasters, cow bells, lip balm, shoe laces, neck ties, hydration belts, ID bracelets, temporary tattoos, EVERYTHING!  Last year, I wrote a review on Gone for a Run's "Bibfolio" (you can read it HERE)

This year, I was invited to review the RaceLACE Mantra bracelet and the PonyUP Ponytail Performance hat to let my readers know of a few more options for the holiday wish list!

First up, the RaceLACE bracelet. 

Description, according to Gone for a Run:
We all need a little motivation sometimes! Our RaceLACE Mantra bracelets have inspiring mantra's engraved on the aluminum plate to give you the extra motivation you need to get out the door or to push through a tough run. Each bracelet is handmade with a unique adjustable design to comfortably fit any wrist! Choose your mantra and plate color.

Review, according to me:

I LOVE the idea, and I LOVE the aluminum plate. I chose "never never give up", a mantra that means so much to me in my life, much more so than just in running.  The bracelet however....eehhh.  I would wear it to a race, no doubt.  Even out for a run or to the gym, but not day to day, as it reminded me of those neon friendship bracelets that I wore a bajillion of in 3rd grade.

Remember these?

So I'm not certain I would wear this on a day to day basis, versus if it was on one of the silicone bands (like these) or even if the bracelet was a single, solid color.  BUT, that said, again I do love the idea. It would be a perfect gift for a teammate, a young athlete,  or a "good luck" pre race gift for someone! 

The lanyard bracelet is comfortable, adjusts easily, and actually fit my itty bitty wrists (seriously, my 5 year old's arms are almost as big as mine, kinda sad!)

The RaceLACE mantra bracelet comes in your choice of three slider colors (pink, blue, or black), and five bracelet colors (pink, yellow, red, blue, white), and retails for $14.99 for one of the many pre fabricated designs/mantras.  For $19.99 you can customize your mantra, OR turn your slider into an ID/safety bracelet!


Next up, the PonyUP ponytail performance hat. 

What Gone for a Run has to say:

Pony Up Performance Beanie Hat. The ponytail opening is in the perfect spot for maximum comfort. Fold up the front panel for a great look and a super comfortable fit. RunTECHNOLOGY performance fabric keeps you warm and wicks away moisture keeping you comfortable. Pony Up hats are perfect for female athletes!

My Review:

Sorry, no self portraits tonight, kids.

I really like this hat. My little cynical (but I love her to death) sister said something along the lines of "OMG don't ever wear that hat outside of this house" or something to that effect.  Clearly, she felt threatened by my stunning looks in this hat. Or maybe I just embarrassed her.  But, it should be noted that she also said she would honestly disown me if I *ever* drive a minivan (I would totally drive a min-van if given the opportunity).  Apparently she does not appreciate the awesomeness that is a hat with a hole for your pony tail! 

I'm not sure about the rest of you but I have a ton of hair.  Like a horse mane.  Like, two weeks ago when we went on a tour of the new YMCA while it was under construction, my hard hat would NOT stay on my head because of my hair. So I FULLY appreciate a hat with a hole in it for my pony tail, because it means my hat will stay ON!

I also love that the bottom of the hat is folded up and over, so you can actually roll it down to FULLY cover your ears.  The hole in the hat is high enough that it matches where I comfortably wear my ponytail.  It's soft, warm, stays put...and the available sayings are everywhere from motivating to hysterical.

I chose this one:

HA!

The PonyUP hat  is one size fits all, and retails for $17.99 for a plain hat in your choice of black, blue, or pink, or $21.99 for one of the hats with various sayings (over two pages worth to chose from!)

So check them out! I'd love to hear about your favorite item Goneforarun.com has to offer, and what you'd like to see Santa leave under your tree!

Winning!

Sorry for the cheesy Mr. Sheen reference. I've never made one before and now seemed like the appropriate time, wouldn't you say?

ANYWAY....first up, the winner of the Foster Mind Self Affirmation poster set:

Jillian from Broken into Beautiful!

Next up, round two of the Blue Ridge Marathon entry, since I could not get a hold of winner #1

 Audrey from A Mama's Goals!

 Both of you please email me at heathergannoe@gmail.com.  Congrats!!!!

HUGE thank you to both the Blue Ridge Marathon 

and the Foster Mind! 

And remember, today is the LAST DAY to enter the INKnBURN 4 arms giveaway, with two winners (one guy & one girl!)  click here to ENTER NOW!!!

unplugged

Blessings in disguise. They happen all of the time, I suppose it's just a matter of choosing to view them as blessings...even if at first they make you want to throw a temper tantrum.  This week (and probably next) I am, for the first time in years, not constantly "plugged in" to the internet.  The not-so-trusty smart phone is no more for the time being, and the house computer at my parents went to computer heaven.

When I first realized I was officially unplugged, I panicked.  What if someone important emails me? No doubt my Klout score is gonna drop (I'm still not convinced it matters, but I'm competitive about random, unimportant things). I have a ton of reviews to write I'm already behind.   And I mean, what do I DO with myself if I can not be constantly updated on the daily doings of my facebook friends?  I won't lie, the first 48 hours were tough. I believe I actually shook a little, when something funny happened to me on the way to work and I couldn't instantly tweet about it. 

But eventually the withdrawals passed. I actually caught up on my laundry, cleaned my room and organized the kids room. We baked cookies. I knit a scarf. No, really, I knit a scarf. Who knew I was capable of such domestic-ness?  I played board games with the kids, built elaborate Thomas the tank engine railroads, and became a (slayed) dragon and a noble steed.  All of this with no hashtags or status updates.  So this is what the 90's were like, before I went to college and became a slave to the world wide web.  I joke, but you have to admit, it's sort of true. Remember those days, when we had to wait until we got home to call each other?  Or updated our friends about the adventures of our weekend on Monday mornings instead of instantly as they happened?

Dare I say, being unplugged is kind of nice.

Not that I didn't appreciate nor enjoy all of these things before, but it does feel like I've taken a bit of a vacation from "work" per-se. I love blogging, I love social media, but a break will be nice.  The holidays are upon us, and though this year has been a crazy roller coaster, I have realized how incredibly blessed I truly am.  I have been blessed with a beautiful family and amazing friends and people who genuinely care.  It honestly humbles me.  This week, an amazing act of kindness this week from an anonymous friend brought me to sobbing tears.  It made me realize that I have a lot of reasons to feel down this Christmas, but  I have even MORE reasons to smile. 

So, this year for Christmas, I will remain "unplugged" and I will enjoy every second of it. Hunting for the elusive elf-on-the-shelf with my kids.  Baking (more) cookies.  Laughing and reminiscing with my family.  Counting my blessings.  And hopefully if mother nature cooperates, playing (and running) outside in the snow for a white Christmas.  All of the things I cherish about this time of year.

In the meantime, please enjoy a week full of product review posts (that I'm about to spend the rest of tonight writing before officially disappearing from the world wide web for another few days).  I'll check back in next week :)

Merry Christmas my friends!  I am very thankful for ALL of you, and I hope you all have a fabulous week!

"Run or Die is your inner mantra. Deal with it." (INKnBURN review & giveaway)

To say I didn't get a little giddy when the good people from INKnBURN contacted me last week would be an understatement.

To say,  a few days later when a box arrived from them, that I didn't jump up and down, barely make it two feet into the house from the front door before sitting down on the floor and tearing into said box like a kid on Christmas morning, would be a big fat lie.

As I mentioned previously in my holiday gift giving guide, I could not WAIT to get my hands on some INKnBURN.  Yes, some women want diamonds, or expensive shoes.  Not me.  Give me unique running gear and I'm over the moon!  And I kid you not, with in minutes of opening the box I had my sneakers & Garmin on, the new shirt, and headed out the door to get in a quick 6 miles.   I was THAT excited.

 Cliff notes version in case you don't read any further, know this: I truly was NOT disappointed. INKnBURN's performance absolutely matched it's design and appearance, just as I had hoped.  I know what I'll be racing the 2012 season wearing. I have, hands down, found a new favorite brand of running clothes. Hence, the very long gushing review....

So, let's review:

INKnBURN endurance wear caught my eye a few months back, through facebook.    Their gear kept popping up in various friends photos, and every time I would think "woah, that shirt (bra, shorts, etc) is awesome!" But I could never figure out where they were coming from.  Finally one day, I asked a facebook friend "hey where did you get that shirt?" and she told me, "INKnBURN".

And thus began my oogling.

I'm not necessarily a "black sheep" as my very tattooed, will rock bright green glitter eyeshadow at the drop of a dime,  and wears a necklace with a vial marked "poison" around her neck, little sister would say (actually, she often calls me a "grandma", but I digress). But I do like bright colors. Eye catching designs. Things that are DIFFERENT from what everyone and their brother buys at the mall.   Just look at my neon-sneaker collection. I don't intentionally try to stand out of the crowd, but I certainly don't try to blend in either. I am ME, and if I like something, I'm not afraid to rock it.  And that is exactly what appealed to me about INKnBURN designs.

Technical gear for girls AND guys...and even a kids line! From shorts, shirts, tanks, sports bras, 4 arms (arm sleeves) to jackets, they have just about everything you need to outfit yourself for your race or for training.

Here's their background story:

INKnBURN designs, cuts and sews all our athletic gear (100% made in the USA) to create the ultimate in workout clothes. The fabrics we use are moisture wicking, light and they breathe -- helping you stay comfortable as you achieve your peak performance. Our proprietary technique for getting art on our apparel creates vivid and powerful designs that you can’t feel, and that do not compromise the performance of the fabric. Our technical running shirts are great for cross-country races, marathons, ultras or trail-running. They also just feel great to lounge around in after a tough training session or race. We want to empower you to do your best, and our designs are all about personal strength and performance. 

Bottom line, the design, fit and feel of our INKnBURN performance tech shirts are second to none. Just ask the growing number of athletes who are wearing our shirts and enjoying our unique style, superior construction and design -- from runners to martial arts practitioners to golfers to tennis players. Our shirts have even been spotted on the well-sculpted backs of mixed-martial arts (MMA) fighters. Simply the best tech shirt on the streets, trails, or in the gym.

INKnBURN is composed of a small group of mavericks and rebels with a deep-seated addiction to innovate, create and constantly improve. We got our start designing shirts that endurance runners could wear for 100-mile races and still stay comfortable and cool -- and look cool, too.

All INKnBURN apparel is manufactured in the USA (Lake Forest, CA). We love what we do, and hope that you'll love our stuff, too!  Don’t disappear into the crowd... Distance yourself with INKnBURN and the Art of Running.

From the brazen "RUN or DIE" design (my favorite!) to the elegant Cherry Blossom designs there really are designs for everyone.

That is unless you prefer boring. In which case, INKnBURN is not for you.

Now, let's get technical:
 First up: Tech shirt. The shirt was incredibly light weight. Probably the lightest fabric in my entire closet full of tech gear. Almost like wearing nothing at all...this will be excellent in the summer! But as for this time of year, I put it on over the top of my under armor cold gear to go for a run, because unfortunately (?) it was 37 degrees outside. The shirt is breathable mesh made from 100% wicking soft poly. It is tag-less (hooray!) and has a very flattering cut.

My favorite part? (besides the design?) that a size SMALL was still LONG enough to cover my midsection.  Real talk time: I'm a mom. I have a strong core, but I also have some extra skin from those (luckily they are adorable) kids of mine and I hate when shirts are too short or ride up.  Thank you thank you thank you, INKnBURN, for that extra few inches in length. You have no idea how hard it is to find shirts long enough that aren't wide enough for two of me.

Nothing says "running supermodel" like a cell phone mirror shot in your parents bathroom...with a toddler head in the corner...

NEXT UP: SHORTS

When I was growing up I played soccer (I swear, I have a story for everything) and we always folded over the waistband of our shorts.  I remember my mom used to ask me why I did that, and I didn't have a valid answer. We just did. And it became habit. I pretty much roll the waistband over on every pair of shorts I own without even thinking.  Oh INKnBURN, you designed a pair of shorts just for me!

fold-over waistband

As far as design goes, they are shaped and fit very much like my lululemon run:speed shorts, which I love, but are much softer and move more freely than the run:speed shorts (sorry lulu).   There are two front pockets (not in the waistband either, I mean REAL mini pockets, I love it) and, as they say on the website "There is a wicking poly panty inside so you won't flash any of the fallen guys you have to leap over while racing for the finish." HA!  Seriously though, the built in panty was slightly thicker than you find in most shorts, and I found this to be incredibly helpful in having the short stay put, thus preventing the ever obnoxious wedgie (sorry, but it's the truth!)

Since, as I mentioned, it's cold enough to build igloos outside, I had to give the shorts an indoor sweat test.  I wore them to the gym tonight for a round of indoor track, weight lifting, and a rousing session on the AMT. The shorts passed all of the tests...especially the running. Comfortable, sweat wicking, and most of all, they stayed put. Really, that's all I need in a pair of shorts. The bonus feature, is they look this awesome:

Really, I checked myself out in the mirror about 345 times and said "these shorts are HOT!" ;)

Last up: 4 Arms (arm sleeves)

Composed of super soft poly and spandex, these sleeves are light weight and again, sweat wicking.

What INKnBURN says:

 The INKnBURN 4Arms are a light, soft and stretchy alternative to hauling around a bulky coat when you workout. Put them on when you are just getting started then, once you are warmed up, just stuff them in a pocket or pack. Great for sun protection, they keep you warm in the colder months and we have customers who water them down in the summer to stay cool. (I never would have thought of that!)  INKnBURN 4Arms come two to a pack, one for each arm.

Now, again with the "it's freezing, no really, 16 degrees this morning" it was TOO cold to test these out in the great outdoors. So, to the treadmill I went!

The 4 arms were very soft and, most importantly, STAYED PUT.

And did I mention...they LOOK amazing?


As I said earlier, INKnBURN has performance wear for women AND men, so guys, don't think we've left you out here.  In fact, my new friends at INKnBURN have offered not one, but TWO "4 Arms" arm sleeves up for grabs to two lucky readers!


That's right, one GIRL and one GUY will win a pair of "4 arms" in their choice of design and size !

Sadly...not my abs ;)

TO ENTER:

Open to all followers of my blog. Mandatory entry: Visit www.INKnBURN.com.  Look around!  Come back here and comment...let us know what product catches YOUR eye! Seriously, they really want to know what you think!  Bonus good karma points for detailed "why" answers :)

and if you want them...
BONUS ENTRIES! (leave a comment here for each please!)

- "like" INKnBURN on facebook.  **be sure to leave a comment on their wall!** Tell them how much you love their stuff and RunFasterMommy sent you ;)  Feel free to tell them over there what your favorites are as well!!  (As an added bonus, INKnBURN tells their followers FIRST when a new design is released, which they do often!)

- "follow" @INKnBURN on twitter!

-tweet, facebook, blog, dailymile, etc etc. this contest, up to once per day, per site please (leave a comment for each)

Contest open until Midnight, December 19th. Winner will be drawn December 20th via random.org and notified on this blog, twitter, and facebook (so pay attention!!)

GOOD LUCK!  And remember...DISTANCE yourself with INKnBURN!

**note, INKnBURN provided the clothing to me free of charge. However, the opinions and reviews expressed in this post are uncompensated and that of my own.