HUGE Savings at Enduramoms Cyber Monday Sale

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Set the DVR my little Chickadees! It's Ironman day on NBC!!!

Today's the BIG DAY!!!!! 

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, or via Google+ for our very first 

International Ironman Watching Party!!!
Comment away with fellow Enduramoms through the grit, tears, jeers, and triumphs of the best international sporting event ever!!! 

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It's National Running Day + An Enduramoms Giveaway

Giveaway Time! Share your photo(s) from National Running Day with us, (via Facebook) along with WHY you run.
One US winner will be randomly selected for the following: A one year subscription to Runner's World, an Enduramoms tee and auto magnet!

Boston ... This Changes Everything?

No, no lengthy blog post on Boston and I don't think there will be much more than this brief commentary. No, my head isn't in the sand, but I can personally say I haven't gotten my mind around all that has occurred ... even before the craziness of Thursday and Friday's manhunt. The phrase that continues to ring in my mind is ... "why ... why attack the innocent?".

I definitely don't want to go without saying something though (like I'd ever keep my opinion to myself). I've been glued to every bit of the news coverage related to the story (thank you to all on Reddit for providing the most up to date everything as it unfolded). Maybe I'm waiting for the trial to begin and end or more first person interviews... I don't know what needs to happen, but I'm not there, yet...and maybe I never will be, as there is no real sense as to WHY this happened in the first place. Thankfully neither my family nor I were in Boston when this occurred...nor any close personal friends. All I can and have done about it at this point is to pray, and pray some more, for the victims, their families and friends, and anyone affected by this horrific tragedy. I encourage anyone reading this to do the same.


Initially, my thought was "this changes everything (for all future events)"..., but I've converted that statement into more of a question now. My first thoughts were born from a limited point of view, with a negative outlook. The running community has, quickly responded to this tragedy with, power, love, community, support, and strength. We're going to come out of this stronger than ever before. I'm convinced of that. I've seen more people running within my community this past week, more than I've ever seen on my daily commute. A big shift has taken place within the hearts of so many...it's obvious. Next year's marathon may be that "thing" that helps me make sense of this... the part that makes me burst into tears as we, the running community rise up to let the world know we won't take this...not now, not ever...with a triumphant return to the next Boston Marathon.


In my honest opinion, I don't think anyone sums up everyone's feelings better than Amby Burfoot; if you haven't read it yet... it's required reading. His article that can be found here: http://www.runnersworld.com/races/amby-burfoot-so-close-yet-so-far

Many remembrance runs have taken place this weekend, whether they were with an organized group or on your own, as I did. If you choose to donate money, check to make sure it is a legitimate organization first...CNN has 2 good articles on the subject -- What to Watch Out For, Bogus Charities: http://money.cnn.com/2013/04/17/pf/boston-marathon-charity/index.html?iid=EL and How To Help here: http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/16/us/iyw-boston-marathon/index.html?iid=EL

Keep praying...and keep remembering the victims, this will be a long journey for so many.

"The roads belong to us..." - Amby Burfoot
XOXO.


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Fix That Flat! Handy tips on how to fix your bike tire in mere minutes (sans the screaming, cursing part)

Whenever I need to get some simple, but sound advice on any outdoorsy topic, I seem to always turn to REI first (while waiting on friends to weigh in with some good advice). They just know their stuff... so ... since the snow has melted and the temps are up... many of you will be taking the indoor cycling outdoors. You should know how to fix a flat... just in case...and just in case you don't want to ask "that" biker dude or know it all in your cycling club for assistance. You'll look oh so knowledgeable and be the super Enduramom I know that you are.



Of course, this guy is unbelievably calm...unlike most of us who might have to kick the tire a few and yell at it before applying said fix. Way to go REI-Man for staying calm under pressure.

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Good Ad, Bad Ad?... OMG is that a mom in a running shoe ad!

So, this little Brooks Running shoe ad caught my eye this weekend...
Yeah I got the theme of it...they're speaking to the paleo contingent and barefoot runners...etc. But then I stared at it for a few more minutes?

Why?
1st, because it had such uncommon (yet cool) imagery...for example, why is this girl, down on her knees, devouring a giant turkey leg?  Seriously!?! 2nd, I noticed the shout out to the Enduramoms of the world, with the jogging stroller image at the top and squealed with glee!!! It's not so often I see such imagery, as in US getting a little spotlight, in running gear ads...in fact, more often than not, it's typically just the shoe being featured. 
So, I say, we've arrived!  Someone in the Mad Men world of ad - land - ia realizes there are thousands of Enduramoms in the world that buy their gear and put their all in their weekly workouts.
Raise a glass (or a water bottle) to YOU and your amazing efforts this weekend...we are on the map!!!

Pillow talk ... for all you late night Olympics viewers

 Question of the Night

 
Which Olympic event/sport/moment this week fired you up to either begin training or train a whole lot harder?

Me? I have two answers ... I know.. you're shocked right?  Although I've never been much of a gymnast myself, I must hand it to the US Women's (seems weird calling them women when they look so young!), Gymnastics Team for their amazing floor routines last night.  One can't fake maturity beyond their age, genuinely amazing high flying talent, and the inner strength that seemed to just beam from their souls with each amazing routine! They were taking names and kicking... oh wait this is a family blog!...mats :) 
Answer #2 -- Pretty much every swim event I've watched... the fire, determination, and more... wow... it's always amazing. My swim program has been recharged!

Answer #3 -- Ryan Lochte  ... need I say more? He had me at Call Me Maybe

And YOU? Reply here or on our Facebook page

PS: Love your feedback!  Keep it coming through our recently updated contact form via the blog... :).  Even if it's just to say hello or to nominate someone for our next Saturday Spotlight story feature...

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Happy Smile Power Day!

 Yes, that's right, from the wacky, weird, wonderful world of random holidays, June 15th is Smile Power Day. 

Don't hide your pearly whites; you've put a lot of time into the pool this winter getting them nice and bright! It could totally make someone's day to get a smile and of course the smile back rate is like 85%+, so you'll get a great return on your smile investment. If you get a glare, smile twice as hard and let them wonder if you're crazy...(and yes, your cat already thinks you're crazy).

A smile has the power to:

• Add years to your life
• Make you a happier person
• Make someone else a happier person
• Change the mood of any situation
• Warm a heart
• Burn at least five calories
• Attract compliments in droves

Fun Fact: It's easier to smile than to frown. A smile uses fewer muscles.

Happy Friday!

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Nominate Us! Fitterarti Blogger Awards Time, via FitnessMagazine.com

    

Will you give us a quick nomination in the Best Inspirational Blog category on FitnessMagazine.com (just link here)?  Pretty please?

!Vote Enduramoms Today!

    Yes... it's last minute, but better late than never.  Voting closes on April 12th so let's get Enduramoms published in the nominee list so MORE moms know that yes, they CAN juggle endurance sports and mommyhood... and the 100 other hats we often wear.  There isn't a TRI or Endurance sports category, so I think inspirational is a good fit for this blog.  Best running blog is close 2nd, but it doesn't quite cover all things Enduramom...  So, that's that. Give us some love okay? :) Thanks!

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Refresh that Playlist Mom

Sometimes you just don't have the time to build new playlists for your weekly workouts, you're sick of the main playlist you have programmed on your ipod, or you're in need of a total music refresh. 

Mama, we got this...Pandora Radio has FREE FREE FREE workout channels ready for you.  Just pick your fave musical theme (see below), plug-in to your smartphone or tablet, hit play, and you're good to go. Insert common sense safety 101 rules here...not a great idea for cycling/running on the road, etc..

Tell a fitness friend about Enduramoms today!  Our website is the hub of all activity, but we post often on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and this Blog about all kinds of interesting topics relevant to moms who love to participate in endurance sports.

Talk about variety... here's the channel lineup (oh yeah, they're linked up...click + go!)

Pop and Hip Hop Power Workout * Rap Strength Training * Dance Cardio

Hard Rock Strength Training * Pop Fitness * 80s Cardio

                      Country Fitness * Alternative Endurance Training * Yoga

 Classic Rock Power Workout * Electronic Cardio * Latin Workout

 

  Be sure you're following the Enduramoms Blog today so you don't miss out on the latest endurance related scoop for moms like you.

Go here to view all of the available workout radio options on Pandora.com. Sing along loudly.

Enduramoms Saturday Spotlight -- Battling Against Childhood Obesity



Michelle Obama and Biggest Loser's, Bob Harper amp it up with Iowa school children.



This week in the Enduramoms Saturday Spotlight-- Battling Against Childhood Obesity.  You'd have to live under a rock to have missed the media focus and talk this week about the battle against childhood obesity. The battle's been going on so long, I think we should start calling it a war.  I'll refer to it as CO in the rest of this post, to avoid repetition. e

Even first lady Michelle Obama is fully engaged in the fight to keep our kids healthy with her Let's Move health and fitness initiative.  Mrs. Obama states it is not just a campaign, but a "passion" to be a part of efforts to improve the health of America's children. Good for her, but I think it should be a passion for ALL mothers around the world...not just here in the USA.  We're not the only country with a negative epidemic hitting our children.

    As I look at the photo above, I think about how a single day of dancing and PE related fitness got these kids inspired, I can't help but wonder what type of impression could be made if Enduramoms around the world stepped into more classrooms and community groups to extend their influence.  Could you handle adding one speaking engagement to your schedule to inspire kids each year? What about sponsoring a Girls on the Run group at your children's school?  Or just dropping in on an existing GOTR group to speak about your accomplishments and healthy living? I bet they'd love your medals and your running shoes too :)  Could you spare those 6-10 hours a year? Can you imagine the amazing return on your time investment?
So, you may be wondering.. what does CO have to do with me being being a triathlete, my daily run, weekend triathlons, and being an Enduramom? It's all about your influence baby.  While the Toddlers and Tiaras moms of the world are out there handing off pixie sticks and cans of red bull to their little tap dancing "heart"...we are taking our kids with us to the pool, the YMCA, track, park and having them be a part of our healthy lifestyle.  Along with that comes bringing along healthy snacks and water to the park/Y/track, etc... and there you go, it starts to become a part of their overall lifestyle.  You don't often think about it at the time.  Maybe you just toted the kids along because it was a nice day out or you wanted to get them out of the house to burn off some energy, right? But once you're out there, realize that it becomes more.  They not only get some quality family time, but everyone gets a good workout, some fresh air, burns a few calories, and the happiness meter goes up- up - up.  Regularly including the family in your workout regimen creates multiple opportunities to build character and automatically provides a platform for life lessons to be passed on.  Are we perfect? Probably not, everyone could stand to do things better when it comes to launching a healthy lifestyle for not just our own, but our children's well being.  Let's think a little more about influence...zoom your thinking in on the topic.  Have you really stopped to think about how you influence the kids, and their friends, with your lifestyle?  You exude power, you're probably glowing.  Even when you don't have an "agenda" set for a particular sport outing (yea, I'm talking to you my fellow type A's...you know you plan everything to a T)? Yep, those little eyes are watching you always, storing mental images by the second of practically every move you make.  The impressions go both ways.  Your example shows them just what you're capable of and what determination can do...ask Heather @ RunFasterMommy.  On the flip side, they feed you right back by often stating their impressions... whether you want to hear it or not.  Usually it inspires you, sometimes it amuses ("mommy why are you breathing so hard? Do you need to sit down?").  When you're modeling positive health through your fitness routines and even just casual fitness like a short walk make sure the kids get in on the workout.  This serves to give them more opportunities to maintain a healthy lifestyle for the long haul.  Good nutrition just goes without saying and there are endless resources available to help sculpt a proper diet for all.

Consider expanding your Enduramoms Circle of Influence

*I bet the influencer will be the recipient of lots of hugs...

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Saturday Spotlight --- Team Spina Bifida -- Make Non-Profit Racing a Part of Your 2012 Journey

It's Saturday Spotlight time.  Saturdays are the day to shine a spotlight on worthy non-profit causes or that superior mom-athlete who moves mountains to get the job done, inspires others, or is a coach/role model to her trainees. 


Today's feature is one of those worthy non-profit orgs...

 Team Spina Bifida is looking for athletes to raise money for The Spina Bifida Association while training for The Kaua'i Marathon (voted one of the best road races EVER) or other endurance sporting events. Did someone say endurance? So ... consider dedicating one of your 2012 races this season to this great non-profit.  There's always room in the 2012 Enduramoms journey for some non-profit love, right? In fact, I'd consider a non-profit inspired race as an integral part of your journey this year.  You never know where a journey might lead you....and that's half the fun.  You might just make a new friend or add a family to your circle of friends for life by doing something like this.  Sometimes when your personal motivation runs low, you get a boost by knowing that your efforts are going to help someone else in need.  Also, in the interest of transparency, I have no personal ties to this particular organization, but do know that they are a longstanding legitimitate US non-profit.  If you're a fact checker like me, feel free to browse the public record of their non-profit filings and annual reports...etc. 

Also, they've achieved a multi-year 4-star charity rating by Charity Navigator.  Bookmark that site while you're at it... and you can run any other charity names through it this year to ensure you're always fundraising for a legitimate group. 

Here's some additional info on Team Spina Bifida, from their site. 

What is Team Spina Bifida?

Team Spina Bifida is the Spina Bifida Association's new athletic program, developed for Spina Bifida supporters across the country to train for and complete a marathon, half-marathon, or other endurance event (like triathlon, cycling, mountain biking, etc.) or participate in a team sporting event designed to RAISE MONEY and AWARENESS for the Spina Bifida Association (SBA).

How does it work?
After you sign up with Team Spina Bifida, you will raise money for SBA while training for your event. SBA will cover the costs for you to participate in the event, including travel to/from event, lodging, and entry fee for event. In exchange, you agree to raise a minimum amount for SBA. SBA will provide you with fundraising tips, ideas, forms, online webpage, and constant support along the way! Your participation will make a HUGE difference for those affected with Spina Bifida.
Why join Team Spina Bifida?
If you are passionate about Spina Bifida and helping those affected, this is a great way to get into the game to help. Many with Spina Bifida can't run or even walk one mile, let alone 26.2 miles - but you can do it for them! Pledge to make a difference by pushing your own boundaries and sign up today!

There are a LOT of extremely popular late season races on their fundraising calendar this year.... Marine Corp Marathon, Miami Beach Halloween Half (oooh that sounds fun!), and the New York City Marathon .... just to name a few.  Big races like these are made for gathering a huge group of family and friends to join the cause.

You can find out more about this national non-profit and how you can help by visiting their site.

Enjoy your Saturday!





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Go Carolyn!

Your Sunday running inspiration...

Run on Moms!

In case you missed it...

Jessica Jacobs, mom, soldier, ENDURAMOM, tore up the course at Ironman Florida last weekend.

More on the women's race can be found here:  http://www.xtri.com/features/detail/284-itemId.511713414.html

Busting Through Walls - Inspiration

I just read this amazing blog post from Enduramom Erica and had to share it with all of you. True, it's cold and few of us want to leap out of bed to run in weather like this, but...a post like this can't help but light an inspirational fire under your behind. May your healing be speedy this week Erica. Congratulations on pushing through the emotional and physical pain to complete your half marathon this wknd...you are one tough cookie.

Read Erica's blog here (good idea-- have tissue close at hand...you may certainly begin crying):  The Marathon That Wasn’t

Got fat talk? Can it.

Guess what?  It's officially "Fat Talk Free" week.  It's time to shelve all the fat talk and take time to love yourself... more. Are you in?  Check out the official site to learn more and even send some fun ecards to your friends and family here--> http://endfattalk.org/

Running while 9 months pregnant? What do you think?

If you're a mom into #running, #tri, or #endurance sports...it's imperative that you weigh in on this CNN blog TODAY http://t.co/vKwj7uM0 #Enduramoms

Amber Miller just finished the Chicago marathon on Sunday...nine months pregnant, delivering her little bundle of joy, June, hours later. 

What are your thoughts? Wise or not?  She had doctor approval and a history of marathoning.

Dear Amazon... what is your DEAL?

Dear Amazon.com,
      I could be tending to my own little online store on Amazon.com right now, stocking virtual shelves, writing some dazzling product descriptions, etc., but no.  It seems that you and my state of residence had a falling out (okay, more like a War of the Roses), as they say.


Boo yah!

      Instead, I'm taking a few minutes of my time to post an open complaint to YOU Amazon.com.  It is unfair that all North Carolina residents are prohibited from participation in the Amazon.com Affiliate Program (aka, Amazon Associates).  Maybe someday, you and all of the other "angry states" can come to some sort of amicable agreement that we can all live with???  

Perhaps a beer summit is in order?



I have faith you can work - it - out Jeff Bezos. 

I so love this pic! HA!

That is all. 

P.S.  Thank you for protecting my right to privacy though; as they say in North Carolina, "good lookin' out".

Happy October, It's Ironman Time!

Hello!

So, I figure I had better create a current blog post before 2012 rolls around or you assume I've met my maker (insert spooky Halloween howling ghost sound here).  It's October, the US heatwave is OVER, and yes, I've been more into tweeting and tending the Enduramoms Facebook page, than this poor old neglected blog.  I intend to get better about this.  Let's just say, Summer 2011 did not go exactly as planned (car accidents bite!)... more on that later. So back to October... two HUGE things are in the swing this month that we should all take note of and get behind,  as ALL endurance athletes should. 

First and foremost, unless you've been living under a rock or are having trouble figuring out why the globe is suddenly draped in pink ... it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.   For survivors and/or those of you fighting the Big C as I type this message...I am (and think it's safe to say...we're) behind you 110%. We stand together in the fight.  So, here's my two cents for the general public.  If you've been putting off an exam with your doctor or are just not so thrilled to get a mammogram ... DO IT. If you're reading this, you're probably already an Enduramom, and in that, you can handle an exam if you can haul @ss in mud, rain, or "out kick" Sally Sue in the pool on a weekly basis.  We own discomfort, it doesn't own us.  If you've been on top of things and my reminders don't apply to you,  GOOD - FOR - YOU! Proceed directly to Starbucks and buy yourself  one of those highly addictive (read as: evil addiction...) cakepops to celebrate...after your daily run of course :) ... curse me later.  So anyway, back to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, or #BCAM for my tweeps, one can never tell when cancer might rear it's ugly head, it's far better to be on the safe side of early detection than wondering what will I do if..., etc.  If this tiny blog serves to remind just one woman to get checked out and stops the Big C in it's tracks, HOORAY! For official information on cancer, you'll want to start here:  http://www.cancer.gov/. %20n.  Thanks to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, there are many many ways you can get involved EVERY single day this month, just check out the 31 Days of Action Calendar from the Komen Foundation website for ideas.  Is your race calendar empty this month? Put your soul and soles into the fight by participating in one of many walks, runs, swims, or cycling events to raise funds in the fight against cancer.  My family will participate in a Light the Night event this month.  I've known too many people affected by this disease, and well... I'll take any opportunity I can to kick it in the shins... so to speak.  Perhaps you can only donate a bit, but every bit counts in this tough economy, as every charity is fighting to raise funds.  Do your part (but dear sweet NFL, if the players could skip the pink sunblock stuff under the eyes next time... it was just.... weird. Just my honest opinion there) :) hee hee.

I did say there were TWO huge matters this month, right?  Well....matter #2 on the agenda... is this little race on a big island in Hawaii...where the world will be watching!!! Merry Christmas fellow triathletes, it's here, our annual holiday! The 2011 Ford Ironman World Championship is THIS Saturday, October 8th, 2011.  Yes, I get a little giddy in the lead up to this annual event... it's my equivalent of Ralphie dreaming about his Red Rider gun in A Christmas Story. Someday I'll shift from race observer and well wisher, to Kona participant, but for now I am content to watch with glee all of the hard work and determination that the racers will be putting out there for all the world to see from the swim, to the bike, to the run on the Queen K.  Some people work for years just for a shot at this life changing event.

Me, in the form of Ralphie on the night before Kona

If you've ever read back through my posts, I've been watching this event since I was a kid and happened upon a broadcast one Saturday afternoon by chance.  It's nothing short of amazing, it can make one laugh, cry, and cheer, all in one day.  Don't even get me started on the motivation factor.  And then there's the moment when a race participant stops running, to roll over the finish line in memory of the Warrior Poet.  Pure bliss.  Better than any blockbuster Hollywood could ever put out there on the silver screen.  With that being said, some of the most inspiring Enduramoms are already in Kona and you (too) can follow their journey this week and on race day by following their blog and/or tweets.  Oh how I wish I could bring you "live from Kona" tweets, pics, and reports, but... the Enduramoms budget isn't at that level, yet (sponsors welcome!). Someday... someday.  Someday, we'll sponsor a participant in "the big race", dressed in pink + green, with the Enduramoms logo on the front of her tri suit and  "Doing More in 24" on the back... Mark my words!  No pink sunblock below the eyes either... again weird!  In the meantime, we can all live vicariously through the words and images of those who ARE there.

Here are a few Enduramoms to watch this weekend (I'll be adding to this through the week ---if you are racing Kona or know someone racing that we need to list here, shoot me a note ASAP!  We promise to send lots of good vibes and prayers their way.)

Bree Wee

Blog - Bree Wee, Mom & Triathlete

Sonja Wieck

Tweet Name:  @gosonja

 Blog - Go Sonja!

Kristen Roe

Article Link: http://www.xtri.com/features/detail/284-itemId.511713012.html

Mary Beth Romagnoli

Article Links: http://www.xtri.com/features/detail/284-itemId.511713008.html

http://www.wowpolynesia.com/local-athlete-to-travel-to-hawaii/

Aloha!

p.s. if you like this blog... please follow & subscribe.  If you're on Facebook, like our Facebook page.  If you're on twitter, we are there! Follow @Enduramoms...we will follow you back.

Dress Up That Blog

Hey blogger mom - athletes! 

     Isn't it time you let everyone know that you're an Enduramom? Now you can. We've added a dynamic blog button with a grab box containing the basic code you need to add an Enduramoms badge to your blog.  If you're a mom with a blog that chronicles your running, triathlon, cycling, racing, training or adventures...let's connect.



<a href=”http://enduramoms.blogspot.com/” style=”border: none;”><img alt=”Enduramoms” src=”http://PHOTOBUCKETIMAGELINK” style=”width: 129px; height: 129px;”/></a> What's an EnduraMom? Moms who swim-bike-run triathlons, love their long runs, and put hrs into training while being super moms! Doing more in 24! Enduramoms.com: Our online community-- coming soon!