Mizuno Wave Rider 20

I was sent the Mizuno Wave Rider 20 running shoes for free as a Fitfluential Ambassador in exchange for my honest review. I have never worn Mizuno's prior to this review.  Let me just tell you, I was in love with the BOX, so I had high expectations before even putting these sneakers on my feet!  lol

When I saw the blue color, I was completely smitten.  Just beautiful.  However, I'm not going to lie - I usually run with a very lightweight shoe.  The only time I usually wear a heavier shoe is when there is snow/ice on the ground.  I was a little nervous to test these out, as they are much heavier than what I usually run in.

My first time wearing them was during my usual 4 mile run.  The first thing that I noticed was that my legs felt extremely heavy.  About a mile in, my toes started to feel like they were falling asleep and then they went numb.  I don't know if I was just sore from lifting, or it could have just been my head messing with me, telling me that I am going to hate every second of my run because the shoes are heavier than what I'm used to.  I did not enjoy my run one bit.

I tested them out again a couple of days later on another 4 mile run.  My legs didn't feel heavy at all, which leaves me to believe my prior run was sucky because of fatigue, not the shoes.  However, my toes went numb again about a mile in and seemed to get worse as the run went on. The rest of the shoe felt amazing.  The heel fit snugly, and the cushioning was perfect.  I did some research when I got home and decided to try to loosen the laces a bit at the toe box to see if that would help with the numbness.

So, off I went again a couple of days later for another 4 mile run.  I was nervous, because I really didn't want to have to deal with the pain and numbness in my toes.  However, this run was much different.  I didn't have any issues with my toes on my right side, but I'm guessing my laces weren't as loose on the left, because I had slight tingling.  It felt nothing like the first 2 runs.  I was able to focus on my run and not focus on what was happening with my feet.

One more run, and I think I finally got it right.  No tingling, and no numbness.  While I think the toe box could be slightly larger, I do think this is a pretty solid shoe that just requires a little bit of breaking in.  I did not wear them around the house at all prior to running, so I probably could have saved myself any issues if I would have just done that.  I will definitely be wearing my Mizuno Wave Rider 20's to get me through my winter runs.  They are a solid shoe that are quite honestly better for my feet than the shoes I normally run in.

Appearance - *****

Tread - *****

Weight - ***

Comfort - ****

Apparatuz Running Belt

If you're like me, then running with your phone and music is a must.  I need to have music to get me through my runs, and I personally like my husband being able to track where I am with my phone, just in case anything happens.  Wearing an armband is fine, but it can also be a pain the butt.  It's hard finding the right band to fit your phone without having to take off your phone case, as well as one that is going to fit your arm without rubbing it raw or the velcro coming undone halfway through the run.  And c'mon - how many of you have put your armband on to go for a run to be overwhelmed with a stinky stench?  And then you get to run with that stinky armband, because you don't have time to wash it before your run......

Not only do I need to have my phone with me on my runs, but certain times of the year require tissues, gloves, and now with the way things have been in this world, I also carry mace.  When Move More Fitness gave me the opportunity to try out the Apparatuz Running Belt for free in exchange for a review, I was eagerly willing to give it a go.  Too many times have I lost tissues and gloves when they have fallen out of my pockets during a run.  One time I actually lost my house key in my backyard after a run.  It fell out of my armband, and I spent a good hour searching through my backyard to find it so that I could get in my house.

When the belt arrived, I was very pleased with how lightweight it was.  There are two little slits on each side for you to put your items in.  I wasn't so sure I could squeeze my Samsung Galaxy S6 and it's case into those tiny holes, but it went in with no problem!  I also carried tissues with me, and although I didn't yet need my thin gloves, I do think that they will fit perfectly during my late fall/winter runs, too.  The belt has a velcro closure and is super easy to put on.  My mace has a strap on it so that it attaches to my hand, for easy access.  During my summer runs when I carry water, I will likely put my mace in my belt as well.

My first run was during an unseasonably hot October day.  I ran without a shirt and didn't have any issues with the belt at all.  My next run, however, I discovered that the belt does ride up if you wear it over your clothes.  I tried it a few times, and each time, it rode up.  The only way to solve it was to wear it under my shirt, which to me, is no big deal.

I have to say that I really do enjoy wearing my Apparatuz Running Belt and will likely wear it for the majority of my runs going forward.  I will no longer have to worry about getting  a runner's tan on my arm from my armband, nor will I have to worry about a nasty stench during my run, unless it's coming from me....lol. I am not a distance runner, as the most I run is 6 miles.  But if you are, I can imagine that this would be great product to have to carry all of your gels and other nutrition.

If you'd like to give it a try, you can order it on Amazon and use the code "MMF4SPCL to get 22% off the already low price.  If you buy it, let me know what you think!

Running the world 1 mile at a time

It's so hard to believe that in about a week, it will officially be fall.  Fall is one of my favorite seasons (it's a close tie with Spring).  I love the beauty of fall with the changing of the leaves.  Living in Central Pennsylvania, we have some of the most beautiful scenery during the fall.  I love the smell, the sound of the leaves crunching under my feet when I run, as well as the cooler temps for running.  Throw in some skinny jeans and boots, and I'm one happy girl!

October is quickly approaching, and I have one goal in mind - to help raise awareness for breast cancer.  As you may already know, I am racing with If Girls Ran the World this October, with the intent of raising money to benefit Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.  I have been trying tirelessly these past couple of months to raise money for this amazing foundation, but I have not received any donations as of yet.  If you really think about it, I am sure breast cancer has affected your life in some shape, way, or form.

Each October, I think about my beautiful cousin, Nicki, more than usual.  I think about her overcoming her battle with breast cancer, only to be taken down by brain cancer.  With 3 girls, 2 of them young, I think about them watching their mommy go through treatments, attend her funeral, and having to go the rest of their lives without seeing her smile, hearing her laugh, or being given a hug from her when they are down. I think about how she was my age when she passed.  I think about everything that my body has allowed me to do, yet her body failed her in the worst way.  I think about how I'm sure she would give anything to just hold her girls tight, and how I am sure she would love to still be here and be as healthy as I am, and as you are.  So for this month in October, I'm going to run for her.  I'm going to run the miles that she was never given the opportunity to run at my age.  I'm going to push through any mental blocks, any tired legs, or soreness, or any excuse I think I may have, to run for her and her girls.

Nicki and her beautiful daughters

Please consider making a donation to my page at https://ifgirlsrantheworld-sgk.everydayhero.com/us/weightlifting-mother-runner#/?_k=jeno1u.  Funds donated will not only help with research, but it will help fund programs that help those in need to find breast cancer services.  Any amount you can donate will help.  Thank you so much for considering.

If Girls Ran The World 2016

I'm going to keep it real.  I've been struggling lately.  Working a full-time job, sitting behind a computer 8 hours a day is a HUGE adjustment for me.  I haven't done this since 2005.  But I am blessed to be able to work from home and be here for my kids.  However, I have a hard time forcing myself to get up and move throughout the day.  Because of that, I've gained some weight over the past 4 months.  I have been doing great at keeping up with my workouts, but apparently, that's not enough.  Because of the weight gain, I find myself doubting my workout routine.  I often find myself wondering, "What's the point?".  I fight to find enough time in the day to get my workouts in. I run when I don't want to, I go to the gym and lift when I'd rather be going to the movies or hanging out with my family - all for what?  I'm gaining weight anyway!  Might as well just stop, right?

WRONG!  I often want to slap myself when I catch myself going down that path.  I may not look like I want to look, but I still feel strong, I feel healthy and fit, and I am setting a good example to my kids and others by continuing on with my workouts even though I'm working full-time now.  I am working on a better me each and every day that I get up and get moving instead of sulking on the coach and eating cake, cookies, and ice cream.  I am doing my part to ensure that I will be here to watch my children grow up, get married, and raise their own families.  I want my daughter to see that not giving up is the only way to reach your goals.  I want her to understand that looks don't have anything to do with your health.  I refuse to let this crazy world run me.  Instead, I choose to run it!

You can make the dedication to run this world too.  I am blessed to be a #IfGirlsRanTheWorld Role Model, and I have chosen to raise money for the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.  I lost my beautiful cousin to breast cancer, which then turned to brain cancer, a few years ago.  It always hurts losing someone you love, but this young mother of 3 had to leave behind her girls to raised by a guardian.  They will never get to see her beautiful smile, or feel her loving arms around them again because of this awful disease.  I hope to help raise money to find a cure, so no one else has to suffer the pain of breast cancer, or the pain of the loss of a loved one.  My goal is to raise $250.
Please consider donating to my page here.

Do you have a cause that you hold near and dear to your heart?  If so, please consider joining us this Fall in a one of a kind adventure to collectively and virtually run around the world to benefit charities that empower girls globally.  You could be one of up to three lucky winners of a free race entry to join me and a team of other amazingly inspiring women in our mission to raise funds and awareness to empower girls globally.  Enter for your chance below.  


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Shine A Light On Autism

This post is going to be a bit different than most of my blog posts.  But I wanted to let you into a whole other part of my life.

This past summer, I decided that it was time for a change.  I was working as the Head Ambassador for Move More Fitness, but I wasn't able to get the hours that I needed.  Therefore, I had to look for another job to supplement the income from Move More Fitness.  I saw there was a position for a Learning Support Aide available in my children's school district.  I really had no idea what it entailed, but the hours worked out great with my kids schedule, so I applied.  I  was called for an interview and learned that I would be working with children in the Autism Spectrum in grades 3 through 6.  I have to say, I was really nervous and wasn't so sure the job would be a good fit for me.  For one thing, I convinced myself that I have very little patience.  Another reason was because I've never had experience with anyone on the spectrum before.  I didn't think I could handle it.  I had another job prospect that looked very promising, so I was hoping things would work out with that one, but that job fell through. I was offered the position in the Elementary school.  I accepted, because, well, I needed the money.  But I was far from excited.  I didn't know what I would be walking into on my first day.

I was a ball of nerves when I walked into the classroom for the first time.  I had no idea what I would be doing, how much the kids would interact with me, how would I handle meltdowns, etc. My sister also works in the classroom, and I remember her telling me how she instantly fell in love with the kids.  I remember feeling guilty for not feeling the same way.  Probably because of my lack of knowledge and anxieties.  I'm not going to lie - the first few weeks were rough for me.  I was ignorant about Autism.  I was nervous every day for weeks walking into work.  I just didn't know what to expect.  What was I walking into that day?  Do these kids even like me?  I was one of those people that didn't understand Autism and didn't have any reason to research it to understand it before I started my job.  I remember several years ago, my son was on a bowling league.  There was a child there that caused such a distraction - constantly yelling and throwing fits.  I remember saying that his parents needed to get him under control.  I didn't get it.  I was oblivious to the entire world of Autism.  There is no "getting them under control".  Instead, there is learning what sets them off, and learning by trial and error what helps them to get through an episode, or even learning how to prevent them.  They are kids, just like my kids, and just like your kids.  They deserve to be afforded the opportunity to play on a bowling league, play soccer, sing, dance, whatever they desire.

One of our students does not communicate by talking, but he loves taking walks in the school.  I took him for a walk one day by myself, and he was very specific about which way he wanted to go (by pointing and pulling me).  When I told him it was time to go back to the classroom, he threw himself on the floor and had a full on tantrum.  I tried everything I could think of to get him up and back into the classroom, but he wasn't having it.  I felt so helpless, and so clueless.  How do I get this nonverbal child to tell me what he wants if he can't talk to me?  Thankfully, a toy with music helped to end the tantrum and get him back into the classroom.  I was a nervous wreck taking him for a walk for weeks after that.

A few days later, one of our bigger students had a meltdown, which included hitting pushing, throwing, and kicking.  I remember how scary it was.  This kid weighs more than me and has unbelievable strength. While I was not on the receiving end of his pushing, hits, and kicks,I was trapped in the classroom for about an hour during the entire episode (he was blocking the door).  It was at that time that I started to ask myself if it was really worth it....a paycheck, while risking what could be a serious injury.  We are not allowed to protect ourselves other than trying to block the hits and kicks, so did I really want to risk it?  I decided to stick it out, and let me tell you, I am so glad I did.

Times sure have changed over the past few months.  It just blows me away that I now walk into the classroom each morning and am greeted with "Hi Mrs. Beatty", followed by a detailed description of what is for lunch that day, then greeted by another student who then compliments my hair, and yet another one who comes up, grabs my hand, and greets me with a smile so sweet it could melt the coldest heart around.  Not to mention that same
little grabby hands reaching into my purse to get my gum out and then signing for a piece after prompted.  These kids make my day. Are there still meltdowns and tantrums?  Yes!  But do they stress me out and make me want to run for the hills?  Heck no!  These kids are amazingly smart, and they each have their own funny, adorable personalities.  I love them like they are my family, and quite honestly, I don't know how I am going to make it through the summer without seeing them.  They have taught me patience, understanding, caring, and a whole different level of love.  I am a true believer that I was meant to have this job.  This is exactly where I am supposed to be.

If you are like I was, and never took the time to understand Autism, or have ever thought the kids you see throwing tantrums and meltdowns in public need to be "controlled", then I beg of you, please do some research.  Better yet, meet someone with Autism.  I guarantee you they will change your heart in the best way possible.

Also, please join me and many other Autism supporters by "Lighting it up Blue" for Autism Awareness tomorrow, April 2nd, 2016.  And don't forget that this entire month is dedicated to Autism Awareness!

https://www.autismspeaks.org/
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm


Photo credit:  http://www.ourtimebd.com/beta/2016/03/28/autism-things-we-should-know/

Springing into change!

If you follow my Instagram or Facebook pages, you will probably notice that the majority of my workouts are done wearing dark colors on the lower half of my body.  I have this "thing", where I kind of stray away from wearing bright colors on my lower body.  I feel the darker colors hide the flaws better, not to mention the sweat spots!  So when I was given the opportunity as a SweatPink  Ambassador to choose an item from the PrAna Spring Line to review, I immediately started looking for the darkest color pants or capris that they had.  My husband, however, convinced me to be daring and go with something that I normally wouldn't buy on my own.  I hesitantly chose the Ashley Capri Leggings in Ultra Violet.  Of course, when I say "hesitantly", it's not because I didn't love the style and color.  I really love the look of brightly colored capris on OTHER people.  I just felt like I couldn't pull it off.

When my capris arrived, I instantly fell in love with the look and feel of them.  I tried them on, and was pleasantly surprised as to how the waste fit me.  A lot of my capris seem to fit me wrong in the waist, which leaves some weird lines.  I have a short torso, which may be the issue.  But the Ashley Capri Leggings didn't dig in to my waist, and they also didn't go up to my chest like a lot of my workout pants seem to do.  I'm sure this has a lot to do with the fact that they're Low Rise, which on my 5'3" frame, nothing is truly low rise on me unless it's Petite cut.  While I loved the way the capris looked and felt, I was still a bit worried about how badly they would show sweat stains when I was working out.

I first tried out my capris by doing some yoga.  They were extremely flexible, and felt like a second skin.

Since they seemed to work out so well with the yoga, I decided to take them for a spin at the gym.  Leg Day, to be more specific.  No cardio, but my leg day's are my longest weightlifting workouts, and I break out into a good sweat.  I won't lie - I was extremely self conscious the entire 90 minute workout.  I was afraid that I had sweat spots on my butt and, uh hum, other areas.  But once I finished and checked myself out, I was pleasantly surprised - no sweat spots!  So I thought, "Ok, PrAna, let me try you out on some gym cardio equipment."

Again, I was super self conscious as I was on the stair machine and then the elliptical at the gym.  I expected to walk into the locker room to see some major sweat spots.  But again, to my surprise, this was what I saw.  There was a little mark on my lower back/upper glute area,(right at my shirt line) but nothing that was embarrassing as I expected.  I am assuming this is because the capris are made with Chakara, which is PrAna's most technical fabric that offers superior moisture management.

One last way I wanted to test out the Ashley Capris was with a 4 mile run, outdoors.  The capris felt great to run in on a beautiful, sunny, 60 degree morning.  And while I was extremely sweaty when I was finished, you wouldn't have been able to notice by looking at my pants.  Oh, and one thing I LOVE about these capris is that they offer a pocket for your key!

Since I bought my first PrAna shirt 7 months ago, I was instantly in love.  I haven't ordered, or received, one article of clothing or yoga mat from PrAna that has disappointed me yet.  I am a HUGE fan of this company.  Not only do they provide amazing workout clothing that will hold up through any type of workout, but they also have casual wear that for me personally, has held up with repeated wear chasing around Autistic students on a daily basis.  My yoga mat and carrier has proven to be just as amazing as their clothing.  I even bought my husband his first pair of PrAna pants for Christmas.  If you are looking for a great brand with amazing customer service, head over to www.prana.com and use the code PSSS16WLMR  to save 15%!  Trust me, you don't want to miss out on this!

To the "Resolutioners"

Congratulations! At this time, you're coming up on a week of deciding that this is your year to get healthy and fit. If you have joined a gym, you've probably been watching those of us that have been members for awhile. Likely, you have seen the look of frustration on our faces, as we are coming to grips with having to share "our" gym. Please know that, at least in my case, this look of frustration is not directed towards you. It's a look of trying to come to terms with sharing equipment that we normally don't have to fight over, having to drive all over to find parking, and dealing with the gym being twice as busy as normal. It's a change for everyone. In a couple of weeks, it will get easier, and we'll be used to the adjustment.

I have heard many people complain about how the gym is busy now. That it will die down in a couple of weeks, because people will give up on their desire to get healthy. Hell, I've been guilty of saying that. But honestly, I don't want you to give up. I would rather continue to have to share machines, because I prefer that you continue to work on you instead of giving up.

Now is the fun time. It's all new to you. Soon enough, you will get tired and want to quit. Don't do it!  I can tell you first hand that 50% of the time, I don't feel like working out. But the thing I had to learn to be successful is that I need to do it anyway. Of course, listen to your body, but if it's just a case of the "I don't want to's", do it anyway!  I guarantee that you won't regret it. Once you get in the mindset that it's not an option to skip, you'll be golden. So please, keep it up. Prove us (and yourself) wrong. Keep moving!  You never know who you're inspiring!