Top Three Stocking Stuffers Under $17 For Your Fitness Enthusiast!

Shopping for a loved one can be one of the trickiest tasks we can have around the holiday season. Picking out just the right relevant Stocking Stuffers can be a bigger chore than the presents themselves... especially if you are on a budget! Well I'm here to share with you the Top Three Stocking Stuffers I'd recommend for your favorite fitness enthusiast!

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1) Shower Pill (Value – $10 for a 10 pack)

What is it?

ShowerPill™ is the hygiene supplement designed to keep you fresh and clean while on-the-go. This large premium antibacterial body wipe is individually packaged to be discrete, yet versatile and big on performance.

So I had no idea what a hygiene supplement is so thankfully they explained it further on their website:

Just touched that doorknob? You should run to the sink, but grab hand sanitizer instead. Finished that tuna sandwich and forgot your toothbrush? Better pop a breath mint. Worked up a sweat during your midday workout? The ShowerPill™ Athletic Body Wipe™ will keep you fresh so that you can stay at your best all day long.

I was scrolling through Twitter the other night and all of a sudden the twitter handle –@ShowerPill – and was instantly intrigued. Many of you know I usually work out in between Weight Watchers meetings and I am always rushing to squeeze a rinse off before interacting with people. So I thought I had to give this a shot.

Shower Pill sent me a couple wipes to try and I IMMEDIATELY put them to good use.

I had to fit in a run between meetings and was running late (shocker!) so it was Shower Pill to the rescue. I was pleasantly surprised. I didn’t smell at all like I had just been covered in sweat a mere five minutes earlier.

Would I use them after every single workout, probably not. But, I will be keeping them on hand in my house and gym bag for emergencies. I’d rather use one of these than show up smelly. You never want to be the smelly kid.

Shower Pill = Portable Shower ... No Water Needed

Also, read how Shower Pill was invented – I found it entertaining!

^Discount Alert: Use code holiday20 for 20% off when your purchase two boxes of ShowerPill (code expires 1/1/15).

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2) Feetures High-Peformance Socks (Value $10.99)

How Feetures got their start:

In 2002, after spending 25+ years with a leading manufacturer of athletic socks, I believed that there was an opportunity to create a better performance sock that took advantage of the latest breakthroughs in sock technology. As a runner and someone passionate about being active, I wanted to design a great sock that would enhance the performance of runners and other athletes.

Feetures offers a variety of sock styles, but my favorite are the high performance - their original sock design!

Here's why I like them so much:

^ High Performance sock has power bands of Lycra, so the sock hugs the entire foot in a comfortable and supportive way

^ iWick Fibers do a superior job of wicking moisture to keep feet cool and dry

^ The mesh construction on top of the sock provides ventilation for added breathability

And if this pair is any proof after running through the muddy trails last week, you can bet they can stand up to fun runs, marathons, triathlons and beyond.

I really didn't know the difference in how a good sock plays in to your workout until I tried Feetures out this summer... and now I'm hooked! :)

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3) Sparkly Soul Headbands (Value $15-17)

How two sisters took the reigns and created Sparkly Soul:

The company was created by a marathoner and triathlete for all the women who find their strength and soul while pushing themselves to their athletic limits.

We needed to keep our hair out of our face while exercising.  Now there is a fabulous headband that won’t slip, won’t cause your pretty little head to get a headache or cause hair breakage.  It is the comfortable solution for all you athletic fashionistas.

Whether you are a runner, walker, dancer, triathlete, yogi, pilates buff, cyclist, cheerleader, or ballplayer  - we believe in all you sparkly gals out there!

With years of activity between organized sports, dancing and now running/triathlons, I have tried every headband out there. I can say with 100% that Sparkly Soul is the only one to remain on my head in tact through any activity I do.

But wait Sparkly Soul does more! They can even cover up those gray hairs when you are putting off that hair appointment. ;)

Oh is that just me? :P

Yes it is true I wear Sparkly Soul headbands every day to work, the gym, to workouts, around the house...

Plus even Santa knows where it's at!

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You're welcome in advance for lots of hugs from a happy camper on Christmas morning! ;)

Dani Dishes: 52 Races In 2014 - Check! 12/15/14

On this episode of #DaniDishes, it's time to celebrate completing 52 races in 2014! :)

Yay! There's additional ways to enter my iFit giveaway...

Oh hey hey! Who doesn't love additional ways to enter a sweet giveaway!

If you missed the original post, you can get caught up here!

I'll wait...

Are you good?

Sweet!

Now time to get your extra entries on!! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends Noon EST Monday, December 15!

Tedy's Team Group Run - 6 Miles (12/13/14)

The 2015 Boston Marathon training has officially kicked off today! Woo!

Let me tell you how much warmer it was THIS year compared to last year's first team run! I was jumping up and down when I saw the weather for today was calling for a temp in the low 30s. If that let's you know how raw the first run was in 2013! :P

Here's hoping this is going to set the tone for a warmer training season. <<Runs off to knock on wood>>

Tedy’s Team has an amazing coach, John Furey, who helps with the long group runs on Saturday morning and also offers any running advice we need. Let me tell you this guy was a HUGE help to me when I saw him at Mile 20 of the Boston Marathon in 2013 and experiencing immense right heel pain. If I didn’t see him at Mile 20, get a pep talk and some swedish fish, I’m not sure how the last 10k of the race would have gone. And in 2014 he tried to calm me down during my Mile 20 breakdown over the med tent visits, etc.

For the second-straight year our group runs will start at Joint Ventures Physical Therapy and Fitness in Kenmore Square. It is a great deal since they have an area for us to store gear, a place to stretch, foam rollers to borrow and a place to call base camp after the run.

Big thanks to my teammate Meg and her husband Joshua for giving me a ride to the run this morning. It was in the car about 2 minutes from the run that I realized I left my Garmin at home. Ugh!! I even had everything laid out the night before, but forgot to leave a post-it note to remember to take the Garmin off the charger. Thankfully the run was 6 miles so I figured my phone/Runkeeper app would hold up for that distance.

It was great seeing familiar faces as we stretched before the run. I was looking forward to meeting the new Tedy's Team mates, as well as the folks from the other nine charities that also run out of Joint Ventures on Saturday mornings.

Since this is my third-year with Tedy's Team I am finally familiar with our run courses. I am slow on the uptake. ;)

I took advantage of the foam rollers, stretched everything out, stashed my vest in the locker room and headed back out into the cold.

I started running with Meg and another teammate Carly, but wanted to take my pace back today since I had some heavy legs still. So I let those ladies take off and I found some different folks to chat with. It is so cool seeing so many folks out on a Saturday morning putting in the miles to help others in need - whatever the cause is.

Mile 1: 8:37

I was chatting with a gentleman Adam about how this would be his first marathon and swapping fundraising ideas. Which I always appreciate.

It was comfortable being back on Beacon St, seeing the familiar stores and sights.

Mile 2: 9:00

Since I was chatting with whoever was near me, the pace was not even close to consistent. Haha. Oops.

Plus using the Runkeeper app over my Garmin meant the pace wasn't as easily accessible as usual. Which was A-ok in my book.

John and Margaret were just past Mile 2.3 with a water stop.

It was awesome to stop and chat with them and sip some water before heading out to Finish the run. Okay to go to the turnaround point at Mile 3 then come back and chat with them again. ;)

Mile 3: 8:18

I won't lie I was pretty psyched the run was set at 6 miles today. I had contemplated upping it to 8, which was also an option, but wanted to play it safe. The left hamstring is still sore so no reason to tack on two miles for no real reason. Know what I mean?

It was today's run, where I felt my weight loss finally kicking in. Not everyone might understand, but I am feeling back in a place where I don't feel so jiggly.

Mile 4: 8:50

Margaret and I 

I stopped at the water stop again to chat with John. He is going to give me some strength training stretches to help the hamstring. But I really wanted to chat with him about my weight.

I know the less weight on my back is helpful for the surgically-repaired spine, but it can also help my speed. My lowest weight with Weight Watchers was 153.4. I am currently at 158.2. He suggested trying to shed 10 pounds if possible. I am not sure if I can do that due to my love of french fries and beer. ;) But I am willing to try. A number in the 140s is still in my healthy weight range and a possible goal with WW. So for now I am going to continue to focus on losing weight, fueling properly and see how the body reacts. It is really up to the body what weight it likes. :)

But I have a goal for Boston 2015 and I want to do whatever I can to get there. All I can do is try! Right?

After a good convo with John, I was ready to finish the run. I spotted my teammate Christine just ahead of me so I sped up to catch up with her. She is a huge inspiration to me. She is a 3:2x marathoner and an amazing triathlete. Plus she is a sweet person.

Christine and I

She is working on heart rate training, which is causing her to run slower than usual so I opted to finish the run with her.

Mile 5: 9:21

I love picking the brains of the outstanding athletes I have the honor of calling teammates and friends. Christine is at the top of that list. So it was a great chat about weight, triathlons, cross training and healthy snacking in general. She is a nurse so she is always on the go so it was nice being able to share some of my tips with her.

As we hit the final incline back into Kenmore, you see one of my favorite sights. You see Fenway Park and the Prudential building in the distance, while the CITGO sign is right in front of you. Hello motivation.

We made a quick detour to check Christine's meter before finishing up the run.

Mile 6: 9:41

Yes first team run officially in the books.

I headed upstairs to get a final stretch in before catching a ride home.

I need to give a special thanks to my legs for taking me through Day 50 of my running streak (#WOMSStreak). With today's 6-mile run, I hit 1,011 for the year! Woo! It may be behind last year's mileage pace, but I am proud of the progress I have made in the last 50 days. :)

Next week: 8 miles of fun!

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Week 1 Workouts:

Sunday, December 7: 5-mile run Monday, December 8: 3.9-mile run and 45-min cycling Tuesday, December 9: 5-mile run & 45-min walk Wednesday, December 10: 4-mile run Thursday, December 11: 2.9-mile run Friday, December 12: 5-mile run Saturday, December 13: 6-mile run, 60-minute Spin class & 2.5-mile walk

Goal for next week? Adding in strength training and additional cross training. This week was lacking in both!

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Looking to Donate?

Are you interested in helping to fight Stroke? Please feel free to click on the link HERE to share a donation.

#TransformationTuesday: Charity Athletes Shaping Lives Through Miles

One can transform their own life through weight loss and fitness journeys. One can transform the lives of others through charity donations and charity work.

But it takes a special kind of person to combine the two endeavors...

Enter Charity Athletes.

Charity Athletes are people who commit to raising a certain amount of money for a charity, while undertaking a physical challenge: running a race, competing in a bike race, playing in a hockey tournament, fighting in a boxing bout or any other number of events.

I am a proud charity runner! I completed the 2013 Boston Marathon, 2014 Boston Marathon, 2014 Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Marathon and the 2014 Falmouth Road Race as a member of Tedy's Team and the American Heart Association. Oh and I am going back for more in the 2015 Boston Marathon! Bring it on baby.

My goal is to hit a combined $21,000 raised since September 2012. As of today (12/9/14), I have raised $19,429.20. I am just $1,570.80 away! Woo! :) (Click here to donate)

I joined Tedy's Team in honor of my Stroke Heroes - my grandparents and my wife's Father - all Stroke Survivors.

My Gramma and I this summer

While training for the 2013 Boston Marathon, my grandpa passed away quickly. It was unexpected and emotionally tough, but I dedicated every single step and mile to his memory.

Through Tedy's Team, I have met some absolutely amazing and inspiring people. The team is made up of Stroke advocates as well as Survivors. The long training runs allow for the group to get close and the resolve to #FightStroke gets deeper with each Stroke story shared.

So when some runners came out against charity runners being in the Boston Marathon, I got a tad wicked angry. But that is not what this post is about. I bring that up because it allowed my teammate Megan  to remind me of these amazing words from her pasta dinner speech this past April.

Amen sister! ;)

Charity athletes not only train for the race/event itself, but add fundraising on top of it all. Committing to raising any amount of money is no small feat and can be daunting. I know I get a little pang of anxiety when I sign my commitment form for Tedy’s Team because if I don’t hit the fundraising goal the difference goes on my credit card. Eek!

So charity athletes get creative when fundraising and it really can be time consuming... more so than the training itself.

But enough about my love of being a charity athlete, it's time for you to share your #TransformationTuesday Charity Athlete story!

Please comment below with your experience about being a charity athlete: share the charity, the event and how it impacted your life. Also feel free to share a link to your fundraising site if available! :)

Ohh ZOOMA Women's Race Series FLASH Sale

Who doesn't love a good race discount? Well you are in luck!!

Use code DANI15 for 10% off registration to ANY ZOOMA Women's Race in the country!!

You will find me - for the third-straight year - at the ZOOMA Cape Cod Women's Half on September 26, 2015.

How can I pass up finishing the race with my toes in the sand and some wine?

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Cities Available:

Amelia Island, Florida - January 17 (5k, 12k or Half) Austin, TX - March 28 (5k, 10k or Half) Annapolis, MD - May 30 (10k or Half) Napa Valley, CA - June 20 (10k or Half) Chicago, IL - August 2 (10k or Half) Cape Cod, MA - September 26 (10k or Half)

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Which ZOOMA race will you register for?

*RECAP* Jingle Bell Half 2014

You never know what the weather gods will throw at you when you sign up for a race in New England in December. But once again I rolled the dice with New Hampshire's Jingle Bell Half on December 6 (Race #51 of the year).

On a wild and crazy Friday night, I spent time working on my Jingle Bell Half outfit. It always calms me the night before a run to focus on what I will wear rather than the miles themselves.

The Jingle Bell Half would be my third-Christmas themed race of the year and I didn't want to duplicate. BUT we had heard that there was a potential for both rain and snow the day of the race so a game time decision on an outfit would be necessary.

Additionally we would be traveling to the race day of and how long it would take to get there seemed varied based on traffic. Therefore the alarm was set for 5:45am so I could check how long it would really take. With google maps telling me 39 minutes, I'd be able to go back to sleep for 45 min! Woo! :)

When the alarm went off for a second time, I checked the weather to make a final outfit decision. The weather app was calling for rain, cold and wind... umm YAY? ;)

We piled into the car, stopped at Dunkin' Donuts for the wife and hit the road.

The roads in New Hampshire were slick as it had snowed then rained so the police and race director would be making a call on the race - on time, delay or postpone - at 8am. We pulled into the parking lot of the Atkinson Country Club and Resort at 7:57am.

As we walked into the Country Club and down the stairs to bib pick-up, the announcement about the race going on ON TIME rang over the loudspeaker. Yahoo.

Bib and t-shirt pick-up was a breeze and we headed back to the car to warm up and drop off my t-shirt. We were able to park RIGHT outside of the Country Club, which was awesome.

Around 8:30am, we headed back inside so I could use a real bathroom and avoid a port-o-pottie. The lines were long, but really I had nothing else to do and preferred waiting inside in a line than outside at a port-o-pottie.

Just after 8:50am, I kissed the wife goodbye and headed outside. The Country Club let spectators hang out inside while we ran and the wife was very appreciative.

When I almost slipped on the way to the Start, I made the decision to take this race easy as Boston Marathon training would be starting in exactly one week and I don't have time to get injured (okay injured further) before that.

Now the Start line wasn't the most impressive one I have seen, but it served the purpose. :) The race director once again went over where water stops and port-o-potties and just after 9am we were off.

I wasn't feeling it. I didn't want to run in the cold and rain, but I had a discussion with myself during Mile 1. There was a lot of look how lucky you are to run, you were given a complimentary entry (thanks again Club LOCO) and you will love it once you are in it. Of course I was right and the other part of me quit the bitchin'!

I knew from the email that the race starts on a downhill goes to rolling hill and recommended keeping some umph in the tank for the final two miles.

The cool thing is the race would take place in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

The race did in fact start on a serious downhill, which reminded me of the Boston Marathon start.

I noticed right away I was going too fast and needed to tail it back.

Mile 1: 8:09 Mile 2: 8:11

As I mentioned the roads were slippery and covered in slush so I took the turns and downhills especially easy. I was too scared of falling and inuring myself.

We took a right onto Hovey Meadow Road and the start of the rolling hills. We were winding our way through some really quaint New Hampshire neighborhoods. It was nice getting lost in the houses and nature rather than the pace or miles.

Mile 3: 8:39 Mile 4: 8:36

I was also 100% caught up in costume envy. Before the race the wife turned to me and said "You are seriously outdone today." 1) Ouch and 2) I wasn't bringing my A-game I know.

This woman was!

Her shirt said: I Am Tall (For An Elf)

I was also wicked jealous of runner Pam. I don't know who she is, but she had quite a cheering section at one point. About 6-7 people under a tent in a driveway with music and a light-up sign. I mean A+ to that group.

Mile 5: 8:30

I hadn't looked at the course beforehand (shocker), but knowing there were rolling hills. I tried to take advantage of the flats and downs as much as possible.

Plus the scenery was pretty eye-catching.

Mile 6: 8:17

During Mile 7, we crossed over to Massachusetts. Oh hey home state! :P

Mile 7: 8:12

Just after the Mile 7 water stop, I opted to take a walk break to refuel with part of my KIND Snacks bar - dark chocolate & sea salt. This year I have really played around with fueling options for me and like using 1/2 a KIND bar pre-race and the other 1/4 or 1/2 during the race. This has been working pretty well during my recent half marathons. Might keep that plan going. :)

I appreciated the guy holding a "Make 8 Great" sign during this mile. It was my slowest mile by far, but I made the most of my walk break during it.

Mile 8: 9:27

The snow that had fallen earlier wasn't helping road conditions, but it was making some pretty scenic views.

As we hit Mile 9, I started playing the mind games. Okay four miles left, you can do that. Pretend the first 9 didn't happen. Haha!

My legs were tired from the rolling hills and I was ready to be done. I find miles 8-10 of a half are the toughest for me especially when running alone. I was super jealous of all the people around me running with a partner and I was out there just with my music.

Mile 9: 8:31

During Mile 10, we crossed back into New Hampshire.

Mile 10: 8:04

I cannot tell you what happened with that pace in Mile 10. I think I was wicked excited to get to the hot chocolate and chocolate station that would be happening during Mile 11.

Yes I grabbed my piece of Lindt chocolate (I didn't see the hot cocoa anywhere) and asked the kid handing them out to take a selfie with me. Kid was a natural. He was in position before I could even turn my camera around to selfie mode.

I decided to wait to eat the chocolate after how my stomach felt during the Santa Hustle Half.

Visions of the race email were whizzing through my head: save umph for the last two miles. Well they were upon me so it was time to buckle down and get to the Finish.

Oh hey incline I hadn't had enough of you yet. :P

Mile 11: 8:39

I wanted the climbing to be over... but there was more in store for us. I just kept thinking: Beer, Beer, Beer! I mentioned that to the guy next to me and it didn't seem to motivate him as much as me.

As we approached the Mile 12 marker, I thought the road looked familiar. Well it should've been as we were running on it at the beginning of the race. Yes I am slow on the uptake sometimes.

Mile 12: 9:05

Rough Mile 12 as you can see.

I focused on one foot in front of the other. I wanted to stop and just sit, but I had come too far. I knew it was all mental since my body kept moving forward.

We made our way back onto the Atkinson Country Club grounds and I could hear the Finish announcer.

Mile 13: 8:27

I gave it everything I had to get across the Finish Line in one piece. ;)

Final Time: 1:51:37.2

Good for 278th out of 887 overall and 36th out of 177 in my division.

How cool is this medal? It is real wood, made in Vermont and doubles as a Christmas Tree ornament! :)

I grabbed my medal/ornament, heat sheet and water and headed back into the Resort to meet up with Tori. Oh and grab my free post-race beer of course.

I haven't been so happy to sit down in a warm room in ages. The race offered participants free Smuttynose Bouncy House IPA, Hot Chocolate, Stonyfield Yogurt and soup. Pretty sweet spread in my opinion.

I warmed up, enjoyed my beer then headed out to make the trek back home.

Overall, the race was indeed fun and really challenging at the same time. The rain pouring down starting in the middle of the race was tough and the hills were felt. The volunteers and police were great and I made sure to thank each as I passed by. Having the Grand Ballroom at the resort was the perfect place to hide pre-race and spread out post-race.

Would I do this race again? Absolutely!!

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Does the time of year make you weary of signing up for road races?

Ugly Sweater Run "Boston" Recap

Whhhyyyy do certain organizations claim their race is in a certain city when it is miles/hours away? Now I know that Boston is the major city in Massachusetts - Thank you Thank you! <<takes bow>> - but WHY must races lie to the participants about where the race is actually happening. Massachusetts residents know where Boston is and where say Brockton is (35 min South if no traffic) so just be honest with the people paying to take part in your race.

<<End Rant>>

This rant was fueled by the Ugly Sweater Run, which I took part in on Saturday, November 29.

Now I had the joy of winning a free entry through Sue Parke's blog. Thanks again lady! So neither the wife nor I paid the participate in the Ugly Sweater Run... and I am wicked happy about that after the experience we had. My wife ended up getting free entry after one of the other winners couldn't attend.

In case you aren't near a calendar, the race was on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. The day prior - Black Friday - I realized I had nothing to wear for said Ugly Sweater Run ... and promptly freaked. I don't like to miss an opportunity for a great theme. So the wife and I walked across the street to Assembly Row to try out luck at KMart. Well we found a cute snowman vest for $9 that we thought we could ugly up. After waiting in what felt like lines for hours (it was the afternoon of Black Friday) we headed to Christmas Tree Shops to get some Christmas decorations for the vest. Well it was there that I spotted it. An amazing tree skirt ($10) that I could turn into an ugly sweater with some safety pins. DONE AND DONE! :)

With a successful shopping trip, it was time to head home and put the whole ensemble together.

Now the race had sent out zero emails about the run so it wasn't until that night that I learned 1) they did have early pick up but only on Black Friday at the Arsenal Mall (a mall on Black Friday, really?) and 2) we would have to pay $10 for parking (Whhaaa??). The race was being held at the Brockton Fairgrounds, which had a ton of open space for parking so not sure why the charge.

The race was at Noon and we needed to pick up our packets so we headed out around 10:15am so we could hit Dunks first. I don't normally drink coffee before a run, but I knew this one was un-timed so I wouldn't be racing racing this one. We arrived, paid our $10 and parked with the masses. It was a chilly chilly morning! Brr... We opted to quickly run through packet pick-up and hide in the car for as long as possible. ;)

I loved the hat and bag they gave out at the race. Oh and a temporary mustache tattoo. Ha. Creative and different, which I appreciate.

The wife was going to be walking the race with our friends Beth and Aimee so we finally left the warm car just after 11:30 to find the crew. There was a great crowd on sight with awesome ugly sweaters! I felt underdressed compared to some. There were adults, kids, strollers and dogs. It truly was a family affair which was awesome and a great benefit of un-timed races. It takes some o the "pressure" off the race especially for first-timers. :)

The Start Area/party space featured some cornhole/bags/whatever you want to call it. The Start Line was right next to the Finish Line.

We made our way through the inflatable Christmas tree forest to the start corral. I left Tori with Beth and Aimee and tried to sneak my way up as close to the front as I could. The group would be let off in waves.

Now I had no idea what the course would be. After the race I looked up what they posted online. Here it is:

Yes a little confusing, but we basically did laps around the Brockton Fair Grounds.

The MC counted us down from 10 and Wave 1 was off. I just wanted to see how long the race was since it was being tagged as "approximately 3.1 miles." As I went under the Start arch, I started my Garmin.

We were off through the muddy Fair Grounds. It was like running through an uneven field. I didn't know it would be an offroading type race. ;) I should've worn an older pair of running shoes, but you live and learn.

As we came off the grass during Mile 1, we transitioned to paved road. When we went to pavement, I thought we would be heading out into the city streets ... nope! We continued in the Fair Grounds. It was at this time I finally put two and two together that the entire race would be happening within the Fair Grounds. Interesting.

Oh reindeer.

I couldn't pass up a selfie! The sign right before the inflatable reindeers said "Reindeer Crossing." Wicked cute.

Just passed the reindeers was the first water and hot cocoa stop.

I definitely took the time to stop and enjoy some hot cocoa.

Now you don't have to worry, I didn't burn my mouth - it wasn't really "hot" cocoa by the time we got to drink it. ;) But I enjoyed the thought.

Mile 1: 8:50

It was just after Mile 1 that I realized there was no way we could hit 3.1 miles within this Fair Ground.

We continued weaving through the Fair Grounds and along the parking lot.

I can't pass up a chance to get a good pic with the photographers... and The Ugly Sweater Run did provide free race photos, which was pretty sweet.

I wish I had pulled up my sock, but the tree skirt makes one sweet poncho!

Mile 2: 7:59

The benefit of weaving through such a small space was being able to see all the other participants and their kick ass costumes! Also hearing some of them contemplating whether the course would hit 3 miles or not. :P

Before I knew it, we were coming down the Finish Line chute.

I hit my Garmin just after the Finish at 2.50 miles. I could see the girls around me debating whether they would just go run through the parking lot until they hit 3.1 exactly.

I thought about it for a hot second and instead went to pick up my free post-race beer. :P

I was wicked happy to see the post-race beer was Sam Adams!

It was a tough choice, but I opted for Octoberfest! :)

I enjoyed my post-race beer, while cheering on others and waiting for my girls to finish.

I even spotted my friend Derly! That is one SWEET Ugly Sweater lady. :)

By the time the ladies finished, the beer line was wrapping around the Finish Area. The wife opted to skip the beer line and head out to find food. We snapped a quick group pic and headed out.

I was disappointed in how long the beer line had gotten. I hate when not all race participants have the same experience. You know what I mean?

We bundled back into the car, stopped at Dunks and headed home.

Overall I was disappointed in the Ugly Sweater Run. I really expected a better course - more scenic maybe - and a race actually in Boston. I entered the giveaway because it said Boston not Brockton.

I hope a good amount of money was raised for Save the Children.

The website claimed the following: "A closed course full of Hot Chocolate aide stations, snow blowers, and the biggest Santa inflatable around will await you."

There was 1 hot chocolate station, no snow blowers and one inflatable Santa near the Start... that was it.

I'm not sure if they misplaced some of their equipment or what, but I expected more Christmasy stuff or stuff in general during the race.

It did look like folks were having a lot of fun and hey I can make any race fun, but I just expected more from the organization with what they had written on the website.

Would I do it again? I would need to know how much of the money is going to charity before weighing in with a decision.

***

Have you ever done The Ugly Sweater Run?

#GivingTuesday: Help Me #FightStroke With Tedy's Team!

While I did not take part in Black Friday or Cyber Monday this year, I was ready to rock and roll on Giving Tuesday!! ***

WHAT IS #GIVINGTUESDAY?

We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals. Now, we have #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. On Tuesday, December 2, 2014, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.

It’s a simple idea. Just find a way for your family, your community, your company or your organization to come together to give something more. Then tell everyone you can about how you are giving. Join me and be a part of a global celebration of a new tradition of generosity.

***

And look at that I just HAPPEN to have a charity for you to donate to! How lucky is that??

$1,590.80 away from Goal! :)

I will be lacing up my sneakers to run the Boston Marathon in 2015 with Tedy’s Team in honor of my Stroke Heroes – my grandparents and my wife’s father – in addition to all of the others affected by Stroke. This will be my third Boston Marathon with Tedy’s Team and I am excited to take on the challenge and hit my fundraising goal of a combined $21k raised to #FightStroke!

Three year total: $19,409.20

If you would like to help me reach my goal AND virtually share a mile with me on that day, a $20 donation to Tedy’s Team would make any mile you want yours!! Sound like a fun plan?

Let’s Do It!

Click here to donate today

Leave a blog comment letting me know which mile you would like to sponsor

Miles Available

1- 2- 3- 4- 5- 6- 7- Gregg Bard 8- 9- 10- 11- 12- 13- Samantha Avnet 14- 15- Mary Ellen Valverde 16- 17- 18- Sarah McDowell 19- 20- Dan Foley 21- 22- Barry Gagne 23- 24- 25- Angela Gillis 26- 26.2 For ME

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Thank you all for your support!!!!

Gobble Gobble Gobble 4-Miler Recap

Turkey Trot dread!

For years growing up my mom and I would bundle in the car early on a holiday to go cheer my dad on at some race or another. Ugh! So early and so cold. Why would ANYONE do this by choice.

Fast forward to Thanksgiving 2014 and I am bounding out of bed to run my third-straight Turkey Trot race.

Ohhhh how times change when you catch the running bug. :P

On Thanksgiving, I happily woke up at 7am to get in a little stretching, foam rolling and biking (darn hurt left hamstring) before my friend Heather was set to pick me up for the race.

We would be running the Gobble Gobble Gobble 4-Miler together in Somerville, MA for the second year. :)

I made sure to lay out #FlatDani the night before so I wouldn't leave anything at home when I inevitably rushed out of the house.

Heather had picked up our bib the day before at Marathon Sports so she had the bib and t-shirt with her. Yes I made sure to leave myself a post-it note as a reminder.

Love when we get a long-sleeved shirt as the swag.

Race was set to start at 9am so Heather picked me up at 8:30. Ahh I love races in my town. :)

Her husband dropped us off so we could avoid any parking hiccups as well. Score!

We arrived at 8:43 and headed straight to the Start Area. There isn't a specific start line it was more of a Start Area. The race was chip timed, but it went with the "mass start." This means everyone's Start Time was based on when the Gun went off NOT when you crossed the "start line."

Since this is a great local race I saw a ton of people I knew. Yay!

Slumbrew Happy Soles in the house

My awesome Weight Watchers member Melissa who was running her second official race and first 4-miler!

With awesome motivation in my heart, it was time to get the party started. Heather had to take a lot of the summer/fall off due to injury so she was setting the pace for the morning. My goal was to keep her moving forward. :)

Since I was too busy talking, I didn't realize that the race was off. Since there wasn't an actual marked Start Line I just started the Garmin where I thought it was. :P

We thought the weather would be MUCH colder than it was - real feel was expected to be 14 - but we really lucked out. Pretty morning and not nearly as chilly. I was happy I opted out of my vest when I got out of the car.

I love running through my hometown because at every corner there are fun memories to relive. Plus it is always fun to catch-up with a friend while running.

It was great focusing on Heather and her race since it took my mind off of anything else.

Mile 1: 10:23

As we passed through Ball Square, we saw our friend and fellow Happy Sole Lori. Great briefly catching up with her and getting her thoughts on the Ugly Sweater Run that I would be running a couple of days later.

Heather remembered me lying to her about the hills the previous year so I kept it real this time around. ;) Heather was feeling the heat as she overlayered so we took a break after a water stop to take off at least one layer to try and cool her off.

Mile 2: 11:02

It was great seeing so many folks out getting activity in before enjoying their Thanksgiving meals. 4 miles is better than none, right?

So many families were out being active together. And let me tell you people were bringing their A game in the costume department. I felt like I seriously slacked, but I thought it would be colder than it was.

We hit our final major hill on Central Street and Heather owned it. We both buckled down and powered up that sucker. It wasn't pretty, but it got OWNED. Plus the Mile 3 marker was just after the work was done.

Mile 3: 10:14

We were in the home stretch. The final mile down Summer Street featured a brief incline then went downhill to the Finish. I mean you can't ask for a better way to finish than on the down. Am I right?

I kept reminding Heather that coffee would meet her at the Finish. Oh yeah that put a little pep in her step. :) Now she wanted Starbucks, but because of my shirt I had to make sure we went to Dunkin'.

As we passed the VFW outside of Davis, we gave it everything we had in the tank.

Ouch! Need to work on my "I am almost done" face. Eek!

Mile 4: 10:15

Now my Garmin put us at 4.05 and a 42:24 Finish Time, but as I mentioned the Somerville Road Runners were working on a "mass start." Therefore, our official time was 43:09 - good for 1,605 out of 2,405 overall, 785 out of 1,334 females and 296 out of 486 in division.

I am listing both Finish times for my own record. :)

We beelined it for the Dunkin Donuts to get some iced coffees to celebrate before being picked back up by Heather's husband.

It was a great morning with a good friend. I loved running through Somerville and am happy to make the Gobble Gobble Gobble 4-Miler a tradition. Plus the race benefits Project Soup and Somerville Track PAC.

Also SUPER excited that Melissa finished the race and ran the entire thing - her main goal!! I was beaming when she shared that. :)

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Do you have a Turkey Trot tradition?