Looking For A Fun & Free Girl's Night With A Fitness Twist? Check Out The New Balance Girl's Night Out Events In Boston

How would a free night out with your girls sound to you? What if there was a fun fitness twist to it?

How about sweet swag bag?

If you answered yes to any or all of these questions then you will want to join me for the next New Balance Girl's Night Out Event (#NBGNO)!

I attended my first Girl's Night Out in November 2014 with my friend Susan (Lifestyle of a Fashionista) at the Westin Copley Plaza.

We had so much fun that I made sure we both signed up for the email alerts when the events would be back in 2015. Why sign up for alerts? Because these awesome free events sell out quickly! Like a step under a Disney race fast! ;)

Sooo when the March31st Girl's Night Out info went up I was on the sign-up page within a few minutes.

I was intrigued by the theme and sold by the description:

We’re starting the year strong with a celebration of our body breakthroughs — what they mean, why they matter and how we can achieve them.

Choose from a 3.6 mile Fun Run or Resistance Band Training Session. Then party it up with music by DJ BREK.ONE, clean cocktails and healthy hors d’oeuvres and swag bag giveaways.

Let's take a guess which option I was going to pick! Hard choice? ;) While I had picked the run I was then asked to help New Balance as a pacer so I offered to be the sweep/caboose/hang out with the folks that wanted to walk or walk jog.

I arrived just after 5:30pm so I could get familiar with the route and meet the other pacers/New Balance folks before we got started.

New Balance had a free coat check to store your coat and bag and water provided by Essentia (one of my faves). As more folks arrived, I spotted some friends I knew and met some new-to-me friends - which is always a great bonus from these events.

I will tell you it was a little nerve-wracking attending without a partner in crime, but that washed away as soon as I walked in the door. :)

The emcee for the event was fellow Boston blogger Athena from Fitness and Feta. It was great to meet another local blogger in person after chatting online.

Before the run or resistance band training session started, I milled around the New Balance store thinking of all the potential things I could buy. Seriously I'm obsessed with the new Spring line. Ohhh the colors!

Shaky pic due to excitement? ;)

With the store packed, the run/walk group made our way outside to get the party started while the resistance band crew stayed inside for their session. It was a gorgeous Boston night so I was excited to get some fresh air and take in the lovely views of the city.

As we got into the pacing groups, I found my ladies! Two women who knew Athena were going to be walking the route and I was excited to join them.

It was an awesome time chatting about life, dogs, fitness, etc.

Once back at the store, I scooted out to quickly run a mile around the block to keep my #WOMSStreak (run streak) alive!

By the time I got back, the after party was in full swing ... yes it was like 7:30 and it was after party time. ;)

DJ BREK ONE was mixing some great beats to get folks dancing.

And I headed straight to the snacks before grabbing a drink! How cute are these?

While at the bar area, I perused the juices provided by the Thirst Juice Company. Check out these combinations!

Fun, right?

I grabbed a quick spot by the snacks to listen to some of the New Balance Ambassador Shay Kostabi share about her body breakthrough.

With the night wrapping up, I headed over to grab my sweet swag bag and head home.

As always New Balance knows how to throw one kick ass Girl's Night Out event. I can't wait for the next one!

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In the meantime you could set up my own Girls Night Out meetups through their website.

GNO Meetup helps you create your own unforgettable Girls Night Out. Just map your route, invite your girls, and go!

CREATE YOUR RUN.

It’s as easy as picking a starting point, time and distance. Then share it with your friends, or set your run to ‘public’ so anyone else can join too.

FIND NEW ROUTES & DESTINATION OPTIONS.

Map your own route or find one recommended by other users. We’ll even help you pick a destination and suggest places you may want to check out after your run.

JOIN BUZZ RUNS IN YOUR AREA.

Get text or email alerts whenever new group runs are created nearby. Filter by location, time or distance to find runs that work for you.

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Have you attended a Girl's Night Out event? You know New Balance hosts them in other cities... not just Boston!! Check out the site to see if there is one in YOUR city!

Three Things Thursday: Gone For A Run Virtual 10k, Hill Repeats & #30DaysOfPositivity Check-in

Oh hey hey folks!! How is it Thursday already? I mean seriously. It was Monday morning and I was getting an awesome massage after a big training weekend, I blink my eyes and BAM it's Thursday! I mean I am not complaining it's just what happens when you are having one of those weeks. I mean I'm swamped so I'll take and I am counting down to a relaxing weekend.

But first?

Three Things Thursday! Enjoy! ;)

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1) Gone For A Run Virtual 10k

Time to log off, shut down, and GO RUN --- after you finish reading this post of course!

You know I love me some virtual races! They are super easy to take part in. Just sign up (registration is $30), receive your race packet in the mail, and complete the 6.2 miles on the course of your choice during the race window (April 24-26), and receive a Finisher's medal!

Race packet includes a race shirt (either a Women's Athletic Tank Top or a Men's Lifestyle Tee), Finisher medal, real race bib and a car magnet. In order to receive your race packet in time for the race, register by April 14th. Note: Your race medal will ship separately but will arrive before race day.

For even more fun, post your race recap on Gone For A Run's Facebook page to be eligible to win great raffle prizes.

Raffle prizes include the following Gone For A Run items, all featuring original Log Off Shut Down Go Run artwork: 1) BibFOLIO Plus: All-In-One Race Bib and Medal Display 2) Hooked On Medals Medal Hanger 3) Medal Hook 4) Beach Towel 5) Decorative Throw Pillow

Are you in? Register HERE.

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2) Hill Repeats

I did my hill repeats today in a tank top and shorts. You read that right folks. I, Dani, in Boston did hill repeats in a tank top and shorts.

Like there was this orb in the sky - I think you all know what it is called, but I don't want to put it down because I don't want to scare it away. ;)

The hill repeats were tough today, but not as tough as the set last week. Now that could mean I am getting stronger OR it was just a lucky day. Let's go with the former, shall we?

Now the hill in my neighborhood isn't the right distance for hill repeats so I double the number on the schedule to make it work. So today I did 14 trips up/down the hill in my neighborhood.

My poor neighbors had to watch my pasty white legs go up and down that hill over and over again. I think some of the people who drove by me were actually blinded by the paleness. I swear I saw one guy put his sunglasses on at one point.

I did an easy warm-up and cool down run to bookend the hill repeats. After yesterday's run was cut short due to dizziness it felt good to have a strong performance today.

Plus I put some of the moves Golden from Altra Running taught us during the Runner's World half Festival in October. I kept a proud posture - meaning chest pushes out and shoulders back - and I kept my arms tight to my side and pumped them back and forth without letting the elbow go past the side of my body. It really helped!! Thanks Golden! :)

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3) #30DaysOfPositivity Challenge

Today will mark Day 10 of the #30DaysOfPositivity Challenge and I am really glad I started this. Now it is still a bit of a struggle to come up with 3 positives each night BUT I like ending my day on a happy note. It is also making me really stop and take a little me time, which seems so rare these days.

It has also been great seeing other folks get on board and take some "ME" time. Seeing the hashtag on Twitter and Instagram is super inspiring!! So if you haven't joined in yet - feel free to do so. YOU are worth the time it takes to come up with 3 positives a day! I promise you it will lift your spirits up!

Are you in?

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Happy Friday Eve Everyone!! :)

Want to learn more about She Runs Boston? Meet the Run Leaders!

What the heck is She Runs Boston you may be asking???? Well….

Are you a Boston area lady runner?

Have you been looking for a new running buddy? Or two? Or 10?

Do you need some extra accountability to get out at least once a week and log some miles?

Is having fun during a run a priority?

Then She Runs Boston (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) will be for you!

She Runs Boston, formerly known as Boston LUNA Chix, will be running out of the Athleta on Newbury Street on Tuesday nights at 6:30pm - BEGINNING April 14. The group will meet in the back of the Athleta store, where there is a bathroom to use, a water fountain and a place to store your bag during the run (yes someone is watching it while you are out on the town).

You may be worried about not finding someone in their pace at a group run – not a problem here at She Runs Boston. The group will run the gamut of paces. There are speedsters, run/walk method, middle-of-the-packers, back-of-the-packers, folks that like to take pictures while running, selfies, etc.

Also She Runs Boston has a no drop policy so a sweep will stay with the final participants on both distances.

There will be two distance options – 3 of 4 miles – and you can choose whichever you want.

So let's meet the other eight ladies that will be leading these runs... shall we?

Since you read this blog so you know enough about me! ;) (For those that aren't normal readers, I'm Dani and SUPER excited to be a team lead!)

Ashley (Captain)

Why Did You Start Running: I wanted to run the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge with coworkers so I trained and fell in love with it. In 2009 I went from running a 5K to a marathon in a year! After a few setbacks with injuries, I haven't been running distance but I hope to get back to it later this year!

Most Enjoyable Distance To Race: 10K, just long enough to balance speed and distance and manageable training wise

Favorite Thing About She Runs Boston: It's a great group of women who run at various paces and we don't leave anyone behind, everyone feels comfortable running their own pace, knowing they will have a buddy!

Jessie (Captain)

Why Did You Start Running: I had just had ACL surgery, and everyone told me that I'd never be able to run pain-free. I took it as a challenge! 10 years, 3 marathons, 13 half marathons and countless other races later -- I think I've proved them all wrong!

Most Enjoyable Distance To Race: Half Marathon -- it's always a challenge, but training for it doesn't have to take over your entire life as it does with a marathon.

Favorite Thing About She Runs Boston: The people! It's so wonderful knowing that I have this amazing group of women for weekly runs. Some of my best friends are women I've met through this run group!

Susan

Why Did You Start Running: I started running in college, probably to make up for all the beer I was drinking. I will still run for beer today!

Favorite distance: 10K

Favorite thing about She Runs Boston: I've met some great people who share my interests.

Blaire

Why Did You Start Running: When I first starting working out with a personal trainer, the trainer had me set some fitness goals. One of my goals was to run a 5k as I was not a runner. My first 5k was the St. Patrick's Day race in Davis Square in 2013. From there, I became addicted to running since I competed mostly with myself on distance and speed.

Favorite distance: I don't have a favorite distance as I use running to escape reality and just think. I have ran a couple 5k's and a 10k. I would like to run a half marathon this year.

Favorite thing about She Runs Boston: My favorite thing about She Runs Boston is meeting new ladies that run different paces and make sure no one is left behind.

Danielle

Why Did You Start Running: 1. In college Honestly - to lose weight 2. I started calling myself a runner/racer after college when I no longer had field hockey and needed an outlet to compete and feel mentally and physically complete

Most Enjoyable Distance To Race: Half Marathon

Favorite Thing About She Runs Boston: My favorite thing about SRB is that I have weekly accountability because I know that there will be a group of awesome, motivated and really fun women who are taking their time to just show up and run - so why not push myself to get there and be present with them!

Julia

Why Did You Start Running: 1. After college- I was burned out from Swimming and I wanted to meet new people in my new city, Boston :) 2. I didn't think I was a good runner (swim coaches always told me I wasn't built to run). So I took it slowly and didn't care about times, just putting one foot in front of another. I was challenged to run a long-distance relay race (reach the beach) only weeks after I started running outside and after a creative "training day"- I determined I could at least try it. I did it and loved it!

Most Enjoyable Distance To Race: Half Marathon

Favorite Thing About She Runs Boston: My favorite thing about SRB is the collaborative, cooperative, peer (fun) pressure to get to the run, say hi, smile, and think about others while getting in a workout. It gets me OUT of my own head, and into having fun with great people.

Emma

Why Did You Start Running: I ran track and field in high school, but after college I needed an outlet for staying active. A friend of mine invited me to go running and after that I was hooked

Most Enjoyable Distance To Race: Half Marathon! Great distance and the training is manageable with a hectic schedule!

Favorite Thing About She Runs Boston: I love connecting with fabulous lady runners in the Boston area. Some of my closest friends have come from running with this team. I also love running with ladies who are new to the sport and discover that yes, they can CRUSH 3 Miles :)

Suzannah

Why Did You Start Running: My high school did not have girls varsity soccer team, so I started running cross-country in 10th grade to take the place of soccer; been running forward ever since.

Most Enjoyable Distance To Race: 10K

Favorite Thing About She Runs Boston: My favorite thing about SRB is the awesome group of women of all levels that I have meet over the past few years; bringing women together to stay active and encouraging others to get out and run or participate in any outdoor activity.

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Will we see YOU for the first run of the year on April 14 at 6:30pm at Athleta on Newbury St?

Weekend Wrap-Up Plus Final Day of Sparkly Soul Discount Code!

Why must weekends pass so quickly and the weekdays drag on and on? I know I am starting your Monday off with the hard-hitting questions! ;) But once again I had a fabulous weekend that ended too soon.

I was ready for a fresh start on Friday after a very emotionally driven week. I was all over the place with my food choices and just not in the game.

As always my #FaceItFriday weigh-in gave me the chance to bid adios to the prior week and it's baggage and say hello to a new slate.

And it even greeted me with a shocking loss. Thanks scale gods.

For those that don't know that is my lowest weight since 6th grade. Yes you read that right - since junior high/1993(ish).

In total I have shed 65.8 lbs with Weight Watchers (started November 2009) and 83 overall from my highest.

2004 vs. 2015

After a surprising weigh-in, I had some amazing Personal Coaching calls with my WW members before having a kick ass mail day! Both my Sparkly Soul and Sparkle Athletic orders arrived at the same time. :)

Yes I totally had a Treat Yo Self moment when feeling down in the dumps the week prior. Retail Therapy FTW? ;)

With a 20-miler on tap for Saturday, I took it easy Friday night with a little shakeout run on the treadmill then followed it up with a nice evening in bed (Zensah compression, boboli pizza and a little vino)!

Perfect Friday night, right?

Now if you haven't done a long run before, I can tell you it takes up pretty much the entire day between the run itself, follow-up brunch and then recovery time. ;) Or that might just be my plan. :P

We had a great 20-mile run on the Boston Marathon course despite it snowing the entire time and a delicious lunch at Bertucci's after. Once I got home it was time to face the dreaded ice bath. Thankfully I talked my wife into sitting with me to distract me!

Yes it was painful 6 minutes! I know only 6 minutes, but it felt like 60. And the wine didn't help as much as I wanted it to... but it was still a delicious addition.

With no real desire to do anything much the rest of the day, the wife and I used the rest of the day to catch up on some Netflix and blogging.

Oh and puppy snuggles!!

It was awesome to sleep in until 7:30am on Sunday. Boy I remember the days in college when you would sleep in until like 11 or 12 then do a hungover brunch.

Now I sleep in until 7:30 and head to a Spin class. What happened to me? Oh lifestyle changes. #WorthIt

On Sunday I tested out a new Boston Spin Studio - Velo City - which is just off Boylston St on Fairfield.

Love that they offer complimentary Spin shoes!

Velo City had a great vibe and Matt (the instructor) had one sweet playlist with awesome remixes.

I was worried about tackling a 60-min Spin class the day after the 20-miler, but my legs felt amazing after!

If you are in the area, definitely check them out!!

The rest of Sunday was spent catching up on work, getting in a recovery 5k and soaking up the sun and "warmer" weather!!

It felt great coming into Monday feeling refreshed and recharged! It didn't hurt that I had a 60-min massage on tap for Monday morning as well.

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Now to help you help me! ;) Today (3/30) is the FINAL DAY of my Sparkly Soul discount code.

Use code DANIRUNSBOSTON to receive 10% off your order AND have 10% of your order come back to my 2015 Boston Marathon fundraising efforts for Tedy's Team!! #FightStroke

Code expires tonight (3/30) at 11:5pm PT!!

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How did you recharge this weekend?

How do you IGNITE your Passion? Let PUMA help!

Who IGNITES your Passion?What IGNITES your Passion? When do you IGNITE your Passion? Why do you IGNITE your Passion? Where do you IGNITE your Passion?

My answers to the above questions could go on for days, but I only have a limited window on this blog to grab your attention to share what I am really passionate about. Hey! I know you have Twitter and Facebook  to get back to. I understand.

So today I will keep it easy and straightforward. I'll answer the most important of these potential questions...

... the how!

How do you IGNITE your Passion?

Since embarking on my final weight loss journey (the one that actually stuck) in 2009, I have vowed to motivate and inspire those around me to live healthy/balanced lives and to push the boundaries of their comfort zones.

Can I sum up my Passion in a single word or image? Probably not. Buuuttt I can come super close with this snapshot from the 2013 Boston Marathon - my 3rd marathon and first Boston.

I was frightened. This was the Super Bowl of marathons. But I was there with Tedy's Team in honor of my Stroke Heroes - my grandparents and my Father-In-Law - to help raise awareness and to fight Stroke.

Taking on the endeavor of the marathon and fundraising pushed me so far out of my comfort zone by body lost sight of it. THAT experience taught me more than I would expect.

It fueled my desire to push my body physically, mentally and emotionally. I wanted to rise to the occasion and learn the stories of other Stroke survivors/caretakers.

And now? Now I am gearing up for my 3rd Boston Marathon (t-minus 3 weeks) with Tedy's Team. The fire in my soul burning bright as the training miles pack on and the fundraising adds up (almost $23k in 3 years).

This passion and journey has grown bigger and brighter than I could've imagined...

Yet it was all ignited with a single decision!

And now PUMA wants to help YOU ignite your Passion through their new IGNITE line!

I was super excited to test out all of the pieces I received. I slipped into the PR Pure Fitted S/S tee first.

Thank tanks offered a mesh insert for improved air circulation and flat-lock seams for less friction and higher comfort.

CoolCELL highly functional materials draw sweat away from your skin while anatomically placed air-flow features offer you superior temperature regulation. And this sweaty/smelly girl appreciates that and the Cleansport NXT finish to ensure odor control. I mean who feels me on that??? I cannot be alone!

I paired the thank with the Essential 3/4 tights, which are made with highly functional materials to draw sweat away from the skin and help keep you dry and comfortable during exercise.

I really appreciated the Power Mesh internal waistband for additional tummy support and comfort, and waistband pocket for secure storage. Adios uncomfortable muffin top while working out.

While the outfit made me feel sleek and ready to crush a PR... I felt like I needed some color. Ya know?

So welcome the Ignite Women's Running Shoe to the party!

Let's just check out the color description first: deep blue-team italia navy-FLUO PEACH. Umm yeah! Delicious. Can a shoe color be delicious? Well I'm making it a thing.

The Ignite Shoe offers:

• Energy Return - Full length IGNITED foam midsole’s PU blend offers high rebound cushioning
• Step in Comfort - Ignite foam provides instant comfort where you need it most
• Long-Lasting Performance - Foreverfoam is used in the heel to disperse impact and provide extra durability

The Ignites main focus -

Maximum energy in for maximum energy out so you can stop running and start IGNITING

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So how will PUMA start helping you IGNITE your Passion?

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of PUMA.