Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis 2016

I ran this 5k years ago before I knew I had Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was eager to get back to it this year after my diagnosis. I was excited to put together a team to run. I was just coming back and my coach agreed to let me "race" it, so we could use it as a time trial. I couldn't wait! And then I broke my foot! Ugh! I was thrilled I had wonderful people who were running for me, so I was still excited to go!

Prerace I got a pic with these sweet girls - Amanda, Leanne, and Lisa!! So cool they came out for me!

Sawyer and Emerson made great cheerleaders with me! It was COLD and they were troopers!

Ricky was super speedy!! If this boy would train I can't even imagine what he could do!

Everett went out and made a friend (Amanda's son - Blake) and had a blast running with him!

I enjoyed meeting Amanda (@run.amanda) so much! She and I hit it off as well as our boys!! And she placed 1st in her AG!!

Dene (@motomom327) came all the way from Chicago and her daughter Ashley ran too! Ashley placed 1st in her AG!!

And how adorable does Sarah (@tri_harder_sarah) look! She came out to run for me and she had a 30k race the next day!! It was so great to finally meet her!

My mom (@theironpat) ran her 2nd race ever!!! She came in 5th in her AG! As I was trying to crutch my way thru the crowd to get her pic I almost fell, so I missed her pic! I wish I could share with you the big, beautiful smile she had on her face as she crossed the finish line! I am so proud of her!

Post race pics with Sarah and Leanne (@lulurunstexas)! 

I am so grateful for this girl's friendship! We are two peas in a pod!! I can't wait to do a tri with Lisa (@lisamcde / Run, Supermom, Run) again!! Love her!

When my husband crossed the finish line he gave me his medal! When my oldest crossed he gave me his bell! I love these guys so much! And I love that they all support my crazy!!

I truly couldn't do it without this guy! He was looking forward to running this with me and not just for me, so he was really disappointed when I couldn't run it. He's not a runner, but he got out there and kicked butt!

Aren't these little elves just the cutest?!?!?

Strength Training Pyramid Workout with Hylete

Strength Training is so important and so often overlooked especially by runners and triathletes. I know personally between swimming, biking, and running, my strength training is often neglected. Strength training will not only help you improve in all disciplines, but it will help decrease your risk for injury. Being injury prone this is a must for me. The book Strength Training for Triathletes by Patrick Hagerman is an excellent resource. 

One of my favorite upper body workouts was given to me by one of my best friends, Jess Runs Blessed, and it is easy to do at home with just a set of dumb bells! So if you can't make it to the gym, no worries, you can do this quick, but intense workout! 

Warm Up:

10 Push Ups - I am loving doing my push ups on the Bosu Ball! So hard! (Modified for injury) But you can do typical push ups! No equipment necessary!

10 Jumping Jacks

Pyramid 1: Shoulders

16 Front Raises

16 Side Raises

16 Overhead Presses

16 Side Raises

16 Front Raises

Pyramid 2: Biceps

16 Hammer Curl

16 Curl with Front Extension

16 Curl with Side Extension

16 Curl with Front Extension

16 Hammer Curl

Pyramid 3: Triceps 

16 Dips (No worries if you don't have a bench, use your stairs, ottoman, bed, etc,)

16 Overhead

16 Kickback

16 Overhead

16 Dips

Cool Down:
10 Push Ups
10 Jumping Jacks


What I'm Wearing:

Let me tell you a little more about what I'm wearing. This workout wear comes from Hylete.

Before I get into the clothing itself, I want to tell you about something that I really appreciate about Hylete. On several of their clothing lines they give back 50% of their proceeds to a designated charity. These charities include the 31 Heroes Project that supports families of fallen military heroes, Back on My Feet that supports homeless veterans, NBCF that supports breast cancer awareness and provides mammograms for women who can't afford them, O.U.R. Rescue which liberates children around the world from slavery, Scratch My Belly which is dedicated to saving animals from high kill shelters, and Team Rubicon which serves to help military civilians utilize their skills in emergency response teams. I really respect a company that gives back to the community and such important causes.

Top:
I am wearing the Insignia Racer Tank in Eclipse Gray. Listed Price $50
It not only fits great and is comfortable, but it is sweat wicking and has four way stretch. After a workout it still looks great, so you can go run those errands without looking wrinkled or sweaty. And it's very slimming!

Bottoms:
I am wearing the Invex II Crop in Black/Eclipse Gray. Listed Price $70
They have an elastic waistband that stretches up to 4 inches which is great because they don't give you the dreaded roll over even after you've refueled post workout. They are sweat wicking and are four way stretch. These are one of the most flattering pairs of capri I have ever worn! They provide a smooth fit and seem to accentuate all the right areas. They are super comfy and very functional during your workout. Love them!

How Hylete Works:
- Hylete is only available online at Hylete.com.
- When you join Hylete, you can save up to 40% off every order.
- If you order 1 item you pay retail.
  If you order 2-3 items you receive 20% off.
  If you order 4+ item you receive 40% off.
- You can mix and match any items. Excludes discounted items.

New to Hylete:
I can't wait to try out Hylete's new Nimbus Caprite!

Zoggs in the Family

Our whole family loves our Zoggs! We are a family of swimmers/triathletes and you won't see us in the water without our Zoggs! I am wearing the Predator Flex Ultra Reactor. They are my favorites!

Ricky is 10 years old. He has been a part of swim team for 5 years. He has participated in 5 triathlons - 2 of those being open water. He is wearing the kid's Zoggles.

Everett is 9 year old. He has also been on the swim team for 5 years and has participated in 5 triathlons - 2 of those being open water. He is wearing the Predator Flex.

Sawyer is 6 years old. He has been on the swim team for 2 years. He has participated in 2 triathlons - 1 being open water. He is wearing the kid's zoggles.

Emerson is almost 5 years old. He has been on the swim team for 1 year. He is not old enough to participate in triathlons yet, but he can't wait! He is wearing the kid's zoggles.

Little man is such a great swimmer! Here he is wearing the Predator Flex.

Emerson was born to swim! Here's another shot of him wearing the Predator Flex.

Check out Zogg's Goggles at www.zoggsusa.com!

#zoggs #zoggsusa #flexfactor #zoggallday

The Fit Wanderluster

Do you learn about a place and think right away that you want to run there? Do you take runcations? I love traveling to new places and exploring them thru running. 

If I had to pick my favorite place I've ever run I'd have to say it was in Henley-on-Thames, England. It's a posh little town along the Thames River where rowing is the popular sport. When I run there I feel like I am running in a fairy tale!

So as I run thru my neighborhood today I imagine myself there!!

Where is your favorite place you have run? 

Check out @thefitwanderluster as she runs in amazing places! And for her apparel line check out www.thefitwanderluster.com.

The Kor Project

You have likely started seeing the "upside down" shirt around. I love this idea of a running shirt that is printed upside down to motivate the person wearing it. So when you are struggling, feeling like you can't finish your run, you look down and find your motivation.

So I was excited when Chester Canlas, the man behind the mission at The Kor Project, dropped me a line on Instagram. I was happy he did because I had a few questions for him about his new project, and he agreed to do an interview with me. I know you will find his project as fascinating as I do.

Be on the look out for a giveaway soon from The Kor Project and Iron Will Iron Jill.

To learn more about The Kor Project:

www.thekorproject.com

Instagram: @thekorproject

Twitter: @thekorproject

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thekorproject

Contact: hello@thekorproject.com