Running as a Family + Discount for the Sparkle Me Wild Color Run for My NC Peeps

Thank you to USFamilyGuide.com and Sparkle Me Wild Color Run for sponsoring this post. I was not financially compensated for this post. Free registration to the Sparkle Me Wild Color Run was provided in exchange. I genuinely love running so all opinions are definitely my own!

Ever since Jason and I ran the Color Me Rad 5k, we have been wanting to participate in more running events. My goal at the beginning of 2014 was to participate in at least 2-3 runs this year. Quite honestly, I would participate in more if my budget and time would allow it, and we have definitely been checking out all of the 5k events in our area, trying to decide which ones we would like to do.

Up until I actually started doing a little research, I had no idea just how often events like this take place.  For my NC peeps, the website for Endurance Magazine has a list of upcoming running events. I am pretty excited about the Bull City Race Fest and Food Truck Rodeo this October. It's a 1/2 marathon, 5 mile fun, and 1 miler, so there is definitely something for everyone.

Jason and I also want to share our love for fitness and running with our children, so we were excited to hear about the local Sparkle Me Wild Color Run. Although, we just participated in the Color Me Rad, a similar event, Jason and I enjoyed it so much, we knew this would be a perfect event for all of us to do as a family. We are so excited to get out there and have a blast!

Sparkle Me Wild Color Run will be held at the Wake Med Soccer Park in Raleigh, NC on May 10. Sparkle Me Wild is all about freedom, family, fun, being healthy, and most importantly, a beautiful life. Every once in a while we all need to let our inhibitions run free and get wild! Each step along the 5k will lead to color stations, sparkling glitter stations, and bright bling at the finish.

That's right,  everyone who crosses the finish line will receive a medal! How awesome is that?

Big, small, short, tall, all are encouraged to be a part of the sparkle parade! You can walk, skip, cart-wheel, jog (and yes, run!) or dance or way through the course and at the end, you will not be awarded on time, but rather your sparkling, carefree self as you cross the finish line!

And guess what?

All Six Cherries on Top readers get 30% off Adult Registration and Kids 10 and under are FREE! Simply use the code SPARKLE when you register!


REGISTER NOW!

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2014 Color Me Rad 5k

If you follow me at all, then you know that this past weekend, Jason and I ran the Color Me Rad 5k. I pretty much blew up all of my social media about it! Although we have been running for awhile, this was the very first 5k we have ever signed up for. It was kind of like a day date for Jason and I because we almost never do anything together, but when we do, it's almost always something truly worth our time, since they are so rare. 

At no time was I nervous, but I was a little concerned about how I would do with "people obstacles". You know, all the other runners being so close to me. Usually it's just me and the treadmill or me and the open track, and never anyone around me. It started out a little slow, since the Color Me Rad is a fun run and a lot of people who sign up choose to walk, but once we got going and the people spread out, things weren't that bad. 

I definitely recommend Color Me Rad for first time 5k runners, especially if you aren't sure you can finish the race, running the entire time. Jason and I have already been looking at another 5k in May, and I hope we will be able to attend. We would love to train and eventually run a half marathon in the next couple of years even!

Have you ever run a 5k or even a marathon? What were some of your favorites?

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The Polyvore Files | Color Me Rad

Yesterday Jason and I ran the Color Me Rad 5k so I decided to put together an outfit similar to what I wore.

Click HERE to see information about the items in this collection.

Color Me Rad is a fun run, so it's definitely a great first 5k for anyone who can't always run an entire 3.1 miles. There were people walking the entire way, some running and walking, and some, like Jason and I who ran the entire distance. I personally feel like you shouldn't be signing up for any type of 5k, marathon, whatever, if you aren't going to make the effort to at least try to run. I will be sharing some of the photos from it later on this week, so be sure to stop back by and check them out.


Have you ever run a 5k, or even a marathon? I'd love to hear about some of your favorites. 
New to The Polyvore Files? It's so simple to participate. Create an outfit or a room decor idea over at Polyvore, share it in a blog post, then come back and link up here with me or with Kara over at The Snugly Duckling. Be sure to grab our button below too!

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An InLinkz Link-up

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Sometimes You Have to Push Yourself to Know Your Potential

At the beginning of this week, I just wasn't feeling a workout, and went three days without running or anything. I wasn't in any kind of funk, I just felt tired. My body was screaming "Go easy on me!" so I gave it what it wanted and rested for a few days. I even thought maybe I was trying to get sick, and that I would probably not accomplish my goal of 8 miles this week either.

Wednesday evening I started to feel a little better, and while I talked to Jason on the phone about some of the workouts he has been doing during PT, I decided that if I felt better on Thursday, I was going to challenge myself during my next run. I told him I was going to try to run my fastest mile in 9 minutes. Now, if you know me, you know, it's not about speed for me. It's all about distance. I would rather pump out 3 miles with a good pace, than to do one mile as fast as I can. I am slowly training myself to run further distances, because eventually, I would like to be able to run a half marathon. Burning myself out in a 9 minute mile won't get me there. Eventually my miles will becoming faster as I become stronger, but I am not at that point yet.

My goal was to run the mile in 9 minutes. My results were 9:13. I didn't make my goal, but it was still my fastest mile to date. I'm not gonna lie, it was tough! I was literally screaming at myself to keep going. I did it, it felt great to accomplish, and I realized that it really wasn't my body that wanted to give up, it was my brain. My brain was trying hard to convince me that I had had enough, but I blocked that little voice and pushed on.

I woke up this morning still feeling excited about my fastest mile, so I decided to push myself again, but this time to accomplish a goal of running my longest distance. I set a goal to run 6 miles at a pace that I was comfortable with and set out to see what I could do. Not only did I make it to 6 miles, I actually felt like I could continue on, but I didn't. It's all about baby steps for me, and I think it's important to revel in your accomplishments a little.

Sometimes you have to push yourself to know your potential, but at the same time, set goals that are realistic. We all have the potential to run faster, run further, to do 10 more squats when your legs feel like jello, or to go a little bit further no matter what the workout is. I certainly never thought I would get there, but I am glad I challenged myself. When your brain tells you that you need to stop, keep going just a little longer!

I want to challenge myself in other areas as well, so I am definitely looking forward to Jason getting back from Missouri. We will be starting a fitness routine together and he is going to teach me some of the workouts he has been doing for strength training. Even he said that his whole body feels like mush after doing some of these moves.


What are some of the accomplishments you have had recently from just pushing a little harder than you thought you could handle? What did you discover you had the potential to do that you didn't think was possible?


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Healthy, Wealthy, & Wise with Fit Happy Headbands

What an amazing feeling it is, to push through a long hard workout. I never thought in a million years that I would love running as much as I do. I still remember back to a few years ago when I couldn't even run more than a 1/4 of a mile without feeling like my throat was going to close. Now I can easily pound out 5 miles during a workout, and I am pretty proud of how far I have come.

Ashley, over at Fit Happy, recently sent me some of her workout headbands to try out, and I must say,  a headband is now officially a must for me. Usually, while running, no lie, I have to pull my shirt up on the side to wipe the sweat from my forehead, and away from my eyes. I'm sure when I'm running at the track, all the passersby love that!

Let me just tell you, these things are awesome! Not only are they super comfortable and stay put during my runs, they definitely keep the sweat out of my eyes. They are such a perfect fit on my head because most other headbands I either have to constantly adjust them or they shoot off like a rubber band. They are made of a nylon spandex material, which is basically the same or similar material that women's swimsuits are made of. Each one has a thick piece of elastic in the back that keeps the headband in place.

There is a huge variety of solid colors to choose from, as well as a few patterns, including the trendy chevron patterns in an assortment of colors too. Another one of my favorites is this American flag headband. How awesome is that one?

Ashley was super great to work with and really pays attention to detail when it comes to her products.  She sent me one of her most popular styles in 3 different colors. I love how these headbands are crafted. They aren't just strips of fabric that have been sewn to a piece of elastic. Their unique design is what makes them fit so well and stay in place. Be sure to check them out for yourself!

I can hardly believe that in a little over a week I will be running in the Color me Rad 5k with Jason. It's kind of a big deal for me since it will be my first 5k! And, guess what? The run is on the exact one year anniversary of when I officially committed to this new lifestyle and started losing weight last year. This run will be a celebration of the nearly 60 lbs. I have lost in the last year. I will definitely be wearing one of my Fit Happy headbands!

Be sure to follow Fit Happy over at Facebook with Murabelle (the parent company to Fit Happy), to stay up to date on sales, new items, and even giveaways! 

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The Polyvore Files | Work it, Girl!

I am in beast mode with my health and fitness again. The holidays have passed, I am anticipating the warmer days ahead (even if they are still a bit off in the distance), and I want to look amazing this Spring and Summer. This was the first year since 2004 that I didn't start off the year either overweight from a previous pregnancy, or actually pregnant. So this year, there is no challenge to lose a massive amount of weight before bathing suit season. I have just a few pounds to lose and some toning to start working on.

Jason and I have been discussing how the investment of a treadmill would actually be a great thing for us. Some days, I just can't get out for a run, either because I don't have someone to watch my younger 3 or because of the weather. A treadmill will give me that opportunity to keep my workouts consistent, and doing something I enjoy... running!

I created this file in Polyvore, highlighting some of my favorite running and healthy lifestyle necessities, and at the end, I have also included a few of my favorite workout stations on Pandora that I usually listen to. Jason and I recently signed up for the Color Me Rad 5k and I want to be in the best shape I can be as I celebrate one year of weight loss on our April 5 run.

• Pants - My favorite workout pants are a pair of Fila brand that I got a couple of years ago at Kohl's. I have purchased a variety of others, including a super expensive pair of Under Armour that I was highly disappointed in. 
• Shirt - If it's super cold, I can wear a long sleeve wicking shirt, but for the most part, I prefer a tank top when running. Too much in my way just gets annoying and slows me down. 
• Sports Bra - A sports bra is a must. I have yet to find a sports bra with an underwire that fits me properly, so I just make due with the ones I have like this one. 
• Running Shoes - I haven't exactly had an opportunity to try a large variety of running shoes, but out of the 10 or so pair that I have had the last several years, the Adidas Energy Boost are by far my favorite. I have a bad knee area from broken leg several years ago and since I purchased these shoes, I have yet to have knee issues. Seriously, no joke...NONE! I have them in blue but would love to have them in this purple next. They are a bit pricey but definitely worth every penny!
• Armband - I just recently purchased a Belkin iPhone armband, after using one Jason had. I was previously using a waistband device, but prefer this much better.
• Earbuds - I was previously using these Yurbud earbuds, which I do love, but they didn't fit in my tiny little ears, quite like I wanted them too. I recently purchased Sony headphones similar to these and as much as I loved my Yurbuds, these are amazing! 
• Water bottle - Surprisingly, I wasn't too picky in this department, so I really don't have a water bottle recommendation. I have always loved the Camelbak products, but a more affordable product is what I have, this Contigo insulated water bottle.
• Protein and Smoothie Bottle - The Blender Bottle is great for whipping up your protein shake or drinking your smoothie on the go. I use mine when I make get my protein intake every morning.
• Socks - I don't actually own any compression socks, but I have been wanting to get some for added support of my shins and calves. These are definitely my style and I would totally wear them over my pants to show them off!
• Heart Rate Monitor - I currently have a different brand of heart rate monitor, but I have been lusting over the Polar monitors for some time now. They just seem to be sleek and a lot more user friendly than what I have, so I hope to be getting one soon. Lucky for you, you may be getting one before I do because I have teamed up with 7 other awesome women to give one lucky person a Polar FT4 in the color of their choice.

My favorite Pandora channels when working out: 

1. Deadmau5
2. 80's Pop
3. Bruno Mars
4. Foster the People
5. Imagine Dragons

What are some of your favorite workout necessities? Do you listen to music when you work out? What's some of your favorite music to have or channels to listen to?



New to The Polyvore Files? It's so simple to participate. Create an outfit or a room decor idea over at Polyvore, share it in a blog post, then come back and link up here with me or with Kara over at The Snugly Duckling. Be sure to grab our button below too!

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fat butt friday | running with dr. scholl's massaging gel insoles

if i can, i pretty much run every single day. even if it's just 1 mile, that 1 mile brings me closer to my health and fitness goals. last summer i fell in love with running. i started out not being able to run more than a quarter of a mile without... well, basically... dying! little by little i build up my strength and i grew to love it so much that i couldn't wait to get up each day to run.

i didn't really run much during the winter because every time i got out there the cold would squeeze my lungs and the wind would make my eyes water so bad i couldn't even see where i was running. it's a whole different ballgame in the winter! but as soon as spring hit this year, i ran out, got a pair of shoes that i absolutely love, a new heart rate monitor, running clothes... all the things!

the running shoes i chose have been the absolutely best shoes i have ever put on my feet, so when i received the dr. scholl's massaging gel insoles, i was a little reluctant about putting them in my shoes. i supposedly have the best insoles already in my shoes and i wasn't sure that removing them was the best idea. so, instead of removing the insoles already in the shoes, i actually put the dr. scholl's massaging gel insoles in my shoes on top of the other ones.

best idea ever!

the only way i can describe how it felt when i run is the way a dodge ball feels... that flexible rubber-like bounce back that they have... like little trampolines in my shoes.

the dr. scholl's messaging gel insoles were extremely easy to put in, and probably even easier if you remove the insole that comes with your shoes. i had no issues with them sliding around because the gel-like material keeps them in place. i honestly haven't considered removing the insoles that came with my shoes to compare because i have been happy with the results i had so far. i have had no problems with my feet hurting during or after my runs and can even go as far as saying that i have not really had any knee problems lately either (i am so prone to issues in my right knee from a fibula break right behind the knee a few years ago). i look forward to improving my running this summer and my goal is to be able to complete a 10 mile run within the next year.

running is not a sport that requires you to invest in a whole lot of equipment, but definitely, the most important thing to have is the proper foot support from your shoes.  be sure to check out dr. scholl's massaging gel insoles and your feet will thank you next time you run!

as a member of bzzagent, i received these products free of charge for an honest review. all opinions are my own and in no way influenced in any way or by anyone. six cherries on top disclaimer/terms of use


♥ joni 

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fat butt friday (on saturday) - acne from working out

when i first started working out, i began to break out like a premenstrual school girl. at times, it got so terrible that i wondered if it was even worth all the work. but, that thought lasted 2.2 seconds because there is no way i am turning back now. i have worked too hard to get where i am and it would be silly to give up because my face is breaking out.

i figured i was breaking out because when i work out i sweat like a pig, especially on my face. i started googling the heck out of my situation and compiled a list of things i have found work best.

1. when working out, keep a clean dry towel handy to pat your face dry whenever you start to sweat. if you are running, going old school and wearing a sweatband is a good idea. 

2. wash your face several times a day using an acne treatment that is right for your skin. i personally have to use sensitive skin formulas. the best time to wash up is as soon as possible after your workout. don't let the dirt mixed with sweat clogs your pores, which is what causes the breakouts.

3. exfoliate at least once a week and don't use products with added scents or dyes. once or twice is enough a week. over exfoliating can do more damage than good.

image

4. wash your face with lukewarm water. hot water will irritate your skin and cold water will cause your pores to close up. once you have washed your face, pat it dry with a clean towel, and apply an unscented facial lotion.

5. be sure to wash your hair very well. you don't want dirty oily hair touching your face. keep your hands away from your face too, and definitely don't try to squeeze any of your blemishes.

6. change your bed linens at least once a week. dirt and oils build up on your sheets and pillowcases.

7. drink lots of water!

the best thing to remember is to be consistent with whatever routine it is that you use. if using these simple steps doesn't work for you, there may be something more, and you may need to see your doctor or dermatologist. 

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i have been working out for 68 days in a row

although i haven't gained any weight, i haven't been keeping on track with my eating this week, and i certainly haven't lost any weight either. for some reason, i have felt so hungry no matter how much i eat. what is up with that? i usually feel this way right before i start my menstrual cycle (i actually don't have a period because i have an IUD, but i can tell when it is that time), and it always goes away within a day or so. more recently the hunger has only increased. 

i am still working out by running each day, but have also been having trouble with my right foot/leg. i can't even really describe what is going on except to say that by the end of my run, my toes are numb and i can definitely tell that my right foot isn't rolling as i run, like my left foot does. the pain has prevented me from being able to run more than a mile, and even that is tough now. overall my body is telling me that it is ready to move on to longer runs, but the one and only thing stopping me is my foot. it's pretty frustrating because i feel like i am not getting a good enough workout now that i am able to run the one mile so easily. 

what do you suggest i add to my diet so i am not always so hungry? what can i do to encourage that foot to loosen up and roll with the movements as i run? are there any stretches or exercises i can do?

joni - sixcherriesontop (at) gmail (dot) com | twitter | facebook | pinterest | instagram: sixcherries

fat butt friday: i love to exercise

who would have thunk it...that i would love working out as much as i do? i constantly feel like i need to read one more article or watch one more video because i want to be an expert at this. i want to train the right way and be able to read my body when it is showing signs of stress, so as to not push myself to do too much at one time.

so far, i have discovered how much water i should be taking in each day, great foods to eat before working out, as well as after, and stretches i can do to help myself recover on days that i am not running. i have discovered some great new products that fellow bloggers and igers have recommended as well.

i am by NO means an expert at any form of exercise! NOT EVEN CLOSE! running is my favorite but, my longest run to date has only been 2 miles. however, i would love to start sharing some of my favorite discoveries and recommendations with you. i find that i am best educated by those who are actually living the lifestyle, going through the experiences themselves, and actually using the products they recommend. i have learned a lot from the runner's world magazine website, but i am sure that not all of the people who write for that magazine have dealt with being overweight. having a degree in health and nutrition, or any other athletic degree, does not make them an expert at actually putting it into practice, nor does it give them my resume of weight loss struggles and failures. and i will never recommend something simply because i am getting a free product or being paid by a sponsor. often times i have opened a fitness magazine to see ads for products that I KNOW most people who are educated properly and working to lose weight, or stay slim and trim, will not eat.

be on the lookout starting next week for my tips and recommendations that will hopefully help make the most out of your workouts and meal planning. i would love to hear your recommendations of products to try, workout videos, exercise tips, clean eating recipes, and more. leave a comment or send me an email and i will try them out. if i love them, i will be sure to mention them here on fat butt friday.

update: i surpassed my latest goal of working out for 45 days and am currently working toward another new goal of 60 days. i have also increased my workouts to 2 times a day, 4 days a week. this usually consists of me doing a video in the morning and running in the evening. i will be so glad when it cools down a little because it is HOT in the afternoon and running is so much harder in the heat. whoa nelly!

how have you been doing this week? be sure to brag about some of your successes (no matter how big or small) in the comments below!

joni - sixcherriesontop (at) gmail (dot) com | twitter | facebook | pinterest | instagram: sixcherries

fat butt friday (on sunday): body measurements

i have only done my measurements once since i started working out and got a bit confused about where i measured last time, so i decided i needed a diagram showing where to measure. i did a google for a really good one and i just couldn't find one that i loved so i made one in photoshop. i added all the points on my body that i measure, not necessarily all the points that one should measure. some diagrams showed measuring across the shoulders, the neck, and the calves. those are areas i just don't feel like i need to be monitoring.

 **all measurements are recorded in inches**

feel free to pin this chart to share with others or use it yourself. to the right are my updated measurements. i am pretty shocked to see the difference as i compare them to my first set of measurements.

i am pretty stoked because if you look, you will see, i lost a few inches here and there. i have really been getting into running and i love it so much that i actually miss it on my days off. when i said last week i was going to take a week off, i never made it because i was too eager to get back out there. i did take about 3 days off and felt great when i got back out there. now, i only run every other day.

i have also been reading a lot of running websites and watching a lot of videos about health and nutrition. all of the new info i am learning has me so pumped up to stay on board with all these changes i have made in the last month and a half. be sure to follow me on pinterest to keep up with all the websites and information i find most interesting.

how about a little motivation? check out the youtube channel, fit for two tv. this husband and wife couple have lots of great health and fitness stuff going on in their videos, and i love it!


how you are doing with your health and fitness goals?

joni - sixcherriesontop (at) gmail (dot) com | twitter | facebook | pinterest | instagram: sixcherries