In Case You Didn't Win Elsewhere: $40 CSN Stores Gift Card Giveaway!

Who's up for a CSN Stores giveaway?  I know you've heard of them, and now you have a chance to win $40 towards anything listed on their site.  You could put it towards a dining table, a hammock, a sweet new bed for Fido, a new pair of running shoes, or even a pony!  Wait, sorry, apparently they are all sold out of ponies at the moment.* 

In all honesty, there really isn't anything you can't find on their website.  I mean, they have:

Canvas wall art

Easy as pie to find the right decor for your home...

Hand/Foot portable cycles

This should be under my desk right now...

AND, my fave right now:

Ju Ju Be diaper bags!

So cool, even Trav would rock this.

That's quite the selection of goods!  So, who's up for winning a $40 gift card???

*I kid, I kid. You can't buy a pony from the site.  Sorry folks. 

Here's the scoop on how to win:

(1 comment = 1 entry) 

• Visit the CSN Stores site and tell me what you would get your best friend w/ the $40 (1 entry)
•  Become a follower of my site and let me know in a comment (1 entry)
• Link to this giveaway on your blog, Twitter (include @RunZoeRun), or Facebook.  Let me know in a comment (1 entry each)
• "Like" Run, Zoe, Run! on Facebook and comment on the wall (1 entry)
• "Like" CSN Stores on Facebook (1 entry)

The giveaway will end Friday 9/10, with the winner picked via Random.org & announced on Saturday the 11th.

**Note: Gift card giveaway provided courtesy of CSN Stores.**

An Award with Cupcakes!

I was a lucky gal to receive this award from Stephanie at Girls Just Wanna Go Run and Erika from Chasing My Monkeys 1 Mile at a Time.  But of course, being the prego chick that I am, all I saw was...cupcakes!  Yum!  Oh great.  I'll be right back...

...ok, back now withalittlefrostingonmyupperlip. 

This is how the award works:

#1. Answer this question: If you had the chance to go back and change one thing in your life, would you and what would it be?

#2. Pick 6 people and give them this award. Then inform them that they received an award.

#3. Thank the person who gave this award to you!

1.  I consider myself to be lucky and to have a pretty normal, low-key childhood.  The only "fighting" was between us three younger sisters, but that wasn't a big deal...it's normal.  My grades were good and I was plenty busy with extracurricular activities.  Never did any kind of illegal drug.  Was probably a goody-two-shoes and a nerd, but that's ok by me.  BUT, there is only one thing that I really do regret and I've always wondered if it could've changed anything...I wish that I would have gone back to the hospital the night my mum died.  I had planned on it, but I ended up falling asleep with her pillow (it was about 2am when I got home).  For some reason, I just regret not being there.  It probably wouldn't have changed the outcome, but it was something I've always wondered about.  
Sorry, this isn't meant to be a downer.  I just can't think of anything else I'd truly want to change from my past. (Aside from maybe that guy I kissed in high school with braces...)


2.  Now, I pass this award to:

H Love @ Keep On Keeping On

Holly @ Run Like the Wind (or Shuffle Like an Old Lady)

Liz @ Writing Mommy

Karrie @ Hello*Pretty

Genesis @ More Than Your Average Runner

Jeri @ JerBear Shares

3.  Thank you so much for thinking of me, Stephanie!  You are totally going to ROCK the Chicago Marathon next month! :)

And Erika, keep up your excellent training and you will no doubt be amazing at your first marathon in Long Beach!  :)

Now, I have to go find some real cupcakes...

September is Looming

I stared at this blank screen for a while (as in two days).  Where do I start with September?  It's too busy of a month every single year.

Birthdays for niece and nephew.  My birthday.  Anniversary of my Mum's passing.  My wedding anniversary.  It used to be the start of a new school year, but now it's my niece's and nephews' turn.  It's just a whirlwind of a month.  And now, I have two races that I'm signed up for.  And a baby shower.  And three weddings to attend. *phew* I'm getting tired just typing it.

But here's the thing...I never let September bring me down.  Instead, I attack it like I do a hill (even "Hell Yes Hill"): head down, strong arms & legs, and perhaps a little swearing.  I get mad at it.  Grrr.

Little me, back when I was a Jr. in HS (1999), attacking a mean hill in Richland, WA

Then, I don't give up, and I finish strong. 

Finishing one of the last races my Mom & Dad both saw me run in Fall 1999

Bring it again, September.  I'm ready. 

Would You Like Some Toe Juice?

Yes, it does sound strange.  Those two words put together:  Toe + Juice.  But don't worry, it's not at all what it sounds like!  In fact, it's a rather amazing product that is not only for feet, but hands, arms, legs, etc.
I got to try out some Toe Juice and their sanitizer product Hog Wash some weeks ago.

WOW.

I got reallllllly sunburned on my feet while at the beach last month (to the point where they were extra swollen and probably should've blistered).  I immediately rubbed Toe Juice on the burn and it cooled it down instantly.  Then, I diligently applied more Toe Juice every few hours for a day or two.  Guess what? My burn didn't peel!  That's a first for me.  My skin bounced back like it was never burned in the first place.  It was awesome!  The Toe Juice felt light and not like my skin was suffocating under extra creamy lotion.  Plus, it didn't make my burn feel as itchy or sore if I didn't use any kind of product.

That's it.  I fell in love with a product called Toe Juice.  

My sisters even used it when we were over in Massachusetts for their sunburns and bug bites.  They couldn't stop using it.  In fact, I almost ran out while on vacation.  :)

As for Hog Wash, it's like any normal hand sanitizer, and yet, not.  It actually made my hands feel moisturized rather than extra dry and cracking after using Purell constantly.  Now it has taken the place of all my other hand sanitizers at home, work and in my purse.

Product Description:
"Toe Juice is a fast drying liquid, which refreshes, soothes, and softens dry cracked feet, in addition to stop itching, burning, and annoying irritations.  Toe Juice effectively remedies most skin problems like psoriasis, eczema, athlete's foot, dry patches on the skin.
Toe Juice can easily be applied to the skin by using a cotton swab or even directly from the bottle to the infected area.  Application by hand also is safe and convenient."

Description found HERE

Pros:

It makes sunburn feel better!  

No peeling if used often

It cools and refreshes upon contact

Makes bug bites less itchy

Convenient travel size bottle fits in small bags/purses

Skin feels rejuvenated after use

Cons:

Because it is a liquid, it is used up really quickly

The smell is a little alcohol-y (and apparently your cat will ignore you when you use it)


Now, for a GIVEAWAY! 
Toe Juice was kind enough to sponsor a giveaway of their awesome products.

Here's the scoop on how to win:

(1 comment = 1 entry) 
So many ways to enter!

• Visit the Toe Juice site and tell me one use for this product (1 entry)
•  Become a follower and let me know in a comment (1 entry)
• Link to this giveaway on your blog, Twitter (include @RunZoeRun), or Facebook.  Let me know in a comment (1 entry each)
• Become a fan of Toe Juice on Facebook (1 entry)
• OR Send me a pic of why you REALLY REALLY NEED some Toe Juice lovin' to zoe@runzoerun.com!  Yes! Send me pics of your dry, cracked tootsies!  This will count as 3 entries!

The giveaway will end Friday 9/3, with the winner picked via Random.org & announced on Saturday the 4th.  Toe Juice will ship the merchandise directly to the winner. Sweetness!

**Note:  All reviews are based on my own personal experience with the specific product that I was provided with.  I received these products free of charge from Toe Juice and was not compensated for my review. Product in giveaway provided courtesy of Toe Juice.**

My Worst Running Fear Came True...kinda

Well, that's a little overdramatic.  Okay, it's waaay dramatic...but this is close to the worst fear of the moment...

NONE of my Running Skirts fit me anymore!!  Nooooooooo!  Why???  They are the only thing that is comfortable enough to workout in, and now my big prego butt is too massive for the skirts I have.  I'm really bummed (haha, pun intended!).

I know I have a couple months left, but I need to find a solution quick.  Travis' basketball shorts are looking more appealing.  Ugh.

Product Review: Sugoi Verve Shorts

Scott from OutsidePR sent me some fun Sugoi Verve shorts to try out (again, back in March. Bad Zoe, bad.)...thanks Scott!

I immediately tried these shorts out as soon as the package came in the mail.  Since I'm an avid RunningSkirt enthusiast, I don't often run in shorts anymore.  But hey, why not give these a try?  

I couldn't wear these for very long, because Goober was growing and elastic waistbands had nothing on my expanding waistline.  They felt like I wasn't wearing anything because they were so lightweight on my 3 miler.

At first, I was a little confused because the pockets were on the back.  Hmmm.  I nearly wore them backwards, but caught myself before I left the house.  Dummy runner crisis averted.

Product Description:

"The Verve Short delivers advanced performance with multi-use versatility. These shorts have a flattering, feminine shape. The convenient pockets and mesh paneling for breathability make the Verve Short technically excellent."

• 2 back "quick draw" fuel pockets
• Inside key pocket
• Mesh liner with gusset
• Reflective accents for added visibility

Description found HERE

Front:

Back:

Pros:

Extremely lightweight (I had to check to make sure I was actually wearing bottoms a few times!)

Fabric is soft and wicked sweat away easily

Fuel pockets are nice, didn't get to try them out though

Reflective accents are a must for runners

Shorts didn't ride up or bunch that much during the run

Cons:

Pockets on the back? Maybe?

Overall, these are a good alternative to my usual RunningSkirt. :)


Find Sugoi on Facebook or follow them on Twitter!

**Note: All reviews are based on my own personal experience with the specific product that I was provided with.  I received these products free of charge from OutsidePR/Sugoi and was not compensated for my review.**

Product Review: Ryders Eyewear

I've been a bad reviewer.  Scott from OutsidePR sent me some wonderful products to test out way back in March...and I haven't yet reviewed them.  Well, I guess starting a new job, getting pregnant, having the house broken into, and racing kept me busy.  ;)  So here I go!

I have two pairs of Ryders Eyewear:

Let me just say that I wear my Ryders Shot sunglasses EVERY time I run outside in the sun.  You guys know that I need a bug "windshield" at all times, and these sunglasses are amazing!  They're extremely lightweight and the polarization of the lenses keeps me from squinting.  My pair is brown with an amber colored lens, and it makes everything seem brighter (and more cheerful).  Plus, my favorite feature is the anti-slip nose pads...I sweat A LOT in the summer, and these babies don't slip and slide at all.  Win!

Ah yes, then there's my lovely pair of "Duchess" shades!  Mine look exactly like this picture from the Ryders' site, and they are wicked adorable for when I'm not in running clothes or doing cardio.  The same anti-slip nose pads work wonders and the size of the lenses cover up the sensitive under-eye skin that can burn easily (yes, it's an excellent wrinkle preventer!).  And, they make me look just fabulous, dahlin'.

Pros:

Very lightweight: you can barely tell you're wearing them

Non-slip nose pad prevents movement, even when sweating

Polarized lenses cut down on glare

Makes you look like a badass athlete

Comes with a very durable protective case

Cons:

Only con is about the Duchess...the "medium" size squeezes my head a little too much.

Find Ryders Eyewear on Facebook!

My Ryders in action!

Running prego in all pics. 

**Note:  All reviews are based on my own personal experience with the specific product that I was provided with.  I received these products free of charge from OutsidePR/Ryders and was not compensated for my review. **