Rock 'N' Roll

I'm officially registered for the Seattle Rock 'N' Roll Half Marathon next June 25, 2011.  Thanks to all of you who offered advice.  Jason was truly inspired last June after our blog meet-up and watching me and all the rest of you he met, finish the race.  He was especially jealous of my medal.  I should have just registered him the moment he said yes and been done with it.  For now, it will just be me again.  I'm still excited.  My goal is to PR every time I go so we'll see what I can do in June.

I was recently surprised to find two packages in my mailbox from the Portland Marathon.  I opened up the packages to find these.

Needless to say, I was pretty excited.  I had placed in the Athena Division before at Portland but I have never received anything.  Maybe they felt bad for us this year because of the weather.  

The only real draw back I can find is having my weight class in huge bold numbers.  

Here are the great pics Tressa got while I was in the process of qualifying for the Pump And Run Division at the Expo :)

Check out the great giveaway over at Flatout Buddy.  Someone will win the book, Age Is Just A Number by Dara Torres.  Click HERE for details.  The giveaway will end at 50 comments~don't miss out!!!

Speaking of giveaways, don't forget my Yurbuds Giveaway HERE.  You have until Thursday night to enter.  Good luck!!!

Rock-n-Roll Seattle Cyber Monday

June 25, 2011

Tomorrow is the day.  Prices go up Tuesday.  I'm still not happy that I came home and fell into a coma after the Portland Marathon.  That day they were offering a discount for registering for any Rock-n-Roll event.  I have been pressuring encouraging my husband to do a half marathon with me for awhile.  Honestly, I think he's just tired of waiting around for hours for me to finish these things :)

CYBER MONDAY DETAILS

So it looks like I will be registering sometime today before 5PM.  Now the only question is if I can get Jason on board before then too.  Race fees are painful enough but seeing that number doubled is scarier.  If I can't get him registered today I doubt I'll be able to accomplish it once it goes up to $115.  To be honest, we just had a conversation and he isn't even happy about me doing it now because of the cost.  It's so hard when you only have one person obsessed with running in the relationship.

Any helpful ideas on what I can do to convince him between now and tomorrow?  I'm really starting to become frustrated and sad without a running buddy.  HELP!!!!

Don't forget my Yurbuds Giveaway HERE.  You have until this Thursday 12/2 to enter.

Thanksgiving Giveaway ~ Yurbuds

This month I have been focusing on the things I'm thankful for.  I think so many of us focus on the things we want, don't have, or that's wrong with our lives.  We all do it.  We're human.  It's nice to really focus on the good things.  Thanksgiving is a great day to do that.


One of the things I'm thankful for is my blog, my followers, and all of the amazing friends I have met because of it.  Another thing this blog has brought is the opportunity to review products and do giveaways. I'm thankful for each chance to try something new and to share it with others.  And now because of that I'm able to do this great giveaway.

YURBUDS

I was recently given the opportunity to test out my own pair of Yurbuds.  At the Portland Marathon Expo I had a chance to briefly try on a pair.  I've been wanting to really try them for awhile.  Since I was fitted at the Expo I knew I was a size 5.  I chose the blue pair and was excited when they quickly arrived in my mail box.  


They felt great in my ears as soon as I put them in.  The weather here has been nasty but I thought I'd at least do a short run to really test them out.  The silicone of the earbuds is supposed to ensure that rain and moisture will not be a problem.  I wasn't disappointed.  I have my own 5K route on my road and between the rain and sweat my Yurbuds didn't budge.  I have fried out many sets of headphones with my intense sweating capabilities.  I'm thrilled that after this rainy road run and several very long runs on my treadmill the sound quality was amazing.  Music is my running partner and to know that it won't leave me because of a lost headphone is priceless.


Another reason I was excited to try Yurbuds was that they can be used with bluetooth devices.  I have the worst time keeping mine in my ear.  It's a nightmare.  I am very thrilled to say that they worked great with my hands free device.  I can now focus 100% on the road and not keep trying to hold my ear piece in my ear.  I LOVE it.


I love the fact that they are guaranteed to fit and have a 100% money back guarantee.  Click HERE for more information and a video on how to get your correct size.  Yurbuds has special edition colors to choose from right now also.  Just an added bonus.


I am very pleased with my Yurbuds.  I think everyone who runs should own a pair.  It will make a huge difference, especially to those of you who sweat like I do.  Christmas is coming, they would make a great gift for yourself and for any runner in your life.

What You Will Win ~ A Yurbuds coupon worth $29.99.  This gives you the option of choosing from 6 awesome colors right now instead of two.

What's Included:
    
·   Yurbuds
·   White Earphones
·   Blue Nylon carrying case with zippered pouch
·   Quick-Start Guide – Installation and care instructions

Product Features:


Yurbuds - Ergonomically Brilliant
Yurbuds  Earbud Enhancers provide an unparalleled level of comfort and fidelity  with a fit that ensures the earbuds stay in your ears, even during the  most strenuous physical activity.
Ultra-Soft Comfort and Extreme Fit Guarantee
Light  and Intense style Yurbuds Earbud Enhancers guarantee a perfect fit.   Made from ultra-soft medical grade silicone for extreme comfort during  extended listening periods.
Richer Acoustics
Yurbuds Earbud  Enhancers are clinically proven to improve sound quality and deliver  deeper, richer acoustics.  Enjoy music and the world around you like  never before.
Bluetooth® Devices
Yurbuds Earbud Enhancers are  compatible with Jawbone® ICON & Jawbone® Prime headsets and are  clinically proven to enhance the sound during your calls.
Universal Compatibility
Headphones work with mp3 devices including Apple® iPod®,  iPhone® supporting an industry standard 3.5mm (1/8") gold plated stereo  mini-plug for wide-ranging compatibility.
Designed by a Triathlete
Avid triathlete Seth Burgett, CEO of Yurbuds came up with the award-winning  idea for custom fit earbud enhancers while participating in an Ironman competition.  Yurbuds Earbud Enhancers were created for the human ear by  athletes, audiologists, and engineers to stay in place, avoid pressure  points, and provide a pain-free listening experience.
Sweat Proof
Yurbuds  Earbud Enhancers protect headphones from perspiration, even during the  most intense workout sessions. The protective silicone of the earbuds  ensures that rain or extreme humidity will stay out of the headphones.

Here's How To Enter ~

1.  MANDITORY ~ Follow my blog or let me know that you already do. 

2.  MANDITORY ~ Visit Yurbuds HERE.  Come back and let me know which color you'd choose if you win.

3.  Add me to your blog roll. 

4.  Become a fan of "Impossible Is Nothing" on Facebook HERE.  If you are having issues linking to my page just type in "Impossible Is Nothing" above the News Feed in the search area.  My blog photo is the same for my Facebook page.

5.  Like Yurbuds on Facebook HERE.  Leave a comment that you found them through my giveaway.  They are currently trying to reach 1,000 likes by Thanksgiving.
6.  Follow Yurbuds on Twitter HERE.

7.  Make a purchase from Yurbuds.  Come back and let me know what you bought.  Each purchase will get you 5 bonus entries.  Christmas is coming :)

8.  Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter.  Leave a comment for each.

Entries will be accepted until Thursday, December 2nd.  Winner will be selected using random.org and announced on Friday, December 3rd.  Good Luck!!!

If you would like your product or company featured on Impossible Is Nothing, please contact me at stacie615 [at] gmail [dot] com

Check out this other great giveaway!!!
Pretty Ink Designs Holiday Cards @ Runninghood

Jeff Galloway Training Series Video #2

This is the second video in the Jeff Galloway Training Video Series.  Galloway has helped more than 250,000 runners make their finish line dreams come true with his legendary Run-Walk-Run Method.  As part of his work with the Disney endurance series he created a 4-part video series at Disney World going over everything from the importance of alternating running and walking as a way to conserve energy, to the Jeff Galloway Cadence Drill.


Proper running and walking form is essential to reduce the risk of injury. The Jeff Galloway method teaches runners to stay upright, maintain a short stride and eliminate bounce. Let’s get training with Jeff Galloway.



I had an awesome post that was lost when our power went out ~ frustrating.  We are currently in the middle of an "Arctic Blast."  We had snow hit on Monday along with very cold temperatures.  We lost power here at 8PM and was out for over 6 1/2 hours.  My husband works for our local PUD so he was out with several crews trying to restore power to the county.  It got down to 14 degrees so the house was starting to get pretty cold.  I'm so thankful that the power was restored before we had frozen or burst pipes.  It's been a wild two days.  Most of the schools were cancelled so my girls were home today.  Most of them have cancelled for tomorrow but we are still waiting to hear on ours.  It is currently 11 degrees and the roads are compact snow and ice.  Very dangerous conditions.  I have a Ford Focus so needless to say I haven't been able to leave the driveway since Sunday.  Extra incentive to hop on my treadmill and feel like I'm going somewhere :)

Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge

How is everyone doing with their personal Bootie Busting?  With Thanksgiving just around the corner I know I'll be trying to be extra good and burn some extra calories.

GIVEAWAY TOMORROW!!!!

Blastin My Bootie

Last year I was just in the process of letting my running take over my blog.  I had discovered Mel at Tall Mom On The Run and was instantly inspired.  The rest is history.  Thanks Mel!!!  You are truly an inspiration and through you I have ran more miles and met so many amazing friends.

Not long ago I stumbled upon this challenge and I instantly signed myself up.  When I originally began my running/weight loss journey in December 2005 I swore that if I lost the weight it would never return.   I was down to my goal weight by April 2006.  I worked really hard.  I ran my first 5K that month and followed with my first Portland Marathon that October.  Yes, I was a little crazy.  I felt great.  I maintained my weight for a long time.  Unfortunately, I am a stress eater and love chocolate.  Bad combination.  I have fluctuated +/- 20 pounds off and on.  I'm in one of those bad time frames right now.  I'm frustrated with the holidays coming up.  I can't gain anymore.  I know it has been a factor with my knee issues.  I'm hoping this challenge will keep me motivated.  My plan is to work my booty off.  

Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge

This is the 3rd annual challenge hosted by Amanda at Run To The Finish.  Click the link above for all the details.  The Challenge runs from November 20th-January 7th.  Perfect timing since it will contain the dreaded holidays and a 7 year olds birthday party.  I'm really hoping this will help hold me accountable and in the process shrink a little.

When my Dad called me last night to go on a hunting expedition today I knew it was the perfect way to jump start the challenge.  We were up at 5am.  Dad picked Jason and I up around 6am and we were out of the truck and hiking by 6:40am.  It was still dark and raining.  We started up a logging road that turned out to be 99% uphill for the first 1 1/2 miles.  I was fine with this.  I was burning more calories, right?  There were even mile markers on most of the roads we were hiking on so it made it easier to keep track.  Pretty convenient :)

Me & My Daddy.  Check out my outfit.  I should get extra credit for that :)  I was also wearing my camo Bondi Band under my hat.  It saved my ears from the cold.

Once we were done we hiked 7.5 - 8 miles but we were hiking for over 5 hours.  Very slow for running times but considering we climbed several mountains today, not too shabby.  BTW ~ We only saw 3 does and a million other hunters.  No deer for Dad.

Calculating Points

By Mile ~ 7

By Cross Training Time ~ 20

That's a huge difference.  I think today qualified for cross training points.  What do you think?  I was nasty sweaty and I'm completely exhausted tonight.  Plus, do you see all the clothes I was wearing?  I'm wondering what will be sore in the morning :)

Anyone else kick off their Bootie Challenge today?

Thankful Thursday

I've been wanting to do this for awhile so I'm taking this opportunity to catch up since Thanksgiving is only a week away.

~ I'm Thankful For ~

1.  My Family ~ I've lost so many of my important people.  I have learned to appreciate every minute I have with them.  Life is short.

2.  My Girls ~ Yes, they are included in #1 but far too important to not be recognized.  I'm thankful every day that I get to be their Mom.

3.  My Best Friend ~ You know who you are.  The first person to believe in me and inspire me to begin my journey with running.

4.  Running ~ I discovered running in my late 20's.  I'm so thankful for the journey and adventures it has brought to my life.  I am healthier and happier because of it.

5.  My Blog ~ Through my blog I have gained so much.  Friendships, support, and amazing opportunities.

6.  Friends ~  That includes all of my amazing blog followers.  The inspiration and support you all give me is amazing.

7.  Health ~  We all have bad days and trials but I am extremely thankful for my health.  Each day I am healthy enough to run is a blessing.

8.  My Home ~ After surviving a flood in Jan 2009 and losing a large portions of everything we owned to water and mud I was thrilled to have my own home again in July 2009.  I wake up every morning thankful to be here.  Click HERE if you want to see our flood story & pics.

9.  Music ~  It has been a huge part of my life.  I can't sing a note, but I love to sing along.  Without a running partner, my iPod and music have been my companions along the way.

10.  Finishing A Marathon ~ I'm thankful that I had the courage to run my first Portland Marathon in 2006 ~ BTW, it didn't rain that year :)  I'm hoping I have the courage to give it another go to get my PR.

11.  The Outdoors ~ Thanks to my family I've had many camping, hiking, and outdoor adventures.  We also lived in the country and I love being barefoot and enjoying nature.

12.  Being An American ~  Nuff said.

13.  The Ocean ~  It combines some of my favorites, water & wind.  I love running and playing on a beach.  I'm lucky I live this close to one.  Who doesn't love going barefoot in the sand?

14.  Memories ~  Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.

15.  Being Tall ~  It was embarrassing and frustrating to be tall growing up but now I'm so glad that I  am.  Now I need to instill the love of being tall to my girls.

What Are You Thankful For?

I'll break this up into two parts so you won't get too bored.  Thanks for reading and for following my journey!!!

Wild Weather Wednesday

Lots to write about.  I have had sporadic internet since last week.  We have had phone/internet issues since moving here last year but today Qwest finally dug up and replaced the bad line.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the issues are finally resolved.  Isn't Qwest aware that I have a blog and friends to keep up with?  Sheesh!!!

It has been a wild week.  My husband works for out local PUD and has been called out for power outages several times since the weekend.  We had a crazy windstorm hit Monday night.  He was called out around 10PM.  I didn't see him again until this morning at 1:20AM.  That's over 27 hours.  He was back at work at 9:30AM, came home at 4:45PM, and was called out again around 5:30PM.  Probably more random info than you all wanted to know but with snow and more nasty weather on the way I think it's just going to get crazier.  We have 6 huge trees just like the one above in front of our house.  2 of them are dead and we've been waiting for them to be cut down for over a year.  Whenever we get a west wind like Monday, I get a little nervous.  We have limbs and branches all over our roof and yard.

The view from my Mom's spot.

As part of my "cross training" we drove up to Mount St. Helens last week so we could do litter pick-up for my 2 (2) miles stretches of the Adopt-A-Highway.  One of the stretches includes the area where my Mom's ashes are.  It was a great family day which included playing in the snow.

TMB from Racing With Babes was awesome enough to send me one of her Endurance Bands to test.  I LOVE it.  Review and giveaway on the way.  I ran 4.6 miles last night on the treadmill.  I started to feel my knees acting up toward the end but no real pain.  They feel great today so that makes me hopeful.  I've just been working on a healthier diet and keeping up with my miles.  They may be slow but I'm getting them in.  Better to get them than not be able to run at all.  I'm hoping my efforts will be rewarded.

Bondi Band Ponytail Hat Winner

Thanks to all of you who entered to win their very own Bondi Band Ponytail Hat.  I am loving mine with all the crazy weather we've been having.  I've just been wearing it around the house.  Yes, it's that cute and comfortable.

A bonus thanks goes out to ~

Jen (Triathlete Within)
Trish (Begin Again And Again And Again)

They each got 5 additional entries for making a purchase at Bondi Band.  And guess what???  It paid off because......

The Winner Is....... Trish
Just email me at stacie615 (at) gmail (dot) com with your mailing info and I'll get your hat in the mail right away :)

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:68Powered by RANDOM.ORG

 Trish said...

I like you on FB!

I'm working on another review/giveaway.  It will be up soon.  Be on the lookout!!!

Thanks again to the best followers ever!!!

Jeff Galloway Training Series Video #1

I was contacted by Emily on behalf of Run Disney last week regarding the Jeff Galloway Training Video Series.  Galloway has helped more than 250,000 runners make their finish line dreams come true with his legendary Run-Walk-Run Method.  As part of his work with the Disney endurance series he created a 4-part video series at Disney World going over everything from the importance of alternating running and walking as a way to conserve energy, to the Jeff Galloway Cadence Drill.


At this point, I will take any valuable information I can get that might help me achieve setting my long dreamed for PR.  Let me know what you think and any training advice that has worked for you.

Run – Walk – Run Method

The Jeff Galloway Run – Walk – Run method has helped thousands of runners get started. By alternating running with walking you conserve energy, reduce fatigue, reduce injuries and run farther. How fast do you need to run and walk? Once you decide your minute per mile goal, you adjust your run – walk pace accordingly. Let’s get training.

You can also click HERE to get a better sense of what the training series is all about and more information about Run Disney.

Last chance to enter my Bondi Band Ponytail Hat Giveaway HERE.  Drawing will be first thing tomorrow morning.

150 Followers!!!!

It seems I have had 149 followers forever and I am thankful for every single one of you.  Let's face it, we all want/need more followers.  I was updating the blog giveaways and when I came back to my dashboard I saw that I had finally made 150.  I'm so excited!!!!  Thank you to Ashley Chalupa for making my day.

I've been in the process of getting back into my steady workout routine.  On Monday I was invited to meet with some great ladies to do some yoga.  It has whooped on me before but I was ready.  We "yoga'd" for about 45 minutes.  It was nice outside so they all went out to walk afterwards.  I took this opportunity to get my run on.  It was more of a jog since I was running loops in a big parking lot.  I was trying to be careful with my knees.  This would be the most pavement time since Portland.  I've been using the treadmill since the weather has been extremely nasty.  I think I have to agree with Amanda that I'm suffering from a little PTSD.  Thanks Portland.  I managed to squeak in 3 miles and I felt good.  The sun was out and it was a relief to feel fresh air and get revived.

Today my legs and knees still feel good.  No problems there.  I do believe I have abs and muscles in places I somehow didn't know existed.  Seriously, it would be funny if it wasn't for a cough that has been hanging on for a week or two.  As much as I loved the outside run my lungs weren't impressed with the cold air.  Coughing + sore abs = fun. Not.

I did have another not so funny moment when I met the other ladies.  I was introduced as a runner and marathoner.  One of the ladies checks me out and says, "Wow, most runners are very slim and tiny.  You don't look like a runner."  Another classic moment for me.  I just laughed and carried on.  It does remind me of the Portland Expo.  I was looking at a shirt and the lady commented that the XL probably wouldn't even fit me.  So nice.  It didn't bother me as much then as it does today.  I'm sure the extra Halloween candy hasn't helped but I'm determined to shed the extra weight one more time.

Thanks again for being supportive and understanding what it's like to be a "runner" without being super fast or stick thin.  You guys rock.

Don't forget to enter my Bondi Band/Ponytail Hat Giveaway HERE.

Bondiband Giveaway ~ Ponytail Hat Edition

The weather here has taken a turn for the worst.  I believe Winter is officially here for awhile.  In honor of this I'm having another giveaway.  One that will make those outside winter runs a little less painful.  Here's what things look like at my house today.  This is the "nice" weather point of the day.  It's actually pouring down rain.

Rebecca from Bondi Bands was nice enough to send me one of their very cute Wicking Ponytail Hats.  I LOVE my moisture wicking headbands but I've been wanting to try one of the hats for awhile.  I've worn it several times this past week and finally got to take it on a test run.  It felt great just like the headbands do.  I tend to get overheated but with the rain and windy conditions it worked perfectly.  Light enough to not weigh me down but enough coverage to help protect from the elements.  Even after sweating and the rain my head felt comfortable.  Plus, the hats come in a ton of great colors and sayings. Great for workouts or just wearing around town.  I love mine.

 Just as gloomy & wet out the front door.

I'm very happy with my ponytail hat.  Here's your chance to win one of your very own.

The winner will get a wicking ponytail hat in the dark navy blue color(just like mine) but with the run/heart pattern below.  It is so cute and would make a great addition to anyone's running wardrobe.

Here's How To Enter ~

1.  MANDITORY ~ Follow my blog or let me know that you already do. 
2.  MANDITORY ~ Visit Bondi Band HERE.  Come back and let me know what they have new on their website or what your favorite pattern or saying is.  
3.  Add me to your blog roll. 
4.  Become a fan of "Impossible Is Nothing" on Facebook HERE.  If you are having issues linking to my page just type in "Impossible Is Nothing" above the News Feed in the search area.  My blog photo is the same for my Facebook page.
5.  Like Bondi Band on Facebook HERE.  Leave a comment that you found them through my giveaway.
6.  Make a purchase from Bondi Band.  Come back and let me know what you bought.  Each purchase will get you 5 bonus entries.
7.  Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter.  Leave a comment for each.

Entries will be accepted until Monday, November 15th.  Winner will be selected using random.org and announced on Tuesday, November 16th.  Good Luck!!!

If you would like your product or company featured on Impossible Is Nothing, please contact me at stacie615 [at] gmail [dot] com

Jessica's Gifts Winner

I'm still loving my beautiful locket that Jessica sent me.

Thanks to all of you who entered the giveaway.  I had 147 entries, that's including the bonus entries.

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: 

Result:

38Powered by RANDOM.ORG

The lucky winner of the Jessica's Gifts $25 Gift Certificate is 

 Stephanie Anne from Running To Health

Just send me an e-mail at stacie615 (at) gmail (dot) com and I'll get your info to Jessica.

Special thanks to these awesome entrants who each got 5 extra entries when they made a purchase from Jessica's Gifts.  Check out their blogs and show them some love.

Trish

RunKnitRun

Katye

Thanks again to all of you who entered!!!

If you would like your product or company featured on Impossible Is Nothing, please contact me at stacie615 [at] gmail [dot] com