Athlinks: Race Results, Friends, Rivals

Disclaimer: I am promoting Athlinks as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

Oh hello there! I’m giving the blogging/typing forum a go because I now have a soft cast on my arm. Hooray!

I’m waiting to get an MRI for my wrist and hopefully get some more answers on how we’re going to proceed from there from my doctor. It seems like a big waiting game at this point and while I’m usually a fairly patient person, it’s difficult for me to be so in this situation because:

  1. I’m in pain.
  2. I’m really bored.
  3. That’s mainly it. I’m in pain, so it’s hard to be patient when I’m hurting.

With all this free time on my hands (*cymbal crash*) I’ve had more than ample time to play on my computer and long for the days of working out and normalcy. I have my old standbys that I’ve been visiting but thanks to BibRave alerting me to Athlinks, now I have a new-to-me site in the rotation!

Athlinks is an all encompassing site for runners, cyclists, swimming and more. Users are able to create accounts, claim their race results (they had 49 listed races for me!), join upcoming events, follow their friends, and even see who their “rivals” are among their friends (those who have raced the same race as you). Spoiler: if we are rivals, you’ve probably won!

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not a competitive racer, in fact, I’m more than happy just to be out there and getting it done by any means possible.

However, prior to the arm injury, I did set the goal of a faster 5k time for 2018. Once I’m able to get back to training, I do still want to accomplish that goal. You’re able to share goal times for upcoming events; these were set before I was hurt.

The 22 minute race is a two miler, for the record. I don’t want anyone thinking that I’m getting overly ambitious!

The gang over at Athlinks is very responsive, which is always appreciated. I was having an issue adding myself to the Start List (aka participant) for the 2018 Philadelphia Hot Chocolate 5k, which I’m running representing the BibRave team, because I was only able to find the 15k distance. After shooting them a quick note, less than 20 minutes later I heard back with an answer to my request for help.

I love being able to access all of my races in one spot. While I claimed my races, it was a walk down memory lane with races dating all the way back to when I first started running in 2011. It’s interesting to see how my races been, especially when looking at times on the same course and whether I was using the race for proof of time or just having a good time with friends.

This was one of my favorite days/races! 2017 AC April Fools half

Athlinks has an app too, however I’m trying not to add more apps to my phone so I haven’t used it. Sticking with the website on the computer for now but I’ve read fellow BibRave Pro reviews that say it’s easy to use and comprehensive.

I’m looking forward to adding more results throughout 2018 and checking back to see if I’m able to hit the goals I’ve set. Fingers crossed!

Are you on Athlinks? If you’d like to hook up over there, here’s the link to my profile.

Starting 2018 with a Bang (literally)

Video blogs aren’t usually my thing but typing is hard right now so, here we go!

Disclaimer: I received pjuractive 2skin to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

SPARK Crew at Ragnar PA

At the beginning of June, I embarked on an adventure that was a long time coming. RAGNAR, PENNSYLVANIA. 

Since I’ve known Cam, she’s been talking about participating in Ragnar Relays and finally, I was able to join her and 10 of our teammates at Ragnar PA. We’ll be writing about the experience as soon as we get our collective act together, but for now, I need to tell you about Momentum Jewelry’s SPARK Crew.

I’ve been a Momentum Jewelry fan since I first saw their wrap bracelets right around the time we began our blog in 2013. A few years ago I was fortunate enough to be chosen as a brand ambassador.

You will never find me without at least one (usually multiple) pieces of their jewelry somewhere on my person. The company’s mission is to inspire and motivate and encouraging you to “living your passion”; that’s something that the jewelry does for me on a daily basis.

It only stands to reason that when I first heard about Momentum’s SPARK Crew, I knew that it would be a great fit with Ragnar. For those of you who don’t know what a Ragar Relay is, it’s when a team of 12 people (or less, if you’re an ultra runner) do a 200(ish) mile relay from point A to point B. It’s about runner camaraderie and “a free-spirited desire to get out there and experience an outdoor adventure with friends.”

Passion, adventure, friendship? Check, check, and check!

My van mates and I decided that we would morph from Ninjas (our team’s theme) into our SPARK Crew gear just before leg 13 of the race.

It was getting close to dark on the first day and we knew that many people would need an extra boost to make it through the night hours. Our task as the SPARK Crew was simple: to share the SPARK(lets) and encourage our fellow runners.

Donning our bright green shirts, we approached folks left and right, handing out the SPARKlets. At first we all felt a little awkward walking up to people but that quickly dissipated once we saw how well received and excited runners were to get the “you got this” SPARKlets.

We briefly explained our mission and wound up having some great conversations along the way. Some teams even gave us little things in return (not at all what we were expecting!).

Proceeding to the next exchange and we continued to hand out SPARKlets there, along with holding on to a few for when we saw someone struggling or just looking like they needed a boost.

We cheered “you got this” out of our van windows to runners as we drove to our next exchange. It became our van’s mantra as we wound our way from the hills of Lancaster to the hills of the Pocono Mountains. Are you sensing a theme here?

If you thought I was kidding about the hills, Ragnar even shared 50 Photos that Show How Ragnarians Tackled the Hills of #RagnarPA on their site. The picture above makes an appearance! But seriously, look at those hills. Insanity.
I loved having the chance to make an awesome experience even more awesome for others. When we push ourselves to our limits, that’s when great things happen. Thanks to Momentum Jewelry and of course, my ninjas. Cam and I will be back more with Ragnar thoughts ASAP. And remember… you got this!

Journey 2 a Million Giveaway Winner

If you’ve been hanging out with us here in our little corner of the interweb for a while, then you likely know we are big supporters of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and their annual September event, Journey 2 a Million. The event encourages folks all over the world to track and donate the miles they walk, run and/or bike throughout the month.

To support the event, we always create a team and give away prizes for most miles. This year’s winner is @Jeasmada93who racked up 130 miles for the team. Jenny, you are amazing, and we hope this little prize will show you how much we appreciate you and your miles!

alsj2mprize

Tank from Oiselle, Hat from Skirt Sports, and Wrap from Momentum Jewelry

Thanks to those that participated, and a BIG thanks to our prize partners, Momentum Jewelry, Oiselle, and Skirt Sports.

Until next year! <3<3

Momentum Jewelry: #SharetheSPARK and a Giveaway

“I love me some me.”

That’s one of my trainer’s favorite sayings and while I don’t go around saying it all the time, I can certainly relate.

I am my own biggest fan.

I have to be! When I put myself first and take care of my own needs, I’m a more pleasant person to be around. I’m more motivated, happier, and I know that I can accomplish what I set out to do.

Which is why while I am my own biggest fan, I am ALSO the biggest Momentum Jewelry fan!

cheerleader

Oh yes, I love me some Momentum Jewelry and have ever since I received my first Motivation Wrap several years ago.

strongerthanyesterday

I think it’s safe to say that I’ve picked up quite a few more along the way.

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livefearlessly

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I wear these daily – during training runs, sessions with the aforementioned personal trainer, races; any day of the week that ends with -y!

The Motivation Wraps depend in what situation I’m in and what message I need that particular day, while my Foot Note and Necklace are pretty much standard every day wear.

Now while I love me some me, I also love me some YOU. One of the things that is so great about Momentum Jewelry is that while you’re inspiring yourself, you can also inspiring others. These pieces are conversation starters, as well as wonderful gifts to pass along to friends. Just ask my fellow blogger cohorts, they’ve all been privy to my obsession.

Which leads me to the next big thing… their #sharetheSPARK campaign! For the next two months selected Momentum Jewelry Ambassadors will be sharing these brand spanking new designs with people who need a little extra spark.

sharethespark

you got this! and NEVER GIVE UP

I am so looking forward to sharing these with people I think might need a boost and also following along with the hashtag on social media. It’s going to be incredible!

Oh, I did mention a giveaway, didn’t I? I’m going to hang on to the #spreadtheSPARK wraps for now… however, I did a little Momentum shopping recently and picked up these Foot Notes. We are actually in our blogaversary month here at Scoot a Doot and for blogaversaries, you love on the people who love on you!

footnotesgiveaway

SHUT UP LEGS! and YES! you can

One lucky winner will be able to rock these adorable Foot Notes. The giveaway will be running from today until Friday, 2/19 and I’ll be emailing the winner, as well as posting on our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. If I do not hear back within a 24 hour time frame, a new winner will be chosen.

Good luck! I love me some you!

rafflecoptermomentum

Click the picture to enter via rafflecopter

BRB – I’m streaking!

runstreak

runstreak7

Two winters ago I was dealing with a lot of snow and a bit of ennui. Brooke in Florida suggested we participate in a streak and since I’m game for anything Brooke suggests, I completed my first run streak ever.

Last holiday season was a tough one and I didn’t feel like doing much of anything at all. We all have times like that, right?

But guess who’s back? Back again. (Please sing Eminem with me.) When a friend mentioned the Runner’s World Run Streak in a Facebook post last month I said to myself, “Self, this is something that would keep you accountable and moving throughout the holidays! You should do this.”

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Day 1, I hit the streets with Gemma June. Why yes, my dog has a middle name.

My healthy ways have been somewhat lacking for the past month while we remodeled our bathroom. I’m happy to report that I’m back in my gym routine and running daily, thanks to the run streak! Plus, thanks to global warming (that’s weird to say), it’s actually been pretty gorgeous here in New Jersey and I’ve been able to get outside for many of my miles.

Ran through the field at my son's school while he rode nearby and cheered for me.

Ran through the field at my son’s school while he rode nearby and cheered for me.

That’s not to say that everything is AMAZING and I love every moment. There are definitely days that I don’t want to get out there. Timing has been tough, thanks to scheduling conflicts and I’m sort of one that thrives on routines so throwing a run in midday or at night after eating dinner (blech) isn’t always easy. My favorite time to run is in the morning. But you know what? I’ve gotten it done – at least a mile a day for the past 15 days.

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Some days I push hard. Other days I just take it “easy” and when I say easy, I mean as easy as running can be. For me, it’s never easy. And that’s okay. I’ve been happy with my miles thus far and haven’t regretted a single one.

Momentum Jewelry keeps me motivated. And trust me when I say, when I'm glancing at my watch, I'm internalizing those words.

Momentum Jewelry keeps me motivated. And trust me when I say, when I’m glancing at my watch, I’m internalizing those words. I repeat them as a cadence.

When I’m out there with my dog, she’s always pushing my pace and we’re trying not to trip over each other. Okay, okay, I’m trying not to trip over her.

runstreak5

Come on, mom! Let’s go!

If the outside option isn’t available, I’m lucky to have my trusty treadmill. I like having all my senses available when I’m running with my dog so I haven’t been listening to music when running outside. When I get on the treadmill? I rock out!

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Dancing, singing, hands in the air like I just don’t care.

15 days down out of 37 – so far, so good! I’m loving this run streak and I’m happy that I’m loving it. So much of this month is dedicated to others, which is always something that pleases my philanthropic heart, but I also love having something that it mine.

My foot doesn’t hurt, my legs feel strong, and hey, it’s supposed to be a high of 63 degrees today so excuse me while I get out there!

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Have you ever done a run streak? Are you participating in the #RWRUNSTREAK? How’s it been going for you?