Thursday, November 6, 2014

Race #50-- Hit and Run 5k

When I first found out about the Hit and Run 5k--I couldn't wait to sign up!  A 5k combined with Wipeout-like obstacles??  Yes please!!!  We signed up as soon as registration opened.



Then I started reading reviews.  How horrible the lines were.  How the water was muddy.  Just lots of negativity.  Luckily, I had nothing negative to say and I'd definitely sign up again!

Our group was called Tangled Feet (carried over from races Cori and I have done together).  We put word out that we wanted to get a group together and we had fun group compiled!


Nicola, Steve and Kerry joined us.

When we signed up, we registered for the first wave.  And I honestly think that's why everything worked so smoothly for us.  I think the longest wait we had in line was MAYBE 5 minutes.  But I could see by the end how the lines were getting long.

I didn't take my phone because I didn't want it to get wet so I don't have any close up pics of the obstacles...only 2 far away ones.  We had brought a GoPro to use, but unfortunately the case cracked open and it met its untimely death on the water obstacle.

There were several obstacles: (And since I didn't bring my phone, I'm taking these from the Hit and Run 5k website with my commentary before it).

~Running across an inflated balance beam-type thing that was slippery with soap.  Nope--didn't make it across.



~ A wall to climb that was soapy.  The foot places were inflated and tiny so they didn't help.  You had to use the strap to pull yourself up.  I was sore for days!
 (They have a different obstacle and pic online..sorry!)

~The dreaded wall that has doors that suddenly open up and smack you.  All while there are people throwing dodge balls at you. I was so afraid of this one.  And poor Nicola went first and right at the end got smacked pretty hard.  One of race people controls it and I think he felt pretty bad.  Good news was that if you go first, you get to throw the dodge balls at your friends behind you.  Steve went last---you can imagine how much fun we had!

~The Big Balls!  I COULD NOT WAIT to try this!  They're not as big as in the show, but you still have to jump far to get to them.  I fell of the first ball.  So much fun!



~ The water obstacle where you have to kneel and crawl across this balance beam while these big balls rotate around above you trying to knock you off.  Luckily I only lost my footing once and only my left foot splashed in the water.




The run ended up being only about 2.6 miles.  Nicola wore her watch and it took us 39:45 to complete.  Not bad!

As for what goodies came in the packet--this tee and a sweatband.  There was also other tees and fun socks you could purchase.



I had an absolute blast.  Would I do it again?  Definitely--but on one condition--I would have to sign up for the first wave.  If I couldn't get the first wave, the line would be too long.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Giveaway Winner- Best Damn Race Prize Pack


Congratulations to


Mandy


for winning a Best Damn Race Prize Pack!


 Karen, email me at onceuponarun (at) hotmail (dot) com by Friday at 11 pm and I'll get you your info for your Prize Pack!!


Still need to register for the race?  You can use code AHOWELL for $5 off any race!


Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Stitch Fix Boxes #3 and #4

I've been such a bad blogger lately.  I'm just so busy and haven't been good about posting.  And I completely forgot to post about my 3rd Stitch Fix box.

Stitch Fix #3

I had another stylist this time.  Unfortunately, I thought most of the pieces were kinda boring.  Not my fav box.


Skies are Blue Baylee Crochet Detail Tank-- $48


It was okay looking hanging up


And I paired it with Mavi Freida Regular Length Skinny Jean--$118


I don't like skinny jeans and had put this in my profile.


When I put it on, the tank was too big.  But the jeans.  Oh, I loved the jeans.


They actually looked good on me and they were comfy!  But I just couldn't justify the price tag.

Verdict:  Both pieces went back.

41Hawthorn Rosa Tab Sleeve V-Neck Blouse--$58


Gator Blue but a little plain looking hanging up.



Paired with Pixley Rita Teardrop Bib Necklace--$42


I liked it!

Don't mind the weird hair!

I really liked the necklace with the shirt.


But I knew I could find one cheaper.

Verdict: Shirt--kept, Necklace--returned.

41Hawthorn Sloane Colorblock A-Line Ponte Shift Dress


Absolutely adorable!!

I couldn't wait to put it on!

 Unfortunately, it was a little too tight right below the belted area and I felt like it hit at a weird spot at the knee--should have been a little shorter.  Sad because it was so cute!


The overall total was $344.  With my credits and the Buy all discount, it would have been $238.  I decided just to keep the blue shirt.  And I was honest that this stylist wasn't my favorite.  Maybe not too nice but as you'll see below, it worked!!

Stitch Fix #4

Today when I opened my box and looked at my pieces, I was so excited!  I think this was my favorite box just taking everything out!  This stylist nailed my style!!


I love that she paid attention to the fact that I loved orange & blue, and she looked at my Pinterest!

Mystree Quentin Colorblock Pleated Fit & Flare Dress-- $68


I so loved the look of this one!


Absolutely adorable!


But I feel like the top looked weird on me.  I think the waist hit at a weird spot.

It looked cute sideways


But I feel up close, the top just looked funky on me



Verdict: Sadly returning

Skies are Blue Sergio Cut-Out Overlay Crew Neck Top--$38


I loved the design on this.


And the color!


But unfortunately, it was too big and baggy.


Verdict: Returning

41Hawthorn Chevron Cross-Front Top--$48



Really cute in the picture


But then it looked a little weird hanging up.


However, I loved it on!  I loved the print and that it was a cross-front that I could wear (usually I can't because the gap open and this one didn't at all!)

Verdict: Keeping!

Collective Concepts Vicente Pleat Detail Henley Blouse--$48


Loved the color!


But it looked a little boxy hanging up


And it was--too big


Verdict: Returning

Pomelo Downing Striped Knit Shirt--$44


Again, loved the color!


Cute hanging up--but


it fit well and was cute but I'm just not sure it's worth the price.  I feel like I could find something similar at Old Navy or Target.

My overall total was $246.  With my Styling Fee Credit and Buy all Discount, my total would have been $169.50.  Not bad and I was totally prepared to keep all of them if I liked them all.  But I only decided on that one shirt.

But overall, I was really happy with the style and look of this box.  I hope I keep this stylist!

Did I make the right decision?  What do you think?

If you'd like your own Stitch Fix, you can sign up here

http://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3868441

(it's my referral code and I do get credit)

Have you used Stitch Fix?  If so, how did it work out for you?  Or are you planning on trying one?  If so, let me know how it goes.  I love seeing all the outfits!!

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Weekly Recap- October 27-November 2, 2014

This week was a step back in running.  I have a new injury after last week's double races so I took it easy and bailed on running at the beginning of the week.  I'm not quite sure what's wrong.  I think I've narrowed it down to piriformis syndrome or sciatica pain.  Basically, it hurts from the bottom of my butt to down the top half of the back of my thigh.  Both aching pain and shooting pains.  It's feeling mostly better now (and was a slight pain during my run yesterday).  But the weird thing is it hurts to sit for a period of time.  I have to keep shifting my weight.  And I can't get to the pain with my foam roller, trigger point therapy ball or Stick.  Here's hoping it is just a temporary thing!

Monday-softball.  We won again!  But my pain really started acting up and got worse.

Tuesday--bailed on running.  I woke up at 4:30 to run but had to bail on the group because I was in pain and I knew it wouldn't be smart.

I went to a Norwex party that night for a couple of running friends who are running the Walt Disney World Marathon and raising money for Hope Water Project.

Wednesday--rest.  I went to a Chef's Dinner with Meghan (Meghan on the Move) at David's Club at the Omni Hotel.  We were absolutely spoiled!  Each month there is a featured ingredient.  October's was mango.  We were treated to wine and 6 courses of delicious food!

Thursday--bailed on running.  Kory had a client event at Animal Kingdom and I got to attend.  We had lots of yummy food and desserts (including ice cream bars!), got to see the Festival of the Lion King, and ride Everest!


Friday--rest.  I dressed as Anna for the Character Parade.

We didn't really feel like partying so we went to see Gone Girl at the Fork & Screen Theater.  I enjoyed the movie a lot but thought there were way too many holes in the ending.

Saturday--8 miles in 1:32:35.  Faith & I got up super early to run.  Time flew by!  Mile 1: 11:26, Mile 2: 10:47, Mile 3: 11:06, Mile 4: 12:19, Mile 5: 12:22, Mile 6: 11:56, Mile 7: 11:20, Mile 8: 11:15, Average Pace: 11:34.

I had a 3 hour training at Disney then I met up with Kory at Buffalo Wild Wings to watch the second half of the Florida/Georgia game.  And we actually won!!!  Woohoo!  Go Gators!!

Sunday--rest.  Meghan got in to the Disney Parks Blog Meetup to see Big Hero 6 and took me as her guest.  My friend Derek worked on this movie so I couldn't wait to see it.  I wasn't sure what I would think but I loved it!  We also got to meet Hiro & Baymax!


Even Bella got in the fun with the Baymax glasses.


Then we headed to the Magic Kingdom with 4 goals in mind--get the Haunted Mansion Dooney wristlet (check!), get Meghan the Orange Bird cup (check!), try the new waffle fries (check!), ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (no check--the line was 2 hours long!!  Why are there so many people here???  We decided to come back another time).


Total miles this week: 8
Total  miles in 2014: 308.34
Total miles: 1376.33