Biggest Loser + Deals = Fun

So many people have entered my giveaway and I'm so excited to be able to giveaway something that I feel has helped me become more nutritious, and that is saying a lot. I am the queen of fast food, and going to the supermarket is hard for me because I think that the labels would never tell a lie, which is not true. Remember to enter by posting a comment on this blog if you haven't already!

Most of you know I have a love for the Biggest Loser TV show. Last nights episode was another great one, but I really felt bad for Carla. She wanted it so badly and worked SO hard during the entire show. Where did the producers ever find Joelle? The yellow team and pink teams had it right. "Whenever Joelle opened her mouth whatever came out didn't make sense." She was spouting off about going to a higher intensity. What in the world was she talking about. Granted it showed her wandering the gym and never really 'doing' anything, but that could also be how they wanted to portray her. Either way, I'm glad that Carla can do it at home, and someone please get Joelle some help!

For working out, I'm still sore from the half this past weekend, but I have vowed that tomorrow morning I'm going to go for a short three mile jog and take it really easy. It's hard for me to run 'easier' than my normal pace, and I hope to 'learn' how to do that during my training for my upcoming marathon. I need to realize not every mile needs to be working hard and that sometimes, just getting out there and increasing my endurance and mileage are what I need to succeed.

So today I found a whole bunch of workout stuff on Sale from a bunch of random sites. Enjoy!

Nike Women's New Cardio Club Jacket. It's on sale for a variety of prices for different colors, but they are all less than the listing price of $65.00. It's Dri-FIT with a stand-up collar that looks sleek wherever you decide to wear it. The convenient full-front zip allows for easy on and off, while the side pockets allow you to carry everything you need.

Pick a color and find out the price, Get yours here!

Nike Women's New Low Impact Long Sport Top. The Nike® women's Perfect Fit Long Sport Top. Based on the timeless mesh sport top, this style will provide exceptional performance and comfort for hours of free weights or classes. The complete mesh body provides excellent ventilation to keep you cool. Designed for low-impact activities, this top provides comfort with light support. I also like the fact that it's longer, because let's be real, not everyone wants their tummy hanging out.

Normally: $36, Now: $19.97. Get yours here! (They also had these on Nordstrom.com, but only had them in an xl)

Nike Women's Pro Layering Tee. The Nike women's Pro Ultimate Short-Sleeve Top is ideal as a base layer. The ultra-fine Dri-FIT microfiber fabric provides moisture management, and ergonomic seaming with flat seam construction reduces friction. The Swoosh heat transfer is featured at the left chest.

Normally: $20, Now: $11.97 (they only have xs and s) Get yours here!

The North Face The North Face Women's Velocitee Short. The Velocitee Short is lightweight and comfortable to keep you cool and has an inner pocket and are lightly lined.

Normally: $25, Now: $15 (only have l and xl) Get yours here!


REI Microfleece Earwarmers. A fine choice for fast-paced outdoor sports, this headband protects your ears while allowing your head to vent. Features a Polartec Wind Pro lightweight fleece exclusive to REI. Polartec Wind Pro fleece offers four times the wind protection of traditional fleece without compromising breathability.

Normally: $14.50, Now: $9.83 Get yours here!

Exolite Heat Earwarmers. Exolite Heat earwarmers are triple-layered to provide exceptional warmth in a lightweight, minimalist design for cold-weather athletes. Ear coverings provide two layers of wind-resistant, moisture-wicking microfleece separated by a layer of heat-retaining Thermolite® insulation. Lightweight frames minimize pressure and bulk while providing exceptional comfort; flexible frames adjust to the shape of the head for a secure fit. Anti-microbial finish combats the buildup of odor-causing bacteria; covers are removable for easy cleaning. Reflective accents increase your visibility in low light.

Normally: $28, Now: $10.83 Get yours here!

And even though I posted about these sweet things before, I'm posting again because they are the coolest things ever. Nite Tec Ear-Warmers from REI. For nighttime running and walking, these ear-warmers provide added visibility with an LED light and a design that lets you hear more clearly than conventional ear-warmers. Inside each ear-warmer cover is a Nite Ize LED red light strip that increases your visibility in low light; light strip can be set to on, flashing or off. Patented design wraps securely 180° around the back of your head; on-demand ear sleeves lock it securely in place during high activity. Nite Ize LED light strip can be removed from the cover for washing or battery replacement.

Normally: $45, Now: $15. 83 Get yours here!

So I hope that gave you enough deals to drool over! Tomorrow I'm going to post a new recipe that is delicious and a great workout that I've been doing that has really helped me get more toned.

xoxo

100?

So I realized today that I'm posting my 97th post... My 100th post is going to knock your socks off, but I don't know if it will be my race report from this weekend, next Monday, which is an amazing 100 post in itself, but I just wanted to let you all know that I'm having a SICK giveaway for this milestone. It might not be mentioned in my 100th post specifically but right around then get ready to get the best book ever that just came out that I'm obsessed with already. So that is just a little hook to keep you all coming back for more, and of course I'll post a race report complete with horrible pictures of myself and others. I'm planning on making that shirt tonight or tomorrow as well. I'm going to also get paint thinner today on my lunch break because guess what! Paint doesn't come off with just water. My hands are covered in white paint right now and I don't know how my co-workers would feel about that during the production meeting later today. :) That was maybe the most random paragraph I've ever written. You understand, I know.

Of course I have some Thursday finds to lighten up your wallet a little bit as well.

The Women's Asics Reflective Short Sleeve Tee in White (Sorry girls, they only have a Medium left) This elite running t-shirt offers 50+ UPF protection, protecting you on bright, sunny days. There is binding at the neckline, an exclusive Hali reflective graphic and an ASICS® reflective logo. It was $24.99, but is now only $14.99.

Get yours here!

Then there's the The Reebok® Mission women's Tee that has a lot of sizes left and comes in Black, White and Aviator Blue. It's crafted using PlayDry®, Reebok®'s moisture-wicking performance fabric that draws sweat away from your skin to help keep you cool and dry at all times. The forward side seams help prevent uncomfortable abrasion against your skin. It's cute and looks like it would fit well and is a steal because normally it's listed at $17.99, and now is on sale for $9.97.

Get yours here!

Then this is the DEAL OF THE DAY! Show your support the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer with the Reebok® women's Avon Pink Ribbon Tee. Super cute for working out, or just wearing as a tee. This cotton tee features the pink ribbon logo printed on the front. Normally $19.99, now only $4.97.

Get yours here!

If you are a beginning runner, or starting training for a 5k or 10k, Check out OZ Runner's Blog. He's a Kansas guy and just started running 6 months ago, but this list that he posted can speak to any runner, especially beginners. I would just straight copy it, but then I would feel like I was stealing, so check it out. It has so many great tips and insights and it's very encouraging.

I'm so ready for the race to be here already! I haven't done much running this week, but I will get in around eight miles tomorrow and Saturday to make sure I'm ready. I feel ready and have been overloading on sleep and pastas, so that should be good for Sunday as well.

xoxo

Seriously Lost

Last night I watched Lost with my roommate. I've never seen an episode before and it was quite the experience! I know I was too far behind to ever really understand EVERYTHING that was going on, but it was interesting none the less. My roommate is a hardcore Lost fan so it was pretty intense!

Anyways, not much to post about today but I did do the Biggest Loser Workout Video again this morning. I feel like it gets me off to a great start of my day and that it really helps in the sculpting areas. I always thought videos were stupid and wouldn't really work, but sometimes it's nice to take a break and just relax and do a video in the privacy of your own home. I have the Biggest Loser Power Sculpt video and believe me, it leaves me incredibly sore, but in a good way.

For the ladies, after yesterdays skirt extravaganza, I didn't have too many deals for you but perhaps tomorrow I'll find some more. :) I tried to diversify my finds today to even include, gasp! Boy Runners! :) Just kidding, I love you all equally.

So for the ladies,I found these Nike Tempo Shorts. I have a pair just like this in black and pink. They are on sale at Nordstroms for $17.90, when normally $28.00

They are nice and fit well and work great for the longer runs, which will be what I'm doing this Saturday.

I even found some other sick deals to share.

For the boys. The C9 Tech Muscle Tee for $3.99.

Also for the boys I found another Tech Tee that normally sells for $22.00 and is on sale for $6.83

For the snowbirds, I found some Arm Warmers that were normally $19.50 and are on sale for $6.83

I also found these super cool Ear Warmers that were normally $45.00 and now are only $15.83. Oh and they have LIGHTS on them that can be set to flashing or off, especially great for night runners! I feel like these could be super cool like the Nike Hatphones!

Tonight I'm going to a great resturant in Long Beach with my Olie cousins and my Grandpa and Grandma to celebrate their birthdays! So until tomorrow...

xoxo

PS Do any of you know of any websites/places to get a good deal on a new TV. I am looking for a smaller one for my room. I want it to be flat screen LCD. Thanks! :)

Running Skirt Review!

So I got my first (and still only) running skirt from Target. It was normally $19.99, but I found it on the clearance rack for only $4.98. At this time I was still skeptical but wanted to give it a shot and I didn't even really know what it would feel like to run in a skirt.

I decided to wear it for my last 1/2 marathon and it was AWESOME. I'm not one to do it for the 'I want to be feminine, or show boys that I can run too', but it was a just a really great feeling to run in a skirt, and I didn't even feel like I was running in a skirt.

Obviously the pictures aren't of myself, but I thought this picture showed how loose fitting they are, and how they really help with the chafing issue that some girls might have in shorts. They are not tight around the thighs and have some give in the material. Since they are a spandex mix, they are stretchy and don't give you any restriction when you run at all. I was nervous that they would chafe the front of my legs from taking each step, but that wasn't an issue at all. Since they are so loose fitting they feel great when you run. Usually they have a band at the top to keep the skirt on tight as well, or some have a drawstring or a tie. They come in many different lengths too so if you want to show off your legs, opt for a shorter one, and if you are not into the super short ones, go ahead and go for a little bit longer one.

So how does the skirt not flop up and expose your underwear? I didn't really understand how this part of the skirt worked, but was glad that there were built in shorts!

This is actually the exact skirt I have, and all the running skirts have built in little shorts or briefs, depending on the model. I really thought these were great inside the skirt. They weren't too short or restricting at all, which I thought might be an issue. The shorts are just a little bit shorter than the skirt, so if the skirt does flop up when your running everyone doesn't get a show. I really thought they were comfy and moisture wicking, which is the key in warmer climates. Another great feature about the running skirt is that they don't ride up like normal shorts at all. You're not constantly putting down the band and the skirts fit so well.

If you look at this picture, you can see how stretchy and not restricting the skirt is. I was really surprised with how great it felt to run in. I'm not for any woman's liberation movement or being super sexy when I run, but I did find it to be a great addition to my running clothes. If you see one on sale, don't be afraid to try it! It's shape is flattering on everyone and though you might feel a little silly, it's fun to race in and super comfortable. I'm all about comfort when I'm running so that was a huge plus for me. Also many of them have a little pocket just like many shorts do. Once you get used to the fact that yes, you are actually running in a skirt, and no, no one will see your underwear, it's pretty amazing!

If you are in the mood to find a running skirt to give a try, check out these links.

GearX Prana Women's Mini Skirt - $45.95 - plain black running skirt.

TriSports Women's Running Skirts - 8 different skirts in different colors on sale ranging in price from $19.97-63.97.

Sports Authority Nike Women's Running Skirt - Gray or White longer skirt, $39.97

Target C9 Pink and Black Running Skirt - on sale for $17.99

Target C9 Blue Running Skirt - on sale for $9.99

You can find a majority here but they don't really have sales - Running Skirts
PS Sara sent me this link to Holabird Sports and they have a ton of great deals! Check out their stuff here!!! Also remember to check your local running attire supplier to see if they have any on clearance!

Last night for my workout I decided to just run 6 miles to top of my total for the day at 10.5 miles. I did some striders and stretched really well after too to help my legs get some life back into them. Today I'm going to run stairs after I get off work. I can't believe how gorgeous the pictures were from my run yesterday morning, and I'm sad that the weather man is reporting rain for the next FIVE days. When am I going to get my runs in? Off to the dreadmill it looks like for me! So the moral of the story is give running skirts a chance! You might be pleasantly surprised, and if not, then send them my way! :)

Also, about the biggest loser! The show is getting pretty intense and I was very sad to see Damien go, but also super glad that him and Nicole are doing it by themselves and look great! There were a lot of parts of the episode last night when I was thinking to myself, NO WAY! Joelle, Seriously, get your act together girlfriend. I can't believe the work she barely squeeks by with. What a let down for Bob! It was another crazy week with the weigh-in and I hope they all continue to do well! I can't wait for next weeks episode when everyone is reunited. I cannot believe Blaine and Dane did what they did, but now team play is ON! :)

xoxo

Wind = Fire.

A year ago when I moved out of Irvine, I thought I wouldn't have to deal with the fires again, and I was wrong. This weekend the wind kicked up and it was a blazing 95 degrees on Saturday at the Oakley sale. (In which Mr. R bought a pretty cool jacket) I knew a fire would be coming, I just didn't know where. This time the fire is about 5 miles away from my work.

This is a picture from Mr. R's school, the lunch area. Those are not clouds, that is smoke and this picture was taken at 11:00 am. His school is about 2 miles from the fire, and some of the students and teachers had to be evacuated. Please keep everyone in your prayers. The only fire related thing that has affected my house is that there is ash everywhere.

Last year it was 5 miles away from my school. Two totally different locations and yet the fire follows me! Ah! Anyways, the fire has basically led to no outside participation in anything this weekend. Thus no running. Alas, I'm back to the gym for Amp'd Abs tonight, and I think I'm going to do 20-20-20, which is run, bike, and elliptical for 20 minutes each. I like that routine because it's a nice mix up of all different muscles.

Anyways, Nordstrom Rack had some sick deals this weekend and I went a little holiday dress crazy. I will take pictures soon, but as for now, I got two Trina Turk dresses, a Tory Burch Dress and a Max Studio dress. Talk about bargain shopping, these were the normal prices,

Tory Burch - $450 - Nordstrom Rack Price $170 + 60 % off = $70
Trina Turk - $ 395 - Nordstrom Rack Price $ 125 + 60 % off = $50
Trina Turk - $395 - Nordstrom Rack Price $ 88 + 60 % off = $35
Max Studio - $250 - Nordstrom Rack Price $ 60 + 40% off = $36

If I bought those dresses all regular price it would have been over 1,600 dollars. How ridiculous is that? Anyways, now I have all my holiday dresses bought and hung in my closet and I am absolutely in love with them all, I'm obsessed with sales racks, to say the least. The best part is I already have shoes and tights to go with all of them, and I can wear them all to work. Killing many birds with one stones. Okay enough justification.

So all us runners like to celebrate right? A glass of champagne every now and again? Well my friend over at Leaving and loving on a Jet plane, who blogs about her life while her husband is away with the Air Force, is giving away these PINK adorable Marie Antoinette Coup Stemware from Pottery Barn. I'm obsessed with them and you can enter the drawing here. Hey, you could even give them to someone you love this Christmas. :)

As for the upcoming Runner's Christmas list... if you have any ideas email me at danicakoo@gmail.com, but it's coming together! :) It will be posted on December 1st, which is coming up soon!

Dreadmill Wars

The other night I was at the gym and running on my favorite machine, the treadmill. There was an elliptical between me and the next treadmill which a father like man was running on. I got on and knew I had to do a little bit more than just a jog, so I decided that I would run for 30 minutes, and every five minutes would up my speed by .5.

This allowed me to get in a faster workout indoors, but I'm pretty sure the guy next to me thought I was questioning his fitness level and decided that he needed to go as fast as me, if not faster. We started at 6 mph, and then I ended at 9.5, and he got off the treadmill at 8. It was just hilarious to see him trying to keep going, and not realizing that I wasn't trying to race him, or even run with him.

Tonight I'll be going for a jog again at the gym, and some weights. Tomorrow morning up early to get in a few miles before work and another big football game. I was going to run to my voting location yesterday, but awoke to pouring rain and thought it wasn't the best idea for me to do such a thing so early in the morning. I am looking forward to getting back into the routine, but unfortunately for me, after daylight savings time happened again, I cannot be out running as much after work because by the time I get off work it's already pitch black. I get pretty scared running around with many cars in the nighttime.

So for some deals I found. From Eastbay, I found these really cute and colorful Nike Shorts.

They are called the Nike Graphic Boy Short and have printed mesh side panels. They are Dri-Fit with spandex and have a 3.5" inseam. They are short and fun, and I love them! Normally they are 34.99, and now they are only 24.99. Get them here.

Also, from See Jane Run I found this super cute jacket.

The retro Piper Jacket by Horny Toad zips up your look from warm up to cool down with what's called Shakedown fabric. It's a soft brushed knit lined jacket and has a wicking-enhanced finish. There's also the racing stripes on each sleeve, piping on the chest, ribbed cuffs and hand-warmer pockets. They have a lot of cute stuff at that website, but find the jacket here.

For the winter months with are no upon us, I also found this lovely number.

It's super cute and bright as well, which would be great for night running! The SportHill Infuzion Splice Top is a versatile multi-season piece, and I would probably be caught wearing it everywhere. Swift Technology offers the essential balance of insulation, breathability, moisture wicking and wind block for all winter sports. This no-bulk fabric works exceptionally well as a base layer for extreme winter weather or activities. Swift is also a great single layer mid-weight fabric for chilly, less-extreme days and activities. This super soft and stretchy top allows for a full range of motion so that you can perform at your best no matter what the activity or the temperature! It also has flatlock seams to eliminate chafing. Hooray! Normally $79.00, on sale right now for $39.50. Get it here.

I am still patiently awaiting the arrival of my Nike+ Half Marathon Garb, I cannot wait for that Tiffany's key chain. Friday I'll have a new recipe to share, and also maybe some more good running finds, including a review of the Power aide Zero.

xoxo

Giveaway?!

This morning I was going out on a quick jog before work, and I wore my Nike headband to keep my ears warm. I was jogging along, happy as a clam, and then my left ear bud started getting caught in the headband. I tried to quickly adjust it, and in the process it came out of my ear and was flopping around. Before I knew it it was caught in the chain length fence, and RIPPED FROM IT'S CORD! WHAT!



I loved my ear buds, so I'll be soon purchasing a new pair. I completed the run with one ear bud, and oddly enough it was kind of a good idea because I was much more alert to my surroundings. But seriously, I run along side a chain length fence for about 200 meters of my 3 mile run, and it got ripped apart so easily. I wish I had my camera on my run because I turned around, and the ear bud was just hanging there on the fence. Though sad, I had to laugh. I got home and took a picture of the lone bud, that's what you're seeing above.

So besides that, I wanted to reward my chic readers! I'm hosting my very first giveaway! I'm going to be giving away a personalized Marathon Pace Band from Marathon Pace Band.com. I know I have many marathoners out there, and if you don't already have one, you need to get one, so enter my drawing! I know running even mile splits is very important when you run a marathon, especially to meet your goal. It can also be difficult to remember twenty-six splits.



The "Marathon Pace Band" is unique in many ways. The band itself is made of soft polyester material that fits most wrist sizes. This fabric eliminates chafing and fits snugly making it easier to focus on your mile splits. The ink on the pace band is part of the material making it impossible for your splits to be removed no matter the weather conditions, or who throws water on you at the first station. The band is four inches long making the font size of your splits easy to read. You can use the pace band on all your training runs leading up to the marathon because it can be washed like any other piece of clothing. On the other side of the splits, you can get an inspiration message. For me, I would put, "Go for the Chalupa," or maybe "Mmmm think of your Crunchwrap!"



This little guy is all yours and personalized with your goal time, splits to match the goal, and your personalized inspirational message! All you have to do is leave a comment with your Personal Record, and what race you got it at. Enter by next Friday, the 31st and I'll draw the winner on Monday!

Also I found this great shirt, especially since the winter months are approaching quickly, not that I would know, it's still like 90 here every day! It's an Adidas American Essentials Long Sleeve Tee for Women.



On sale for only $19.97, where normally it goes for $39.99
The Adidas women's American Essentials Long Sleeve Tee incorporates moisture-wicking Clima365 and ClimaLite performance technologies into a clean, under-stated design. It's super great for running outdoor in the winter, and I love Adidas durability of their workout clothes. I still run in a pair of ten year old shorts made by them! You can purchase it here.

Thanks for all the positive feedback about my last post. I am so glad to have such a great community of bloggers and running buddies that are so inspirational as well! :)

Good luck to all the racers out there this weekend. I've decided to run a few shorter races around town in between now and the Huntington Beach 1/2. I will be doing the Long Beach Turkey Trot, in which I haven't decided if I am going to run the 5k or 10k yet, and I will also be doing the Quench the Fire 5k at El Dorado Park in Long Beach on December 7.

** Didn't mean to leave out all the marathon hopefuls! Just put in any PR for any race if you want to win. What was I thinking!!! :) **