Weakness is a Choice! (review/giveaway)

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One thing that I have learned on this amazing journey of Fat to Fit is that life is about choices.

You can choose to change your life for the better

 or 

you can choose to sit around and do nothing about it

I am generally an upbeat & happy person, I tend to have a very open heart and try to give the benefit of the doubt to people. However, the is one thing I don't have any patience for-
that is excuses.

So-what does this have to do with anything??

Let's back up:
Several weeks ago, I was lucky enough to win a super fabulous giveaway from The Athletarian (go, check out her blog) from Fashletics. The tank top that I won was awesome-super cute AND super soft!!

The GORGEOUS Athletarian in her tank from Fashletics!

I was pretty excited about the win and spent some time hanging out around the Fashletics website. Having recently started CrossFit'ting, I was super intrigued by Sarah, the owner and creator of Fashletics. 

I liked the message that her line conveyed and she has got to be a NO EXCUSES kind of girl.

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Fashletics is a collection of handmade jewelry inspired by a passion for fitness, competition, and a strong desire to empower others who have made a commitment to a fit and healthy lifestyle. Each piece of jewelry serves a badge of honor and an expression of strength.

Fashletics is based in Miami, FL. All pieces are designed and created by Sarah Wilson who is a certified CrossFit trainer at South Florida CrossFit Endurance. Sarah is also a nationally ranked endurance athlete who competes for Team USA at the World level in the sport of Duathlon. One of the only things that rivals her interest in athletics is her strong desire to design and create. Sarah is an established jewelry designer and has been working as a metalsmith for nearly 10 years.

Ultimately, Fashletics is the result of the combination of two distinct interests. Sarah is as much an athlete as she is an artist. She takes pride in the craftsmanship of her designs and works hard create jewelry pieces that celebrate and inspire the athlete within. 

 Athletic Background:

• Certified Level 1 CrossFit Coach- South Florida CrossFit Endurance
• Certified CrossFit Endurance Coach - South Florida CrossFit Endurance
• Nationally ranked Duathlete Member of Team USA 2009, 2010
• 2010 Duathlon World Championships • Edinburgh, Scotland 

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I was also equally impressed by some of the inspirational jewelry items available, like:

• BELIEVE was "my word" for 2011
• I just love the YOU vs YOU (perfect for you Ange!)
• That kettlebell is bronze!

I got to chat with Sarah via email about a review for the Miles, Muscles & Mommyhood readers!!
She was more than happy to participate, LUCKY US!!

Sarah sent me the kettlebell and tag necklace that read "weakness is a choice"

Perfect.

The kettlebell is hand carved and cast in pewter and the accompanying charm is pewter as well. The 16" bead necklace is stainless steel.

The necklace is sturdy as are the charms. That kettlebell is heavy duty!!
It is a lovely piece that reminds me that I have a choice with each workout-
I can choose to be strong or I can choose to weak.
I am sure you know what I CHOOSE to be.
I have been wearing this necklace for about a week now and it's very comfy and Lola proof. She has not managed to break this one and I have a feeling it'll take her a while too.

As for the tank I won? I love it. It's soft, lightweight and very comfortable. Of course, it's cute and easy to wash!

I am very pleased with the items from Fashletics and I know I can take care of some of my Holiday gift shopping right with them!

Now for the exciting part-how do you get a chance to win your very own Fashletics  $25.00 Gift Certificate??

Leave a separate comment for each entry

Mandatory: You must be a follower of Miles, Muscles & Mommyhood. It's easy, just click that blue botton on the right side of the page that says JOIN THIS SITE with the little Google symbol.

• Visit the Fashletics website and tell me what you are going to get with your winnings!
• Like Fashletics on Facebook
• Follow Fashletics on Twitter
• Follow ME on Twitter
• Share the love! Tweet, Facebook, link on your blog. Tell all your friends about this awesome review and giveaway. Earn ONE entry per share per day!!
• Visit the Fashletics blog and tell me something awesome you learned.
• Tell me about a time you made a CHOICE to be STRONG.

Entries accepted until midnight on November 30, 2011 and then a random winner will be selected from all eligible entries. The winner will then be announced shortly thereafter.  

DISCLAIMER: All products that are reviewed in this blog post were provided to me for free from Fashletics. My review is my honest opinion, I am not paid for it.

Three Kona Things Thursday

How much KONA can I fit in one post??

Hmmmm-I have lots to say....

Coach's feet post Kona -ouch...but this has got to be the best picture ever!!

Kona Thing #1

First and foremost, CHRISSIE!!

Yes, as in Chrissie Wellington. As you know, we are bff's.

Yes...we are. Do I have to put up pics again??

And you probably know that she freaking KRUSHED IT IN KONA.

Now, on any given day she is an animal. A powerhouse. Just an insanely talented athlete.

This woman is made of pure guts.

Well, if you had any questions just how tough this gal is then listen up.
Remember that "little bike crash" Chrissie had just before Kona? Well, there was some pretty good road rash but she did not disclose the extent of her injuries. (read about it HERE)
but here's a line from the article that will sum it up for you-

"...doctors discovered tearing in an intercostal muscle and her left pectoral...The swim that sent Wellington to the hospital five days before the world championship was her final session leading into the race. She missed several swim workouts that week."

yup, she came from 12 back to fight for the win.

Kona Thing #2
I have to give a big shout out to several ladies who kicked A$$ in Kona over the weekend.

And how about my super awesome amazing COACH Sonja!!

photos courtsey of Sonja Wieck

Hello!! Sonja totally rocked it in Kona and finished in 10:08:44-and just check out that finish photo!!
She's amazing-I love her spirit and energy.
Swim- 1:06:42
Bike- 5:26:36
Run- 3:30:16

I am so psyched & honored to call her Coach!

Then there is Maine great, Angela Bancroft.

This summer she did Lake Placid in 10:19 and then went on to finish Kona in 10:26:00
Swim- 1:04:41
Bike- 5:37:15
Run- 3:34:57
I am so proud of her-she is such an inspiration to me.
If Sonja was not my coach, Ange would be sitting at the top of that very short list.

Then there's Mary-IronMatron- another Maine connection and awesome lady!
Mary finished Kona with a smile and executed her day as planned. She finished strong with a time of 11:21:19. Congrats Mary!!

I enjoyed following the Pro's and those triathlon buddies who were competing in Kona on Saturday!

Kona Thing #3:

I am sure most of you are aware that like the prestigious Boston Marathon, Kona is the "mecca" race for triathletes. And like Boston, you need to qualify to race unless you (Boston) run for a charity or (Kona) get a slot via lottery. This week WTC CEO Andrew Messick announced that you can now get a Kona slot if you complete 12 or more Ironman races. The more IM's you do, you will move to the top of the lottery list.

“We’re changing how our lottery works,” Messick explained. “For athletes who have done 12 or more Ironman over their career – and who are still racing – we are going to make sure that they have a chance to race Kona.

“It might take a little bit of time to cycle them all in but we feel that you should have an opportunity to race Kona once in your life if you’re a serious triathlete, are serious about the sport, are dedicated and are loyal but you just happen not to be fast. I believe that being a long term triathlete and demorating by doing twelve or more fulls…you deserve it as much as people who are super quick.

“We’ll start by the people who have done the most and start ticking them off every year and eventually we’ll get through all of them.

I get it. I really do. I have no issue with those who run the Boston Marathon as part of a charity team. I can see how this gives those triathletes who have a ton of money to spend on 12+ races who are dedicated to the sport a chance to race Kona.It just reeks of another way for the WTC to make even more money (well, they are a business and Ironman is a brand). Remember Access Ironman??

But for ME personally-
these feet will not run from Hopkington to Boylston Street until these feet run fast enough to qualify for it.
and respectively,
these arms will not stroke

these legs will not pedal

and

these feet will not run

the hallowed grounds Ali'i and Queen K until I qualify.

I might be 99 years old but...that is how I feel about it FOR ME.

(feel free to ask me again when I am 60 and still gunning for a Kona slot!! lol)

Speaking of an insane amount of Ironman races...

I have someone to introduce you to very soon.

He is on a mission and looking to break another world record.

Not for his own sake but to help a great cause.

Find out why he is Tri'ing to Give a Dam.

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Did you enter my Tough Chik giveaway yet?

There is only a couple more days to enter-

make sure you check it out