Holiday Gift Guide

Wondering what to get that endurance junkie in your life?? Here are some ideas...

Just an FYI, none of this content is sponsored content or advertisements. This is just a compilation of items I love using and think that any endurance junkie in your life will love them too!!

TriBling 

sweat proof and awesome

I got my TriBling last year and I just love it. I wear it all the time and do not take it off. It is a constant reminder to me of the amazing journey that has been triathlon. I recently added a 140.6 tag to my necklace, courtesy of Old Pool Glassworks. This is a great gift for the male or female on your list because the pendant comes in several different sizes and you can pick from several different styles of chain or choker. 

For the runner, they have a new PACE version pendant that was recently released as well

YURBUDS 

So, music is NOT allowed in triathlon but who says you can't rock in during training or use these to watch movies on your tablet or phone while spinning away the miles on the trainer. These are sweat proof and do not fall out for the most part. I cannot ever go back to regular ear buds after using these. Plus, they come in fun colors. Available online or in big retail stores like Target. 

Pearl iZUMi

Tri Fly IV Carbon 

I have worn many types of cycling shoes and these are BY FAR the most comfortable shoes I have worn...and they hold up very well. I hammered mine this past season and beside the sick smell, they are still in great shape. Light, breathable, quick drying and colorful!! Love love love these!!

The Easy Shot!

Not sure what size or brand to get your giftee? How about a simple gift certificate to your local running store? That way they can get just what they need and/or want! I know I got a very generous GC one year to my local shop-Maine Running Company-and hubbs could NOT have made me happier! It's win/win!!

How about covering the race entry fee for your loved one? I know that when my Dad picked up the tab for my first half Ironman, I was thrilled over-the-moon excited! When you do a lot of races or BIG races, those fees can really add up. Or for the newbie to running/triathlon/fitness, a race on the calendar is a good way to keep motivated and stick with a training plan! 

Amphipod Reflective Vest

I discovered this item this year running the Ragnar Relay...and when I saw they made it in PINK, well of course I fell in love with it. Versitle since you can wear it with anything and it'll keep you safe for those early morning/late day runs in the dar. And you won't feel like a construction worker. Available in yellow too. 

STOCKING STUFFERS

Balega Socks: The Enduro 4 No Show is my go-to long run sock, the Enduro

Injinji Socks-I love these versatile socks for every day wear, trail running and any distance run. I wasn't sure how I would feel about the "toe socks" but I like 'em!

Ava Anderson Non-Toxic Diaper Cream

Ok, so really...don't laugh. Yes, DIAPER CREAM. I was given a jar of this by an Ava representative to try after weeks of me talking about a chafe here and irritation there during training this summer. She would say "I have a cream for that..." and sure enough, she did. I have used this cream on chafe, burns, rashes and skin irritations for myself and Lola. I love this stuff!

luxuriously formulated with organic oils & herbs, rich in shea butter, and packed with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids  to hydrate, comfort, protect and soften skin. Acts as a gentle barrier cream that moisturizes and protects skin, prevents redness, and soothes diaper rash and irritated skin.

Ava Anderson Non-Toxic Lip Balm

Just good stuff in this lip balm. No petroleum. No junk. Just good stuff and soft lips. 'Nuff Said

You can order Ava Anderson products through Michelle's page or any Ava representative you know. When ordering with Michelle, use party # 19194 during checkout. 

Running Gloves-C9 by Champion

at $15 from Target, these gloves are a great stocking stuffer or gift for your favorite running buddy! The fit is great, I love the little grip dots on the palm AND the "smartphone" fingertips actually work! And I wont cry if I lose these like I would my very nice and very expensive cycling gloves...

what triathlete wouldn't want to find THIS in their stocking on Christmas Morning??

...and you can even "share" it with friends. Crazy. Awesome. 

38,000 Feet

As we speak, I am almost 38,000 feet in the air, currently over Detroit on my way back from Boulder. I have been in Colorado for the last 5 days for the Rev3 Team Summit.

I left Denver International Airport just as it was starting to snow. I guess the East Coast is getting a snow storm as well and I was thinking that it was possible that my flight would be cancelled. (NoSuchLuck) Another day to play in CO would have been pretty cool. Instead, I hung out in the airport all afternoon with my team mate, Kate, and all was well. We will find out if all is well on the ground in New Hampshire soon enough...

The month of January has been one filled with adventure, new friendships, and bonding experiences like I have never had in my life. I am so blessed that I am able to literally live a dream and live this life that I am living right now.

I could not do this without the love and support of my family and for that I am forever grateful.

So on the heels of an amazing experience in Florida with the FFtFL team and running Ragnar, I just ventured out to Colorado for the Rev3 Team Summit. 

Team Rev3 Summit

WOW>This was amazing. Awesome. Incredible. Exciting. FUN.

Getting to spend several days with the team--old and NEW--was certainly such a different experience than racing or working an event. We got to meet with our sponsors, have some great team building exercises and had a lot of laughs!
_________________________________________________________

While you wait for the entire summary of the Rev3 awesomeness that was the summit, did you know I am doing a little sock giveaway?

Go check it out! Easy to enter!

I'm a Sock Snob-Wanna Win Some?

I am an admitted sock snob.

For years, I would only wear Balega's. 

Then I discovered Swiftwick and LOVE 'em. That is all that covers my toes. 

Recently, I was asked about Injinji socks.
I have never worn them. 
I have no opinion about them...so I ask you-
Have YOU tried them?

Do you WANT to try them?
One lucky MMM reader will win some socks from Injinji. All you have to do is visit the Injinji site and tell me ONE thing you learned.

Earn a bonus entry by sharing this post!!

GOOD LUCK

"friends don't let friends wear crappy socks"

Do you think I'm SOCKSy? (giveaway!)

Socks.
I love them when they are good and hate them when they are bad.
I am very, very picky about my socks. Once I find a brand I like--that's it. HOOKED and loyal to the brand. But I would rather be sockless than wearing a pair of ill fitting socks. When I am not training, you will usually find me running around barefoot or in flip-flops.
Several weeks ago I stumbled upon SocksAddict.com on Facebook and I had to check out the site. Plus they were offering all Facebook fans a 10% off coupon and I just love a sale (right Jason?)

I be-bopped over to SocksAddict.com and the first thing I noticed was the ease in which to shop. There are categories by brand, by sport and there is even a sock finder where you can sort by gender, cut, fabric, activity etc. I spent quite a bit of time searching through all of the options available and I was very impressed with several things: the variety, the quality brands that were offered and the prices!

I love saving money when it comes to buying running and triathlon stuff-lots of times when I find a great deal online once you figure in the shipping and handling charges, it ends up not being such a good deal after all.
Not so with SocksAddict.com.
ALL ORDERS HAVE FREE SHIPPING.
Yes, FREE shipping.
There is no minimum order. There are no coupons to use. There aren't any hoops to jump through.
Simple: FREE SHIPPING.

I was also very pleased with the customer service-just like in a box store, a customer service agent will instant message you and ask if you need any assistance. If you just want to browse around the site, just say so-any questions? just ask away and they will ne happy to help!

So I "liked" SocksAddict.com on Facebook and Kevin e-mailed me a coupon for 10% off my first order (on top of their already great prices) and from there we arranged for a product review and giveaway HERE!

It took me SO LONG to decide which socks to try but finally, I decided to try out the CW-X Ventilator Compression Knee High Sock-I chose this sock because with warm weather approaching and lots of miles on my training plan, I wanted a compression sock that would soeed recovery AND be comfortable to wear while running and cycling.

That's a good lookin' pair of socks huh?

The CW-X Ventilator Compression Knee High Socks are the ideal running compression sock. Based on the Original CW-X Compression Knee Highs, the Ventilators are designed for the warm-weather athlete and offers added support, accelerated recovery and the cooling of mesh venting in key perspiration zones.

The patented built-in Kinesio Support Web supports the calf and arch of the foot, and stabilizes the ankle joint for reduced fatigue. Variable compression increases circulation in the feet and lower legs and reduces lactic acid buildup. You can recover faster after exercise and your legs and feet will feel fresher the next day.

Features:
** Anatomical Toe Design - Non-restricting toe box allows for increased functionality and movement.

** Compression and support - taping supporting the calf muscle and ankle, gradual compression aids in circulation and recovery.


** Arch support - taping stabilizes and supports the arch of the foot, reducing fatigue


** Mesh venting in key perspiration zones


** 4-way stretch fabric improves circulation.


** Moisture-wicking



Fabric Content:

60% Polyester

11% Cotton

10% Acrylic

10% Nylon

9% Polyurethane

Shipping was fast and when I got the socks, I could not wait to get out for a run in them!
Luckily for me, the socks have a nice little R and L on the foot so I know which foot was which-

The "R" told me it was for the RIGHT foot

I got them on without much fuss and they were quite comfy. I then grabbed my sneaks and was ready to head out the door. Once I got my shoes on, my heart sank.
The toe seam on this sock has a good sized "nub" of fabric on the outside of the foot next to the baby toe. It seemed no matter how much I tried to adjust the sock, I just could not get that nub into a place where it would not irritate my foot/toe. 

That nasty nub!!

I know from past experience that any kind of seam bump along that area of my foot spells
B-L-I-S-T-E-R
I was really bummed about this and took the socks off and went out in my run wearing my old stand by Balega's.
A couple days later I got out for a 10 mile run and immediately upon my return, I put on the CW-X socks and changed into my old trail shoes to do many hours of yard work. I then did 3+ hours of yard work and when I was done, my legs felt great! My old trail shoes have a much larger toe box than my Brooks Ravenna's so I did not suffer any kind of seam discomfort while doing yard work.

So why is compression important for muscle recovery?
While there is a limited amount of independent research conducted on the subject of these technologically advanced garments, studies have shown benefits include enhanced muscle stability, reduced muscle fatigue and soreness, and increased endurance; improved temperature regulation via moisture management and enhanced circulation; skin protection from UV rays; decreased risk of leg edema during travel; and increased removal of lactic acid.
~Running Times Magazine

I do know that I have certainly felt a huge difference in the amount of time it takes to recover after a hard workout wearing compression socks and sleeves. I will continue to use the CW-X socks as a recovery tool. It is my hope that after several washes, the little toe seam nub will soften or go away (???) and I will be able to run in them come warmer temps. I will even give them a go-for-a-run test in another new running shoe I am testing (shhhhh--details to come later) which also has a bit of a wider toe box.
_____________________________________________________________________
This winter I invested in a pair of wool Pearl iZUMi cycling socks; now I am not a fan of wool sweaters and could not imagine for the life of me WHY anyone would want to wear wool socks. But after doing a bit of research on the subject, I decided to give wool socks a try. I love my Pearl iZUMi cycling socks so when it came time to try out more socks from SocksAddict.com, I made the leap to not only try a new brand but to also try WOOL running and cycling socks!

There was a big sock review in the recent issue of Runner's World and they gave a big thumbs up to the SmartWool's Women's PhD Running Light Mini Crew Sock so this was my first choice.

The PhD: Running Sock

The PhD: Cycling sock

I thought since the RUNNING sock was  a good choice, I might as well try the cycling version of this sock. SocksAddict.com prices were $11.17 for the running sock (normal retail for this sock is $18.95) and $14.17 for the cycling sock (normal retail $19.95) so that was a great savings. Plus add in the free shipping and you have a great deal of savings.

I really liked both styles-it was a seamless toe and I find the breathability of wool socks is certainly something I will continue to try. I was very pleased with the SmartWool socks-not at all itchy like I thought they would be. The running version of the PhD was plush and I did not get any hot spots-I think some bigger miles are needed to truly determine if this is an "endurance" sock. But I love the colors and the fit!

Thanks to SocksAddict.com for this opportunity to try some new socks and to share the Sock Love with my readers!

Now it's time for YOU to get a chance to try out the CW-X Ventilator Compression sock I reviewed today!

How do you WIN your own pair?
Easy...as usual, you must be a follower of Miles, Muscles & Mommyhood to enter. If you are not already a follower, just click the pretty little follow button on your right or follow me in Google Reader. Now--PLEASE leave ONE comment for EACH entry!

1-MANDATORY: Visit SocksAddict.com and take a look around. Tell me which sock you would try out first!

2-While at SocksAddict.com, sign up for their newsletter (on the left hand side of the screen). Not only will you get an extra entry to this contest, you will save 10% on your first order!

3-Place an order from SocksAddict.com and get 5 extra entries!!

4-Like SocksAddict.com on Facebook and tell them Jen from Miles, Muscles & Mommyhood sent you!

5-Follow SocksAddict on Twitter and send out THIS tweet: @SocksAddict CW-X #giveaway with @milesmusclesmom get your SOCKS ON! http://bit.ly/lkBEvz

6-Got a sock horror story to share? Tell me about it!!

That is 6 ways to earn an entry into this fabulous contest!!
I am going to accept entries until May 5th at midnight and a winner will be selected at random in one of the usually ways.

Disclaimer: the views expressed in this review are mine and those of my picky little feet; I was not asked to give a positive review in exchange for products from SocksAppeal.com

5 random things on my mind today...

Socks-

Ahhh, the importance of good socks. Once I started running regularly I became quite picky about my socks. I was like Goldilocks-these are too thin, these are too thick. Too tight or too loose. Or the toe seams would drive me BANANAS!  I was wearing a couple different styles of Asics socks but they did not seem to be moisture wicking-anything over 10 miles and I was getting blisters or irritation. Then I participated in a sock swap with The Running Mom's group and my sock swap partner sent me a pair of Balega's Enduro's.

L-O-V-E
Now I try not to run in anything but my "beloved Balega's" as I affectionately call them.
Yesterday I snuck out for an almost 6-miler before dinner and I threw on a pair of the Asics socks. BAD. The toe seam was running along the top of my left foot and I could feel it just grinding into my toe. Several adjustments later and still no success. Today there is a nice little abrasion going across the tops of my toes on the left foot. Lesson learned.

What socks rock your world??

No More Candy!

Mommy Butterfly and her Baby Bungle Bee

Hubby and I took Lola out for her very first Halloween adventure. She dressed up as a "Bungle Bee" (as she calls it) and I joined the fun and dressed up as a butterfly. Lola was quite frightened of all the decorations--especially the scary ones! But after a few stops at some neighborhood houses, she got into it and had a lot of fun. We only went to a dozen or so houses and then called it a night. I ate SO many Reese's Peanut Butter Cups that I actually was wondering if I could ever feel the same about them. Turns out the next day I was pretty much over it.


Getting Wet-
I'm getting back into the pool finally! I met up with Dawn on Sunday morning and she gave me some really great tips! She also gave me some useful feedback on what I can improve on and one small change led to an AHA moment for me. I am attending a Total Immersion swim session on Sunday so I am really looking forward to learning more. I have also been in contact with Celeste (who does the clinic) about some one-on-one sessions.

Not-So-Extreme Makeover-
So did ya notice the new look of the blog? Let me know what you think! I decided to play around with it a bit yesterday and I am liking the improvements so far. It is still a work in progress so I am sure there will be more changes to come.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!

Today is my Mom's birthday and I know that nothing could be better than having me announce this on my blog-What a great gift huh?
So, here's to you Mom!! I hope that this year brings you health and happiness. Thank you for being you!

Don't forget to enter my YURBUDS giveaway!
You can find that HERE!