Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Bestowed Review and Roots Giveaway!

Have you heard of Bestowed?

Bestowed is a wonderful way to find new, healthy products. It's like getting a goodie bag in the mail each month. Only it's a goodie box filled with samples of the latest health snacks, supplements, drinks, etc. Each item is selected by celebrity nutritionist, Heather Bauer.

Recently, I received a Bestowed box and thought it would be great to take on our road trip to Columbus, OH. Six to seven hours depending on traffic and kids' potty breaks, it's sure to come in handy. Sure enough!

I opened up my Bestowed box to find samples of Zico Coconut Water, Artisana Raw Acai Berry Nut Butter, GimMe Roasted Seaweed Snacks, Herban Essentials Oil Towelettes, a TrueBar, a coupon for a free item from Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods Products, and Roots - organic, powdered vegetable and fruit, super food supplement that you add to water and drink, the ones in my box are blueberry flavored. Some of these were items I had not heard of previously and some are items I've been wanting to try. All of the food items are organic and non-GMO which is incredibly important to me. So, right away, I was pretty excited about my Bestowed box.

My whole family got in on the sampling. I've been wanting to try coconut water for a while now but just had not bought any. Now, thanks to Bestowed, I don't have to buy it to find out that coconut water is not for me. I drank some and thought, "it's not horrible" then I gave it to Fred to try. He said, "Oh, that's awful. Here kids, take a drink." That went over well... So while the coconut water wasn't a hit with us the TrueBar was. We all loved it and now I have another organic snack option that my kids will eat. The  Artisana Acai Berry Nut Butter was also a hit. It is kind of like peanut butter and jelly all rolled into one. My kids both liked it. The roasted seaweed snack, however, wasn't as well received...

How Do You Get Your Own Bestowed Box Each Month?

Unfortunately, it's not free. It is only $19 a month though, shipping included. Which is a small price to pay for a fun box of organic, non-GMO, health products. It's easy to spend that much on one organic product only to find that it may not be something you will purchase again. You can also give Bestowed to someone as a gift by signing them up for a 3, 6, or 12 month gift subscription! How cool is that!?!?

Be sure to check out the Bestowed website for more info on the products they carry!

My Bestowed box contained not one, but two samples of Roots! 

Which means, GIVEAWAY!!! 

Just 'Like' and 'Share' this review on Facebook and you will be entered into the drawing to win one of the samples! 
Visit our FB page to let us know that you did indeed 'share' the review. 

Peace, Love, Happiness!
~Bekah


Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Product Review & Giveaway: Heads Up Bands A Company with Heart

I was the lucky recipient of a Heads Up Band recently. When I say lucky, I really do mean it as it has been my new daily fashion accessory! Let me be honest with you...if something isn't cute I am not wearing it no matter how good it works. Luckily, this product completes both of those tasks. It is cute and functional!

How did Heads Up Bands originate?

"Heads Up Bands was born from the devastating diagnosis of breast cancer. When your hair grows back with all its crazy curl, yes think Mike Brady; these handmade bands were a necessity. Receiving compliments & inquires about these curl controlling bands it was clear that a negative could be turned into a positive!  The name Heads Up Bands was chosen because we believe in the following rules; live simply, dream big, be grateful, give love, laugh out loud & always keep your head up to see the good in the world, the promise of discovery & to move forward!"

Heads Up Bands on the Run...

I have wore my Heads Up Band on at least 10 runs now, one RPM class, & during all my weight lifting workouts. Actually, I haven't had a workout without it! I guess you can say it is a staple. 
Me and my band are on the left!
The band helps take notice off the fact that I have no make-up on! ;)


When looking at the selection I chose a thick, sparkle band that is super cute! It glitters in white and silver. The prices of the bands are very reasonable and it is completely hand washable. It also stays exactly where you put it on your head. Even run after bouncing run! It also keeps all my flyaway hair in tact. 

I can't say enough good about my hair band from Heads Up Bands. It is fully functional, completely adorable, and a must have! If you would like to look at their products check out their website here. You can also visit their Facebook page here.

Would you like a chance to win one of your very own?

If so, complete an entry by going to our Sexy Mother Runner Facebook page here. Then share the post. You can share the post as many times as you like. So, share the post on your page, your friends, or a group you are in. Each time you share it you receive a giveaway entry for a Heads Up Bands! You want to know the best part?! There will be 2 lucky winners for the giveaway! Enter today...and tomorrow...and the next day! 

*Winner will be announced on Sunday, July 28!

Good luck!

~Danyelle






*Winner must provide their mailing address in a private email to sexymotherrunner@yahoo.com to claim their prize. 

Friday, July 19, 2013

Featured Friday Runner: Meet Tara!

Every runner has a story...

At Sexy Mother Runner we believe that sharing those stories is a great way to share the gift of running while motivating others. When I read Tara's story it took me back to all of the reasons why I started running. So much I can relate to. It's almost as though running was invented specifically for Moms but no one tells you that. They just expect you to figure it out for yourself. After you read Tara's story, please share it with your friends. You never know who might be needing that little push in the right direction. 

Meet Tara:


First, I just want to say that my story isn't necessarily special or different from anyone else's except for the fact that it's mine.  I started for reason similar to lots of other people's reason, and I continue because of the same reasons :)

I started running October 10, 2010...10-10-10...easy to remember my runversary.  My youngest son was 3 weeks old, and his "older" brother wasn't yet 1 (SUPRISE!!!).  Sage (my second) was premature, born 6 weeks early and 4lbs3oz due to preeclampsia.  PE also helped me put on close to 70lbs while I was pregnant with him.  Thanks to the short time span between the boys, I never lost the weight I put on with Sage yet continued to tack it on while pregnant with Brannon.  After B was born, I was exactly 100lbs from what I was when I got pregnant with Sage.  I battled post partumn depression with all 3 of my kiddos, but wasn't off my meds.

I started running to lose weight (I wanted runner legs...which meant I had to become a runner) even though I was never a runner before.  I was the girl who told my BFF "I only run if someone is chasing me".  It wasn't easy physically, but mentally, it was EXACTLY what I needed.  I was off my medication within 6 weeks of starting.....and have never gone back.  What I found on the road was peace of mind.  I found something I could control when everthing else in life was being dictacted by a newborn, a 1 year old and a 7 year old girl-child.  It was the only thing I had total control over.....and I needed that.  I needed something to happen because it was what I wanted to have happen (goodness knows that doesnt happen with children, lol!)

Eventually, the weight started coming off.  I didn't really follow the scale that much....I know in May of 2011 I was down 60lbs but the happiness and sanity I got from running replaced the happiness from success with the scale.  I felt better.  I was a nicer person.  I was happier and healthier which in turn, made me a better mom and wife.

Fast forward to now.....I have a 25:23 5K (hoping for sub 25 this summer!!), 3 half marathons under my belt (2 more in the next 5 weeks and then I will be a Half Fanatic...whoop whoop) and I just signed up for my first full on September 28.  Safe to say, no one needs to chase me anymore to get me to run :)  Weight-wise.....I'm down over 100lbs....currently LESS than when I graduated high school.  The best part, my husband tells me often that I look better today than the day we got married.....I'LL TAKE IT!!

I have said it before, MANY times....running saved me.  It gave me the outlet I needed.  It gave me the sanity I needed.  It gave me confindence because all the things it "gave" me, I had to get out and earn myself.  

Tara is also one of the writers for the 'Pistol Packin Mother Runners.' Be sure to check out their blog and Facebook Page!

We need more stories for our 
Featured Friday Runner series! 
We would love to hear from you! 


Email us at sexymotherrunner@yahoo.com with 'Running Story' in the subject line. 

Sunday, July 14, 2013

My Virtual Run With You!

What a great way to start the morning...with a virtual run with you! My alarm went off and I knew you were counting on me as much as I was counting on you.
Ready to run with you!

The most efficient way I prepare for a morning run is by having all my gear laid out the night before. Let me be honest, my brain is too foggy to think about all those things when I just wake up. I laid out my running clothes (Wore my favorite tank from Old Navy...I so wish they still made it :(!) , running socks (Today I wore my Thorlo's), running shoes (Skora's), running head band (Wore my new one from Heads Up Bands), and the necessary iPod all charged up with my radio head headphones last night! After attaching all of these items to my body I gulped down a cup of Joe grabbed my phone, turned on Run Keeper, messaged y'all on fb, and I was off!

The first song that popped on was PINK! I knew this was a start to a good day! I pictured all of you running with me. I pictured all of the states that we might be running in and just smiled. You kept me just as accountable as I kept you. What a Win/Win!!

Honestly, I have not ran since June! The Steamboat Classic Race was the last date I can remember. From that point on I worked like a dog preparing for my 20 year reunion and vacation. I fully intended this run would be difficult and it wasn't easy, but it was AMAZING! Do you ever have those runs that were "Just what the doctor ordered?" Yea, that was me today and I credit that to all of you being with me! The sweat
Where did you run with me at?
poured off me. It was 73 degrees when I started. One thing to know about me is that I hate running in the heat. I am that girl that overheats, turns a ravishing bright tomato color, and then receives the most prickly cold chills followed by a strong urge to throw up. Yea, it is great to be me in the summer! Mostly what keeps me going is my mind. I am strong-willed. I find if I wrap my head around something that I will achieve it no matter what it is. I am not a quitter. Determination will get you far in life if you let it. No, I am never fast or first or the best, but I always finish what I start...always...nobody can ever take that from me or YOU! Remember a mile is a mile no matter how fast you go, a degree is a degree no matter how long it took you to earn it, and losing a pound is still a pound even if it took you a month to work that bad boy off!


Today I tried the Galloway Training program for the first time. I have to give 100% credit to my friend Beth who I watched put this plan in action during the Steamboat Classic race. I was intrigued and asked her about it. Yes, I heard about running and walking races but I had that stubborn mindset that you must "run" the entire race to consider completing it. Yea, that thought is stupid. Yes, I just wrote stupid and feel guilty. Stupid is a banned word in our house. Well, while I am at it...stupid, stupid, stupid...alright it's out of my system now. The Galloway system consists of running 3 minutes, walking 1 or running 4 minutes and walking 1. I really enjoyed it and Beth was right, I still finished at the same pace. Even better, it was fun! I may keep using the Galloway Training plan as I think this might improve my pace. Thanks Beth! Beth is a good friend as she also encouraged me at the end to sprint in with her at the Steamboat Classic. She knew I could do it. I did, too. However, I do this strange thing during the end of every race where I slow down even though I have energy. I don't know why I do it. Remember running is your own mental head game....I am still trying to figure this part out about myself. Running is like going through therapy...just peeling the onion one peel at a time.

As I continued to run with you I started to day dream as Maroon 5 came on. Yes, Adam Levine was singing to me. Yes, I day dreamed further. Kinda like this...

~and this~

Okay, decided not to post this picture...lol! :)
My husband is laughing at me right now! 
Love my husband! 


Then out of the blue two giant Wolfhounds came out of nowhere barking at me. Dream Ended. My heart is pounding in my throat. After I fully recognized that they were contained I went back and took their picture. Thank god for the fence. Yikes!

The last mile I spent saying things like "If Freddy Krueger were chasing you I bet you would run faster!" Yes, welcome to the crazy in my head...and yes, I know YOU do it, too! How do I know? Because you are a runner! All of my lifelong friends remember that we watched Freddy Krueger at a sleepover in 5th grade together and I am still as terrified of him and all scary movies 28 years later! Yea, I still wonder what this Mom was thinking letting this be an appropriate sleepover movie...good times. I am sure my Mom wondered as well since I slept with her for an entire year after. Hey, let's look at the positives...I ran faster today!


Then I came to what all runners in our subdivision refer to as the "BIG HILL".  It sure doesn't look too bad in a car, but to a runner it is a big challenge and because I am stubborn I NEVER walk the "BIG HILL"! All of us talk about the "BIG HILL" and what we do mentally to complete it when we run. For me, I run to the top and high five the "No Outlet" sign!                                RUN DONE!!!
"BIG HILL"
I like to pretend I am reenacting the movie the Great Outdoors
when I run this "BIG HILL, BIG HILL" (BIG BEAR, BIG BEAR!) lol!


My high-five end of run sign!
The end of my run corresponds nicely
with "No Outlet"! Very symbolic!
Another 3 1/2 miles were on the books. I was drenched in sweat, stunk to the high heavens, and I loved every minute of it! Thank you for joining me today! The challenges are not ending here though. There will be a challenge every.single.day this week! Tomorrow's challenge is strength training! Tomorrow I am signing back up at Gold's Gym! I always take the summer off each year and it is time to sign back up. At 10:00 a.m. CST I will be going to Body Pump class! Who wants to join me at their local gym? Aren't a gym member? No problem. Here is a strength training challenge that you can do at home!

*Monday's Strength Training Challenge
This should be completed in circuits of 25
25 push ups
25 sit-ups
25 squats
25 jumping jacks
1- 30 second wall sit
1 - 30 second plank

Repeat this circuit 4 times!

So have fun and report back to me! Each person that completes the challenge and reports back receives an entry to win a FREE Spartan Race registration. Spartan Races are the bomb! Winner will be announced on Sunday, July 21! Make sure to continue checking our Facebook page for more challenges this week!

Challenge yourself with me!

~Danyelle

*Remember you should consult a physician before starting any workout program! You should only complete what you are comfortable with. I am not a physician or a trainer and you are completing these challenges under your own liability.




Friday, July 12, 2013

Featured Friday Runner: Meet Mike

 Every runner has a story...

At Sexy Mother Runner we believe that sharing those stories is a great way to share the gift of running while motivating others. We have only had a few men share their story as our Featured Friday Runner so today I'm extra excited to introduce Mike! This man is so motivating. He has accomplished so much in the two years that he has been running. If you are not currently following his FB page, you need to! 

Meet Mike:


I'm Mike, aka "Run Nerds Rock!" I have a wife and 3 beautiful daughters. My wife Melissa started running to get into shape and she was making me look bad so I decided to get off my butt and do something about it. 

I got into running May 2011 because I wasn't happy with myself. My first run was on May 11, 2011 of 1.9 miles and I thought I was going to die. At that point the journey began. I started running as a way to get in shape and loose some weight. I lost 60 lbs and haven't looked back since. My highest weight was 235 lbs. I started running and eliminated pop from my diet completely. That was the only thing I changed. Took out the pop, and added running of course.  

My God and my family are most important to me.  I try to get my runs in around family time. I either go real early or after the kids are in bed. 

I completed my first Marathon April 2012 in St. Louis. In 2012 I completed 8 half marathons, 5 full marathons and 3 ultra marathons and have completed over 40 races since I started running coming up on 2 years May 11, 2011. I have met some awesome friends!! 

I am very lucky to have such an amazing wife, family and friends that support my passion. It is something my wife and I both love and can share together. I completed my first 100 mile Ultra at the Indiana Trail 100 on April 20th, 2013. That's right, a 100 mile ultra marathon after less than 2 years of running. I have not missed a day of running outside at least 1 mile since November 23, 2011. "Keeping the Streak Alive, One Mile At A Time." I'm a Run Nerd!! 


I have a dream to one day qualify and run The Boston Marathon. If you put your mind to something and try hard enough, anything is possible.  I decided to start a Facebook page in hopes to get others to run and get healthy by sharing running stories along the way while giving you useful information.  You can find me here https://www.facebook.com/runnerdsrock on Facebook or at http://www.runnerdsrock.blogspot.com/  

If you would like to share your story with us, we would love to hear it! 
Just send us an email at sexymotherrunner@yahoo.com with 
'Featured Runner' in the subject line. 


Sunday, July 7, 2013

Running Therapy


Mostly, I'm a happy go lucky kind of girl. Sure I have my problems but who doesn't. I usually try to find the humor in bad situations and make the most of them. Complaining all the time solves nothing, only drags others down with you and really that's just no fun. I will never forget, a friend posted on Facebook that she was complaining to her dad about normal stuff and his response was something along the lines of, "there are women in villages in Africa who are being beaten and raped every day and it will never get better for them." So much for complaining about the poor service you got at lunch... wow! Now every time I get depressed about something I think about what my friend's dad said and then feel like a schmuck for complaining. Really, none of my problems are that bad. So, I try to always look on the bright side. Sometimes, even when you are looking on the bright side, you still hurt.

This last week was a very difficult week for me and finding the humor was especially difficult. My oldest daughter decided on Wednesday that she was going to move to California... on Friday. She has been wanting to move there since she graduated high school two years ago. She researched different areas, jobs, schools, but never went. Something always kept her from leaving. Last week, she decided it was time. She left Friday morning.


Ready to start a new adventure and the
next chapter in her life!




To say I've been a mess is really putting it lightly. The hardest thing was having no time to adjust to the idea of her leaving. The decision was made, a plan was formed, and she was gone. It was so quick. I spent all day Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday going back and forth between feeling sad and feeling worried. I cried a lot. And then I would think about people with very serious problems that I do not have and I would tell myself to knock it off and get a grip and be thankful for the good things in my life. This cycle went on and on, like my last run-on sentence... I'd be sad, then I'd try to suck it up and be thankful, then I'd be sad again.
See, C R A Z Y.


Saturday morning I met some friends for a much needed run. When I showed up, one of my friends said, "We all want to know so are you going to tell us now or are we going to talk while we run?" I of course knew this would happen. I knew they were all going to want to know what was going on because they are my friends. Plus, running just has a way of getting people to discuss their entire lives. Want to get to know someone better? Go on a run with them.

I couldn't talk about it yet though. My eyes immediately filled with tears and I think I squeaked out, "Let's just run." Of course, my friend felt bad for me crying. She did nothing wrong though. I had a big ball of crazy inside my head and just could not seem to work through it. So, being the awesome friend that she is, she immediately changed the subject and started running with me.

Running really truly is therapy. My friends are my shrinks. I really have a wonderful group of incredible women who let me run with them. They all got to listen to me unload all of my junk about a half a mile into the run. All of a sudden I was telling them about my daughter and I wasn't sobbing. I wasn't even tearing up. Running gave me the calm that I needed to talk it out with my friends. Then, I just needed to run. Normally, I will stay with my friends and talk through an entire run with them. This day was different though. I knew I needed to just run. So when they would slow a bit or take a walk break I just kept running. All of my frustration, sadness, and all out crazy that was weighing so heavy on me was now getting lighter and lighter. I really felt like I was running away from it and it was actually staying behind.

When the run was over, I felt completely different. I could laugh and smile without having to fake it. I felt like myself again. Am I still sad that my daughter is so far away? Of course. But, I no longer feel that horrible overwhelming sadness. All of the jumbled mess that was inside my head is now gone. I can feel excited for her. I'm so very proud that she is courageous and strong enough to go and make her dreams happen. She is spreading her wings, it's as it should be.

I still feel sad at times and I still worry. It's no longer at 'crazy-lady-crying-at-EVERY-song-while-driving' level (Do you have any idea how many songs talk about going to California???) but a much more normal level now. I'm handling it.

So, the moral of this story... We all have different problems. Some horrible, some not so bad, some in between. Runners have an amazing outlet for all of levels of crazy that life tosses our way. We are lucky and I'm so thankful for that.

Peace, Love, Happiness!
~Bekah

Friday, July 5, 2013

Featured Friday Runner: Meet Pam

Every runner has a story...

At Sexy Mother Runner we believe that sharing those stories is a great way to share the gift of running while helping to motivate others! 

This woman's story brought tears to my eyes!

Meet Pam:

When my daughter was 3 years old she begged me to go to the lake with her and I said no because I was ashamed of who I had become.  The disappointment in her eyes killed me and I knew I had to change for the both of us.  

The next morning I started running slowly and I could not even do one mile.  I worked my way up and eventually completely changed our eating and lifestyle.  I lost 123 lbs with a ton of hard work and dedication.  I never took diet pills, drinks, or had surgery.  I went from a sz 24/26 pant and XXL shirt down yo a sz. 2/4 pant and an XS shirt.  With hard work and dedication anything can be done.  


I have maintained my weight loss for almost 3 years.  My.daughter is 9 years old now and that is her running with me in her practice 5k run yesterday.  I am so thankful for her inspiring me.  :)

If you would like to share your story of how running and fitness has made a positive change in your life, please email us at sexymotherrunner@yahoo.com! 
We'd love to hear your story and share it with others!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Ten Minute Ab Challenge!


Who has 10 minutes every day to work on abs??? 
YOU DO! 
This is the challenge for this week, today through Sunday. 
Do this in addition to your regular run or workout. 

Ten Minute Ab Workout

30 Seconds of Crunches

30 Seconds of Reverse Crunches

30 Seconds of Left Side Crunches

30 Seconds of Right Side Crunches

1 Minute Russian Twists

30 Second Plank Hold

1 Minute Rest

1 Minute Mountain Climbers

30 Seconds of Burpees

1 Minute of Crunches

1 Minute of Reverse Crunches

30 Seconds of Left Side Crunches

30 Seconds of Right Side Crunches

1 Minute Plank Hold

DONE!