My Alibi Clothing Giveaway!

When I was contacted by Abbie of  My Alibi Clothing to offer one of my faithful followers a pair of these adorable cycling Bloomers; my first thought was absolutely. Who am I to hold back someone's opportunity to wear these cute little shorts?

Abbie is currently underway to start a new line of  My Alibi Clothing.  What makes this new line so special, you ask, that's she willing to part with a pair of her adorable Bloomers? 

(The following excerpt was derived from Abbie's blog)

If you think about your entire wardrobe, what do you wear the most?   Is it the funky prints or that solid tank top that seems to go well under everything?  Yes, the flashy fun prints accent all of our styles, but for most of us, there are a few essential basics in our closet that we wear every day.  These clothes do not define our style but rather act as a foundation that make us feel good, allowing us to style up or down depending on our lifestyle.   The 2012 My Alibi Clothing line is all about bringing some of the functionality that you need to feel comfortable on a bike, to these wardrobe essentials.  This line is designed to bridge the gap between bike functional clothing and stylish fashion.  By sourcing some of the most cutting edge technology in high performance fabrics merged with soft and supple hand feel, this line goes beyond your average basics, to offer moisture management, durability and quality of construction, along with flattering fits and a whole lot of extras.  The 3 styles of Cami tops bring maximum support with the triple layer integrated shelf bra without the sporty look or too thin spaghetti straps.  With three ample pockets placed appropriately in a longer cut, they are there when you need them, but don’t add to your waistline silhouette when empty.

The Reversible Skirt, simple skirt, Pedal Pusher Capri and Bermuda shorts are all made of a highly technical woven fabric that only stretches one way to allow it to fit comfortable and move with you, without stretching out and sagging like most knits.  Since we have removed the chamois, and all these bottoms can be worn with or without the Bloomers.  They are more then just bike clothes, but they fit comfortable and work well on the bike then on to the rest of your day.  Since the fabric does not snag or pill (or shrink in the dryer!) they will withstand the vigors of a MTB ride, while looking good enough to wear to the office, or dinner date.



One Lucky Winner Will Win These Cycling Bloomers!
Bloomer Details Here, $70.00 Value

 The Original My Alibi Bloomers are intended to bring he comfort of the best quality padded bike short, to every woman’s lifestyle, by creating an under garment that is feminine, comfortable, sexy, and leaves no panty lines.  One customer wrote, “I love my Bloomers and the diversity they give me for looking cute on my bike! I never thought I would be able to wear skirts so freely as I cruise through town and bike trails. Now I feel great on my bike for more reasons than just the exercise!  To Abbie, this is the point: you should be able to wear what you want and go where you need to, feeling confident and beautiful, on a bike.

The Kickstarter fundraising campaign is designed to allow the public to help fund the production by pre-ordering the new products.  This crowd-funding platform is an exciting new way for people to put their money to work bringing new ideas to life.  Since the products are being offered as rewards for the pledges it becomes a win-win situation for everyone involved.  Since supporters only pay out after the goal of the project is met, the risk involved is eliminated for both the supporters and the creators.   With just 8 days left to raise $50k, we hope you will get excited to help make it happen!
(The end of Abbie's blog excerpt)

MANDATORY TO ENTER:  Mandatory Entry for one chance-Go to Abbie's Kickstarter Campaign, look around, watch the video and come back here and let us know via a blog comment what you think about Abbie's new line.  Next "Like" my Facebook Page.

If you want additional chances, here they are!  Comment here for all ways entered. 

BONUS ENTRIES: If you are the eager beaver that I know you are, you may earn additional entries to win these fabulous Bloomers.  One additional chance may be earned by following me at Twitter, if you aren't already doing so and another chance by subscribing to my blog via email on the right side of my page. 

SUPER BONUS ENTRIES: You must complete all of the above, "Like" the My Alibi Clothing Facebook page and follow My Alibi Clothing on Twitter for 3 additional entries.

ULTIMATE ENTRY:   The Mandatory Entry as stated above and become a backer of Abbie's Kickstarter Campaign in any dollar amount for an additional 4 entries. 

Tweet & Retweet, Facebook Share, blog, Dailymile, etc. this contest, up to once per day, per site please utilizing this link. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1771574263/my-alibi-clothing-active-apparel-for-women-riding (leave a comment here for each)

Contest open until Midnight, January 22nd, 2012. Winner will be drawn January 24th via random.org and notified on this blog, twitter, and facebook (so pay attention!!)

Thanks to those who have endured reading my long, sometimes rambling blog entries, liked me on Facebook and/or have followed me on Twitter. If you have yet to do so and are a glutton for punishment, you may find me here on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter.

Out With The Old, but not forgotten.......

Bailey & Dexter

Another year has passed and it was definitely a year to remember.  I have no complaints, no regrets!  I have 3 healthy, gorgeous, funny, bratty children, the rambunctious dachshund duo, and of course my sidekick a.k.a. my husband. In addition, we have a large, crazy extended family on both sides.  What more could I ask for?

The year started out with little fanfare other than the normal, chaotic events of 3 older children and the crazy extra curricular schedule that comes with it. My daughter, 17 years old at the time, decided to add a little excitement to the mix and total her first car that January. The car was seriously damaged. Little brother claimed he would never drive with big sister again, but no one was seriously injured.  If you seen the wrecked car, you would consider this a minor miracle and probably understand little brother's concerns.  
**Sidenote:  Crazy, obsessive moms such as myself have gut instincts when it comes to our children.  That morning, I second guessed allowing the kids to drive themselves to school.  I had this overwhelming, internal, hard to explain, kind of feeling, that I should have driven them to school before they even left the house. I rationalized my final decision by telling myself I can't baby them forever and that they needed to learn to drive with the winter elements.  Within minutes of the kids leaving the house, the phone rang.  I knew prior to the finish of the first ring, something was seriously wrong.  So, moms....trust your instincts.  

Me, seriously questioning my decision
to zip line.  Can anyone say serious fear
of heights?

                                                                 

On Spring Break, we took our kids on their first cruise ever.  They absolutely loved it and are hoping to to be able to do it again this year.  My youngest son and I had a blast snorkeling and zip lining in Mexico while the remaining family members stayed on dry land to shop.  I have to say running on the dreadmill on a cruise watching the panoramic view of the deep blue sea waters and its dolphins takes the dread out of treadmill. 






The time after our vacation and prior to the first week of May, my running partner and I attempted to train and get in as much running as possible with both of our crazy schedules, prior to the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.  It was an uneventful, but slow run unlike my first mini ever presented here at Why I Run  on anothermotherrunner.com.

My last leg of the Dances
with Dirt 50 mi. relay.

Within just a couple of hours of finishing the Mini, I jumped on a plane and headed south to Treasure Island, Florida with my 2 sisters.  I maintained my running, even in the crazy heat, maybe with a little too much gusto.  When I returned home the following Saturday, I ran in the Dances With Dirt 50 mile relay. 

Upon completion of the relay, the sharp pain I experienced immediately after crawling out of the creek, gave great indication I had obviously injured myself and/or over done it.  Even after a weeklong addiction to ibuprofen and applying ice; my grapefruit size knee showed no intent on lessening the swelling anytime soon.  Long story short and after info obtained from an MRI, with an unhappy IT band and diminishing cartilage, I needed to find an activity, at least temporarily that didn't involve the high impact of running.

Isn't she beautiful?  She even slept with us in our hotel
room the night prior to our R.A.I.N. ride.

My love affair for biking started all because of my battered relationship with running.  Once we bought our bikes, I wanted to ride all of the time.  I harassed my husband every Saturday morning and any other chance we had to get in a bike ride.  Sometimes he obliged and other times I had to find other willing companions. Just like my running, he isn't the most willing participant when it comes to what he calls my "crazy endeavors".

The "Before" picture, before he
wanted to kick me!

The "After" picture, after we
were done & that was his thumbs
up to "Consider yourself lucky, I
haven't killed you yet."

 I'll never forget my first real biking event.  My husband and I completed the R.A.I.N. Ride, a 160 mile ride in one day across the state of Indiana only three weeks after buying our bikes.  Just to give you an idea of our day, this was my Facebook post following this quite eventful day:  "Bikes $1000, Biker Shorts $80, Entry Fees $ $90, Helmets $80, Hotel $100 FINISHING the RAIN ride 163 miles on bike with your husband, PRICELESS! Him telling me he wants to kick me for getting him into this, NOT SO NICE!"

I continued my summer with as much bike riding as possible and eventually started running again.  Well, I probably shouldn't call it running.  My knee had finally reduced itself to half the grapefruit it used to be and I was able to get in a mud run, the Rebel Race, prior to the end of the summer.  You can read all about it here at Conquering The Wall. 






I got in a couple of extra events in October, a 10K and the very Hilly Hundred century bike ride. I seriously questioned almost every minute of the Hilly, whether it was going to end up a DNF.  It was probably the hardest event, running or biking, that I've ever done. Lack of training, and of course those dang hills; of course contributed to my lack of confidence.  Regardless, my desire to not have a DNF on my record prevailed.  I finished every freaking mile and hill and intend to be back next year, hopefully with more miles under my belt prior to the ride.

Of course, my daughter decided to add a little more excitement to our lives, once again.  She totalled her second vehicle, less than a year later on the way to school. All occupants were ok, other than vowing never to ride with big sister once again. As before, if you were to see said totalled vehicle, you would once again question this minor miracle.  Read sidenote above.  Exact same internal, gut feelings that I ignored once again; trying not to baby the babies-dumb mommy. 

I finished off the year with a few holiday runs; the Turkey Trot, the Jingle Bell 5k, the Santa Hustle 5k and the Rudolph Run 5k.  It was a busy time as I attempted to squeeze in all of these runs and manage to not go crazy with the hustle & bustle of the season's obligations. Christmas shopping was completed last minute, as usual.  Family gatherings were abundant and sometimes full of more drama than I care to mention.

If I had to sum up the year 2011, I would refer it to my year full of firsts.  I ran my first mud run, bought my first "real" bike, ran my first trail relay, rode 2 significant bike rides of 100 or miles, and ran 4 different holiday runs that I've never ran.  As if I've not mentioned it enough, another big milestone first was my willingness to run in the cold.  Ok, maybe I shouldn't refer to it as willingness, more like.....you payed for the run, you sure as heck aren't going to waste the money all because it's a frigid 20 degrees. 

My next post will be your typical bloggers' 2012 goals.  Yes, I too am going to bore you with my intended efforts for the next year.  So, out with the old, but not forgotten; and to follow "In With the New!"

Before my next blog entry bores you to tears on how I intend to make myself better this year, how was your 2011?  Any firsts, never again, etc?

Thanks to those who have endured reading my long, sometimes rambling blog entries, liked me on Facebook and/or have followed me on Twitter. If you have yet to do so and are a glutton for punishment, you may find me here on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter.

Rudolph Run

                                                                                                                                                          

Let me start off by saying, I was very disappointed!  What would you expect to be the very first thing you should see when you arrive for a RUDOLPH Run?  Duh?! RUDOLPH, people, RUDOLPH!  I thought times had changed!  I thought Rudolph was allowed to play reindeer games.  

I did sight Frosty!  I know he's a jolly, happy soul, but I came for a Rudolph Run, not a Frosty Fleet.  Before word gets back to Frosty, let him know I love him dearly, but no one can be as dear to your heart as a cuddly little deer. 

My anticipated conversation with Rudolph quickly turned to disappointment.  "I have the overwhelming need to talk to all animals in visual site while driving or otherwise, whether they can hear me or not.  Not many, if any have yet to respond."  is noted on my "All About Me"  page.  I have an extreme fondness for most animals, as long as they have no tendencies or desires to slither or hiss. 

So, once I got over the lack of Rudolph's presence, I proceeded to registration; a quick process and stood around for a short while in the highly appreciated heated building.  The wind chill was quite, uh, need I say "Frosty"!  This was a small organized run of under 300 runners, I'm guessing.  

Six of those 300 or so runners consisted of myself and 5 other family members, 4 cousins and my uncle.  It's always a more fun and enjoyable race to run with friends and family, so regardless that Rudolph allegedly missed his flight, I was still excited to do the Frosty Fleet...I mean Rudolph Run.  Just like the Jingle Bell Run, my 60 year old uncle placed in his age group again.  Yeaa for him!  

To keep my holiday running spree, I will be running The Resolution Revolution on New Years Day!

Thanks to those who have endured reading my long, sometimes rambling blog entries, liked me on Facebook and/or have followed me on Twitter. If you have yet to do so and are a glutton for punishment, you may find me here on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter.

Santa Hustle 5k

I arrived to the Santa Hustle to witness thousands of Santa Claus everywhere.  In addition to the tech shirt, all runners received a Santa hat and beard to be worn during the 5k.  I wasn't sure as to how much the runners would get into wearing the full Santa gear, so I took all of my "outfit"  thinking there wouldn't be many wearing the full beard.  I was very wrong.  The majority of the participants were sporting the full hat and beard.  So, I yanked on my Santa hat and pulled my beard on just before jumping out of the car.  The beard was a tad itchy and I couldn't see tolerating that for 3 miles, so I just wore it down on my neck. 

It was difficult to run this race very quickly.  To avoid the cold, I stayed back as long as long as possible prior to heading towards the start.  I ended up not being able to start before the twelve minute pace area.  With the narrow running path provided, it was often difficult to pass slower runners. 

I usually don't take water from the volunteers on a 5k, but for some reason I felt the need on this one.  Just say what I got wasn't water and was definitely a surprise.  Thankfully, I noticed my cups contents prior to choking down the unexpected M&M's.  I quickly put those down and asked the next time I had cup handed to whether its contents were water or some other surprise. 

It was a festive event as multiple groups of runners sang Jingle Bells and other holiday songs.  I was even passed by a couple of runners carrying buckets of cookies offering them to their fellow runners.  I passed on the sweet snacks, but thought it was neat gesture. 

With a finishing time of 31:39:30, there were definitely no PR's being committed, but just running in the frigid 20 degrees is still an accomplishment for me! 

Happy Holidays! 

Thanks to those who have endured reading my long, sometimes rambling blog entries, liked me on Facebook and/or have followed me on Twitter.  If you have yet to do so and are a glutton for punishment, you may find me here on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter.

Jingle Bell 5k, Etc.

My "Elf Self" with Santa Claus after winning
 most original costume.

I just got around to cleaning up the glitter from bedazzling my elf costume that I wore this last weekend for the Jingle Bell Run.   There was so much glitter on the floor and in sporadic areas of the house, it reminded me of a past Facebook post from my sister that referenced excessive amounts of glitter and the possibility of her past life involving either a career as a kindergarten teacher or a stripper.  I had intended on getting this post up much sooner (right along with getting massive amounts of glitter off of my floor) , but as we all know, having children makes for a busy life and that's what this weekend has been; very busy

I started off the weekend, Friday evening, with picking up my race bib right after work and then rushing home to pick up the rest of the family to attend my youngest son's high school choir concert, Sounds of the Season.  I spent the rest of the evening finishing the glitter effects on my elf costume, then headed to bed as early as possible for my morning run. 

Ooooh, it was a cold one.  This was my coldest run yet. I waited until the last minute possible to head out of the building to hit the start line.  I was sure I was never going to feel my fingers again, standing out there in 20 degrees.  Just like the last time, I started to warm up to a comfortable temp within the first mile or so.  

It was a fun race.  There were a lot of Santa and elf hats being worn.  I heard quite of few "Go Elf!" as I ran the streets.  That was amusing being my first costume run.  Of course, being the "Jingle Bell Run", I heard lots of the bells as I ran.  I kept thinking, though, those bells never stop.  EVERYONE must have put their bells on until I remembered the continuous, non-stop bells were me.  They were in my hair and on my shoes. Duh!  I seen quite of few of them that had fallen off and were laying in the street.  I made sure to pay attention to the abandoned little noise makers, fearing they would be the reason for elf road kill instead of the freezing temps. 

I'm not sure of my finish time.  Just call it runner error times two.  I attached my timing chip on my elf belt at my waist.  I don't see my finish time on the list, so I'm assuming the chip must be located closer to the ground a.k.a. my shoe, for it to register.  I was having Garmin issues as well and wasn't able to get the timer started in order to register an accurate time.   I was only off by probably 3-5 seconds, so my unofficial time was probably 00:30:04. 

I ran into my uncle, a serious runner, prior to the race.  I got the pleasure of hanging out with him until start time.  He has bigger goals and faster feet than I do, so he ran off to get as close to the start line as possible.  Congrats to him!  He won first in his age group 60-64 years. 

I might not have placed in my age group, but I did win a prize that day.  My cute little elf self won a prize for the most original costume.  I'm not exactly sure what is most original about an elf around Christmas, but I'm not complaining.  My son and I definitely appreciated the restaurant's gift certificate I won. 


Thanks to those who have endured reading my long, sometimes rambling blog entries, liked me on Facebook and/or have followed me on Twitter.  If you have yet to do so and are a glutton for punishment, you may find me here on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter.

Very Random Rambling, Rants & Raves

I finally tried on my elf outfit that I plan on wearing in the Jingle Bell 5k this weekend.  I've hinted at it all weekend to the kids.  Wearing any type of costume any time of the year is way out of character for myself, no pun intended.  The kids keep whispering to dad, "Is she serious?".  I don't think he really knows for sure, himself.  I figure I might be getting old, but I don't have to get boring.  What's the worse that could happen?  Maybe I'll get picked up by Santa and Rudolph and returned back to the North Pole.  Oooh, that would royally suck, considering I absolutely abhor the cold.  Is there any place colder than the North Pole?  Maybe I should reconsider this elf costume.  By the way,  the picture is very similar to my lovely outfit.  That's not me, but I will be resembling that lady on the left this very weekend.


I try to eat fairly healthy.  My latest snack choices have mostly consisted of greek yogurt with added fruit and red and green peppers with hummus.  That's getting old, so I tried unsweetened applesauce with cinnamon.  Definitely not my preference.  I'll leave the applesauce for the toothless babies.  What are your snack choices that don't solely consist of fruit?  I prefer vegetables but I'm always looking for healthy vegetable dip alternatives.  I just discovered guacamole.  Believe it or not, in my 38 years of life, I've never had an avocado or guacamole until about 3 weeks ago. 


Christmas will be here in less than three weeks and guess what Santa's elves have purchased for Mom Runs Faster Than Dad's offspring.  Absolutely, nothing, nada, zilch.  Yes, that's right! Some slacking little elves we've got going on over here. I think the little elves have a whole lot of catching up to do.  I wonder if I promised the elves a few extra cookies by the fireplace for Santa to bring back to them, would they increase their shopping efficiency? Probably not, after they discovered the cookies were made with whole wheat flour.

Dear husband has asked me what I want for Christmas.  I told him the dreaded answer husband's don't want to hear.  "I don't know."  They want you to know, so it makes their job that much easier.  It's not that I really don't know.  I just have to figure out what I value most receiving.  I'm not a girly kind of girl.  Please don't bring me flowers, candy or cards.  My husband knows my true feelings on all of these things; a big waste of money.  Flowers die, cards get thrown away or stuffed in a drawer and let's not even talk about that candy.  Do you really want to be THAT husband responsible for the additional 5 pounds of weight I gained over the holidays?  Believe me when I say I will eat every freaking piece in that box that doesn't contain nasty coconut. 

There are plenty of things on my wish list.  Running and cycling are expensive habits.  My options are endless.  As mentioned above, I just have to determine what I need or want most.  Do I want a cycling trainer so I can bring my beloved bike in the house and ride to infinity and beyond?  My safety is always important. Should I ask for a Road ID bracelet?  I could always use some cold weather gear compression pants.  Everyone just knows how much I love the bitter cold.  The list goes on and on.  For my husband's sake, he only wishes I would tell him sooner than later.

I'm quite proud of myself for my future running/race endeavors.  I just completed my first ever cold weather run for myself with the Turkey Trot and will be completing my second even colder one this next weekend with the Jingle Bell.  As well all know, I just love, love the cold; NOT!   I'm preregistered for the 500 Festival Mini-marathon training series, which will mostly consist of frigid temperatures. I'm breaking barriers for myself, woohoo!  Now if I could just get myself to run in the rain.  Besides the treadmill, that's my only option as it has been raining almost non-stop for two days.  Anybody have some connections with the Mother Nature?  I'll share the elves cookies with her if she can make it stop raining. 

Thanks to those who have endured reading my long, sometimes rambling blog entries, liked me on Facebook and/or have followed me on Twitter.  If you have yet to do so and are a glutton for punishment, you may find me here on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter.