Stroller running with kids

I have 4 kids ages 4-12, and I have been running longer than I've been a mom.  I remember my first run after my first baby 6 weeks postpartum.  I had so much excitement and energy to get out, which lasted a block or two to the stop sign when reality hit and I walked home.  Sharp kick in the pants by reality, but I hadn't maintained my fitness level as well the year before her birth and had a pretty rough birth with her.  Thankfully, my running relationship as a mom has gotten much better, and I wanted to share some of my tips and experience with you all!

First off, I have to recommend the best investment we ever made in staying active with our kids, our Chariot Cougar 2.  We've had ours for 10 years and it is still going strong!  I have not replaced one part, but we bought it at REI with our member 20% off so we could always get any replacement parts if needed.  I encourage you to use your local retailer if possible, but if not REI is a great place to buy it from.  Now they've gone up in price quite a bit from 10 years ago, but I'm telling you, if you want to run, bike, and/or cross country ski with your kids, particularly in any weather, save the money and buy one.  Maybe you can find one used.  I could write a whole review on our Chariot, but I'll try to summarize my favorite points.

• All weather protection.  This thing is weather proof whether hot, cold, wet or wind.  I've got a
  half length sun cover, full length mesh cover which covers the entire opening (which can I say
  
  is 100% awesome for keeping kids from throwing toys out!), full length vinyl waterproof cover that is also gold in the wind.  There are also two vent pockets inside to give air if I have all the covers on.  All those covers stay attached to the trailer so you don't have to worry about carrying anything extra or forgetting anything.  I have literally taken the trailer out in any and all weather with happy warm dry kids inside.  They don't even wear heavy coats in freezing temperatures because the covers keep them so tucked in.  Love the tinted windows on the side too.
• Formed seats.  Seems like a simple thing, but not having a sling style bench inside makes it so kids and their things don't collapse onto each other in the middle.  Very comfortable padded seats and 5 point buckles with covers over the buckles so kids don't get pinched or let themselves out.  You can move a buckle system into the middle too if you only have 1 kid in there who doesn't want to stay on one side.
• Shocks.  No matter the bumps I take the trailer on, books/toys/food does not fall off the seat and I don't worry my kid is a bobblehead doll on a rough road either.  They are adjustable but we have always left them as they came.
• Infant sling.  From birth to 1 year, Chariot makes a sling that hooks up to the buckles and
  
  trailer so baby can lay vs having to sit, because we all know a 3 month old is not going to sit up, and who wants to wait 6+ months to get out and get going.  They do not recommend biking with a child using the infant sling, but rather wait till they are a good sitter, but I have definitely run with very young babies (and biked smooth quiet road with babies technically too young).  Great way to sooth them to sleep but not have to fit the carseat in which then wouldn't leave room for a big brother or sister.
• Versatility.  The Chariot has so much storage!  A few good pockets in the trailer but 3 great size ones in back for me.  I love memories of walking/running/biking to the grocery store or library with the kids and filling those pockets with books or gallons of milk.  And as I've mentioned, they sell kits for different activities: jogging, stroller, bike, ski, hike.  We have owned the first 3 and after many years of the big jogger wheel in the front, I discovered the stroller kit thanks to my friend Charity.  You'd think those two little wheels wouldn't be good to run with, but they totally are!  No more adjusting the tracking on the jogger wheel, the stroller wheels turn on a dime and do just fine on any surface I've run on (note, I do not take the trailer trail running beyond smooth canal road, too much work).  Also way easier to navigate indoors since the stroller wheels sit right under the front of the Chariot.  Buy the stroller kit!
• Down sides - there aren't many and wouldn't keep me from buying one again, but a couple things to keep things honest - no recline.  Stinks not to be able to lay them down like a traditional stroller, but there is soft mesh in back of their heads to allow for helmet room when biking that they could lean into a little, or they sleep on each other, or now that it's just Ella in the stroller I'll bring a cozy blanket and she'll lay sideways to sleep if we're running. It's heavy and bulky to collapse and fit into the car, but we certainly have.  I'm lucky to have a paved river path a mile from our house that we do most of our running on.

My husband and our then 3 kids stuffed in the Chariot biking around watching me at a triathlon 5-6 years ago

If you don't have or can't afford a Chariot, don't fret.  There are a few tricks you can use to make your own stroller/jogger better.  When I went on the first run as a mom, I just threw a receiving blanket over the front of our old school borrowed jogger.  And as soon as I went outside it blew off and my poor 6 week old baby took a big gasp of the winter air.  Oops.  That led to a whole lot of trying to figure out how to keep it covered.  My best recommendation is to buy a vinyl rain cover that will fit your stroller and use it for cold temps or wind, even if it isn't raining.  Makes a big difference and is an affordable $15-$20 option.  There are lots of varieties and while the vinyl is best for wind and cold, they do make netting ones to help keep toys in and dirt out at least.

Make sure your ride is equipped with supplies.  Diapers and wipes if you're using them (confession, I haven't cleaned out the deep back pockets of the Chariot in apparently, a very long time, because I found a few new diapers in there, and my 'baby' has been potty trained for over a year... Make sure there are several extra snacks in there, and if it has to be treats you wouldn't normally give, pack them.  Sometimes kids don't want to go running with me, but a few incentives they only get there can help.  We'll do oatmeal in the trailer on cold mornings too which isn't too messy but gets us out the door faster.  No spill water bottles are great so if, I mean when they get turned upside down, they won't leak.  Now I hate to admit this one, but you may need to pack a device - phone or tablet.  I try really hard to not give them one, and almost never start with it out, but if they're grumpy or the run is long, you have to keep the captives happy.
These water color books are one of my favorites lately for my Ella.  No, not watercolors, I'm not that crazy, but a simple water paintbrush book that shows color when wet, then dries and they can do it over again.  The little brush pens are nice, but I don't want it squeezed out or to have to stop every 2 minutes to refill it, so we put a small 4oz water bottle/flask with the cap off in a pocket inside, 1/3 full of water, and use a regular paint brush she can dip in the water.  At only 1/3 full it won't splash out and ours stays upright pretty well, but this is a good time for duct tape to the side of the stroller if needed.

Captain Ella!  One of her fun, but not super safe ;) trailer activities when we're walking

Parks and playgrounds.  Now like I mentioned earlier, you've got captives that may get restless, and if they end up hating going running with you, you probably won't get out or will feel guilty doing so. So you have to reward them.  Now before I sound all mom of the year, most of the time after a run, all I want to do is go home, eat everything, and be lazy, not stop at the park and then wrestle a kid away when it's time.  But if I have the time, I try to hit one at the end of our run. I have really nice memories of nursing a baby (my favorite nursing sports bra post here) or changing a diaper at the park, while an older child gets out to go play.
If you can't or don't want to stop at the park - don't run by one!  I've definitely rerouted a run I knew would go by a playground or tried to show them something out the other side of the trailer if it wasn't a good time to stop.
And if your run is a casual one, not structured, do half your run to the store/library/park/museum/pool, let the wild ones out to play, then run home. Great relay training if you're into Ragnar and such!  I do prefer to do our playing at the end though so I can stretch while they play.  Bring a recovery drink or snack with you if it was a hard or long workout to eat before you get home.

I have cycled between biking and running with the kids a lot, and not.  I haven't biked much since I got into ultrarunning in 2012, but sure did a lot before then in my triathlon days.  Sometimes running has just worked better to do it before they get up, and I don't do all my running with them now, runs alone are nice me time and sometimes a better or more focused workout.  
But I treasure the time outside with them.  I get emotional thinking of the songs we've sung, ABC's we've learned, animals pointed out and I-spy we've played over the years.  My older kids too big for the trailer will bike next to me sometimes, and that's a great way to keep them involved and give them quiet, distraction free quality time.  Such good time and memories!  It's made me feel good about including them in the time I take to workout, less mom guilt, and hope I influence them to be active too.  I feel a funny sense of save the earth warm fuzzies when we run or bike to places we can, rather than drive.  Two birds with one stone, well probably more birds than two actually.  Errands done, no driving, workout, time and vitamin D together.
It's not always easy to be active with kids.  Sometimes the workout takes longer with them than it would without, I get tired, don't want to pack everything and the chickens into the trailer sometimes, worry she'll be grumpy or want to stop at the park or get out when I don't have time, but that doesn't usually happen.  Pushing a kid or two (or more) is kind of like wearing a weight vest in my opinion, extra resistance, but more importantly, it keeps things in perspective for me.  Mom first, athlete second.

I hope any of this rambling has helped you!  I have really enjoyed the last couple years running with my youngest child while our older three are off at school.  Great quality time for us, and I'm getting my road and speedwork done, without having to get up as early.  Mostly though, I just love our time together and the feeling I get of multitasking together.  Get outside!

FLEXR water bottle and belt review

Come on, admit it.  How often have you added something to your water bottle- juice, electrolyte drink, carb drink, protein, etc- finished it, and then found it in the car or your bag or garage days or weeks later?  I know I have.  This might be a solution

I was sent a box of goodies from FLEXR Sports to review.  It included several water bottles, liner refills, and a neoprene running pouch/belt.  They have been very kind and generous with their customer service. 
The basis of their company is creating a more flexible water bottle with biodegradable disposable liners.  From FLEXR:

• No more water sloshing, crinkling, or annoying noise, thanks to the biodegradable bottle liner which shrinks as the liquid is used, making it feel
  
  more like a solid.
• No more harmful bacteria or annoying aftertaste, no more bottles to clean, thanks to the disposable fully biodegradable liner.
• Ergonomic shape and feel allowing comfort for miles upon miles.
• Very flexible and squeezable, fitting your hand comfortably enabling you to get your water or favorite mix on the go.
• Air space between liner and bottle act as an insulator to keep fluids cooler longer.
• Patented one way jet stream valve, for accurate and precise flow.
• Extremely aerodynamic when turned sideways (great for on the bike). 16oz capacity.
• Designed by athletes for athletes and all materials made in the USA. US patent pending.

FLEXR's shaped bottles,
lots of colors & additional size options

 Now as for my own experience, I did find the 16oz water bottle to be a little more flexible to squeeze and comfortable to hold.  It comes in several different fun colors and works with a very basic but functional sleeve that with a hand strap and small pouch big enough for a key and gel or two.  Each bottle comes with one 25 count roll of bags.  Additional rolls are $2.95 for the 160z size.  They also make an 8oz and 28oz bottle.

As for my own experience while testing, I don't know that I heard less sloshing but I am very slosh/bounce sensitive.  I am intrigued by the idea that having the fluid in the shrinking liner acts as an insulator since your hand cannot as directly warm it up.  The bottles are already BPA free which is great, I can see that you would avoid bacteria from a not completely clean water bottle.  I'm not sure however what toxins they refer to the liners reducing.
While using the bottle with a liner you don't have to close the twist turn valve all the way and won't lose much fluid if you don't, which is good because I personally am not a fan of the turning, open-closed valve.  As a runner it's possible but required more than one hand when I was sweaty.  On the bike it would seem impossible to turn the valve.  They do offer a few bottle top straw options that would help on the bike.

I am pretty green and into less waste and recycling so the idea of throwing something away every use is troubling to me, but I appreciate that it is biodegradable at least.  That said, I still have a hard time with the waste side of it.  The good news is that they bottles come with a plug so you can use the bottle without the liner.
I mainly carry water in my bottles so don't feel the need for the clean effect of the liners, but for someone who does a lot of drink mixing away from home (protein or recover drink at the gym for instance) the liners would be nice.  The wide mouth of the bottle make for easier mixing and filling too.  It can be a pain to get the very bottom of a water bottle or any grooves clean, especially if you don't have quick access to clean it.  I would use the liners in that circumstance.

FLEXR also sent their FLEXR Sport Neo Running Pouch.  This belt does not carry water, although they do sell one that holds a bottle in back.  It clips together and has a zippered pouch that could hold and iPhone, several gels and a key.  Not huge, but suitable and didn't bounce which I really appreciate!  The neoprene is nice so that if you get wet from rain, an aid station, splashing through a stream, what's inside won't get wet.  The belt also has attachments for a race number.  I found this belt handy to use when I was running shorter and just wanted to carry my phone but not carry my larger packs.

Bib number sits under the pouch

So in summary, FLEXR makes some interesting products that could be really helpful for some.  I don't see myself using it during activity or everyday, but when I'm running on the trails or in a race and am done and going to mix my recovery shake but won't be home soon to clean my bottle, the liners will be nice.  Their prices are good and customer service great as well.  I also appreciate that 5% of their sales go to charity.  Thanks FLEXR!

My favorite nutrition/supplement website

Shameless plug. I'm not sponsored by them or anything. Good prices, great brands, cheap and fast shipping. They usually give automatic discounts in your cart based on how much you spend. 

http://www.iherb.com/?&rcode=IDU422 

Handy winter pony tail trick

I had the chance to go skate (nordic) skiing today for the first time in several years. Truth be told I've probably only been half a dozen times total, and it's a crazy good workout especially for the arms ironically, but I really like the skating movement. Went with a friend Canice and his little girl Fiona. Got to try out the ski kit on a Chariot, a kit we haven't purchased thus far. It was harder for sure but would be a even better workout and fun to enjoy the nature with a little one. 

ANYWAY, sorry. So we were going along and my hair was down because I forgot an elastic, but I needed my ears covered with my buff (which are awesome to cover or head or pull down to cover your neck and are super easy to make if you can't buy one, it's just a 1 seam tube of fabric, knits don't fray) but I was getting hot and my hair was blowing all over. So I figured out how to tie it back and cover my ears. Perfect!

Just twist the buff in a loop in the back when it's on and pull the hair through, voila!

Ok so it's probably been done before but it was new to me so I thought I'd share. Get out and enjoy something different using this season off from high mileage and intensity. I plan to start my structured training for an event in April at the end of this month. Until then it's play. Base and cross training are good for the mind and body!

Moving Comfort Jubralee + giveaway!

I love this bra and photo of my 4 year old and I that was a random catch when I was just trying to get a photo for this post.

So I already wrote a bra review on the Moving Comfort Juno bra, but they have another great bra I have been using and she deserves attention too.  So here it is.  The Moving Comfort Jubralee is a soft, smooth, pretty bra that supports great and is easy to put on.

From the company:
Jubralee combines the best features from Moving Comfort’s top selling styles to create a state-of-the-art, high impact bra featuring hidden side and under bust support, front adjustable straps and, subtle-contour cups. 

Jubralee utilizes a unique combination of encapsulation, compression, and elevation to deliver unmatched support and comfort in a flattering, streamlined, and sporty design.

Consider this:· In one hour of aerobic exercise, an unsupported 34D breast moves about 1,000 vertical feet. Jubralee reduces vertical motion by roughly 450 feet, the height of a 45-story building.
Source: Moving Comfort Biomechanics Testing Research, 2011
The acceleration (how quickly the breast stops and starts) of an unsupported 34D breast is approximately 2.9g. Compare this to airplane take off and landing accelerations ranging from 1.7 to 2.1g. Moving Comfort’s Jubralee cuts breast acceleration in half, minimizing pain during exercise. Source: Moving Comfort Biomechanics Testing Research, 2011

The fabric is really soft.  A thin and smooth outer layer and a cool mesh on the inside.  Not a bad, too loose mesh, it's sewn really well, but just a mesh that breathes and fits well.  The actual inside of the cup is another very smooth and soft fabric and the mesh is above and between the cups.
It has a great firm band which is so important in sports bra support, and buckles in the back like a normal bra making it easy to put on.  I used their great fitting room part of the site (which I highly recommend using) and went with the 32 band they suggested and while I worried it was too small, I appreciate how firm it is now.  Cup wise I think the Jubralee might run just a tad smaller than my Juno.  I have a D in both, but I feel like the Juno is a little bit bigger.  I don't think the size discrepancy is enough to go up or down a cup from what I have, just something to keep in mind if you're in between sizes, I suggest going with the bigger cup size in the Jubralee.  D sounds big to me even though I am nursing, but that's what the fitting room said and that's what fits.
The Jubralee has the same style straps that thread through the bra and have smooth not scratchy velcro in the front making the bra easy to adjust and another nursing friendly bra!  The fabric of this bra like I said is smooth and thinner than the Juno so it doesn't thread through as easy when I undo it to nurse, but for most women who aren't nursing with it, that isn't a concern.  The velcro doesn't seem quite as strong as the Juno's and has come undone a few times when I didn't want it to, but ironically not when I'm running, but mostly right after I fasten it again and get up to move around.  So one shouldn't worry too much about the velcro coming undone, it was just something I noticed.

The support in the bra is just as good as the Juno, high impact (and I am a C-D cup right now so I do have something to support).  Something I wear to run and teach my water aerobics classes that involves jumping and plyometrics and such.  Moving Comfort does actual bio-mechanical testing with this bra.  I remember seeing them debuting the testing and the bra at summer Outdoor Retailer show last summer (they're actually kiddie corner to our Altra booth).  So the Jubralee keeps me from bouncing, but still looks very attractive.  I'm vain sometimes, but we'll just call it building my confidence beacuse I like the way I look ;)  If I ever choose to run in just a sports bra and shorts, THIS is the bra!  It's just so pretty.  They have several other awesome color choices I love too.  This company run by women really does a great job aesthetically as well as functionally of course.

I don't have any complaints with this bra.  Haven't had any chafing or rubbing, and the velcro has only slipped a few times, but not when I was actually running.  I'll take it for the ease of nursing and adjustment access it gives me.  The bra breathes great and has good shape.  The traditional style straps don't bother my shoulders in back at all like I wondered if they would since it's not racerback style.  I find the Jubralee being my go to bra lately because it's so easy to put on and supports great!  Definately check it out.  Moving comfort is priced similar to other high quality brands and is totally worth the money.  I tell you ladies, you spend the $50 (they have some colors for $32 right now too - that's a deal!) on a bra like this and it will not only support you way better than your $15 Target bra, but it will be more comfortable because it breathes better and will surely last longer.  I've given my Moving Comfort bras a beating this last 6 months running, biking, racing, and teaching in them all week and undoing and pulling them up and down all the time to nurse and they're holdilng up great!  Like any other important piece of equiptment like running shoes, you really need to pay for quality.  This bra and any Moving Comfort bra really (I have 3) are worth the money, worth the money, worth the money.  I am not sponsored or paid at all by Moving Comfort, just a happy customer.  Check em out!

Or how about winning one?!  Leave me a comment telling me which Moving Comfort bra you think you'd like the best (or which you already like the best if you have one) and I'll enter you in once to win a Jubralee!  You can have a second entry if you like their Facebook page and mention my blog on their wall, and then let me know you did here in a comment.  I'll draw a random winner on Saturday September 15th, so enter by 11:59pm Friday September 14th. Good luck!

Catch up time!

I have several posts I need to catch up on, but a baby and 3 other kids that need me and a hubby that gets grumpy when I spend all day on the computer, so I'll do them as soon as I can, but here's what's to come.

Utah Half - last minute half ironman
Alta Peruvian Downhill Dash - 5:40-6:04 pace?!  Yep!
Ogden Valley Tri
Trail Running

Ultimate Relay Equipment

Just thought I'd throw a quick post out about some of the equipment I used for the Ultimate Relay.  I may not list every little thing, but ones that I think should be mentioned.  The 'stuff' of that day was almost as important as my training.  Bonk, get a blister, saddle sore = not a fun day!  So here goes

Swim:
Sable goggles - yes these babies are pricey but I love them!  I try to be extra careful with them and try to save them for open water only.  They calm the sun and glare and their water clarity is amazing!  I love letting friends try them to hear their reactions.
Xterra wetsuit - I used a old full sleeve (possibly a Vector Pro, but it's at least 6 years old, so not sure) on the first swim and my newer sleeveless Vortex on the last swim.  I know and believe full sleeve to be faster, but I haven't found one yet that fits my bicep well, and I love the feel of the water, I am falling more and more in love with racing in sleeveless.  Xterra makes good quality affordable wetsuits.

Bike:
QR CD0.1 Ultegra - Ya'll have seen my bike plenty, and I still like her, mostly now because of her trademark color that so many people recognize me by, the color I hated when first considering bikes.  Funny eh?  The only complaint I have with the bike is the difficulty in adjusting the rear brakes mostly because of their position.
GU bike flask mount - simple, cheap, effective.  It's just nice having the gel securely in front of you within easy reach, especially when I wear a top that may not have great pockets.  Saves me the few seconds it takes to put it in a pocket in T1 too ... terribly crucial, I know ;)
LG Trilite shoes - wider, comfortable, cool zebra print on the bottom, and lighter than their carbon shoe but less money
Garmin 105 - nothing new or fancy, and I really only used it for a 15 minute timer to remember my nutrition.  Did not carry it on the run.
Pjur Original Body Glide - haha, you all will love me here.  So while I also used regular saddle creams like Chamois Butter, I took this from, um, another room in our house and tried it out on the very top inside of my thighs (bikini area basically, where my legs meet the saddle) and nether regions.  It's a liquid, not a cream, and it lasts a long time!  Really keeps things friction free which I worried about being on and off the saddle so many times.

Run:
Altra Lone Peak - wore this trail shoe on the first and  third runs and loved it.  Zero drop, rock plate, fully  cushioned, foot shaped (you don't know what that really means till you've tried Altra by the way).  Not that heavy either.  Wore it once without socks and once with, no rubbing.
Altra super secret prototype - yeah, that's all you get  :)  But it was lighter and great and of course zero drop and foot shaped
Nathan 4 bottle belt - not sure which one as it's several years old, I'm guessing the Trail Series.  Anyway, I like the flat back 10oz bottles and large rear pocket.  Also stored my run sticker and pills in the small front zip pocket.  I usually carried 2 bottles with me, 3 on the 3rd run.

Clothing:
CEP compression tri shorts - wore them for everything except the last run.  No rubbing, no chafing, and based off of more recent races I have to wonder if their compression really did help me, I never really tightened up or got sore till the last run, just tired.  The higher waistband in back is nice for aero and has a small pocket
Moving Comfort Juno bra - I've written a review on this one, it's my go to bra when there's swimming involved since it's racer back and my Jubralee while equally supportive has traditional bra straps.  Again, no rubbing, and I like it's padded straps.  I just have black but they have some really fun colors!
CEP compression sleeves - I wore them until after the 3rd run and I'm sure they helped some.  No noticeable drag at all while swimming in them sans wetsuit
Speedo swim suit - I debated what to wear to reduce drag on my non wetsuit swims as my bra and shorts let in a bit more water than I liked.  Didn't want to take the time or effort to change, so I pulled my training suit up over my shorts and bra and I liked it.  And these polyester, PBT, or Endurance fabric suits, I tell ya, they last forever!  The one I wore is 3 years old and I train in it every week!
Headsweats visor - love the elastic back

Nutrition:
First Endurance EFS drink - love this brand.  Reviewed it here. LOTS of electrolytes in their products (way higher numbers than most products).  Tropical punch and grape were my flavors of choice and they're great cold, so I had a new bottle prepared for each ride in the cooler.  I concentrate my bottles with anywhere from 1.5-3 scoops/bottle.  I usually do about 100cal/hr
First Endurance Liquid Shot 'gel' - it's not a gel at all though, but a thick liquid (which I usually water down just a little).  I carried it on the bike and run in flasks and usually consumed 100cal/hr
Sportlegs and Metasalts -  I usually go EFS and Liquid Shot as my only electrolytes because of their high levels, but it was a very long and hot day so took these as prescribed for extra electrolytes mostly as precaution.
Prolytes - love this stuff in all my water in the 3 days before a race.
Coke - drank about 6oz on the last 3 runs for flavor, a little caffeine, and to keep my stomach calm

Husband - my rock that day.  What a guy!  Best support crew ever!

An awesome running AND nursing sports bra? Yep! I found one!

2016 update below

 I'm so happy with my Moving Comfort Juno bra!  I've run while nursing all my babies, but have never been super comfortable.  With our first baby I just wore two compression sports bras.  Worked ok support wise, but not great and it's funny how when you're not used to it (larger cup size), the girls bouncing around actually throws your gait off, did for me anyway, drove me nuts!  With our 2nd baby I bought my first encapsulating bra (sports bra with cups, not just a solid piece of 'hold em down' fabric) and it worked better, but often I'd have to wear a compression bra on top of that as well.  Then we had our 3rd baby and I bought a more expensive sports bra, sometimes you have to pay for quality.  I think it may have even been a moving comfort, but it was kind of old school with a cotton outer.  I remember running the St George Marathon with it.  Rained the whole entire race and two spots on the top hem of the bra rubbed me so bad I was bleeding by the end.  But it was a good bra support wise.  To nurse however I'd have to hook it on the loosest setting in the back, only hook one hook (not the 3 it had, make sense?) and just pull one side up while I nursed.  Yes it gave me the access I needed, but was uncomfortable smashing the top of my breast (I hate the word boob, don't know why, just do) and I worried I was ruining the band.

The Juno.  Isn't it cute! 

ANYWAY!  Sorry for the digression.  Not sure what happened to that bra but wanted a new one anyway after 3 years.  I found the Moving Comfort Juno and it is just fabulous!  Not only do I get the support I want, but I like the way it looks and it is a breeze to nurse with.  I'll highlight my favorite things about it

• Great support.  It is more encapsulating than compression, but kind of does both.  Has a nice wide band on the bottom which is important, and the straps don't have elastic, another important feature.  Bounce comes from too loose a band and flexible straps and I do not like bounce.  The straps on the juno also adjust really easily, and from the front - even easier!
• Comfortable.  It's kind of a pain to get off when I'm done wearing it, but not horrible, and it's easier to get on.  Although it is a racerback style bra, it has 3 rows of hooks in the back to tighten the band down just a little more.  The straps are a great width and slightly padded and I have noticed no discomfort with them at all!  Actually I have noticed no rubbing anywhere from this bra, very important.  The bra will dry well when I use it in tri's and breathes well otherwise.
• Cute.  Yep, here's my vanity again.  I have a few sports bras that buckle in the back like a regular bra and they are definitely easier to put on, but I don't always love where the strap hits my shoulder blade and they don't always fit well under shirts, especially tank tops, and don't look as cute alone.  I don't go sports bra only very often, but on the occasions that I do I prefer a racer back look.  Anyway, love the look of the back of this bra, and it looks great and is flattering from the front too.  The formed cups are gentle but flattering and not padded, just formed.  Fun colors too!
• Nursing friendly.  No more pull the bottom up and squish the breast access, this bra has straps that slide in and out of the body of the bra in front easy peasy thanks to great velcro.  Now I know, I said velcro.  But you wouldn't even know its there!  Super trim and not scratchy at all and yet it works!  I have fastened and unfastened this bra so many times already and I initially worried maybe the velcro would wear out and not hold as well, but I have no worries at all so far.  I save the Juno for running and wear other bras on the bike.  I run 3 times a week and teach 2 fitness classes so I'm really in this bra almost every day and when I get back from a workout, my Ella is usually ready to eat.  I'm tired and hungry and don't want to put her off for a shower and new clothes so I really appreciate that I just scoop up my sweet little bundle and nurse her right then.  Will also be really convenient when I start racing soon not to have to change at the finish line before I feed her, and is great when I take her on runs in the trailer and she needs to eat.  Oh and I'm really impressed with how well the bra has held it's shape.  I worried my pulling it up and down would but a kink in the cup but has done great and washes up well.

I don't really have any complaints, but to give an honest review, where the bra hooks together in the back I'll feel like something's there and move the tag sometimes, but it's not that.  It doesn't hurt or rub, just something I'm aware of.  Not a deal breaker at all.
Sizing wise I think they're on.  While nursing I wear a 34C normal bra and went with a 32D Juno.  Now yes the band is tight but that's important and I wanted that.  I do kind of wish I went with a C now that I'm settling into my milk supply, but I needed the D that first month and haven't noticed any new bouncing.  I know when I wore it the month before I had Ella I was sure that was the right size because I was kind of popping out all over, but I forgot that your rib cage goes in a little and for me at least, I go down about a cup size from right before and after baby once my supply settles.  Just keep that in mind if you're expecting.

Thank you Moving Comfort!  They are a great company to deal with too, great website, very knowledgeable customer service and live chat.  I love live chat.  Hope this helps someone, it's really frustrating as a woman to have anything be uncomfortable while exercising.  It's hard enough to fit it all in timing wise, the last thing you need is something else like clothing to get in the way of a good stress relieving break.  Time to get out and enjoy spring!

*I bought this bra myself, it was not a freebie

Edit to update - This post has almost always been my most viewed post, and it's years old now (updating today in March 2016).  A couple other bra's are worth mentioning including the Moving Comfort Jubralee which I have used.  Nice smooth soft fabric, back closure, traditional bra straps, possibly not as much support as Juno but pretty close and easier to get on and off.  Fiona and Rebound Racer from Moving Comfort are two other options to check out too thanks to their front velcro straps making it nursing friendly.  Shefit is a new bra that I saw and recommended to a friend who loves it a lot! Very customizable and nursing friendly.  Stay active my pregnant and nursing friends!  Pay the money for one of these great bras, and get the right size.  Keep hydrated and listen to your body.

Fit2BMom maternity activewear review & giveaway!!

What better time than now to do this review seeing as I'm due tomorrow (and still pregnant, better keep busy right?!).  Just means the product is fully and completely tested  :)
Honestly, other than my sleep, having my kids involved, feeling the baby kick inside (and sometimes random stranger comments) the thing I'll miss most about being pregnant is being able to wear these tops!  While all my other maternity stuff is driving me crazy because it doesn't fit any more, these tops are still going strong as big as I've gotten.  And yes, I may not seem huge to some, but A) I feel huge so don't argue with me there  :)  and B) I grow right out in front so I can put maternity clothes through the ringer well.  I'll be surprised if this baby is smaller than 9lbs, and at my 39 week appointment I measured 42cm.  Yep!
This is our 4th baby and I've never had real maternity workout clothing, just wore bigger stuff or my husbands tech shirts or whatever would fit.  Since our 3rd child though I've started teaching water fitness twice a week and well, I just want to still look cute while pregnant and nothing drives me crazier than how I look in an over-sized tech shirt with baggy sleeves down to my elbows and no sign of my new found cleavage, which if we're being honest about, I might as well enjoy while it's not leaky and being spoken for by a baby all the time right?!  And I'm not talking about everyone seeing exposed cleavage, just the shape that goes along with a big belly.  Hate the way over-sized shirts go from my shoulders to belly with nothing in between.  Vain, I know.

Lets see, how did I come upon Fit2bMom, well it was actually December of 2010.  I entered a contest and won a discount code and was super excited to use it....until we miscarried....again.  So when we finally got pregnant again last summer and stayed pregnant I couldn't wait to use it.  I currently have 5 tops and use all of them all week for teaching and for my own workouts.  I've even worn some paired with a cardigan or something over/under as regular tops.  Fit2bMom does have a very nice casual clothing line as well.  I got most of my tops around 15 weeks and worried I wouldn't be able to fill them out, but I did and it felt good to give my growing belly room, and to show off the little at the time baby bump.  And now with the not so little (and we're talking about a 42inch waist right now) baby belly, these tops not only still fit great (which really is miraculous in and of itself), but are flattering.  I love their length.  Even at 39 weeks all my tops still cover the very bottom of my belly and back without riding up at all and I don't feel like I'm stretching the fabric out.  Oh and the fabric?  Awesome! SO soft, hasn't snagged on me at all, washes easy, and breathes well, no complaints there at all.  All of the tops I have have shirred waists which I tell ya, is the way to flatter a pregnant belly.  2 of the tanks I have have super cute backs as well!  So here are some pics.  Most are a month or two old, but honestly they all still fit great.  I'm so impressed something can work so well for a not even 20 week belly to a 40 week belly, same top, same size.  And as for sizing I think they're all pretty on.  I can wear an XS sometimes in pre-preg stuff, but most of my tops are a size small and while I worried when ordering that I should go with a medium so they'd still fit at my biggest round out there belly, the small has worked just fine.

Probably my favorite back, black sports bra is mine.  All the tops I have do have a built in bra as well 

Ok, it's pretty cute from the side and front too!

Super cute back of the Cool Down Tank

Love this Balance Tank. Has a great neckline and banded hem on the bottom.
Check out my 39 week pic below in this top, it's still going strong.

I was fortunate to win 2 of the tops I have, but the other 3 I've purchased.  Even though I only got to use them in 1 pregnancy, they've been my splurge of all my pregnancies, and yes I really think they're worth the money.

Just stay active.  It keeps the aches and pains of pregnancy limited and helps you feel strong and confident and a bit like your usual self.  It doesn't have to be my active, or your friend's active, or anyone's specific definition of active, just keep moving.  Go for a walk, take a class (spinning sitting upright is surprisingly comfortable), do some basic weight training at home even (bicep curls, tricep lifts, shoulder presses, calf raises, etc), just be Fit!

If having a baby is in your now or in your future, definitely check Fit2bMom out on Facebook for updates and sales and contests.

So how about winning a Fit2bMom top of your own?! 
Yep, the wonderful ladies there have given me the ok to give away one of their fabulous Inspire Tanks! 
Same one I wore in that Massachusetts duathlon I did in October!  So here's how to win:
Leave me a comment here telling me your favorite piece of clothing from Fit2bMom's website.  You can earn 1 additional entry by sharing their website on your blog or Facebook (like them on FB if you don't already). 
Just tell me which you do.  So 2 entries total possible, and I'll draw a winner, hmmm, how about Valentines day?  Seems like a good day since you'll love their clothes and I'll hopefully be loving on a sweet squishy warm baby!

FreeThingsFriday - First Endurance

This has been a long time coming, I'm sorry I've held out on your so long!  But I want to tell you about my favorite nutrition product line, First Endurance.  Here's some background. I was a dedicated Hammer Nutrition user for years and years and introduced many people to it.  It was last year and we had recently started carrying First Endurance at Powertri.  A coworker gave me some comparisons of it to Hammer, and while I didn't think anything would really feel all that different and better that what I was using, about 3 weeks before Ironman last year I decide to try this First Endurance stuff on my last 110 mile long ride just to see if all the hype was for real.  It was.  My energy and mental state stayed SO steady.  It wasn't that I felt hyped up or anything, I just felt so steady and kept going fine and a biggie for me was that I didn't get grumpy and ancy to get home as usually happened at the end of every long workout.  It was also so simple!  First Endurance has A TON more electrolytes in its products than other nutrition products including Hammer, even with Endurolytes, and it's all in the drink or gel.  I can't tell you how many times I got a pill stuck in my throat, fumbled and dropped pills mid ride or run, or found a bunch of pills crushed in my pocket or bento.  I really love the fact that the electrolyte complex of First Endurance allows me to only use the drink or the gel or a combination.

EFS

So let me tell you a little bit about their products, and keep reading, I'll tell you how to enter to win some from me for free!  First Endurance has a powdered drink mix in several flavors (more potent flavor, sweet, but I like them, tropical punch is my favorite for sure).  The grape is good if you like grape, the orange reminds me of the McDonalds old school orange drink, lemon lime is lemon lime, and like I said, tropical punch is my favorite, especially cold on the bike.  I don't do super cold drinks on the run, I end up with side aches.  I personally like to concentrate my bottles, so I can carry less weight, and I think at twice the concentration it tastes better than only 1 scoop per water bottle (bike bottles, not 8-10 oz running bottles).  But don't concentrate it more than 3x the dosage (or 7%), can mess with absorption.

They also have a version of a gel, Liquid Shot, but it's actually not a gel at all as it has no gelling agents in it.  A gel is closer to a solid, and our guts do not like to digest solids when exercising.  So First Endurance 'gel' is like a thick liquid and comes in 4 serving (400 calories) flasks, or big 24 serving jugs.  The Liquid Shot comes in vanilla and a new berry flavor.  Both are strong flavors and I prefer vanilla, but I started mixing the two in a flask and I really like that combination, really mellows out both flavors.  The fact that it's not a gel makes it easier to swallow too.  Liquid shot does not have as high an electrolyte count as the EFS drink mix, but still a lot.

The other thing different about First Endurance is that they don't put protein in their products, kind of.  Yes our bodies need protein, but what they actually need is from the protein, they need the amino acids.  So First Endurance takes the amino acids out of the solid protein and puts it in their drink and gel so you're getting the important part of what you need from protein but without the digestion issues.  "EFS contains 2g Free Form Amino Acids per serving which is the equivalent in BCAA and Glutamine profile to 9g Whey Protein."  I had used Perpetuem for years and never super successfully.  It about killed me at Ogden Marathon 2009 when I just wanted to kill over and vomit the entire last 6 miles because my stomach was so upset.  It didn't happen till I started the Perpetuem, and it hasn't happened since (I haven't used Perpetuem since).  A lot of people refer to Perpetuem as 'rotgut' because it can be so hard to get something so heavy to settle well in your stomach.

So aside from the high levels of electrolytes (highest level of sodium on the market, and did you realize you can't effectively absorb fluids you drink without proper sodium levels?), the clean and effective amino acids, First Endurance also uses a mixture of simple and complex carbs unlike former fav products of mine.  Some simple carbs allow for quicker initial absorption.  EFS and Liquid Shot also includes Malic acid in their products.  From the website " Malic acid stimulates oxygen consumption by increasing mitochondrial uptake, improving mitochondrial respiration and increasing energy production. Malic acid is essential in the formation of ATP, the body's energy source. Malic acid allows the body to make ATP more efficiently, even under low oxygen, or hypoxic conditions. "
I should also mention that First Endurance makes a great product I used last year when I race prepping for Ironman and racing so much that summer, called Optygen HP.  It has some pretty sweet stuff in it and improves oxygen absorption.  I don't think I realized the difference it made until I was off it.  First Endurance also has a great recovery drink called Ultragen.

So how do I use it?  When racing I do my usual 3 hours before race breakfast, then take 100 calories of Liquid shot 15 min before the race.  If the race isn't longer than an hour I may carry a flask of calories with me, but I can usually get away with what my body has stored in that amount of time.  Now in longer races, I use 200-250 calories on the bike, about 150 on the run.  To get those calories for say 3 hours, as I've done in half and full Ironman races, I take a regular sized water bottle (the short ones, not the tall ones) and make 5 tick marks on it with a sharpe, then fill it with water and 3 scoops of EFS.  I'll also carry a flask of Liquid Shot.  I have my Garmin go off every 15 minutes, and on the :00 and the :30 I'll take in 1/6 of my EFS water bottle (here's where the handy markings come in so I make sure I get in enough) and some water.  On the :15 and :45 I'll take almost a serving of Liquid Shot (about two mouthfuls) and some water.  This gives me about 250 calories. During IMSG last year I picked up a pre-frozen EFS water bottle and new flask at bike Special Needs.  If it's just a running race, or just on the run of a tri half ironman or longer, I carry a Liquid Shot flask with me to sip on every 30 or so minutes while alternating with water.  I haven't felt the need for any additional products like salt tabs or anything.
Here is some more good stuff from First Endurance:
"During long races (3 hours+) considerable stress is put on an athlete’s body. 1) Glycogen (energy) stores are depleted 2) cells experience damage from cellular oxidation 3) electrolytes are depleted and 4) amino acids are depleted.

1) EFS replenishes glycogen by using a mix of high glycemic carbohydrates including both simple and complex sugars. This easy to digest mix is rapidly absorbed and delivers fast and long term energy.

2) Formulated with 120mg (200% RDA) of Vitamin C per serving, EFS helps protect cells from oxidation keeping the immune system stronger for better training and faster racing. A depleted immune system can cause upper respiratory distress which generally accompanies long exhaustive exercise.

3) EFS provides the most potent electrolyte profile available. The combination of all five electrolytes deliver a potent 1040mg per serving, helping to prevent cramping. The 300mgs sodium per serving also aids in maximum fluid absorption so you stay hydrated throughout your training and racing. Supplementing with additional salt tabs, electrolyte tabs, or salty snacks is no longer needed when using EFS.

4) 2000mg of Amino Acids offers the same BCAA and Glutamine levels as 9g Whey Protein. These amino acids have clinically shown to improve performance, reduced post-exercise muscle damage, improve muscle glycogen resynthesis, reduced central fatigue and improved rate of perceived exertion." 


Heather Wurtele said it very well detailing her nutrition during Ironman St George this year, winning it for the second time.  Check it out.  I really enjoyed it

There's some really great stuff to read on the website, check out the Q&A of EFS and Liquid Shot at least.  So all that said, there are some nutrition companies I will not use period, thick slug like texture, all simple sugars, syrups, artificial colors/flavors (of which First Endurance has none), and I certainly think Hammer is a great company, I just found something better for me.  I love the convenience of not having to bring any pills or protein source with me, it's all there in the drink and/or 'gel'. I've had people share concerns about it's higher cost, but I don't think it is in the end since you don't have to buy salt/electrolyte additives or a protein source.  If cost is a concern for you, save First Endurance EFS and Liquid Shot for your harder/longer workouts and races.  But I really think it's worth it.  I love the higher level of electrolytes, and respect the research First Endurance puts into their stuff.  Nutrition is a very individual thing that must be practiced and is something everyone has to try for themselves as certain bodies like certain products, but I'm uber impressed with First Endurance.   No cramping, great absorption, great energy levels and mental clarity.  I've raced with only it since April of last year and don't plan to stop any time soon.  So there's my plug (and I'm not sponsored by First Endurance by the way, I buy it at Powertri, and I just love the stuff).  

I think you will too, so how about a giveaway??  I have 4 packets of EFS and 2 flasks of Liquid Shot that were generously donated by Robert at First Endurance (who by the way is a head of the company, and has communicated with me in almost every email I've sent, awesome customer service!).  Here's what you need to do by Monday June 6th at noon:  1) Go on their website, and leave me a comment here telling me one thing that you like or is appealing to you about First Endurance including a small quote from the website telling me you checked it out, and 2) tell me if you'd like to try the EFS or the Liquid Shot in this giveaway.  My followers have been kind of quiet lately, hint hint,  so if you I only get a handful of comments then great, you'll all get something, if I get lots of comments I'll do random drawings for the giveaway.  Good luck!!    ETA:  Winner's announced in the comments, thanks for playing!!  Another good giveaway in a couple weeks

Salt Lake Marathon

Ouch.  That's how it went.  Ok, that's not entirely true, here's the run down in short.  Rode a completely stuffed trax train up to the start.  It was bad, must've taken 30 minutes, and it was SO hot in there I thought I was going to puke, we were completely shoulder to shoulder in there and this obnoxious kid decided to push in on a later stop and I had to listen to him yak for the next 20 minutes, uhg.  Anyway, made it up with only about 15 minutes before the start and ran right to a bathroom with a huge line, knew I didn't want to start without one last pit stop and I knew the bathrooms would be busy in the first few miles, and I knew I don't like to stop and didn't have much time to spare.  Fortunately I got in and out while putting on my sock's and watch and took my layers off and had about 3 minutes to hurry and get everything else in/out of my morning bag I needed, run to the bag drop, and stand in line.
Gun went off, took about 3 minutes walking to cross the start line then another 2 to start running, was kind of frustrating.  It was cool to be around 5,000+ other people, but made it really hard for the first 2-3 miles to navigate around them.  I felt good the first half, and the miles seemed to go by quickly.

Hit 13.1 at 1:45 and while I was hoping it'd be closer to 1:40, oh well, I was still feeling good.  Running along a few miles later top of my foot was bugging me again where I tied my key into my laces, so as much as I detest stopping, I stopped at the side of the road, fumbled with the laces, got the key out, fumbled to retie them (it was weird how my hand function was a bit impaired) and took off again.  I had been watching this one lady in front of me for the last 4 miles and had hoped to keep her in my sights as she looked strong.  She obviously got a little on me with that stop, but I could still see her.  Ended up making up time on her and beating her by 20 seconds at the end I think.  It was kind of a motivator like, "hey if she looks strong, maybe that means I do too".  I know, I know, but I don't think of myself in an elitist way.  So wandering along about mile 16 and the left quad/hip flexor start tightening up or filling with lactic acid, not sure which, and I thought 'uh oh' but kept on.  The other leg joined in by mile 18, and my pace slowed to 8:30-9:00 at times despite my efforts to keep it faster.  I wasn't really fatigued per say, my lungs got a little tight which was wierd, and thankfully my nutrition was fine, but those legs, when they tighten up there's not much to do but keep on running and make it to the finish.  I got a little ancy about the miles going slowly in the 20's, but by the time we turned onto State and hit 24.2, that was nice, knowing I had "a mile and", I think like that a lot.  Worked the uphill to my best, and the downhill to my best, and kept my eyes peeled for the final turns and finish  :)

Myself, Steve who ran a 3:15, and Neil who ran his first marathon

The finish line was ok, a lot of people, but no one was really cheering when I went through  :(  I saw 2 spectators that I knew while I was running.  It was fun to see others out cheering for their families, but it was kind of hard not having anyone there for me too.  Oh well.  I focused on the race.  I did get to see 2 coworkers Steve and Neil (who I shared some First Endurance Liquid Shot with when I passed the poor guy at mile 20 who hadn't had any calories besides powerade at aid stations), and I also got to meet up with good friend and 84 time marathoner Jonathan.  We ironically ran races 2 seconds apart in total time, but never saw each other on the course, darn!  It was nice to have a good hug at the end.  Thanks Jonathan!

So I came away in 3:36.08, a 1 minute PR.  And I wasn't super excited about the time or the race the first couple days, and I think that's because it really hurt a lot.  Ironman hurt a lot too, but not like this, IMSG zapped all the energy out of me by the end, but didn't leave me in pain at the end like a marathon does.  I knew I was going into this marathon under trained and that it would hurt, but I was hoping I was in good enough shape, those tight legs wouldn't come into play till the last 6, not the last 10.  It wasn't an easy race for me, it was tough.  But I should, and am getting toward a more positive feeling toward the race just thinking that hey, it's another marathon under my belt (#4), and a PR despite under training, and despite the legs slowing down earlier than they did the last time I ran a marathon.  At least I still ran through that which was mentally and physically challenging and managed to pull off a PR when I thought I'd be on track for a 3:40 something finish.  1:45 first half feeling reasonably well, 1:51 second half feeling a lot of leg pain.  Not too bad I guess   :)  Thanks to all the friends who were kind enough to say something since the race.  I don't want to come off all negative, and your words have helped me to remember the good in the race.  I have been awfully sore since the second I finished, taking a good 20 minutes walking barefoot to the car when it should have taken me 10 or less, having to have my kids help me up out of a chair or off the floor or out of bed, not being able to carry my kids up the stairs because I need all the upper body strength to pull myself up and down the railing, but as a good friend reminded me, I guess I just left it all out on the course, and that's a good thing, something I'll take.

Some more thoughts about the race:  The course is very urban which is cool because you have a ton of residents out watching in their yard, but the scenery was lacking at times too.  It's not my favorite full marathon course, but I wouldn't mind trying the half, think it looks faster and just better overall.  But along the way I was mistaken for my twin sister twice from people who knew her in high school, passed a guy with a full KISS face paint, passed another gentleman with a soft serve ice cream machine in his front yard (yeah, sorry buddy, I'm not taking ice cream at mile 7, it was a nice gesture though), and passed another guy dressed in green tights and a green tank top with a huge yellow flower pedal thing around his neck.  That's one thing I don't quite get, why so many costumes lately, so many tutus in regular races?  I get it in a Halloween or costume race, but think it's kind of strange otherwise, but to each is own.  Oh yeah, also saw 5 or 6 guys with tight jeans and short sweaters out hitting cowbells along the course, you know like Will Farrel's "more cowbell" skit on SNL?  Humorous and nice of them to come out and support.

So here's what worked about the race:
Nutrition - used First Endurance Liquid Shot (mixed half the new berry flavor with half the vanilla flavor, liked it a lot) and took a serving every 4.5ish miles starting at mile 5.  Also carried a flask of Coke with me and sipped on it between 17 and 23 miles.  Next time I will make sure it's more flat and will carry it in a belt or something.  I don't mind holding flasks, but that one got me a little bit sticky as it would fizz.
Shoes - wore my Altra Intuitions for their first marathon.  Really liked having my toes spread out, think it kept my feet out of pain, and so far no black toe nails.  Loved how well it held my heel into place, and love how long I was able to keep good form (most of the marathon).  That zero drop is good stuff, I tell ya.

Blister help - so I got a blasted blister on my heel from some shoes 2 days before the race, nice timing I know.  Was worried about it as my Altra's rubbed it and the last thing I wanted was to suffer through that all morning.  Used these Nexcare Comfort Fabric Brights Assorted Bandages and they were great!  Stretchy so held on well, a nice pad, and breathable.  It didn't move at all under my CEP's.  Great help.
Socks - CEP's.  Love em, don't run long without em.  These are totally something you can experiment with on race day and they won't hurt you.  I just really like the help and support I feel like they give during the race, and have made my calves the least sore part of my lower body since the race.
Jersey - Ran in a new top from Freemotion, a partner company with Altra.  Just enough support for me, loved the movement that came from the thin straps, no chafing at all, and a long top, never worried it was creeping up to show my mama tummy.  Nice and thin too, just really well built.  Also had a cute new sweat/head band I wore.  I kind of look like a cancer patient in it but it's all good.

Here's what didn't work out so great:
Shorts - So while I know and tell people you never try anything new on race day, I was an idiot and tried new shorts on race day.  They were Zoot Compression Tri shorts I just got.  I had hoped they would help the leg pain I'm used to getting that last hour.  Wore them on a 3 mile run the week of the race to try them and loved the support they gave my legs (and did on the marathon too, very nice), but come race day they chafed me something fierce, and not where I was expecting.  I have run in tri shorts during races and some training for 12 years, I have never had this problem running, but basically they didn't sit right on my lady parts and rubbed me RAW.  Like light bleeding raw.  Hurt during the race, tried pulling them down a little, didn't help.  They had a plush fleece pad, part of the reason I thought they'd be great, but something wasn't right I guess.  Came home from the race, used the bathroom, and lets just say yelled out pretty loud, it is pretty bad.  Trying to wear as many loose pants/skirts as I can to let air heal things up.  The negative things said, I did like how high they were on my belly and back, felt like good core support and held in what pudge (yes there's some) I have.  They weren't too hot on my legs, but I don't know that I could handle them in hot conditions unless I get them wet at aid stations.  I'll not retire the shorts all together due to the chafing, but I'll cycle in them fine and run in them WITH something underneath them.  I obviously got pretty pained during the race but I don't know whether to say that means they didn't do their job or not, it's still a long way to run on the road and if there are any shorts out there that take all that pain away, someone better tell me!  Although I suspect they don't exist  :)
Music - So I did end up taking and using music.  Put it in at mile 10 I think, earlier than I thought, but I was getting bored.  Just no one to talk to and not a super amazing scenery course.  I liked the music, but by the time my legs started hurting, it was hard to not be able to run fast to the good songs like I do in faster training. It kept my mind a bit busy and I still tried to focus on spectators, but I think it would be more fun with legs or a race that would allow me to run faster.
The pics - Silly I know, but I looked pretty pooped in some of the pictures and made some pretty lame faces in others .  Also couldn't get a stinkin photographer to take a pic of my shoes, I asked like 3 times (most of the weird faces are them catching me asking) and they all just laughed at me.  I would have bought a good close up, oh well.


So that's that.  I got to do marathon #4, it was a great day with great overcast cool weather, my body stayed healthy in the regards to stomach issues and the head pain I get sometimes, no dizziness, no seeing stars (I prayed the night before and morning of that my body would be well during the race, and that's what I was looking for, no scary head stuff).  I've had great help from my mom brothers and my mother in law and friends watching the kids for me so I can go to work and get this second workout of the week in.  Going to take a few weeks off running now and get back on my bike and back in the pool.  It's been way too long for both.  We'll see what I can finally figure out in the way of future races too.