Saying goodbye to 2015 - welcoming 2016 with open arms

Thursday, December 31, 2015
Today is the last day of 2015. While this year held many amazing opportunities, it was a rough one personally. We said goodbye far too many people. It was a year of discovery, a year of sorrow and a year of personal growth. 2015 was an emotional roller coaster and I am looking forward to cheering in 2016 at midnight.

Here's a look back on 2015!

January
runDisney Marathon
My best friend Keri and I ran the 2015 runDisney Marathon. It was her first full. While this was my 4th full, it was my first time running this distance with someone. All prior fulls I ran were solo. It was an awesome 26.2 miles and I was so happy to cross the finish line with her, glass of champagne in hand.
Post Marathon Cruise on Carnival Sensation 
We celebrated by going on a 4 night cruise on the Carnival Sensation. It was the perfect way to celebrate our 26,2 miles. Nothing is better than some fun in the sun and total relaxation. In fact, we are doing this exact scenario next weekend, except we are running the runDisney Half marathon followed by a 7 night cruise on Carnival Valor!
Rock n Roll New Orleans Half Marathon
My husband Gabe and I went back to New Orleans, 4 months after we had our destination wedding there. We ran the Rock n Roll New Orleans Half Marathon.  We love any excuse to go back to our favorite city and will be running this race again in 2016. Let's hope this time I don't have ugly blue tape on my knee as seen in the photo above.

February 
2015 runDisney Princess Half Marathon
To celebrate our third anniversary in running, my friend Nicole and I went back to where we started - Princess Half Marathon weekend. I'll be honest - I have never had as much fun running as I did during this half. Nicole and I had a complete carefree attitude about the race. We stopped for every photo opp and had one goal in mind and it wasn't time....it was to have fun. I am sad we aren't doing Princess in 2016 but we both decided to shoot for runDisney Paris instead.

March
2015 Rock n Roll DC Half Marathon
The 2015 Rock n Roll DC Half Marathon was on my bucket list for the past few years. I took my first step in DC at 10 months old (in front of the capitol building and I have photo proof). I have always wanted to visit as an adult. This was such an amazing trip and we would have loved to run it in 2016 except it is the week after Rock n Roll New Orleans and we cannot do two back to back destination races. I urge you to run this one!

Uncle Russell
While in DC, I received the phone call that my favorite uncle wasn't doing well. We lost Russell shortly after to liver cancer. He was diagnosed with liver cancer while Gabe and I were honeymooning in October 2014. It happened so fast. Christmas was not the same without him this year - stealing all of the Prime Rib and going home with all the leftovers. We miss him dearly.

April
I was accepted to run the Chicago Marathon, along with my husband, my best friend and her husband. That didn't happen......because............

May
Running the Dublin Marathon with ASICS America
I received an email the day after I got the acceptance for Chicago - would I be interest in going to Ireland and run the Dublin Marathon with ASICS, which was the week after Chicago? For those who don't know me - I am by no means a fast runner. In fact, I am a turtle. So this was a true fall off my seat moment. Of course I said yes - and more to come on this epic moment of my life.

June
Aside from it being my birthday month, nothing big happened in the month of June. Some people wear birthday hats - this girl wears sparkly Mickey ears. #proudDisneyDork

July
Happy Birthday America
My friend Darlynn and I went to NYC to attend BlogHer 2015. It was a much different experience than we had in 2012 but we were happy to spend some time together. This was a last minute trip to cheer her up as she had a really rough summer due to a failed adoption. I hope 2016 brings Darlynn and her husband  their baby.

August
Back to Nola we go
Something I never discussed on this blog.....In May, my husband quit his job and accepted a potential great opportunity with a risk. He has his graduate degree in Mental Heath and was miserable in his full time salaried position. He received an opportunity to work at a hospital, which happened to be his end goal company to work for. However, this was not a full time position. He could work 2 days or 5 days a week and even went a few weeks without working during the training process. The first two months were scary. Those 2 days I mentioned above? They were Saturday and Sunday, which meant we wouldn't have any time together. He went a week here and there without working one single day. We luckily had money in savings, I was working crazy overtime and making income from the blog, so we knew we would be ok for a few months. However this was a very stressful time in our lives. We were both used to a certain lifestyle and that came to a halt really fast. In August, he went full-time. With hospital hours comes working on some holidays. He was scheduled to work on Labor Day so we decided to take an early Labor Day 3 day weekend by going to New Orleans - because as you know, it is our favorite place :) It was the perfect way to say goodbye of the uncertainty and stress we had over the past few months. Then September happened.....

September
Lana
September was the most emotional month I have ever lived through.....This coming from someone who lost her father unexpectedly at the age of 52. We started the month with hopes of an exciting event. We were to celebrate my 2 year old Cousin Lana's "I beat Cancer" party on National Pediatric Cancer Day. Lana was diagnosed with Cancer at only 5 months old. She beat it twice and was in remission since July. I am tearing up writing this. We lost Lana the day before her party was scheduled, only a few days after her parents learned the cancer had returned. My heart broke, not only for the loss of her short life, but for my Cousin Mark and his lovely wife Allison. I pray each and every day for them. I can only hope that Lana's memory, their strength and love for one another will get them through this tragic loss. Death is horrible. Death of a child is something you are unable to comprehend. I have cried over Lana more than anyone I have lost, including my own father and all four of my grandparents combined. One thing I know for certain - Lana is in heaven with my Grandma, and they are shoe shopping and dancing on a daily basis.

One Year Anniversary Cruise
Gabe and I celebrated our one year anniversary by cruising the Carnival Sunshine, 9.27.15.
We sailed out on September 27th, the day of our anniversary. It was an amazing trip. However, I was also in the midst of a crazy work project so I spent each morning of the trip working while he slept in. Romantic, huh! When you're fortunate enough to have a company who lets you travel like I do, you give and take right!? Aside from a hurricane named Joaquin, we had an amazing time. It was the first time I had truly relaxed since before getting married a year prior. I took my first nap in years and finally felt at ease. We had an amazing time together. However, I received some additional sad news while at sea....

Zac
While on the cruise, I learned my friend Melissa's husband Zac lost his 3 year battle to cancer, a few days before his 37th birthday. I have known Melissa since we were in elementary school and she is my best friends co-worker. It was heart wrenching to see my friend lose her husband. It really gave me a new outlook on life - and you have to live each day like its your last and never take a single moment of life for granted.

October
ASICS AMBASSADOR
With September finally behind me, I was very happy to officially announce being part of the 2015-2016 ASICS ambassador team. I have worked with ASICS for the past year and a half. Now I am part of an amazing team with 15 other bloggers. Many of my teammates are people I know personally and there are some who I became instant friends with in a short period of time. After the 2014 ASICS NYC Marathon Bloggers Challenge, I often joked that they had a psychologist study us because we all got along amazingly...I made friends for life thanks to ASICS. The 2015 NYC Marathon 5 to the Finish Line Group was just the same. Now merge us together with other incredible bloggers and we have a bit of magic going on in our little corner of 16. There is something to ASICS science beyond their shoes (better hurry, today's your last day to buy the #metarun). One question I am asked more than any other is "when can I apply" or "how can I become an ASICS ambassador". I will be 110% honest - we never applied for anything, ASICS came to each of us. We were all selected for reasons ASICS saw that matched their motto, A Sound Mind in a Sound Body. I am proud to represent this company for the next year on an official level. <3
Ireland
Oh Ireland - how I love you so. Oh ASICS how I love you more. I was given a once in a lifetime opportunity to run the Dublin Marathon with ASICS America. I won't take too much of your time talking about our trip to Ireland, which you can see and read about here. I just want to thank ASICS once more for a lifetime opportunities that they gave me. I am thankful everyday and will never take anything for granted.

November
Facing a fear - The Shatterproof Challenge 
In November, I was asked to rappel down the Hyatt Regency Orlando, the second tallest building in city. I'm afraid of heights. My knees buckled and I got dizzy - why did I do it? To bring awareness to drug and alcohol abuse. The week before we left for Ireland, I got a phone call no friend ever wants to receive. My guy best friend Joel's brother took his life. While Jason and I were not close, his brother Joel and his wife Melissa are two of my favorite people. Their kids are my "fake children". Jason's family has been a part of my life for years. This was a very hard thing - seeing someone so young, a father of 4, take his life, for reasons we will never know. I did the Shatterproof Challenge for Jason and two other people in my life who decided to go down the wrong path.

December
December brought my 1,000th post on this blog. It doesn't seem possible. When I started this blog, I had yet to run a 5K. I began I Run For Wine because I was bored. My husband (then boyfriend) was in grad school while working full time. I was in a new town, new job, sitting home alone every night and one day I began blogging about my first 5K. That turned to running and random dining experiences. That my friends was the birth of I Run For Wine and I cannot believe I made it to 1,000.

2015 has been a rough year. While I am thankful for every single experience I had it was very emotional. 

I am looking forward to 2016. Here is what is on my schedule! Everything in italic is not confirmed or something I am hoping for.

January
Florida Gators vs. Michigan at Citrus Bowl (I am excited to be going to my 4th the bowl game)
runDisney Half Marathon
Girls Cruise on Carnival Valor

February
potentially Daytona Beach Half Marathon
Rock n Roll New Orleans Half Marathon

March
Nothing yet....ideas?

April 
runDisney Star Wars Dark Side Challenge

May
ASICS Vine Body Sole Half Marathon Weekend

June
My birthday
Rock n Roll Seattle, also my Birthday weekend

July
America's Birthday
If I don't do Chicago Marathon, Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon

August
My Mom's Birthday (come on, I'm trying - Florida runner problems)

September
Really really hoping the runDisney Paris Half Marathon during our 2 year anniversary

October
Going to try for Chicago Marathon again

November
(all tentative based upon each other)
NYC Marathon - 3rd times a charm & I want to be there for ASICS last hurrah
runDisney Wine Dine Half
Rock n Roll Savannah
Rock n Roll Vegas

December
The end of a happy, prosperous and healthy year.
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Egg and Avocado Pizza #ebeggsfit

Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Hi friends! Today I am bringing you one of the easiest, most delicious and quickest meals you can make - an Egg and Avocado "Pizza". This is the perfect morning after meal for New Years Day.
I returned home after Thanksgiving with barely anything in my fridge. I had eggs, some fruits and veggies and milk that had gone sour. I was too tired and slammed to go to the store so I stared at my bare fridge for a bit and thought to make an egg and avocado pizza using whole wheat tortillas. I make egg and avocado toast all the time, so why not!
Not one to promote drinking too much but this delicious and healthy meal is also a great hangover remedy (which you may need on New Years Day). Eggs provide are packed full of protein and contain a large amounts of cysteine, which helps breaks down the hangover-causing toxin acetaldehyde in the liver's easily depleted glutathione. Avocado's are also full of protein and is an easily digested food that’s gentle on your stomach and is a powerful antioxidant. Combining these two power foods will help you get moving on New Years Day!

Super simple Egg and Avocado Recipe
2 Egglands Best Extra Large Eggs - Sunny Side Up
1 Avocado, mashed (or blended) with 1 teaspoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a dash of Cilantro
2 whole wheat tortilla, crisped in the oven (350 for 5 minutes, flip halfway)
Salt & Pepper

Toast your tortilla in the oven while preparing your eggs. I blend my Avocado mixture in my BlendTec on the dips feature. Spread the Avocado Mixture evenly on both tortillas, place with the sunny side egg and enjoy!

Eggland's Best has superior nutrition compared to ordinary eggs. Each Eggland’s Best large egg contains:
25% less saturated fat10 times more vitamin E3 times more vitamin B124 times more vitamin DDouble the Omega 3sGood source of vitamins B2 and B538% more lutein

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Eggland's Best.

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What to do for New Years Eve in Tampa

Monday, December 28, 2015
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! It's amazing that New Years is only a few days away. Does anyone have big plans? We are going to start New Years Eve off at an amazing wine dinner on New Years Eve at Mermaid Tavern, followed by a party to ring in the New Year at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa. Then on New Years Day, I will head to Orlando to see the Gators play in the Citrus Bowl. Can't wait!
New Years Eve Wine Dinner with Chef Gary Moran at Mermaid Tavern
$75 for a 5 Course Menu with hand selected wines
7 PM
tickets here and you can follow along with these 5 courses on my Instagram & twitter

Course 1: Pompano tartare with charred scallion, avocado puree and passionfruit-ponzo
Mar de FradesAlbarino

Course 2: Cauliflower-oyster risotto with celery-truffle cream and curry emulsion
H & M Hofer Gruner Veltliner

Course 3: Grilled wild goat kefta sausage with quinoa-tabbouleh, eggplant-pomegranate chutney and hummus
Juan Gil Monastrell

Course 4: Red Wine-Cocoa braised beef cheeks with frilled king oyster mushrooms, balsamic cherries and watercress-potato puree
Mount Veeder Cabernet

Course 5: White chocolate and wasabi semifreddo with ponzo-caramel and brown butter almonds
Sake

After we leave Mermaid Tavern, we will head to Seminole Hard Rock Tampa for their Fire & Ice Party to ring in the New Year! While we cannot stay out late being my husband has to work on Friday and I have to go to Orlando for the game, we are both looking forward to starting 2016 off at one of our favorite places in Tampa.

There are a ton of New Years Eve parties and dinners happening around the Tampa Bay area. Here are a few events, both elegant and casual that caught my eye.

Loews Don CeSar New Years Eve Takes Flight - $199, full bar, food and live entertainment
Rooster & The Till New Years Eve Dinner - 5 courses dinner $65
Channelside Lights up the Bay - Free admission, fireworks at Channelside
Seminole Hard Rock Fantasia 2016 - East and West Coast Party - $65 for East Coast & West Coast combo ticket
Del Frisco's Grille New Years Eve Dinner - $42 for 16oz Ribeye & Mashed Potatoes
Laid Back New Years Eve at The Refinery - drink specials & complimentary small plates at 11pm
Council Oak at Seminole Hard Rock New Years Eve Three Course Dinner - 3 Course dinner $95
The Rooftop Eve Midnight in the Garden - $200 all inclusive premium rooftop bar party
Fresh Harvest at Seminole Hard Rock New Years Day Brunch - $27 for an amazing brunch buffet
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Merry Christmas

Friday, December 25, 2015
I hope everyone has a magical Christmas! Xoxo Megan 
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ASICS announces Vine Body Sole Half Marathon Weekend - HELLO NAPA VALLEY!

Wednesday, December 23, 2015
I love running. I love wine. So when I heard about ASICS big announcement, Vine Body Sole Half Marathon in Napa Valley, I couldn't contain my excitement! If you are familiar with this blog, you know my best friend Keri and I have an annual girls trip where we run a race (half marathon or full marathon) followed by a cruise to celebrate our accomplishment. If you  were to ask me to put on paper my ultimate dream girls running destination, it would include a trip to Napa Valley. In fact, Keri and I have planned for many years to celebrate our next milestone birthday running in Napa Valley. We could cross that dream off our bucket list a little sooner.....
On May 12-14, ASICS will host the inaugural Vine Body Sole weekend in Napa Valley! Inspired by the brand’s philosophy, “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano—A Sound Mind in a Sound Body,” the event will celebrate women runners in partnership with Destination Races.

ASICS Vine Body Sole has options for all runners including a half marathon with individual, team and relay options. Along with the run, there will also be training events, yoga, other fitness activities AND of course wine tastings. Along with running for wine, ASICS will have a fashion show, a wine- and music-centric finish line festival and special appearances by Team ASICS elite athletes, including Deena Kastor.
The 13.1 course takes place in Napa Valley starting at Beringer, the region’s oldest continuously operating winery. From the gates of Beringer, the course then takes you north through the heart of the Napa Valley, past thousands of pristine acres of vineyards nestled between the Mayacamas Mountain Range to the west and Vica Mountains to the east. The course is considered easy-to-medium difficulty, with minor elevation changes which means if we plan on running this, I need to start training on the treadmill with incline since the only hills we have in FL are our overpasses. Runners will pass through some of Napa Valley’s most recognized wineries along the way; the course leads you into downtown Calistoga for the finish. Known for its mineral springs and baths, boutique inns and restaurants, Calistoga is the perfect place to recover and rejuvenate.

"But Megan - I am not a runner but my best friend is". That's ok - ASICS has you covered. While the runners are completing the course, trainers will be working up a sweat in an ASICS Want It More Training Challenge. ASICS trainers on site to lead you through training activities to help you burn more, tone more and flex more. These expert-led fitness activities will take place at one of the most beautiful venues in wine country: on the lawns and under the beautiful vaulted ceilings of the Carriage House at Charles Krug Winery and Estate.

Or you can meet your friend at the finish line and still partake in the post wine tasting for $30 a glass (limited quantities).

ASICS Vine Body Sole registration will be capped at 3,000 runners and is $250 which includes a weekend full of activities, post-race celebration at the finish line features wine tasting from Napa Valley’s most iconic wineries, paired with food, entertainment, and ASICS Vine Body Sole experiences in a relaxed and beautiful setting in world famous Napa Valley!
Access to the breathtaking 13.1 mile course OR instructed training activities
A pair of ASICS Women’s Shoes!
-GEL-Fit Sana2™ (View Shoe)
-GEL-Kayano® 22 (View Shoe)
-GEL-Cumulus 17 (View Shoe)
ASICS Women’s short sleeved tech shirt
Special Event keepsake
Access to the Finish Line Festival, including live music, wine tasting and a commemorative wine glass
Shopping in the Partner Marketplace during packet pick-up
Invitations to special activities, receptions and yoga events over the weekend
Opportunity to win ASICS products and awards
Transportation to and from race start and finish from designated parking areas
Transportation to and from Partner Marketplace, special activities and yoga events from designated parking areas
Personalized race bib for runners
Chip timing system and results for runners
Support from law enforcement and nearly 200 volunteers and staff
$10 of your entry fee contributes to partnering charities, including Girls on the Run

Click here to register today!
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Win $160 in ASICS gear by sharing your inspirational moment #NORESOLUTIONNEEDED

Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Want to win $160 in ASICS gear? We want to know what moment inspired you in 2015 to stay active. What pushed you to go the extra step?  
ASICS America wants to inspire others with your journey and celebrate the small accomplishments that made a big impact this year. Through December 31, share your inspirational moment and you could score $160 to indulge in your favorite ASICS gear!

HOW TO ENTER
Snap a photo or post a photo you took in 2015 of what inspired you to stay active using #NoResolutionNeeded. From a difficult trail run, to a beach walk that helped clear your head, or a mentor who gave you a piece of motivation, we want to kept you on track.

Share your photo on Twitter or Instagram and you will be entered to win. Keep an eye out, your photo could be featured on ASICS Twitter or Instagram!

Win! One lucky winner will be chosen at random on January 1 to receive $160 in ASICS gear and shoes.

So what are you waiting for? Take a run down 2015 memory lane and share with us your #NoResolutionNeeded moment.

See contest terms and conditions here.
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Cliffs of Moher Ireland

Friday, December 18, 2015
While we were traveling the South coast of Ireland, we were scheduled to stop by and see the Cliffs of Moher on our way from Tralee to Galway. However, weather was not on our side this particular day and we skipped one of Irelands most picturesque sites. The fog was awful and we knew once we got there, we wouldn't be able to see anything.
On our last day in Ireland prior to heading back into Dublin, my husband asked me if we would regret not seeing the Cliffs. It was a gorgeous morning and we had nothing else to do. The answer to his question - yes we would regret not seeing the Cliffs of Moher. So we took a 4 hour detour (2 hours there, 2 hours back) and found ourselves in the most beautiful place either of us have ever seen in person.
The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland's most visited natural attraction. They stand at 702 feet tall and stretch for 5 miles along the Atlantic Coast on western Ireland.
There were times I freaked out with the height. My husband on the other hand got way too close to the edge. When I was younger, I was afraid of heights but got over it when I visited Grand Canyon. Looks like the old fear of heights is returning in my adulthood.
There are over 600 meters of pathways and viewing platforms at the Cliffs of Moher. For the hikers, there is a 20 kilometer Cliffs Coastal Trail that can be accessed from the Cliffs and it takes 3 hours. We skipped the trail.
We saw many people having picnics on the cliffs, drawing, reading and even writing. Although the Cliffs were full of tourists, it was a very relaxing environment.

Not only was the Cliffs of Moher breathtaking, the drive was very nice as well. Also, we bought 90% of our souvineers at the gift shop at Cliffs of Moher. They had a better selection than any of the stores we visited in Dublin, Galway or Kilarney.
The Cliffs of Moher was an amazing part of our trip. While we were on the road for an additional 4 hours, it was well worth the trip and I strongly suggest a visit here if you are in Ireland. Keep weather in mind and plan your trip with an extra free day to visit the Cliffs if your original day didn't work out as planned. I am an overly scheduled type A person who has to live life by a detailed calendar. You cannot do that in Ireland and it was nice to go with the flow for once in my life.
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Welcome Sprinter Candace Hill to the ASICS Family #cHILLrun

Super exciting news out of ASICS today - they have signed a real life super hero to their professional team - 16 year old sprinter Candace Hill. Candace is already known as “the fastest girl in Georgia,” her light-speed finish put her on the map by simultaneously setting an American junior record, a World Youth record, and a National high school record.  Oh, and she is a straight A student with a 4.6 GPA. She is the epitome of a Sound Mind in a Sound Body and if I wasn't over twice her age, I would want to be her when I grow up.

So many kids these days don't have their priorities straight and that makes me sad to see what our future holds. Not the case whatsoever with Candace. This girl is going places and I cannot wait to see how her  follow her career. Get used to hearing the name Candace Hill as greatness lies within her.

Candace only started running 4 years ago and has accomplished something most veteran sprinters only dream of: a finishing time of 10.98 seconds in the 100-Meter Dash. If she had competed in the 2008 Olympic Games, a 10.98 would have had her on the podium with a silver medal.

She’s 16 years old. She’s already #10 in the world. And she is now part of #TeamASICS

PERSONAL BESTS

100m 10.98 (2015)
200m 22..43 (2015)

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

2015 IAAF World Youth Champion, 100m
2015 IAAF World Youth Champion, 200m
National High School Record Holder, 100m
American Junior Record Holder, 100m
World Youth Record holder, 100m
World Youth Record holder, 200m
2015 Georgia High School State Champion, 100m and 200m
2014 Georgia High School State Champion, 100m and 200m
2014 Golden West Champion, 100m and 200m

CANDACE HILL FACTS

Birthday: February 11, 1999
Place of birth: Conyers, GA
Height: 5'9"
Sport: Track & Field / Cross Country
Race: 100M, 200M
Residence: Conyers, Georgia
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2016 runDisney Half Marathon Outfit Revealed

Thursday, December 17, 2015
It's mind blowing that we are a week from Christmas Eve. Today is also 3 weeks from runDisney Marathon weekend kicking off.

I'm very excited for 2016 Marathon weekend. For the first time EVER, I will go into this weekend not stressed out.
2013: I stressed because it was my second half marathon (also my first Disney half marathon)
2014: I stressed because I was running Dopey (I still have post traumatic Dopey Stress Syndrome)
2015: I stressed because I ran the Marathon and Marathons always stress me out

This year - I am "only doing the half" and my best friend Keri and I leave instantly after the race to go on a week long post race cruise!

Keri and I don't go overboard dressing up for races but always want to be Disney festive! Here is our outfit reveal for the 2016 Walt Disney World Half Marathon.
Keri and I decided to be BFF Mickey and Minnie mouse!! I may even make her wear a tail :)

My outfit will be Vintage Minnie:
ASICS MetaRun
ASICS Racerback Tank with a She's my Best Friend iron on
Sparkle Skirts, SparkleLight Fancy in Vintage Blue
ASICS Calf Sleeves
ASICS Speed Chill Arm Sleeves
Red Pill Box Minnie Headband

Keri's outfit will be Vintage Mickey:
ASICS Gel Kayano 22
ASICS Racerback Tank with a She's my Best Friend iron on
Sparkle Skirts, SparkleLight in Royalty Red
ASICS Calf Sleeves
ASICS Speed Chill Arm Sleeves
Mickey Mouse Ears

Have you ever dressed up for races before? If so, what is the craziest thing you were?
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Worldwide Series Sale for Rock n Roll Marathon Series

Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Forget Cyber Monday - today (Wednesday December 16) is Rock n Roll Marathon Series lowest price of the year. Today only, you will find the lowest prices on Rock n Roll series throughout the world. If you have considered entering any of these races, you will never find a lower price, even with ambassador discounts.

Click here to register today!

ARIZONA
JAN 16-17
$70 LIMITED SUPPLY

NEW ORLEANS
FEB 28
$50 LIMITED SUPPLY

WASHINGTON DC
MAR 12
$50 LIMITED SUPPLY

DALLAS
MAR 19-20
$50 LIMITED SUPPLY

MEXICO CITY
MAR 20
$70USD $15 SAVINGS

CARLSBAD 5000
APR 02-03
$20 LIMITED SUPPLY

SAN FRANCISCO
APR 03
$50 LIMITED SUPPLY

RALEIGH
APR 09-10
$50 LIMITED SUPPLY

MADRID
APR 24
€30

NASHVILLE
APR 30
$50 LIMITED SUPPLY

LIVERPOOL
MAY 28-29
£30

SAN DIEGO
JUN 03-05
$50 LIMITED SUPPLY

SEATTLE
JUN 18
$50 LIMITED SUPPLY

CHICAGO
JUL 15-17
$50 $29 SAVINGS

DUBLIN
AUG 07
€30

VIRGINIA BEACH
SEP 03-04
$50 $15 SAVINGS

PHILADELPHIA
SEP 17-18
$50 LIMITED SUPPLY

MONTRÉAL
SEP 25
$50CAD LIMITED SUPPLY

SAN JOSE
OCT 01-02
$50 LIMITED SUPPLY

QUERÉTARO
OCT 02
$45USD

LISBON
OCT 02
€25

BROOKLYN
OCT 08
$50 $10 SAVINGS

ST LOUIS
OCT 15-16
$50 $20 SAVINGS

DENVER
OCT 16
$50 LIMITED SUPPLY

VANCOUVER
OCT 22-23
$50CAD $25 SAVINGS

MÉRIDA
OCT 30
$60USD

SAVANNAH
NOV 05-06
$59 LIMITED SUPPLY

LAS VEGAS
NOV 10-13
$99

SAN ANTONIO
DEC 03-04
$60
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1,000th Post - My 2015 Running Year in Review

Tuesday, December 15, 2015
When I realized my last post was #999, I knew my next post had to be a good one. It's simply amazing to me that I am currently writing my 1,000th post on this blog. I am so grateful for all of the amazing opportunities that have come my way over the three years and never once do I take anything for granted.

I am dedicating my 1,000th post to my 2015 running year in review. This year has been a little different than 2014, where I went out of control and did too many races which nearly burned me out. I made the decision to run fewer races this year and focus on experiences such as racecations. While I only completed 5 races in 2015, 2 were in other states and 1 was out of the country - less medals isn't such a bad thing when you had an Epic racecation year.

January 
2015 runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon
The 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon was my 4th 26.2. I had run this marathon in 2014 as part of the Dopey Challenge and when my best friend Keri stated she wanted to run her first full marathon, I knew this would be the one for us. We had an amazing time and this was my first (and only) marathon running with a friend. My Mom even met us at mile 25 so we could cross the finish line with a glass of Moet Champagne.

2015 Rock n Roll New Olreans Half Marathon
Two weeks following the Disney marathon, my husband and I headed up to run the Rock n Roll New Orleans Half Marathon where we had the opportunity to run by the exact spot we said "I Do" 4 months prior. I went on a cruise with my best friend the week prior to the RNR Half and I was exhausted from our girls trip (too many cosmos). I nearly considered cancelling our trip to NOLA all together. During the race, I had a full fledge a melt-down. This was my first time where I seriously considered a DNF. I was hurting all over and started crying mid-way through the race. However we pushed through and finished. Afterwards, I reflected on the experience and what I would do different next time (not do back to back races with a 4 night cruise in between). At the end, I would've been pretty pissed at myself if I DNF. I'm not a quitter. This helped me grow as a runner.

February 
runDisney Princess Half Marathon  
In 2012, I ran my first 5K during the Princess Half Marathon weekend with my co-worker Nicole. We decided to celebrate our accomplishments by running the 2015 Princess Half Marathon as rebels - we didn't dress up as princesses. We had an absolute blast at this race and it brought back so many memories. I recall that day in 2012, when we both so nervously started our 5K. Neither of us ever imagined being where we were today. Nicole has ran Dopey twice (while I was a one and done) and between the two of us, we have accomplished more than we ever thought were possible. I've recently noticed so much negativity around the runDisney events and this saddens me. I owe everything to them. If it weren't for the amazing races Disney puts on, I would've never signed up for my first race and would surely not be a multi marathon runner.

March
Rock n Roll DC Half Marathon
The Rock n Roll DC Half Marathon was my first full rain running event. While the 2014 NYC Marathon had awful weather, the DC race was non-stop rain. While the weather was not on our side, both my husband and I fell in love with this event. This is one event we will try to return to in 2015. The course was so much fun and it was great running through the Nations Capitol.

Summer 2015
ASICS Ambassador
After a year of working with ASICS on a non-official level, I finally got the invite to become one of 16 bloggers who were chosen to be the first class of ASICS America's ambassadors. This is such an amazing opportunity and l have a hard time believing I am part of this team. I feel honored each and every day to represent a company I love. I am not a speedy runner. I am not the strongest runner. Yet they believed in me.....and my 15 ASICS besties :)
October 2015
The Dublin Marathon
I completed my 5th Marathon which was also my first international race in October - the Dublin Marathon. This was an amazing once in a lifetime opportunity thanks to ASICS who became their apparel sponsor in 2015. We had an incredible time in Ireland and have memories that will last a lifetime.

On a side note, since starting this blog in 2012, I have completed over 30 running events. 5 Full Marathons and 13 Half Marathons. It's hard for me to fathom. When I started this blog, I had only one 5K under my belt. If I have one piece of advice for anyone, it is your body can do anything your heart desires. Thank you for sticking with me over the last 1,000 posts :) Here's to many great memories to come.
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Favorite Things - Nutri Ninja Auto-iQ Compact System #Giveaway

Monday, December 14, 2015
I cannot believe Christmas is less than 2 weeks away!!! Are you ready? We are about 90% finished shopping and will hopefully be wrapping up all the gifts by the end of this week.
For my 6th and final Favorite Things Giveaway, I am bringing you the Nutri Ninja Auto-iQ Compact System. This blender has changed my morning routine.
There are many features of the Nutri Ninja Auto-iQ Compact System that I love. One of my favorite features is convenience - it comes with a double-walled stainless steel cup that keeps beverages cooler for up to 4 hours. For those who do morning smoothies and are always on the go - this is your dream come true.
Nutrient and Vitamin Extraction:
Nutri Ninja® Cups can blend whole fruits, vegetables, greens, seeds & stems into nutrient-rich beverages in seconds! Traditional juicers provide little juice and remove the pulp which contains the healthy fiber, whereas the Nutri Ninja™ Cups provides complete juicing with the benefits of entire fruits and vegetables, not just the juice. These juices are bursting with health-boosting vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, trace elements and plant nutrients! 



Smooth Boost Technology:Smooth Boost™ Technology is next level Auto-iQ&trade Technology - you can step up your smoothness with high performance blending and nutrient extraction for even smoother texture and consistency.

Auto IQ Technology:Auto-iQ™ Technology is One-Touch Intelligence - Programs designed specifically for each jar attachment. These intelligent programs combine unique, timed pulsing, blending and pausing patterns that do the work for you! Great results every time with no guesswork required!  
The best thing about the Nutri Ninja Auto-iQ Compact System is that it is multiple devices in one. It's a food processor, chopper, grinder, blender and more. The precision processing offers even chopping, smooth purees, and perfect dough consistencies. AND you can purchase a coffee grinder attachment! which is a perfect sidekick for the Ninja Coffee Bar!

For my final day of favorite things giveaways, I want to gift one of these amazing machines to one lucky reader.
What's in the box:
1100-Watt Motor Base
24 oz. Nutri Ninja® Cup 
24 oz. Double-walled
Stainless Steel Cup
48 oz. Capacity Jar
(2) Sip & Seal® Lids


Let me know in the comments below why you want to win this machine? Be sure to log your entry through the Rafflecopter widget and open up additional chances to gain entries. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Retail value of the Nutri Ninja Auto-iQ Compact System is $119 and available nationwide.

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